OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

APCM 2025

St Luke’s Church

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2025

April 2025

Table of Contents

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS page 2
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING page 3
PCC LEGAL AND ADMINSTRATIVE INFORMATION page 5
VICAR’S REPORT PATRICK W page 6
MINISTRY ASSISTANT’S REPORT ALICE P page 8
CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT BEN H & LINDA P page 10
PASTORAL CARE MARION B page 11
CARE HOMES ERNIE H page 12
MISSION PARTNERS RACHEL S page 12
ELECTORAL ROLL CATHERINE M page 12
SAFEGUARDING CATHERINE M page 13
FLOWER BUNCH CATHERINE B page 13
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND AFFAIRS GILES W page 14
DEANERY SYNOD PETER B page 16
ANNUAL PCC REPORT COLLEEN P page 17
ST LUKE’S CHURCH HALL SIMON B page 18
Appendix 1: ST LUKE’S CHURCH ACCOUNTS page 19
Appendix 1: ST LUKE’S CHURCH HALL ACCOUNTS page 27

1

Annual Meetings

Minutes of the Meeting of Parishioners

Held at St. Luke’s Church on Sunday 21st April 2024 at 11.15 am

Chaired by Revd. Patrick Wheaton (PW) who opened the meeting with a short reading from Romans 11 and in prayer. The format was explained.

Apologies for absence

Al B, Heather B, Patsy F, Andrew H, Barbara H, Sarah H, Terry H, Vibeke N, Linda R, Peter R, Carla T, Rachel W, Louise W and Anthony W.

Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 30th April 2023

Upon a proposal by Victoria B (seconded by Sarah W), the minutes were approved on a show of hands without opposition.

Matters arising

None

Election of Officers

Robert B had last year agreed to stand for just one year and so did not wish to be nominated. Ben H was prepared to continue and was nominated to do so (by Cassie M, seconded by Sarah W). Linda P was also nominated (by Guy W, seconded by Robert B). There being no other nominations and no objections, Ben and Linda were unanimously and enthusiastically elected as churchwardens upon a show of hands.

Report of Trustees – St Luke and St John Ecclesiastical Charity (St Luke’s Church Hall)

A written report had been submitted by Simon B on behalf of the Trustees with its customary care and thoroughness upon which PW invited questions. There being none, the report was approved without objection upon a proposal by Robert B (seconded by Christine L) by a show of hands. Simon was thanked by PW.

Any Other Business

None

2

Annual Meetings

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Held at St. Luke’s Church on Sunday 21st April 2024 following the Meeting of Parishioners

Chaired by Revd. Patrick Wheaton (PW) who opened the meeting in prayer.

Apologies for absence

Al B, Heather B, Patsy F, Andrew H, Barbara H, Sarah H, Terry H, Vibeke N, Linda R, Peter R, Carla T, Rachel W, Louise W and Anthony W.

Approval of the Minutes of the meeting held on 30th April 2023

Upon a proposal by Victoria B (seconded by Chris S), the minutes were approved on a show of hands without opposition.

Matters arising

None

Elections

Deanery Synod N/A this year.

PCC

The 3-year elected terms of Victoria B and Christine L had come to an end, although by local convention Victoria B was eligible to stand again. Emma P-W had resigned part way through the year. There were therefore 3 vacancies for elected members.

There were 3 nominations, namely Matthew A (proposed by Robert B, seconded by Simon C), Victoria B (proposed by Ann F-J, seconded by Rachel W) and Kyle H (proposed by Robert B, seconded by Terry H. With no other nominations, all were elected unanimously.

Independent Examiner

Upon a proposal from Giles W (seconded by Stephen S), Sally Colbourne is to continue as the independent examiner, to the unanimous approval of the meeting. (The secretary reminded the meeting of the historical reason (namely a previous potential conflict of interest) why this was to be done at the APCM, even though it was not a legal requirement.)

Reports

The bundle of various reports were received and accepted unanimously by the meeting upon a proposal from the chair.

Giles W (treasurer) then summarised the church accounts which were included in the bundle. He outlined the overall financial position of the church from the information provided.

3

In summary, there was a small surplus and break even was expected for this current year. From the figures given, 93% of income was from congregational giving. The rest (7%) was from use of the building, parking and interest. Most qualifies for gift aid and is tax-efficient. Giles thanked Linda R for looking after this part of the finances and to Robert B managing the parking rents. There was steady growth in giving. A graph showing all legacies since 2019 was referred to for illustration.

Expenditure was increasing, especially utilities although a change of arrangement/supplier (to use the CofE scheme enabled us to benefit from better value and savings for bulk supply. Parish Share was significant but we aim to pay the full share of ministry costs. Graphs showed recent trends in utility and repair costs and in the last 5 years income matched expenditure. Giles mentioned some ideas to cut costs, reclaim tax, rent out our premises, and apply for grants.

Resources will be needed to redevelop and improve the interior of the church – toilets and staging.

In answer to questions, he explained the role of the Examiner and where the flower bunch may be accommodated with access to a water supply. Summarising the mood of the meeting, PW thanked Giles for his hard work on the finances along with those who had assisted him.

In his report, PW noted from his gardening experience that trellis was needed but did not guarantee growth. In his book The Trellis and The Vine , Tim Challies had noted that ‘vine work’ was more important than ‘trellis work’ yet the church often emphasised the latter (structures to support growth). Trellis cannot make things grow but it can make growth possible. For us, vine work included introducing people to Jesus or serving them in his name. Church life is not about getting a bigger trellis! Some vine work is often one-to-one conversations and the like.

Forthcoming trellis work will include work on the building, notably the dais/front staging area. The recent discovery of dry rot in the side chapel will delay these plans! While the project involving the Fire Truck has not worked as hoped, leading to some frustration, the vine work it supported continues through the relationships made and engagement with the hospital. The office in the South Gallery has been set up to deal with administrative matters.

The process appointment of a Ministry Assistant was outlined, including the initial slow response. The two applicants eventually interviewed were of high quality. Indeed, the appointment of Alice P (for vine work) had been made possible by trellis work. In all this thanks was given to those who have supported this, including Catherine M (safeguarding). Financially, the generosity of people had enabled vine work to take place as had the various form-filling and other work, some of which is repetitive. Thanks were given for all who helped. This work was long term – we were still working on and talking about some ideas from 2013!

Future vine work included the Ministry Assistant’s work at the school (having a strong Christian ethos, where the Christian story is told even if this is not always visible here in church). Our parish demographics show the age spread and number of people living alone – both reflected in our congregation. How can we invest resources there? As the church nearest the hospital, the building can be available for wider use and prayer for healing and wholeness developed. To ensure a healthy vine, we invest in time spent together, e.g. on 23rd November 2024, when we will take some part in the Cotswold Bible Festival by way of an extended church weekend together.

Final thanks from PW to his family who willingly support him. Likewise to the Second Saturday group for teenagers and friends and to Marion B (pastoral coordinator) and Peter B (stepping down from being PCC secretary and taking a break from attending PCC).

Any Other Business

None.

The meeting closed at 12.25pm.

