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2025-12-31-accounts

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

Contents

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2025Error! Book
I. INTRODUCTION:BACKGROUND INFORMATION & STATISTICS:................ B
A. PARISH LOCATION & MAKE UP: ..................................................................... B
B. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (P.C.C.) ....................................................... B
C. MEETINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) ...................... C
D. MAKE UP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL .................................. D
E. COMMITTEES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL .......................... D
F. CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL ............................................................................ E
II. CHURCH ATTENDANCE: ....................................................................................... E
A. Regular church services: ......................................................................................... E
B. Special services of baptisms, weddings and funerals: ............................................ F
III. CHURCH AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS: ..................................................... F
IV. REVIEW OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES IN 2025 (with updates to 28thFebruary
, 2026) F
A. CHURCH SCHOOLS:............................................................................................ F
B. VOLUNTEERS: .................................................................................................... G
C. PARISH SHARE ................................................................................................... G
D. PARISH FINANCES: ............................................................................................ G
E. DIOCESAN VISION 2026: ................................................................................... H
F. ECUMENICAL MATTERS:................................................................................. H
G. CHILDREN / VULNERABLE ADULT PROTECTION & SAFE FROM
HARM POLICY: ............................................................................................................. I
V. THE CHURCH BUILDING: ....................................................................................... J
A. QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTION: ......................................................................... J
B. THE 1956 ANNEX AT THE NORTH WEST PART OF THE CHURCH: ........... J
C. THE LONG-TERM EFFECT OF COVID ON THE RUNNING OF THE
CHURCH ....................................................................................................................... K
VI. THE CHURCH GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE CHURCH ITSELF
(covering the church yard and Castle Hill ) ....................................................................... K
A. THE CHURCHYARD (covering all three graveyards and Crow Wood) ............. K
VII. THE FUTURE ........................................................................................................ L

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

I. INTRODUCTION:BACKGROUND INFORMATION & STATISTICS:

A. PARISH LOCATION & MAKE UP:

The Parish of Penwortham St Mary is in the Leyland Deanery which is part of the Blackburn Diocese and lies within the South Ribble Borough Council and Penwortham Town Council areas. Revised local authority Ward Boundaries took effect from 1[st] May, 2003. Penwortham Town Council consists of two ecclesiastical parishes namely Penwortham St Mary (made up of the whole of Howick & Priory Ward and the Broadoak Ward) as well as the ecclesiastical Parish of St Leonards. The national Census take place every 10 years and the 2021 census for Penwortham Town Council was 22,570 (2011 it was 23,047 and in 2001 it was 23,436).

According to the 2021 Census our church parish has 10,306 people (2011 census population was 11,526 when the Parish was slightly larger).

The Church is situated on the north-eastern perimeter of the Parish. There are two Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary Schools within the Parish with a full complement of Foundation Governors from our Church on each Governing body. Cop Lane Primary School is situated on the southern edge of the parish boundary, whilst Howick Primary Sch ool is on the western extremity of the Parish. There is an excellent relationship between both schools and the Church. Hutton Church of England Grammar School is situated in the neighbouring parish of Longton.

B. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (P.C.C.)

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the governing body of the Parish. The Parish became an individually registered Charity in 2015 being allocated charity number 1164221. All PCC members are Trustees and each person has signed both the HMRC and fit and proper persons declaration. The membership of the PCC is made up of four distinct groups as follows: -

Ex-officio – 1 in number namely the Incumbent Churchwardens - three Churchwardens elected annually 3 in number

Deanery Synod elected representatives ex officio – 3 in number based on the church Electoral Roll numbers.

Other Parish elected members – maximum 9 in number. Parishioners on the church electoral roll elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) up to a maximum number of 9 in total allowed in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Currently we have 9 elected members. The under-mentioned people were members of the PCC from 27[th] April, 2025 and continue to Sunday 26[th] April, 2026.

As at 31[st] December, 2025, the PCC members undertook the following duties: - Incumbent: The Rev’d. Chris Nelson: Vicar & Chairman, ex officio Governor at Cop Lane & Howick Primary Schools.

Wardens: David Thornton: PCC Secretary & Vice Chairman: member of the Standing Committee; Charity Distribution Committee; Occasional Verger; GDPR Sub Committee; Licensed to administer the Chalice.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

John Kay: Member of the Standing Committee; Legal adviser; Historian; GDPR Sub Committee; Licensed to administer the Chalice.

Jill Howe: Member of the Standing Committee; Foundation Governor at Cop Lane School; Occasional Verger; GDPR Sub Committee; Licensed to administer the Chalice.

Elected Representatives on the Deanery Synod): (maximum of 3 representatives based on Church Electoral Roll)

David Tuke: PCC Treasurer, member of the Standing Committee; Foundation Governor at Cop Lane School; GDPR sub committee & IT support group.

