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2023-12-31-accounts

Loving God, loving neighbours; sharing Jesus with you.

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

This year the Yearbook and the Annual Report, will be formally presented at the

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Emmanuel Church Centre, Longsight Road, Holcombe Brook, Bury BL8 4DB 7.30pm for 8.00pm.

29[th] April 2023

Vision Statement

“In our Parish:

The Parochial Church Council Updated: 1[st] February, 2014

This booklet gives information about the activities of the various Parish Organisations and the Parish Annual Report.

Once again it is the product of teamwork by many people. Sincere thanks go to contributors who responded so promptly and made this Report possible. We hope you will find the contents both interesting and informative. Any errors are the responsibility of contributors/editor.

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Contents

Annual Yearbook Report 2023 2023

2023 2023
Yearbook 26
Annual Report
 6 Photographs 26
Soup Company 30
Team Reports
 8 Drop In 31
Hall Things Bright . . . 32
Review of year
 12 St. Mary Primary 33
Emmanuel Primary 34
Safeguarding Report
 14 Emmanuel Choir 36
Afternoon Fellowship 37
Safeguarding Policy
 16 ECC Prayer Group 38
Pilgrim Group 38
Fabric Report
 17 19thRamsbottom Brownies 39
10th Ramsbottom Guides 39
Deanery Synod
 18 Open the Book 40
Children & Families 42
BBR Trust Report
 20 Sizzling Seniors 45
Travellers 46
Statement of Accounts 21 Cellar/Youth 47

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The Parish of Holcombe Hawk5h& Annual Report Financial Statement 2023 ADllug1 Report and YvdrboDk 2023

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Emmanuel Church, Holcombe.

and

Emmanuel Church Centre, Longsight Road, Holcombe Brook. and

St. Mary, Hawkshaw. In the Deanery of Bury and Rossendale, Mission Community 3: Ramsbottom and Tottington, The Diocese of Manchester.

Annual Report and

Financial Statements

of the

Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31[st] December, 2023.

Rector & Mission Community Leader:

The Rev’d. Paul H. Sumsion, The Vicarage, Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, Bury. BL8 4JN.

Bank: Royal Bank of Scotland

Insurers: Ecclesiastical Insurance.

Honorary Treasurer: David Lomax. Gift Aid Secretary: Pam Jones.

Independent Examiner: Stuart Moult.

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Annual Report for 2023

Statement:

The PCC of the Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Rev'd. Paul Sumsion, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibility for S[t. ] Mary, Hawkshaw, Emmanuel Church, Holcombe and Emmanuel Church Centre and Canon Lewis Hall, Longsight Road, Holcombe Brook.

Membership of the P CC:

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During the year the following served as members of the PCC:

Incumbent: The Rev’d. Paul Sumsion, Chairman & Rector. Associate Ministers: The Rev’d. Robert. W. Airey. The Rev’d. Vic. Fletcher. Curate: Rev’d. Matthew Brinicombe, (from 6[th] March 2023).

Ex Officio Members:

Wardens: Mr. Peter Hardcastle, from May 2021,

Mr. Stephen Newhouse, from May 2019, (Lay Vice-Chairman of PCC).

Representatives on the Deanery Synod : until 2025

From Emmanuel and Emmanuel Church Centre:

Claire Baggoley to May 2023 , Jo Venn from May 2023 and Stephen Newhouse. From S[t. ] Mary’s, Hawkshaw : Keith Jones and Jean Houghton.

Elected Members:

Fourteen members are elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, (seven from the congregations of Emmanuel, Holcombe or Emmanuel Church Centre and seven from the congregation of S[t] . Mary, Hawkshaw).

Those elected at the A.P.C.M in April 2023, were:

from S[t.] Mary’s Hawkshaw:

Richard Byrom to May 2023 , Ethel Houghton to May 2023, Tim Webber to May 2023, Jane Fletcher, Penny Hanley, Edward Slattery, Jo. Sumsion, Liz.Webber and Stuart Wilkinson .

from Emmanuel, Holcombe and Emmanuel Church Centre were:

Richard Byrom to May 2023 , Jo Venn to May 2023, Rosemary Artley, Claire Carsely Cath Lansdale, David Lomax, Sheila Partridge, Julie Smale and Steven Richardson from July 2023.

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Readers and Deputy Wardens are not ex officio members of the PCC, but are able to stand for election at the APCM.

Readers:

Mr. Michael Burton, ( also Deputy Warden, - Emmanuel) .

Mr. Richard Byrom,

Mrs. Ethel Houghton, (also elected to the PCC).

Mrs. Jane Fletcher, (also elected to the PCC).

Mrs. Jo Sumsion, (also elected to the PCC and has been Children and Families Ministry Facilitator from September 2021).

Deputy Church Wardens

Emmanuel Church Holcombe:

Michael Burton and Susan Nuttall ,

Emmanuel Church Centre:

Julie Smale and Jo. Venn .

St. Mary’s Hawkshaw:

Eddie Slattery and Ray Houghton.

Structure:

(1) Standing Committee/Leadership Teams:

We are required by law, not only to have a Parochial Church Council, duly elected to represent our parishioners, but also a Standing Committee, which can attend to urgent parish business between PCC meetings, if necessary.

In between PCC meetings the Parish Leadership Team, (of which the Standing Committee is part), Emmanuel, Holcombe Leadership Team, Emmanuel Church Centre Leadership Team and St. Mary, Hawkshaw Leadership Team meet regularly. Each Leadership Team organises working groups within their own church.

Standing Committee: Rev. P. Sumsion, Wardens: Peter Hardcastle & Stephen Newhouse, Treasurer: David Lomax and PCC Secretary: Penny Hanley.

The Parish Leadership Team:

Rev. P. Sumsion, Rev. R. Airey, Barbara Atkin, Peter Hardcastle, Michael Burton, Rev. Vic. Fletcher, Ethel Houghton, David Lomax, Stephen Newhouse, Jo Venn, Rev. Matthew Brinicombe, Penny Hanley (PCC Secretary) and Jo Sumsion, (as Children and Families Ministry Facilitator).

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Emmanuel Holcombe Team Report 2023

The Emmanuel, Holcombe Team met six times during the year.

We continue to have Health and Safety and the Quinquennial Inspection as agenda items at each of our meetings.

Building

the Building Fund. Fundraising events are planned for 2024.

The Way forward

Much of the later meetings were concentrated on how we retain present congregation and move forward. Were present service times attractive to families? What type of service should we be offering?

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The children seemed to enjoy the event, fully taking part, asking questions and producing items on the theme. Parents were invited to come into church after school and quite a number did, looking at work and asking questions.

Family and Children Provision

• Presenting Bibles to our school

children: It was felt that we should change the presentation of Bible to the start of Year 3. This would require, (in the first year), that years 3, 4 5 and 6 would all receive a Bible. The resulting larger expenditure would even out in following years. At the end of year 6 it is suggested a small token gift, (book mark or similar), could be made. St. Mary’s also adopted the same procedure

• Eco Church

We have continued to consider our response to achieve Eco Church status, In May Pat Lainton volunteered to be Holcombe’s “Eco Champion” and attended training at St John’s House, Bury along with Claire Carsley (ECC Champion). We still have several areas to improve on before we would qualify for a “bronze award”.

Comment

Our thanks go to the numerous people who offer their time, skills, advice and support to all of the work at Emmanuel, Holcombe, we are extremely grateful.

Membership:

Rev. Paul Sumsion, Rev. Robert Airey, Claire Baggoley, Michael Burton, Rev. Matthew Brinicombe and Stephen Newhouse.

We were sad to lose Jennifer Burton in November, s he will be greatly missed as a member of the Holcombe Team and indeed throughout the parish.

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St. Mary, Hawkshaw Team Report 2023

The Hawkshaw team met three times during the year and addressed the following issues:

Welcome teams: Ways of enhancing our welcome on Sunday mornings were discussed.

Heating: Discussions took place throughout the year regarding the unreliability of our current heating system and the best options for a new, greener and more efficient system. Advice was taken and other churches were visited to see what would work best for us. The preference was for air source heat pumps with radiators and back-up from solar panels. A consultant would need to be appointed to prepare plans and funds would have to be raised. In the meantime repairs to the current system have been carried out and the boiler has been serviced.

Chairs: Repairs were carried out on several chairs and it was agreed to purchase more armchairs. The company no longer did the same colour fabric and a contrasting colour was chosen which works well with the existing furniture. Six new chairs were bought.