4

st luke&st johnparishcheltenham

Parochial Church Council

Annual Report 2024

Legal and Administrative Information

Name: Parochial Church Council of St. Luke and St. John, Cheltenham

Location: St. Luke’s Road, Cheltenham

(Address for correspondence) St. Luke’s Church St. Luke’s Road Cheltenham GL53 7HX

Members: Members who served during the year were as follows:

Revd. Patrick Wheaton (ex officio) Mr. Ben Harris (Churchwarden, ex officio) Mrs. Linda Pitchford (Churchwarden, ex officio) Mr. Matthew Andrews (elected, April 2024 for 3 years) Ms. Victoria Beevers (elected, April 2024 for 3 years) Mr. Peter Burke (Deanery Synod rep, ex officio) Mr. Richard Fenton-Jones (elected, April 2023 for 3 years) Mr. Kyle Hobbis (elected, April 2024 for 3 years) Mr. Peter Ralphs (elected, April 2023 for 3 years) Mrs. Rachel Smith (elected, April 2023 for 3 years) Ms. Carla Thraves (Deanery Synod rep, ex officio) Mr. Giles Wadsworth (elected, April 2022 for 3 years – elected Treasurer) Mrs. Sarah Wingfield (elected, April, 2023 for 3 years) Mr. Rod Woodward-Court (Deanery Synod rep, ex officio)

Secretary: Mrs. Colleen Powell

Related Charity:

St. Luke and St. John Ecclesiastical Charity (St. Luke’s Church Hall) The trustees are the Vicar, Churchwardens and 3 nominees appointed by the PCC.

Independent examiner:

Sally Colbourne Chartered Accountant 125, Meadow Road Malvern

Bankers: National Westminster Bank plc, 31, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1LH

Colleen Powell PCC Secretary (March 2025)

5

PATRICK W

VICAR’S REPORT

Since the office has been completed, I have spent time, spread over a number of months, sorting historic church paperwork. Easily distracted, I have found myself browsing through the occasional old report, meeting notes, magazine or other documents. Here are some observations.

Reading back to 2011-13, I discovered some ‘ideas’ for development at St Luke’s. These were a combination of congregational suggestions and PCC discussions. Without being an exhaustive list, they included; more regular opportunities to eat together as a church; healing service on the 5th Sunday of a month to engage the hospital community; redeveloping the Saint John’s Chapel as a separate room, heated independently; opening the church for visitors; and reviewing Sunday worship patterns. There was also conversation around a collaborative Holiday Club with Highbury that had not quite attracted the numbers hoped for.

A mere half-century before this, in 1959 Norman Haddock arrived as Vicar with the intention to ‘double our prayers and devotion, and to increase church attendance.’ This was on account of the congregation being at a low ebb, with many living outside of the parish, and the church had appealed to the Bishop for a younger and more vigorous man. Reverend Haddock’s solutions were to visit the people of the parish, and elevate the dignity of public worship.

Jump back a bit to the parish magazine of 1926 and the Vicar of St Luke’s comments on the near emptiness of the parish in Summer as people go on holiday. He also advocates the need for earnest prayer that the congregation would be loyal to the faith of their fathers, and loyally uphold the national church. Plus, there is reference to a specific Sunday afternoon service to engage children.

One last historical journey to 1880 where the St Luke’s Parish Magazine commented over a number of months in its ‘parish jottings’ about the rise of Coffee Taverns in the town. They were commended for having all the outward appeal of the public house or Gin Palace, such as coloured glasses, mirrors and cheerful attendants, but without the intoxicating drink. They were promoted as places for meeting and talking, not limited to men. St Luke’s Church Council ran a coffee house for the people of Bath Road.

I wonder how you respond to such historical anecdotes? On the one hand there is encouragement I think in seeing long-term continuity of intentions and some measures of progress. On the other, it would be easy to feel disheartened at the slow pace of development, and even the circularity of issues. Where our vision statement declares the intent and desire to be ‘rooted and flourishing’ is that not about moving forward and increasing, rather than being in the same position as our predecessors?

Back in early summer 2024 we studied the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. These are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. As said at the time, nobody would argue against these attributes, but few celebrate characteristics like patience and self-control with particular vigour. And yet, if we consider the life of the early church, a period during the first couple of centuries of its existence, these are the characteristics that stood out, in a period of significant growth. Anointed individuals like Paul, and the honing of communication and debating techniques certainly played a part. So too power, demonstrated in miracles and zeal. However, overwhelmingly, the Christian communities attracted enquirers and new believers through their patience, godly habits and patterns of behaviour, and faithful training in faith and worship. By consequence, there was a brewing of potential, a ferment, that could only be released by God, although the temptation was for human action to try and force it. The majority experience of Christians is the call to patient fruitfulness. Steady, patient discipleship. A bubbling longing for God’s outpouring, but resisting the temptation to try and direct His hand.

6

Looking back over the last 12 months, I am encouraged by the evidence of patient and godly habits. Connect Prayer has been most heart-warming. Seeing numbers grow as people regularly commit to offer a Saturday morning in prayer is uplifting. Knowing that God alone brings true growth, we must pursue Him, being bold to ‘ask, seek and knock.’

In faith and worship, Alice has done excellent work bringing clarity and continuity to the teaching for children and young people. Such structured teaching is foundational to passing on the inherited faith in Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In our corporate worship we have a broad team of those who lead and preach, both ordained and lay. That last distinction can be unhelpful at times, and yet it was a great comfort over the summer when I had an extended break to know through Peter, Andy, John and Ernie the worship life of St Luke’s was well tended and appropriately ordered. The return of Personal Prayer after 10am Communion services is another real encouragement. Many thanks to Andy Hall for getting this going, and providing a structure for people to step into and minister through prayer to others.

St Luke’s unashamedly also seeks to root the Christian faith in the surrounding parish. Our church school at Saint John’s is central to this. The presentation of faith through Faithfuel, Collective Worship, RE days and festival services is wonderful. In this, it has been superb to see a growing volunteer team step in alongside the framework Alice has provided. Likewise, the links to care homes through both Ernie’s ministry and the support of Anna Chaplaincy led by Marion is a faithful and consistent expression of pastoring and teaching.

Then what about the ferment? The brewing and bubbling desire for an outpouring of God. Let us be honest, we would love to see it in many ways; the church full for worship; growing numbers of children, young people and families; church visitors and doorstep conversations leading to faith enquiry; dramatic answers to prayer and testimony of healing. It could be easy to think that at times we are going round in circles, mirroring the efforts of previous years, and generations, without driving forward in progress. Consider these two phrases from Paul’s letters.

‘Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour is not in vain’ (1 Corinthians 15.58) ‘Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 5.16-18)

I want us to take heart. As a church we have so much to give thanks for. We have resources, our building that continues to be maintained and developed for worship and mission and our finances where we can meet our costs and there are also funds available to draw upon beyond that. Many thanks to Giles and Peter for the work they do in overseeing these areas, and also to those that volunteer in support. Greater than buildings and money, we also have resources in people who know Jesus as Lord and desire to serve His kingdom. Above all, we have resources in all the riches of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Further, we have desire and vision. In conversation, I hear the voices of many, truly wanting to see growth and flourishing. In deepening spiritual fellowship together, and in God calling people to himself. Many churches can descend to apathy and entropy, the absence of care and the decline to disorder. I do not sense or see this amongst us. We also have a shared sense of where God is calling us to. Making disciples of Jesus, overflowing in love, and missionally engaged in our parish. There is, I think, a particular calling to be a place of rescue and refuge. A haven for the lost and hurting, where people find support and healing. In human effort and planning we cannot simply connect and mix resources, desire and vision to determine an outcome. Much as we would love to do so. We are mere creatures and labourers, not the potter who controls the shape. We can and must continue to apply ourselves faithfully and patiently. In prayer, habits and worship. Ferment can too easily slip over into frustration. Dear St Luke’s, let us stand firm and labour, full of joy and thanks. Let us see what God has done and given, praying He would do more, in His timing.

