2025-12-31-accounts - Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Escrick

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2025 Report and Accounts

for the Parochial Church Council of St Helen’s Church, Escrick

Aims and Objectives

St. Helen’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Priest-in- Charge, Reverend Jackie Doyle-Brett, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church; pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of St. Helen’s Church, Escrick and its finances.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all, whether they are regular worshippers or not. We strive to be open and accessible in every respect, and to make St. Helen’s the heart of our village community. In order to achieve this, the PCC recognises the need to be financially sustainable and encourages generous giving. We are also committed to strengthening and further developing our relationship with the village Church of England Primary School.

When planning our activities for the year, we considered our main objectives and tried to put in place services, opportunities for worship and community engagement that would enable us to achieve these. In particular, we tried to enable people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus.
Provision of services that specifically meet the needs of members of the community who would not ordinarily attend church, particularly families.
A varied programme of ‘Heritage Activities’ which engage a wide demographic.
Regular opportunities to engage with music within the church from bell ringing to singing in our choir.

To facilitate this work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church of St. Helen’s.

Achievements and Performance

A meeting was held on 6 April immediately following the APCM and since then PCC meetings have been held jointly with Naburn and Stillingfleet to discuss Benefice matters, followed by separate meetings for each PCC to discuss their own particular issues. Meetings were held in the various churches in April, July, September, November 2024 and January 2025. In addition three Team Escrick meetings were held during 2024/5 to discuss both long and short term issues requiring more discussion and consideration than time allows at regular PCC meetings. Any matters requiring formal agreement were presented at the next PCC meeting.

We give thanks for the dedication and support offered by Revs Jackie Doyle Brett, Robert Owen and Francis Loftus for leading most of our services throughout the year. Our Assistant Minister Rev Robert Owen left The Rivers Partnership in August 2025 and we wish him well in his retirement.

At St Helen’s we have been fortunate to count on local clergy and lay ministers to lead some of our services, and a special mention to Caroline Wandless who has embarked on the journey towards potential ordination. Our services at St Helen’s are greatly enhanced by organist Nigel Bellamy, members of the choir, and Dr Robert Richards with his team of bell ringers. A huge thank you to all these dedicated people who make our services so special.

There is now a regular pattern of services across the Rivers Partnership. This includes a monthly U3 Holy Communion (United 3: Escrick, Naburn and Stillingfleet) and a U8 (United Eight: all the churches in the Rivers Partnership) on fifth Sundays.

Throughout the year we hold special services, including Easter, Harvest Festival, Remembrance and Christmas.

A strong relationship is maintained with Escrick Primary School and the Church/School Liaison group meet each half term to seek ways of helping to teach Christian values and enhance relations to our mutual benefit. Once a month a group of volunteers present Open the Book and members of the clergy visit the school and take collective worship. In December a Christingle service was held in school and Christingle oranges were distributed to the children, kindly prepared by a group of volunteers. In July St Helen’s will again host the Leavers’ service when a small gift (previously hand crosses) are presented to the leavers. Children are also encouraged to participate in our special services and provide examples of work for our display board. We thank

our Foundation Governor, Christine Mason, who currently represents the Church on the School’s Board of Governors.

It is much appreciated that we are able to keep our church doors open every day. Our grateful thanks and appreciation go to Nancy Mackenzie for undertaking the task of opening and closing church each day. St Helen’s is home to a range of activities, such as the monthly Heritage Evenings, Prayer Lunches, Heritage Hub, Poetry Evenings, Little Hoots Toddler Group and Hoot’s Cafe among others and we give a huge thank you to Caroline Wandless our Heritage Lead and her team of volunteers. There are also special events throughout the year, including concerts. St Helen’s is also used by several local organisations for their regular meetings.

Through our charity of the quarter, we continue to support various local charities and organisations. Over the past twelve months we have supported Age UK, Derwent Lions for used spectacles, Selby Food Bank and The Mothers’ Union caravan. Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed to these important organisations.

