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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Kirkleatham, Diocese Of York

2024-12-31-accounts

Kirkleatham Parish St Cuthbert's & St Hilda's 2025 Annual Report THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND www.kirkleaihamparish.org

Table Of Contents

Section A - Legal and administration details Trustees - Page 3

Section B - Structure, Governance and Management Electoral Roll Officer’s Report - Page 4 Safeguarding Report - Page 5 Section C - Objectives and Activities Aims and Purposes - Page 6 Section D - Achievements and Performance, Worship and Prayer Mission and Outreach - Page 7 Fabric Reports - Page 21 Community Ministry Reports - Page 25 Treasurer’s Financial Reports - Page 29 Parish of Kirkleatham PCC Chair’s report - Page 38 Annual Parish Church Meeting(APCM) - Page 40

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024

Section A Legal and administration details

Charity name : The Ecclesiastical Parish of Kirkleatham in the Diocese of York (Kirkleatham Parish) Registered charity number 1171557 Principal address: The Vicarage, 130 Mersey Road, Redcar TS10 4DF

Charity trustees

Chair: Revd Jane Robson Wardens: Mr. Keith Simpson Mr. Robert Nightingale Miss. Susan Garner – until 12/05/24 Mrs. Susan Nicholson – elected 12/05/24 Mr. Bruce Williams – elected 12/05/24

Treasurer: Mrs. Sue Nicholson Secretary: Mrs. Ruth Barnes

Elected members: Miss Susan Garner Mrs. Mary Ovens Mrs. Carol Petit - non-voting member until 12/05/24. Mrs. Pamela Love Ms. Mary Tough Mrs. Joan Gibbin Mr. Bruce Williams Mrs. Janet Williams - from 12/05/24 Mrs. Margaret Mableson – elected voting member 09/09/24 Mrs. Eileen Dye – elected voting member 11/11/24

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Section B Structure, Governance and Management

The Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 as amended defines the principal function, or purpose, of the PCC.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church of England’s Church Representation Rules. In Kirkleatham parish the PCC consists of the incumbent, parish assistant, churchwardens and members elected by persons on the church electoral roll. All those who regularly attend our services are encouraged to register for inclusion on the electoral roll.

Electoral Roll Officer’s Report May 2025

Sadly, three people named on the 2024 Electoral Roll have died in the last 12 months:

Mrs Wendy Adams; Mrs Jill Richmond; Mr Neville Roberts.

This year sees a complete renewal of the Electoral Roll which happens every six years.

The number on the Electoral Roll for 2025 is: 79 Margaret Nightingale, Electoral Roll Officer.

Parochial Church Council (PCC)

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish. This includes deciding how the parish funds are to be spent. Since the parish became a registered charity in February 2017 the PCC members also serve as trustees of this charity. This involves a little more paperwork but no changes in procedure.

The full PCC met 7 times during 2024, one of them being the brief meeting after the APCM. The attendance rate was 84% with all meetings now taking place face to face.

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Safeguarding Report 2024

The Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO) regularly report on safeguarding in the parish. Safeguarding is a standing agenda item at each PCC meeting. We take Safeguarding very seriously in this Parish and have posters in both churches emphasising this and giving details of contacts that people can reach out to for help.

In 2024 the PSOs continue to use the Safeguarding Dashboard.

This produces a safeguarding action plan for the PCC. This confirms that:

·All necessary policies have been accepted and are in place.

·The appropriate information is displayed on noticeboards and websites.

·Those who have responsibilities within the church have been safely recruited, trained, and supported in their roles.

·Everyone is aware of their responsibilities for safeguarding and care within the church community.

We have maintained level 3 on the dashboard, which is the highest level.

We were asked to trial the next level of the Dashboard and that is the Safeguarding Hub. This is a simple dedicated system to help manage records of parish roles, individual training for church officers, and DBS checks. After initial set up the Hub will issue reminders and manage information securely to ease administration.

In 2024 there were no reported safeguarding concerns and there are currently no Safeguarding Agreements in place in the parish.

If you have any safeguarding issues that you would like to discuss, please speak to Sue Nicholson or Ruth Barnes.

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Section C Objectives and Activities

Aim and purposes

The Parish Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of continuing to promote across the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

The parish has two churches: St Cuthbert’s, an 18th Century grade 1 listed Georgian church building and St Hilda’s, a church completed on 7th May 2021.

Our mission statement is: Taking our God-given opportunities to grow deeper and younger.

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship in our churches and to become part of the parish community.

When planning our activities, we have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and in particular, the guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

We try to enable people to live out their faith as part of the parish community through:

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of St Cuthbert’s Church and open out St. Hilda’s Church to the local community.

Typically, St Cuthbert’s Church and its Mausoleum are open each Wednesday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and a few people visit each week. From time to time, groups of people [history clubs or architecture buffs] have asked for a guided tour. We hope that they see the church as a functioning place of worship. We are very grateful to those members of our congregation who welcome visitors to the Church and act as guides.

The Hall and Meeting Room at St. Hilda’s are used for community activities and private lettings so that the those living locally are able to experience the 3 fundamental objectives listed with *. Activities such as church services, shop/café, table-top fairs and knit and natter group together with lettings for yoga, fitness, dance, Taekwon-do and parties help deliver these objectives. Again, thanks go to all who make these activities function well.

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Section D Achievements and Performance Worship and Prayer

Mission and Outreach

During 2024, regular Sunday worship has been at 9.30 am in St Hilda’s and 11.15 am in St Cuthbert’s.At St Hilda’s we also held a communion service each Thursday morning at 10am and from July a monthly informal service on the first Sunday of the month at 4pm.

