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2023-12-31-accounts

2023 ANNUAL REPORT PARISH CHURCH OF CHORLEY ST. LAURENCE

St. Laurence’s Chorley is a Registered Charity no. 1175130

RECTORS REPORT

One of the most significant events in 2023 was the launching of the St. Laurence’s Wellness Hub. At one level, this offers nothing completely new, but at another level it is significant, for it seeks to bring together all aspects of our parish life under one umbrella – that of caring for the whole person, body, mind and spirit.

I want to thank our phenomenally committed team of volunteers and staff who are providing as much as we can for our congregations and the wider community. I also want to say a big thank you upfront for all that will happen this year. It is exciting to lead such a vibrant community but we must remember that, as we care for our community, so we need to care for ourselves too. I hope that our year will not just see ‘events’ but also times when we can ‘rest’. Resting in the love of God, or resting socially with one another is essential if we are to be a healthy church transforming our community. St. Laurence’s is a seven-day-a-week church where both worship and community service are the beating heart of all we do. It is of course notable that, as we have grown closer to our community, so more people have been drawn to God in worship. Whilst many churches still struggle to regain life postpandemic, we have witnessed growth in all areas of church life.

I look forward to sharing many activities and times of rest and relaxation with you as we journey through 2024. With my good wishes and prayers and grateful thanks for all that is done to serve God and neighbour in this parish.

CANON NEIL KELLEY

RECTOR OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

VESTRY MEETING

22 MAY 2023

Fr Neil welcomed everyone to the APCM.

Reports

(Please see annual report)

Election of Churchwardens

Bernard Oakley and Darren Nicholson have been elected as Wardens for the coming year.

Apologies

Darren Nicholson; Joan Davies; Joan Heywood; Sandra Dickinson; Tracy Earl; Kirsty Marlton-Thomas; Nicola Pilkington; Andrew Walkden

Minutes of the previous APCM - 05 May 2022

Proposed: Bob Berry Seconded: Bernard Oakley

Approval of 2022 Annual Report Proposed: Phil Hall Seconded: Dan Hubbersty

Elections and Appointments

Deanery Synod Members

Tony Checker Phil Hall Fiona Pattison

PCC Members

Alan Winstanley Chris Pryor Nicola Pilkington Fraser Marlton-Thomas Emma Barraclough Kirsty Marlton-Thomas Neal Bennet-Williams Karen Pemberton

Deputy Warden

Alex Barrack

Independent Examiner John Schofield

Proposed: James Laidler Seconded: Pat Roberts

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CHAIRMANS ANY OTHER REMARKS BUSINESS

Fr. Neil thanked everyone for the effort that has been put into bringing the report this year to fruition.

Fr. Neil asked for a moments silence to remember those we have lost this past year. Fr. Neil highlighted the appointment of Natalie Print as parish administrator; Alex Barrack as Tower Captain; Jill Smith as project administrator. This year we have joined the national places of welcome scheme, marked the death of the Queen, provided an early response to the Ukraine appeal. Fr. Neil also thanked the Friends of St Laurence for the fundraising they have done to secure the organ roof. With the money raised so far and a substantial donation that has

been received, the majority of the work will be able to be undertaken.

Grateful thanks to Fiona Pattison for taking on the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator. It was acknowledged the amount of work that is undertaken by the volunteer community which has aided the growth in the day to day ministry of the church and we have also seen a growth in church service attendance. Fr. Neil hoped that people could see the hard work that is paying off.

Concern was raised regarding the car park and the proposal to limit access during the day and the impact this may have on volunteers who attend during the week having to go out to their cars to move them to secure another car parking ticket. Fr. Neil pointed out that without a risk assessment being undertaken we are not insured. With the volume of work that is being undertaken we need to ensure that we are operating in a safe and legal way. There are often occasions when there is double/triple parking that is happening.

A proposal was put forward to ask the council if there could be an exemption made for volunteers having to move their cars after 3 hours to another car park if they needed to be at church longer. Emma Barraclough has offered to ask the council if this could be an option for us.