Here at St Helen’s we are fortunate enough to count on a small army of volunteers who in one way or another contribute to keeping the wheels turning, be it preparing for special services and events or regular activities such as cleaning, flower arranging, churchyard maintenance, distributing magazines and many other tasks. We desperately need more volunteers to spread the load and would welcome anyone who could spare just a few hours every month to help with any way possible.

Fundraising is always high on the PCC’s agenda, as we are gently reminded by our Treasurer! Over the last twelve months we have held several successful fundraising events. Many thanks to Carolyn Skilbeck for administering The 100 Club which continues to raise valuable funds,

Looking forward, PCC has a busy year ahead developing some of the initiatives already in progress such as the Memorial Garden, feasibility of installing solar panels. Efforts will also be directed towards fundraising, recruiting new volunteers and building Team Escrick to serve our community as best we can and maintain our church active, welcoming, and a place for peace and worship.

Financial Review

St Helen’s Church: Overview of the 2025 Accounts

Total income in 2025 was £48,913 whilst total expenditure was £50,955 meaning there was a deficit in 2025 of £2,042. This £2,042 deficit was in line with the 2025 budget which, excluding any quinquennial related works, expected a deficit of about £2,500.

The above said, there were two significant variations against the budget which broadly cancelled each other out: expenditure on the trees was over £6,000 whilst, on the other hand, St Helens received an extremely generous donation of £5,500, but it must be noted this donation is ‘restricted’ meaning it can only be used towards the introduction of solar panels.

The most concerning aspect of the 2025 financial result is the continuing decline in ‘normal church income’ i.e. planned regular giving, collections, and weddings. In the short term, St Helen’s is able to manage this decline but, by about 2030, St Helen’s will, without change or improvement, find itself in an increasingly challenging financial situation.

To add to these financial concerns but noting that St Helen’s might be able to agree some assistance from the Friends of St Helens (FOSH), the Quinquennial Inspection report identified about £7,000 of works that are still to be undertaken.

As noted in previous annual accounts, a significant strength of St Helens is its wide range of activities meaning that, when combined, the likes of fundraisers and other activities, for example, refreshments, book sales, the church donation box, heritage, bacon butties, concerts, votive and Little Hoots and Hoots Cafe make a huge difference to the church’s financial performance.

Another strength of St Helens is that it had £53,759 in total funds (£29,704 in its CCLA investments and £24,055 in the Barclays account) at 31[st] December 2025. Some £5,500 of those monies are however restricted and can only be used towards the introduction of solar panels.

St Helen’s Church: Commentary on 2026 Budget

The 2026 budget is predicated on income of £49,000 and expenditure of £52,000 which delivers an anticipated deficit of £3,000.

At the end of 2026 it is anticipated St Helen’s will have £51,055 in funds of which £21,055 will be in the current account whilst the CCLA investment account will be valued at £30,000.

The key assumptions behind this budget are detailed below:

The £10,000 of repairs and maintenance assumes that the quinquennial works, estimated to be about £7,000 will be undertaken during 2026.
PCC has agreed to seek a £7,000 contribution from the Friends of St Helens (FOSH) in respect of the quinquennial works and the budget assumes that FOSH will kindly agree to this. Clearly if the quinquennial works are undertaken and no such contribution is received from FOSH, the expected deficit will increase from £3,000 to £10,000.
The introduction of the solar panels may take place in 2026 but this is to be confirmed so has not been included in the budget. If the solar panels are not introduced in 2026 then this will happen instead in 2027.
Otherwise, most budgeted numbers are in line with recent experience.

Structure, Governance and Management:

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. At St. Helen’s the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our vicar), churchwardens and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church.

All those who attend our services / members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. The full PCC met six times during the year.

