2024-12-31-accounts

Parish Church of St. John the Evangelist, Farsley

Annual Parochial Church Meeting April 27th 2025

PARISH CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, FARSLEY ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING – April 27[th] 2025

Agenda Election of Churchwardens

Agenda Annual Parochial Church Meeting

1. Opening prayer

2. Minutes (circulated)

3. Appointment of Clerk

4. Electoral Roll

5. Minutes (circulated)

6. Election of Churchwardens

Church Council Attendance Meetings 2024-25

11 Monthly meetings were held

Revd. N. Poole	3/3
A. Aedy R	11	(2023)*
Mrs. V. Bergin D	11	(2024)**
Mr. H. Bradley	8	(2024)**
Ms L. Gibbens S	9	(2023)*
Mrs. C. Glover D Mr. J. Isaacson R Mrs. J. Mason	9 5** 10	(2024)* ( 2024) (2024)
Mr. A. Saxton C	10	Ex-off.
Mrs E. Sheller C	9	Ex-off
Mrs B. Tuke	7	(2024)*
Mr. J. Webster Mrs J. Whitaker	11 9	(2023) (2023)

1. Annual Report 2024-2025

2. Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report

3. Audited Accounts for 2024-2025 Election of Auditor

4. Reports from Church Committees and Groups: Bereavement Group The Church Choir Churches Together in Farsley Deanery Synod Parish Office Parish Safeguarding Sunflower Café

Appendix – Associated Reports: Friends of St. John’s

1. Elections

2. i Representatives of Laity (PCC) ii. Deanery Synod

3. Chairman’s remarks

*First 3-year term.

**Second 3-year term

C = Churchwarden D = Deanery Representative S = PCC Secretary R = Resigned

1. Questions and matters of parochial and general church interest.

2. Closing Prayer

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Church of St John The Evangelist, Farsley.

Minutes of the meeting of parishioners held on Sunday 12[th] May at 11.50 am 2024

Meeting to elect churchwardens.

1. Gareth opened the meeting with a prayer.

2. The minutes from the last meeting were approved. Gareth proposed that Lesley Gibbens would take the notes for the meeting and Janet seconded this.

3. Nominations for churchwarden were:

Alan Saxton: proposed - Lorna Sykes; seconded - Janet Whitaker Eileen Sheller: proposed Janet Whitaker; seconded – Alan Saxton Both were elected unopposed.

Gareth thanked them both for being prepared to take on this important commitment.

Minutes of the APCM held on Sunday 12[th] May 2024 at 11.55am

• 1.The minutes of last year’s APCM were approved as an accurate record of events.

2.The electoral roll has fallen to 61 over the course of the year.

3. Annual Report Gareth requested questions, comments and thoughts

Q: Why was the APCM postponed?

• A: There was a delay in the approval of the accounts by the auditor.

Q: Why are there no reports for Youth Group, Toddlers’ group and Deanery Synod?

A: Youth Group has only been established this year so will be included in next year’s report. Toddlers’ group: there are 13 mums and 3 dads on the register. The average attendance is 15 adults and 15`children at each session. The team running the group consists of Gareth, Diane, Jenny, Elaine and Lorraine. The team will continue to run the group after Gareth leaves.

Thanks to Lesley and Helen for producing the annual report.

4. Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report

5. Finance : this is the fourth year of not paying the full share. By using all available funds apart from enough money for a few months running costs, we managed to pay 76% by the end of the year. The Leeds average is 81%. The unpaid Share amount goes into arrears – we currently owe the Diocese around £70,000. Meeting the Share requirement in the future should continue to be a priority for the PCC.

The January donation from the Woodhall Trust will appear on next year’s accounts in restricted funds for use in work with children and young people. Interest on the endowment can be used more freely. Dorothy Wilkinson left a generous legacy to St. John’s. Her family would like it to be used for something significant, which would be meaningful to Dorothy and Gordon. Dorothy’s generosity is very much appreciated.

Thanks were expressed to Joel for all his work and for preparing the accounts. He would like to step down as Treasurer in the next three months. It would be very helpful if a successor could be found before Joel leaves. It is possible that the Treasurer’s work could be shared out so that the burden of the role is reduced.

The finances were approved, proposed by Janet and seconded by Alan, all in favour.

Alan nominated the same independent examiner, Olalekan Olutayo, for next year Eileen seconded.

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One abstention. Majority in favour.