Rachel Gilkes has offered to look at the Taste Café Rota to see if the times volunteers attend could be staggered in light of the restriction of three hours in the car park opposite church. Fr. Neil advised that James had secured two spaces at the bowling club but as of yet nobody has taken up these spaces. He also advised that his drive is available for use as well if required.

Elspeth thanked Fr. Neil for his leadership over the past year and also thanked everyone else for all the support they provide to the church over the past year.

Alan confirmed that the organ work will begin beginning of July. Question was raised regarding when the next lot of pews will be removed. The PCC are looking to apply for a faculty later this year. Fr. Neil advised that on Sunday 28 May an appeal will be launched for the new chairs to be used in the space created by the removal of some of the pews by the organ pipes. The congregation will have the opportunity to purchase a chair and this will be recorded in a book (not on the chair itself).

A question was raised regarding the sale of the pews and if there was a market for them. Fr. Neil advised that he has already received several offers to purchase the pews when they are removed.

Dan advised that the tenants currently in 57 Park Road are in the process of buying the property. Completion date of September/ October 2023.

Fr Neil closed the meeting at 19:47.

STRUCTURE MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate established by the Church of England. The Ecclesiastical Parish of Chorley St Laurence operates under the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956.

The PCC is registered with the Charity Commission, number 1175130. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.

All those who attend our services are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. The PCC hold regular meetings during the year.

Reports from PCC sub committees have been received and considered regularly at PCC meetings. The PCC has a Safeguarding Policy in place.

In 2023 the PCC operated the following sub-committees that report back to it as necessary and their deliberations are discussed.

PARISH FINANCE AND FABRIC COMMITTEE

Rector (ex-officio), James Laidler (Chair), Phil Hall, David Ward, Joy Barrack, Alex Barrack

SAFEGUARDING GROUP

Rector (ex-officio), Parish Safeguarding Officer, Fiona Pattison

REDEVELOPMENT GROUP

Becky Gilbert-Rule (chair), Rector (ex-officio), Jill Smith, Dan Hubberstey, Andrew Walkden, Darren Nicholson, Alan Winstanley, David Ward

RAISE THE ROOF COMMITTEE

Karen Pemberton (Chair), Cheryl Winstanley, Pat Roberts, Anne Watts, Joyce Fielding

HOSPITALITY GROUP

Rector (ex-officio), Rachel Gilkes (Chair), Brian Clarke, Chris Hedges, Fiona Pattison, John Handforth, Margaret Shackleton, James Laidler, Alan Winstanley

HEALTH AND SAFETY GROUP

James Laidler, Joan Hayward, David Ward

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

THE PARISH OF CHORLEY ST LAURENCE IS A REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1175130 THE PARISH IS PART OF THE DIOCESE OF BLACKBURN WITHIN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND THE CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS IS: ST LAURENCE PARISH OFFICE, UNION STREET, CHORLEY, PR7 1EB