Occasional offices included:

23 Baptisms (15 at St. Cuthbert's and 8 at St. Hilda's)

Care Homes

Visits to Roseberry Court care home recommenced but stopped when the activities coordinator changed. New links are being forged.

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Schools

During 2024 we had visits from Kirkleatham Hall School to St Cuthbert’s for services at Easter, Harvest and Christmas and Lakes Primary School to St Hilda’s for their Christingle services. Riverdale Primary School, Green Gates Primary School and Newcomen Primary School had visits to look round one or both churches. The priest in charge has also visited Lakes and Green Gates to deliver lessons to year groups and visited Riverdale and Green Gates to lead assemblies and Christingle services.

Sir William Turner’s Hospital

This historic property falls within the parish boundaries. The Incumbent is technically the chaplain, however a retired priest in the Deanery has been taking on this role. In 2024 the priest in charge conducted 4 of the monthly communion services and led the Founder’s Day and Christmas Carol Services.

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Activities

General Report (January – December 2024)

Looking back on 2024, it is incredible to note how many different types of organisations have used the Hall and the Meeting Room.

G & J Fitness Group have been with us throughout the year and have now settled to a pattern of 4 sessions per week. Kick Boxing and Taekwon-do cater for the more energetic members of the community each week.

The Knit and Natter group numbers have dropped slightly, but the Tuesday afternoon session offers relaxation, fun and endeavour.

Our Exercises on Chairs Group, which was supported via a grant from the Redcar Hydrogen Project, lost members when the original Coach had to give up the role. At the end of 2024, its future was being considered carefully.

Kerry has continued to deliver a Solo Salsa on a Wednesday evening and it seems to be going very well.

Paula’s Tremourloes Group has grown in size – it offers singing opportunities for Parkinson’s sufferers and their Carers. The joy created in these sessions is wonderful!

Due to funding from Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, we have been able to offer a Tai Chi and Well Being Session on Fridays. Terry, the Coach, is very encouraging and the numbers have been around 15.

Also, on Fridays, Louise has added a new monthly Sound Therapy session to her weekly Yoga on Chairs session whilst Helen has settled to a weekly term-time hourly session of Spanish for tots.

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Activities

General Report (January – December 2024)

Mind, Harbour and our Ward Councillors are other organisations which have used the Meeting Room on a regular basis throughout 2024.

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The Ambulance Service performed health checks on one occasion and other organisations have used the room and the Hall for ‘one-off’ events.

Throughout 2024, it continued to be a popular venue for Children’s Parties – 34 parties in total.

Thank you to all who make this positive report possible – volunteers who open & close for lettings, people who keep the building clean and those who ensure that the activities run smoothly.

Rob Nightingale

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Activities

Table Tops

We continue to hold monthly tabletops, and they are becoming a social activity for many of the stall holders who come, as much for a catch up as to actually sell goods. We try to mix up the stalls, so we have a variety of goods for members of the community to come and see. Items for sale can range from beaded jewellery, knitted goods, sweets, cakes, bric-a-brac, fudge, resin goods and books to name a few. Regular attendees often use the sales as a chance to meet up with friends. We offer light refreshments on the day which are enjoyed by stall holders, our volunteers and visitors alike. Before each sale begins, we offer prayers in the meeting room and invite stall holders to join us. We have

Bingo

We hold 5 bingo sessions a year and they have become a social event on several calendars. We have a core group of regulars but still attract the odd new person, so an average attendance is 20 now. Some people come with friends, and some come alone but meet up with others. We recognise faces from other events, and this is always appreciated by them. We provide a warm space with company and fun for a couple of hours. They are light-hearted and fun and seem to be enjoyed by those that attend. People seem to find it a real social blessing and demand for the next one to happen is high.

One of our new bingo helpers was surprised that she gets the chance to mention why she is involved and that she gets a chance to share her faith. Our bingo is so much more!

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Activities

Ecoshop

We have now had our eco shop open for over a year. We have a regular cohort of attendees, and we are delighted to say that many are now staying on to chat, browse the church shop and use the café. It’s proving to a valuable asset in bringing people in. In October, our 1-year anniversary, we invited Footprints to visit, and we presented them with a cheque for how much we have donated to Foodbank over our first year.

The total paid to Foodbank for 2024 is £2,568.98 which is an amazing amount and is making a huge difference to their ability to support the most vulnerable in our society.

It’s not only Foodbank that has felt the difference. In the Redcar parliamentary constituency alone, 11 charities, including us, received and redistributed 82,888kg of surplus food that would otherwise have gone to landfill. That works out at nearly 200,000 meal equivalents.

Late last year, we were also successful in gaining a grant from Redcar Council for £1,000 which enables us to top up our supplies and makes sure that we can still charge the bargain price of 5 items for £1. So, if you haven’t given it a try, pop in and help save the planet as well as supporting your local community.

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Activities

Church Shop and Community Cafe

Our regular weekly shop/café thrived throughout the year. More and more community members have become regular customers. It has been an opportunity to welcome and interact with a growing number of people. We are pleased to serve and enjoy the company of all who come – some alone and others in friendship groups. Although the income exceeded £14 000 (all used to service the loans on the St. Hilda’s building), the friendly caring atmosphere is the key to the success together with our loyal group of volunteers who seem to look forward to the weekly openings.

In the Meeting Room, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council provide a ‘pop up’ library on the first Tuesday of each month between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Books can be borrowed and returned or ordered. New members can join.