6. Groups: James highlighted the lack of volunteers as a recurring theme in the report and suggested that there should be a focus on encouraging more people to come forward and get involved. Gareth noted that the Friends of St. John’s are also struggling with this issue, particularly for practical input and he suggested a change in the timing of activities, such as gardening and maintenance, from Friday morning to a time / times that would be possible for working people to manage, thereby opening up the opportunity to a greater number of people. He added that it could be a church focus to boost the number of Friends because they work very hard on behalf of St. John’s and, as a result, the church benefits significantly, both financially and practically.

7. Elections: All being duly nominated and seconded, Val Bergin, Howard Bradley and Christine Glover, were re-elected for a second three-year term as PCC members and Jenny Mason was elected as a new member to the PCC. At the meeting, Bev Tuke, proposed by Shirley Walker and seconded by Lesley Gibbens, was elected as a PCC member for a first three-year term. There is still one remaining vacant place on the PCC. Val Bergin and Christine Glover will continue as Deanery Synod representatives. Huge thanks to Lorna, who, after many years as both churchwarden and member of the PCC, is taking a break and stepping down.

8. Chairman’s remarks : Gareth talked about the very hard decision he had made to apply for the post at Pudsey. He is excited for the future but sorry to be leaving Farsley. At his exit interview, he recommended that, as a great group with a core of willing volunteers, we need someone, quite quickly, to keep us growing and moving forward.

9. Matters of general parochial interest: Asked about his areas of achievement here, Gareth identified the work with children and young people as a strength, particularly with the Youth Group, local schools and the Toddler Group. His highlights included the Christmas services, which offered something special for children, young people and adults and a time when the church felt alive, vibrant and connected with the community. He will pray for us to stay united and encouraged us to pray for each other and to stand firm during the Interregnum. He thanked the congregation for everything we’ve done to help him to become a better vicar. He is looking forward to hearing how we are doing in the future.

Gareth was asked whether he thought there was anything he could have done better or differently. He talked about the problems of taking up the post during Covid, which hindered being able to put a vision in place. He found it a challenge, sometimes difficult to navigate, to meet Parish expectations, following the previous vicar, and also acknowledged his frustration with his own lack of administrational ability! He asked us to consider what we could do to be a better congregation for his successor – a valid point, acknowledged by those present.

Appreciation of Gareth’s particular strengths and gifts was put forward from the meeting. His inspirational preaching has been much enjoyed and appreciated. Eileen spoke of the thoughtfulness and confidence she has been able to develop in the musical response of the church, thanks to Gareth’s willingness to embrace change and find opportunities for growth. We are very sad to lose him, after such a short time, particularly as the circumstances are so unforeseen and the timing so unlucky for us, but we accept that this is all part of an inevitable process of change and we wish him and his family well in Pudsey.

Gareth’s advice to us, as a church family, moving forward, is to be careful of harboring bitterness or negativity, but to continue to be open and honest and to trust God to lead us on.

10. The meeting ended with the Grace at 12.30.

The next PCC meeting is on Monday 3[rd] June at 7.30pm in the Lounge.

Signed_______ Date: 27.04.25

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FABRIC GOODS AND ORNAMENTS Churchyard and Grounds

Leeds City Council Parks and Cemeteries cuts the grass when necessary. A gardener cares for the memorial garden and makes good this area of the grounds. We also have the support of volunteers from the Friends of St John’s, who help keep the grounds looking tidy and colourful. We have recently been served with a letter from Leeds City Council informing us of the need to repair the perimeter wall adjacent to the former Liberal Club. Quotes are being sought for felling the tree responsible for the problem and rebuilding the wall and we are applying for grants to help towards the cost.

Church

Service Inspections

The fire extinguishers and gas installation certificates are kept up to date, along with the electrical testing of fixed and portable appliances.

Maintenance

Volunteers from the Friends of St. John’s, along with Terry Whitaker and Ray Sheller, continue to carry out routine maintenance and replacement tasks within the church. New more up to date heaters, similar to those which were no longer working, were installed in time for Christmas and they appear to be working well.

Church Hall and Offices

Service Inspections

The electrical, fire and gas installation certificates are kept up to date, along with the electrical testing of fixed and portable appliance.