Website www.stlaurencechorley.co.uk
Rector Fr. Neil Kelley (PCC Chairman)
Ordinand in Training Cornelius Asghar
Assisting Clergy Canon Ken Barrett, Rev David Ward, Fr Edmund Straszak, Fr Robert Moore, Rev Mike Hatton
LLM Joan Hayward (retired 16 April 2023)
ALMs Phil Hall, Tony Checker, Neal Bennet-Williams
Parish Administrator Natalie Print
Rectors PA Jackie Gemson
Kitchen Manager Rachel Gilkes
Ops Manager Irene Preston
Project Administrator Jill Smith
Parish Nurse Lisa Corbet
CAP Debt Centre Manager Rachel Gilkes
PCC Treasurer James Laidler
PCC Secretary Michelle Wareham (until 22 May 2023), Tracy Earl (from 31 August 2023)
Churchwardens Bernard Oakley (ex-officio PCC), Darren Nicholson (ex-officio PCC)
Deputy Churchwardens Elle Greenhough and Michelle Wareham (until 22 May 2023),
Alex Barrack (from 23 May 2023)
Deanery Synod Reps Phil Hall (2026), Tony Checker (2026), Fiona Pattison (2026)
Elected PCC Members
Andrew Walkden (2024), Dan Hubberstey (2024), James Laidler (2025)
Joyce Fielding (2025), Betty Kelly (2025), Alan Winstanley (2026), Chris Pryor (2026),
Fraser Marlton-Thomas (2026), Karen Pemberton (2026), Kirsty Marlton-Thomas (2026),
Nicola Pilkington (2026), Tracy Earl (2026), Neal Bennet-Williams (2026),
Emma Barraclough (2025), Alex Barrack (2025) from June 2023
Co-opted PCC Members Alex Barrack (2025) until May 2023
Electoral Roll Officer Natalie Print
Finance Committee James Laidler until June 2023 when the Parish Finance and Fabric Group was formed
Fabric Committee Chris Pryor until June 2023 when the Parish Finance and Fabric Group was formed
Finance and Fabric Group James Laidler (committee formed in July 2023)
Health and Safety Officers Neal Bennet-Williams (until July2023), John Handforth and Chris Sweeney,
SkW construction Consultancy (external consultants) from July 2023
Parish Safeguarding Officer Nicola Pilkington
Redevelopment Group Becky Gilbert-Rule (chair), Fr Neil Kelley, David Ward, Jill Smith, Dan Hubberstey,
Andrew Walkden, Darren Nicholson, Alan Winstanley
Raise the Roof Committee Karen Pemberton (Chair), Cheryl Winstanley, Pat Roberts, Anne Watts, Joyce Fielding
Parish Bankers Yorkshire Bank, Preston
Independent Examiner John Schofield BA (Oxon), ACA, 126 Deerfold, Chorley, PR7 1UH
Architect John Coward Architects Ltd, 3 Unsworth’s Yard, Ford Road, LA11 6PG

DAY TO DAY MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF THE CHURCH IS EXERCISED BY THE INCUMBENT, FR NEIL KELLEY AND THE CHURCHWARDENS, BERNARD OAKLEY AND DARREN NICHOLSON, CONTACTABLE THROUGH ST LAURENCE PARISH OFFICE, UNION STREET, CHORLEY PR7 1EB, TEL: 01257 231360

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

CHURCHWARDENS REPORT

This report is made available to the PCC and all members of the Parish Church of St Laurence’s, Chorley, under Section 5 of the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991.

A very active year for our church this year with so much happening. I don’t know where to begin, so I’ll start by offering congratulations to Fr Neil on his new role of Assistant Archdeacon and also becoming a Canon for which a service was held at Blackburn Cathedral on Friday, 02 February and a service for the celebration of becoming Assistant Archdeacon on Sunday 11 February.

The Friends of St Laurence’s continue to make great strides forward and now have a new leader in Alistair Morwood, who has taken over from Michael Welsh, to whom I offer my thanks for his leadership over the period that he has been at the head of FOSL.

The church bells have been ringing for Sunday services and other events, so thank you to the ringers and welcome to the new faces; it’s really nice to hear them on Sundays.

The church has also been lucky to have several retired priests to help out, so I offer them a warm welcome and thanks; their services are greatly appreciated.

We are a church for the community providing many services for people in need, whether it be for health reasons, financial problems or other reasons. Many people are involved providing help and assistance in so many ways and I would just like to say thanks to them for making things happen.

The shop and the Standish Stitchers continue to work well together, providing some great gifts and also getting involved with the Chorley Flower Show which won the team the top award, so well done to one and all.

The church attendance is still on an even keel with 200 plus over the weekend services. The Christmas services were spread over two separate events with both having 200 in attendance. Fund raising has been a big feature this year with events taking place to raise money, not just for repairs but to keep the church running, the church roof still being a big concern.Cornelius, Anne Watts and Andrew Walkden all did funding raising events and up to now I understand they have raised £10,000; great stuff and well done! Other events are taking place in the near future.

Alex Barrack has now been appointed as Churchwarden, so having completed my six years as Churchwarden, I will step back to become a Deputy Churchwarden.

I can’t say thank you to everybody who has worked so hard to make things happen and keep things running because the list is endless, but I just want to let them know that their work is very much appreciated.

Several people who we know have unfortunately sadly passed away during the last 12 months. My thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families; their faces and memories will forever stay with us.

