Bank
Virgin Money
Rochdale
Independent Examiner
Mr D G Kershaw
Objectives
Holy Trinity P.C.C. has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbenL The Reverend
lan 8ullock in promotsng in the ecclesiastical Parish the vlhole mission of the Church. pastoral,
evangeli5ric. social and ecumenical. It also has main¢enance responsibilities for Holy Trinicy
Church.
Structure* governance and management
The method of appointmen¢ of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.
All Church attendees are encouraged ro register on the Electoral Fioll and stand for election
the PCC.
The PCC held seven meerings durin8 the year. and four meetings of the Standing Committee.
P.C.C. Membership
The Parochial Church CoLtncil (P.C.C.) is a body corporate (P.C.C. Powers Measure 1956.
Church Represenotion Rules 2022) and regisiered with the Charity Commission.
PCC members are elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meering in accordance with the
Church representation Rules 2022 and during the year. in addition there are a number of
officers who are Ex-officio.
During 2023. the following served as members of the PCC
Incumbent
The Reverend lan Bullock (E¥-officio) (Chair)
Readers
Mr David White (Resigned December 2023)
Churchwardens
Mr Fmnk Ketsh¢YW {EK-ofvo)
Mr frahom Windslow (Ex-officio)
Deanery Synod
Fronk Kershow (Ex-oIFoo)
Vacont {E¥-offKio}
Elected Members
Morcus Pritchard
Val Lawrenson
David White
Chrisune Ke￿haW
Lynnette Windslow
(Resi￿ November 2023)
erm of Office Expires 2024)
(Resigned December 2023)
erm of Office Expires 2025)
ITen7) of Office Expires 2025)
Page 2 of 14

Brenda Wilson
Gillian Jackson
(Term of Office Expires 2026)
(Term of Office Expires 2026)
*Names in itolic denote members of the Standing Committee
Standing Committee
This the only committee required by law. It has power co transact the business of the P.C.C.
between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the council. It also meets to discu55
other matters to be put before the P.C.C. and prepare che agenda.
It consists of the Vicar, churchwardens. P.C.C. Secretary. and in the absence of a permanent
P.C.C. Treasurer. up to (wo elected members of the P.C.C.
Benefice Church Council
The Benefice Council has met through the year and has continued to look at how we can
engage other members of the Benefice in mission. We also began to consider some materials
for running an enquirers course after Easter 2024.
The #prayerforeveryone initiative has cononued though this year. and has been warmly
welcomed by people on our social media, and we have also been looking at ways to continue
to develop this.
Electoral Roll
After the annual update of the Electoral Roll there were 41 people on the electoral roll at the
APCM in March 2023
Page 3 of 14

Review of the Year
COVID-19
As there was not 3 resurgence of COVID. the Benefice fully stood down all of its procedures.
The only element that remained was the livestreaming of our Sunday service. which has
continued throughoui 2023. and has continued to be watched each week via Facebook and
YouTube.
Matters discussed by the P.C.C.
The full PCC and the S¢anding Committee has met during the year (In person in Spring and
Summer, and via Zoom in Autumn and Winier). A5 alY4ays. the PCC and Standing
Commitcee have discu55ed a range of issues. these have included..
APCM Preparations
Building Maintenance
Parish Finances
The work of the Pascoral Response Team
Proiect 2020
Vision 2022
Sus¢ainabiliry of the Parishes l Benefice
The Lead Theft causing significanc damage to the church
Financial Activities
2023 another challenging year for the Parish, with giving down approximately £1.500 on
2022. It was a delighi to See that the Youth Theatre resumed. and with che new cast and
their October produc¢ion, the church saw a nec profit of approx. £600. (It is worth noting
rhat this profit is afcer we inve5(ed in some new microphones to replace old non-functioning
ones)
We have continued to keep a tight rein on the budgeL we have made ends mee¢ and whilst
we were unable to hit our full Parish Share. we paid 37% tOW3rds IL
We have made some modest gains in the Project 2020 fund, although fundraising has
continued to be difficulL
Through good financial managemenL the Parish has remained viable again this year. and we
will continue to work on the principle of a balanced budget whilst we work on recovery. and
strive to meet our commitments at the highest level it is possible to achieve whilst preserving
a reasonable operating budgeL
We have not realised any of the giving that was10st through the pandemic years. and it is now
unlikely that we will. Whilst our energy consumpoon appears to be low. when the issues
with the lead theft are factored in and thac the new boilers were only commissioned in the
third week of December, we are braced for increased energy costs as wincer sets in. the
Page 4 of 14