Comedy evening: This was arranged in November and was a great success.

New toilet: Following the installation of a new more eco-friendly toilet work needed to be carried out to finish off the surrounds. This was completed with the exception of the flooring which was to take place early in 2024, including the floor in the vestry lobby and toilet.

Wheelie bins: A new brown bin was

obtained for organic waste and all bins were labelled in the hope that members of the public would use them correctly

Hawkshaw Gala: Our involvement in the Hawkshaw Gala was very meaningful with the church running the barbecue on behalf of the Village Trust. A cake stall raised £610 towards the heating fund plus other members of the parish provided a tent for prayer and reflection.

Flowers: Following several requests for there to be flowers in church on a regular basis it was agreed to establish a rota for people to donate either money or flowers.

Cleaning: This has been carried out by volunteers. We asked that the school cleaner would come into church after the school has used the building during the school day just to check that everything has been left in good order.

Graveyard bench: An offer to refurbish the bench in the graveyard was received from a local family.

Screen visibility: Suggestions for improving the visibility of the projector screen were explored. This matter is as yet unresolved.

Village bonfire: This attracted a huge number of people and was a great success. It was agreed that making and burning a Guy was not necessary, nor desirable. We sold pies and the Methodists sold drinks. The fireworks were provided by the Village Trust and the costs were covered by donations on the night.

Christmas services: It was decided not to try to include a children's Nativity in the carol service on Christmas Eve. An All-age Nativity was arranged for the previous Sunday morning which was very well supported.

Penny Hanley

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Emanuel Church Centre Team Report 2023

Emmanuel Church Centre has had an excellent year, due to each and every member bringing their unique contribution to our fellowship and worship. We have had our normal pattern of services ,Taize services as well as midweek communions. We marked the Coronation of the King with an afternoon tea, as well as marking the occasion with worship.

Resurfacing the Car Park

Thanks particularly go to Dave Rigby who gave freely of his time and expertise to oversee and manage the project.It has led to the Car Park being used by other groups such as Hewlett Court and Dog Training Group .

Events

We continue to hold regular events, both as fundraisers and social events and more and more people have got involved ,particularly with Words and Music. Last Night of the Proms, and Drop In Lunch have resumed, much to everyone’s pleasure.

We are never short of volunteers to get involved and the Flower Rota, Readers, Sidespeople and Intercessions Rotas are willingly filled.

We are delighted that D-Caff have chosen to hold their monthly meetings at the Centre, which is easily accessible. Campfire Church has thrived and more families from our schools have joined us.The Garden is an excellent venue for the Remembering Service, for Contemplation at Quiet Mornings as well

as welcoming visitors every day and dog walkers or to sit in its splendour.

Thank you to all those who help at the Working Parties especially Barbara, Stephen and Christine for their constant upkeep.It is a symbol of God’s Creation, Beauty, Hope and Peace and is enjoyed by all.

People

As stated earlier, every member of our community brings their own God Given Gifts, whether contemplative prayer, printing our wonderful magazine,giving out books, counting the money, making tea and coffee or providing delicious cakes.

Thanks to Stephen and John for laying our new foyer carpet tiles and the general maintenance throughout the year. Thank you to Matthew, Paul and all who lead our services and Sheila and Christine for their musical talents and to Geoff and Pauline for organising the bookings and setting up each week.

Warm Spaces has been held at the Centre and is a parish wide initiative with over 20 meeting each Monday during the winter months.

We have launched our Golden Jubilee Renovation Fund to bring the Centre up to scratch by 2026, when we celebrate 50 years of worshipping God on this site.

Members of the ECC Team:

Rev Paul Sumsion, Rev Matthew Brinicombe, Stephen Newhouse, Julie Smale, Claire Carsley, Gloria Metcalfe, Romey Simpson, Geoff Clare, Gwen Barnes, Alan Goldsmith, Sheila Partridge, Ann Milius and Jo Venn

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Mission Giving Committee

Every year we as a parish aim to give 10% of our offerings to charity as our Mission Giving.This is as well as supporting charities individually such as Transforming Lives for Good and Compassion and parish giving to the Children’s Society through the boxes, Bury Hospice in lieu of sending Christmas cards and our weekly donations to the Porch Project.

At present we give to local ,national and international charities to express our Mission at Home and our Mission Abroad. These have included South American Missionary Society, Church Missionary Society, Philippine Outreach Centre, Wycliffe Bible College, as well as supporting the Schwartz family, Christian Aid, Scripture Union.and the Church Army.

Every year we also give money to our two schools Emmanuel Holcombe and St Mary’s Hawkshaw as well as providing Bibles.

As a group we are using Lent and Easter to re-look at our giving as a Parish and ask for your prayers to ensure that we maximise our resources for the best way to do God’s work throughout the world.

Vic Fletcher Mike Burton Ethel Houghton Jo Venn

PCC Review of the Year 2023

The PCC met six times during 2023 with an average of 16 members attending each meeting. In addition, the Parish Leadership Team (PLT) met in the intervening weeks and the Standing Committee, comprising Rector, Church Wardens, Treasurer and PCC Secretary met on one occasion. Such committees have delegated authority to approve or initiate certain measures if necessary.

The following matters were discussed by the PCC during 2023.

Finances:

Throughout the year the PCC received regular updates on the parish's financial position from the Treasurer. Despite levels of giving remaining fairly static the funds available did not stretch far enough to pay the required amount of Parish Share once other commitments were met. (See Annual Accounts) Thankfully the Diocese provided £8,000 towards heating costs.

Several large purchases were made including new armchairs for Hawkshaw Church, a new (second-hand) photocopier, Open The Book membership fees and children's bibles. Increases in pay were approved for personnel employed by the parish.

A free card reader was obtained for Hawkshaw Church which has proved extremely useful during services and social or mission events. Paying for a second card reader with a multifunctional SIM was approved for Holcombe.

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A grant funding training session was arranged during November, the cost of this being shared with some other churches in the area.

Paul's sabbatical: During the summer Paul entrusted the chairmanship of the PCC to Stephen Newhouse while he spent three months on sabbatical. The Church Wardens took responsibility for the parish and the Revs Vic Fletcher, Robert Airey and Matthew Brinicombe covered all clerical matters arising.

Mission Communities: A Mission

Community walk took place at the end of September linking all eight churches and finishing with a barbecue at ECC. This was well supported.

Mission: Some of the areas of mission supported by the PCC include:

Church buildings:

During 2023 the PCC approved the refurbishment of the toilet at Holcombe Church and the purchase of six new armchairs for Hawkshaw Church. The Standing Committee agreed to the appointment of a heating engineer to advise on a new heating system at Hawkshaw Church.

The car park at ECC was resurfaced as a result of tenacious fundraising and a successful grant application, the total more than covering the cost of the work. Thus the remaining funds have been

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allocated to a further fund for repairs and improvements to ECC.

Plans for the new kitchen at Hawkshaw were agreed and submitted to the DAC for approval. However, this was not forthcoming during 2023.

In June ECC suffered a burglary resulting in the loss of many valuable items. Losses were also incurred by the Scouts. An insurance claim enabled the restoration of most of the items and cash although several valuables cannot be replaced. Holcombe Church also suffered the theft of flag stones.

Eco-church: During the year ECC appointed Claire Carsley as their Ecochampion with a view to focussing on measures to improve our eco credentials. Pat Lainton agreed to the position of Ecochampion for Holcombe Church. Hawkshaw Church has yet to make an appointment. Claire and Pat attended relevant training provided by the Diocese.

Working Genius: Paul introduced the PCC to a thesis by Patrick Lencioni setting out six different areas of expertise. He asked that each member identify where their own strengths lie, so that each mission undertaken could benefit from a range of talents.

Authorised Lay Ministry: Several of our ALMs were re-commissioned at Manchester Cathedral during September.

Safeguarding: An update on

safeguarding matters was given at each PCC meeting. Liz Webber (Safeguarding Officer) highlighted the need for all members to complete DBS checks and

carry out the necessary training. A Junior Leader Policy was adopted for those helpers under 18.

School Governors: The PCC appointed new governors at both primary schools as vacancies arose.

Grave space: Applications for grave space were approved.

Penny Hanley, PCC Secretary

Safeguarding Report 2023

Policies and Practice

The clergy and PCC of the Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw continue to meet the requirement issued by the House of Bishops, on matters relating to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding continues to be a standing item on every agenda of the PCC’s meetings.