Maintenance

The meeting room, hall and kitchen are still being used regularly by MHA, groups and parties. The hall looks clean and bright, but will need ongoing maintenance, if we are to continue to rent it out to outside organisations in the future. New and much-needed ovens were installed in the kitchen, thanks to a grant from Councillor Peter Carhill. The longer-term plan is to improve the hall further, which will include replacing the heating system. Unfortunately, the long-standing problem with the church hall roof means we still have a leak in the hall ceiling, but this is being dealt with and, it is hoped, will be fixed very soon.

The Baby and Toddler Group continues to flourish and is well-attended. Many thanks to Diane, Janine, Jenny, Elaine and Larraine for leading this important connection with the community.

The Youth Group, which was formed only last year, unfortunately had to be curtailed during the interregnum, due to lack of leadership, however, it is hoped to re-start this, or something similar, in the near future, with Nathanael’s help and guidance, enabling us to provide a rewarding and enjoyable activity for our young people.

Old Vicarage Flat

Service Inspections

The electrical, fire and gas installation certificates are kept up to date.

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Letting

The flat continues to be let on an annual basis and we are fortunate to have a good tenant who appreciates the flat. Several repairs and replacements have been carried out in the flat, this year, to keep it in a good rentable condition.

The wardens are grateful for the support they have been given over the past 10 months, during the vacancy. We would like to thank Janet for her advice and leading services, James for his ideas and producing online services, Ray and Ian, Eileen's brother, for help in maintaining our buildings, Helen for her continued admin support and especially Emma and Andy for producing our 10.30 a.m. service, each week.

Eillen Sheller and Alan Saxton — Churchwardens

March 2025

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THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, FARSLEY

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council for the year 2024-2025

Administrative information

St. John’s is situated at the junction of Town Street and New Street. The correspondence address is: The Parish Office, The Old Vicarage, New Street, Farsley, Pudsey. LS28 5DJ.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a charity excepted from registration with the Charity Commission. (1185811)

PCC members who have served from April 2024 until the date this report was approved are:

Incumbent: Vacancy then The Revd. Nathanael Poole (from February 2025)

Churchwardens: Mr. A. Saxton (2022); Mrs. E. Sheller (2024)

Elected members:

Miss L. Gibbens - Secretary (2023) Mr. A. Aedy (2023) Mrs V. Bergin (2024) Mr. H. Bradley (2024) Mrs. C. Glover (2024) Mrs. J. Mason (2024) Mrs. B. Tuke (2024) Mr. J. Webster (2023) Mrs J. Whitaker (2023)

= first 3-year term *= second 3-year term

Co-opted members:

Mr. J. Isaacson – Treasurer (co-opted 2019); resigned October 2024

Bankers: HSBC, Internet Banking

Legal Adviser: Peter Foskett, Lupton Fawcett Denison Till, Yorkshire House, East Parade, Leeds, West Yorkshire. LS1 5BD.

Independent Examiner: Malcolm Rushworth, 75 Coal Hill Lane, LS13 1DD

Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and to stand for election to the PCC. Elected members may serve up to two consecutive terms of 3 years, prior to standing down for at least 1 year, before they may stand for re-election. The intention is to provide both continuity and a range of experience to create a fully active committee. In order to carry out its aims and objectives, the PCC

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operates through a number of smaller groups, which meet, when required, between full PCC meetings.

Objectives and activities

The parish has been in a period of interregnum from May 2024 (until the appointment of the Revd. Nathanael Poole in February 2025). Previously the Revd. Gareth Howles was Priest-in-Charge of St. John's. The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelical, social and ecumenical. (The PCC Powers Measure 1956). Together we are working to develop our objectives in proclaiming the Gospel and serving God, within the Church and the community.

During the past year, the PCC has continued to work to develop and refine the strategies by which our objectives may be achieved. Areas identified as priorities, including safeguarding, church growth, outreach, pastoral care, care, maintenance and development of the church building, ecological issues, community links, and generosity in serving the community, have been further explored in PCC meetings, each month. The PCC has managed all aspects of church business and activity during the vacancy, which began in May 2024.

Achievements and performance

2024 was the year for a complete revision of the church electoral roll. This year, the number of parishioners on the roll is 62, which is an increase of one on last year’s total. The average attendance at the main Sunday morning service is 46 adults and 8 children, a number which increases at festivals and baptisms.

