## St Nicholas’ Church, Burton-in-Wirral ## Parochial Church Council’s ## Annual Trustees Report ## and ## Financial Statements ## For the year ending 31 December 2025 1 | P a g e ## **Contents** **Foreword Page 3 Reference and Administration Details Page 4 PCC Membership & Trustees Page 4 Churchwarden's Reflections on Church Life Page 5 Building & Maintenance Page 6 Children, Youth, Families & School Page 7 Pastoral Care Page 7 Church Safeguarding Page 8 Independent Examiner's Report Page 9 & 10 Financial Statements Pages 11 - 15 Receipts & Payments Account Pages 11 & 12 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Page 13 Notes to the Accounts Pages 14 & 15** 2 | P a g e ## **Foreword** _By Philip Hillman, Licensed Lay Reader, St Nicholas’ Church, Burton_ A period of vacancy can be challenging for any church, particularly for a small congregation in a semi-rural setting. Without a resident vicar, established patterns of worship and pastoral care may feel disrupted, responsibilities can be stretched, and important decisions delayed. Long-standing members may feel concerned about the future, while newer members may be hesitant to commit without a clear sense of direction. At the same time, a vacancy presents valuable opportunities. In the absence of a central leader, members of the congregation can discover new confidence, share responsibility, and step into roles they may not previously have considered. This period can encourage the wider use of gifts and the emergence of unexpected leadership. These times also allow the church to reflect prayerfully on its mission and its place within the local and wider community. Seeking God’s guidance during this time can deepen spiritual maturity and help clarify priorities for the future. While we value and honour our traditions of worship at St Nicholas’ Church, we are not simply seeking to preserve the past. We look for leadership that will help us engage creatively with changing patterns of work and life, an increasingly online world, and the competing demands on the attention of younger generations. Since my licensing last October, I have been encouraged by the breadth of activity taking place within the congregation, including children’s work, schools engagement, family services, community events, and outreach beyond the church building, even within the local area of Neston. It has been particularly heartening to see the church full at Christmas services, with young families actively involved, and to welcome members of local community organisations at our carol service. These moments reflect the strong connections between the church and the community it serves. Although a vacancy can bring uncertainty, it is also a time of preparation. We look forward to welcoming a leader who will guide us with vision and creativity as we continue to serve our village church and its community with faith and purpose. 3 | P a g e ## **Reference and Administration Details** ## **Charity Name** The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Nicholas' Church, Burton-inWirral ## **Charity Registered No** 1184831 ## **Principal Address** St Nicholas' Church, The Village, Burton Neston, Cheshire CH64 5TH ## **Trustees** **Name Ofice Held (if any)** John Coyne - Vicar, Chair of PCC & Trustee (Retired 31/08/25) Jane Davies - Vice Chair, Churchwarden & Trustee Ivor Thomas - Churchwarden, Parish Safeguarding Officer & Trustee John Morris-Best - Lay Reader & Trustee ## **Elected Members** John Church - Trustee & Hon Secretary Anthony Carter - Trustee & Deputy Churchwarden Amanda Ankers - Trustee Jenny Carlyle - Trustee Ron Curnow - Trustee Nicky Dennison - Trustee Philip Hillman - Trustee & Lay Reader John Vinson - Trustee Claire Smith - Trustee (Resigned 09/02/25) 4 | P a g e ## **Churchwarden's Refections on Church Life** The year 2025 was one of challenge and transition for St Nicholas’ Church. Early in the year, John Coyne informed the Standing Committee of his intention to retire at the end of August. Although John and Sue’s time at Burton was shorter than anticipated, the PCC sought to ensure that their final months in full-time ministry were as positive and stress-free as possible. To support this, the Standing Committee assumed responsibility for much of the parish administration. John and Sue’s ministry was celebrated at a joint service with Shotwick at Burton, after which the benefice entered a period of vacancy. At the same time, Ann Warr stepped down from her role as verger after many years of dedicated service. As no volunteers were available to take on the role on a full-time basis, the duties are now shared among a team of volunteers. During the year, there were several significant developments in lay and ordained ministry. Ruth Abbott was ordained deacon at Chester Cathedral and is now serving as a curate in West Kirby. In September, John Morris Best became Reader Emeritus after many years of active service, while continuing to support Holy Communion services. At the same service, Philip Hillman was licensed, and later in the year Amanda Ankers and Sheila Dennison began training