*stJoL&, Original. L F Y L The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish ot. St. John Leyland. Diocese of Blackburn. Registered Charity Number: 1175098 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 Incumbent - to September 2025 (in vacancy from September): Rev Andrew Meeson St John's Vicarage, Leyland Lane, Leyland PR25 IXB Independent Examiner: Rev A A Clements MA, ACIB, FCIE 15 Carleton Road, Great Knowley• Chorley, Lancs PR6 8TQ. Contents Anniial Report Pages 2-9 Financial Statements Pages 10- 14 Independent Examiner's Report Page 15
Parochlal Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John Leyland Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2025 (This report is made in aGGordance with the Church Representation Rules (2920) and is separate from any statement or addTrss that the incumbent may wish lo make or any reports that any other individual or parish group may presenl at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. It is the means by which the PCC gives and account of how it has fulfilled its responsibilities diiring the year in questions and of it future plans.) Administrative information St John's Church is situated in Leyland Lane, Leyland. It is part of the Diocese of Blackburn within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St John's Vicarage, Leyland Lane, Leyland PR25 IXB. Under the terms of section 3 of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 tho Parochial Church Council IPCCI is a body corporate and became a registered charity on 11 November 2017, PCC members who have served from l January 2025 until the date this report was approved are: Ex off icio Rev Andy Mee50n Audrey Waring Dave Champness Appointment startedlended Ended September 2025 Re - elected May 2025 Re- elected May 2025 Incumbent Church Warden Church Warden IData Protection Officer/ Gift Aid Secretary Licensed Lay Minister Sue Champness Elected members Tracey Johnson Alison Moore Sarah Stirzaker Pat Brown Judith Watson Clare Pope Stella Weaver Peter Hainsworth Keith Waring Liz Beaver Andrew Bullen Caroline Waring Treasurer PCC Secretary Term ended May 2025 Term ended May 2025 Safeguarding Officer Vision Champion Flesigned April 2025 Elected May 2025 Elected May 2025 Elected May 2025
It is considered that all PCC memb@rc and any others who could be understood as 'managers' in the activitios and affairs of St. John's Church, Leyland are deemed to be 'fit and proper, persons under the terms of the Finance Act 2010. AII PCC member elected for the first tiine and any others who have been re- elected after an absence of some time are provided with a copy of "What is the PCC?" a document which summarises tho purpose of the PCC and expectations of its members and they are invited to meet with the PCC Treasurer, Wardens andlor Incumbent for further explanation of the role and to be briefed on the present situation of the Parish. Structure, governance and management The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules 2020. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electora l Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The Standing Committee is the only committee to be in place by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to ratification by the PCC. Its members were A Meeson Ito September 20251, A Waring, D Champness, A Moore, S Stirzaker Ito May 20251, T Johnson and C Waring (from May 20251. Objectives and activities The PCC is aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in 'The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit, and have regard to it in their admi nistration of the Pa rish. The PCC believes that, by fulfilling its responsibility to work together with tho incumbent and to co-operate in all matters of concern and importance for the pi-omotion of the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, it provides a benefit to the publ ic by.. providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, Inoral and intellectual development, both for its members and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers., promoting Christian values, and service by members of the Church in the Parish to its community, to the benefit of individuals and societyasa whole.
Risk assessment The PCC recognises that in relation to 'Risk Assessment,, risk is defined a5 'the threat of any action or event which will adversely affect an organisation's ability to ach ieve its objectives and execute its strategies,. It also accepts that the terim 'risk' can include any circumstances that may, or do, have an adverse effect, and is wider than financial matters. 'Risks' relate not only to the negative consequences of a threat, but also to the impact of not taking advantage of opportunities. The PCC recognises it requires a practical Health and Safety Policy covering activities for both the church, its surrounding grounds, the church hall and lounge. This is reviewed on a regular basis. An Accident Book is maintained. The contents and obligations of the Equality Act 2010 and the Data Protection Act 2018 are known and complied with to the best ofthe PCC'S ability. The PCC is awa re of Its responsibilities i n respect of the Flegu latory Reform (Fi re Safety) Order 2005 in its requirement to carry out a fire assessment to identify any possible dangers and risks, to take action to minimise the risks and to create a plan to deal with any emergencies, and also to vvrite up and keep a record of its findings and to review its assessment annually. The PCC appointed Keith Waring as Health and Safety Off icer to April 2025 and Dave Champness as Health and Safety Officer from April 2025 and as Data Protection Officer. The PCC has complied with its duty to liave due regard to the House of Bishops, guidance in relation to safeguarding. There is a Protection Policy in place in respect of children and vulnerable adults and checks have been made with the Disclosure and Barring Service in respect of persons dealing regularly with young people and vulnerable adults. The PCC appointed officer for this is Judith Watson. Whilst it is impossible to eliminate all risks and their consequences, efforts are constantly made to minimise such occurrences. Judith Watson is al%0 the Safeguarding Officer. During the past year the Wardens and the PCC have considered the major strategic and operational risks that the church faces. Further details can be found in the Incumbent's Fleport. Qegular reports have been made to the PCC and Steps taken to lessen those risks and to deal with any matters arising.