Alan Saxton – Electoral Roll Officer

Review of the Year

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There have been eleven full PCC meetings since the last APCM with Alan Saxton or Eileen Sheller, our two churchwardens, chairing them during the vacancy. The Revd. Nathanael Poole has chaired the three meetings which have taken place since he took up his post. The churchwardens have met regularly throughout this time, with Nathanael now joining the team, to deal with a variety of churchrelated issues and keep things running smoothly on a day-to-day basis, with invaluable support from Helen Whitaker, our Parish Office Administrator,

We continue to care for, maintain and develop the church and the church hall and flat and throughout the year, maintenance and repairs have been carried out, where necessary. The support of volunteers and the Friends of St. John’s, both practical and financial, has been vital in enabling this work to take place. Without their time, efforts and generosity, we would struggle to undertake some of the substantial projects, such as replacing the heating and, currently, repairing and renovating the clock. We are very grateful for all the support and we thank them all for everything they do to help us.

We were sad to lose the Revd. Gareth Howles, who left in May 2024 to take up the position of incumbent at Pudsey Parish Church. As a result, this last year has been a challenging one, during which, we have had to manage St. John’s through the period of a Vacancy. With some help and support from the Diocese, we managed to secure visiting clergy to enable the 8.30 a.m. weekly Communion service to continue, as well as Communion at the relevant 10.30 a.m. services. Other morning services have been led by our own church members.

The PCC took to heart advice from the Archdeacon offered at the beginning of the Vacancy. He encouraged us to focus, not just on ‘keeping things going’, but on continuing to work on developing growth in our church through these months. To this end, we have found ways to ensure that many of our ‘special’ events and services could take place. Harvest festival, Remembrance service, the Advent season and the richness of Christmas worship, including Christingles, outreach to schools, Carols by Candlelight, carol singing in the village, and all the significant Christmas services have taken place under the leadership and guidance of the Churchwardens and the PCC, with lay members, again, stepping up to take on the responsibility of provision and delivery. With the same commitment and generous help of volunteers, we have also managed to keep pastoral and social events going: Friday coffee morning with a regular prayer opportunity, the Bereavement group, Sunflower Memory Café, Parish lunches and the monthly quiz evenings, for example.

The past months have clearly demonstrated the vital importance of a strong team and willing volunteers. We want to build on this to support Nathanael in achieving his vision and plans for the future of our church, so the more people who can offer their time and gifts, the more St. John’s and its work will thrive. Whether it is attending an extra service, offering some help with groups and activities or taking on a PCC role, please ask yourself, prayerfully, if there is anything you could do.

We are very grateful to everyone who has helped to ensure that worship and fellowship at St. John’s has continued and congregations have been sustained, so that we are able to welcome Nathanael to a church, which is well-maintained, lively, thriving and offers a strong and welcoming spiritual centre to the community. We are excited to see where the next stage of the St. John’s journey takes us all. Thanks to Alan and Eileen, our churchwardens, and all our PCC members, who have worked extremely hard this year. Thank-you once again, on behalf of the PCC, to all those who work for the good of St. John’s, its family and its community. We greatly appreciate all your help and support.

Lesley Gibbens – PCC Secretary

Financial Review 2024

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Charity accounts are split between ‘Unrestricted’ funds (of which some may be ‘Designated’ for a specific cause) and ‘Restricted’ funds. Unrestricted funds relate to money the PCC can spend on anything that fulfils the objectives of the church. Restricted funds record donations and expenditure for specific purposes or projects.

This year we have seen a decrease in regular giving and in collections at services. This year our aim is to emphasise the advantages of regular giving via the Parish Giving Scheme. This is a scheme which gives givers the freedom to set up a direct debit to church giving, and the Gift Aid on donations is claimed by the Parish Giving Scheme, which saves us time. Gift Aid recovered is higher than 2023 due to the timing of Gift Aid claims in 2024, including backdated payments.

Our main expenditure in 2024 is the Parish Share. Although the accounts show that we only paid £20,000, an additional £18,000 was paid in January 2025 towards our share request. This meant that we were able to pay £38,000 of the total requested Parish Share (total requested £55,499)

We were not able to make the full Share payment due to our annual income or reserved not being sufficient to cover the full cost.

Thank you to all who donate to the church: be it by standing order, online or by cash or card. St John’s has been a beacon of hope to our community over many years and the money we have invested this year in our church for future generations of use could not have happened without your generous support.

Reserves policy

It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on Unrestricted funds of roughly £1,500 at the end of each month, after paying the Parish Share to the Diocese. We end the year with £33,874 in reserve, which is in excess of the reserves policy, though as has been mentioned, this was reduced by a payment of £20,000 for the Parish Share. We were also aware of the need to pay for our Quinquennial review and any additional costs which that may incur. The 2025 share request is £61,049 (around £4,100 a month). We were not able to pay the full Parish Share to the Diocese as noted in the above commentary. We continue to look for ways to minimise our costs and maximise income.