Rachel Tuke: Bell Ringing Captain; Parish Data Controller; GDPR Sub Committee; PCC secretary; Vice Chair of Churches together in Penwortham.

Adrian Carlton: Became an elected member in January, 2025. Health and Safety officer.

Other Parish Elected Members: 3-year period(maximum of 9 members as the Church Other Parish Elected Members: 3-year period(maximum of 9 members as the Church
Electoral Roll is less than 100)
Gillian Carlton: Parish Safeguarding Officer – elected to the PCC in January
2025.
Barbara Collins: Charity Distribution Committee.
Ian Driver: Parish Vision Champion; Charity Distribution Committee.
Iain Jenkins: Editor of the Parish Magazine: Church webmaster; member of
the IT support group; Foundation Governor at Cop Lane
School.
Rhoda Martin Organist and previously a Churchwarden at a previous parish
(resigned October 2025).
Beryl Rhodes Foundation Governor at Howick School; Financial & accountancy
skills.
Ann Staton Charity Distribution Committee.
Derek Webster Member of the IT support group; Manages live streaming of
Sunday service; Foundation Governor at Cop Lane School.
Wendy Wiggans Lay member on the Standing Committee; Charity Distribution
Sub Committee; Electoral Roll Officer.

C. MEETINGS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)

In 2025 there were 11 regular meetings of the PCC - The average attendance was 75% with the highest attendance at one meeting being 100% and the lowest at 62.5%.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

D. MAKE UP OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Ex Officio:

Clergy (total 1)

Churchwardens (total 3) – elected annually at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) Deanery Synod: (3 places based on the size of the electoral roll at the time of elections - elected every 3 years – elections due at the 2026 APCM)

- Lay representatives: (Total of 9 places based on the size of the electoral roll) NOTE: Each member is elected for three years and can be re-elected for a further 3 year term after which they cannot be an elected representative until a further year has elapsed (Church Representation Rules). See below for elected lay membership.

YEAR TERM
NAME		 YEAR TERM
NAME		 HOW LONG THEY CAN SERVE
4 in 2023
2ndterm Beryl Rhodes Will have to stand down at the 2026 APCM
1stterm Barbara Collins Can be re-elected for a 2ndterm at the 2026 APCM
1stterm Rhoda Martin Can be re-elected for a 2ndterm at the 2026 APCM
(Vacant)
4 in 2024
2ndterm Iain Jenkins Will have to stand down at the 2027 APCM
2ndterm Ian Driver Will have to stand down at the 2027 APCM
2ndterm Derek Webster Will have to stand down at the 2027 APCM
1stterm Gillian Carlton Can be re-elected for a 2ndterm at the 2027 APCM
3 in 2025
2ndterm Ann Staton Will have to stand down at the 2028 APCM
2ndterm Wendy Wiggans Will have to stand down at the 2028 APCM

E. COMMITTEES OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

The PCC operates through a number of committees, all of which report back to the next full PCC meeting. They are: -

Standing Committee:

This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact any urgent business of the PCC between its meetings subject to any directions given by the Council. The Vicar, three Churchwardens, Treasurer and two other people nominated by the PCC (currently Wendy Wiggans and Rachel Tuke) make up this committee. They meet most Thursdays on line and all relevant items are reported back to the full PCC at each of their meetings.

Charity Distribution Committee:

This committee makes recommendations to the PCC on how the 10% collections are distributed to missions & charities.

Ecumenical Committee:

Arranges, with the other seven churches of all denominations in Penwortham, events such as prayers, processions and fund-raising events to demonstrate Christian unity. Churches Together in Penwortham provide material items at the Penwortham Gala and other events. Our current representatives are Susan Jones and Rachel Tuke, who is also vice chairman of Churches Together. Reports are presented to the PCC following

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

meetings of the group. Sue Vendy has ceased to be the treasurer of Churches together in Penwortham.

GDPR Committee:

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into force on 25[th] May, 2018 regulating the storage and use of personal data. As a parish, we have a responsibility to ensure that personal data is collected, stored, used and deleted appropriately. Consent forms permitting the parish to hold and use personal data were created from resources provided by the diocese and are used for all relevant contacts. The appointment of a Parish Data Privacy Officer was necessary and this person is Rachel Tuke. Both she and her husband David Tuke, our Treasurer, (who have experience concerning the use of the relevant Act from their previous working environments) together with the Vicar and Churchwardens sit on this committee to ensure that the provisions of GDPR are implemented.

F. CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL

Every six years, a completely new electoral roll is produced and the last one took place in 2019. Therefore in 2025 a completely new roll has been compiled. Every parishioner wishing to remain on the electoral roll, whether resident in the Parish or not, had to complete a new nomination form. The revision was also used to obtain a new consent form under GDPR. In 2025 this resulted in 94 names being on the roll of which 73 were resident in the parish and 21 were non-resident. In the previous 5 years the numbers on the roll were as follows:-

In 2024 there were 132, in 2023 there were 127, in 2022 there were 114, in 2021 there were 120 and in 2020 there were 122 on the roll.