Achievements and performance Church attendance There are 79 parishioners on the Church Electoral Floll, 47 of whom are not resident in the parish. The average weekly in person attendance in October 2025 was 61 adults plus 7 children under 16. In addition, an average of 27 people accessed the servicos via Youtube each week. Carbon emissions Our calculated gross carbon emissions for 2025 were 10.2 tonnes, down slightly from 10.9 tonnes in 2024. Net emissions were 8.4 tonnes due to a 100% renewable electricity contract from March 2025. Review of the year 2025 was a year that didn't quite go in the way we had planned for several reasons. It was designated by the diocese as a year of prayer for growth and renewal in readiness for the Centenary of Blackburn Diocese in 2026, which provides g reat opportunities for mission. I ti line with this it was decided that this should be a year of consolidation at St John's, focussed on prayer and seeking to bring different elements of our church community together. Unfortunately, it was a year when we once again lost several members for various reasons, some through long term health issues, death or family circumstances and at least one as a di rect result of the d i rection that the wider Anglican church was moving. All thpse people left gaps in our teams of volunteers. However, what we hadn't seen coming was the announcemont by our vicar Rev Dr Andy Meeson at the end of June that he was nioving on to become Bishop's Chaplain, taking with him his multi-talented family, and the plan to recruit a new PA. All of this has meant some re-organisation of our activities., however, nothing has completely closed and some changes have actually been beneficial. Moving away from providing lunch at Wednesday Hub, for instance, has meant that all the differeiit groups now meet in the main church building, which apart from being cost effective has also enabled better communication between the different friendship groups and has led to some of those who formerly did not remain for the 2pm service occasionally staying and joining us, which has led to some thought provoking conversations. The Sunday 4 O'clock Live service is probably the activity that has felt the loss ofthe Meeson family the most. Sadly, numbers at this Service have dropped over the course of the year, and it is likely that some families have stopped attending partly because the draw of friendships with the younger Meesons has gone. We have reluctantly moved away from pi-oviding a meal in the hall
after the service, to serving drinks and cake in church. However, this has meant that some of those who formerly left immediately after the service do now stay for a drink and a chat. The service continues to be greatly valued by those who do attend, both children and adults, and offers an important alternative style and time of day for some who would not otherwise get to worsh i p with others regularly. Encouragingly, average attendance at Sunday morning services has remained much the same throughout the year, without the drop in numbers that sometimes occurs during a clergy vacancy, and the Autumn term has seen us enjoying a range of different clergy coming to preach and lead services, which has brought an element of variety. Under our overall vision to 'Live'. Loving Jesus, Knowing Jesus and Sharing Jesus,, the goals for 2025 agreed by the PCC involved growing more mature disciplesof Jesus., looking to recruit a new Children, Youth and Families coordinator., engaging more with our community and wider world., and improving our external communications and signage. Although there have been no specific discipleship courses this year, our Sunday group, Acorns, YouthDOTcom and 811 three congregations have continued to benefit from a high standard of biblical teaching and opportunities for prayer, and the growth groups have continued to thrive and gain new members, enabling quiet but encouraging growth. In drawing together our parish profile and the advert for our new vicar, the PCC were keen to communicate the fact that prayer, Bible teaching and growth in personal discipleship remain foundational to everything we do. A meeting was held in February 2025 with Sam Lee, representing the Ignite project, to explore the feasibility ofst John's employing a Youth Outreach and Discipleship coordinator through this diocesan Scheme. Sevoral questions remained, however, regarding the compatibility of our vision with the constraints involved in accessing fund i ng through the Ignite route, including the availability of a suff icient pool of volunteers to su pport such a worker. Further discussions then had to be put on hold once Andy had announced his move, as there needs to be an incumbent in place for this to progress further. Engaging with the wider community 15 slow work and has been hampered by some of the losses referred to above, but our plans for the mission event in September 2026 are aimed at fostering increased community involvement. External communications have been improved through the purchase and use ora newflag and sign facilitated by our Communications team and work on improving our online communications is ongoing. In terms of internal communications, we are most grateful to Rev Stephen Fletcher for taking on the weekly production of our St John's update following Andy's departure, which provide5 the congregation with all they need to know (plus added bonuses at timesll
