## The Parish of Holy Trinity Littleborough ## **ANNUAL REPORT** **AND** ## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020** **St Barnabas, Shore**  **Holy Trinity, Littleborough**  **St James, Calderbrook Sharing Christ with Littleborough** The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity, Littleborough is a charity registered in England and Wales (1179711). ## **Bank** Yorkshire Bank Plc Rochdale ## **Independent Examiner** Mr D G Kershaw ## **Objectives** Holy Trinity P.C.C. has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, The Reverend Ian Bullock in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for Holy Trinity Church. ## **Structure, governance and management** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC held four meetings during the year, and four meetings of the Standing Committee. ## **P.C.C. Membership** The Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.) is a body corporate (P.C.C. Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2020) and registered with the Charity Commission. PCC members are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church representation Rules 2020 and during the year, in addition there are a number of officers who are Ex-Officio. During 2019, the following served as members of the PCC Incumbent _The Reverend Ian Bullock (Ex-officio) (Chair)_ Associate Priest The Reverend Catherine Binns (Ex-officio) Readers Mr David White (Ex-officio) Churchwardens _Mr Frank Kershaw (Ex-officio) Mr Ian Bailey (Ex-officio)_ Deanery Synod _Frank Kershaw (Ex-officio) Mr Graham Windslow (Ex-officio)_ Elected Members _Marcus Pritchard (Term of Office Expires 2021)_ Sue Scott (Term of Office Expires 2021) Post Vacant (Term of Office Expires 2021) Page **2** of **13** Christine Kershaw (Term of Office Expires 2022) Lynnette Windslow (Term of Office Expires 2022) Kathleen Fletcher (Term of Office Expires 2022) Sandra Backhouse (Term of Office Expires 2023) Elizabeth Jackson (Term of Office Expires 2023) Emily Mills (Term of Office Expires 2023) *Names in _italic_ denote members of the Standing Committee ## **Standing Committee** This the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the P.C.C. between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the council. It also meets to discuss other matters to be put before the P.C.C. and prepare the agenda. It consists of the Vicar, churchwardens, P.C.C. Secretary, and one elected member of the P.C.C. ## **Benefice Church Council** During 2020 the B.C.C. has been suspended due to COVID-19 ## **Electoral Roll** After the full refresh of the Electoral Roll there were 60 people on the electoral roll at the APCM in September 2020 Page **3** of **13** ## **Review of the Year** ## **COVID-19** 2020 was usurped by the Pandemic, and so much of the Parish and Benefice operations were tied into our response to this issue. In early March as things started to become serious Fr Ian convened a ‘Pastoral Response Team’ (PRT) that was made up of the Churchwardens and deputies to represent the entire Benefice. The PRT met most Tuesday’s (Via Zoom) to review the latest legislation, and guidance from the National Church. This allowed us to not only react quickly to the issues, but also in some cases to be proactive in our response. Through their work PCC’s and everyone who is registered on our Electoral Roll were advised of the latest updates. We also opened this up to give others the opportunity to receive regular updates, and some took up this offer. Additionally, we made full use of our Social Media platforms to inform the entire village of what was happening. In addition to our already well-established platforms, we also began to use YouTube and Instagram, and created a dedicated area on our Website to serve as a focal point for all information regarding COVID-19 ## **Matters discussed by the P.C.C.** The full PCC and the Standing Committee has met during the year (Via Zoom). As always, the PCC and Standing Committee have discussed a range of issues, these have included: - APCM Preparations - Building Maintenance - COVID-19 and its consequences - Parish Finances in respect of COVID-19 - The work of the Pastoral Response Team ## **Financial Activities** 2020 was a challenging year for the Parish, with a reduction in the receipt of giving, which amounted to approximately £2,400, and the money that was lost through not being able to hold the Youth Theatre events which amounts to £2,500. As the parish has been working with a tight budget due to the efforts that have been made to raise the funds for project 2020, this has meant that we had to make the decision to aim for a balanced budget during 2020, which meant that we had advised the Diocese in April of our intention to reduce our Parish Share commitments to a manageable level. (this also carried the caveat that if we reached the end of year with a surplus then this would be sent towards our outstanding balance.) Page **4** of **13** However, COVID-19 has continued well beyond anyone’s expectations, and as a result of this, we have achieved our balanced budget, but has left us with a shortfall in our Parish share commitment for 2020. These difficult choices have ensured that the parish remains viable, and we will continue to work on the principle of a balanced budget whilst the pandemic continues, and strive to meet our commitments at the highest level it is possible to achieve whilst preserving a reasonable operating budget. It is also hoped that we will be able to realise some of the giving which was missing from 2020, which will also bolster our finances, and we will also have a few months of Gift Aid to recover now that our new Gift Aid officer has completed the training. During 2020 Fr Ian was able to secure some COVID-19 recovery money to allow us to pay for the additional things that were required to re-open, and this was a welcome addition