7

MINISTRY ASSISTANT’S REPORT

ALICE P

Church Children, Youth & Families

It has been a great privilege to oversee the discipleship of the children and young people connected to St Luke’s. The vision at St Luke’s is to be ‘rooted and flourishing’ and this applies to our whole church family, including children and young people who we want to see having a faith rooted in Jesus and living lives that flourish under God’s love. Do continue to pray for the children, youth and students that we encounter at St Luke’s.

Roots – Sunday morning provision for teenagers Over this academic year, these have sometimes run in parallel with the church whole family teaching. We also completed a series, ‘Identity in Christ’, and are finishing an overview of the Bible, using The Bible Course . We want to develop our vision for Sunday morning youth teaching in partnership with the direction of the whole church, aiming to see our teenagers growing in faith and actively serving within the church family. A huge thank you to the Roots team: Linda P, Rachel S, Rachel W and Kyle H for their faithful service.

Acorns – Sunday morning provision for children Acorns have used a variety of material and children’s Bibles to cover an overview of the Old Testament, and look at some of the parables of Jesus. We’ve seen an encouraging growth in consistency and engagement, with children learning creatively and interacting well with the Bible. A particular highlight has been seeing the children occasionally share with the congregation what they have been leaning together. We are grateful to Ruth H and Hazel B, as well as those who have stepped in to support.

Second Saturday This evening event has continued to meet monthly, providing a space for discipleship and fellowship that supplements the Sunday morning teaching. We have also hosted a few socials, which have been a great opportunity for the teenagers to build friendships and grow in their faith. Thank you to Stephen S and Kyle H for their dedication in leading this ministry.

1-2-1 discipleship This has taken place with some of the young people at St Luke’s, studying the Bible and applying it to school, family and friendships.

Student ministry Over the summer, we had the opportunity to engage with students through discipleship activities, as well as social and fellowship events. This has been a valuable time of encouragement, and we are keen to explore ways to develop this ministry further in the coming year.

Seedlings (Baby & Toddler group) Seedlings has moved to a Thursday and continues to see a core group of families attending regularly. There have been great discussions, and it has been encouraging to see many families engaging with wider church events such as the Light Party and Community Carols. A big thank you to Rachel W, Hazel B, Louise W, Lindsay S and Catherine M for their commitment to this ministry.

Please continue to pray that our young people would grow in knowledge and love of Jesus.

Saint John’s School

It’s a great privilege to have such a strong relationship with Saint John’s School in our parish. We don’t overlook what a tremendous opportunity it is to share the gospel with every child in that school, and give thanks to Victoria B for her ongoing support in this.

Collective worship Patrick W does an excellent job leading collective worship each Wednesday, creatively engaging with the pupils and demonstrating the Bible’s relevance to the school’s values. ‘Reverend Wheaton’ is enthusiastically received each week, making the teaching meaningful and memorable.

8

Faithfuel This weekly lunchtime session has seen an increase in consistency, focusing on gospel essentials and reinforcing the key lessons over time. We are thankful to Youth for Christ for their ongoing support each week. Over the year we have looked at the Fruit of the Spirit, the parables that Jesus taught us, and stories of his miracles, as well as the difficult questions we can ask about God and the Bible.

Year 6 Bible project We paired each child leaving St John’s with a member of St Luke’s so that they could have a Bible in their home, helping them to continue engaging with God’s Word, beyond their time at primary school.

RE day Summer 2024 In the summer term, we hosted Years 4–6 for an RE curriculum enrichment day, supported by a wonderful team of volunteers from St Luke’s. We held a combination of front-led teaching and small group work to think through reasons for believing in God, significant events, and the role of faith in difficult times. This was a great day to teach important truths of the Christian faith in creative ways.

Holiday club The idea of running a holiday club was met with enthusiasm, though it ultimately did not take place. This highlighted the challenge of engaging with parents as well as children at the school. However, it was incredibly encouraging to see the number of volunteers from St Luke’s who were passionate about connecting children at St John’s more deeply with the Christian faith.

We remain committed to strengthening our relationship with St John’s and pray that God will continue to open doors for ministry within the school community.

Media and Communications

Updated website A major summer project was to update the church website to ensure that it reflects the life of St Luke’s. The website continues to be maintained and updated with current information. I have been greatly encouraged by stories of people who have come to St Luke’s having visited the website and understood something of the life of St Luke’s that has drawn them to visit.

Branding There has been greater increase in the consistency of branding across all media in the life of St Luke’s, from our digital projection for services to the posters and flyers supporting our mission to the wider parish. Our Christmas banners were particularly well received, and demonstrated further our presence to the community.

Social media Our social media on Instagram and Facebook now has a consistent posting schedule and targeted campaigns accompanying the life of the church. Community engagement has been the story, with positive stories of people reflecting on the sermons through our sermon summaries. I am very grateful for all those who have participated in video campaigns throughout the year.

I look forward to continuing to develop these areas to continue to grow the presence of St Luke’s in the Parish.

You can find us at: www.stlukescheltenham.org.uk Instagram: @stlukescheltenham Facebook: St Luke’s Cheltenham

9

BEN H & LINDA P

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT

Regular attendance at all three weekly services (one on Wednesday morning and two on Sunday morning) has remained steady through the year and, despite saying goodbye to some, it has again been encouraging to see new faces making St Luke’s their church home.

Making the most of the church site, outdoor services have continued to be a highlight of the liturgical calendar. These events are consistently very well attended, and our thanks go to those who put in a lot of work to make them a success, including Terry H, Giles W, Jonathan C, and Colleen and Glyn P.

In November, many members of St Luke’s drew enormous encouragement from attending the Cotswold Bible Festival. Our thanks to John M for organizing such an excellent inter-church day. We look forward to making the most of future opportunities for collaboration with other local churches in Christian ministry.

This year has also seen the successful opening of a new commercial coffee van operation on site, managed by proprietor Tanya and her daughter Hollie.

The health of the church building itself has continued to be masterfully overseen by Peter R, with support from other skilled volunteers including Gary C and Stephen E. We are very grateful for all the time and effort they and others have put in, resulting in the provision of significant new office space, additional toilet facilities, the impressive new dais at the front of church, as well as vital ongoing maintenance work both inside and outside the building.

Life at St Luke’s would not be what it is without the generous commitment of volunteers. These include our licensed lay reader Peter B, other lay and ordained members who lead services and preach, our sacristan Howard M, as well as those who lead and participate in the music group; read the lesson; lead prayers; oversee children’s and youth groups; manage the AV; serve tea and coffee; wind the clock; ring the bell; welcome on the door; arrange gorgeous flower displays; mow the grass; organize the rotas; and make sure the interior of the church always looks immaculate.

We continue to hold up Patrick and Louise W in our prayers as they negotiate the demands of parish life alongside a busy home. As a family, they managed an extended summer break during July and August, while continuing to demonstrate their commitment to the St Luke’s church family in so many ways.

Last but not least, churchwardens are most effective when they can represent the views of the congregation and offer advice to the vicar. Please (continue to) make use of us!