Reviewing and updating our goals is obviously difficult while we await a new incumbent, who may well come with different gifts and ideas, but we remain committed to our overall vision, and in this Centenary Year we pray that our aim of sharing Jesu5 Wlth others will come into renewed focus. Dui-ing 2025 there were improvements to our church buildings, particularly the installation of screens in church, an upgraded sound desk and refurbishment of the Acorns cupboard off the lounge. Faculties were granted for woi-k to take place early in 2026 whirh will replace the high level windows above the communion table in church and the vestry windows, replace the foyer ceiling and carpet and refurbish the car park boundary wall. At the end of a challenging year, we are enormously grateful to God for sustainir)g us, for all who give financially to enable the ministry of St John's to go ahead, and for the many volunteers who, de¥pite their own personal situations, are 5t111 prepa red to serve God i n this parish. A5 the Diocesan Centenary theme reminds us, our service IS'AII for Jesus,, and whatever happens in the coming year, we can trust Him to be faithful. Financial Review Summary We are extremely grateful for the provision of financial resources during 2025. The church generated a deficit on unlestricted funds of £4,832 12024.. surplus £3,544), after transfers of £3,300 from our outreach groups. Total unrestricted fund balances, including designations, at the yearend increased to E86,80012024.. £65,791) and restricted funcl balances decreased to £76,31612024.' £78,268). Explanations fo¥ these changes are provided below. Unrestricted income Total unrestricted income for 2025 was £77,555 12024.. £84,086). We were again blessed bythefactthat many regular donors donated bystanding order and others switched to the Parish Giving Scheme and contactless giving. However, planned giving decreased to C49,01812024.. £51,223), and weekly cash/contactless collections decreased io 0.69812024.. 0,8901. £13,51612024'. £12,230) was recovered from HMRC in respect of tax deducted from Gift Aided income. Contributions for the LJSQ of premises from community groups decreased to E5, 62312024.. £6.9121 asour regular groups reduced their hours. Unrestricted expenditure Total unrestricted expenditure for thè year was £86,10012024.. £83,542). 77%12024= 74%) of this expenditure166,41411 was in respect of the parish share and vicarage costs, which increased in total by £4.436. The cost of running the church, lounge
and groLJnds, including maintenance, decreased to £18,010 12024.. U9,2761, primarily due to lower energy costs and reduced maintenance costs. Unrestricted funds As referred to above, the total of unrestricted funds at 31 December 2025 was £86,800. This included designated funds £66,80012024'. £40,959) and unrestricted free reserves of £20,00012024'. £24,832). The PCC'S policy is to try to maintain a level of free, unrestricted funds equal to at least 12 months, expenditure, excluding parish share, which currently equate5 to approximately £20,000. The total of undesignated free reserves at 31 December 2025 is in line with this policy The closing balances on all designated funds are shown on page 13. The most significant designated funds were as follows: Lower Income Communities Fund {LICF) We were again extremely fortunate to be awarded £21,919 by the Diocese from the LICF fund and the PCC continued to recognise this funding separately and paythe full parish share request. rather than net the two off. The LICF grant has been allocated to a designated fund to be used to fund mission giving to our agreed Imission partners, other mission related expenditure ènd any unrestricted deficits. The grant received was added to the balance brought forward at the beginning of the year of £30.067 giving total available funds of ES1,896. During 2025 £7,040 was paid to our mission partners and E9,074funded video screens for church. £413 was transferred to general funds to bring the general reserve up to £20,000 as per our policy and the unspent balance of ££5,459 is carried forward to 2026 10 fund future planned expenditure and a forecast general deficrt. Legacy and Memorial We were extremely bleed to receive a legacy of £20,000 from a longstanding memberofoLts¥ con9regation during theyear. There were no restrictions placed on the donation but in accordance with usual practice the PCC has set these fund5 aside, together with other amounts received in memoiy of past members. to be used to fund specific future projects. Other Other Designated Funds comprise the combined income. expenditure and closing funds for all of our outreach groups.