grants that we received from the Diocese will give a small amount of respite. but this money
will be used quickly if the winter turns harsh.
Whilst there are signs of recovery. issues such as the lead theft have hit us. and we are
continuing to resolves the issues but it is likely to be well inco the first quarter I half of the
year before everything will be fully re501ved. Holy Trinity continues to depend on its
members for supporL both practical and monetary. for its continued existence and outreach
to the communi¢y.
The Church can claim an extra 25p for every £1 &ven if donated by a tax payer who has
signed a "Gift Aid" declardtion or completes and signs a one-off gift aid envelope, available at
in 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 3 word abour 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 Ker5haw, to whom
we are grateful for his continued supporL
Fabric
In many ways this has been a strange and difficult year.
The roofing company finally, after many months came to finish the work that they had been
contracted to do!
The ongoing problem with pigeons and cheir guano is 50113nnoying due to having to clean it
up before every service, to which we are working on 3 solution to this problem.
The school have had their fencing raised. so we don't appear to be having problems with
footballs breaking windows. Unfortunately. we are becoming close to having to replace the
Church window￿ on both the North and South sides of the Nave. we are just waiting for the
DAC to arrange one of their inspection visits to give approval for us to go ahead with getting
the work done.
Sadly, we found that we had vnter coming into the vestry via the roof gully. This we took a5
problems caused by pigeons nesting in that gully. Due to the extreme amount of rain, we
couldn t get or expec¢ a workman co climb up onto the roof to repair the damage by cleaning
out the gully. When there was finaSly a break in the rain. he went up onto the Chancel roof to
clear the leaves there {this needs to be done twice ye3rty). As he looked over. he informed us
that the problem wasn't caused by the pigeons but by the fact th2t the lead had been stolen
which formed the gully earlier in the year when the weather had been good but unfortunately.
we were unaware of this unul the rains had resrnrted. We informed the insurance company
and the saga started!
The damage continued occurring as no one would or could repair the problem until the
weather improved. Our insurers did inspett the damage which consisted of
Page5of14

Damage to the Parquet flooring inside the vestry.
Damage to Ihe internal vestry door.
Damage to the walls.
Damage to the light switches.
The105s of a number of books. bible5. prayer books, lectionary and othe￿.
Damage to a storage cabineL
Damage to the microphones.
Damage to the Heating Boiler5 due to water seeping through the floorin&
Damage to cwo antique chairs.
Inspection and clean-up of the water ingress had co happen daily until the work could
commence.
Thankfully work on replacing the lead ￿as evenwalty able to st3n and be finished, though that
had problems of irs own.
The temporary installarion of dehumidifiers sorted w work on drying out the floor.
After Fr lan and Frank had been turning the lights on. using a stick and srnnding about five feet
away. It was felt tha[ after seeing sparks. the ume was right co get the electricians back to do
whatever was necessary co fix the problem. this has been solved by repositioning the light
switches.
The cabinet has had to be deswoyed, the books replaced. the microphones repaired and the
two chairs sent to be refurbished.
We hired some heaters to try to hear the Church though not fijlly succe55fully.
The problem with the Boilers, after getting four qu0￿. has been solved by having to replace
the heau'ng system. The Church is gettsng warmer than ic has been for a long cime.
Even now at the end of 2023 Some of the remedial work hasn't been finished.
Due to the excessive rain tha¢ there has been over the las¢ month. we have had some watrr
coming into the Chancel this will be solved as soon as our roofer is able to go onco the roof.
The same problem occurred wich the bell tower. again due 10 excessive rain. This problem
will also be solved.
One good thing that has h2ppened 2nd has pleased a good number of people is that we are
iesting soffle new lighung for the chancel. This test has brought back into view the beautiful
angelic caryings inside the chancel.
Study
In Lent 2023. we ran a lent course which focussed upon Jesus. 40-day wilderness experiences.
nd how we draw from them. as they strengthen our faith. Again. we offered three INe
sessions 2nd one on Zoom. Uptake this year vfas incredibly poor with a litde over 25 people
engaging with the course.
The weekly study group continued to meet through 2023 (Pausing for Lent) and have
discussed a range of scripture.
Page6of14

