## Agenda for the Parish of North Wearside APCM 2026 ## **Apologies** ## **Welcome** Bev has agreed prior to the meeting to take the minutes. ## **Election of Church Wardens** **Reports** Time given for people to have a look at the reports if they haven’t already done so. ## **Electoral Roll report** **Finance report** ## **Appointment of Independent examiner** **Questions and clarification of reports** **Nominations and Election of PCC** **Nomination of Deanery Synod** ## Parish of North Wearside APCM minutes 2025 Meeting held at Holy Trinty Church on the 27[th] May 2025 at 6pm. ## **Apologies received from** – Stuart Main, Lynn Colling, Carol Bainbridge, Sam Main and Rev Jen Bradshaw. **People present –** Rev David Tolhurst, Kevin Hazard, Phillip Barber, Paula Barber, Laura Barber, Brain Carmody, Susan Carmody, Bev McLean, Barbara Armstrong, Frederick Dickens, Catherine Bradshaw, Arthur Turnbull, Eileen Turnbull, Brenda Davie, Enid Walton, William Walton, Nikki Main and Tom Parkin. ## **Welcome given by Dave Tolhurst Area Dean.** Bev McLean (PCC Secretary) had agreed prior to the meeting to take the minutes. ## **Election of Church Wardens –** There are 4 posts and four nominations **–** **John Kirby** Proposed by Bev McLean Seconded by Marjorie Cooper **Barbara Armstrong** Proposed by Lydia Armstrong Seconded by Brian Carmody **Stuart Main** Proposed by Kathleen Wilson Seconded by Valerie Graham **Brain Carmody** Proposed by Susan Carmody Seconded by Samuel Main Accepted by all at the meeting. Vestry meeting closed at 6.10pm. APCM meeting commenced 6.10pm. ## **Reports –** Time given for people to have a look at the reports if they haven’t already done so. Only suggestion from reports was to have the print on the finance report made larger. **Electoral Roll report –** as of the 27[th] May 2025 there are 61 people on the electoral roll. 16 of these are additions and there are 33 removals from the last electoral roll. **Finance report –** prepared report from Lynn Colling read out by Bev McLean. Lynn thanked John Farnsworth in her report for auditing the report which has been signed off. Copy of the report are still available if anyone would like one. Thanks to Lynn and Tom for their hard work with the finance reports and all they do. No questions raised about the finance report. **Appointment of Independent examiner –** Bev McLean proposed and All agreed to have John Farnsworth as the independent examiner. Motion carried. ## **Questions and clarification of reports –** No questions from reports. ## **Nominations and Election of PCC –** **Laura Barber** Proposed by Bev McLean Seconded by Catherine Bradshaw **Lynn Colling** Proposed by Lydia Armstrong Seconded by Barbara Armstrong **William Walton** Proposed by Bev McLean Seconded by Eileen Turnbull **Bev McLean** Proposed by Laura Barber Seconded by Phillip Barber **Paula Barber** Proposed by Marjorie Cooper Seconded by Bev McLean **Lydia Armstrong** Proposed by Barbara Armstrong Seconded by Lynn Colling Accepted by all. Still in term and currently on PCC are **Catherine Bradshaw** , **Sheila Hutchinson** (stood down until training completed) and **Carol Bainbridge.** ## **Current PCC now consists of:** 14 PCC members which consist of 1 Clergy, 4 wardens and 9 other members. ## **Nomination of Deanery Synod –** No new nominations. Paula Barber and Stuart Main are current Deanery Synod members. A.O.B - None Meeting closed with a prayer at 6.30pm. ## **Parish Wardens Report 2025** Through 2025 the role of Parish Warden has been filled by Barbara Armstrong, Brian Carmody, John Kirby and Stuart Main. It has been great to have Barbara and John come into the role, returning in Barbara’s case, and be back to a team of four. We continue to be thankful to all who support us in the role, some of whom we’ll name here but many we will miss. Whatever the part you play in the life of the Parish, however you give, serve and show up, know that we appreciate you and your service. Looking through our wardens’ WhatsApp group, there’s all manner of things that crop up through the year behind the scenes… replacing carbon monoxide alarms, dealing with the council around fallen trees or dodgy paving, planning and overseeing an abundance of behind the scenes things… but they all require the kindness, generosity and grace of you as the wider congregation so thank you. Through the middle of the year we spent time with a range of clergy and lay people taking services whilst Rev Jen understandably took time off to grieve. We are grateful to all those that led us through that time and to Paula as lay chair and for her coordination of the schedule. Particular thanks as well to Nikki, Rev Dr Tiffany Conlin, Rev Jonathan Adams and Canon Rev Stephen Hazlett who all went above and beyond in their commitment to helping us maintain a full set of services across both churches. It has been good to have Jen back and we continue to keep her and the family in our prayers as they navigate this new season of life. It was sad for us that Rev Davidson chose to move on, he was a huge blessing to us during his time of ministry