as it meant that this has not been an additional cost to the Benefice, and we are thankful to Action Together for this support. Despite the challenges that 2020 presented to us all, Holy Trinity continues to be a healthy church and depends on its members for support, both practical and monetary, for its continued existence and outreach to the community. The Church can claim an extra 25p for every £1 given if donated by a tax payer who has signed a “Gift Aid” declaration or completes and signs a white gift aid envelope, available at the end of each pew. This is paid by the Inland Revenue (at no extra cost to you); if you are a tax payer and would like to help boost the Church income, please have a word about gift aiding your donations. Thank you to all who support the parish in all your various ways; your generous giving of time and money is greatly valued. A copy of the Income and Expenditure, and Balance sheets are appended to the back of this report for inspection and have been independently examined by Mr D G Kershaw, to whom we are grateful for his continued support. ## **Fabric** Strangely enough the year started with water in the chancel, we did get Nick Lunn to come and solve the problem, which as usual was caused by the gutters being full of leaves and birds that insist on nesting over drainpipes. Unfortunately, the weather was against us so we had to wait until it was safe and dry for him to go up onto the chancel roof, regrettably we had just been put into lockdown when this was possible. Sad to say we also had problems with the Tower. Which we only found out about when we had water dripping into the porch. We had to empty the Horse box of the boxes containing the costumes belonging to the Theatre Group. Upon going into the clock room in the tower that problem was solved. We also had a problem with a small amount of water dripping into the nave. Page **5** of **13** Early in the lockdown whilst checking the building we heard water dripping again and discover this time that it was a burst coming from the central heating pipes under the floor near the Chancel steps. We found a brilliant company who came out to solve the problem, this took them about a week due to the difficulty of accessing the pipe work and being able to source replacement pipes and fittings. We have had a company to replace the gutters around the Organ loft, the vicar’s vestry and clear the moss on the vestry roof. They also cleaned the gulley of leaves and bird droppings but as always within a week it was filling up again. Nick Lunn came out once more to look at the Chancel roof as we had started to have water coming into the Chancel again. Due to the weather being good he was able to go onto the roof straight away and solve that problem. Whilst he was doing so he repaired one of the downspouts which was leaking. We have arranged with Nick Lunn to do some work on the Chancel roof due to there being a loose slate. We know that we have at least two loose slates (no pun intended) on the Nave roof. We still long for the re-order as we are needing work on the windows in the Nave. As I write this, for the first time in a long time I can finish without having to say that we have a problem with water coming into the Church. Alleluia! ## **Study** When Lockdown arrived, we had just begun the Lent course, and sadly this had to be abandoned for 2020, and we were unable to take any candidates through Confirmation. During Lockdown one, the Weekly Tuesday study group had to stop but it was later restarted and continued through the use of Zoom on a Wednesday evening. ## **Worship** The established pattern of worship continued up to March as follows: 8.00 a.m. Book of Common Prayer – Holy Communion 10.15 a.m. Holy Communion Holy Days and 5[th] Sundays – Benefice Services at 10.00 a.m. (rotating around the three parishes) Monthly Healing Service (Usually 2[nd] Sunday of the month) At lockdown Worship went online and when we were able to resume ‘in person’ worship the decision was taken to use Holy Trinity as the base for all worship until such a time as the restrictions could be lifted. This coupled with the online services has meant that there has been uninterrupted access to worship for all throughout 2020. Page **6** of **13** As the situation stood at the end of 2020, the country was preparing for a third lockdown, and whilst worship continues at Holy Trinity, it is not yet known when the full pattern of worship will be restored. It is also important to note that whilst many have access to the internet, there is a percentage of the overall Benefice who do not have this facility, and so we have offered DVDs of services which a number have taken advantage of. It is also worth noting that the weddings that we booked in for 2020 have been moved. Baptisms have been postponed, and there are a number of people waiting for these services to be resumed. Funerals have continued with limited attendance, and it has been offered to any who we have supported through bereavement, that we will work with them on a memorial service when legislation allows. Page **7** of **13** ## **Clergy** The Reverend Ian Bullock has continued the work of bringing unity to the Benefice, working on formalising and in places centralising methods of working in the parishes and Benefice. Additionally, he has continued to build relationships with organisations within the Benefice, and continues to serve as vice-chair of LEAF (Littleborough Events and Associations Forum) In addition to his duties inside the Benefice, Fr Ian also serves as the Clergy Chaplain to the Lay Readers in the Archdeaconry of Rochdale, Member of the Diocesan Synod, Member of Diocesan Giving Steering Group and as a member of other Diocesan Pastoral Groups. Throughout 2020 Fr Ian’s work has concentrated on the Pastoral needs of the Parishes and the wider village. This work will continue into 2021 