Church Council Members on 6[th] April 2025

Ex-Officio 2 years to serve Rev Jackie Doyle-Brett Fiona Walters Heather Conolly (Churchwarden) John Wilson (Treasurer) Caroline Wandless (Deanery Synod Christine Mason (Secretary) Representative) 1 years to serve Carolyn Skilbeck Hilary Castle Mary Okeudo-Cogan

Co-opted for 1 year Andrea Watson and Judith Luscombe

St Helen's Church Escrick 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church, Escrlck Accounts to 31 December 2025 Index: P•8e(s): Overyiew of the 2025 accounts Income Expenditure Summary of income and expenditure Current account Investment account Summaryoffunds Treasurer ststement and audit certificate

St Helen's Church Escrick 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church: Overview of the 2025 Accounts Total income in 2025 was £48.913 whilst total expenditure was £50.9S5 meaning there wa5 a deficit in 2025 of £2.042. This £2,042 deficit was in line with the 2025 budget which, excluding any quinquennial related works. experted a deficit of about £2,500. The above said. there were two significant variations against the budget which broadly cancelled each other out.. expenditure on the trees was cwer £6,(KX) whilst, on the other hand, St Helens received an extremely generou5 donation of £5,5Ct), but it must be noted this donation 15 're5trirted' meanln8 It can only be used towards the introduction of solar panels. The most concerning aspect of the 2025 financlal SuIt Is the continuing decline in 'normal church Income, i.e. planned regular 8ivln& collertlons, and weddings. In the short term. St Helen's is able to manage thls decline but, by about 2030. St Helen's will. without thange or improvement, find itself In an Increasln8ly Challenn8 financial situation. To add to these financial concerns but noting that St Helen's might be able to agree some assistan from the Frlends of St Helens IFOSHI. the Qulnquennial Inspection report identified about £7,C#XI of Works that are still to be undertaken. As noted In prevlous annual accounts, a s18nlficant strength of St Helens is tts wide range of artivtties meanin8 thaL when combined, the Ilkes of fundraisers and other activitles, for example, refreshments, book sales, the church donation box. heritage. bacon buttles, concerts. votive and Little Hoots and Hoots Cafe make a huge difference to the church's financial performance. Another stren8th of St Helens is that it had £53.759 in total funds1£29,704 In its CCLA investments and £24,055 in the Barclays account) at 31" December 202S. Some £5.5 of those monies are however restricted and can only be used towards the introduction of solar panels.

St Helen's Church Escri& 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church: Income INCOME 2025 2024 2023 Planned re Collections HMRC gift aid TOTAL GIV114G ular giving 7.812 11,668 3.820 8.177 14,484 4,318 26.979 16,092 3,722 28.358 Weddin Funerals TOTAL STATUTORY FEES 4.702 4.697 9,399 7,907 12,412 7,164 19,576 15,447 Monles from the Beneflce Legaties and Donation Llsted Places of Worship VAT claim Fundraisin& Events and Misc Inc 100 Club Income Allotments and Gara Housing containers in the car park Other Grants TOTAL OTHER INCOME 5.691 429 6,912 1,081 365 260 5,519 1,174 365 3,700 5,922 16.940 6,425 1.056 320 2,722 16214 9,797 TOTAL INCOME 48,913 52,213 64,874 Notes: Planned regular glvln& collertlon. weddln& and funeral Income all fell compared wlth 2024. As noted later in the accounts, there is a funeral related cheque for £844 still to be presented. £5.691 was received in donations and grants with the bulk of this being very klndly donated by the family of the late Maurlce Vassie. This donation from the Vassle family is specifically related to the Introduction of solar panels and is therefore 'restricted' l.e. it cannot be spent on other matters. There was a generous £2.722 grant from the Friends of St Helens IFOSHI lated to the purchase and Installatlon of some new benches. Fundraising, events. and miscellaneous income remained strong, and these monies make a vital contribution to the financial well-bein8 of St Helens. The following all generated £sc or more of Income in 2025: refreshments, Hoots Cafe, church box, heritage. wreath event, bacon butties and concerts.

