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2024-12-31-accounts

ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, KIRKBY IN MALHAMDALE

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

The Church is situated in the centre of the village of Kirkby Malham to the west of the main street. It is part of the Diocese of Leeds, in the Bowland and Ewecross Deanery. It is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, Kirkby Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 4BS. The Parish became part of a new Benefice of Upper Aire (the parishes of St Andrew Gargrave, St Peter’s Coniston Cold, and St Michael the Archangel Kirkby Malham) on 1[st] June 2021. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is registered as charity 1171766 with the Charity Commission. The last Annual Parochial Church meeting was held on 28th April 2024.

Except where stated all members of the PCC served throughout 2024. The members are: Priest in Charge Upper Aire Benefice Revd Andrew Steer (Appointed November 2019) Associate Priest Upper Aire Benefice Revd Sue McWhinney (Appointed June 2021) Wardens Gillian Marsh (first elected Vestry Meeting 2021) Andrea West (first elected Vestry Meeting 2022) Elizabeth Cummings (first elected Vestry Meeting 2023)

Representative on the Deanery Synod. Lynn Ashton (elected APCM 2024)

Elected members Sue Bailey (Secretary, elected APCM 2024), George Parker (elected APCM 2024) Michael Southworth (elected APCM 2023), Fiona Armer (elected APCM 2023) Stephen Philips co-opted to the PCC at the APCM 2023 and appointed Treasurer at the APCM 2023

resigned 1st August 2024

Max Thienel became Treasurer on 1st August 2024, co-opted to the PCC at PCC meeting 12 August.

The Electoral Roll Officer is Sue Bailey (appointed APCM 2024). The Electoral Roll consists of 78 members of which 69 are resident in the parish and 9 are non-resident.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2022). Members of the PCC are appointed in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. The clergy and Churchwardens are ex-officio, and the remaining members are elected. All members are Trustees. PCC members are responsible for all matters to do with governance and finance.

The PCC Safeguarding procedures are fully compliant with Diocesan policy. DBS checks are completed for all PCC members, and they are also required to complete online Safeguarding training courses, Basic and Foundation. The Parish Safeguarding Officer is Jennifer Rowlands, assisted by Revd Sue McWhinney. The PCC has a Parish Guard Insurance Policy with the Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc.

RESERVES POLICY

Accumulated funds are held in ‘reserve’ to meet future expenditure. Reserve funds fall into three categories:

General Reserve

Funds held in the general reserve account will be used to meet regular future expenditure as and when required. The PCC may also choose to deploy general reserve funds on individual goods or services, consistent with core objectives, at its own discretion. The PCC aims to maintain a balance on General Reserve of no less than six months regular expenditure.

Designated reserves

The PCC may choose to set aside a sum of money to be used for a specific future purpose. Such funds will be held independently from General Reserves. Designated funds are maintained for Bells and Music. Despite the designation the PCC may decide to use the funds for other purposes.

PCC Annual Report for 2024

Restricted reserves

Funds received from donors, often by way of bequest, may be given on the basis that they be used for a specific purpose. Such restrictions are binding on the PCC and the associated funds must be held separately from General and Designated funds and used solely for the purpose intended by the donor. The PCC may also choose to allocate money to a Restricted fund, subject to the same limitations as to use. Restricted funds are maintained for Church Fabric, the Organ and the Churchyard.

Reserve funds are held in Bank current accounts with additional amounts held in the Church of England Deposit Fund.

OTHER POLICIES

Other policies in place cover Health and Safety, Conflict of Interest, and Risk Management and these are available on application.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

7 meetings of the PCC were held and the average attendance was 8 members.

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

The usual attendance at main Sunday services was 24 adults (27 in 2023) and 2 children. Numbers are considerably more for special seasonal services at Christmas, Easter, Harvest, and Remembrance.

AIMS AND PURPOSES, ACHIEVEMENTS, THANKS, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REVIEW OF THE YEAR

The primary aim of the PCC is to promote in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical, according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of St Michael’s Church, which is grade 1 listed, and the grounds, and the good management of the church finances.