10

MARION B - PASTORAL COORDINATOR

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral Care is part of our vision for St Luke’s under the heading of Loving One Another. As pastoral needs vary across the generations, we continue to develop this through a mixture of regular and seasonal opportunities for fellowship, teaching, praying for one another, and getting to know each other better. Reintroduction of Personal Prayer after the monthly communion services at 10am, coordinated by Rev. Andy Hall, has been a welcome development in showing our care for one another prayerfully. Refreshments after the midweek service on the first Wednesday of the month provide a regular opportunity for a chat over hot drinks and delicious home-made cakes.

Care Homes

Care is extended to our local residential homes through monthly communion services at Thirlestaine Park and Oakhaven (see further Ernie H’s separate report) and through home communions for those not able to worship with us either temporarily or permanently. We have again contributed to the craft projects for Anna Chaplaincy, producing knitted or crocheted Easter crosses and Christmas trees for delivery to all the residents and staff in local care homes.

Seasonal Events

I have continued with several of the activities from previous years, such as organising socials before Christmas and in the summer, and arranging delivery of small bags of treats at Christmas and Easter to those members of our church who are now housebound. A group of about 20 church members enjoyed a lovely trip out in August to Fairford where we had a tour of the church and tea with a former church member who moved there.

A series of blogs on God’s Purposes in Older Age was included in the weekly newsletter during October and generated some conversations.

We had two funerals for much missed church members who died last year – Antony Knight in December and Kathleen Young this January.

Keeping in Contact

We have kept up the Pastoral meetings every couple of months, attended by Patrick W, Peter B, Ernie H, Alice P, Andy H and me. This provides a good opportunity to raise awareness of needs across all ages of the church family, upcoming events, and prayer for those on our contact list. I am in regular contact with Catherine M for any safeguarding concerns and with Sarah H for updates to the weekly prayer requests.

Pastoral Break

I much enjoyed and benefited from my 3-month break last year, especially the 3-day retreat at the Harnhill Centre for Christian Healing. Since then I have tried to manage my time more efficiently, planning ahead, and trying to concentrate on my pastoral role 2-3 days a week, with varying degrees of success. I have also identified some aspects in which others could be involved in practical ways.

Thanks

I remain very grateful to those who visit and keep in touch with others, as well as those who support me, especially Peter B, Patrick W and my prayer group, and to many others for their prayers, practical help and gifts of hospitality. While my role is mainly focused on the longer-standing members of St Luke’s, I would also like to thank Alice and others who offer support and care for those in younger age groups.

I now have a St Luke’s email address marion@stlukescheltenham.org.uk which can be used to contact me for pastoral concerns.

11

ERNIE H

CARE HOMES

Monthly communions continue to have been taken to both Oakhaven and Thirlestaine Park during the year. And I have conducted or been involved with a number of funerals from both homes during the year.

Significantly the residents of Cedar Court have been invited back into the Thirlestaine Park communion which is the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020.

It was also helpful that Annie F-J offered to visit a resident with few relatives at Oakhaven until the lady passed away late last year.

MISSION PARTNERS

RACHEL S MISSIONS COORDINATOR

This year we have continued to support seven mission partners: A Rocha; WorldShare; Liz Williams at Wycliffe Bible Translators; Mike and Barbara Workman at Operation Mobilisation; Gloucestershire Youth for Christ; Cheltenham YMCA; and The Rock.

Liz Williams retired from Wycliffe Bible Translators in December 2024. Everyone at St Luke’s wishes her well for the future.

Prayers for mission partners are included in the Prayer Newsletter most weeks, focusing on one specific organisation each month. Those leading intercessions in church services are encouraged to include these prayers.

Several of our mission partners publish newsletters throughout the year. The latest ones can be found on the table at the back of church.

Thanks to those who support the Parish Giving Scheme, our mission partners received an equal share of £16,100 from 2024 giving.

ELECTORAL ROLL

CATHERINE M - ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER

A full review of the Electoral Roll, which is carried out every 6 years, was required this year in accordance with the Church of England Representation Rules, the last full review having been conducted in 2019.

The preparation of a new roll is an opportunity to encourage those new to St Luke’s or who have reached sufficient age to join the roll, as a practical symbol of commitment to the church. It allows us to take part in decisions which affect the church and parish, to take part in the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), and to stand for the Parochial Church Council (PCC). The APCM held after the new roll has been formed gives us the opportunity to welcome newcomers formally.

A total of 112 applications have been received which now comprise the new roll, 92 of these being names which were on the previous roll. A total of 30 names from the previous roll were not renewed for a number of reasons, but there were 20 applications from new names to become members, so there is only a small reduction of 10 compared with the previous roll as it stood (at 122). This is not unexpected; indeed

12

often at a full review there can be a considerable drop in numbers, as names will stay on the preceding roll unless there is a request to be removed, or in the case of death.

The new roll was approved by the PCC at their 17th March 2025 meeting, and a copy is displayed on the notice board as is required by the Church Representation Rules.

There will be an annual review of the roll next year, but only those who wish to join it need to submit an application, and those who appear on this year’s new roll will remain on it, as appropriate.

SAFEGUARDING

CATHERINE M - PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Everyone will be aware that safeguarding in the Church of England has been under intense scrutiny and criticism in the light of grave mistakes made at many levels in the recent past, which have ultimately led to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. None of us in local parishes can be complacent about our responsibilities to ensure the safety of everyone in our congregation and beyond, most especially of course the young, the elderly and the vulnerable of any age.

The Parish Safeguarding Dashboard which we adopted two years ago allows us to keep track of all the safeguarding requirements we need to fulfil, ranging from how we recruit safely to roles, and have clear descriptions of those roles and their attached responsibilities, to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certification and safeguarding training requirements for all the roles that members of the church serve in.

In the course of the year, a number of new and renewed DBS applications were made, and safeguarding training requirements kept up to date by those who need them. While this can seem a time-consuming task, the fulfilment of these demonstrates our commitment to keeping everyone safe, and thanks go to all those who have duly completed them for their roles. This includes those who volunteered to support the Holiday Bible Club which sadly had to be cancelled; but all certificates are valid for 3 years, and enables those involved to help again when required during this time.

Thanks go to Miriam L, who has volunteered to be an additional DBS checker. Those she administers will also be able to take required documents for verification to her when she is present in the office on Wednesdays for admin help, or on mutually convenient Sundays.

Thanks to Alice P, the safeguarding board at the back of church has been refreshed, and everyone should check its contents to know who to consult in the case of a safeguarding concern, and what our safeguarding policy says. There is now a QR code which can make this available on your smartphone, and it is also available from the link on the front page of the church website. The first points of contact are Rev Patrick W and me as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO), and there are also other useful contact details including for the Diocese Safeguarding Team.

In the words of Bishop Rachel, ‘Safeguarding is integral to our mission and ministry – it’s not an add-on issue.’ May we always keep it as a central part of our Christian life at St Luke’s.

FLOWER BUNCH

CATHERINE B

We are a team of 11 doing the flower arrangements for the church. We work in pairs and one group of 3.

The team work very hard throughout the year making beautiful flower arrangements.

13

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES AND AFFAIRS

GILES W - PCC TREASURER

The PCC Treasurer is responsible for the management and reporting of PCC finances through the year, drafting the year-end accounts, and arranging for their independent examination. This review summarises the income and expenditure during 2024, noting any significant items and trends.