The number on the church electoral roll determines the numbers we are permitted on the Deanery Synod and lay members on the PCC. As at December 2025 we have less than 100 on our roll, we are therefore allowed 2 Deanery representatives and 9 members as lay representatives on the PCC with three lay retiring after three years.

II. CHURCH ATTENDANCE:

A. Regular church services:

There is a requirement under the Church Regulations for details of attendances at regular services throughout the year together with attendance and communicants at both the Easter and Christmas festivals to be documented showing the trends over the last four years. These figures are recorded accurately in the Register of Services aka the ‘blue book’ and form part of the Statistics for Mission each year which have for 2025 been submitted electronically to the Church of England via parish returns as well as to the diocese.

Number comparisons over the last four years are not meaningful this year because from 23rd March, 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic forced churches either to be closed or severe restrictions were put in place and this remained so for the whole of 2021 and the COVID effects ran into the first half of 2022. Since November, 2020, we have streamed live on Zoom every 10.15am service even when the church was closed and the Vicar was the only person in church.

In addition, some christenings, wedding and funerals have been streamed. A record has been kept of how many people ‘attended virtually’ at each of these services.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

During 2025 the average weekly attendance (which does not include Christian festivals) amounted to 47 adults and 2 under the age of 16. In 2024 there were 48 adults and 2 young people under the age of 16 making a total of 50 persons. In 2023 there were 48 adults and 4 young people. In 2022 there were 49 adults and 1 young person making a total of 50.

B. Special services of baptisms, weddings and funerals:

There is also a legal requirement to report the number of baptisms, weddings and funerals each year.

BAPTISMS: In 2025 there were 5. In 2024 there were 7, in 2022 & 2023 there were 14 in each year and in 2021 there were 4. (Covid restrictions were in place in 2021 and part of 2022)

WEDDINGS : In 2025 there were 3. In 2024 there were 2, in 2023 there was 1 and in 2022 and 2021 there were 6 in each year.

FUNERALS : In 2025 there were 13 services in church. In 2024 there were 14, in 2023 and 2022 there were 24 funerals each year and in 2021 there was 14.

Funeral services conducted at a crematorium / cemetery by our Vicar without a service in church beforehand on 6 occasions in 2025. There was one in 2024, in 2023 there were 24, in 2022 there were 10 and in 2021 there were 5.

There were 5 occasions in 2025 where there was a committal or burial of ashes only .

III. CHURCH AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS:

The church accounting policies require that all “church affiliated organizations”, which are not part of a national body, must submit independently examined accounts to the PCC - this being their parent body. Their accounts must be for the same 12-month period as that of the PCC - in our case the calendar year 1[st] January to 31[st] December. Our church does not now have any such affiliated organizations.

IV. REVIEW OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES IN 2025 (with updates to 28 February , 2026)

The Annual Report for 2025 includes the whole of that calendar year and activities up to 28[th ] February 2026 with the report being approved by the PCC on 23rd March 2026 and is being presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) today the 26[th] April 2026.

A. CHURCH SCHOOLS:

As part of our on-going commitment to our Church Schools, we continued to purchase sufficient bibles to enable each child in year three, at both Howick and Cop Lane Schools, to have their own copy to use for the remaining four years at their primary school and then to take with them when they move onto secondary education. Presentation of bibles to each school took place during the Autumn term. This continues to be very much appreciated by pupils, their parents and staff alike.

At Cop Lane Primary School, they had achieved a number of quality marks for excellence including the Bishops Silver Award. Pupils form the Juniors that is Years 3- 6 have continued to visit church termly for a short “Ministry of The Word” service which had gone very well with both staff and pupils. The SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican & Methodist Schools) is due in the academic year 2025/26. This took place on 9[th] Feb 2026 and will be reported on in next year’s annual report. The Horsa building has been demolished as it was beyond its useful life and discussions are ongoing with the diocese about replacing it.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

David Thornton was appointed a Church Foundation Governor at both Howick and Cop Lane schools in the year of 2000 and decided to retire on 1[st] January, 2025 after 25 years’ service at both church schools. His replacement at Cop Lane is David Tuke and at Howick Beryl Rhodes. We wish them both well and thank David Thornton for his many years of service

B. VOLUNTEERS:

The Church Regulations require that any “substantial voluntary help” must be recorded in their Annual Report. There is a small group of active parishioners who give of their services in financial management, general maintenance and administration. The Parish is very fortunate to have such people who are prepared to continue to give so much of their time and talents for the benefit of the Parish. We are required by the Church Regulations to state if any member of the PCC has received any payment for their services during the course of the year. We report that David and Rachel Tuke are members of the bell-ringing team and their fees are in accordance with those approved by the PCC. Our organist Rhoda Martin was also paid in accordance with the approved RSCM rates for weddings, funerals and for the 10.15am service on Sundays until her resignation in October.