Our major financial commitment for the coming year is in paying the Share to fund the Diocese’s work and ongoing support to the work of the church in our community. This commitment will require the generosity of church members, and our wider community, both in terms of generosity of donations, and generosity of time and ideas.

Alan Saxton – Churchwarden

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

	Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023
Note	£ £ £ £ £
RECEIPTS
Voluntary receipts
Planned giving	20,984 - - 20,985 25,189
Collections at services	5,432 - - 5,432 6,243
All other giving/Voluntary receipts 5a	996 - 28,794 29,790 7,251
Gift Aid recovered	6,631 - - 6,631 3,931
Activities for generating funds 5b	6,623 - - 6,623 7,989
Investment income 5c	402 61 282 745 653
Church activities 5d	31,443 - - 31,443 33,934
TOTAL RECEIPTS	72,512 61 29,076 101,649 85,190
PAYMENTS
Church activities
Diocesan parish contribution (Share)	20,000 - - 20,000 44,800
Clergy and staffing costs	12,209 - - 12,209 5,676
Church running expenses 5e	17,528 - - 19,098 16,824
Hall running expenses 5f	10,612 - 1,570 10,612 16,972
Spendingon restrictedprojects	- - - - 9,508
TOTAL PAYMENTS	60,349 - 1,570 61,919 93,780
Surplus/(deficit)	12,163 61 27,506 39,730 (8,590)
Transfers between funds 3,4	12,155 - (12,155) - - -
	24,318 61 15,351 39,730 (8,590)
Cash funds at 1 January	9,556 - 11,666 21,222 29,812
Cash funds at 31 December	33,874 61 27,017 60,952 21,222

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STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Unrestricted funds Designated funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023	Unrestricted funds Designated funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023	Unrestricted funds Designated funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023	Unrestricted funds Designated funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
Cash funds
General account (HSBC)	33,874 61 33,935 20,339 54,274 16,403
Cash in hand	-	- - - - 41
Common Fabric fund account (HSBC)	-	- - 3,244 3,244 1,989
9Children’s and Youthwork account
(HSBC)	-	- - 3,434 3,434 2,789
	33,874 61 33,935 27,017 60,952 21,222
Investment assets 2
187.27 CIF shares (Split)	-	- - 4,330 4,330 4,233
202.00 CIF shares (Common Fabric
fund)	-	- - 4,671 4,671
Farsley IP (CCLA)	665	- 665 - 665 665
Farsley Stevenson (CCLA)	-	- - 520 520 520
Farsley Sunday School (CCLA)	-	- - 1,317 1,317 1,317
FarsleyYouth(CCLA)	-	- - 2,009 2,009 2,009
	665	- 665 12,847 13,512 13,310
Debtors
Gift aid receivable(HMRC)	2,998	- -	- 2,998 3,587
	2,998	- -	- 2,988 3,587
Liabilities
Diocese of Leeds – Parish Share	(18,000)	- (18,000)	- (18,000) (68,997)
The Children’s Society	(313)	- (313)	- (313) (368)
	(18,313)	- (18,313)	- (18,313) (69,365)
Other assets
Church (Loss limit insurance value)			13,330,000 11,200,000
Hall(Loss limit insurance value)			3,330,000 1,780,000
			16,630,000 11,820,000

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

2 INVESTMENT ASSETS

All funds which are invested in CCLA Church of England Investment Fund shares.

In all cases, the donations have been made to be retained as a capital fund, but the income is for specific purpose, either General funds, Common Fabric fund or Children’s and Youthwork fund.

3 MOVEMENTS IN RESTRICTED FUNDS

The movements in restricted funds during the year were:

Interest Hall fund Organ Fund Church Heating Zoning Flowers fund Hall kitchen grant Children’s and Youthwork Common Fabric fund	Balance b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/fwd - 282 - - 282 - - - - - - 4818 - - - (196) - - - 4622 1,678 - (48) - 1,630 42 - (35) - 7 350 350 (700) - - 2,789 28,341 (561) (12,155) 18,414 1,989 103 (30) - 2,062
	11,666 29,076 (1,570) (12,155) 27,017

All "Transfers" (between funds) are made with the express permission of the original donor.

The Transfer in the year relates to reclassification of a legacy as a Designated, rather than a Restricted, fund.

Children’s and Youthwork receipts include £28,141.75 received from the closure of the Woodhall Trust.

The Interest accrued on the restricted and designated funds is not split between the various funds, it will be simply used as required with the consent of the PCC.

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3 MOVEMENTS IN RESTRICTED FUNDS (continued)

The Zoning fund represents a grant from the Co-Op and expenditure for creating different ‘zones’ within church to enable different groups to use the building at the same time. Money has been earmarked from this fund to improve the experience of community groups using the church building. The cost in the year relates to improvements to equipment for community use.

The Flowers fund represents accumulated donations and expenditure for the provision of flowers.

The Hall kitchen grant represents a grant received through the MICE scheme from Leeds City Council to contribute towards improving kitchen facilities in the church hall.

The Children’s and Youthwork fund represents accumulated donations and expenditure for children’s and youthwork activities.

The Common Fabric fund represents accumulated donations and expenditure for repairs and maintenance to church fabric (i.e. building and fittings).

Some donations have a restriction in that they are to be used for any purpose ‘except for’ certain, specific, purposes. Given the immateriality of these donations, and that general church running costs are well in excess of these donations, they are not separately presented.

4 MOVEMENTS IN DESIGNATED FUNDS

The movements in designated funds during the year were:

Legacies	Balance b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/fwd - 61 - - -
	- 61 - - 61

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5 FURTHER ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS

a) All other Giving / Voluntary Receipts Donations Gift Day Legacy b) Activities for Generating Funds Photocopying Efforts Fairs Coffee Mornings Feed in Tariff (Solar Panels) c) Investment Income CCLA Investments Interest received Release of Funds from Farsley IP (Legacy) Release of Funds (114 CIF Shares) d) Church Activities Fees for weddings & funerals Rent - Office Rent - Hall Rent - Flat Other income e) Church Running Expenses Church running expenses Church repairs and maintenance Upkeep of services Admin & office costs Efforts Children's and youthwork costs f) Hall Running Expenses Hall running expenses Hall & Flat maintenance Commission payable	Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted Funds TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023 996 - 996 28,794 29,790 7,251 - - - - - - - - - -
	996 - 996 28,794 29,790 7,251 - - - - - - - 3,454 - 3,454 - 3,454 4,719 191 - 191 - 191 - 831 - 831 - 831 1,087 2,147 - 2,147 - 2,147 2,183
	6,623 - 6,623 - 6,623 7,989 402 61 463 282 745 297 - - - - - 356 - - - - - - - - - - - -
	402 61 463 282 745 653 2,351 - 2,351 - 2,351 2,754 10,130 - 10,130 - 10,130 13,177 7,147 - 7,147 - 7,147 6,778 8,085 - 8,085 - 8,085 7,605 3,730 - 3,730 - 3,730 3,620
	31,443 - 31,443 - 31,443 33,934 11,910 - 11,910 979 12,889 9,838 854 - 854 30 884 1,352 1,813 - 1,813 - 1,813 1,995 2,664 - 2,664 - 2,664 2,800 287 - 287 - 287 - - - - 561 561 839
	17,528 - 17,528 1,570 19,098 16,824 6,643 - 6,643 - 6,643 12,667 3,005 - 3,005 - 3,005 3,308 964 - 964 - 964 997
	10,612 - 10,612 - 10,612 16,972

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Independent examiner's report I roport to th8 trustees on my ox4mThtw)n of the Ko>Jnts of The P•r¢thial Churth Council of the Ecclesiastical Pansh of St John the Evangelist. Fars Icharty no 1185811) rthe Trusfi tr the year erKled 31 2024. RMpon•lbllttl•• •nd ITr••l• of Y•port tho thanty's trustees. you we rn8ponsibl& for the weparatK)n oftr ￿&￿nts in acconlance wrth the requirgnwts ofthe Chth Act 2011 kr). I report in re8pect of my exaThinaiw of the Trusfs ac0￿nts carriod out ur¥Jer sKtion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying my exarrination, I have followed all the applu Direct￿n$ gNen by thè Charrty CommtssKn under Sect￿ 145lSllbl of the Act. Ind•p•nd•nt •x•mOn•V• •tsl•m• I have CoM￿01ed frty eXam1r￿l￿1. I confirm that no matenal matters have coTh to my att￿t10Th ir) connaclwi wrth ts exaffinal)n whKh gNeS cau¥e lo bglw• th•t, in any mater￿1 respect.. the accounts dKI n¢X ¥cord with the aCC)unting records," ¢x the ￿Cty￿nts rtot ￿n￿Y ￿ th• appluble requir￿nant1 c￿￿eming the fom and cOnt￿t of ￿)Unts sel out in the charit￿ (A￿lnts and Roportsl Regula￿￿6 2008 other than any fft]uirerr￿nI that th8 xctyjnls 9we a'true and la￿ vthi wh is not a mattér con$KJered as part of on wthpertht examinati￿. examinatwl to whth atten1k￿ shouhj be drawn in th18 rewt in onler to enable a proper nderstsnding of the act(￿nts to be (eached. Aldr￿.. 75 Coal Hill Lane. RryJ. Lg*JB. LS13 10D. Dale.. 19n4r25 15