Income

Expenditure

Summary

Having set a break-even budget for 2024, we were pleased to record a decent surplus in operating profit by the year end, primarily driven by the receipt of a large legacy in December together with gifts reserved to pay for the full-year staffing costs of our part-time Ministry Assistant appointed in May 2024.

We are now holding a larger reserve than we have held for many years but we are conscious that a major section of the church roof will need replacing in the medium term and that we need to be reserving funds to be put towards an expenditure that is likely to be in the region of £500K. We are unlikely to be able to cover the costs for this without significant extra help from grant-making organisations.

14

While our quinquennial review did not highlight any major deficiencies, we are aware that we also need to complete a programme of masonry repair which we will spread over the next 3 years.

I end my 3-year tenure as treasurer confident that God has clearly been blessing the work at St Luke’s and impressed by the level of commitment and enterprise shown by the congregation and ministry team. I am excited by future opportunities for ministry and growth and am confident that we are on a sound platform financially from which to launch these. I am indebted to Linda R for helping with Gift Aid, to Robert B for managing the parking, to Mary C for help with billing, and to Jonathan C for his support and guidance.

Historical Finance Data for reference

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024B
Giving Income GA 60578 59200 72556 73371 87576 85500
Tax recovered 15169 11960 16935 18626 23058 20000
Giving Non GA 504 300 650 4275 3830 2600
Sundry gifts 5135 5000 8195 5222 5166 3000
Legacies 10000 0 4000 5000 1000 0
Appeals / Grants 0 0 3830 4365 6003 0
Misc 1366 1250 406 544 0 0
Income from assets 3894 3850 6540 5370 11311 8200
Total Income 96647 90560 114611 116773 137944 119300
Clergy costs 36537 56000 66420 70074 72618 73036
Cost of services / premises 13138 16600 14237 18550 20746 20100
Major repairs & redecoration 2228 3500 2315 4549 17882 9500
Admin 4708 3950 2818 3746 3883 3900
Misc 1216 1400 2182 2311 741 850
Mission giving (or held for) 8650 9050 8100 14804 13800 11900
Total Expenditure 66477 90500 96073 114034 129669 119286
Surplus/deficit 30169 60 18538 2739 8274 14
Balances held on deposit
Unrestricted funds 92746 91584 99858
Restricted funds 27791 28662 33605
Held for mission giving 8100 14866 14056
Total 128637 135112 147519

15

DEANERY SYNOD

PETER B - DEANERY SYNOD REP

There were four meetings of the Deanery Synod (DS) in 2024. Any personal opinion is set out in italics.

The position of a deanery is unusual. In the Church of England, it finds itself somewhere in the middle, between ‘the centre’ (the diocese) and the parishes. It is widely recognised that currently, in our denomination in general, there is a large element of distrust between the parishes and the central structures of the church and its leaders. The deanery is where the centre and parishes meet and so its work is bound to be affected by that background of mistrust.

Most of the discussions were about Parish Share, strategic planning, along with presentations about a number of different subjects, which included items about Christian Aid and youth ministry.

The functions of DS were divided into five sections, with one person assigned to lead each: Civic work; Finance; Chaplaincy; Mission (pioneer); and Mission (parish).

The proposed new formula for Parish Share was the subject of much discussion. The existing formula is insanely complex but largely fair. The new formula was to apply from 2025 (‘spread over 5 years to settle down’). It hasn’t been.

The new system is one of banding. Like the Council Tax for your home, each parish is placed in a band with a floor and a ceiling figure. It is apparently based on the cost of mission (although it is really about the costs of funding a vicar – not quite the same thing) for each parish. Civic statistics were relied upon to analyse the demographics of each parish. Simple size of parish is not a good guide, nor is age profile or economic structure. The new model was presented by Ben Preece-Smith. In it, there were inconsistencies, especially the burden of the central structure upon the parishes. The assertion that the new model places no such burden was strongly challenged. Much is still to be resolved.

In very rough figures, for every full-time minister, currently a payment of £66,000 is sought of which £18,000 goes to the diocese or ‘the centre’. The new model, apart from raising the starting figures, is little different. Our diocese is running a massive deficit. It is not always clear where the money is going. Everyone agrees that things can’t go on as they are.

16

st luke&st johnparishcheltenham

Parochial Church Council

Annual Report 2024

Legal and Administrative

Legal and administrative information, including details of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) members who served during the year, is shown on a separate page.

Aims and Organisation

The main purpose of the PCC is defined in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 (as amended) as “to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical”. Inter alia, it is also to consider and discuss matters concerning the Church of England.

The PCC met five times during the year. There were no extraordinary meetings (EGM). The standing committee met informally. The PCC operated as part of the united benefice with St. Mary/The Minster with St. Matthew.

Review of Progress, Decisions and Achievements

In this year and in addition to the usual financial, structural (to the building), ministerial, safeguarding updates and development issues, there were a number of items for discussion including:

Other topics for discussion are covered in more detail in other reports.

Thanks is given to all who provided reports and information.

Colleen Powell PCC Secretary (March 2025)

17

ST LUKE’S CHURCH HALL

SIMON B - HALL TREASURER

The Church Hall is managed separately from the church (as the St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity, registered charity no. 1078441) and its report and accounts are formally presented to the Meeting of Parishioners that is held before the APCM. Please refer to those for more detail.

The trustees were:

Margaret B was thanked for her 20 years’ service as trustee and chairman.

The trustees are very grateful to our dedicated part-time staff, Sylvia L, Bookings Manager, and Lesley T, Facilities Manager.

Income was £77,301. Income from room lettings (£59K) and parking charges (£15K) were both up from 2023. Total expenditure was £56,185.

The trustees made grants totalling £9.5. These included £4.5K to Alice P to allow her to continue her theology studies which mean she is only available to work part time, and £4.5K to St John’s School to fund their use of The Rock facility, to make improvements to the staff room, and to support music in the school in various ways. The PCC did not submit any applications for grants in 2024.

The trustees continued to explore options for reducing the carbon footprint of the hall building. Thanks to a significant donation from Margaret B in 2023, 10 kWh batteries and a new inverter were installed in January to complement the solar panels.

The Church Hall is well maintained and is a major asset to the community and to furthering the work of the church in the parish. The hall website has a page (http://www.stlukes-hall.org.uk/hall-users/) that lists the many activities that go on there.

18

Parochial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John, Cheltenham Registered Charity Numb¢r'. 1184357 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year tDded 31 Detember 2024 Totsl Fund$ 2024 Totsl Funds Note Restricted Funds ReStri￿ed Fund5 2023 INCOMINC RESOURCES Donations and other similar incotning Te$our¢e5 Incoming r¢5ouree$ from oper¥ting aetlvltles Income from ¢v¢nis and activitie5 Inv¢sthJeni income Transfer between Funds TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 2a, 2b 170,216 23,400 193,616 149,175 3.007 12,154 3,007 2d 10,199 185J76 23,400 208,776 160.486 RKSOURCES EXPENDKD Charitable expenditure Costs in furtheranc¢ of charitable objeets Management and administration TTansf£r between Funds TOT AL RESOURCES EXPENDED 31. 3b 141227 18,847 160.075 148.078 141,227 18,847 160,075 148,078 NET INCOMINGIOUTGOING RESOURCES 44,149 4553 48.702 12.408 Total funds broughi forward 13,914 33,605 147.519 Tothl fimds carried forward 158,063 38,158 196321 147,519