as Occasional Worship Leaders. To begin the vacancy process, the PCC conducted a parish survey in September to better understand the congregation’s views on worship and the desired qualities of a new vicar. As expected within a broad Church of England tradition, opinions varied on matters such as worship style and the use of technology. However, there was strong consensus on future priorities: increasing the visibility of the church’s faith within the local community, strengthening work with children and families, and nurturing the faith of the congregation. These priorities will inform the Parish Profile and the appointment process. By the end of the year, the Churchwardens had held several meetings with the Shotwick Churchwardens, the Rural Dean and the Archdeacon. Progress was made on the Parish Profile following a joint PCC meeting with the Patron. Unlike previous vacancies, there has been no in-parish retired clergy available to assist with services. Nevertheless, the parish has been well supported by a number of retired and serving clergy, enabling the regular pattern of services to be maintained with minimal cancellations. The Churchwardens have worked hard to ensure continuity of worship wherever possible. Regular church activities have continued throughout the year. Coffee mornings have been well attended, and in October a concert by Rhos Male Voice Choir filled the church and successfully raised funds while providing a valuable social occasion. The Lent Group and Follow Group also continued to meet. Messy Church and St Nics Nippers combined to form a Junior Church, which has been led with enthusiasm and energy. In an effort to reduce the cost of hiring the GVH, more activities are now held within the church building. However, limitations in baby-changing facilities and the condition of the WC have presented challenges. As a result, the PCC agreed that improvements were necessary, and progress has been made towards upgrading these facilities. 5 | P a g e ## **Building & Maintenance** During the year, plans for the refurbishment of the church toilet facilities were finalised. The Diocese confirmed that a Faculty was required, resulting in a revised timetable to allow for statutory notices. No objections were received, and formal diocesan consent is now awaited. Quotations have been obtained, and it is anticipated that work will commence in spring 2026. Following severe weather, several trees in Church Wood were removed to address safety concerns. Additional clearance work along the boundary with the main road was completed, enabling the installation of the final directional sign to the church. In line with the church’s ongoing safety policy and the findings of last year’s grave survey, repairs were carried out to a tilting gravestone near the church entrance. Repairs were also completed to the roof of the churchyard shed. The clock face continues to deteriorate due to weather exposure. Quotations have been sought for its refurbishment, and fundraising will be required to enable the work to proceed. The churchyard grounds have been maintained to a high standard throughout the year, and the natural habitat area to the east of the church is developing well. The church remains grateful to church members, the Friends of St Nicholas’ Church, and all others who provide financial support towards the maintenance of the church building. 6 | P a g e ## **Children, Youth, Families & School** _By Sheila Dennison, Children & Families Worker_ Over the past year, the Junior Church Team has continued St Nic’s Nippers and Messy Church, supported church involvement in community events, and launched _Crafternoon_ , a monthly session for Key Stage 2 children. I now lead assemblies at Bishop Wilson Primary School and represent the church at school services, strengthening links with staff, pupils, and families. This has led to involvement in Values Days, supporting the promotion of Christian values across all year groups. St Nic’s Nippers remains a small but consistent group, with some families engaging through Christmas and Messy Church. Messy Church now attracts a younger age range, though attendance varies and additional volunteers are needed. Crafternoon launched successfully in March and continues to provide a welcoming space for children and families. Resources are also available in church to support children’s activities more generally. Time spent in school continues to build strong relationships, further supported by my and Sarah’s roles as Foundation Governors. A highlight of the year was the coming together of different groups at the Christmas Eve service. Finally, Sarah Curnow’s dedication to Junior Church is essential and greatly valued. ## **Pastoral Care Report** Throughout the year, the PCC sought to ensure that pastoral visits and the administration of Holy Communion at home were offered with care, respect and sensitivity, under the coordination of the Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, John Church. Three Lay Eucharistic Ministers were authorised to take Holy Communion to those at home, with the Lay Readers