until such a time as the current emergency has passed. ## **Lay Readers** During COVID-19 David has not been able to exercise his ministry due to restrictions which have been in place, however, it is hoped that in early 2021 he and Fr Ian will begin to look at how he can be more utilised. ## **Web Site** ## Web address: **http://www.cofe-littleborough.co.uk** The site continues to be popular, we have increased the throughput of the website, with there being over 240,000 hits during 2020. The greater control over our Benefice e-mail addresses continues to be a great benefit to us, with them being utilised both internally for a variety of purposes, and externally for people who want to contact us with queries regarding a variety of items such as baptisms, wedding and other general queries which are also received and answered. This has also been of great benefit to us during COVID-19 so that we could keep in touch with many people easily. Additionally, the Benefice Facebook page has continued to gather momentum, and at the beginning of the 2021, 630 people liked the page (This is an increase from January 2019 where we had 555), and is continuing to receiving regular updates from us. The Benefice has also continued to increase its use of Twitter, and can be followed **@cofelittleborough** . In 2020 The Benefice also began using YouTube for all of its recorded services, and a variety of other videos and announcements. We also began using Instagram: **cofelittleborough** Page **8** of **13** ## **Outreach and Activities** ## **Children and Schools** Junior Church was suspended at lockdown, however, we then moved Junior Church online to a secure Facebook group as part of The Benefice Facebook account. As a minimum a video and worksheets are posted each Sunday to allow the children and their parents to engage with worship on a weekly basis. In addition to this, other things are posted at different times, this has included a daily ‘How to draw a Disney Character’ fun activity during summer, and in Advent there was a daily Jesse Tree activity, which mirrored the daily post on the main account. This group is strictly monitored, and for a parent to access the resources, they are required to identify themselves, agree to adhere to the rules, and the overall group policies. Fr Ian has continued to work with our two church schools, much of this has been by supporting the Head as required through his role as Vice-chair, but was able through Technology to host two ‘Virtual’ church services: Harvest Christmas Where both of our Church schools joined Fr Ian in church to celebrate these two events. ## **Social Events** Due to COVID-19 all of our social events had to be postponed ## **Project 2020** Work continued on the Project until COVID-19, and the money secured currently stands at £115,000. It is envisaged that work will begin again on fundraising in 2021. ## **Holy Trinity Youth Theatre Workshop** Sadly COVID-19 has prevented us continuing with the workshop activities, and we will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. ## **Good Causes** During 2020 the Benefice were able to support the following organisations: - The Rochdale Foodbank at Harvest (along with Stansfield Hall School and Holy Trinity School) - Children’s Society through the Christingle Page **9** of **13** ## **Safeguarding** The Parish continues to take safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults seriously and during 2020 has continued to operate in the Benefice in line with the guidelines and practices as set down by Manchester Diocese. This has included DBS Checks and training, as well as the completion of the annual selfdeclaration forms. This information is now held confidentially and centrally, and the Parish and Benefice are committed to ensuring our churches are safe places for all people. The Website continues to be updated to reflect best practices, and describes the ways that anyone who is concerned about a matter can get in touch, as well as offering links to other groups who can provide assistance. We additionally commit to working together as a Benefice in ensuring that we meet our obligations. ## **Accounts** The Accounts were adopted by the PCC on 28[th] January 2021 and signed on their behalf by: The Reverend Ian Bullock (P.C.C. Chair) Vicar of Littleborough Page **10** of **13** ## **Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts** Report to the Trustees/Members of Holy Trinity, Littleborough on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 ## **Respective responsibilities of 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 of the Charities Act 2011(the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act To follow procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act) and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of Independent Examiner's statement** My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charities 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 consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the 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 statement 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 requirements: - to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met: or - (2) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Name Mr D G Kershaw Date: 22[nd] February 2021 Address 22 Sunset Hill Top, Meanwood, Leeds, LS6 4LP Page **11** of **13** ## **Holy Trinity** ## **Balance sheet (Church of England)** ## **As at: 31 December 2020** ||**As at 31/12/2020**
**£**|**As at 31/12/2019**
**£**| |---|---|---| |**Current assets**
Investments at CCLA
Cash at bank and in hand
**Net current assets less current liabilities**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Total net assets less liabilities**
**Represented by**
**Unrestricted**
Yorkshire Bank
**Restricted**
Restricted – Project 2020 awaiting trf to Inv.