Parochial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John Cheltenham Registered Charity Number. 1184357 BALANCE SHEET AT31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note Cwrrtnt Assets De￿0 Cash in hand and ai NatW¢st Bank Short-terni deposiis IC¢ntr81 BoBrd of Finance) 107,650 89J08 197.157 58,312 89,508 147,819 Creditors AmouNtsfolllng d4e wiihin oweyeur Net Current Awet5 936 300 147,519 196321 Totsl assets le55 ¢wrrent ligbilitits 196.221 FUNDS Unrestricted (General Fund} Re$tri¢ied Funds 158,063 3&158 196321 147.519 Approved by the PCC at tts meeting on 17th March 2025 and sigD¢d on lis behalf by Revd Patrick Wheaion Ichairnianl Mr Gil¢s Wadsworth IMemb¢T) The notes on page$ 3 to 7 fom part of these a¢eounts

Parnchlal Church Council of St. Luke & St. John Cheltenham RtST51eTed Charity Number." 1184357 NOTESTO THE FINANCL4L STATEMENTS IcoTrtinuedl F•rth¢y￿r tnded 31 December 21124 ACCOUNTINC POLICIE5 ThegÈ fintyrial 5￿ter￿ents have been prepared underthe historical cost tonv¢nlion. as M￿lfied bythe re¥aluatiOrt On inYestrn¢nts and in acwrdance wilh applicable accounting st2ndaTds in the United Kingdom artd with the S4t¢m¢TriofRecornTneDde4 Practice (issued October 20001 relating to arwuTriinsby chariiies together with the Chant1¢5 Att2011 and ihechurch Accounting Regulations. A summary ofthp rnore impTrrtsnt poliri¢% which have bEffl Consi￿entlY applied is sei out below. Coll￿tionS￿e re￿ised Hthen mwk. Amounts receivaLTrl¢ und¢r rewEni￿d only when honoured by the covert8ntOr. Ineoniett recoverable on c0Ven4￿￿dOr¥IrtQId donatii)ns 15 rtcognised claimable. 0￿￿15 and le8acies io the PCC are arcountea for a5 soon a5 ihe PCC is notified of its eniitlenjent and the likely amount due. F￿dS raiscd by fijnd raisingand other Similar events ar¢ for8ross. Sale ofknks and magazines frorn the ChU￿h booknll aTe accounted for gross. Dividends and intettst are at¢wnt¢d for when duc. o￿t￿ljInI r￿Q￿ree$ (kngoing resourees art rtcoyised In th¢ wod in Kthirh they inrwred. Owgoing resources are lILK￿ed tothe ofartivity to which they rel&t¢. lTrwestmellts No inve5M￿niS at¢ held bythe PCC at 31 December. Fl%ed Assets Consecrattd artd benefittdproperty is excluded from the accounts om the basis that property is I￿all¢nable and historie, and that reliableeost inf0m￿tIOn is ntrt available. Fund5 UnTestritttd fund5 aft dontionS artd th incoming r￿U￿¢S rvttivabl¢ or w¢tat¢d for the objects of the charity without fifftherspecified purpose and are availAble 8S8eneral fikn￿s. [ksI￿ated funds are unreskncttd eanhaTktdby the ¢hur¢h for particularpuryo5W. Restricted funds art ustd for swifie purptssey as laid by th¢ dontrr. EKp¢rtdityre whith m¢¢ts this criria 15 char8ed to the fund.

Parochial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John, Cheltenham Regisi¢r¢d Charity Numb¢T.' 1184357 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ¢llded 31 December 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES 2024 2023 UnTe5trict¢d Restrltttd Unrestricted Restricted 22, 2b Voluntar) r¢teipts Planned Giving Collections at Services Donaiions Special Appeals Gift Aid Legacies Grants 96,998 9.592 6.576 18.400 5.lfib 8.600 28.387 23,587 5,075 23.058 5.000 Activitie5 for G¢th¢ratlllg Funds Fundraising 2d Investment income Dividends & Int¢r¢st R¢nt from Land & Buildings 6,293 5,861 Chur¢h Attivltles Feeg r¢tain¢d by PCC Tradirtg 3,007 SU&TOTAL of ill receipts alx)ve: 183,376 23,400 139,934 20,552 Other R¢c¢ipts rtot already lisied TOTAL INCOMJNG RESOURCES 185J76 23,400 139,934 20.552

Parochlal Church Council of St. Luke & St. John, Cheltenham Registered Charity Numb¢r.' 1184357 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {Coniinuedl For ihe yeAr ended 31 Decernb¢r 21124 COSTS IN FURTHERANCE OF CHARITABLE C 2024 2023 Unrestritted Reatrict¢d Unr¢strict¢d Restricted Cost$ of generxting funds Costs of fundraising adiviti¢s Church Activitkes Mission giving and donations Diocesan parish share CL)ntributiOn Salaries, wages and honaTaria Clergy and sraff expenses 14,000 72,036 72,0',6 15.748 426 5x2 Chvrch txptnsts Mission and evangelism cfj5ts Church running ¢xpens¢s Church utility bills Costs of tradu18 3,542 12,837 1,989 90 236 34 426 440 Major cpitl expendlturt Major repairs to th¢ church building Majoi ttpalr￿Tedecor￿I10n (other prop¢rty New building work 20,873 17,182 4,072 594 3,888 3a 3b SU&TOTAL of all expendlture piymtllts Item$ 141,227 18,847 132,469 15.609 Other paynents not atready listed TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 141,227 18,847 132.469 15.609

Parochial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John Cheltenham Registered Charity Number.. 1184357 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontlnuedl For iht yur ertdtd 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Dtbtor5 Income tax recoverable Prepayments and a¢cTued income Credltors: Amount$ fallin8 due wlthln one year A¢¢ruals 936 300 Unrestricted Fund5 General Fund D¢signal￿ Funts- Mi$sion giving 141,807 16.256 158,063 99.858 14.056 Reytricted Funds Balance at l January Incoming Ouigoing Balanc< at 31 Der¢mb¢r 33,605 23.400 18.847 38,158 28.662 20,552 33,605 S¢¢ analysis for further inforniation about the restricted fund. Youth and rhildr¢n's wgrk Special projects Toddlers Staff 691 20.555 749 16.162 1.474 2.382 Toddlers Si Luke's Toddlers funds hav¢ b¢¢n includ¢d in the church accounts since 2018. The Toddlers fund is restricied, its use b¢ing limitrd to childrens work, or oiher purposts with ihe approval of the ToddleTS team. I 2024. The PCC ill conjunction with members of the original toddl¢rs ieam. agreed thai the remainin8 funds can b¢ used formore general ¢hildren5 and youth worl as well L8 ourn¢w toddl¢r5 group. and we expect thi8 fund to be used up in 2025 and wound up.