We do not have an appointed verger but when a wedding or funeral takes place, one of the churchwardens or Iain Jenkins, who is also a PCC member, act as verger. The statutory fee is charged in each case.

The group known as the St Mary’s Singers continued to thrive, providing input to our sung communion service on a Sunday morning and other occasional services until our organist had to resign for personal reasons. We have not yet replaced her and currently use recorded music during regular worship.

C. PARISH SHARE

Parish Share is a national scheme with each Diocese raising funds so they are able to pay the Vicar’s stipend and provide other diocesans services. Dioceses use different formulas and the Blackburn one means that St Mary’s was required to ‘donate’ in 2025 the sum of £82,000.00. This sum was paid, although to do so we needed to utilise the interest received from the money set aside for our building project.

D. PARISH FINANCES:

The Statement of Financial Practice (SOFP) 2015 and the subsequent changes to the Church Accounting Practices dictate how our accounts have to be prepared.

David Tuke is our treasurer, who has financial skills and he has prepared the accounts using specifically designed computer software for church accounting procedures and we have been able to show a true comparison with activity in 2024 alongside 2025.

The accounts, balance sheet and notes to the accounts forming part of the annual report are shown on pages 1 -10 including the Independent Examiners certificate giving us a clear bill of health (see page 11). These will be explained by our treasurer with a PowerPoint presentation at our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) scheduled to take place in church about 11.30am on Sunday 26[th] April, 2026 after the 10.15am service.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

The Church Regulations state that both the Annual Report and Accounts have to be approved by the PCC as they are the Trustees and this was done on 23[rd] March 2026. They are presented at the APCM with a treasurer’s power-point presentation for those present to receive and note. Details are then forwarded electronically to the Church of England Statistics Branch, the Charity Commission and the Diocese before the deadline date.

E. DIOCESAN VISION 2026:

The Diocese have a Vision 2026 plan which will culminate in November next year when the Diocese will be celebrating its centenary as separate Diocese. Work has started on a vision statement and consultation on Vision 2033 with all Deanery Synods. We are part of Leyland deanery and arrangements were made for St Mary’s to host a deanery meeting on Thursday 13[th] March, 2025 when the Diocesan Bishop, the Diocesan Director of Vision Delivery Carolyn Barton and the Archdeacon of Blackburn Mark Ireland, led a workshop to which all Clergy, Churchwardens and Parish Vision Champions of every parish in the deanery were invited to take part. A presentation was given by the diocesan lead on developing the new vision statement following which the participants divided into groups to discuss the topics raised and provide feedback. This, along with the feedback from other deaneries was taken to be processed and presented to senior diocesan staff. From this a new vision statement Vision 2033 is to be produced and presented to the diocese. This is still awaited.

F. ECUMENICAL MATTERS:

All eight churches in Penwortham form the Ecumenical Group known as “Churches Together in Penwortham” : – two are Church of England (St. Leonard’s and ourselves), two are Methodist, two are Roman Catholic, one is the United Reform Church and the eighth is a free church which meets in Whitefield Road Primary School. Each church reports to South Ribble Borough Council’s (SRBC’s) Community Liaison Officer the various events and services which will happen during Advent and over Christmas. The liaison officer produces and distributes a leaflet highlighting all these events in Penwortham.

Members of our church are on the “ Churches Together in Penwortham” and take an active role on this Group with Rachel Tuke being the Deputy moderator. The group also arrange collections of food supplies from the various churches in Penwortham to stock up the town’s Foodbank where goods are distributed every Friday. We are very grateful to Gillian and Adrian Carlton for collecting the goods donated and conveying them to the Foodbank regularly.

The group also have a presence at the Penwortham Gala in June, for which St Mary’s Scouts hire them the marquee and St Mary’s loan table and chairs and provide volunteers to help man the tea tent. We also produce the service sheets for the ecumenical service usually held on Hurst Grange Park.

The North West Air Ambulance (NWAS) held their now annual, Christmas Fayre and Carol Concert in the church. It was open to the public at large and the church was packed. Some of the money raised was donated to the parish.

All these events raised the church profile and enhanced the links between the church schools, the Penwortham community and the public at large and the church.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 G. CHILDREN / VULNERABLE ADULT PROTECTION & SAFE FROM HARM POLICY:

Under Church Representation Rules the Parochial Church Council (PCC) are required to make a statement to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which is as follows “The PCC has complied with the duty as stated in the Safeguarding (Code of Practice) Measure 2021(duty to comply with theHouse of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults)”. This is a mandatory

legal duty as opposed to the previous measure of having ‘due regard’. The PCC and PSO (Parish Safeguarding Officer), have not been made aware of any safeguarding issues taking place in St Mary’s during 2025.