St Helen's Church Escrick 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church: Expenditure EXPENDITURE 2025 2024 2023 Freewill to Diocese Statutory Fee5 TOTAL TO DIOCESE 15.OC(I 1,641 16,641 14,C(M) 2,438 16,438 13.0 2.642 15,642 PAYMENTS TO CHARmES• 2,735 4A62 3,493 Organists Vergers Bellringers Vlsiting clergy Payment to Benefice Account TOTAL FEES 3,204 1,365 1,545 1,142 137 7,393 2.878 1,583 2,410 1,540 7C 685 541 4,226 8,411 Insurance 5.987 2,043 1.753 5,428 2,351 3,405 459 462 12,105 5,614 3.285 3,460 162 447 12,968 Electrlclty Water Internet 792 10,959 TOTAL ununES Repair and maintenance Roof Alarm costs Churchyard IC() Club Prizes Miscellaneous linc fundraising expenses) Heritage related Riverside Partnershlp Fundlng TOTAL OTHER EXPENDITURE 4,457 766 7.113 5.351 8.968 1,431 1,200 1,177 650 3,366 427 2.228 1,723 518 1,625 I665 16,394 12,617 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 50,955 53,415 56,579 Notes: *These payments to charities are ential collections at funerals with subsequent payment to a charity. for example Dementia UK. Macmillan and St Leonards and services where the collection is for a Specific charity. for example Remembrance Sunday and the Royal British Legion. Repair and maintenance expendtture included £2,722 related to new benches which was kindly relmbursed by FOSH and the £780 related to the flagstaff. At £7,113 the expenditure on the churchyard was significantly more than expected and this included tree related payments of £432 in January. £6% in July and £4.896 in December.

St Helen's Church Escrick 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church: Summary of Income and Expenditure 2025 Z024 2023 Total Income Total Expenditure Surplus or (deficit) of income over expendlture 48,913 50,955 (2,042) 52,213 53,415 11,202) 64,874 56,579 8,295

St Helen's Church Escrick 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church: Current Account 2025 2024 2023 Openln8 bank bo1?nce on 01 January Income Sub-total of opening balance and Income Expenditure Including transfers to CCLA Bank balance on 31 December Unpresented cheques / adjustments Net ¢losin8 bank balance on 31 Deceml 26.097 48.913 75.010 50,955 24.055 653 23M02 27,299 52.213 79.512 53,415 26,097 1,465 24,632 19,CMM 64,874 83,878 56.579 27,299 1,590 25,709 Notes: At 31.12.25 St Helen's had ralsed two cheques whlch are yet to be presented. They are: Cheque number 103281: £625 Cheque number 103282: £665 There Is also a £206.60 electrfclty Involce. whlch Is pald by dirert debtt has not been collected promptly. The combination of the above is £1,497 li.e. the two cheques plus the electricity invoice. On the other side of the ledger Is a £844 cheque in SPeCt of a funeral which is yet to be paid into the St Helen'5 bank account and that partially offsets the £1,497 makin8 a net adjustment of just £653.

St Helen's Church Escrick 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church: Investment Account Investment A¢Unts 2025 2024 2023 TOTAL 29,704 30A154 2895 St Helen's Investment fun(ts are made up of 478.87 units of accumulation shares held in the Church of England Investment Fund which is managed by CCLA. During the year the value of these Investment funds decreased by about 1% from £30,054 at December 2024 to £29,704 at December 2025.

St Helen's Church Escrick 2025 Accounts St Helen's Church: Summary of Funds 2025 20Z4 2023 Funds on 31 December Current account Investment account Total funds 24,055 29.704 53,759 26.097 30.054 56.151 27,299 28.595 55,894 The PCC needs to be clear about whlch funds are restricted, and whKh are unrestritted and or designated. 'Restricted funds. are sums of money that are held on trust for particular purposes and Can only be spent on those purposes. 'Unrestricted funds, can be Spent on any of the PCCS 8eneral purposes. 'Desi8nated funds, are sums of unrestrirted money earmarked by the PCC for speclflc purposes. The £S,SQ) kindly donated by the Vassie family is restricted and can only be used on the Introduttion of solar panels.

St Helen's Churth Accourrts: treasurer ststement and audlt rtlficate LQl