in the parish and we are grateful for him. Continued thanks to Kevin, Ed, Davey and the team at Community Payback for all they do in practical maintenance, particularly in and around St Cuthberts. Kevin has also been the driving force behind our Eco church status at both churches. Thank you! The year saw both Equans and JET move on from their renting of spaces in the churches. This is a blow to the finances as we were deeply grateful for the income, they brought as well as the opportunity for us to serve the community through them. The finances continue to be difficult with another deficit forecast in 2026. We’d again ask that you keep considering your financial giving. Whilst life is hard with the seemingly ever-increasing cost of living, would you be able to stretch to give more financial support to the parish? We celebrated a couple of fundraising events this year, for Christian Aid and parish funds. Thank you to everyone who supported those and helped to make them great events. 2026 will see the 5-yearly inspections of both churches – this means we will likely need to redouble our fundraising efforts as we keep up with the maintenance of the buildings we are blessed with. Congratulations to the Venerable Katherine Bagnall who was installed as the Archdeacon of Sunderland. It’s a year of change forthcoming for the Diocese with Bishop elect Rick Simpson taking on the role from Bishops Paul, Sarah and Frank. We pray for him, the new Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally, and all at the Diocese as they guide us. Changes are also incoming for us in the parish. With Paula moving into ordained ministry, there will be a vacancy for a new lay chair as well as safeguarding officer. As mentioned above but worth repeating, we are hugely grateful to Paula for all she is and does. We pray for her next steps in the ministry God has called us to. Also, to Lynne Colling who steps down from the role of PCC treasurer. This is a pivotal role in the life of the parish, and we’ve been grateful for the time Lynne has given to it. We look forwards to welcoming new people into those roles as the PCC begins to take on a new look. We will also welcome Obinna Nnadozie on placement to be trained by Jen. He and the family joined us on Palm Sunday and will be a regular part of parish life soon. The 15-19s group has continued to welcome a faithful group of 4 young people each week. Please pray for them as they continue to explore faith through Youth Alpha and intentional questions each week. We have been able to continue engaging the local schools with visits from Southwick community primary into Holy Trinity and Northern Saints into St Cuthberts. Kick on Fridays goes from strength to strength and it’s great to see our partnership with them and Scripture Union being blessed with a regular stream of young people coming along, so much so that we have expanded into 2 groups and with hopes for a girls group to come. Well done to John and the team for all they do to deliver this faithfully week on week. And finally, Mothers Union continues to be an understated powerhouse of prayer and ministry in Southwick. Approaching 103 years young, have a read of their report as an incredible testament to their impact in this community and beyond. Thank you again for your continued support and encouragement and all you do to maintain good running of the churches. From reading, intercession, flowers, cleaning, cooking, updating noticeboards, serving on committees, serving tea and coffee, welcoming, serving at communion, administration of bookings, washing tea towels and linen… the list goes on and we can’t possibly name everyone. Church is a family and we all play our part and, as said at the start, we, as the wardens, are grateful for each one of you **PCC Decisions/ information summary May 2025 – March 2026** Thank you to everyone on the PCC for their time and input into these meetings. Below is a summary of the main items discussed, and decisions made in the PCC meetings this year. Safeguarding and Net Zero are items on each meeting and discussed regularly. I ask that you keep in your prayers the growth of the church, not just in numbers but in all we do. May we continue to serve God as called. Love and prayers Bev McLean – PCC secretary. ## **June 2025** Election of PCC Secretary – Bev McLean Proposed by Paula Barber Seconded by Barbara Armstrong Election of Lay Chair - Paula Barber Proposed by Stuart Main Seconded by Barbabra Armstrong Election of Treasurer - Lynn Colling Proposed by Lydia Armstrong Seconded by Brian Carmody. Seconded by Brian Carmody. At the standing committee it was agreed to ask the PCC to vote on admitting Paula Barber as Lay Chair and Tom Parkin as assistant treasurer to the standing committee. This was put forward to the PCC and Proposed by Barbara Armstrong and Seconded by Lynn Colling. It was discussed to use £10,000 from investments for the parish share - Proposal from Paula Barber and Seconded by John Kirby. Agreed by all. The remaining monies in the stock and shares are £24,565.23 **Holy Trinity** – From Marchs electrical