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Activities

St Cuthbert’s Mausoleum Opening

St Cuthbert's is the only grade 1 listed church in the Guisborough Deanery, and we believe the only church in the country with an attached Mausoleum. The history of both, and the association with the Turner family, make them very interesting to visitors from around the world. In 2024 we received 186 visitors including 35 children, outside of services, occasional offices and school visits.

The Historic England grant we received, for restoration of the Mausoleum, obliges us to open to the public, outside of worship, for at least 240 hours each year until at least 2027.

In previous years we have opened on Wednesdays, often in the colder months of the year. Therefore, in 2024 we started to open on Sundays as well.

Unfortunately, at the end of 2024 we were advised that for a range of safeguarding reasons, we should always have two volunteers present during opening. This will make opening for sufficient hours very difficult in 2025. We would very much welcome new volunteers to help with this important ministry.

Thank you to our current team of volunteers, and to all our visitors for the interesting conversations we have had.

Best wishes Bruce

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Activities

Connect

Connect is our fellowship group which meets on a Thursday evening at Rob and Margaret’s house. We usually meet fortnightly, but during Advent and Lent we meet weekly. In Connect we share fellowship while studying the bible so that we may grow together in faith and knowledge of the Lord.

We started 2024 with us completing a series looking at the story of the Old Testament and how it helps us to understand the New. We paused in Lent to explore the Gifts of the Spirit which we find in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. In September we started a new theme, The Sermon on the Mount which we are continuing in 2025. Again we paused this for Advent to read through Paula Gooder’s book, ‘Lydia’. It has been good to welcome new members to the group over the course of the year.

You don’t need any prior knowledge of the bible to join us. Just a desire to learn together as we dig deeper into the bible, and to love and support each other in our discipleship. It’s a chance to ask questions and admit doubts in a supportive and nonjudgmental atmosphere. We are growing in faith, understanding, confidence and love for each other.

We usually have 9 people attending each week, but there is room for more. And if you would prefer an afternoon session, we could consider starting another group if there was enough interest. Do ask one of us for more information if you are interested to join us.

Revd Jane

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Activities

Explore@4

In July 2024 we started a new informal, café-style afternoon service called Explore@4.

We meet in St Hilda’s once a month at 4pm (the third Sunday from January 2025). A small loyal group of regular worshippers from both churches have attended but it has also been lovely to welcome in new people some months.

The aim of this service is Growing deeper together. We have been working our way through the sentences of the Lord’s Prayer, looking at how they can be worked out in our lives, and how we can encourage each other to live it.

Each service, which lasts about 50 minutes, includes worship and an opportunity to go a little deeper by discussing the topic together. For the second half we are invited to respond by interacting with themed prayer stations and an opportunity to receive personal prayer and anointing with oil. We are finding that we are growing deeper, but also we are learning to trust and support each other.

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Activities

Revitalise

Lord Jesus, we thank you for drawing us together to serve you in this parish. Guide us on our Revitalise journey,

so that we can see the opportunities which you are giving us.

Build our love for each other as we grow in faith and unity. Protect us from all that may wish to stop us.

And make us ready to welcome and serve all those you are calling into your kingdom.Amen

The Revitalise programme has continued to move forward with new ideas and fresh hope for the parish. The team at the end of 2024 are Jane, Eileen, Louise, Mary T and Sue N.

We have continued to meet to pray each month for our parish and to discern God’s plans for us. A small but loyal group has attended and these have been lovely times of prayer.

The team attended several days at Wydale Hall. We find these really inspiring days and we come back with excitement and new energy for taking things forward. We’ve been challenged to ‘get out of the boat’ and to consider if we were just a gathering of churchgoers or a community of disciples. We’ve also been encouraged to identify the evangelists in our congregation. It is also good to meet with people from other churches in the diocese.

The prayer walks started in March and have continued each month, although they were virtual in December and January when it was too dark to be wandering the streets!

·We launched Explore@4 in July (see separate report)

John Day visited us on several occasions. In January he came to preach at both churches. In April he came to help us think about what would be launched as Explore@4. In May he started a review to help us consider how St. Cuthbert’s can grow and reach out in a way which is relevant to the more traditional worship style and historic building. In August he came to help us think about new prayer stations for each church – perhaps you’ve used one of them?

We’ve continued to discuss how we advertise what we are doing – there is no point us doing things if nobody knows about them!!

· We compiled answers to a questionnaire about the difference Revitalise has made to the parish at the end of December. We were excited to see how much God has been doing. If you would like to see our answers please ask.

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In September Connie went to university and Eileen joined us on the team. It is a shame that we have lost the younger voice, but it is good that St Cuthbert’s and St Hilda’s are now represented equally.

Revitalise was meant to be a two year project finishing in July 2025. But it will now continue for another three years but with fewer Wydale visits. The PCC have accepted the team’s wish to continue to take advantage of the support and encouragement Revitalise offers.

Jane started the Reconciling Mission programme in October, which links with Revitalise well. The project is to help us to identify where God is already moving in the parish and to get involved. This may be starting a new venture or blessing someone else’s venture – we need to discern what God is saying, so please pray about this so that we can find the treasure.

One of the things which the Revitalise team felt was really important was to pray the following prayer, sometimes called Drake’s Prayer. Will you pray it with us?

Disturb us, Lord,

When we are too well pleased with ourselves, When our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, When we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord,

When with the abundance of things we possess we have lost our thirst for the waters of life; Having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of eternity; And in our efforts to build a new earth, we have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

To venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery; Where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back the horizons of our hopes; And to push into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love. Amen

Revd Jane

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Fundraising Group

The Fund Raising Group met twice during 2024 to analyse events of 2023 and look towards the activities of 2024. The group tries to ensure that social activities take place throughout the year and that these activities raise funds towards the overall income of the Parish.