Safeguarding policies are reviewed and approved by PCC annually. They are all in line with the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance and meet statutory requirements whilst remaining relevant to our particular context.

In November 2023, the PCC also adopted a Junior Leaders Policy to ensure we safeguard our young leaders appropriately for their age. Junior leaders can be age 16 up until their 18th birthday, therefore it is important they are still treated as children from a safeguarding perspective. That said, we are in the

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process of ensuring all of our Junior Leaders have received basic Safeguarding training, as we feel this is still relevant to their role. The Junior Leaders Policy will also be reviewed annually by the PCC.

Our Safeguarding posters were temporarily changed during Paul Sumsion’s sabbatical to include contact details for Robert Airey. We felt this was particularly important during the summer months, when holidays were being taken to ensure at least one Safeguarding contact was always available. We have also edited our posters slightly for use in the Cellar to make them more accessible and easier to understand for young people.

Safer Recruitment

All volunteers who require DBS clearance have had one within the last three years, as per the diocesan requirements. Thank you to everyone who has willingly gone through this process, your cooperation has been much appreciated and goes a long way in helping to give out the message that we strive to be as safe as possible in all that we do. It also shows that we recognise that the safety and wellbeing of all the children and vulnerable adults in our Parish is of upmost importance.

been asked to complete the training, but hasn’t been able to is removed from their prospective rotas, until they feel able to commit to this important requirement.

I am pleased to report that the overwhelming majority are quick and keen to complete their training as and when required. Thank you so much for your cooperation with this, as again it shows that we take safeguarding in our parish seriously.

Safeguarding Concerns and Incidents

There have been five Safeguarding concerns raised since the last APCM. All concerns were passed on to the Manchester Diocese Safeguarding Team within the required time frame and logged on their system. All appropriate action was taken.

I want to finish by saying thank you to everyone for the collective effort in making our churches as safe as we can.

Liz Webber 06.03.24

Training

The Church of England continues to work towards creating a church that is safer for everyone. Therefore, active engagement with Safeguarding training is mandatory for everyone who has a role within the church, which includes children, young people and/or vulnerable adults. It is a requirement that this training is renewed every three years. Anyone within the Parish who has

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Safeguarding Policy

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 18[th] March 2024.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

The Parish will:

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Mrs. Liz Webber as the Parish Safeguarding Officer Incumbent: Reverend Paul Sumsion.

Churchwardens: Mr. Peter Hardcastle & Mr. Stephen Newhouse.

Date: 18[th] March 2024

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Fabric Report 2023

We can report that the buildings, fittings and items belonging to the Parish are generally in good repair, although certain areas continue to require ongoing attention, with resulting expenditure.

Emmanuel Church, Holcombe

As reported last year the DAC approved the Faculty for the work to Kitchen, Toilet, South Aisle, Projection screen and Destratification fans, quotations were obtained. As available funds were insufficient to start in all areas, a decision was made that the “Accessible Toilet” was needed, as a matter of urgency. Derek DeAth Ltd were appointed and the toilets were completed in May. We obtained an Eligibility Declaration for VAT relief meaning the work could be zero rated for VAT.

The projection screen was erected by ourselves at the end of the year and is in use. The location of the permanent projector has yet to be decided. Grant funding is being pursued for the remaining work.

In April flags were stolen form the main path, the cost was met by our insurers.

The leaks to the south aisle mentioned in last year’s report have been repaired. Although work to the tower is still outstanding.

Several Working Parties were held in the church and church yard tidying and doing minor repairs.

Emmanuel Church Centre

The focus of our efforts this year has been the re-surfacing of the car park. We secured money from the GARL Foundation as well as fundraising events and donations from our members and friends to raise the £58,000 needed. In July the car park was resurfaced to make it

easily accessible for all, with a natural ramp for wheelchairs into the building and even mobility scooter spaces and plenty of accessible parking spaces. The focus for the coming year is to work towards updating the building in time for the 2026 Golden Jubilee of the Centre.

St Mary’s, Hawkshaw

Overall, the church is good condition. A Quinquennial inspection was conducted in June.

A five-year electrical system inspection was conducted and passed. There are various roof repairs awaiting attention from the December and January storms. A new floor covering has been laid in the toilets and kitchen. The new kitchen plans and the new heating system plans are making progress. Redecoration of the high level has begun.

The grounds/gardens and graveyard are well maintained and in good order.

General Comments

A great deal of work is undertaken by members of the different congrega�ons, and without their efforts the Parish would have to meet bills of ever-increasing size, and the thanks of all of us are due to these workers.

We thank everyone who works quietly behind the scenes cleaning, washing the linen, cleaning the brass and silver, flower arranging or sound, PA and streaming technicians, Deputy Wardens and last, but not least, the sidemen and women who play such an important role in welcoming people to our services.

The prac�cal help and financial assistance of many people con�nues to play a major part in the care of the buildings, and our grateful thanks go to everyone who has contributed in any way.

Peter Hardcastle, Stephen Newhouse. Churchwardens March 2024

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Deanery Synod 2023 - the Deanery of Bury and Rossendale

The meetings of Synod give representatives valuable opportunities to meet and discuss matters with members of other parishes across the deanery. Each parish is entitled to representation according to their size. Our Electoral Roll entitled us to four members, who serve a three year term of office..

The Deanery Synod met four times this year.

In January we met via Zoom.

Canon Rachel Mann led a short act of worship.

‘Eco Church’

Kath Pollard reported on a visit to A “Gold Award Church” : Christ Church Toxteth. These are a few of their successful ideas - A community compost scheme, Food bank, Cafe/Warm space, Tent inside church, to help reduce energy costs in winter and encouraging walking/ cycling to church. Many of the ideas we are already doing in part in our own churches.

Kath urged us to remind our congregations, on a weekly basis about the importance of caring for our fragile world.

Priority Focus: Growing (Archdeacon Jean)

Archdeacon Jean reflected on how we need to grow in prayer as a community. She spoke about the need to be grounded in prayer and how we can all be disciples

with a direction and vision, underpinned by prayer.

Main Business was: Focal Leadership (Beverly Angier)

Many of our parishes are still at the beginning of this journey and had not identified their leaders.

Beverly reiterated that the model of ministry we have inherited of; ‘one parish, one church and one vicar’ is no longer sustainable. Focal ministry is a complementary pastoral ministry, rooted in a specific community and affirming the local and wider church.

In April we met at St. Mary, Rawtenstall

Canon Rachel Mann (Area Dean) welcomed everyone to our first face to face meeting of the year. Rev’d Samuel Hameem led an Evening Prayer.

Eco Church

Parishes had registered and there were more bronze award recipients. Kath gave us some simple ideas/tips she had picked up from other Deaneries, to help us all reduce our Carbon Footprint.

Main Business was - Mike McGurk, Head of Evangelism & Growth

He explored church growth and how we might bring people into our worshipping communities and stressed the need to pass on the good news to the next generations.

We need to create a culture of invitation to our church and find ways to make them user friendly, building on what we already have.

Mike believes Church growth needs to be a regular item at PCC meetings and

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Enquirers courses should be offered in every church. Our churches need to be ‘ Fit for Mis ~~sion in a diferent World~~ ’ ~~and~~ we need to maximise every opportunity for growth.

He suggested that each Mission Community might like to appoint an ‘Environment/Eco Champion’

the main shared points; concluding that Grace is essential to our faith.

In November we met via Zoom

Revd Donna Williams welcomed everyone to the meeting and led reflective prayers/music to begin the meeting.

Eco C ~~hurch~~

In September we met at All Saint’s Church, Elton, Bury

Revd Donna Williams, (Acting Area Dean) welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially Bishop Matthew Porter, Ima Lomax and new members and led Evening Prayer.

Eco Church

Six Eco Champions have been commissioned in the Diocese; Kath Pollard, three are from our Deanery. St Paul’s Church, Constable Lee have recently been awarded a ‘Silver ‘Eco award.

Main Business was - Bishop Matthew

Bishop Matthew introduced himself and gave a brief resumé of his life and faith.

The main emphasis of his talk was on ‘What it means to be a Christian’ and ‘When and where we experience the Grace of God.’ He asked us to question the gift of Grace and how we receive and dispense it, in our Diocese, Deanery and at parish level.

In small groups we discussed what we could give to our churches.