inspection several items need to be repaired at a cost of £3,000. Insulation can’t be done until the electrical work has been completed. It was proposed by Brian Carmody and seconded by Lynn Colling to go ahead with the repairs. All agreed for work to go ahead. **St Cuthberts** – Quote for the church windows to be replaced is £13,000. The Florida team visit was a great success and a write up has been sent to the Diocese. Kick has been to Durham for a friendly match and there are currently 8 -9 children. Paula starts training for ordination in September; she will study for 1 year. ## **Sept 2025** We have not received the suggested parish share pledge from the diocese due to an I.T issue at the diocese. Lynne to provide the expenditure and incoming figures for 2024/2025 so a discussion can take place of what we feel we can pledge for 2025/2026. – Holy Trinity The lightning conductor service has been completed. The electrical inspection is due to start on Monday 8[th] Sept – the cost for this is £3,000.00 and will take 3 -4 days to complete. The PAT testing for Holy Trinity and St Cuthberts is booked for the 11[th] Sept and the fire checks for Holy Trinity booked for 9[th] Sept. The church yard path is waiting for 13 slabs to be placed Ethan Damsell from the council has raised an order for this. St Cuthberts – Davey and Ed continue to carry out work highlighted on the quinquennial report. John and Phil will empty the bell tower so it can be cleaned. Kevin is continuing with the gardening and has made connections with the creation for care team. Laure Barber would like to attend the Authorised Children’s Ministry Course starting in January, this was discussed without Laura present. Proposed by Catherine Bradshaw and Seconded by Bev McLean. All agreed. Paula Barber abstained due to being a family member. Kick is going well and a residential with Scripture union is planned with 7 people wanting to attend so far. The date for the weekend is th e12th -14[th] September. Nikki Main and John Kirby will be attending. The PCC agreed to pay the £70.00 needed for the trip. This was proposed by Paula Barber and seconded by Bev McLean. All agreed. John is meeting with Alison Smith the local councillor regarding Kick and to inform her of what the group is about. A thank you to John and Nikki for all they do, given by Jen. All the groups are going well at both churches. ## **November 2025** We need a process to look at finances and how we can reduce outgoings. We need to look at ways to raise money and reduce spending. It was agreed to ask each DCC to look at each church for this. Paula and Jen currently have full access to the hub and it was agreed for Catherine to have read only access. **Holy Trinity** – Two quotes have been obtained by Brian for the painting work at Holy Trinity – AGP Quote of £7,496.26 CN Decorators Quote of £9,900.00 Awaiting 3[rd] Quote. The quotes include all work and equipment needed for the Nave, Chancel, Sanctuary, vestry and entrance. The roof of the Nave is not included in these quotes. After discussion it was decided for the standing committee to make a decision whether to go ahead, and the way to proceed, after D Jowell has been to inspect the work required. Brian will arrange for D Jowett to visit. Proposed by Jen, seconded by Paula. All agreed. Winter warmer started the 01/11/025 and went well. Prayer hub has moved and is now being held on Sunday afternoon at 3pm. Kick is going to move into 2 age groups. Bible group is going well and double in numbers to 14. John and Lauras Wings for Worship commissioning date of the 30[th] November decided – Proposed by Bev and seconded by Lynne with Paula abstaining. All agreed. Nikki to be licensed – Proposed by Jen and seconded by Bev. Stuart abstained. All agreed. Nikki and Jen have done a working agreement. Jen Thanks Nikki for all her hard work and for all she does and thanks given to the Wings for Worship team. Paula is going to be ordained Deacon on the 28[th] June – further details to follow. She will be completing a 4-to-6-month placement from Jan to Easter. ## **January 2026** Quinquennial – £810.00 is the cost for each church to have a Quinquennial inspection and report. Holy Trinty Church inspection is booked for 15[th] April. St Cuthberts church inspection is booked for the 6[th] May. Paula is standing down as Parish Safeguarding Officer and has asked if anyone would be willing to consider taking the role on. - Holy Trinty The Archdeacon has given permission for the painting work at Holy Trinty to go ahead. The 3 quotes obtained were – AGP quote of £7,496.26 CN Decorators quote of £9,900.00 Rowan decorators quote of £36,200.00 Advice has been sort from the Architect D Jowell and he has suggested proceeding with his recommendations. After discussion it was agreed to go with CN Decorators to carry out the work. Thank you to Brian for all his hard work to arrange this. Update for Wings or Worship – The diocese has decided not to offer further Wings for Worship training, but to offer a broader choice of discipleship training and development. Those who have already trained with Worship for Worship will be able to continue to minister under the authority of the Jen and the PCC. It is to be discussed as to what this will look like. Laura starts her Authorised Children’s Ministry at Cuthbert House on the 17[th] January. Digital hub -John Kirby, Jen Bradshaw and Tom Parkin are looking to spend the monies allocated for equipment for the digital hub, this will include four laptops at £529 each, an interactive screen at £927.69, A heavy duty mount at £89.60 and a printer with a bottle re-fill at £300.00. **All agreed for this to go ahead.