The PCC have been very busy in 2025 and all mandatory DBS checks and safeguarding training courses have been successfully completed.

In addition, most of the bell ringers have successfully completed safeguarding training courses, as has a member of the congregation. We would strongly recommend more of the congregation undertake at least a basic safeguarding course – please ask for details.

The PSO and Bell Captain have been safer recruited in retrospect, both having been in post before this requirement was known to be required. All our Safeguarding Policies are reviewed annually by the PCC and have been added to our website. We also have a Safeguarding Action Plan which is regularly reviewed. The mandatory notices, containing relevant contact details, are displayed on our Safeguarding Noticeboard which can be found at the back of church. These are all updated as required. Safeguarding is an item on the agenda of every PCC meeting.

Update to February 28th 2026

The PCC are not aware of any safeguarding issues presently at St Mary’s. The PSO has been continuing working to update the Diocesan Safeguarding Dashboard and Hub which keeps track of our activities. We have moved from Level 1 to Level 3 (top level), which is good, but there are still some mandatory issues to work on. Due to the frequently changing rules and policies, this is something the PCC, in conjunction with the PSO, need to constantly address.

Please remember - Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility – please be aware of anyone you might consider to be a vulnerable individual, adult or child, and do not hesitate to contact the Parish Safeguarding Officer if you have any questions or concerns. There is a form on the table at the back of church to be filled in by anyone to whom a safeguarding issue has been reported.

Please return this to the PSO immediately after completion. If the PSO is not available, please return it to the Vicar. REMEMBER all information received is highly confidential and can only be given to the Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) or Vicar. During an interregnum a nominated Churchwarden acts in lieu of an incumbent.

If an official church person is not available, contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team direct, or, if there is an immediate risk, ring 999. Report compiled by: Gillian Carlton

Parish Safeguarding Officer and DBS Administrator.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 H. Health and Safety

The health and safety policy has been reviewed and updated using a template from Ecclisiastical Insurance.

Fire stewards guidance sheets were created and hi viz vests were obtained. Fire extinguisher servicing was carried out at the appropriate time. General maintenance was dealt with as required, including temporary repairs to the 1956 extension and changing light bulbs as required

V. THE CHURCH BUILDING:

A. QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTION:

Every five years a full report (quinquennial report) on the condition and fabric of our Grade II* listed church has to be carried out by a diocesan approved qualified architect who for us is Stephen Fish. The Inspection report was received in 2023 and the essential remedial work has been completed at a cost of £55K.

B. THE 1956 ANNEX AT THE NORTH WEST PART OF THE CHURCH:

The money from the sale of Glebe land in 2017, upon which our former Church Hall on Cop Lane stood, was ring fenced to provide additional accommodation for community and church use. Considerable discussions and advice were sought on what sort of building we would want and just before COVID we were actively pursuing knocking down the 1956 extension and constructing a new purpose built two storey structure. With COVID everything came to a halt and in 2022 we started to have costings done but with the considerable increase in building costs and materials we quickly realized that we couldn’t afford to fund this this so we asked the architect to come up with modified plans which would enable us still to have all the facilities.

During 2024, the architect provided revised plans, which retain the 1956 extension remodelling the upper floor and extending outwards at both levels. The upper floor will incorporate a kitchen, disabled toilets and a classroom that will accommodate 30 pupils and two members of staff so children from both Cop Lane and Howick Schools could spend a full day covering various aspects of the school syllabus. On the lower level there will be a meeting room as well as storage facilities and a Parish Office. Stairs and a lift will link the two levels.

A faculty and planning permission from South Ribble Borough Council were submitted and following all due processes, including consultation with all relevant statutory bodies and public consultation, the chancellor of the diocese approved the faculty in November 2025. This was immediately followed by approval from South Ribble Council. In the period following approval from the Diocesan Advisory Committee and receiving approval from the Chancellor, further discussions with the architect concerning next steps resulted in it becoming apparent that there were significant additional costs involved that would mean we would need to source further funds. With help from the diocese, we identified that applying to the National Lottery Heritage Fund could help us. We have engaged a professional fundraiser, who has particular experience in helping churches, including some in our own diocese, bid for funds. We are now in the process of making the necessary application which needs to show how we will both preserve important national heritage and make it accessible to the whole community both locally and more widely. This starts with the submission of an Expression of Interest. If successful, we will be asked to present a bid for

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

development funds. These will enable us to put more detail on our building costs by getting technical drawings prepared and undertake more outreach work to gain commitment from potential users of the building such as schools, the University and other interested groups. We will also need to plan development of displays and internet content to explain the history to visitors and build up a business plan to show that we are financially sustainable. This could take up to 2 years. We may then be able to bid for funding for the delivery phase where we will then be able to build the extension and prepare all the displays and put our business plan into action.