All the activities listed below have been well received, with exception of the Craft Fayres so in 2025 we will not be holding any Craft Fayres. Thanks go to Sue Nicholson, Ruth Barnes and their teams for all the organisation in the background.

Activity Activity 2024 Estimate 2024 Actual 2025 Estimate
Grand Draw/Raffles £529 £400 £538 £400
100 Club £617 £500 £760 £500
Trading Post £502 £400 £341 £400
Craft/Table Top Fayres £4 281 £3 700 £4 023 £3 100
Wreath Making £325 £300 £439 £400
Bingo £1 098 £1 000 £1 165 £1 000
Partnerships £195 £250 £105 £250
Christmas Mkt. £1 293 £1 100 £1 660 £1 100
Other inc. Summer Fair £18 £500 £0 £1 000
Total £8 858 £8 050 £9 031 £8 150

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Deanery Synod

Kirkleatham Parish is part of the Guisborough Deanery. Revd. Adam Reed, Vicar of Saltburn and New Marske, is Area Dean, Jeanne Parncutt is Area Lay Dean.

Kirkleatham's Deanery Synod reps are Sue Nicholson and Bruce Williams. Rev. Jane Robson also attends.

There is also a Deanery Leadership Team (DLT) which would normally meet regularly to set agendas and co-ordinate initiatives. Bruce Williams is a member of DLT due to his role as Deanery Financial Adviser (DFA).

Three meetings were held in 2024 in different churches across the deanery.

The Deanery Facebook page is still used, and all clergy are encouraged to advertise what they are doing in their parish.

A Deanery Morning was held at St Helen’s Church in Carlin How in June and proved to be very successful and was well received. It is to be repeated in 2025.

Safeguarding continues to be a standing agenda item with Sue Nicholson providing updates on safeguarding across the Deanery.

Regular financial updates are given and Bruce Williams reports on matters discussed at Deanery Financial Advisor meetings.

Updates and good news are shared across the Deanery with all churches encouraged to share any news (good or bad) or activities they are planning.

Upleatham Trust was finally able to pay out to several parishes that applied and Kirkleatham Parish received £1,000. This is to be used for Christian education for children and young people up to the age of 25.

Sue Nicholson Bruce Williams

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Fabric Reports

St. Hilda’s Fabric Report (January – December 2024)

Internal:

Our continued thanks go to Jon Gordon who was responsible for the completion of a variety of handyman jobs throughout the year. These included: repairing a loose toilet seat, re-positioning a loose handrail in the disabled toilet, replacing 2x loose hooks in the cleaning cupboard, lowering a coat rack in the vestry.

The Fire Alarm was serviced on 26th February 2024 and at the same visit the engineer re-activated the maglock on the front door. The alarm was also serviced on 13th September.

Peter Grogan (Grogan Fire Protection) checked and serviced the Fire Extinguishers in late April, replacing the Fire Blanket in the Kitchen. Peter completed this free of charge to the Parish.

There was a problem with one of the speakers in the Church/Hall – Martin Birkett checked, investigated and recommended replacement of both speakers by higher quality and more powerful ones. These were purchased at a cost of £624.84 and were fitted by Martin, Alex and John.

At the start of grass cutting season, we had to resort to a professional cut of the grass at a cost of £80 – this was covered at no cost to the Parish. After this, Paul and Julie Douglas volunteered to cut the grass after an appeal on Facebook.

Items were purchased using the legacy received and other specific funding. These included floor cleaning machines, a vacuum cleaner, and a strimmer. Several members of the cleaning team have been trained to use the machines following a demonstration.

The skylight window on the North side (nearest East end) failed to close, but after a few days of ‘trial & error’ and consultation with the IT company who programmed the system, the Window Cleaner managed to close the window fully with his extended brush.

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The heating boiler was serviced on 23 December.

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Fabric Reports

External

A second piece of perimeter fencing blew down in early January so two pieces were put back into place in early March.

We intended to source an estimate for white lines in the Car Park. However, Redcar & Cleveland Council staff gave our name to Frontline, a firm which they use. Frontline agreed to do the job free of charge. We now have a revamped disabled bay and 13 other designated bays.

A vertical paving stone was accidentally damaged during an event in late July – using CCTV, we tracked down the driver involved, and he has replaced the paving stone. Following a theft from the compound, we had a visit from a Cleveland Police Crime Prevention Team Member, and she made 3 recommendations:Removal of ‘bike stand’ nearest to South fence; placement of cactus teeth along N & S fence of compound;

placement of sign stating that CCTV is in operation. These were all completed in 2025 by John Gordon.

General:

The use of the building throughout 2024 has again been fantastic – we continued to receive many complimentary remarks about the premises and the welcoming atmosphere.

Our sincere thanks go to all who keep the building clean, those who attend to minor repairs, and to those who open and close before and after activities. This all contributes to ensuring that the community feel welcome and at home in a bright, clean and warm environment.

Sue Garner (Jan – July) Rob Nightingale Sue Nicholson (July – December)

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Fabric Reports

St. Cuthbert’s Fabric Report 2024 (January – December 2024)

St Cuthbert’s church building continues to give some areas of concern due to the ingress of damp in the upper elevations of the building, and from some leakage from the heating system towards the south west corner of the nave. We are trying to obtain advice, particularly on the former from the church architect.