Time, using gifts to help others, a warm space, prayer in the streets, welcoming new people to our churches, perseverance and being open and non-judgemental were

Kath Pollard updated us on recent Eco Awards in the Deanery

Main Business: Kim Morgan – Jones (Head of Lay Development)

Kim began by reminding us of the Diocese vision for Growing, Nurturing and Serving. She gave an overview on how we can encompass the three visions and focused on how we can be Nurturing. She stressed the importance of making a focused place for Discipleship and Evangelism in our churches.

Our Deanery is ahead of the game in terms of Lay Development. Kim talked about future opportunities within the Diocese

Keith Jones, Jean Houghton and Stephen Newhouse, Claire Baggoley to April 2023, Jo Venn from April 2023.

March 2024

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Report for the Bridge, Bentley and Ramsbottom Trust for 2023.

The work of the Trust has continued during the year with Trustees actively looking for ways to help those in need. Please read the promotional information below and if we can help anyone in need please let them know about the Trust.

The Expenditure for the year was £6,883.04. Grants were awarded in the following ways:

(1) ‘One off’ book grants to university students, (23) Welfare, and (3) Educational grants.

The Bridge, Bentley, Ramsbottom Trust was created as an amalgamation of the John T. Bridge Trust and three other smaller charitable trusts in 2002.

The five Trustees treat each application in strictest confidence. Applications are welcomed from people of any faith or none.

Small grants available for all ages

Do you, or anyone you know, live within the following post codes: all BL0 or all BL8 or these parts of BL9: BL9 5, BL9 6, BL9 7 or BL9 0

Struggling to pay for a much needed item, e.g. Stair lift, walking frame, specially adapted prams, etc.?

We have helped families with school uniform costs.

We can help with the cost of training courses.

We can help with Further and Higher Educational one off grants for: books/equipment, field trips, travel costs, etc.

Can we make life a little easier? Let us know if you are in need.

The Bridge Bentley Ramsbottom Trust has small grants available to those living within post codes BL0, BL8 or the following parts of BL9: BL9 5, BL9 6, BL9 7 or BL9 0.

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Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31[st] December, 2023.

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Holcombe and Hawkshaw Parochial Church Council

STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Holcombe and Hawkshaw
2023
£
£
£		 Holcombe and Hawkshaw
2023
£
£
£
Voluntary Income
Planned Giving - Gift Aid
Planned Giving - Un-gifted
One off Gift Aid
Cash/Collections
Income tax recovered
Fund Raising Events
Magazine
Use of Church Buildings
Other Ordinary Income
Dividends and Interest
Fees to PCC
Extraordinary Income
(i) Restricted Donations
(ii) Energy Grants
Insurance Claims
Special Appeals
Total Income 2023
Income 2022		 63,379.51
4,554.94
600.00
6,786.58
16,669.89
1,795.02
581.70
6,722.00
101,089.64
1,331.39
13,637.00
14,968.39 116,058.03
41,282.65
4,940.00
7,108.67
837.56
54,168.88 170,226.91
170,226.91
136,787.28

Notes

Annual Report and Yearbook 2023

22

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Holcombe and Hawkshaw Parochial Church Council

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
£
£
£		 2023
£
£
£
The Ministry
Ministry Expenses
Support & Education
The Church and Services
Energy
Water
Cleaning
Insurance
Upkeep of Services
Church Maintenance
Churchyard
Other Ordinary Expenditure
Wages
Magazine
Fund Raising costs
Verger/Organist
The Diocese
Parish Share
Other Diocese costs
Payments to Missions/Charities
Mission/Charities
Extraordinary Expenditure
ECC Car Park
Holcombe Church (Toilets)
Hawkshaw
Hawkshaw Heating
Insurance Work
Total Cash Expenditure 2023
Expenditure 2022		 5,890.67
4,081.15
9,971.82
18,239.59
717.64
0.00
7,993.89
8,830.91
7,747.68
844.34
44,374.05
16,339.56
0.00
1,132.83
2,607.00
20,079.39
40,000.00
3,035.00
43,035.00
2,194.56
2,194.56 119,654.82
54,229.22
21,463.21
320.00
980.00
1,317.33
78,309.76 197,964.58
197,964.58
116,691.55

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

YEAR END STATEMENT 2023

Bank Balances 31 December 2023
Current Account
Deposit Account
Direct Giving Accounts
Restricted Funds Account
Cash
Less Unpresented cheques
Year End Total
Restricted/Designated Funds
Energy Savings
ECC Golden Jubilee Renovation
Holcombe
Hawkshaw
Hawkshaw Heating
Mission and Christian Camp (ex Malawi)
Working Balance		 Total
-
77,013.27
3,084.87
832.39
-
80,930.53
80,930.53
5,000.00
7,503.74
6,530.24
1,006.00
42,740.00
1,931.64
64,711.62
16,218.91

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24

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Balance
Balance
31/12/2022
31/12/2023		 Balance
Balance
31/12/2022
31/12/2023
Santander Shares
Esther Martha Greenhalgh Charity Fund
CCLA - Restricted Holcombe Endowments
Bank Accounts
Current Acc
Deposit Acc
Direct Giving Acc
Restricted Acc
Cash Not banked
Less Cheques unpresented
TOTALS		 313.11
418.95
3,780.38
4,127.76
976.34
1,011.18
-
-
92,230.36
77,013.27
12,615.39
3,084.87
822.45
832.39
-
-
110,738.03
86,488.42
-
-
110,738.03
86,488.42
110,738.03 86,488.42

Annual Report and Yearbook 2023

25

The Parish of Holcombe Hawk5h& Yearbook 2023 Before 26 ADllug1 Report and IvdrboDk 2023

The Parish of Holcombe Hawk5h& New Car Park After ADllug1 Report and IvdrboDk 2023 27

I'he Parish of Holcombe aDd HaY+k5haM" Before Af 28 ADllug1 Ktport and IvdrboDk 2023

I'he Pari5IL of Holcombe and HaY+k5haM .'14 M•eJ•- iTriallhew s Licensin -,Lasl Night of the Proms . Preparation ..*.A "Macmillan Coffee Mornin Brownies decorate garde ADllug1 Report and IvdrboDk 2023 29

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

----- Start of picture text -----
Saturday 13 [th] May Saturday
10.00amEmmanuel Churchto 2.00pmCentre 2 [nd] December
Canon Lewis Hall Reception with mince pies
Car Park and mulled wine
HolcombeLongsight BrookRoad, 7.00pm for 7.30pm
BL8 4DB
Words and Music
for Christmas
In aid of Car Park Fund Entertainment for the
Christmas period.
A Parish Event
Cars: £10 Vans £15 Everyone welcome
in advance please
Set up from 8.00amNo trade Refreshments available £5.00
“Parish of Holcombe andCheques made payable to:Hawkshaw P.C.C.” Canon Lewis Hall
For more information email: Emmanuel Church Centre
carboot@holcombehawkshaw.org
Consent granted by Bury Council Tickets at each Worship Centre
MAC19198_INVITEScotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017),
----- End of picture text -----

To Emmanuel Church Holcombe Village Saturday 23rd September 2023 10.00am to 1.00pm All welcome inc. Well behaved dogs - with owners! Enjoy coffee, tea and cake In peaceful surroundings and help to fund Macmillan Cancer Care Support Further details - 07756492097 It’s time for Coffee Morning and you’re invited

MAC19198_INVITEScotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017),

Some of the events of

Another opportunity to share this wonderful event with friends Saturday 9[th] September Emmanuel Church Centre. Supper 7pm (prompt start) Potato Pie Supper Raffle BYOB Tickets £7 at each Worship Centre or speak to Stephen Newhouse 01706 412657 stephen.newhouse@sky.com