** Jen has a meeting arranged with Nicole McConnell about the setup of the hub. THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF NORTH WEARSIDE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025 Page 3 ## **The Finance report for 2025 Accounts for the APCM for Sunday 19th April 2026.** Finance - finances of the North Wearside Parish remain a concern and a challenge, our income versus expenditure for 2025 is in surplus of £970.49. We paid £10,000 towards the decided Parish Share of £21,500, and it was agreed by the PCC to stop paying the Parish Share because of the two quinquennials: one - was for the decoration of Holy Trinity Church, which hasn't been decorated for over thirty years - The cost was £10,300. The work is finally finished, and Holy Trinity Church looks cleaner and brighter. We are hoping to attract more weddings and baptisms. Two - There was an Energy Audit Report for St Cuthbert's Church, about the church having single glazed units throughout the building. It is estimated that approximately 20% of heat loss occurs through single glazed units. The estimate we received for replacement of the windows was £13,400 but this was an old estimate. The issue is ongoing and it was suggested we look at grants to fund the work. Please review your giving at least annually and consider increasing your giving at least by inflation. Join the Parish Giving Scheme, which makes it easy to do this and have another look at the Sausage Roll postcards – if everyone increases their weekly giving by the cost of a coffee and sausage roll from the high street, then we would be able to fulfil our financial obligations. There is a move to a new ledger system, we hope will make PCC understanding and decision – making clearer. We thank Samantha Amsden from the diocese for her support and expertise with this. I would like to thank John Farnsworth, for acting as our Auditor, with Jen and Paula to give us spiritual guidance and support. We look forward in faith. Tom and Judith Parkin for the input into the accounts on an annual basis. Stuart and Nikki Main, for all their hard work throughout the year, This will be their last APCM with North Wearside Parish, and we wish them well on their spiritual journey. The church wardens. The St Cuthberts Team for all their help running the finance side of the church. William and Lydia for their help to gain the tax rebate from the Parish Giving Scheme. Barbara and Laura for the beautiful flower arranging. PCC Members and the Standing Committee, because without them we couldn’t function as a parish. Thank you and God Bless. INDEPENDENT EXAMINEWS REPORT TO THE TRUStEES OFThE TEAM PARISH OF NORTh WEARSIDE SUNDERLANO (CHARITY NO. I190￿365> I report on the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 as set out in Pages I to 3 As the charity's tn￿tee$ Y(￿ are responsibbe for the wepardtion of a¢￿Unts in accordance with the quirements of the Charrbes Act 2011. You consider that an audTt is not required for thls period under Se¢b"on 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an Independent Examination is needed. tt Is my responsiblllty to.. Examine the Accounts under Sectlon 145 of the 2011 Act Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions gl¥En by the Charlty Commissioners In Section 1451511bl of the 2011 Act, and Stste whether path"oJlar mattets have come to my attention. Ba$15 of the Independent Examlnerfs Statemert My examination was carried (xjt in accordance with the General Dlreciions given by the Charities Commission An examlnatlon includes a review of the accountin8 records maintained by ihe charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It includes conslderation of any unusual Items or disclosu￿$ in the accounts and seeking explanations from the Trustees concernlng any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not prov*Je all the eviden￿ that would be required in a full audit, and consequentty I do not exp￿5$ an audit oplnlon on these accounts. Independent Examlner's Ststemenl In connection with my examination, no rnatte￿ have come to my attentr"on: Which gNe me any reasonable cause to believe that in any material respert the quiremenls, lal To keep accounting Trcords in accordance with Sertlon 130 of the 2011 Act, and Ibl To prepa￿ accounts which do not accord with those accounting records. have not been met. or To whlch, In my opinion. attention should be drawn in orderto enable a proper understandin8 of the accoijnts to be reached. J G Farnsworth FCA I Sylvan Close Sunderland SR3 2WR