The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church, and for visitors to find a place of prayerfulness and peace. The year has been one of encouragements and growth, though a number of parishioners have moved away so our usual Sunday attendance is a little lower than in previous years. St Michael’s continues to be a hub for the local community. Special services were held at key times of the liturgical year: Ash Wednesday, Mothering Sunday, Easter, Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, including the Christingle and school Nativity. We also continue to offer prayer resources and a quiet space for members of the community and visitors in the Lady Chapel, which is much appreciated. A Home Group meets at the Vicarage most weeks, exploring issues of life and faith. In April we hosted the Cry of the Curlew exhibition, and another successful Art in the Dale exhibition took place in June, with a wide range of local artists exhibiting, and a special focus on the work of Malham Smithy, featuring the work of Bill Wild (the Malham blacksmith until 1983). We endeavour to offer music and arts events that will bring the community together and enrich the life of the Dale. Concerts have included an evening of organ and accordion music in June, the Voices of Craven summer concert in June, also two folk concerts in October and November. Fund-raising events included a highly successful ‘pop up café’ in Malham at Easter. The Good Friday ‘Walk in the Dale’ was well supported, bringing members of the community together, and the church is also involved in outreach through the Malham Show, community events, pastoral visiting, and articles in the Parish Magazine.

Revd Sue takes regular assemblies in Kirkby-in-Malhamdale primary school and hosts visits for the school to do art and heritage projects in church, as well as to rehearse their Nativity. The Open the Book team continues to visit the school fortnightly.

Revd Sue supports Revd Andrew Steer by taking services at Coniston Cold and Gargrave, including weddings and funerals, and supports the deanery in her role as Deanery Secretary. She continues to be involved with the MuslimChristian Women’s Group, and visits by the Leeds City of Sanctuary Maternity Stream. Visitor ministry continues to be a big part of the role of the church, and Revd Sue’s ministry, church being open every day of the year for those in need of a place to reflect as well as those interested in the heritage of our 15[th] century grade one listed church. 17,000 visits were recorded during the year, which includes those attending services, events, and for church care and maintenance. We continue to serve the community with a well-stocked card stall, second-hand books for sale, locally grown plants, and in being a collection point for donations to Skipton Food bank.

There were 3 weddings, 5 funerals, 2 burials of ashes, and one baptism during the year. The main Sunday service is Sung Eucharist, with some variety on first Sundays of the month (an 8.30am BCP Communion and a 10am Family Service) and a service of Choral Evensong during 2024 with thanks to the support of a visiting choir. We also hosted the annual service for the Yorkshire Association of Change Ringers in May, which was very well attended.

PCC Annual Report for 2024

Huge thanks are due to all those who support the ministry and mission of St Michael’s: the Wardens, Treasurer and Bookkeeper, organists (Margaret, Lawrence, and Adrian), sides people, bellringers, fabric committee, grass cutting team, flower arrangers, and all those who help with cleaning and maintenance of the church and grounds so that it is a welcoming and well-cared for space for visitors and locals. We are also most thankful to all those whose regular giving and fund-raising has enabled us to pay our way, and for those who have given freely of their time to serve on the PCC. Revd Sue McWhinney, Associate Priest.

FINANCE

2024 was a year of transition and financial improvement for the church. Despite ongoing economic challenges, we managed to increase our income, reduce our expenditure, and end the year with a significantly stronger financial position than in 2023. However, this year also came with notable challenges, particularly in the transition of treasurer responsibilities, access to financial accounts, and reconciliation of historical financial records.

Treasurer Transition & Administrative Challenges

In the summer of 2024, Max Thienel was co-opted as treasurer and formally took over from Stephen Phillips on 1[st] August. The transition process was more complex than expected due to difficulties in obtaining access to our financial accountscompounded by the fact that the accounts had been set up by a previous treasurer bar one.

Gaining access to the bank accounts, reserve accounts, investment accounts, and the HMRC tax system took several months. This caused delays in financial operations, most notably in submitting Gift Aid claims, which we later discovered had not been submitted at all in the previous year. Significant efforts have been required to resolve these administrative issues and ensure a smoother process moving forward. As a result, a figure of £4,300 is included in accrued income being the estimated gift aid claim receivable on the accruals accounting basis.

Recognising the need for better financial management, we introduced a dedicated bookkeeper, Alison Lucas , from the Gargrave congregation. Alison now handles the day-to-day financial recording, while Max’s focus is on reporting and keeping the PCC informed of financial trends and developments. We believe this structure will improve our financial oversight and make financial reporting clearer and more actionable.

Reconciliation of Financial Records

During the preparation of the 2024 accounts, Alison conducted a detailed reconciliation of historical figures. This process identified several key differences from the initially prepared 2024 figures:

These adjustments do not affect the overall financial position but provide a more accurate and transparent view of church finances.

Financial Overview

Following these reconciliations, the church ended 2024 with a total income of £55,899 and a total expenditure of £44,840 , resulting in a net surplus of £11,059 . This is a marked improvement from 2023, when our net surplus was £805 . However, this surplus does not include certain expenses related to 2024, such as oil bills for the Christmas period.

The reported increase in net income for 2024 is primarily driven by:

PCC Annual Report for 2024

Income Analysis

Regular giving and collections remained stable year-on-year:

Activities for generating funds brought in £13,166 , while Investment income (including the Smithy rent) totalled £4,339 .

Major fluctuations in our income were as follows:

Expenditure Analysis

One of the most significant financial decisions made in 2024 was the decision not to pay the full Parish Share within the calendar year. In 2023, we contributed £24,907; in 2024 we contributed £22,213, of which £18,000 was paid before the year end, and an additional £4,213 was paid in February 2025 (included in Accrued Expenses).

This decision was made primarily in light of the anticipated findings of the Quinquennial Architect's Inspection , which is expected to recommend several non-negotiable refurbishments and repairs to the church building. These works are likely to involve significant costs , and the PCC agreed it was prudent to preserve reserves in anticipation of these upcoming obligations, as well as the architect’s fee for this inspection.

In addition to these anticipated costs, 2024 also saw two further major expenses :

Looking Ahead to 2025

  1. Quinquennial Inspection – We await the findings of the Quinquennial Architect's Inspection, expected to require substantial repairs to the church building fabric, with significant financial implications.

  2. Parish Share Contributions – Future discussions will determine how best to approach Parish Share payments in light of anticipated building costs.

  3. Improved Reporting – With robust bookkeeping and a clearer financial foundation, we aim to provide more detailed financial reporting to the PCC.

  4. Utility Cost Management – Anticipated increases in utility costs following the expiry of our electricity contract in 2025.

  5. Fundraising & Community Engagement – Continued focus on growing income through community activities and events.

Conclusion

2024 was a year of significant financial progress, underpinned by the resolution of historical financial complexities and improvements in financial management. While the headline surplus is strong, it is important to recognise that this has been influenced by accounting adjustments and the reduced Parish Share payment. Looking ahead, we face substantial challenges, particularly in addressing the likely outcomes of the Quinquennial Inspection. Nevertheless, with continued prudent management and the support of the congregation, we are well placed to meet these challenges and maintain the financial health of the church. Max Thienel (Treasurer)

CHURCH FABRIC

1) Quinquennial Fabric Inspection and Report

PCC Annual Report for 2024

Stormdry Applicatron to the tower In 2023 has almost eliminated water in8ress. There is still ingress above the South Aisle with some wind conditions. b. Water penetraiion has affected plaster above ihe North Aisle. Stron8 winds and rain from ihe Northeast are thought to have precipitated this. Stormdry has been applied to the North Aisle and the heatr'ng is maintained at 10 degrees or above to conserve the fabrlc of the building. 31 Solar Panels and Heat Pump Work on a case for installin8 a 8round source heal pump and solar panels to replace the current boilers has begun. 41 Churchyard A decision was made to commission a report on trees with ash dieback. b. Generdl work clearing Ivy from boundary wa115 etc has contr"nued. Yellow rattle had a poor year in the wildflower area, and more has been sown, but diversity has increased. The area has been acts'vely managed with scything. A new lawnmower was purchased for the grass cuth'ng team. who keep the grass rrimmed throughout the growing season. Gravestones are checked for stability 6 monthly. 5) Sm3rtwater applied to the lead above the North Aisle and anti-climb paint to fixfures above the boiler house. 61 Staging was arr3n8ed for the school natrvity plav 71 The group recommended the tender by Allansound Communications for the new sound system which was insta51ed in Autumn 2024. The Inductron loop works. The ongoing work schedule includes clearing of gutters and hoppers, drains and ventilation etc. Inspection for and treatment of woodworm or other damage to wood has been done. Paul Mcwhinney and fed Ellis (Fabric Group) MALHAMDALE PAftISH NEWS The Parish magazine was published 10 times during the year and distributed by our appreciated band of volunteers to all households in the Dale. The publication, which has a print run of 450 and is free of charge to recipients. is produced by St Michael's as a service to the community and is a valuable source of information about local events, local Ofganisations and contains interesting general articles. The editor is Sue Heseltine. who receive5 copy from contributors each month, and prepares the magazine format. During the year our printer unexpectedly went out of business. but our editor quickly managed to find a replacement with better quality printing and binding of the magazine. The cost of the magazine is funded mainly from advertlsements placed by a loyal group of about 50 local businesses. along with donations from some individuals and Airton Parish Meeting. We are very grateful to all of these. enabling us to cover the costs of producin8 this valuable source of information. Michoelsouthworth. THE BELLRINGERS St Michael's Bell ringing team is now well established and continuing to improve their skllls. All fifteen are now full members of the Yorkshire Association of Church Bellringers. IYACRI. Now with the bell slmulator working properly we can continue with silent practices extra to the normal open practice on Tuesday evenings. With the simulator we can tie the bell clappers and ring the bells normally and the computer sounds each bell note at the right moment. We are benefitting from being able to occasionally take some of ringers to other towers in the local area on their practice nights, this glves an Invaluable experience of ringing different bells. This year we have rung for two weddings and two funerals, also tolled the tenor bell for the passSn8 of five parishioners. In May we hosted the AGM of the YACR and after the service the bells were well used by the visitors. We also welcomed two teams of visiting ringers durin8 the year and held a very enjoyable tour of own to towers in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Two quarter peals have been run8 th15 year, as well as the annual peal for our patronal Service. We hold practices every Tuesday evening at 7.30 and welcome any ex-rin8ers who would like to return to rln8in8 and anyone who would like to learn. George Parker. Tower Coptoln. 171.*J.2r Approved by the PCC on .. . and sIEned on thelr behalf by the chalrperson QJL Pno PCC Annuol Reportfor 2024

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) OF KIRKBY MALHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

Notes
RECEIPTS
Voluntary receipts
Planned giving
Collections at services
All other giving/voluntary receipts
2
Gift aid recovered
Gift aid accrued
Activities for Generating Funds
3
Investment Income
4
Church Fee Income
Grant Income
Other Income
Total Receipts
PAYMENTS
Church Activities:
Diocesan parish contribution
5
Clergy and staffing costs
Church running costs
6
Mission giving and donations
Cost of generating funds
7
Major Capital Expenses
Total Payments
Excess (shortfall) of receipts over payments
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Reserve Funds
Fund Balance at 1 January 2024
Excess/(Shortfall) of receipts over payments
Fund Balance at 31 December 2024
REPRESENTED BY:
Cash Funds
Deposit Funds
Bank Current Accounts
Cash in Hand
Other Balances
Accrued Income
Accrued Expenses
General
Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
£
11,463
-
11,463
8,440
-
8,440
5,485
2,820
8,305
1,362
-
1,362
4,300
-
4,300
31,050
2,820
33,870
10,107
3,059
13,166
3,346
993
4,339
4,624
-
4,624
-
-
-
-
-
-
49,127
6,872
55,999
22,213
-
22,213
605
-
605
10,156
7,424
17,580
268
-
268
4,174
-
4,174
-
-
-
37,416
7,424
44,840
11,710
(551)
11,159
£
£
£
31,160
22,193
53,353
11,710
(551)
11,159
42,870
21,642
64,512
£
£
£
26,701
19,708
46,409
15,166
957
16,123
2,084
-
2,084
43,951
20,665
64,616
4,344
-
4,344
(4,547)
-
(4,547)
(203)
-
(203)
43,747
20,665
64,412
2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
£
11,738
-
11,738
8,241
-
8,241
5,055
1,526
6,581
5,067
-
5,067
-
-
-
30,101
1,526
31,627
8,535
500
9,035
2,787
581
3,369
2,045
-
2,045
92
1,753
1,845
-
-
-
43,560
4,360
47,921
24,907
-
24,907
808
-
808
13,285
2,245
15,529
793
-
793
5,078
-
5,078
-
-
-
44,871
2,245
47,116
(1,311)
2,116
805
£
£
£
32,471
20,078
52,549
(1,311)
2,116
805
31,160
22,193
53,353
£
£
£
25,356
18,714
44,070
5,690
3,479
9,169
114
-
114
31,160
22,193
53,354
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31,160
22,193
53,353
2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 Basis of Accounting

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Accruals basis. The basis has changed from receipts and payments to accruals, and will continue as such for the foreseeable future.