2023

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Tbt Parish of Hol¢ombe nd Haksh* Soup Company sou Drvp In coniinues tts aiiraci new people. noi all of whom are church members. Visiiors arc sure of a wfjrni welcomc. fcllowship. giMKI company and conversation. W¢ mcct at Canon Lcwis Hall ¢a¢h Monday morning bctw¢¢n 10.IM)am and 12 noon. Wc also offer ieaslcoffee. land usually cake and bLSCULiS). Soup Company has gone from strength lo %tTcngih ihis ycar. mceiing Ihc sccond Thiir%day Lil'Lvery m()nih excLPI Au¥usi. Wc rcgTiilarly brings in an avcrdgc ot. 30 pe()ple whl) Lomc 10 enjoy delicious hean warniin&y suups, as many as 10 vari¢lics on i)LLa%i()ns with cvcryone's favouriics as wcll a% new (?nes thi5 ycar likc P()rk Ci)n%É)mm¢, Game S()up and Mincsirone. Wc coniinuc io havc ()ur annual lunches, which we share with (iur rri¢n¢L% from Ihe Op¢n thc Biiok Team. They rchearse Bibl¢ sloric5 al ihc 5am¢ limc 110 ain I 1'2noonl. which thcy Ihcn prcscnt to Holcombc Brook C.P. Scliool each Wcdnesday. We continuc to gei lo know cach other over a cuppa and a chatl W¢ catcr for all. including th¢ lactose ini()Icranl. vcgan and Gluien frec. Siarting from 12 noon for coffee or lea foll(Iwed by 50up and garlic brcad. we Ih¢n ¢nj()y Christin¢. Rornn¢y and Annliie's deserts. meringues. pies and cakcs. Sadly we losi one of our soup makers. Jenny and we miss her and her Nana s soup. This year, during the winter monihs, Ihe Pari%h 4)ffcr¢d "Warni Spaccs each Monday from 12noon and so a fcw rncmbcrs slaycd for a 5implc Soup Lunch and furthcr company until tnid afternoon. Why noi come an along any Monday morning between 10.'OO and 12..IK) n¢)on. Thanks t(Tr Pam and all who help lo set up. servc and wash up. Iryou have never been you don't know what you are missing.we can provide transport. Jo l i'iin Annu41 Report YeaTbook 2023

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Hall Things Bright and Beautiful What a wet year!

Quite a few of our working parties to upkeep the reflective garden were washed out. However, overall, we managed to keep on top of the maintenance to ensure that everyone can keep using, enjoying and just sitting quietly in the area.

rain, quite a number of bulbs have been planted by willing hands.

I would like to thank everyone who continues to help in the garden in any way, without that support we would not have such a pleasant garden area open for all the community to enjoy.

Barbara Newhouse

Not a great deal has changed this year, but one or two deer have become new residents. Also, we have created a new secluded sitting area to house our latest donated bench.

Thanks to donations of chipped bark, we have kept on top of the pathways and trails for the children to enjoy. It also helps to keep down the weeds.

Hopefully there will be plenty of colour in the spring. In between bouts of

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School

St. Mary’s continues to provide a celebrated Wider Curriculum helping children to flourish with opportunities for strong personal growth. The children have a choice of extra curricular clubs which are interest led. All teachers offer KS1 and KS2 clubs including Choir, Art, Textiles, Computing, Board Games, and various sports. I am delighted that our out of school club, Busy Bees, is thriving offering wraparound care from 7.30am until 5.00pm. All the children in Year 3 and 4 learn to play djembe drums, samba drums, and glockenspiel. They perform confidently as a class led by Bury Music Service. These opportunities help children to develop their personal interests and talents.

Last July we achieved the Dyslexia Aware Quality Mark after many years of developing our inclusive practice. We strive to support all children and remove barriers to learning. The award was presented in Church by the assessors to Dominic Woodward our SEND Link Governor.

We launched our new website in June 2023. Please take a look at stmaryshawkshaw.com. Staff are able to update information and share events. The website gives a good insight into life at St Mary’s. Another highly valued communication tool is ClassDojo. We can share information with parents so easily which keeps everyone informed and up to date with school events.

We really appreciate the strong links we have with our Church community. Jo Sumsion and Matthew Brinicombe lead weekly Collective Worship. We

have also taken part in Experience Easter, Experience Christmas and the Moving Up afternoon led by church members. We were grateful to be supported on our Flourishing in Nature Day where we shared activities with Faith Teams from 8 local schools. We were able to plan the day using the Church building and beautiful surrounding area. The day was made extra special by a visit from Bishop Mark and Terry Hart. As a small thank you for the support we receive, our choir performed at the Sizzling Seniors Christmas party and the Methodist Christmas Tree Festival.

St Mary’s is moving towards joining Sycamore Multi Academy Trust. We gained consent from the Parochial Church Council in January, we consulted with parents in February, and will be presenting to the Diocesan Board at the end of March 2024. We are already working collaboratively with staff from the six schools in Sycamore MAT. To share good practice across the Trust, we were asked to present a Wider Curriculum Showcase for the Trust leaders in March. We are

benefiting significantly from being part of a thriving group of schools. By joining a multi academy trust we are ensuring the sustainable future for St Mary’s School in Hawkshaw.

Geraldine Skinner, Head Teacher

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

The Emmanuel Holcombe school and church family is a thriving community. Together, we have achieved so much this year and we are delighted to share some of the highlights.

Church Links

As always, we enjoy our close links with our church family. In February the pupils led our ‘Celebration Sunday’ service, which was enjoyed by all. In March we welcomed the Capernwray Bible College students into school, to lead worship and help run the ‘Prayer Spaces’ project in school and at Easter we held

our annual Holy Week activities and Easter Service.

Faith Ambassadors

Our Faith Ambassadors have a prominent role in school, leading Monday Worship once a fortnight. They have also participated in an Inter

Faith Day in Bury, learning about World Faiths and then joined pupils from other C of E primary schools in Bury for a ‘Flourishing in Nature Day.’

Supporting Charities

Our charitable work is very important to us at Emmanuel Holcombe and this year we asked our parents not to buy staff Christmas gifts, but instead to donate Christmas pyjamas, for those families less fortunate than us. We have also supported Children in Need, Comic Relief and Jeans for Genes.

Rich Curriculum

We have worked hard to ensure that our pupils experience a rich and varied curriculum, which includes a wide range of trips, visitors, workshops and residentials. Year 3 and 4 pupils spent one night on their residential to Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman site Vindolanda; our choir performed the youth opera ‘The Magic Flute’ at Bury MET; our KS1 pupils joined schools across Manchester for a musical performance of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk; our school council visited the Mayor and her chambers and welcomed the Lady Mayor for a tour of Emmanuel Holcombe; Key Stage Two watched the Halle Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall; Year 3 and 4 pupils welcomed an Anglo Saxon warrior into school for the day and learned about the history of this period; Year 5 and 6 enjoyed class visits to the Police museum, as part of their ‘Crime and Punishment’ topic and attended a Lowry workshop as

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

part of our art curriculum. We also welcomed artists David France and Sally Goulding, who led watercolour workshops with KS2. We were also delighted to be named the top performing school in Bury for our SATs results.

Theme Weeks

We love to organise a range of Theme days and weeks for our pupils. This year we have celebrated World Book Day; Black History Month; British Values theme week; organised a Christmas week based on the book ‘the Snowman’ by Raymond Briggs; participated in a music theme week, culminating in a performance of ‘The Magic of the Musicals’; organised ‘Well-being Wednesdays’, with whole school walks up Holcombe Hill.

Sending our love and prayers to you all.

Amy Longstaff Acting Headteacher Emmanuel Holcombe CE Primary School

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Emmanuel Holcombe Choir

The past year has been rather more predictable than the previous one. There have been no really major events comparable with the Platinum Jubilee Choral Evensong, but we have done quite a lot and learned more new music.

Once again we were pleased to welcome Naomi Jahoda to sing for us at the Good Friday service. At Easter we revived Boyce’s ‘Alleluia’, which worked well. At our April service of Choral Evensong we had an Introit as well as an anthem in honour of our guest, Rachel Mann.

In May we invited others to join our choristers at Choral Evensong and attracted a small number of people. It would probably help if we advertised it sooner. Perhaps it could be made known more widely? We would certainly like to have another go this year.

We are working to revive some music we haven’t sung for a while, as well as learning new material and maintaining other items in our repertoire.

For Remembrance Sunday we learned David Ogden’s ‘We will remember them’, and we also sang it as an anthem the following Sunday. I would like to repeat it this year to ensure that it stays in our repertoire.

At Christmas we revisited some music, as well as learning a new Rutter carol. We had a good group of 12 children, all from Holcombe Brook Primary School, who

sang well. Three of them had sung with us the previous year and were pleased to do so again. The flyers which were distributed to members of the Holcombe Society at the carol singing round the tree in the village worked: as a result some of them swelled our numbers at the Carol Service.

It has not been

a good year for everyone: in particular we have missed Claire and very much look forward to her return when it is possible.

We have been pleased to welcome Marcia Hollis on several occasions, and we have been grateful to Keith Ball who sang with us on Good Friday last year, as well as Rosemary Burton who helped us at the Carol Service at short notice.

This winter Choral Evensong has moved to 3pm, and I have the impression that those who attend – both choir and congregation – appreciate being able to avoid going out in the dark. It will revert to the 6.30 slot once British Summer Time starts. We have not had to cancel any services because of the weather, but it does seem to snow on Thursdays more often than on most other days, so we did lose two choir practices!

I would like to thank John Fairclough, who plays for the Carol Service, Choral Evensong and the Good Friday service, and I am grateful to several members who contribute in various ways to the smooth running of the choir.

Rosemary Artley 12.3.2024

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Afternoon Fellowship 2023

We are still managing to keep going with only a small membership and with the help of church people who give us very interesting talks.

Another year over, ending with the sudden death of a very dear member and friend Evelyn Ivison on December 17th, she will be greatly missed.

Our meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month at 2pm Emmanuel Church Centre, we would welcome new members.We have some very interesting talks coming in January and February 2024 and The Veterans ‘Choir in March.

For any information please contact: Mrs. Pauline Keighley 01204 884476 Mrs. Ann Milius 01204 880677

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

ECC Prayer Group

The Group continues to prepare and deliver Quiet Mornings on the third Tuesday of each month except August and December. Although words and music associated with a theme is chosen for each morning, it is always stressed that this is time and space is an opportunity for each person present to step out of the busyness of their life and to meet with God in a way that is meaningful and unique to them.

Attendances average about 19 people present on the morning, drawn from across our Mission Community as well as Radcliffe and Bolton, but the booklet produced for each morning is often taken to friends of attendees and is also sent to approximately 34 more people, who cannot attend in person for a variety of reasons and who welcome the material to use at home.

So around 50-60 people have access to our Quiet Morning material most months. ECC was once again open on Good Friday morning from 10am to 12 noon to offer space and time for reflection and prayer. To help with this, if people chose to use them were a set of prayer stations based on the book 'Walking the Way of the Cross' by Stephen Cottrell, Paula Gooder and Philip North with pictures by Nicholas Markell.

Three Taizé Prayer Services were held at ECC during 2023 in the ususal Sunday morning slot.

A warm invitation is extended to anyone who would like to join us in any of these times of prayer and reflection.

Afternoon Pilgrim Group

Our Tuesday afternoon Pilgrim goes from strength, both in numbers and in deepening and developing our faith together, in a supportive and loving environment.

On average 10 to 12 of us meet together, starting the year with the Prayer Course with Peter Grieg. This led us to Lent, when we were part of the Ramsbottom Churches together Lent course and were joined with fellow Christians from neighbouring churches. This was good, and gave us both a challenge and a fresh insight, leading us to Easter. It was called; ‘Journeying to the Cross’ and was an exploration of videos by local clergy.

In the Summer we followed the Pilgrim ‘Beatitudes’, as we had not covered this first time round. At present we are following the current Bible Society Bible Course.

Each course has offered something different and allowed us to talk freely about our life experiences, faith and prayer life. An added bonus is Annette’s delicious cake to have with our cuppa, what could be better?

If you are interested in joining us, just speak to one of us

Linda and Jo

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

19[th] Ramsbottom Brownies

We are happy to report that we have a lovely thriving pack of 23 Brownies, who enjoy our varied meetings, which aim to have fun while developing individual and team skills.

During the year we have been extremely pleased that our girls gained 10 Bronze, 5 Silver and 2 Gold Awards. That is such an achievement and special congratulations go to Amelie Fildes Coulborn and Katie Tunbridge, to achieve Gold is super special.

To gain these awards and other badges, the Brownies took part in games, campfires, craft, performances, community and other challenges. We had a lovely evening making our own pizzas, at the Campsite in Edenfield, with a little archery as well.

Congratulations to Lisa who has qualified as a Brownie Leader and now takes charge of our Pack, we are so fortunate to have her. Thanks to all our Leaders for their dedication to Brownies. Sadly, we have lost one of our leaders, Janet Halliwell-Sandiford who died on New Year’s Eve. She will be greatly missed by us all.

We have been able to pass on some of our girls to the Guide Section and look forward to another exciting year, with new Brownies on the waiting list to join us in 2024. We hope to fill the year with fun adventures.

Guiders: Lisa Fildes Coulborn, Mary Souter, Julie Ringer and Barbara Newhouse.

10[th] Ramsbottom Guides

2023 was our first full year returning to “real” weekly Guide meetings and was as busy as ever.

The girls have followed the Girlguiding program completing Unit Meeting Activities and Skills Builders, testing their negotiation skills, problem solving, improvising with props, and looking for the man in the moon. They started the year completing their Confectioner badge, making rocky road, shortbread and peppermint creams.

We’ve made marshmallow catapults, taken part in the Smarties fundraising challenge for Waddow, cooked pancakes on tin cans, had a film night, played games including duster hockey, dodged doughnuts, and been crafty making Fimo friends, bead bowls and upcycling old jars into Christmas decorations.

The summer saw us enjoying the great outdoors, with an evening hike followed by the obligatory chippy visit, and exercising our culinary skills with campfire cooking.

It has been lovely to welcome new members in the year, and we’ve waved goodbye to others who have moved on.

As ever, we couldn’t do this without the help of our volunteers, so it’s ‘Thank You!’ for everything they do.

Guider: Susan Watson

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

What we lack in Dramatic ability, we make up for in enthusiasm, so why not join us you will not regret it.Contact Sheila if you would like to give it a try, come and have a look any Monday morning, from 10am until 12 noon in term time.

During term time, every Monday sees a band of willing thespians from Open the Book having fun, rehearsing our weekly Bible Story before taking it, on a Wednesday morning, to Holcombe Brook Primary School where we are greeted like long lost friends.When the pupils meet us in and around the vicinity particularly the Co-op they excitedly tell their parents and grandparents that we come into their school.

Sheila and Cath keep us in order and we enjoy the fellowship and hospitality of Drop In every Monday.

Our costumes and props are home made and very eco friendly. We involve the children, who eagerly volunteer, which they love, not least for the stickers. Some of our audience love looking at their grandparents in a different light.

We have also been drafted in to help with Experiencing Christmas and Experiencing Easter with all three schools in the Parish and Ofsted have commented on the value of our contribution.

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The Parish of Holcombe HaY+k5h& ADllug1 Ktport and IvdrboDk 21123 41

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Children and Families Ministry Report 2023

Campfire Church

Campfire Church continued throughout 2023. We continued to learn from Jesus’ parables from January to July and since September we have based our sessions on the miracles of Jesus. Our aims are spelt out in our home-written Campfire Church prayer: r month Out

“Loving God, we have come to Campfire Church to worship you. In our prayers, help us speak with you.

In our singing, help us to praise you. As we listen to your word, help us to learn from you.

May we bless one another in the time we spend together.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.”

Our activities have included baking bread on the fire, blindfold trails, willow weaving, treasure and scavenger hunts, water games, pebble painting and den building. We have a core group of families who attend each month and it’s a good sign that the children don’t want to leave at the end of the sessions!

Earlier in the year I was invited to speak at the ALM worship training on Fresh Expressions and shared our experience of starting and running a Fresh Expression of church.

Capernwray

In February we hosted another team of four students from Capernwray Bible College. They visited Drop In and Warm Spaces, led a Sunday evening service and All Age worship at Hawkshaw, shared their stories in morning worship around the parish, helped to lead Prayer Spaces in both schools, took part in school RE lessons and collective worship and joined in with youth activities. Thank you to Penny and Vic and Jane for hosting and the many people who provided meals for them.

Yorkshire Camps

In March we made a return trip to Yorkshire Camps with our KS2 children. It was another

fun weekend full of activities, Bible teaching and games.

Holiday club

This year we held our annual holiday club during Holy Week. We followed the theme of Easter

from the raising of Lazarus, the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, the Triumphal Entry and the Last Supper, following through with the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday at our Easter services.

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

This was much better attended than our summer clubs have been in recent years and so we plan to continue to hold a club in the school Easter holidays.

Hawkshaw on Sundays

Children and youth groups at Hawkshaw continue to meet twice a month in school (preschool – Year 5) and in the Cellar (Year 6 and up) during the morning service. There are 26 children registered.

We have continued to develop our intergenerational worship on the other two Sundays each month, providing a space where people of all ages benefit from worshiping together as the church family.

Schools work

Bibles

The headline of this year in our schools’ work is that we were able to give Bibles to all children in KS2 across both schools – 120 of them! This was in the transition to giving children Bibles at the

beginning of Year 3 rather than at the end of Year 6. They were presented at the school harvest services.

The rational for the change is that we want to join in with children’s journey of faith, including Bible reading, as they are with us in primary school and through our strong home/school/church links. (We also gave Bibles to children of the same age who are part of our church

family at Hawkshaw and Campfire Church, but attend other schools).

Thank you to all those individuals who made this possible by donating money for the Bibles.

Collective worship

We continue to lead whole school collective worship in both of our church schools each week, Robert and Matthew are involved in this too. Each week, I have continued to lead class worship at Emmanuel for a different class each half term.

Open the Book

(See separate report page 40)

Celebration Sunday

Is continuing to be embedded as an important date in the diary in the annual cycle of events of Emmanuel School and, since last year, has moved to February. The children of Emmanuel school are becoming well versed in introducing the service, leading the liturgy, prayers, Bible reading, drama and singing. It’s so good to see our church and school families joining together to celebrate in worship in this way.

Experience Easter

This year it was the turn of our church schools to ‘Experience Easter’. (We alternate doing the Experiences between

the two smaller schools and Holcombe Brook Primary each year.)

We decided to do Experience Easter outside again, having

had glorious weather two years ago. Unfortunately half of the sessions were rained off. This year we plan to move back to the indoor version!

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Light Party

We hosted a Light Party at the end of October for all children in the church family and those in KS2 in the schools. There was a small uptake of 17, but it was an encouraging start for a new venture. With

light themed games and craft, teaching on Jesus as the Light of the World and, of course (!), hot chocolate and cookies. We hope to repeat it again next year, with a greater take up.

Experience Christmas

Over two days in two churches in December all the children at St Mary’s and Emmanuel got to ‘Experience Christmas’. Feedback from children and staff was overwhelmingly positive, which is testament to the hard work of all the volunteers. We were able to give each child the Bible Society’s Christmas booklet for the year: ‘A Christmas Rhyme’ for the younger ones and ‘Festive Fred’ for the older ones. We also gave the Christmas devotional booklet ‘Join the Song’ to all members of staff.

We kept the churches open after school and invited the children to bring their parents and carers to Experience Christmas for themselves. There was a good uptake with 12-15 parents visiting in each church.

We also held special services for our schools at harvest, Christmas and Easter.

Over this year we have been building links with two specialist provision schools run by Halliwell Homes. The children attended Emmanuel School’s harvest service and took part in a Christingle service during the school day, with the older children from Emmanuel. They also received a Bible or storybook appropriate to their age at the harvest service.

Prayer Spaces

We have continued to run Prayer Spaces in schools at various points during the year; firstly with the Capernwray team, on the theme of justice, which was the schools’ value for that half term, then on Pentecost and also as part of a faith day on creation for all C of E primary schools in Bury. Each session takes a year group of around 16 children in small groups, around four activities, enabling them to engage in prayer in a variety of ways.

Transition work

In July we held sessions for the Year 6 pupils at St. Mary’s, Emmanuel and Holcombe Brook Primary Schools on their

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

transition to secondary school. We did this using four Prayer Spaces activities. For the final time as we have now changed to giving Bibles in Year 3, we presented each Year 6 student from Emmanuel and St Mary’s with a copy of the Bible at their Leavers’ Services.

Coffee mornings

The weekly coffee mornings for parents and carers at St Mary’s and Emmanuel have continued throughout the year. There are a growing number of parents and grandparents who attend. Relationships continue to be formed and the support and friendship within these groups is appreciated by all those involved.

Thank you

Thank you to all who are involved in our ministry with children and families. None of this could happen without the vast number of volunteers who teach, craft, play, chat, pray, act, plan and lead. Thank you to everyone who can no longer ‘do’, but prays for us.

“ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

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The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Traveller’s (Adult and Toddler Group)

(March 2023 – March 2024)

We finished last year’s report saying we were looking forward to another busy year and what a busy year it has been! Just last term we averaged 8 adults and 16 children, which may not sound a lot, but once the children are busily playing with all the toys, the hall is full!

We meet during term time only and charge £2 per family, the subs collected go towards: -

Having built up some funds we decided to purchase some new feeder cups and toys; Playdough pizza oven, shopping trolley, Little Tikes Petrol pump, fairy dressing up outfit and a Pepper Pig Bus. All

of the toys have proven to be popular, though none more so than Pepper Pig, as one little girl always finds the Pepper Pig characters and carries them round all afternoon!

At Easter, we held an Easter Egg Hunt, the children enjoyed this so much we had another Treasure Hunt looking for Pudsey and his friends at our BBC Children In Need fundraising afternoon. We matched the money raised out of funds and were able to send a £60 donation from everyone at Traveller’s. There was also great excitement, (and of course a few tears) when Father Christmas came to visit us.

A special highlight of the year was a surprise birthday party and a wonderful cake, (thank you Julia!)

Everyone attending Traveller’s is friendly, supportive and will welcome new faces. For more details and photographs please see our notice board in Canon Lewis Hall. Finally at the end of the afternoon

everyone helps tidy up at the end of the session and providing the toys go back in the cupboard in a certain way, we can just about close the cupboard door!

Kathryn Fry & Julia Grant

Annual Report and Yearbook 2023

46

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Cellar and Youth at Hawkshaw

The cellar at Hawkshaw Church is a wonderful space for our youth people! It is equipped with pool, table tennis, football and air hockey tables. It has a wonderful casual atmosphere for conversation and games, with plenty of space for sitting and chatting on the sofas, (though adults need mind their heads). Weather permitting it is great to play outside on the grass, or otherwise upstairs in the church building. We also have permission to use the school yard.

We are open to years 7–9 on Thursday evenings during term time. We love hosting a space for young people to feel loved and welcome, to chat with us and to meet up with each other. I particularly really appreciate all the leaders Penny, Ian, Layna, Callum, Eddie, Tim, Isaac and Liam (and me) – you are wonderful, and Cellar youth club could not run without your tireless enthusiasm and generous sacrifice of their evenings.

Our evenings together include a time when we sit on the sofas and explore an aspect of Christian faith and discuss big questions! It has been very exciting to see young people rise to group discussion so enthusiastically. Similarly, we often split into two groups to play wide games upstairs/outside or have an opportunity to play games or craft more quietly inside cellar – as always we have really appreciated the guidance of the young

people and what they would like to do in this time: As this is THEIR space, and we are just there to provide that space for them.

We started the year with around thirty young people coming regularly, but as always when the nights get colder and darker and we move indoors, the numbers diminished too. We now have regular average attendance of fifteen young people which is very encouraging.

This has been a wonderful year for cellar, and we are excited for the future! If there is anyway we would appreciate more support, it would be in praying for more team members, to ensure that we can continue to run regularly and smoothly, offer each team member more down time and ideally also be able to play football outside in the schools’ yard – which would likely keep some retention of numbers from the summer, (which we have permission to do, but not enough team).

Much love and blessings, Matthew Brinicombe

Annual Report and Yearbook 2023

47

The Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw

Rector: Rev. Paul Sumsion,

The Vicarage, Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, Bury, BL8 4JN 01204 888060.

Associate Ministers:

Rev. Robert Airey 01706 224743 Rev. Vic. Fletcher 01204 882750 Curate: Rev. Matthew Brinicombe 07447 976308

Readers:

Mr. Michael Burton, 01706 822664. Mr. Richard Byrom, 01204 883110. Mrs. Ethel Houghton 01254 704758. Mrs. Jane Fletcher 01204 882750. Mrs. Jo Sumsion 01204 888060

Children and Families’ Ministry Facilitator:

Mrs. Jo Sumsion 01204 888060

Church Wardens:

Mr. Stephen Newhouse (Lay Chair PCC). 01706 412657. Mr. Peter Hardcastle 01204 853999 Why not visit our website:

www.holcombehawkshaw.org

Each Sunday There is a service at each worship centre and the 10.45am service at St. Mary, Hawkshaw is “streamed live” on YouTube and is available all week, so you can watch it at any time. Just visit our website www.holcombehawkshaw.org.

We have also been sending out regular e-mails with news updates, so if you haven’t received those please email a request to stephen.newhouse@sky.com

Rev. Matthew Brinicombe

Rev. Robert Airey

Rev. Vic. Fletcher

Annual Report and Yearbook 2023

48

Holcombe and Hawkshaw Parochial Church Council

STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Holcombe and Hawkshaw
2023
£
£
£		 Holcombe and Hawkshaw
2023
£
£
£
Voluntary Income
Planned Giving - Gift Aid
Planned Giving - Un-gifted
One off Gift Aid
Cash/Collections
Income tax recovered
Fund Raising Events
Magazine
Use of Church Buildings
Other Ordinary Income
Dividends and Interest
Fees to PCC
Extraordinary Income
(i) Restricted Donations
(ii) Energy Grants
Insurance Claims
Special Appeals
Total Income 2023
Income 2022		 63,379.51
4,554.94
600.00
6,786.58
16,669.89
1,795.02
581.70
6,722.00
101,089.64
1,331.39
13,637.00
14,968.39 116,058.03
41,282.65
4,940.00
7,108.67
837.56
54,168.88 170,226.91
170,226.91
136,787.28

Notes

(i) £30,000 grant for ECC Car Park

(ii) £4,940 grant from the Diocese to assist with high energy costs and Warm Spaces

Holcombe and Hawkshaw Parochial Church Council

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
£
£
£		 2023
£
£
£
The Ministry
Ministry Expenses
Support & Education
The Church and Services
Energy
Water
Cleaning
Insurance
Upkeep of Services
Church Maintenance
Churchyard
Other Ordinary Expenditure
Wages
Magazine
Fund Raising costs
Verger/Organist
The Diocese
Parish Share
Other Diocese costs
Payments to Missions/Charities
Mission/Charities
Extraordinary Expenditure
ECC Car Park
Holcombe Church (Toilets)
Hawkshaw
Hawkshaw Heating
Insurance Work
Total Cash Expenditure 2023
Expenditure 2022		 5,890.67
4,081.15
9,971.82
18,239.59
717.64
0.00
7,993.89
8,830.91
7,747.68
844.34
44,374.05
16,339.56
0.00
1,132.83
2,607.00
20,079.39
40,000.00
3,035.00
43,035.00
2,194.56
2,194.56 119,654.82
54,229.22
21,463.21
320.00
980.00
1,317.33
78,309.76 197,964.58
197,964.58
116,691.55

YEAR END STATEMENT 2023

Bank Balances 31 December 2023
Current Account
Deposit Account
Direct Giving Accounts
Restricted Funds Account
Cash
Less Unpresented cheques
Year End Total
Restricted/Designated Funds
Energy Savings
ECC Golden Jubilee Renovation
Holcombe
Hawkshaw
Hawkshaw Heating
Mission and Christian Camp (ex Malawi)
Working Balance		 Total
-
77,013.27
3,084.87
832.39
-
80,930.53
80,930.53
5,000.00
7,503.74
6,530.24
1,006.00
42,740.00
1,931.64
64,711.62
16,218.91

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Balance
Balance
12/31/2022
12/31/2023		 Balance
Balance
12/31/2022
12/31/2023
Santander Shares
Esther Martha Greenhalgh Charity Fund
CCLA - Restricted Holcombe Endowments
Bank Accounts
Current Acc
Deposit Acc
Direct Giving Acc
Restricted Acc
Cash Not banked
Less Cheques unpresented
TOTALS		 313.11 418.95
3,780.38 4,127.76
976.34 1,011.18
- -
92,230.36 77,013.27
12,615.39 3,084.87
822.45 832.39
- -
110,738.03 86,488.42
- -
110,738.03 86,488.42
110,738.03 86,488.42

Share Price Shares 332.5 126 1984.5 208

Notes

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Indeperkdent Examinerfs Report Report to th¢ trust¢ P¥ish of HL4combe & Hthsh3w. ￿CaShir8 On acc￿nts for th• y•ar 31112r2023 Charity no Ilf any) Trace Sep 24 81.82.83,841J2A3 & Sw)7mary of TTxeat>ilty I refvv)rt to the tnJstees ffi ry examinatbon crf accounts of al)ove Iwity Clhe Trusn for the year ended 31M212023 Res￿￿1b111tIoS and As Ihe charivs tr￿￿ees. you are resFonsble for the preparation of th& cwnts in aCC(￿d￿ with the reWeffle￿ of the Charities Act 2011 rtre Act") I rewrt in respecl crf my examina11¢￿ of the Trusfs aCcI￿nts carried o er se¢11￿ 145 of the 2011 Ad and in carryirwj out my examination. I have followed an the arplK3fAe ChrectsC￿$ by the Charrty Commtssion der settion 145(5Xb) of ￿ ACL Independènt oxamin6r's statoment I have coffirA￿ed my examini¢)n. I that no m￿ery￿1 maiiets havé come to my attenticm in CC￿T￿￿n with the examination (cthef than thal 1fisdc￿1 bekhv") whid) gr￿$ cause to believe that in. any mateftal re¥ect of Charitss A￿. or tr accounts did not actord wilh the aC￿untIng ￿¢0(d$. or the acLourts did not CC￿n￿ Mryth the applicable rewrerrents corKemtng ts fomi aTrY c¢)nterrt of aCCo￿rtS set (xrt in Ihe Chaiities (AcC￿nts aTrJ Rewrts> Re9￿ationS 2CX)8 otrtr than ￿Y requirement that the accojnts grve a ts and fw.rf view which is n(rt a mattor with the examinb?n lo wfuch attention shwld ts (trawn in ihis rep)rt in order to ￿ble a prcpgr underst￿1￿9 of the acccwrtS to be reathd. . Plcasc dolote thg in Ihe brackets irthe/ ￿ not apply, Signe4J: N•n•: I St￿ Mo R•levant wol•s$￿1 qualificatiqxrfs) or body AAT mcn)bcrship iiumber. 20269328 (rf any): Addres5: 9 FhJnstart¢)n i)iNe, Bwy. BL8 1EG

Section B Disc105ure Only mnplete if the examiner to hwhlight material mafters ol ttftcem {see CC32. IndeperM1ent ekiminabw of Gharty a￿o￿¥?ts. dtye¢tN)r￿ and examinors). Give here brief details of any it•ms that th• •xnlnor wishos to I h¥4e ¢￿d (xrt ihe irmfjependent exJninath)n I rnted an incxoaso in Direct th.b"n¢ baftkirvJ paymerrt and ha￿ followed $(bme tssa¢tsC￿ Ixrt selethd- all found to be acoxata aThJ traceth. cheq￿ tKJok stubs r¥X yiven to V￿rfY 'paper cow bLI tra￿$ wtte completed wilhtyJt Cheque b)ok stubs. I have crDss Teferenced f￿￿cial slatoments th knks back to accountir¥J re¢xrds: . Bank statemw)ts. Receipts. Bank Details & SUMM￿ {1￿￿ by TreasLY¢r), Invoices. I have seleded various 5￿PIe receipts & p3yments and trx•d back thr¢vJh all ar￿￿n11Thj sheets wi¢knling Bar Ststerwts. Details of one santye- 'Trace Sept 24 B1, B2 & B3.. I must menth)n that Mthile mov1￿ over to Direct Barin9 th)es give wfijer In traceaLw"Iity the GonlirV￿ use of Cheque books shoukl bo flled ￿ cfftdy and ￿ accc¥Jntable. I have rK)teJJ one ctwue (frace Sept 24 B4) which I Ctrjld rM)t verfy for what to whom bt given. On rmiplets.ng my examinatbon. I fwThJ three ottw cPWues that ccwjkj te verifie(l. while these Sums do rK)t warrarrt further eymination I can ordy afvice Ihat au swns sP#)uld traceabl•. but l am s•tisfi¢d these accwrts gNe Th) wgiNftant cause for I havo sclc<Xcd vwiws samrk k)aymerts on Bank otements and traced back rO￿h ali aCCo￿rtIng sheets Receipts. Details of one see Yrac• 24A1W &A3'. nsfers and Weekly GivirKJ' aThJ am satisf￿d that kn acc<)unts gr￿ See 'Sunnary of Tra¢•abili I have revwed the ft)ifnrtes crf PCC and I Pmve otAar￿d backgrcK4Th1 rftirmation on the PCC, trwjw it is OTr￿1￿ed. Tr¢ parish MKI￿e5 St Havthshaw & Emmanuel Holcornbe arxj vAthifi thè Pwish there are 3 churc*s - st. Mwy's (Hawkshaw), Fmmanuel Church {HOk>J￿ Vdlwje) & Fmmanuel hurch Centre (Holcombe). race Sept 24 B1. B2. 63 & B4 race Sept 24 A1. A2 & A3 mary of Trnc¢ability