There are still problems with the lighting in the chancel and sanctuary areas. We are obtaining further advice on the condition of the electricity circuits and design of what should be installed. In the meantime, a temporary plug in lighting standard has been obtained and provides an adequate level of illumination, as it uses LEDs for illumination, the current requirement is low.

As at 31 December 2024, the church building was overdue for a quinquennial inspection, the last one was done in 2017, although the report was not received until 2019. The inspection has since been carried out and a report received in April 2025, outside of the period covered here.

Sunday services have been maintained on a weekly basis, except when there is a joint service at St Hilda’s and also on other occasions such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Sadly, it has not been possible to reinstate a choir, so services are said with hymns, rather than sung, most weeks this is to recorded music, although it did prove possible to assemble a small choir for the traditional Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols on the Sunday before Christmas. Thanks are due to Mike Addison who played the organ for that service.

It has been pleasing that the regular members of the congregation seem to have grown in fellowship over the year and a high proportion of those attending take an active part in some aspect of the church organisation. Attendance on Sunday mornings has held steady in the mid to high teens, but occasionally more than 20.

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Fabric Reports

Churchyard:

There are 2 separate areas of the churchyard: the area surrounding the church, which is “closed” to new burials and is in the care of the local authority, and the land further to the North West, which is still “open” to fresh burials, and for which the parish has responsibility for maintenance.

There is an active “Friends of Kirkleatham Churchyard” group who maintain the appearance of the “open” area of the churchyard and we are most grateful for their efforts. During the year, they completed replacing the fences on the north, south and east boundaries of the churchyard.

The condition of some of the trees gives cause for concern and the local authority commissioned a survey of the whole churchyard in June 2023. A copy of the report was received in 2024 and a further tree safety survey undertaken on the “Open” area of the churchyard. The Local Authority report identified Ash Die-Back disease in 17 Ash trees on the “Closed” area of the churchyard and these trees will ultimately have to be felled. A faculty is in place for this, but timing is in the hands of the local authority who will have to resource it. The tree safety report recommended some works which have been undertaken since the period of this report.

It is intended that, again, this year, the church will be open to visitors on a regular basis during the warmer months. We would welcome volunteers from either congregation to help steward the building at these times.

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Community Ministry Reports

Youth Group

Since I last wrote we have had so much going on within our partnership with Blank Canvas. We’ve been to Wydale with our young people from Youth Group where we did some sessions on faith and to come to know Jesus and let me tell you I was so emotionally overwhelmed by how many of them were happy for us to open the prayer for them. On the back of that there was an alpha course started and quite a few of our young people attended. Next, we jumped into half term. We had had a wonderful week which included sports activities, and we finished the week with sparklers and a beach bonfire that which the most wonderful thing happened. One of our young people who attended Wydale, had chosen to actively follow Jesus, which is just amazing. It has been so lovely seeing how Youth Group is growing and how they are starting to ask more questions about Jesus. Since Christmas another of our young people has been attending Saint Hilda‘s.

We had a visit from our Texan friends again. A lot of fun was had over the week. But most importantly it was about engaging with our young people coming together to share stories and for God to move in our young people there was a lot of fun and faith, and friendships were made. I ask that you continue to pray for our young people and the partnership that we have with Blank Canvas and the volunteers that show each week to give a listening ear. God bless Sue G

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Little Seeds

'Little Seeds has gone form strength to strength this year building on the excellent work of Carol and her team. We average in the high 20's for child attendance and an equal number of adults. We charge a voluntary contribution of £1 which I am told covers the cost of the drinks and the snacks which is good.

We secured a grant of £2500 from Million thanks to excellent help from Rob and Sue N. We use this money to buy nappies, baby wipes, period pads and baby snacks which the parents say are very useful. One parent has linked her wage to a works scheme to support worthy causes (us) and we will be getting support from a women's section of the masons. We have used our funds to provide gifts at Christmas, Mothering Sunday, Easter and Father's Day. The church has shown their support to these special days by providing books for the children from the Bible Society which tell the real story of Christmas and Easter.

The parents/guardians really appreciate the Rhyme Time as they feel it really prepares the children for school. One of the the biggest encouragements of the year has been the weekly support of 'Thrive @ Five' - a charity who come each week to signpost the young families to what is on offer for them in the area. We have also had some support from the Foodbank who have brought in nappies, period pads and free school uniform.

A wonderful year only made possible by the amazing team who help run the group - Joan, Maureen, Mandy, Sue G and Sue N have been stars. The prayers for the group have been much appreciated and the support from Jane, Ruth, Rob and Margaret has been invaluable. The one area we do need more help with is the support team, especially with the set up at 8am. We are one or two short - if anyone could give an hour or so each week that would be amazing. God Bless!'

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Tear Drops

On July 29th 2024 we were all saddened when our dear Jill passed away. She is sorely missed by all who knew her. The Teardrops group will always be grateful to Jill for starting this as part of her Church Ministry.

The teardrops group is growing in its numbers.

The format is now for each member in turn to dicuss the previous week and how they have coped emotionally. The members are very respectful of each other's time .and each giving other members support.

Jane our vicar is coming to join in some of our sessions. Eileen, Joan and myself welcome her visits.

We hope to continue in fellowship and empathy for all who come to our supportive group on Monday mornings

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Youth and Families Advocacy Work | Blank Canvas

The work with the young people of our parish is moving forward with the youth group numbers growing steadily, as we have welcomed many new young people as they reach the age group required.

They are all looking forward to the weekend away at Wydale Hall, with numbers wanting to attend having doubled since last year. The last trip had so many profound and long lasting effects on the young people that we are praying for more of the same this year.