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
All other giving/voluntary receipts
Donations
Direct QR Code Donations
Bequests
Activities for Generating Funds
Parish Magazine
Bookstall
Show Cake Stall
Art in the dale : Artist Donations
Art in the dale : Event Income
Musical Evenings
PopUp Café
200 Club
Other
Investment Income
Rental Income - Smithy
Interest income
Diocesan Share
Share requested
Less share paid and accrued
Share unpaid
Church running costs
Upkeep of services
Insurance
Heat & Light
Administration
Church Maintenance
Church Bells Maintenance
Cost of Generating Funds
Magazine Costs
Art in the Dale : Expenses
Bookstall Purchases
Music Evening Expenses
Individual Funds
Movements in the year on indivudual funds wer
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Bells Fund
Reserve Fund
Music Fund
Restricted Funds
Churchyard Fund
Organ Fund
Fabric Fund
Total
2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
£
3,693
2,820
6,513
1,792
-
1,792
-
-
-
5,485
2,820
8,305
£
£
£
4,889
-
4,889
1,942
-
1,942
402
-
402
270
-
270
243
-
243
1,719
-
1,719
541
-
541
-
3,059
3,059
101
-
101
10,107
3,059
13,166
£
£
£
2,000
-
2,000
1,346
993
2,339
3,346
993
4,339
£
26,426
22,213
4,213
£
£
£
1,030
-
1,030
5,250
-
5,250
1,625
-
1,625
722
-
722
756
7,424
8,180
773
-
773
10,156
7,424
17,580
£
£
£
3,155
-
3,155
299
-
299
621
-
621
98
-
98
4,174
-
4,174
e as follows:
at 1.1.24
Surplus/
(Shortfall)
At 31.12.24
£
£
£
6,848
12,499
19,348
843
87
930
21,751
-
21,751
1,719
-
1,719
31,161
12,586
43,747
£
£
£
368
(223)
145
1,764
-
1,764
20,061
(1,304)
18,756
22,193
(1,528)
20,665
53,354
11,059
64,412
2024
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
£
3,988
1,526
5,514
1,068
-
1,068
-
-
-
5,055
1,526
6,581
£
£
£
4,040
-
4,040
1,899
-
1,899
354
-
354
916
-
916
205
-
205
1,121
-
1,121
-
-
-
-
500
500
-
-
-
8,535
500
9,035
£
£
£
2,000
-
2,000
787
581
1,369
2,787
581
3,369
£
24,907
24,907
-
£
£
£
1,878
-
1,878
4,794
-
4,794
3,444
-
3,444
779
-
779
2,035
2,245
4,279
355
-
355
13,285
2,245
15,529
£
£
£
3,879
-
3,879
95
-
95
328
-
328
776
-
776
5,078
-
5,078
at 1.1.23
Surplus/
(Shortfall)
at 31.12.23
£
£
£
9,083
(2,235)
6,848
1,132
(289)
843
21,091
660
21,751
1,166
553
1,719
32,472
(1,311)
31,161
£
£
£
855
(487)
368
1,134
630
1,764
18,088
1,973
20,061
20,077
2,116
22,193
52,549
805
53,354
2023

Independent Examlnerfs Report to the members of the St. Mlchael the Archaniel, Klrkby In Malhamdale, Parochlal Churth Councll. I report to the PCC on my examination of the accounls of Sl Michael's Chtsrch for the year ended 31 December 2024 Responslbllitles and basls of the report As members of the PCC. you are respon51ble for ihe preParat￿n of the ac(ounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1.the Act") I report in respect of my ex3rnlnalion of ihe PCCS Accounls carried out under 5ectlon 145 of the 2011 Act and in carryin8 oul my examinalion I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charrty Commisslon under Section 14515llb) ol ihe Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination I confirm ih3t no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination 8Ntn8 me cause to belleve that in any material fespect: accounting recoids were not kept In respect of the PCC as required by 5ertion 130 of the 2011 Act. the accounts do not accord wilh those records. I have no concern5 and have corne acr055 no other matters in connection with the examlnatlon lo which altention should be drawn In this report In order to enable a pioper understandin8 of the accounts to be reached. Signed= Date: Mrs M M Layton - FCA. CAIANZ) Town End Cotta8e Malham Skipton 8D23 40A PCC Annuol Reportlor 2024