providing support when needed. Members of the congregation are gently reminded not to assume that requests for pastoral support have already been passed on and are encouraged to share any concerns so that appropriate support can be offered in a timely way. During the vacancy, John Church also kindly coordinated requests for bereavement and end-of-life visits, ensuring pastoral support continued to be available at these important times. ## **Contact details:** Tel: 0151 336 2228 | Mobile: 07703 199132 | Email: john_sue44@hotmail.co.uk 7 | P a g e ## **Parish Safeguarding** With the approval of the PCC, Ivor Thomas continued to serve as Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) throughout the year. The PCC maintained full compliance with the Church of England House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy during 2025. A hard copy of the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, together with the _Promoting a Safer Church_ poster and the Parish’s Statement of Commitment to the Five National Safeguarding Standards, remains available in the church porch. The Parish Safeguarding Policy for children, young people, and vulnerable adults was reviewed and formally approved by the PCC during the year. It was endorsed by the Vicar and two Churchwardens and displayed in the church porch. The policy is subject to annual review. Policies relating to Safer Recruitment and the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders were also maintained, supported by a safeguarding checklist used at PCC meetings to monitor safeguarding arrangements. All new PCC members received safeguarding briefings, and all PCC members, Lay Readers, Churchwardens, and Church Group Leaders have completed the appropriate level of safeguarding training. The PSO continued to use the Church of England Safeguarding Dashboard to ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements. In addition, the Parish fully supports the Diocese’s safeguarding awareness campaign, _Speak Out, Stay Safe_ . _**Speak Out, Stay Safe represents our commitment to the National Safeguarding Standards of the Church of England across the Diocese of Chester**_ 8 | P a g e Inde endent Examiner's Re ort ] CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Sect#￿ A THE PAROCMIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST NICHOLAS. CHURCH 8URTON-IN.WIRRAL •¢￿￿￿1 lof the y 31, 2025 Chaf*ty - lil •ny) 1184831 Sel on p40•• I r•port lo IM I1￿t￿l M my txanwI￿n ot the of the 4bove Inty Trusl'l Ihe year er#Jed 3111Y2025 Rewmilikn th• ch•r* trwt¢*s olth* Tntsi. 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Give here Ixief thtsils of any itsms that the examiner wish¢3 to di4close. IER October 2018 10IPage ## **Financial Statements** ## **Statement of Receipts** 11 | P a g e R¢glwi¢led Reslvicie4 F?bri¢ Toial 2025 Toial 2024 F•&ds pa￿entS Diocesan Expenses p3ryh5ha 36.￿3. B,￿1. 3,891. 1,626.16 £44.220.00 DBF 3,85t.96 1,626.16 7.60&34 t 1.48145 vay EYWW. AeimbUrye￿*￿l Vtaroge Oihol EMp•ns•s 2.520.40 2,520.40 1.26&56 Church BL¥ldin9 3terRates 250 02 150.02 295.82 £ 1.247.75 t 2.838.33 1.765.17 t 1.786.47 t 6.430.01 £ 3.467.95 16.45 64.58 t 2.84184 1.253.50 1,153.50 9.95 t,828.20 I,W7.97 1.41B.93 4.486. 767.L4 ln5u?rKEStNtho￿. 1,626.20 I,W7.97 1,4IB.95 4.456.CQ 767.14 InsJ?fice 5fMtha¥' MaiDteDaDce& Rep4ill5 chuychya ¢huTthWLx41 Eq￿1￿7 1,950 (Q 2,191.46 I,5￿. 2,L91.•J6 Church Admin vvgÈ' PrDfe55K>nal Fe* na iecok KEepryl BwI￿￿5(hDO TnrSt P￿f. Fe upkeepJceaDr% Stat￿￿ry & COPYry PA)Dks & MatÈria& IU4.50 2.262.C 1,680.Ct) 1,093.20 910.Cg) i.U4.50 2,262. 538.00 t 1.638.00 1.460.00 t ￿.848.60 t 1.470.00 4.83 8.13 46QiOO I,LY93.2Q 910. 1.31 641.31 ee l ￿l￿e GVH HI 610.52 510.82 274.99 233.00 £ 1.622.65 420.45 1.32&53 websie& IT ofan￿C￿lfF&|£1,000 Wirral Ark Project £1,000| |---|---| |Church Pastoral Aid Society|£1,000 Save the Family
£1,000| |The Mango Tree
|£1,000 Church Mission Soc. £1,000| |Charles Thompson's Mission|£1,000 Chester Clergy Trust £1,000| |World Vision
|£1,000 The Bible Society £1,000| |Melanesian Bros
|£1,000 Other (fund raising event) £ 973| ## **Parish Share** All ministry expenses (vicar and related on costs) are shared with St Michael's Church, Shotwick. St Nicholas' Church PCC pays 77.25% of the cost and St Michael's Church PCC covers 22.75% of expenditure. The amount paid by the parish to Chester Diocese to cover the costs associated with the employment of an incumbent was £36,123 in 2024 compared with £44,220 in 2024 (-18%). ## **Vicarage Accommodation** Certain costs associated with the provision of accommodation for the vicar and his family, including the council tax, are borne by the parishes of Burton and Shotwick. ## **Related Party Transactions** During the year an honorarium of £1,680 for accounting support services was paid to Helen Thomas, who is related to churchwarden and trustee Ivor Thomas. ## **Trustees Remuneration & Employees** The PCC had one employee in 2025, the Families and Children's Worker. No expenses were either claimed by or paid to trustees in performance of their duties as trustees. 15 | P a g e