The Homework Club has lost many of its older participants as they have left school and moved onto college, and haven't yet replaced them with the new Year 7s If anyone knows any 11 year olds, or older, that would benefit from having support with homework in a relaxed environment, and a free hot meal, do send them along to us.

Working alongside these activities we are continuing with the Advocacy work, where we now have 12 young people being supported one-to-one on a regular basis. We are always looking for more volunteers to join our task of bringing the love of Jesus to each and every one of them.

Carol Petit

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Treasurer’s Financial Report 2024

'Well, what an amazing year we have had financially! Thanks mainly to the wonderful response to our Generous Living campaign, both with increased regular giving and one-off donations, and due to a very generous legacy left by Pat Rutherford.

We continued to be kept busy with all the lettings, parties and activities held in St Hilda’s. The shop and Cafe on a Tuesday morning continue to exceed expectations and not only raise funds but it is still a regular coffee spot and drop in for several groups of people. The lettings from the use of the building and the shop takings cover the loan repayments, while all other fundraising such as tabletops, bingo, raffles, markets, wreath making etc all contribute to the running of the Parish.

The Eco shop is still successful, and all profits are being passed on to Redcar Foodbank. In 2024 we paid £2,568.98 to them. We think this is incredible, considering all this food was destined to go to land fill.

We have an amazing team of volunteers who help run our fundraising events (including some very welcome new faces) and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is involved in any way at all. You are truly a very dedicated bunch. I would also like to thank those who come along to support our events and those who buy raffle tickets or donate prizes for raffles and tombola’s. We are always very willing to listen to new fundraising ideas or accept offers of help so please don’t be shy in coming forward!

Being Treasurer is quite a daunting task, one which I couldn’t do without the help of Rob Nightingale and Mary Tough. Rob keeps me on the right track, he is my right-hand man and mentor when it comes to finance matters, and I really couldn’t manage without him. I am truly grateful for all his help and the time that he puts in working for the Parish. Mary is my left-hand woman (if such a thing exists). I can always rely on Mary to be there to help sort the cash for banking plus all the other numerous occasions she is there to bail me out. I really do thank and appreciate them both.

My thanks also go to Neil Sellstrom for his help and for auditing the accounts ready for publication.

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Treasurer’s Financial Report 2024

I appreciate the format which the official accounts are presented in is quite complicated so below are simplified tables showing the headline figures.

The table below shows the balances on our Current Account (General Account) at the beginning and at the end of 2024. More detail is shown in the Budget Comparison table further down the report.

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Treasurer's Financial Report 2024 The table below shows the hi8h- level activity with the St. Cuthbert's NIC for 2024: St Cuthbert's Restoration Account (Number 3 Alc) Opening Balance £24,769.96 Income: Interest £876.41 Donations £70.00 £74,696.74 Legacy £73,750.33 Exp•nditur•: Tree Survey £400 £1.400 Donation to Friends Group £1,000 Cloiinz Balanc• £98,066.70 Thank you for your generous donation Page 31

Treasurer’s Financial Report 2024

Below is a budget comparison at the end of 2024. At the end of each year a balanced budget must be submitted to the Diocese of York. This budget is reported on at PCC Meetings throughout the year.

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Treasurer’s Financial Report 2024

The figures below show the balances on our three bank accounts at the year end. Below that shows details of the restricted funds currently held within the Current A/C. This means that they can only be used for the purpose intended by that fund so are not for the general expenditure of the Parish.

I think that you will see that we are in a much better position financially than we were last year. Although the Current Account (or General Account) shows a balance of £39,326.64, £17,631.65 is restricted for the purpose for which it was received. We are left with a very healthy £21,694.99 to start the new year to maintain the Parish and any work we wish to do.

As I mentioned above, we have been blessed by so many people this year. I hope that we have shared that blessing as much as we could and that we will continue to do so.

I hope the figures speak for themselves but if anyone has any queries please get in touch and I will do my best to answer you.

Sue Nicholson

Parish Treasurer

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PARISH OF KIRKLEATHAM, ST CUTHBERT AND ST HILDA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

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Urrestricte FurLI Des F￿XI roted Restricted FurKI Total 2024 Total 2023 c￿rCh actrAties - payments Costs of generatir¥J furds FurKI raisrvJ costs (17) D¢J)atiuB {grart$) to charities Overseas missiors (18) e missicns (18) s￿Ular chariti8s (18) Actmtiés dir￿tlY r&]atad to work of cmrc Salaries, wages & ￿￿orarilM (20) WorkirKJ exper6es of the incwnbent (21) WorkirvJ experEes of assistant staff (21) Parson&3e h￿$8 ￿PerY11tufa (21) MISSI￿ & evaThJelism costs (22) Mustard Seed EX￿Tr￿lt￿e Cmxch irBLrarre (23) Church clearirKJ (23) urch acknin costs (23) Church marrtenance costs (23) UFeep of servKes (23) eep of churctyard (23) Otl*r PCC FXOp￿Y Lpkeep {23) Swpcfft Costs (23) Loan irtwest pahj (23) Gas cc6ts (24) Electriclty costs (24) Watw costs (24) Oil costs (24> Ltttle Se￿IS ExpeThlltwe ildren's acIMt￿S Community Actiiities Churches TOget￿r Teessida Fees to Dh)cese Costs of tradirwj Eco sfDP Lettinj dIr￿t costs(25) Parish magazine costs (25) Govemance costs (26) Major experKlitLre Major repairs to clvch IxiklrrfJs (27) Major repairs to cfKrch Ipll (28) Nthv Ixildry or major works (29) 160.00 160.00 215.00 1,687.75 2.4C().00 1.2C(J.00 1.687.75 6.088.00 1.200.00 360.00 2,143.40 4.252.24 3, 688. IXI 1,152.98 59.95 543.72 0.00 1.152.98 59.95 658.72 0.00 11.664.46 5.213.46 570.71 1.238.21 226.64 115.CQ 11.664.46 4,414.24 5,132.40 5.213.46 2.080.91 1,270.97 2.080.91 7.398.21 1,57T.05 1,932.95 578.38 3,OCQ.00 6.127.24 1.400.CQ 1.400.00 409.43 28.448.64 1,364.81 4,804.61 -163.72 3,438.35 29.125.54 1.435.79 3,8C6.06 627.08 2.863.56 736.26 784.56 1,740.00 81.80 29.125.54 1.435.79 3.806.06 627.08 2.863.56 736.26 784.56 1.740.00 81.80 2.242.00 2.242.CQ 4.424.12 4.424.12 791.72 567.94 ).00 SS7.94 50.00 520.80 s).00 62.012.45 25.236.70 87.249.15 65,305.86 6 The expenses paid to clergy may irr1￿1@ a small inmaterial prq)Ortl(￿, vhKh relates to t￿1r fU￿tIon as PCC membws. No paymerts were m&le to PCC membws Page 35