C. THE LONG-TERM EFFECT OF COVID ON THE RUNNING OF THE CHURCH

Our monthly Parish Magazine, from the April 2020 edition onwards, has been compiled as usual but not printed. The Magazine has continued to be put on our church website and circulated by email to all 108 households who had authorised church matters to be sent by this method.

COVID restrictions were gradually eased in 2022 with many of the legal requirements changed to advisory. This included the taking of the sacraments. From Easter Sunday in 2023 both elements of bread and wine were offered but there was no requirement to take the wine. The Vicar made this clear, stating that by taking the bread only, individuals were fulfilling the requirement of taking the sacrament.

Almost every parishioner involved in young people’s ministry has continued to show reluctance to return to the youth work they were doing pre COVID. As a result we are not currently offering any specific activities for children or young people.

VI. THE CHURCH GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE CHURCH ITSELF (covering the church yard and Castle Hill )

A. THE CHURCHYARD (covering all three graveyards and Crow Wood)

The maintenance of the churchyard is the responsibility of the South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) as we are a ‘Closed Churchyard’ and subject of ‘an order of the Privy Council’ back in the year 2000 which has been documented in most of the previous annual reports over the last years. Therefore, only what has happened during the last year will now be included.

Mention has been made previously of the embankment on the eastern side of the front graveyard running from the Lychgate to just past the end of the chancel. This embankment was examined and thought to be unstable and with a number of old graves near the edge of the embankment in the graveyard, they were liable to be exposed and/or slide down the crumbling embankment. It was necessary for South Ribble Borough Council to take remedial action.

South Ribble obtained a faculty from the Diocese to undertake the necessary work to repair the embankment. In January, 2025 some preparatory work was undertaken cutting down a tree and removing vegetation close to the railings alongside the lychgate on the embankment side. Since then further work has been undertaken, any grave liable to be disturbed by the work was excavated archaeologically and any remains stored appropriately for reinterment, as were any remains found outside graves. This took longer than planned, which resulted in a delay in the return of the

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025

contractors undertaking the repairs. Work is continuing as weather permits and all remains will be reinterred and headstones restored.

South Ribble have in this year undertaken the necessary “push” tests at identify any headstones requiring remedial work to restore stability. Such graves have been marked with a white post.

Over the year a number of trees in Church Wood or Crow Wood have fallen. Those that caused an obstruction on Church Avenue were removed but those that posed no danger have been left to decay naturally to preserve the nature of this ancient woodland. An inspection of both woods has been made by the diocesan arboriculturist who has provided advice on any trees that may need attention to reduce any risk to the public.

VII. THE FUTURE

In the course of 2025 the vicar stated his intention to retire within the next year. In February 2026 he announced that his last Sunday would be Whitsunday, 24[th] May 2026. During 2026 we will be working with senior diocesan clergy to appoint a new vicar.

Following the awarding of a faculty to allow us to renovate and extend the 1956 extension, we will be progressing our application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for additional funding. This will include engaging with the wider community to develop plans for the use of the space to explain our heritage and encourage them to visit.

We will be participating in the diocesan mission weekend as part of the celebrations for the centenary of the diocese. This will be on the weekend of 12[th] and 13[th] September. Details of the activities will be publicised in due course.

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St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

Unrestricted
Funds		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Endowment
Funds		 Total
2025		 Total
2024
Note £ £ £ £
Incoming Resources
From Donors 2(a) 54,164 0 0 - 54,164 52,511
Other Voluntary 2(b) 996 0 292 - 1,288 43,338
Activities:-
to further the Councils
Objects		 2(c) 7,283 0 256 - 7,539 9,216
to generate Funds 2(d) 2,954 0 0 - 2,954 5,451
From Investments 2(e) 206 32,597 0 - 32,803 36,692
Other 2(f) 6,431 0 0 - 6,431 8,762
Total Incoming Resources 72,034 32,597 548 - 105,179 155,969
Resources Expended
Grants 3(a) 947 0 0 - 947 595
Activities directly relating to the
work of the church		 3(b) 58,559 50,000 540 - 109,099 124,896
Church Management and Admin 3(c) 1,287 0 0 - 1,287 1,104
Cost of Generating Funds 3(d) 85 0 0 - 85 74
Support Costs 3(e) 704 0 0 - 704 42
Other Resources Expended 3(f) 455 0 0 - 455 448
Total Resources Expended 62,038 50,000 540 - 112,578 127,159
Net Incoming (Outgoing)
Resources before Transfers		 9,996 -17,403 8 - -7,398 28,810
Transfers Between Funds 9(a)
Transfers Between Funds in 0 36,305 0 - 36,305 0
Transfers Between Funds out -36,305 0 0 - -36,305 0
Net Incoming (Outgoing)
Resources		 -26,309 18,903 8 - -7,398 28,810
Gains/(losses) on Investment
Assets:-
Realised
Unrealised
Net Movement in Funds -26,309 18,903 8 - -7,398 12,389
Fund Balances B/F at 1 Jan 294,336 690,124 4,099 215 988,775 959,965
Fund Balances C/F at 31 Dec 268,027 709,026 4,107 215 981,376 988,775