REPORTS FROM CHURCH COMMITTEES AND GROUPS

Farsley Bereavement Support Group

The Bereavement Support Group meets every fourth Friday of the month at St. John’s Church Hall, between 11.00 a.m. and 12 noon, in the Lounge. The Farsley Bereavement Support Group is a safe and supportive space to talk for those who have lost a loved one recently or for whom more time has passed but support is still needed.

Lorna Sykes – Bereavement Support Group

The Church Choir and Music Group

Our small choir continues to lead the church music at weekly 10.30 a.m. services. Sadly, our friend, June Brown, died in December, reducing our choir numbers to just five, but what they lack in numbers, they more than make up for in enthusiasm. We are always happy to hear from anyone who would like to join us. It would be great to have a strong choir to lead our Sunday morning services.

With the assistance of various friends, we were, once again, able to provide the music for our annual service of Carols by Candlelight. It was well-attended, as always, and the choir gave an excellent performance. My thanks, as always, go to all the choir members, including those who joined us to augment the sound. Their attendance is always appreciated. Choir members are always ready to sing for weddings and funerals, whenever their attendance is requested.

We have not managed any Evensong services, this year, but did join our friends in Calverley, for an Advent Evensong service, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended, especially in view of the mince pies and mulled wine, which were served after the service. Thanks to Jonathan Lacey, organist at St. Wilfred’s, for inviting us. We hope this will prove to be an annual event.

We would still love to invite anyone with a musical instrument (voices included), who could give us just an hour a month to help us to continue making exciting music at St John’s.

Eileen Sheller – Organist and Choir Leader

Churches Together in Farsley and Rodley

A quiet year - no Jubilee, Coronation or National Event, which we have always enjoyed celebrating together, while raising awareness of our local churches. We have, as usual, maintained our schedule of the Annual Meeting and joint service in January, Christian Aid week in May, our Summer service of Praise and our services together on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, and a wreath was laid on behalf of Churches Together on Armistice Sunday.

It was rather disappointing that the Christmas "procession" on Light Night, which included large lanterns made by children and our schools, did not invite a Christian presence, although there was the usual distribution of well-produced leaflets by our church members, giving the times of all our Christmas services.

We are already making plans for bringing the churches back to the heart of Farsley, however. Watch this space !

Shirley Walker – Churches Together Secretary

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Deanery Synod

A meeting at Christchurch, Armley on 14th May 2024 gave an update on the Deanery Synod election process, the practicalities of finding cover during interregnum and finances. Janet Edmunds and Alena Rose-Douglas gave a presentation on the use of church buildings for mission and grants to support mission in the community, for example, grants available from various bodies for practical help, sound systems, signage, physical changes in church to make it more accessible and suitable for the purposes of church. Advice was given on the appropriate grant schemes and how to apply. Churches can register at the Community Funding Portal. Commercial businesses, such as Screwfix, are approachable for help for churches in their local communities. Janet creates a monthly on-line newsletter called “Money for Mission” and matched funding was also discussed. A very informative meeting, ending with prayer.

On 12th September 2024, a meeting was held at St Wilfred’s Calverley. Rev Graham Blackwell gave a presentation on the use of AI (artificial intelligence) technology, with information on some services, free at present but possibly to be paid for in the future. Pros and cons were discussed, for example, fear of security breaches and who is actually collecting this information. We moved on to group work to discuss issues faced by parishes, to be fed back to the Diocese. We ended with prayer.