PARISH OF KIRKLEATHAM, ST CUTHBERT AND ST HILDA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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Independent Examiners Report 1nde￿nd•Irt •xamlnerfs report ts> the trusttts of Klth•tham Parlsh, Redcar I report to the trustees on my exarnlnatknn of the accounts of Klrkleatham Parish (the Tru5tl for the year ended 31 December 2024. R•sponsI￿1ftlaS and blsls of report As the charfrty trustees of the Trusl. you are responslble fof the Preparation of the accounts In xcordance with the requlfements of the Charftie5 Act 2011 ('the ACV). I report In re5pert of my examlnatlon of the Trusfs accounts carrled out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying oul my exami nation I have followed all the applicable Dlrectlons given by the Charkty Commisslon under settion 14515)Ib) of the Act. Independ•nt •xamlTh•rfs ststwn•nt I have completed my examinatlon. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentk•n In connection wlth the examination 8ivln8 me cause to belkve that in any material respect: l. accountln8 records were not kept In rewect of the Trust as requlred by sertion 130 of the Act: or 2. the accounts do not acc￿￿ wlth those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the app Ilcable requirernents concern5￿ the fomi and content of ac¢ount5 Set out in Ihe Charitpes (Accounts ftepofts} Regulaiion$ 21) other than any requlremenl that the accounts ghe a 'true and fair vlew which is not a matter Co￿ldered as part of an Independent examinatM)n. I have no corKerns and have come across no other matlers In connection with the examlnatlon to which attention should be drawn In thi5 report In order to enable a proper understanding ol the accounts to be reached. Syned: Name: fvj >iL £iLLS I ILO Relevant profe￿O￿al quallficatAon or membership of professional bodles Ilf any): lfvJ64& 1 p-kL_ 30 pth L¢Lfv4 &oijU£fQ IS1* 6LD Address: Date: ioig Page 37

Chairs Report 2024

I can’t believe that at the end of 2024 I had been in the parish for 15 months. It has flown by with many highlights and things to praise God for.

The year started as usual with us joining Newcomen Methodists for their Covenant service. It was good to celebrate our unity by joining with them and welcoming them to our St Hilda’s and St Cuthbert’s day services. During the year Churches Together Redcar also reformed and we are looking forward to having more joint activities over the coming year.

Worship in the parish continues to grow and develop with occasional offices, school visits and special services as well as our Sunday and midweek services. Thursday morning communion is a small but special community at which you would be very welcome. Connect and the new Explore@4 service have helped us to grow deeper in our faith and in fellowship.

After Generous Living Sunday in February we were blown away with the response. So many increased their giving and several people took on new roles. Thank you to everyone who stepped up. It is really appreciated.

I want to thank all involved in our worship, particularly Billy who has been a great support to me, especially letting me take holidays! And thank you George for leading worship and preaching. 2024 was a special year for Ruth, who completed her training and was licensed as LLM (Reader) at a lovely service in York Minster in September. Sue G, having completed two years as a Community Minister was authorised as ALM at the same service. Many of us from the parish went along to celebrate with them.

2024 heralded big changes in our Community Ministry work. Before Easter both Carol P and Sue G had to step down from Little Seeds due to ill health. We thank both of them, and Jacqui, for their service to the young families in our area. But after much prayer and soul searching we were able to relaunch in the summer. Thank you to David D, Joan G and the new team for the fantastic work you have done building on the firm foundations Carol laid. In July, after a long illness, Jill died; but Margaret M, Joan G and Eileen stepped up and took over Teardrops, taking forward Jill’s vision in new and exciting ways. Our links with Blank Canvas through Carol P and Sue G continue to grow and develop – a partnership we really value.

Revitalise has continued to be an encouragement for us to not sit back, but to challenge and encourage us to review what we are doing and look for new opportunities. Connie had to step down when she left for university in September. Eileen took her place and joined Louise, Sue N and Mary T in helping me to keep this process rolling forward. Thank you to all five of you for all your support and enthusiasm.

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Chairs Report 2024

We continue to have a big presence in the community with St Cuthbert’s opening for visitors to drop in, the café, Ecoshop and wellbeing activities at St Hilda’s, and the opportunity for us to hire St Hilda’s out for parties and local groups. And we had a lovely time carol singing inside ASDA at Christmas. Thank you to the staff for the warm welcome, and to Richard for playing his accordion to accompany us. We joined the Reconciling Mission programme in November, a national programme to help churches make links with the local community. We are hoping that being a part of this will help us to value those we partner with and be a blessing to their work.