2

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025 The PCC’s Balance Sheet Year ended December 2025

2025 2024
NOTE £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Investment Assets 5(c) 215 215
House 5(b) 240,000 240,000
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS 240,215 240,215
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock 0 0
Debtors 7 0
Short Term deposits
Current Account 11,047 7,662
Deposit Account 26,768 20,234
Development Account 92 92
New Building Account 702,893 720,296
Cash in Hand 100 100
Accounts Receivable 3,222 2,887
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 744,122 751,270
Liabilities (falling due within 1
year)		 8 2,960 2,711
NET CURRENT ASSETS 741,161 748,560
NET ASSETS 981,376 988,775
FUNDS 6
UNRESTRICTED 268,027 294,336
DESIGNATED 709,026 690,124
RESTRICTED 4,107 4,099
ENDOWMENT 215 215
TOTAL FUNDS 981,376 988,775

3

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. PENWORTHAM ST MARY’S PARISH ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 as amended by the Church Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2001 together with applicable accounting Standards and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. FUNDS:

The amounts and details of each fund are show on Pages 1 and 2 which are the statutory accounting requirements. The funds are also explained in further detail in Note 6 on page 7 and Note 9 on pages 8 and 9.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of Church members.

INCOMING RESOURCES:

Voluntary income and capital sources

Other income

Income from Investments

Gains and losses on Investments

RESOURCES USED:

These are summarised on page 1 and explained in detail, where necessary, in note 3 on page 6.

Grants

4

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

FIXED ASSETS:

These are summarised on page 2 and explained in detail, where necessary, in Note 5a and Note 5b on page 7.

Consecrated property and moveable church furnishings

Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment

Investments

CURRENT ASSETS:

These are summarised on page 2 and explained in detail, where necessary in Note 7 on page 8.

5

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

Unrestricted
Funds		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Endowment
Funds		 Total
2025		 Total
2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
2 INCOMING RESOURCES
2(a) Incoming resources from
donors
Planned giving:-
Stewardship Envelopes 40,315 - - - 40,315 41,506
Income Tax recoverable 11,155 - - - 11,155 7,242
Collections (Open Plate) all
services		 2,693 - - - 2,693 3,762
Sundry Donations - 0 - 0 0
54,164 0 0 0 54,164 52,511
2(b) Other voluntary incoming
resources
Donations, appeals etc 996 - 292 - 1,288 1,090
Legacies 0 - - - 0 42,248
996 0 292 0 1,288 43,338
2(c) Income from operating
activities to further the
Council's objects
Magazines & Bookstall, etc
sales		 0 - - - 0 0
Fees-Weddings & Funerals 7,283 - 256 - 7,539 9,216
7,283 0 256 0 7,539 9,216
2(d) Income from operating
activities to generate funds
Magazine Advertising 0 - - - 0 0
Fetes, Bazaars & other fund
raising events		 829 - - - 829 592
Bookstall sales-sundry items 0 - - - 0 0
Miscellaneous - - - - 0 0
Vat Refunds 1,517 - - - 1,517 3,299
Church Letting 608 - - - 608 1,560
2,954 0 0 0 2,954 5,451
2(e) Income from investments
Dividends 7 - - - 7 5
Bank Interest 199 32,597 - - 32,796 36,687
206 32,597 0 0 32,803 36,692
2(f) Other ordinary incoming
resources
Miscellaneous 69 - - - 69 2,334
Insurance Claims - - - 0
House Income 6,362 - - - 6,362 6,428
6,431 0 0 0 6,431 8,762
TOTAL
INCOMING
RESOURCES		 72,034 32,597 548 0 105,179 155,969

6

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

Unrestricted
Funds		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Endowment
Funds		 Total
2025		 Total
2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
3 RESOURCES
EXPENDED
3(a) Grants
Missionary & charitable
giving
Church overseas:- - - - - 0 0
Missionary societies 0 - - - 0 0
Relief & development
agencies		 0 - - - 0 0
Home missions & other
Church Societies		 922 - - - 922 585
Secular Charities 25 - - - 25 10
947 0 0 0 947 595
3(b) Activities directly
relating to the work of
the church
Ministry:-
Parish Share 32,926 50,000 - - 82,926 62,000
Assigned Fees/DBF - - - 0
Clergy expenses 1,399 - - - 1,399 2,270
Locum - - - 0 126
Vicarage repairs - - - 0
Vicarage-other costs 4,616 - - - 4,616 4,187
Church running
expenses		 13,994 - - - 13,994 14,498
Church Maintenance 11 - - - 11 184
Church Equipment 1,335 - - 1,335 2,016
Upkeep of Services 776 - 330 - 1,106 2,348
Upkeep of churchyard 356 - - - 356 256
Parish Magazine &
bookstall		 - - - 0
Refurbishment of
Church Buildings		 - 0 33,537
Salaries, wages, fees -
organists		 3,145 - - - 3,145 3,204
Salaries, wages, fees -
bell ringers & choir		 - 210 - 210 270
Miscellaneous - - - - 0 0
58,559 50,000 540 0 109,099 124,896
3(c) Church management &
admin
Printing, stationery &
postage		 1,287 - - - 1,287 1,104
Miscellaneous 0 - - - 0 0
Parish Office:- 0
Equipment & fittings - - - 0 0
1,287 0 0 0 1,287 1,104