Worship
10.15 a.m. Holy Communion
Holy Days and 5 Sundays - Benefice Services at l 0.00 a.m. {rotating around the three
Parishes)
We have seen the attendance levels at Hoty Trinity averaging in the mid 20,5 with 2 good
regular attendance of young people additional to thi5 number.
Clergy
The Reverend lan Bullock has contsnued 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 continued to serve a5 vice-chair of LEAF (Littieborough Evenfs and Associauons Forum),
until November where he assumed the role of Chair.
In addition w his duties inside the Benefice. Fr lan also serrfes as the Clergy Chaplain to the
Lay Readers in the Archdeaconry of Rochdale. Member of the Diocesan Synod. Member of
Diocesan Giving Steering Group. Member of the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee,
ALM Tutor for Parish Administration. Finance and Governance and as Bishops Advisor to
Diocesan Pastoral Group.
Throughou¢ 2023 in addition to his day-co-day duties Fr lan's work has concentrated on trying
¢0 encourage people within the churches to explore their gifts and talents. so as ¢0 strengthen
the Benefice a5 a whole.
In addition to the Pastorydl Team. a Digital Team has been created ¢0 continue ro work on
promoting our work through our web and social media presence.
Lay Readers
In 2023 David continued with his duties. including the sharing of leading Collective Worship in
Holy Trinity School. In December David left the Benefice for family reasons. and whilst he
continues With his work as the Lay Ch2p13in to the Lay Readers in the Rochdale
Archdeaconry. we wish him well in his new parish as he and Joan settle in.
Web Site
Web address.. htt :Ilwww.cofe-li
eborou
h.co.uk
The site continues to be popular. and the throughput tnffic increased to approx. 282.000 hits
in 2023. this still reflects that people are interested in getts'ng to know the Benefice.
The greater control over our Benefice e-mail addresse5 continues to be a great benefit to us,
with them being utslised both internally for a variety of purposes. and externally for people
who want to contact us with queries regarding a variery of items such as baptisms. wedding
and other general queries which are also received and answered.
Page 7 of 14