Prayers and blessings to you all from the Wardens.

Churchwardens: Bernard Oakley, Darren Nicholson and Alex Barrack

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MICHAEL WELSH,
RETIRING FRIENDS OF
ST. LAURENCE
CHAIRMAN
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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

DEANERY SYNOD

The Chorley Deanery Synod has met twice since the last Annual Report, as well as an informal meet and greet social evening held in the grounds of the Rectory in Chorley during last summer.

The first meeting was held at St Peter’s, Chorley, on 12 October 2023. Fr Neil pointed out that ensuring reports and requirements are met is our shared responsibility, and he introduced Fr Alan to lead the next session, which was the main item on the agenda. Alan introduced himself as a retired clergyman residing in St Peter’s parish, who is an Accredited Independent Examiner who has extensive knowledge of PCC accounts with turnovers in excess of £100,000 which legally require specialist supervision.

He reminded us of the legal status and responsibilities of PCCs, which should be set out at the start of the annual report. He explained the difference between ‘Registered Charity’ and ‘Excepted Charity’ status. In due course all churches will require to become ‘Registered Charities’. He explained how some people were reluctant to become PCC members because of the possibility of liability. The key to this is good practice, for example ensuring the Fit and Proper Persons forms are routinely filled in. There are many helpful sources to help with this and guidance was given on this. There is no requirement for the incumbent to write up or produce the annual report but he has a managerial responsibility to see that it is done. The annual report is the PCC’s account of its work done that year and all members are responsible for ensuring it is accurate.

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

In discussing accounting, he explained the difference between Receipts and Payments and Accruals. Accruals method is required where income exceeds £250,000.

The appointment of officers was made at this meeting. The second meeting was held on 13 February 2024 at St Laurence’s Church following refreshments, including pancakes, and Evening Prayer, which included the licensing of Revd. Jo Smith from Euxton Parish Church as the new Area Dean.

The main item of business was a discussion on the Deanery Mission which is to take place between 17 to 19 May 2024 (Pentecost).

The objective is for parishes to either organise a parish activity, or attend another parish’s activity, and invite people from the wider community to participate. We were invited to discuss in our parish groups some possible activities that we might undertake. One suggestion made, to be followed up, is a Christian magician. Canon Neil advised that whatever we decided upon would have to have an aspect of faith connected to it.

Bishop Philip reminded us of the need to pray and to rely on God and not our own efforts.

We concluded with the Mission Prayer.

Phil Hall Deanery Synod Member

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BISHOP PHILIP, REV’D JO SMITH, ARCHDEACON MARK IRELAND
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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

FABRIC REPORT

2022/3 has seen quite a few changes and needs of the fabric of the Church as we have opened up post Covid and emerged into a cost of living crisis. The needs of the Church and the building being another year older has meant work to be done.

Things done, areas looked at

Roof

Work has been done of the roof, replacing cracked tiles, clearing the gutters and renewal of the roofing over the organ over the past year. The replacement of the roof over the organ was paid for by the Friends of St Laurence’s to whom we are most grateful. There is a deal to do on the roof in general and West End window in particular. Much of this is detailed in the Quinquennial report.

Standish Room

This room doubles as the emergency food store room, shop overflow, lost property, wheelchair storage and recently things that were in the loft. New shelving has been put up to help with the food, the shop is to get shelving and the loft is to be reordered with shelving once the plastering has been done up there.

Drains

The former men’s toilets has been causing problems over the year. Blocked then the following day flowing properly. Leading us to think that the problem had solved itself. Until it blocked and stayed blocked. Digging out the drain from a manhole cover behind Church and replacing the air admittance valve look to have solved the blocking and smell problems.

Loft

During roof repairs the loft needed to be cleared. The cushions have been put back on the pews. (They were taken out of use during Covid.) Some of the items up there have been put on the back refectory roof (this is designed to take extra weight).

A deal of loft contents - old boxes, mangled Christmas trees etc have been thrown away.

Plaster

The area of wall opposite the organ pipes was losing chunks following past water damage. We applied for a faculty to remove this area of plaster before pieces fell onto people. The area will need to dry thoroughly and be re-plastered later. It has to be done using traditional lime plaster.

Trees

Last summer a tree just outside the car park blew down and knocked a section of wall down. This was from the Council’s land. They knew that the tree was potentially unsafe and had been told by us too. Insurance should be paying for the wall to be made good.

Walls

The South wall had a few damp areas. It was thought that the trees growing outside were the cause. These have been pruned right back and the walls seem drier. It also means the gutters and downspouts are less likely to get blocked with leaves.

Kitchens

Repaired crumbling plaster and repainted wall in the back refectory. Shelves in cupboard.

Pews

With the permission of a faculty we have removed a number of pews. Four are secured behind the art display boards. The remainder are stored in the Rectory garage. We are required to keep them in case we change our minds and wish to return the Church to its former self.

Floors

Several small areas of the parquet flooring have had loose tiles. These have been glued back but the removal of pews has uncovered new areas to re-glue.

Lights

Several lights in the main body of the Church have been rewired. This was because moisture was entering the fittings and corroding the wiring.

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Heating

The heating boilers have been serviced. The water heater in Hazel’s kitchen has been replaced as it had burnt out and could not be repaired.

Equipment

Water boilers descaled, video projector mains input socket fixed, trolleys mended. PAT testing completed.

Criminal damage

Sadly we have experienced two breaking/damage. Windows were broken in an attempt to breaking to Hazel’s kitchen area. This was spotted before anything was taken. The bushes inform to the windows have been removed/lowered as it was an easy place to hide whilst trying to break in. There have been people on the roof - looking for lead? None was taken but some tiles were damaged. These have been replaced.

Front gate

Following a funeral a driver miscalculated the 3m+ width and knocked the LH gate from its hinge. This has been fixed and the gate is undamaged.

Where things have gone

Following the loft clearance items there are now on top of the back refectory, in the Rectory garage, in the Standish room, at the tip. When the plastering has been completed much will go back, neatly.

Things not covered in this report

Organ renovations and repairs. Issues arising out of the Quinquennial review.

Still to do

Teak oil several of the benches outside. This needs drier warmer weather. One at a time so that there is still seating available. Checking and repairing the newly exposed floor areas. Those involved in various works, repairs, lifting, advice; Alex Barrack, Neal Bennet-Williams, Tony Checker, Julian Garside, David Jones, Rob Kelly, Bernard Oakley and David Thistlethwaite.

Chris Pryor

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Parish of Chorley St. Laurence demonstrates public benefit with the following activities

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Achievements and Performance

See Churchwardens Report.

Approved by the PCC at the meeting on 12 March 2024.

Signed on their behalf by

FR. NEIL KELLEY, RECTOR AND PCC CHAIR

Approved by the APCM on 25 April 2024.

FR. NEIL KELLEY, RECTOR AND PCC CHAIR

JAMES LAIDLER, TREASURER

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

224 On the electoral roll. This remains the same as 2022 (224)

239 48 Average weekend service attendance in 2023. This is an increase of 31 from 2022 (208)

Average weekday service attendance in 2023. This is a decrease of 06 from 2022 (54)

15 02 01 31 Funerals Burials Weddings Baptisms of Ashes

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

FINANCE REPORT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 2023

Summary General Funds

The accounts for the year show a deficit on the general fund of £27,321. This sum is however reduced by the transfer of restricted funds to general funds used to partially finance the CAP project of £11,357 giving a true deficit of £15,964.

Total income for the year was £204,129 an increase of £56,233 on 2022.

Shop sales

The figure includes gross art sales. The shop continued to make a significant contribution to Church funds.

Our costs totalled £231,450, an increase of £63,651.

Parish share payments were met in full.

Planned giving through STO, green envelopes and Parish Giving Scheme, including gift aid recovered increased by 4.6%. We have 52 parishioners using PGS out of around 100 regular givers.

Loose plate collections and card donation in church rose by 33% to £12,468.

Non recurring grants towards utility costs totalling £20,000 were received. These were split 50/50 with the community fund. The community fund contributed £22,000 towards the costs of utilities, insurance, health and safety.

Recurring grants from the Diocese supported CAP costs, The Project Manager and Deanery Assistant.

The costs of the CAP project were met through the Diocese grant (see above) and funds drawn from a restricted deposit account held at the Diocese.

Gas and electricity costs were 230% up on the previous year as expected.

Insurance claims

We have received claim monies of £1,003 in respect to storm damage to the east boundary wall. This work estimated at £1,400 will be paid for in January 2024. Costs incurred of £1,830 in respect of roof alarms damaged by an intruder will be subject to an insurance claim in 2024.

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

Other funds

Community fund is in place to finance Taste Café, Monday Open Table and Christmas lunch. The fund has also been used to grant emergency funds to those in critical need through the Rector’s discretionary fund.

The fund also finances the employment costs of the Taste Co-Ordinator, Operations Administrator and the Parish Nurse.

Equipment for the Wellness Hub and two laptop computers for staff were purchased through the fund during the year. As agreed by the PCC the fund shares the costs of utilities, insurance and health and safety costs with the general fund. We continue to receive generous individual donations and where possible gift aid has been claimed.

As at the year end the fund had a balance of £28,553 of which £9,719 is committed by specific donation and grant to the ongoing work of the Parish Nurse.

The Emergency Food Parcel Fund

This fund was established at the start of the year to separately show this activity from our other community activities. The funds income has primarily derived from grant support from Chorley BC and Lancashire CC. We are also grateful to Julia and Hans Rausing for their grant of £8,750. In addition, personal and supermarket food donations have been received and valued at £10,470. Total number of parcels delivered during the year was 976 with a value of £20,000.

Fabric Fund

This was established at the start of the year to focus of the repair and re-ordering of the Church. It has also been used to fund renovation works to the Church organ which has also been funded by a substantial contribution from the Friends of St Laurence.

Funds have been received from:

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

Restricted funds held by the Diocese

These are investments held from historical legacies. With the agreement of the Charity Commission two capital withdrawals totalling £60,000 have been made to finance mission through CAP in the last five years.

The value of investments has shown a rise to £151,557 from £138,511 at the start of the year (9.4%).

There is a discrepancy between the balance sheet value of investments which are correctly stated and the figure shown in the receipts and payments account due to a computer error. The correct figure is shown in the balance sheet as described above. The revaluation reserve of £30,633 relates back to 2019. This figure does not form part of the accounts and is not an asset included in the overall reserves.

Provision has been made in the accounts for the following:

Appreciation

I would like to record my thanks to John Schofield, Hon Examiner of our accounts for his work and continued commitment to this task over many years.

James Laidler Parish Treasurer

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

FINANCE GROUP

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE GROUP 2023

The Finance Group held one formal and three informal quarterly meetings over the past 12 months. The guidelines, below, agreed by the PCC, were met with quarterly accounts reviewed and submitted to PCC. The finance function of the PCC was maintained over the year namely:

Oversee stewardship and agree action required.

My thanks go to all members of the Group for their contribution to the work of the Church and especially to Alan and Jean Fishwick and Joy Barrack for undertaking cash reconciliation and banking during the year. I would also like to thank Tom Wray for his support with issues arising from card payments.

James Laidler Parish Treasurer March 2024

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

BALANCE SHEET ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE GROUP 2023

PCC ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY BALANCE SHEET DETAILED

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE GROUP 2023

PCC ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS SELECTED PERIOD: 01 JANUARY 2023 TO 31 DECEMBER 2023

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE GROUP 2023

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE GROUP 2023

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE GROUP 2023

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FINANCE GROUP 2023

There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown

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PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LAURENCE CHORLEY

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINIER’S REPORT TO THE PCC OF ST. LAURENCE’S

I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2023 as set out in the Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council.

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144 (2)) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required.

BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

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

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the

  2. keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mr John Schofield BA (Oxon)

126 Deerfold Chorley

29 February 2024

UNION STREET, CHORLEY, PR7 1EB T. 01257 231360

E. OFFICE@STLAURENCECHORLEY.CO.UK W. STLAURENCECHORLEY.CO.UK