On 12th November 2024, St George’s church, Leeds hosted the Leeds Episcopal Area Forum led by Rev Paul Ayres and a presentation by the Rev Helen Collinge on lay-training. Parishes asked to consult with their PCC as to those who need or should be positively encouraged to undertake training, and also to identify any unmet training needs in their parish. We worked in groups and our group felt there was a need for training in grant application as there is no existing training course available.

Christine Glover and Val Bergin - Deanery Synod representatives.

Parish Office

Last year, the office has been busy with bookings for the hall with parties, MHA use and charities using the hall for their groups. I have been invoicing and keeping track of getting payments for any bookings that happen with the church hall. Last year we have had some work that has needed to be done on the plumbing in the church hall, so I have been getting quotes and organising this in the background. The notice sheet is still being sent, via email, to those who want to receive it this way and if you would like to be added to the list please let me know by phoning the office or emailing me; 0113 2566878 [e-mail]

Helen Whitaker – Parish Office Administrator

Safeguarding/DBS

As the Parish Safeguarding Officer and DBS Administrator, I have to undergo all the Safeguarding Training and a DBS check. As it has been four years since I started these roles, I have had to do my Basic, Foundation and Leadership Training again this year, as well as having a DBS check done by the Diocese Safeguarding Team. Anyone who volunteers to help with groups in church, where there are children or vulnerable adults, needs to have a DBS check and do some Safeguarding training. This includes the PCC members. It is important that the Safeguarding training is done as soon as possible for all those who volunteer, especially the PCC.

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Promoting a Safer Church - ‘The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.’ Therefore it is really important that all those required to do so, complete the Safeguarding Training, DBS check and Self-Declaration forms.

Helen Whitaker – Parish Safeguarding Officer/DBS Administrator

Sunflower Memory Café

This year we happily celebrated nine years of “Sunflower” Saturdays! As can be expected, our numbers rise and fall but we emphasise, once again, that our café is not just for those with dementia and their carers, but for anyone feeling in need of company, a coffee and some entertainment.

We sing, or have expert singers who sing to us; some of us dance (no expertise required); sometimes there are craft activities to get our fingers working and there’s always a quiz to help our little grey cells.

We are, at present, planning our ever-popular Beetle Drive night: total chaos, everybody happy, prizes to be won, including one for the handsomest / most artistic beetle. This is an all-age event - do join us. Date to be announced.

Shirley Walker – Sunflower Memory Café Secretary

APPENDIX – ASSOCIATED REPORTS

Friends of St. John’s

Another successful twelve months for the Friends of St. John’s.

As usual, we have raised monies from various events including Table Top Sales, Farmers’ Market, Heritage event and the Brass Band Concert.

In April 2024 some of the members had an evening meal at the Fat Haddock in Stanningley, choosing either a fish or a curry meal. Everyone who attended really enjoyed this and we decided to attend the same venue later in the year.

On 6 July we held a China Tea Party, which was very successful and well-attended and everyone thoroughly enjoyed. At this we had The Bandstanders Ukulele band playing all through the event and this was thoroughly enjoyed.

In September we held our Heritage Open Day in the church hall which is based on Farsley Village and its people and this was held around the time of the National Heritage Open Weekend. This was well-attended. A wonderful array of photographs was provided and displayed by the two Malcolms, Jim and other helpers. Pudsey Civic Society brought along an array of books. The Friends of Rehoboth Cemetery had a stall with literature about their project of clearing and restoring the old Rehoboth Cemetery on Coal Hill Lane.

We also held two Heritage walks, which were organised and run by Eileen Sheller.

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In October members once again went to the Fat Haddock in Stanningley for a fish/curry evening and once again people really enjoyed this.

November saw a highly successful and enjoyable Brass Band Concert presented by the West Yorkshire Brass Band. This was followed afterwards by a Pie and Pea Supper in the Church Hall and everyone who attended really enjoyed this.

It was with great sadness that one of our founder members, Malcolm Haist, passed away in December. He will be greatly missed by all.

On 21 December we presented a Cheque for £4,500 to the church towards the repair of the church clock.

We continue to have monthly sessions gardening in the churchyard.

We are currently still raising money for the repair of the church clock. The repairs will be in two stages. The first stage is to raise £6,000 for the overhaul and repair of the mechanism. For the second stage, we will need to raise several thousand pounds more for the restoration of the clock faces which are corroded.

We also continue to have regular tables at the Farmers’ Markets and Table Top sales, selling bric-abrac and books to help with fundraising.

Linda Allen – Chair of the Friends of St John’s

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