Additionally, the Benefice Facebook page has continued to gather momentum. and at the
beginning of the 2023. 691 people liked the page ￿h15 is an increase from January 2022 where
we had 658), and is continuing to receiving a daily prayer update as well and other regular
updates from us.
The Benefice has also continued to increase its use of Twitter. and can be followed
@cofelittleborough. You can also follow us on Instagram: cofelittleborough
In 2022 The Benefice continued co use YouTube for livestreaming service5. as well as other
announcements that we made. It 15 envisaged that the use of YouTube and Facebook will
continue for our livestreamed services.
Outreach and Activities
Junior Church
l am really pleased that over the year we have increased the number of children registered
with us as members ofjunior Church. For mosc of the academic year. Junior Church has
taken place in the school during the mornin8 service.
The sessions follow a similar pattern each weel often including singing. a story. an activicy
and a prayer. As far as is appropriace, the session is based around one of the readings Chat is
set for che Sunday and being read in church.
This year I have been delighted th3t some of our children are beginning ¢0 ask questions.
demonstraung that they are thinking carefully about what we believe and why. I have enjoyed
talking to them and I think it is good that they know from an early age that there are some
questions that we just cannot answer and that is OK.
From time to time, we have displayed thildren's work on a board in church allowing others to
enjoy ¢heir art and writing. We hope that member5 Of the congregation have enjoyed sharing
this with us and ralk to the children individually asking them about their activity.
This is all very positive however: the susrainabiliry of Junior Church is now in quesuon.
We started the year with three leaders and were delighted 10 recruit two additional leaders,
however this was short lived. and we were soon reduced back to four. Sadly. over the last
few months we have lost Thvo members of the team. This leaves me with one helper. Rey lan
has repeatedly adverused for additional Junior Church leaders. but without success. Some
PCC members agreed to supporc in an emergency, and we are able ro do this as PCC
members have compleced the appropria￿ DBS and Safeguarding training. This cannot be a
long-term solution.
In order to try to manage this situation, we have relocated the Junior Church to the kitchen
area. With the door open. one per50n is able to lead the sessions with Safeguarding
requirements fulfilled. Obviously. Junior Church will only run on those Sundays that a leader
is available.
If anyone would like to know more about ioining the Junior Church. either as a leader or a
helper, please speak to Fr lan or Lynne(￿.
Page8of 14

Schools work
Fr lan has continued to work wth our t410 church schools. 2nd we have this year fully
resumed a Collecuve Worship schedule. as well as opening up the church services that the
schools have to any parents who wish to attend.
Fr lan has continued to spend time over the year going in to teach on a variery of subjects.
During this year Holy Triniry also had its SIAMS (The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and
Methodist Schoo15) Inspection.
Fr lan worked closely with members of the Schools SLT (Senior Leadership Team) and
governors co answer the questions that the inspector had about our effectiveness a5 a church
school. At the end of the inspection. we were deemed as 'Good'. This will be the last time
we are given a grade as their framework changed at the beginning of this academic year. but
a5 a school we are committed to continuing to improve our faith-based education, and have
already started to implemenc the new RE syllabus which becomes the new standard in
September 2024 for all schools.
In addition to the activities in school and church. Fr13n also attended Young Voices at
Manchester Arena. chere were over I 1.000 children there. and it was a real delight to see
their exemplary behaviour outside of their normal setting and a real credit to our school.
Social Events
Due ¢0 the reduced numbers returning, it was decided that as we began to host social events
again, these would be done a5 'Benefice Evenu. 3nd during the course of the year we did che
following.
Summer Fayre
I AM MARK
Quiz night
Band Concert
Breakfast with Santa
Choir concert
Markec stall at Rushbearing and Christmas Lights curn on
Attendance and support were mixed, with good interactions from the general public. but little
support from the congregations, with one event having to be cancelled due to lack of interesL
Project 2020
Work has continued to be incredibty slow on fundraising for the projec¢ finding funders to
supporc this kind of project has been slow going over 2023. although it is hoped there will be
funders available in 2024 as COVID relief is now coming to a close. Another issue has been
down co the lack of volunteers taking on roles. which have remained with Fr lan.
During the year we were able to hold our annual Art Exhibition, which increased the fund. we
again hosted the Mayor s chariry conceri for which we retained the proceeds from the bar.
Sainsburys continued to support us through counter collectsons. and other item5 were made
and sold for the benefit of the projecL as well as donations thac were made.
Page9of 14