Restricted – Benefice Mission Fund
Restricted - Benefice Shared Cost - Magazine
Restricted - Benefice Shared Cost - Printer
Restricted – Other Charity Donations
Restricted – Specific Legacies
Restricted – COVID-19
Restricted – PCC Investment Account
**Funds of the Church**|97570.94
8094.31
**105665.25**
**105665.25**
**105665.25**
**105665.25**
6236.10
640.47
309.17
155.98
282.202
0.00
100.00
370.39
97570.94

**105665.25**|76689.76
8214.42| |||**84904.18**| |||| |||**84904.18**| |||| |||**84904.18**| |||| |||**84904.18**| |||6318.90
728.48
381.09
435.71
350.24
0.00
0.00
0.00
76689.76| |||**84904.18**| Page **12** of **13** ## **Holy Trinity Income / Expenditure As at: 31 December 2020** |**Income**
Bank Paid Covenants
Envelope Covenants
One-Off Gift Aid
Loose Plate
Other Planned Giving - Not GA
Donations - Non GA
Donations - GA Eligible
General Fundraising - Non GA
Parochial Fees
Magazine Income
Flowers
Refreshments
Youth Theatre Workshop
Project 2020
COVID-19 (‘19:Rental Income)
Gift Aid Rebate
Legacies
CCLA Account Trf's \ Interest
Other Charitable Collections
Benefice Mission Income
Benefice Shared Cost - Magazine
Benefice Shared Cost - Printer
**Income totals**|**2020**
10,485.00
3,737.00
208.50
1,056.22
0.00
1,546.25
0.00
44.00
576.00
87.15
0.00
84.70
0.00
32,882.08
1,000.00
3,985.11
100.00
20,881.18
535.25
0.00
0.00
1,738.23
78,940.67|**2019**
**Expenditure**
10,260.00
Parish Share
5,997.87
Gas
656.61
Electricity
2,557.74
Water
0.00
Ecclesiastical Insurance
0.00
Church Maintenance \ Repairs
0.00
Fire \ Alarm Systems & Safety Check
120.90
Cleaning
538.00
Liturgical Supplies
250.85
Refreshments
0.50
Flowers
345.03
Vicarage
3298.95
Vicars Working Expenses
42,578.05
Training and Development
360.00
Organ \ Music \ Licences
4,613.41
Youth Theatre Workshop
0.00
Outreach, Evangelism & Discipleship
34,357.90
Childrens Work
1,384.64
Printing \ Stationery
10.00
FWO Envelopes
560.00
Equipment Rental
2,104.70
Project 2020
109,995.15
General Fundraising Costs
Professional \ Locum Fees
109,995.15
Deanery Costs
-77,241.97
Littleborough Churches together
**32,753.18**
Charitable Donations
Benefice Mission Expenditure
28,999.86
Benefice Shared Cost - Magazine
-31,342.21
Benefice Shared Cost - Printer
**-2,342.35 **
COVID-19 Grant
**Expenditure totals**
|**2020**
8,200.00
2,824.88
81.66
275.87
5,325.59
1,351.29
0.00
0.00
309.45
0.00
68.00
821.91
745.24
0.00
447.42
587.12
0.00
0.00
105.90
41.80
525.00
32,790.09
125.60
0.00
0.00
50.00
535.25
71.92
279.73
1,806.27
629.61
58,179.60|**2019**
14,072.50
2,674.39
650.21
244.30
5,137.06
487.00
270.78
11.98
448.57
185.31
130.83
1,148.11
1,020.11
0.00
298.13
3,381.86
30.00
19.27
221.31
107.99
540.00
41,973.62
80.50
132.00
0.00
50.00
1,938.22
109.17
124.29
1,754.46
0.00| |---|---|---|---|---| |**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Surplus \ Deficit**
|78,940.67
-58,179.60
**20,761.07**|109,995.15
-77,241.97||| |||**32,753.18**||| |||||| |**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Surplus \ Deficit**|21,803.93
-21,886.73
**-82.80 **|28,999.86
-31,342.21||| |||**-2,342.35 **||| |Actuals without restricted and charitable||||77,241.97|