7

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

3(d) Costs of generating
funds
Fetes, Bazaars & other
fund raising events		 85 - - - 85 74
Stewardship giving
envelopes		 0 - - - 0 0
Miscellaneous 0 - - - 0 0
85 0 0 0 85 74
3(e) Support Costs
Junior Church 0 - - - 0 0
Youth - - - - 0 0
Child Protection - - - - 0 0
Miscellaneous 700 - - - 700 0
Bank Charges 4 - - - 4 42
704 0 0 0 704 42
3(f) Other Resources
Expended
House Expenses 455 - - - 455 448
455 0 0 0 455 448
TOTAL
RESOURCES
EXPENDED		 62,038 50,000 540 0 112,578 127,159

4 Staff Costs

Salaries, wages and fees During the year the PCC employed: 2024 2025 £ £ a) For the whole year – organists 3,145 3,204

No payments were made for out of the pocket expenses to any PCC member, persons closely connected with them or any other related parties. During the year PCC member(s) David Thornton and Jill Howe received fees for acting as a verger at services. Rachel Tuke received fees for ringing at weddings and funerals.

5 FIXED ASSETS FOR USE BY THE PCC

Tangible fixed assets:

a) 177 Cop Lane which belongs to the PCC is included at a fixed asset The value in Nov 2023 was £240,000

£215

6 ANALYSYS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Investment Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities		 Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
£
£
£
£
240,000
-
-
215
30,988
709,026
4,107
-
-2,960
-
-
-		 Total
2025
£
240,215
744,121
-2,960
268,027
709,026
4,107
215		 981,376

8

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

7
Debtors
Debtors
Income Tax Recoverable on Gift Aid
Debtors for Goods & Services
Prepayment and accrued income
Other Debtors
8
Liabilities – amounts falling due within
Liabilities - Accounts falling due within one
year
Deferred income
Accounts Payable
Accruals of utility and other costs		 2025
2024
£
£
0
0
0
0
3,222
2,887
-
-
3,222
2,887
one year
2025
2024
£
£
1,500
1,500
1,460
180
0
1,031
2,960
2,711

9 Fund Details UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

Unrestricted funds totalling £294,336.22 are the unspent balance available for future use.

DESIGNATED FUNDS

Designated funds totalling£709,026.45comprise:-
i)
Unrestricted Legacies notified/received for proposed future
spending on the general refurbishment of the church buildings
including the hall
ii)
Provision out of unrestricted funds towards proposed future
spending on the replacement Parish Office equipment
iii) Funds for upkeep of Church buildings and new extension
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Restricted funds totalling£4107.45 comprise:-
Singleton Memorial Estate and other funds
Pastoral Care Team
Sundry amounts in respect of Easter Lilies, flowers, Memorial
Garden, Bell ropes, Disabled facilities, Church linen, Choir and Fox
Street community
Younity
Charitable donation
Church yard maintenance		 £
4,729
1,404
702,893
709,026
£
2,215
519
897
157
225
95
4,107		 £
4,729
1,404
702,893
709,026
£
2,215
519
897
157
225
95
4,107
4,107

ENDOWMENT FUND

The Endowment Fund of £215 is a permanent endowment of 132 Central Board of Finance shares and requires the income to be spent on the Chancel.

9

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS Designated to General Funds £0

General to Designated Funds £36,305.11

Restricted to General Funds £120

10 CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT PERFORMANCES

£

Magazine and Bookstall income exceeded costs by

0

11 QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTION

The last quinquennial report on the Church was in 2023.

10

St Mary’s Penwortham PCC Statement of Financial Activities Year ended December 2025

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PCC OF PENWORTHAM ST MARY'S PARISH CHURCH.

This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31[st ] December, 2025, which are set out on pages I and 2, is in respect of an examination carried out under Regulation 3(3) of the Church Accounting Regulations, 1997 to 2001 ('the regulations') and Section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 (‘the Act').

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

As members of the PCC, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 3(3) and Section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of Regulation 25.

Basis of this report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 43(7)(b)of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2001 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops' Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the views given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

signed dated: Mrs Susan Walsh 79, Greencroft, Penwortham, Preston PRI 9LB

11