Poro¢hial Church Council of St. Luke & St. John Cheltenham NOTES TOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icolllknu￿} Fottheyur¢ndtd31 Dt£Mllber2Tr24 10 m￿¢m*￿t In funds Net movcmentin fun4sare05 follow Incomln8 Rewrrys Trarbsfer Res￿rte$ expended b¢trJeen funds Movement in fuhd$ Unrestrfrted IT￿er￿ furtd 185,376 141,227 -16.2 27,949 185376 141Z27 -162( 27949 Deslgnated funds Held foT Ch&ri¢ Mission giving 14,LXK) 16,2CK) 2,200 14,LNJO 16.21KJ 2,2 Restrlcted fund$ Youth gndchildren's wotk Special pA)je£ts Toddle 782 594 1,633 15,838 -782 -594 -1,633 23,4(KJ 23,4 18,847 -3,010 2Q8.776 174 075

P¥•¢hffil Cburtb coll￿¢11 bf SL L￿k¢& SL J•hrt CheltttsbAal R¢8i$r¢d CharityNuTnber' 1184357 Ithde￿￿dÈtst Exminerf5 Rep￿rt0￿ Repfyrt lo the tfiiiieesl thtmbets of Pthial Chur¢hkn¢il of Swnl Lukr Saint John Ch21tenhn OD ccounts torthe y¢pr¢Nd¢41 Charfty •0 31112r2024 1184357 Set 04t{￿ pge I to7 I ryrtto thttN5tttson ofthe¢ountsof the ab)vec￿Lty{.Yht Thst-) for tht yeareftded 31112aQ24. Asthp chanty's trustee4 yoll#TE r¢S￿￿$1ble the prtpuation of the aewunts in ￿￿n¢t with the reqlliremertts ofthE Charities Ad 2011 I'lhe A¢t"l. I report in r¢spea ofTny ¢xarninjon of th¢TTU3t's wrountscarrie￿ Ollt urtdErSeCtiOrt 145 of the 2011 Act and incarryirt8 Out tny examthation, I have followed011 tFkApplicable DiTectK)ns 8iv¢n byihe Charity Commission under s¢aion 14515Xbl ofth¢ Art I have eUnplet￿ my examinion. l eonfimi thAt no MAtrrI￿ mwer5 have COTn¢ty rny attention in conwion with th¢ ex3rnination loth¢rth4n that disclosd bplow.) whtth givts me eause to li¢veth&t in. gny rnerial resp￿.. the accoUntingr￿rrtS were not kept in P¢idance With st<tiOrt 130 ofthe Chorities Act.. or the 8wounts did Mt aword with the ￿yOu￿￿n$ r¢cords.' or the accounts did nDt cornply ￿1th the applicable rtguiren*nts e<)neernin8 the f<)rn1 ond contrmof ￿OUnts 8et out in the Lhariii¢s IA(£ountsand Repyrsl Re8ulat1ons2￿8 othErthan

ny requiTemEnt that the accounts give a'tn*and fair. Viewwhich is ntho matterc4)nsidered &%

partof hD Inde￿ndent ¢x4rninasion. I hay¢ noconcems a[￿ have corn¢across ntTrotherm2ttthE irt Cottne¢iion With the ex8rnirtation to which aLtenii<)n shwld kdr&wn in thi5 fefth in ord¢r ￿enAble￿ ProperundeT5￿d1￿8Ofthe cKountsw be RÈsp0ts5ibililies *ttd baslsof Ytport lTrdeptfftdtnt SlgThed: D•tr. 08 21)25 Sally ColE￿ne Addre5¥= 125 M&ow R(y&d Malvem WRI4 2SA

HALL, C lielleiili<llll St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity (St Luke's Church Hall) Annual Report by the Trustees for 2024 Legal and Administrative Information This report is produced in accordance wlth the Charity Commission guidelkne5 on the Charitse5 Act 2011. Name of Charity. The St Luke & St john Ecclesiastical Chariry Registered No: 1078441 Registration Dat&. 2 December 1999 tkncunert (J¥ryCuNrith CIITII101.673 Seal￿ 29 1994-3samended on 10 2021 - amended l Dec 21T23. HMRC ref {Gift Aid): HMRC ref (UTR): ZDIO194 charitable company 88777 27575 Charitable Trading Subsidiarr. PLC 12897513. re&'stered address= St Luke's Church Hall SL Lukes Flace Cheltenham GL53 7HP. was purthased in December 2022 Charitable Objects: The Manayng Trnstees sh211 apply the income of the Ch3rity to further the reliwou5 and other charitsble work of the Church ol Engknnd in the Eedesiastial Parish. including the provision and maintenance of Parish Hall. Classification of Charity on the Re8iSter of Charitie&' Topic (What doe5 your charity set out to do?) General Charitable F￿rposeS Reliwous ActyvÈtie5 Beneficiaries does your charity helpl} Childrenlyoung people Etderlylold people Other charitie￿¥01u￿tary bodies Method of operation IHOW does your charity operatel} 5 grants to organi5ation51schools. £h&ritie& Etcl Provides buildin￿lacIlItieS1oPen space Managing Trustees: Ex.offTrcio Ex.ofhao The Revd Patrick Wheaton 8en Harris, Robert Bolton lunlll May 2tll41 and Linda Prtthford (fram May 20241 Chvrchwardens Simon Barton12021 I, Lisa Campbell120221 and Robert Bolton120241- appointed by the St Luke & Stjohn Paroch•l Church Council IPCC) for a 4 year term. Nominated Hall Coordinato Sylvia ￿￿der. Booking5 Marlager. 07792 567189 Lesley Thomas, Facilities Manager. 07942 965981 e-mail: Webslt info@sdukes.hall.or&uk St Luke & St john Eeclesiasucal Charity Reystered Chartry No 1078HI

Trurtees. Report The Managing Trustees main policie5 to achieve th• charity's aims are: To m2int2in St Luke's Church Hall and take action to improve its facilities To make the Hall available for the purpose of furthering the reli&'ous and charirable work of the Church of England in the Parish To apply 2 proportion of the income towards the religious and charitxble work of the Church of England in the Parish To let the Hall for other secular and social purposes To let parking spaces in the car park during the working day to produce additional income Trustee Business: The Trustees met four times in the year. Lisa Campbell continued 2s chairman. Linda Pitchford became an ex-officio trustee in May, replacing Robert 8olton. vtho wa5 appoin*d by the PCC as a nominated trustee. Margaref Bristol was thanked for her 20 years service as trustse and chairnian of the charity. Grdnts of £4,500 were made to the Ministry Assisrant at St Luke'5 ro allow her to continue her theolo studies which mean she is onty available to work part time, Grants of £4.500 were made ro Saint John's School to fund their use of The Rock fac41ity, to make improvements to the staff room and to support music in the school in various vray5. Charges for the hire of hall were increased by about 6 per cent from September to take account of recent inllation. New Gopak tables were purchased for use by hirers. The audio system in the main h311 vns upgrdded to use higher qualiry microphones. The trustees agreed to seek quotations to replace the curtain dividing the small hall with a new and more manageable 50undproof partition. The trustees continued to explore options for reducing the cartion footprint of the hall building. Thanks to a signrficant donation from Margaret Bristol in 2023, 1 O kwh batteries and a new inverter were inst311ed in January to complement the solar panels. Some problems with the inverter settings were experienced and the expected reduction in electricity consumption was not achieved in this year. Margaret Bristol proposed that trustees should inve5tigatr the use of air to air heat pumps in place of gas central heating. The FireTruck Espresso which had operatsd as 3 Charif3ble Trading Subsidiary until September 2023, remained in suspension throughout the yWdr. Following the resignation of a direttor in March 2024. Revd Pdtrick Wheaton remained a5 501e director and pursued Yarious optsons for the disposal of its assets which he hopes to achieve in 2025. Financial Report and Notes to the Accounts A formal statement of accoun¢5 prepared by Mr James Harper FCA of Harper Sheldon Limited is att3ched. Income from lettings includes: Morea Performing Arts: £25.769- AA Group5= £3.282- Ro￿1 Scott15h Country Dance Sociery= £2,362. Oficin2 da Capoeira, England.. £1,744., Get Together. £1.706. Parkinson's Table Tennis: £1.594.. Cheltenham Senior Citizens Welfare Committee: £ I,H2: Perfom)ance Workshop: £1,352.. Busy Bees, £1,354; AT Soccercamps.. £1,31 S- Trish Tenn Fimess: £1,224. Reserves Policy. Unrestricted reserves at end 2024 were £50.701. The level of reserves 15 monitored and reviewed by the trustees annually in line with the guidance issued by the Chary Commission. The Trustees have reviewed the chariry's needs for reserves and consider that they are needed: to provide funds whid) c2n be designated to specific projects to enable them to be undertaken at Short notice,. to cover 6 months maintenance and running costs and administration and support costs wtthout which the charity could not function - approximatety £19.O00' in respect of certain administration and support func¢ions which are currently performed by volunteers to allow these to be transferred to paid sraff or contractors- approximxtely £16.000,. to build funds to 211ow the replacement of the gas fired central heating system that has been in operation for nearty 30 years with a Sustsinable altern21ive - approximatety £15,000. St Luke & St john Ecclesiasucal Chariry Re&stered Charity No 1078441