This year we agreed to turn our focus to achieving one of the aspects of the project which is
not dependent on anything else. the windows. and we are awaiting a visit from the DAC
(Diocesan Advisory Committee) to seek their approval to split this aspect of the project from
the resL
Holy Trinity Youth Theatre Workshop
Once more it ha5 been an in¢eresting year.
Though I'm not sure how some people would have seen io we started the year with a car in
Church until nearly Easter and have finished with an oven and 2 coffin.
The summer production went well. especially as we had new members who hadn'c done
anything before. who along with the others stepped up to the mark
Following on from Fr lan and Frank going into Stanfield Hall and Holy Trinicy Schools to
advertise the theatre group, it decided co repeac the opporwnity again. This brought new
members.
The October show Oliver! also went well and we were encouraged by all of the help tha¢ the
paren¢$ gave us in erects'ng and dismantling the stage.
We are constantly encouraged by the way that the children perform both on and off the
stage. and by Che way that they act with each other.
Though it does seem strange thar last year many children, even some adults wanced to be
photographed in the Chitry Chirry car buL noc this year in the coffin.
Thank you once more to John for all the times that he helps us with the nlth'ng of our
scrange wooden requesrs.
We would like to thank Katy and David Warbunon for all of their support. Thanks to
Lynnette. Chris, Amanda and Graham for all that they do. Thanks to the children and parents
of our group. Thank you ¢0 the Church and everyone for your supporL
Good Causes
During 2023 the Benefice were able to support the following organisations:
Rochdale Foodbank at H3rves¢ (along with Stansfield Hall School and Holy Trinity
School)
Children's Society through the Christingle service
Safeguarding
The Parish conunues to take safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults seriously and
during 2023 ha5 conunued to operate in the Benefice in line with the guidelines and practices
as set down by manChes￿r Diocese.
Page 10 of 14

This has included DBS Checks and trnining. a5 well as the compleoon of the annual self-
declaration forms. This inforniaoon 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 con£inue5 to be updated to refiect best practices, and de5tribes the way5 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 tt)gether as a Benefice in ensuring that we meet our
obligations.
Accounts
The Accounts were approved by the PCC on 2- February 2024 and signed on their behalf by.
The Reverend lan Bullock {P.C.C. Chair)
Vicar of Litdeborough
Page 11 of 14

Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts
Report to the Trusteeslmembers of Hoty Trinity. Littleborough
on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023
Respective responsibilitie5 of Trustee5 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
Chariues Aci 2011 (the Charities Act) and thac 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 Direccions given by the Charity Commission
(under secuon 145(5)(b) of the Charities Aci) 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 gener￿ Directions given by the
Charities Commission. An examina¢ion includes a review of the accounting records kept
by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presenced with those records. It also
includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking
explanacions from che truscees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken
do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audiL and. consequendy no
opinion is 8iven as to whether the accouncs preseni a 'rrue and fair, view and the report is
limited to those matters set out in the stacemenr below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention..
111 Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respec¢ the
requirements..
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities ACL
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
accounung requirements of the Charities Act have not been mec or
121 To which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable
a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name
Mr D G Kershaw
t)at&' 2" Felw 2024
21 Sunset Hill Top. Meanwood. Leeds, LS6 4LP
Address
Page 12 of 14

Hoty Trinity
Balance sheet (Church of England)
As at 31 De￿mber 2023
As at3111ZIZ023
As at 3111212022
Current assets
Investments at CCLA
79.061.57
76,606.70
Cash at bank and in hand
45,684.97
32,493.74
127,746.54
109,100.44
Net current aswts less current Ilabllitles
127.746.54
109,100.44
Total assets less current Ilablllties
127,746.54
109,100.44
Total net assets less Ilabllities
127.746.54
109.100.44
Represented by
un￿trIcted
Virgin Bank
3,794.21
2.100.82
Restrlrted
Restricted- Project 2020 avniting trf to Inv.
Restricted- Benefice Mission Fund
23.150.67
25.698.87
39.80
1,28.71
Restricted - 8enefice Shared Cost - Magazine
Restricted - Benefice Shared Cost - Prin*r
77.37
143.19
0.74
119.68
Resrricted - Other Charity Donati¢Jns
Restricted - Specific Legaae5
Restricted - Benefice Fundraising
Restritted- PCC Investment Account
1.680.(KJ
1.350.00
2.232.18
2.952.47
79.061.57
76,606.70
Re5tricEed - Lead Theft
14.71 O.C(I
Funds of the Church
124,746.54
109,100.44
Page 13 of 14

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