In previous years we prayed regularly for the roads and businesses in the parish. In 2024 we collated them into 12 discrete areas, and once a month we have prayer-walked one area, asking God to bring peace and blessings on them. We pray for a way of reaching out to the residents with love.

In June we took part in Festival Teesside, a Teeswide evangelistic event in Stewarts Park. Before the event we carried out litter picks in both Newcomen and Kirkleatham wards. We were joined by our local councillors and others to show the love of Jesus to the area by making it look nicer. A few of us helped out at the event and Blank Canvas took loads of teenagers! It was a wonderful sight to see the name of Jesus being proclaimed over Teesside.

So many people work behind the scenes to keep our buildings clean and welcoming and our services and events run smoothly. Some are obvious but many hidden. I can’t list everything that you do, but it is all very much appreciated. It is wonderful to work alongside such a dedicated bunch of people who obviously love being a part of the family at St Hilda’s and St Cuthbert’s.

And thank you to our Churchwardens and Church Officers and PCC members for working with me over the last year. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful team of people who love this parish and want to see God’s work here grow as we try to be a loving family, and a blessing and sign of hope to all in our community. It has been a particular delight to note that, unlike some other churches in the Deanery, we have a full complement of officers and PCC members.

I finished the report last year with a challenge and a request. I do so again this year. We are continuing to look for how we “Take our God-given opportunities to grow deeper and younger”. This involves each one of us. So I invite you all to join me, us, on this journey. Will you pray for growth, especially in the younger age groups? Will you help us to discern God’s will for our churches? Will you look for how you can deepen your faith and love for God? Let’s keep moving forward and take every opportunity which God throws at us in 2025.

Revd Jane Robson

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KIRKLEATHAM PARISH ANNUAL PARISH CHURCH MEETING (APCM) on Sunday 12th May 2024 in St. Hilda’s

Present: 32 adults

Apologies: Sue Garner, Bruce Williams, Keith Simpson, Carol Petit, George Featherstone.

Opening prayers

Part 1 Election of churchwardens

The following nominations had been duly received:

Nominee Proposer Seconder Mr Rob Nightingale Mary Tough Sue Nicholson Mrs Susan Nicholson Rob Nightingale Sue Garner Mr Keith Simpson Rob Nightingale Margaret Nightingale Mr Bruce Williams Carole Simpson Hannah Garner

All were in favour.

Rev Jane Robson proposed a vote of thanks to Sue Garner who has stepped down as Church warden.

Part 2 APCM

  1. Minutes of previous APCM (2023) Minutes were approved.

Proposer: Rob Nightingale Seconder: Hannah Garner All in favour

  1. Matters arising None were raised.

[3. Election of PCC members – 4 vacancies]

Nominee Proposer Seconder Mrs Susan Garner Mary Tough Hannah Garner Mrs Janet Williams Mary Tough Sue Nicholson

All were in favour.

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KIRKLEATHAM PARISH ANNUAL PARISH CHURCH MEETING (APCM) on Sunday 12th May 2024 in St. Hilda’s

4. Trustee’s Annual Report for 2023

Rev Jane Robson mentioned the overall increase in the electoral roll numbers. She thanked Sue and Ruth for their work with Safeguarding. It was pointed out that the quinquennial for St Cuthbert’s was overdue, but a date has now been set.

Proposed: Sue Nicholson Seconded: Joan Gibbin

All were in favour.

5. Chair’s Report

Presented by Rev Jane Robson

Proposed: Joan Gibbin Seconded: Sue Nicholson

The report was approved.

  1. Presentation of Accounts Presented by Sue Nicholson

The report was approved.

7. Appointment of Auditor

Neil Sellstrom has agreed to continue in the role.

Proposed: Sue Nicholson Seconded: Rob Nightingale

  1. Any Other Business None raised.

Rob proposed a vote of thanks to Rev Jane for her work since her arrival.

The meeting closed in prayer.

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Contact Us

07533123200 . ~~Mo~~ wardens@kirkleathamparish.org

www.kirkleathamparish.org ~~a~~

Services

St. Hilda’s Sunday 9:30am

We warmly invite you to join our church family on Sundays for a service of Holy Communion. Our modern language service uses a blend of hymns and more modern worship songs. As we come together in worship, children are engaged in fun and meaningful activities right from the start, joining us later for Holy Communion. Our service typically lasts about an hour, after which we encourage everyone to stay and enjoy each other’s company over coffee. It’s a perfect time to connect, share stories, and build friendships.

Join us on the first Sunday of every month at 9:15am for our All Age café-style service! Gather around tables for an interactive, informal, and fun worship experience. Enjoy breakfast together, celebrate community, and connect with people of all ages.

We don’t share Holy Communion on this week.

St. Hilda’s Thursday 10am

Every Thursday morning, find solace in our quiet Holy Communion service held in our Meeting Room/Chapel. This peaceful gathering, without singing, provides a tranquil half-hour of reflection and communion.

St. Cuthbert’s Sunday 11:15am

For those who prefer a more traditional worship experience, we welcome you to join us at St. Cuthbert’s in Kirkleatham village. Here, we gather for a service of Holy Communion where we embrace the beauty of traditional language and older hymns.

Our worship, typically lasting one hour, provides a cherished and timeless experience. Come, be a part of our congregation, and find solace in the embrace of tradition.

Everyone is very welcome

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