St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity Accounts for the Year Ended 31" December 2024 Registered Charity Number 1078441

St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity Statemenl of Financial Activities For the Year Ended 31" December 2024 General Fund Property Fund EndowThenf Fund Totyl 2024 2023 Income a￿d Expenditure IMtomiDg Re50urees Regjular Lettings Parklng Rents CBF Intefe5t & Dlvidend Miscellaneous Solar Export Donations Total Ineomittg Resources 59.581 15,353 2,198 59.581 15,353 2,198 55.248 14.525 1.135 10 I,CQ7 16,603 88.528 69 69 77.301 77,301 Resources Expended Chantable gTanis Water, Heatjng & Lighting T¢l¢phone & Internet Insurance Clean¢r Projects & Jmprovements Fumiture & Equipment Maintenatice Coordinator Pay Admin5Stration Provision for Doubtfi]l Debt Total Rewurees Expended 9.514 3,473 473 1.770 8.166 6,336 2.472 5,794 14.755 1.801 9,514 3,473 473 1.770 8,166 6,336 2,472 5.794 14.755 1.801 17.644 11,310 1.715 10.058 5.278 13.498 2,326 54.554 54.554 69.881 Net lTrcoming Resourees 22.747 22.747 18.(A7 CiQiAS Inves1￿le￿1AS5eiS Realised UnTealJsed IY¢t Movement in Fund5 359 359 359 23.106 1,347 19.W 22.747 Fund Balances BTought Forword ai the Stan of the Year 120.536 155.050 15.668 291,254 Fund BalaNce$ Carried Fornard 8t the End of the Year 143,283 155.050 16,027 314.360 291,254 The notes ¢)n pa8¢ 3 forni part of these accounts.

St Luke & St John Eeciesiastical Charity Balance Sheet as at 31, December 2024 General Fund Propety Fund EndoNTrTnent Fund Total 2024 Totsl 2023 Fixed Assets Freehold Property {note 2) 54.950 155.050 210.0(X) 210.(MXI Current Assets CBF Deposit Fund CBF Investment Fund Cash at Bank Cash & Sthmps in Hand Debtors and Prepa)Thents Investmeni io Trading Subsidiary 53,730 53.730 16,027 3,104 91 1.632 30,(XMI 27.532 15.668 8.072 91 16,027 3,104 91 1,632 30,0(X) 30. 88,557 16,027 104,584 81,3 Liabilities Due Within One Year CTeditors & Accruals Secunty Deposits Promissory Note r¢ Trading Subsidiary 224 iio 224 224 Net Cutmit As$et$ Total Assets Le58 Current Liabilitie5 88.333 16.027 104.360 81.254 143.283 155.050 16,027 314.360 291.254 Net As$tts 143,283 155.050 16.027 314.3fAI 291,254 Funds General Fund Property Fund Inote 2} Eftdowment Fwid 143.283 143.283 155,050 16,027 314,360 120.536 155.050 15.668 291254 155.050 16,027 16,027 143283 155.050 The note5 on page 3 fomi pan of these accounts. Approv￿ by the Board of Trusiees and signed on its behalf by. Tnjsiee.. TDJStee". Date. Date.. L(i Lg"

St Luke & St John Ecclesiastical Charity Notes to the Accoun l. Aecounting Policie Th¢se accounts have been prepa￿ under the historical cost convention as modified by the Jn¢lusi¢)n of the fr¢ehold pioperty at valuati(bn and In a¢cotdanee wish applicable accountbn8 5tanda¥ds and the Staiem¢t)i of Rt¢ommendd Pra¢tice on Accountinu by Charities. The Tntstres ¢¢)nsider all exFnsos constitute dIr￿t ¢haritsble exFendilure. l Freehold Property The property, St Luke's chll￿h Hall, was substantially refurbished during 2(XMI ai a c05t of £54,950 As the propeny is owned by the charity, the ttustees decid￿ to introduce it into the accounts at a valuation to reflect the ￿furbIshment It h&s beeR included in the accounts at a site i'alue of £210.1XM) a5 provid￿ by Kirkham Pryer. Chartered Surveyors. Estste Agents & Valuers on I l January 2￿1. The valuation has been usd for an itnpaJrTnent Teview under the ttansitional PTQViStons of FRSI I "linpairJnenÈ of Fjxed Asse6 aiid &)(xlwll" at)d a Prop¢ny F￿t}d establis1)￿ to Fefieci the ditTeFente between the valuation and the refvrbishment Costs of £155.050. As the site value is wseniially the value of the land no depTe¢iatioD will be provid￿.

411 ljuke & St .liihn I,'LclL'¥i#slical C.'harity' liid¢pendL'lIt I,'.xaniiiier'% Ilei)nrl lo iht Trii.41¢'¢'4 i>f si Lukc & St Joliii >-.c¢le%id%liial Ch#i'it)' Pciges I lo 4. rL%PLLIIvLIy. RL'S1)tcllVf Ilesi)iTrn$ihilitic.s ()f tlii frusl¢c5 liiilri)Iiideni fr'xainincr uiidL'F SLLli(>i) 14515Mh) of Ilie C'hcll'illL% ALI. and IIH%ls lif In(l¢i)riideni F.AaMiiier'% Repurl 'I'IIc pTI￿ldI1rlS 1% g?IVLlI t(1 ivlililicr IIIL cir¢oiiiIIs PTe%Lni ¢l"IryL aiid fail. viL'w Aiid lh¥ rLpL)n 15 liiniled lo IIIv5e lilaiicrs Indc'iiciidL'iII b'.xxminL•r'% St#l¢meiit vIIiLlI g*ivi_% IML I'Ld%()iiablc L¢iil%C l(Tr bclicvL Ih<il in any Iiial¢i'ial respcct thL rL(iitiruiiicnls.' .lJiiii'.% IlaiRFI' TrC'.A l)irecliii' vf Harprt. %li¢l¢libii Limitcil .%tdlVL'rlun TLcliiiiTrlibky Vurk Il¢'ri'ick W#), {-:1,411 1 IIA Dlltc: 211 Mni'cli 21)24