Restricted funds Building Fund Donations of fj2,650, Gift Aid income of £3,413 and interest of£943 was received in the year. £20,866 was spent on repairs to the lounge ceiling, outside pointing, new alarm system, deposii for new windows and architects fees for remodelling the foyer.The latter has been project has been abandoned due to prohibitive total costs and more modest improvements will be made in 2026. The c105ing balance of E18,849 will be used towards the major works in 2026, including essential work to secure thefront boundary wall ofthe car park, newfiro safetydoors and some new windows in church, and the afore mentioned work to the church foyer. Children and Famllles, Worker Funds The balance held on this account at the end of the year of £42,768 is being carried forward and a project plan for futuye cliildren's and youth work is currently being developed. Progress on this project has been delayed due to the current vacancy. Nefyn Camp Fund Income ol £120 was received in the year and £420 was carried forward at the yeai end. Welfare Fund Income of £210 including Gift Aid, was received and £300 was donated to the Leyland Foodbank. A balance of £378 was held at theyear end. Parish Share Support Fund A donation of £8,000, together with Gift Aid tax of £2,000, was received in 2021. In the event that the church becomes ineligible to receive LICF grant funding, or if this funding is withdrawn for any other reason. this fund can be used towards the payment of the parish share, to the extent that ir cannot be funded from in year income. Interest of £480 was added in the year, bringing the balance to fl1,339. Communications Fund £648 was sperni in the year on new banners for display insido and outside the building, leaving remainiiig unspent fLinds of E920. Future Plans The PCC is committed to continuing its mission to spread the good news of the gospel and to serve the people of its parish in Leyland arld plans for the future are included in the Incumbent's Review on page 5 -7. Report approved by the PCC on 9 March 2026 and signed on its behalf by Dave Champness IPCC Vice Chair).
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Parocliial Chiii'eli Council of the Ei cclesi42Sti¢al ParisEi of St John Leylancl FinanLial Statenieiit.s fvr tlie Yexr ended 31 Decembei" 2025 Statement of Assets as at 31 Decembei" 2025 ]Wloiietary assels Uni'esti'iited Resti'icted Fuiids. Flliids. Tntal 2112) 2024 Co-opei'ic tive cui-l'enl accoiint 26.513 5,068 42,201 C.BF clepo%it accoiiiit 611.228 71,248 131,476 101.743 59 59 86.800 76.11 () 163,116 144,059 Desig)nated 66.800 UndesiL7iiatcd ?o.oou 86.800 Ai)i)rove(I by thL' PC.C on 9 Mai'ch 2026 And sigiied oil its bLliaif by.. Trllcey Johiiso Tre4isurer D#vid• Cl)#inpness Vice c.hair Pa&7e 12
'ote5 to tlie Atcouiits PCC. {yr Lxpcndilui 6CII i.giKJ 600 61 A)11 Llpeii Ir% 882 2¢) 840 20 14ishop¥114irYcsi 8.(44 QAP 9n 9n 4.82l) 300 4.829 Wel[e fiind 5.429 2.448 12.069 14.796
Independent Examlner's Report. Independent Examinerfs Report io the Trustee5 of 5t. John's Church Leyland I report on the accounts (If the charityfor the year ended 31. Detember 2025 whlch are set out on pages 10 to 14 in this Report. Respe¢tlve re5ponsibllltie5 of thè ttustee and eKam4nér. The Iharity's trustee 15 responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity'5 trustee ton5tders that an audit is not required lor thls year undeT sectson 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe ?011 Actl and that an independent examinatton needed. It is tny responslblllty to.. examine the accounrs tindersettion 145 of the 2011 Act. follow the procedures laid down in the general Oirections siven by the Charity Cornrni55ion under section 14J151 Ibl of the 2011 Act. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attent10ll. Basls of the independent examinerfs report. My examination was carried oul in accordancewith thegeneral Direction5 giwen by the Charity Commi55ion. An examination includes a review ol tl)e actounting records kept by the charity 8nd a compari50n of the accounts presented with those retords. It a150 includes con5ideralion of any unusual items OT disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations frorn you a5 trustees £oncerninE any suih mattels. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidÈDce that would be requlrèd in an audit and consequently no opinion 15 given ès to whether the accout7ts preseni a'true and fair view ani5 the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examTrt)erfs statement. In connection with my examlnation, no matter has cometo my attention". which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any materlal respettthe Yequirement5 to keep accouNting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 A¢t' and to prepared accounts which accord with the èccounting rec(Jrds and comply with the accountlftg requirements of the 2011 Ack have nor been m&t. or to which, in my opinion, attent*oN should be drawn in order to enable a proper undeTStanding of the accounts to be reoched. 31 a l/gi}i ÉKfJ Alan A. Clements. Rev'd. /ILI Date Fellow of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners.