THE PARISH OF TORRISHOLME, THE ASCENSION
INCLUDING WESTGATE, ST MARTIN
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2022
Illlli
VICAR:
CHURCHWARDENS:
Fr Damian Porter ASCFNSION
Alan Forshaw
Janet Diamond
The Alm5 and purposes of the Parothial Churth Coundl
The Parochial Church Council IPCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the
Incumbent, the Reverend Damian Porter, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole
mi55ion of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also
5peclfically responsible for the maintenance of the Church of the Ascension and St Martln's
Westgate Community Centre complex.
ObJectlve5 and Artlvltle5
The PCC Is commttted to enabling as many people as possible of all ages to worship at our
church and to become part of our parish community. The PCC maintains an overview of
worship throughout the parish and makes suggestions on how our services can involve the
many groups that live within our parish. Our services and worship put faith into prartice
through Word and Sacrament. Being rooted in the Catholic Tradition of the Church of
England, our worship is centred on the Eucharist.
We try to enable ordinary 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.
Promsion of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
Misslonary and outreach work.
To facilltate thi5 work it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church buildings and
Communty Centres.
The Church of St Martin at Westgate is usÈd for worship by the Greek Orthodox Communlty
at the weekends, and we hold some midweek worship and artivities there.

Since the previous Annual Parlsh Meetin& the Parochial Church Council has met on 4
occasions. The average attendance being 12.
The following reports were given at each meeting..
Chairman/Warden's report
Elertoral Roll report
Christian Stewardship report
Treasurer's report
Church Hall report
St Martin's report
Deanery Synod report
Children and Youth Ministry report
Safeguardin8 Officer's report. A safeguarding audit was carrled out in the autumn.
Churches Together in Bare & Torrisholme report
The followlng people have Served on the Parothial Church Councll duringthe year:
In addition to the Vicar and Churchwarden5
Ms Y Barrett {Secretary)
Mrs K Thompson rrreasurer}
Mr G Arkwri8ht
{Stewardship recordÈr}
Mr D Wilde {Deanery Synod)
Mr5 H Higgens (Safeguarding Officer)
Mrs J Hall ,
Mrs C Hammond {Deanery Synod)
Mrs M Parkin
Mrs K Anderton
Mrs V Pearson
Ms J Phillip
Mr C Barnes
The Revd Matteo Zambon
Mrs Janet Daimond Ichurchwardenl is a150 a Deanerysynod Rep)
Athlevements and Performance
Worshlp and Prayer
This year has again seen good numbers of people attending our services and activlties. We
have now settled into the services schedule which we agreed afterthe Covid Pandemic, and
we believe it is meeting the needs of the people of the parish family.
The PCC is keen to offer a range of services during the week and overthe course of the year
that our community find both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling.
We welcome into our Church people of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds.
All are welcome to attend our regular services. At presenl there are 185 parishioners on the
Church Electoral Roll, 52 of whom are not resldent within the parish. 6 names were added

during the year and I was removed either throueh death or because they moved away from
the parish. The average weekly attendance, counted during October, was 106 adults and 45
chlldren, but this number increased at festivals and especially at Christmas.
As well as our regularservices, we enabled ourcommunityto celebrate and thank God at
the mllestones of the journeythrough life. Through baptism we thank God forthe gift of
life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God's blessing and through funeral servlces
friends and family express thelr grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in
this world and to commend the person into God's keepin& Over the past year we have
celebrated 29 baptisms and 3 weddings and held 10 funerals in our church this year, and
conducted a further 30 at the local Cemetries and Crematoriums.
The Churth Buil¢fin8 and Chwch Hall Complex
Our buildings are generally in a good condition. and we try to invest resources each year
into improvements and maintenance. In the year ahead we shall be spending a significant
sum of money replacing the roof over the vestry area. ambulatory and some of the back of
the church.
Duringthe week the halls are regularly used by a wide varietyof hirers, all of which add to
the provision for our local community, and the rental income is very useful for our parish
finances. This year, the pandemic has led to a reduction in the number of hirers. sothe use
of the buildings and subsequent income has been significantly reduced.
Pastoral Care
Some members of our parish have been unable to attend church due to sickness or age. The
clergy and pastoral visitors have visited church members who have requested it. and
together with our informal pastoral care team has ensured that those who request it receive
Holy Communion at home on a regular basis.
Ourfortnightly"Breakin8 Bread" Mass and Lunch Club are instrumental in our mission to
the elderly and housebound.
Mission and Evangelism
WE produce regular weekly sheets with news and information, and we make good use of
the website and facebook page.
The church is a member of ChurchesTogether in Bare and Torrisholme. The Churches
together group has met, and the Cler￿ have met together regularly.

The Financlal Re
Flnancial Revlew
Total receipts of unrestrlcted funds were £224.629 and restrirted funds of mlssion5 received
were £618.73. Income this year was up on 2021 by over £20,(MX). but was increased further
by a generous bequest of just over £93.000. Rental income also increased by over £18,IX)O.
partly as bookings continue to improve post Covld.
£114,663 wa5 spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry and
fundraising from The Parish of Torrisholme. Once again the Parish Share request has been
paid in full and as we pay by monthly standing order, we have already made payment
towards 2023,5 request. Expenditure increased by over £20,(MX). mostly due to repairs
works on the Church and buildings.
The net result was an excess of receipts over payments of £109,965 on unrestrirted funds.
Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year. the
balances carried forward at 31° December 2022 on unrestrirted funds totalled £308.514.
Reserves Poli
We have in recent years always been able to meet all our expenditure and our parfsh share
request. In the light of the Covid pandemic we recognise the need to try to keep the
equivalent of one year turnover as a reasonable reserve
rinancial acti*ities
2022.doc
bal¥nce sheet
2022.doc
notes to the
ccouTrts 202Zdoc
This report wa5 approved bythe PCC and signed on their behalf by the Rèverend Damlan
Porter

PAROCNIAL CTrIURCH COUNai
PARISH OF TORRISHOLME
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022
Note
Unrestricted Restricted
Fund5 £
Funds £
Total Funds Total Funds
2022
2021
Cash in Hand
Bank Accounts
RRENT I
41a}
41bl
ENTS
213428.83
213428S3
104538.76
Church Dep Fund
- Legacy 4lc
55789.98
56789.98
56789.98
PERMANEifr
NVESTME
Sugden Le8acy-Security Fund
4Tr).82
41CQ.82
40).82
other Investments
Church Deposit Fund
Church Hall Investment Account
15287.65
23442.86
X*514.(KJ
15287.65
23442.86
1508933
23440.52
Hon Treasurer
Independent EX￿￿0ner Marth 2023
Approved by the Par¢xhlal Church Courbdl
•nd on its beh•lf by.
Rev. D Porter I Chalrmanl

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
PARISH OF TORRSHOLME
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACfNmES
15f JANUARY- 31 DECEMBER 2022
Note
Unre5trirted Restricted Totsl Funds Total Fvnds
Fund5 £
Funds £
2022 £
2021 £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary Income
21al
ArtiVit￿5 for Generating Fund$ 2lbl
In¢ome from Investments
21cl
Church Activitiès
21dl
Missions Received
21el
Other Income
21fj
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Parish Share
Missions
31al
Fund Raising Costs
31bl
265.42
Church Actfvities
31cl
38C63.14
Church & Church Hall Runnin8 Costs3ldl 26111.49
Church & Church Hall Repairs
31el
8223.60
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
114663.65
NET INCOMINGI IOUTGOING)
109965.63
RESOURCES
1SIW9.05 55215.36
4337.43
1136.53
589.67
235.64
62531.QJ
47249.CQ
618.73
1468.50
6362.13
6362.13
5761.00
22462928 61&73 225248.01
111066.03
4337.43
589.67
62531.(X)
618.73
42LKKI.CKI
42C(L).00
I294￿5
265.42
38063.14
26111.49
8223.60
115958
109289.51
42C(4J.(KI
745.
28.16
35834.13
16817.13
252.
95676.69
15389.yl
94.85
129445
1676A21
Balances brought forward at 111121
Balances carried forward at 31112122
21M)625.31
309914.82

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNaL
PARISH OF TORRISHOLME
NOTES TO THE AccouKrs
YEAR ENDED 31" DECEMBER 2022
l. Accountin
Policies
The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the
Church Accountin8 Regulations 2006 together wlth applicable accounting Standard5 and
The Charities SORP 2(hJ5.
The financial statements have been prepared under the hlstorfcal cost convention.
The accounts include all transattion, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is
responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church 8roupsthat owe thelr
main affiliation to another body. nor those that are infomial gatherings of church
members.
Funds
Unrestricted Funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
Restritted Funds represent income from trusts or endovnments which may be expended
only on those restritted objects provlded in the terms of the trust or bequest and
donations or 8rants received for a specific object or invtted by the PCC for a specific
object. The funds may only be expended on the specifjc object for which they were
8iven.
Incomin
Resources
Planned givin& collections, donations and Tax refunds are recognlsed when received.
Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC receives the amounts due. All other
income is recognised when it is received. Funds raised from social events, magazlnes and
Fund raising is shown gross and expenses shown separately as resources used. Rental
income and interest Is accounted for when received.
Resources Ex
ended
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. The Diocesan Parish Share Is
accounted for when due, any parish share unpaid at 31st December is provided for in the
financial statements as an operational Ilability and is shown as a creditor in the balance
sheet. Amounts received specifically for mlsslon are deatt with as restricted funds. All
other expenditure is recognized when it is incurred and 15 accounted for gross.
Assets
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December. Consecrated and benefice
property is not included in the account in accordance with s.9612llal of the Charities Act
1993. Expenditure on maintenance or improvement of the church, halls and vicara8e is
written off In the year it is incurred.
The full accounts are available for inspertlon throuBh consuftation wtth the Treasurer.

The Churchwarden's Re
Includl
on Fabrf Good nd Ornaments
Once again, thankfully it has not been necessary to undertake any major works on our churth
bullding in 2022. Fabric remains for the most part in good order. wtth the exception of the bell
tower which will require work in the comin8 year. As has been noted p￿ViOUSlY. we are fortunate as
a parish to have such an economical and easity maintsined building.
Following our recent redecoration and IEhting upgrade, it has been 8ood to add a new set of
Stations of the Cross to our church interior. The set is unique as it was handcrafted for us in the Hoty
Land. We acknowledge the generosty of several donor5 in making this possible.
We would like as always to thank most 5incerety all those who continue to keep our church looking
Its best by cleanin& polishing brass and sifver. by arranging and watering flowers. and by preparin8
for services- each job is really important and much appreciated. Thank you.
Alan Forshaw & Janet Dlamond- Parish Wardens
The Church Hall R
A year a80 I reported on the loss of groups from our Halls following the effects of covid, at the tlme
course of considerable concern. l am pleased to say that during 2022 nine new groups have taken
up regular slots in both the Vestry and Lounge. a very encouraging tum around.
Energy costs and other expenses affected by inflatton have imparted our Halls greatty. A
considerable increase in hire charges was applied from the I" September. Thi5 was readity accepted
and understood by our hirers Iwlth just one minor grumble). I believe that this ￿fleCt5 on the good
working relatwjnship we have with all who come through our doors.
Again I have tried to keep costs to a minlmum. An essential job vrns a replacement of the Main Hall
zone vaEve (sad￿# only 6 months out of warranty) a very expensive part. Also essential was the
replacement of the Loun8e main doors. a huge improvement and now matching the Hall entrance,
good to look at and easy to operate.
As always. I remind everyone that the Halls complex is absolutely vital to the financial stability of our
parish. It is important that all our groups feel welcome and I wish to thank all who help me in this.
My thanks are also due to all who take pride in keeping all our buildings and grounds in good order.
Alan Forshaw- Parlsh Warden & Halls Manager
St Martin's Fabric Re
Energy costs and effects of inflation have impacted St Martin's considerably. For this reason hire
charges were increased substantially from the isl September. The increased rent was understood
and accepted wlthout compLiint by our hirers, we ￿lIeve that thls reflects the good working
relationship we have with all who come through the doors.
We have for the most part continued our recent policy of essential maintenance only. thus avoiding
prohibitive costs. One exception to this ha5 been the up8rading of lighting in the hall. The existing
lights had become increasingly dim, these have been replaced by LED units. Not only is the
difference in light amazing but our electricty c05t will be lower, a win-win situation!

Overall the centre and its site are in reasonably good order and have a cared for appearnnce. This is
much helped by the sterling work of Geoff and Janet Diamond in grass cuttin& weeding and general
tidying, a hLee commitment for which we are very grateful.
Alan Forshaw and Janet Diamond- Parish Warden
St Martln's Church Plant Re
Amual report from si Martln of Tours West8*e
In January 2022 weekly Angli¢an worshlp restsrted here In
St Mart1rf5 Church WertEats. The last Angli¢an seThice held
here was on Feast of Pentecost (May 2015). However
worship and prnyer contlnued In the ChU￿h bullding
through our Orthodox brother5 and si5tÈrs In Christ WIM)
rerrt our buildivd every weekend. I would just Ilke recorded
our thanks to all the falthfvl people who founded, bullt
and established th15 thurch In the West84te area ol our
parish. Their work continues. Yhanks be to Godl.
The wt is of course important, our aim now Is to bulld
upon the sure foundations laid bxk In the late elzhtles Iwt
what is now more important Is the future. our plan5 to r
build the Churth. not talking about brlcks and mortar Ixrt
people. Numbw5 don't rank hlgh In my mlnd but they are
an ir￿ltatIon of the success (or faHure} of a task or project.
8ut l am pleased to report that ¥ttendance at our
Wednesday evening servke Slowly risen from 10 to the
mid-twentles. many of whom are new worshipers to the
parlsh. We have also held special services Ilke Chri5tln8le
and Carol ser¥wces attractlng co￿￿￿atIonS of 50+. This wlll
only contlnue wlth YOUR support and prayers.
Our work and witness Contlnues in the Wesw area in a number of ways- our outreach through
West£ate School, both running assernblies in the school and school to St Martin'5. our
weekly 'Story Tlmd visits Into the prfrsth00l and nuvsery Meeti￿ In our building and we a150
have our 'Open Doorf every Thursday aftem¢)on where a number of people pop In for fellowshlp
over tÈa and coffee and LOTS of cake. This too is growln8 slowly In numbers. Thanks to the bakers
and all who help in any way.
Levs pray that our Inltlal 5￿CeSS cont1rn￿ and more people from the Westyate Community wlll
make St Martln's their Spirltual Home.
Fr Kelth
The Secreta
sRe
Since the previous Annual Parish Meetire, the Parochial Church Council has met on 4 occasions. The
average attendance being 12.
The followin8 Statutory reports were given at each meeti￿.

Chairman/Warden's report
Electoral Roll report
Christian Stewardshlp report
Treasurer's report
Church Hall report
St Martin's report
Deanery Synod ￿pOrt
Children and young people report
Safeguarding Officer's ￿pOrt.
Churches Together in Bare & Torrisholme report
I would like to thank Fr Damian Porter. Mr A Forshaw, Mrs J Diamond and all members ofthe
Parochial Church Council for their help and sUPPOrt throughout the year.
Yvonne Barrett. Secretary
The Chrlstlan Stewardshl Re
I find myself compiling this Stewardship Report for 2022 as a sort of "ca5hierf rather than just the
Stewardship Recorder. I can therefore offer a selertion of income streams for your consideration. If
these figures are not identical to those in the Treasurerfs accounts (read onl, I hope we can explain
the differences (but remember that my report comes earlier in the PCC Agenda).
With only 30 parishioners now using the numbered Stewardship Scheme envek)pes and a further 54
paying by standing order from their bank accounts. we realised a total of £32087.70 during 2022.
That is E9655.70 and £22432.LX) respectNely.
Since the covid pandemic (remember that?) not all regular givers are members of our Stewardship
Scheme (maybe they are trying to avoid the Recorderfs twice years letters? and who can blame
them?) but all of those who use the oran8e envelopes for occasional u5e- Inote the new size and
format. by the wayl-there are o dozen or so who use them on a regular week by week basis. and
there a￿ eight parishioners using standing orders for their occasional giving each month. The totsl
for all the occasional gNing in 2022 amounted to £6869.41.
Collections- loose change in the baskets provided amounted to £3019.70 and use of the Sumup
machlne at the back of the church added another £940 to thss total.
You might think thot. after so many years practice. compiling these figures week by week to arrive at
a year end total that agree5 Wtth the Treasurerfs accounts should be straight forward. however even
as late a5 March 2023 Iwhen I prepared this report} I found a discrepancy of £11.40 in June that I
cannot now explain, and then with the Gift Aid claims and GASDS calculations to Conslder, I realise It
is not just a policeman's lot that's not a happy one! l Here's to getting it right la83inl in 2023.
Gordon Arkwrfght. Stewaydshlp Scheme
io

The Motherf Unlon Re rt
Mothers Unlon Annual Rei)0rt 2022-2023
We began the year with hope and optimism. as we had been able to continue with our face-to-face
meetings and produ￿ a full programme of events.
We began on March 8 2022 with a member of the RNU. Alan 8iving us an enlightenlng talk and video
presentation on their artNities nationally and localty.
The next meeting would have been in Holy Week so we did not meet agaln until May when
members enjoyed tea and cakes and a video surprise by Bernard Hough and Gordon Arkwright.
In June we had a double bill with Julie Muckle demonstrating and allowlng u5 to ioln in with chair
based Pilates. This was followed by a talk by Diane Dewar on the Chri5tvan community on the Isle of
lona. where she had spent the summer as a volunteer, and members enjoyed both these activities.
On July 26th the Deanery mid summer party was held at our brdnch, Whe￿ members were treated
to an aftemoon teo with the Garstang Ukulele band. It was a fun afternoon and realty 8ood to see
people dancing and enjoying themselve5.
On August 6th we travelled to St Peters, Burnley by coach for the diocese Mary Sumner day service.
which was led by the Burnley Mothers Union and was lovely.
On August 18th we held a summer fair at Westgate with our friends at St Martins Westgate. It
proved a very popular event and made £3W to help towards Mothers Union expenses.
During September our Deanery festiwdl was held at Dolphinholme where we were able to support
members attending by providing transport. At the Deanery festival Rev Susan Seed and Rev Cindy
Rigby gave joint sem)ons and the theme was the environment.
Kath 8111 and Pam Gardner receNed long service certificates at the fellival. Kath has 40 yr and Pam
50 yearfs service and I know members will want to congratulate them on this achievement and
recognise their significant contributions to Mother5 union overthe yeats.
We began our autumn programme in *tember with Father Keith givin8 Us an interesting and
varied talk on hls life and time5.
Our prayers on this day were for our late Queen Elizabeth who was our patron and for King Charle5.
tlufing October Lois Kirtley and Jean Simpson gave us a lovety presentstion of 7 decades of
embroidery in a parish church. with sample5 and slides of the beautrful work.
In November Kath Bill gave an informatNe presentation outlining to members the central role of
Marysumner in the history and development of Mothers Union.
We had some general infomiation on transforniat￿n. whith is this years theme, particularly how we
mi8ht grow and develop and l￿W to encourage new members and there followed a lively range of
qvestions from the audience.
li

On December 13 we had an advent seThice led by Father Matteo, we had an opening prayer and
blessing for the food bank donation5. We sang carols and Father Matteo explained the significance
of advent and there were readin85 and reflertions. We cortluded with final prayers for our sick and
poorly members.
On January we had our carol seThKe led by Father Tom Bill. we had carols and readings and
during the three king5 Father Tom explained the significance of the 3 kings and of their gift5 Gold,
Frankincense èrKI Myrrh.
Thanks to Eileen Winn who continues to play the piano at our meetings.
Our branch has continued to support the Morecambe Food bank throughout the year. and we have
had two very well supported collections of children's underwear to supplement school uniforms.
Angela and Bryony. volunteers at the food bank were on hand to help with these Collections.
We have continued with corporate communion on the 4 Wednesday every month. We ￿lebrate
mothering Sunday as a seryice in church with our members doing the readings and the prayers.
At our corporate commun*)n in October we condurted a wave of prayer with members takin8 an
active part in the Ser¥￿e.
I continue to be well supported by the commtttee and would like to thank them all for their
generosity, kind contributions and hard work.
We are also well supported by our Clergy, Father Damlan. Father Matteo, Father Keith and Father
Tom, thanks you all for your help and guidance.
nlor Churth Re
Structure:
Junior Church structure benefits from the breadth of skills brought by its volunteers: utilising a co-
operntive approach we aim to draw on personal strengths to enhance sessions. Carolyn Wallace and
Michala Parkin continued a5 Junior Church figurehead5 until July 2022. sUPPOrted by Loulse Potter.
Joanna Dent and a team of parents. Carolyn and Michala resigned from their posts in July 2022 after
15 and 12 years re5pertNety of running Junior Church due to personal commitments. From
September 2023 the structure has been made up of three teams of three parent helpers (nine In
totall who although not all from teaching background, take turns to run the Junlor Church Sessions
in line with the Church of England Lectionory or as directed by the Parish Priest, Father Damian
Porter.
Pre-school, Found*ion, Keystage l & Keystage 2:
Weekly numbers can vary from 25 to 35 chlldren.
Year 6, Key5tage 3 & Keysta8e 4- 2 or 3 children often attend with their siblings and help out. This
age group now attend the Ignite group once o month.
New pre-school ¢hildren have been welcomed into our sessions this year. These younger children
attend regularty and their numbers continue to 8row. It was noted that there is a marked departure
of children at year 6. In September, we altered the format of the sessions to entourage parental
attendance at church and also to shorten the session to be delivered in the hall. This was at the
request of the new team. who feel less confident in delNering 'cIrC￿ time.. The children start the
session in church, where the priest introduces the theme of the week. the children withdraw to the
hall then return for the Eucharist I blessing.
12

It should be mentioned that although many new families have been welcomed across the age groups
this isn't refiected in the numbers on roll. For a variety of reasons. often due to sportin8
commitments.
Pre-school. Foundation, Key5ts8e l & Keystage 2:
Sessions start with time in church before returning to the hall where we recap on what has been
mentioned in church. The children then split into key stage groups to explore a related creative
artivity. The themes this year have Included gospel themes from that week's Eucharist. elements of
the church seThice. Old Testament Stories and events in the thurch calendar i.e Mothers Day.
At Easter 2022, a workshop was run to explore the Easter story and the children created Easter
gardens. This event was attended by arourKI 40 people. The children enjoyed the annual sports day
event in July. The children were presented with o book commemorating Queen Elizabeth Il's life. at
the Gift Day in July. The children did not perforni a nativity this year, however they practiced and
perfom)ed Christmas theme songs and prepared and read prayers.
Junlor Church Leadership Team
nlte Youth
Re
2022.2023
Ignite began meeting in the later quarter of 2022 and has been well attended ever since, in no small
part due to the outstanding efforts of our volunteer leadership team who work alongside the clergy:
Lesley Gee. Becki Richardson, and Diane Cock5. whose outstanding work has allowed the Eroup to
shine.
Each meetin8 take5 the form of explorirg a theme from scripture. an actNity. food. some games In
our hall, and a closing prayer session.
Our actNities have included.. ￿ndle makin& Bible joumalirE Inow a stsple of our Session a5 we
explore themes). film nights. and festlve meals.
We have a list of attivities planned, and outside speakets how have volunteered their time and
expertlse to come in and run aftemoons. or evenings.
A hlghlight for our young adutts has been the use of their journalling Bibles which were purchased
through the generous donations collerted through out congregations.
A recent visit from the diocesan youth team left our visitor"
. blown away.." by the 8reat work that
the team has been conductlng in the seNice of our church's young adults.
Fr Matteo looks forward to taking our youths to the Waddow Hall Youth Pilgrlmage in the Moy half-
term, which promises to be an exciting outing.
The Breakln
Bread Lunch Grou
Re
Breakin8 Bread was set up by Fr Chris Holden in September 2015, as part of the outreach from the
Friends of St Francls Group. It met the first and third Thursdays. initially, then on alternate
Thursdays, with a shortened Eucharist in church at 12 noon. followed by soup. sandwiches and cokes
In the Vestry Meeting Room. This pattern continued until Covid closed us down in March 2020. Since
we re-opened in September 2021, we now meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month. We
had a temporary break from March to April 2022. due to increased Covid in the area.
During 2022. our numbers have increased as people gained Confiden￿ in meeting up. We now have
forty people on register and regularly set up four long tsbles. with an average attendance of thirty-
plus.
13

We had several celebration parties In 2022. A blg Platlnum Jubilee Party was held in the Church Hall
on 2 June, with flags and buntin& oll in patriotic colours, and community 5in8in8. Thanks are due to
the Church of the AS￿nsIOn PCC for spon50ring the refreshments for the occasion. A Summer Partv
was held on iith August, with one member celebrating her 90 Birthday, and a Christmas Party on
15, December, with carol-singin8 by children from Torrisholme Low Lane School.
Many thanks are due to Father Damian for his help, support and guidance. and for his very
meaningful services. along with Father Keith, Father Matteo and Father Tom. who also take some
servlces. and who join us for food and chat. Thanks also to Father Tom and David Hammond, who
co-ordinate and provide transport on a regular basis. and to Jeremy Suter, who joined the transport
team before Christmas.
We have two teams of helpers who make the sandwiche5 and bake cakes. and help with the
preparation and serving of soup. clear everything away and do all the washing up. A very big thank
you to everyone for all their willing and generous help and support. Thank you also to Yvonne. who
prepaw all the Easter. Christmas and Blrthday cards, which are well appreciated.
Finally, any extra help on the coterirE team5 ortransport would be gratefully appreciated.
Koth Blll
Deane
The Synod meets 3 times a year in February. June and October. It Is an opportunity to meet with
other Churches in the Deanery to discuss variou5 topics and share experiences of things happening
in our own Parishes.
The meetin8 in June was at St Thomags Lancaster and discussed what Parishe5 a￿ doing to help
housebound people and those with dementia. We were able to tell tke other Churches about our
Breaking Bread Group for the elderty and houSet￿Vnd. St Chad's and St Johns Sandylands have Lyrics
and Lunch Groups for people with dementia and their familie5. This meeting was followed by a
Jacob's Join.
In Ortober we met at our Church. This began with an Eutharlst then our Speaker Richard Carter
whose presentation was on discipleship C4111ed "Everyday Faith. This included Growing Faith, Faith at
Home and Faith at Work
Last February the meeting vffis at St John's Ellel and the theme was"Growing Leaders. . Our new
Area Dean Revd Crdig Abbot hosted the meetin8. The Speaker was Steve Haskett, Parish Renewal
lead for the Diocese. This was a joint meeting with Tunstall Deanery. Steve led an interactive session
in which people spoke about parish renewal and lay leadership particularty in PCC'S.
These meetiny are able to give us an insight In what is happening in the Church of England today
Janet Dlamond, Carole Hammond and Davld Wilde. Deanery Synod Representailves
14

TheMI
rn Grou
Re
our word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path..
Psolm 119, v 105
Slnce our group's study of the Beatitudes In the sprlng of 2022. the Pilgrim Group has continued to
meet both afternoons11.30pm} and evenings17pmJ on many Monday5 over the past twelve months.
Our aim is to study the word of the Lord and to see how we can best put into practice In our daily
live5.
Last Autumn. at the suggestion of two church members. we looked at the Epistles of Jarnes and
Titus, and some Ir4ely discussions accompanied our Bibk studies.
As I write (March 20231 the group is now engaged on a course entitled the "Bread of Lrfe" which is
described a5 the "Christian faith through the lens of Eucharist."
Ably led by Fr Matteo and assisted by myself, the Pilgrim Group has welcomed between 20 and 30
members on any given Monday when we have met (please see the weekty pew sheet for detsils of
when the group is meeting).
It has been wonderful to welcome severdl new church members, and our St￿lieS and di5¢ussions
have been both profound and light hearted. A sense of humour is often "a must."
If you are interested in joinirvg a future group, please have a word with Fr Matteo or myself. You will
be very welcome.
David Wllde- Pllgrfm Group
Pastoral Care Grou
Re
The Pastoral Care Group meets monthly to feed b￿k and plan for visits to those who a￿ in any kind
of pastoral need, and especially those who are ill. and those unable to come to church and who wish
to receNe Holy Communion at home. We alx* visit some care homes with both regular and
occayonal services and to offer Holy Communion to ￿sIdents. We ensure that everyone has at least
a monthly visit. and for some the need is more.
"Craft and Chatter. Knlt and Natterf meets on the second and fourth Monday evening5 in the Vestry
Room.
Approximate￿ 20 ladie5 share their knittin& sewing. uochetin& skills. etc. on individual and joint
projects, some personal and some for church.
Evidence of our time and talents is seen on various Stalls throughout our churches and buildin85 on
different occasions. Any profits made go to church and charity.
We also all enjoy lovely fellowship tO8ether with a brew and a b￿C￿ll.
This group reaches ladies from beyond our congregation. All are welcomel
15

Our infomal Men's Group has met roughty bi-monthly. We have been out for meals together, been
ten pin bowling ￿1(e, and enjoyed a late Christmas Meal and Quiz prepared byjoe Wllklnson.
The grovp is made up of up to about 25 men. all of whom have some connection with our parish.
Keep an eye on the notice boards and weekly sheets for detsils of future meeting5/events. All men
are very wefcomel
Churches
r In Bare and Torrlshdme
Thls Is an Ecumenical group consisting of representattves from our Church, Torrtsholme and Bare
Methodists and St Christopherfs. We meet twice a year to disCUS5 joint ventures between our
Parishes. We welcomed Roy Burley the Methodist Minister to his first meeting in February.
A notice board has been erected in Torrisholme to publicise events at our Church and Torrisholme
Methodists.
There was a united selv1￿ on Palm Sunday at 3pm at Torrisholme Methodist Church then a small
Cross was carried on to the Barrow and left the￿ for Hoty Week. A Sunrlse Service was then held on
the Barrow at 6am on Easter Sunday.
The Service for the Week of Christian Unity in Jan￿ry was held at our Church to which member5 of
Torrrisholme attended.
For Christlan Aid week each Church delivered envekjpes to all the houses in the Parish and we
asked to return them to various collection wints in the Parish.
An Ecumenical Harvest evening service at Torrrisholme Methodist Church was held on the 2nd
October and a Harvest lunch at St Martin's Church for the first time on the 27th October.
On the Ilth tkcember we held a Community Carol Seryice ot our Church and invrted the local
schools. Carols in Torrisholme squa￿ vras held agoin on Christmas Eve.
All these events 8Ne us a chance to share services and fellowship wlth our local Churches and the
community.
Carole Hammond- Churches Togetlw
THE SAFEGUARDING AND VULNERABLE ADULTS OFRCERS REPORT
There have been no incidents reported to the Safeguarding Officets this year.
During the past year all cle￿, Janet and Hazel have completed and pa$5ed °Leadefship Safeguarding
Training" a course organised and run by Blackburn Diocese.
AII PCC member5 have completed an on-linelin house safeguarding course.
DBS checks are currently bein8 updated.
Hazel Hi8gens a￿1 Janet Diamond
16

THE LASTWORDI THE CHAIRMAWS REPORT
Our life together in the Parish of Torrisholme and West8ate alwoys seems to be busy. lively, and I
believe whole50me!
The past year has been no exception.
Reflecting on the past year. we have seen several areas of new life.
We have welcomed new leadership in ourjunior Church. and a new vmy of wort(in8. Our two long
standlng and faithful leaders Mlchala and CarO￿n laid down the mantle of teadership and a new
team is developing. We have tried to ensure that our children's ministry is seen as inte8ral to the
worshippirbg comm unity on a Sunday. and not Seen as somethin8 separate.
We have also seen, alongside this. the reintrodurtion of a monthly All Age Mass. and the return of
representation from our unrfornied groups which is indeed very welcome.
We have also seen. this year. the fomiation of our new Youth Group, Ignite. A fabulous group of
young people now meet monthly for varied attivities around faith. fun and nurture with lay and
clergy leadership. Some of the youngsters are a150 now Snvofved wsth the annual Di(Kesan Youth
Camp whKh isgood.
Our seTving team has continued to grow, again engaging young people in the life of our perish.
All of this is very healthy, and our work with children and young people must continue to be seen as
a priority.
We've also seen, during the past year, the establishment of a regulat Men's Group which attract5
men both from within and beyond our usual Sunday con8regatN)n. The Craft Group, Breaking Bread
Lunch Club, Mothers Union. and the Pilgrim Groups have all flourished in the past year too. and all of
them have also been a means by wh￿h new people have entered into the Ilfe and worshlp of our
Church family and others have been led to deeper involvement and commitment.
Last year I said how much we were missing Peter Blackwell and his work in the Sacrlsty.... We stlll
miss Peter... but we now rejoice in a team of 5 people who a￿ sharing much of that work.
We've seen sustained 8rowth in our coreregations too, with new people joining us. which is always a
wonderful thing. The reestablishment of regular worship and fellowship at St Martin's Westgote has
continued to be a real blessing, and ivs so good to see that work and ministry developing.
There has been over the past year. and there continues to be a focus on building works.
maintenance and improvement. We are richly blessed in this parish in that compared to many
parishes we have buildings whith don't generalty present us with too many challerEes in terms of
maintenance. but the past year has seen rather more than is usual, and the work is ongoing. We are
spending consideroble capitsl ensuring that our church and community buildings are fit for purpose
and well maintained.
Well kept and well used premises a￿ actually essential to a healthy church which makes a difference
to the community around it. And I believe we do that here. Ger￿ra1ty the￿ seems to have been so
much erosion of cornmunity lrfe in our nation In recent years. but here in Torrisholme and Westgate
we are helping communty life to flourlsh is many and varied ways. That is a wonderful aThl indeed it
is a Godly work.
Our Diocesan Vision is ft>r Heahhy Churches which transform communities.
I believe we are makin8 a p051tNe difference, and long may it last.
None of this can happen, of course, without committed people who work, individually and together,
and often tirelessly. to ensure the work and ministry lives ond flourishes.
l am grateful beyond words for the work and ministry of my clergy colleagues. our fabulous
Churchwardens and PCC, and all those who work aFKI mlnister with such faithfulness and
commitment to enable all that you see in this report and so much more besides to happen here. Our
musicians. sacristans. seNer5, our wekomers, readers, leaders and facilitstors of groups and
artlvlties, those who visit and stay in touch with folk. those who brew up and bake. and share in the
important work of hospitaltty. the those who help with flowers and decorations, adding so much
beauty to our worship and all who help io keep our church buildirEs and grounds clean. tidy and
welcoming for all the Seasons of the year. and all the worship and activities they hold.
17

There15 always a danger of missing somebody out.-.... there are so many peop￿ inVo￿ed in the Ilfe
and worship of this parish...PfdCtically. prayerfully and financially too. And it all continues when the
VKar isn't here for a while.... Which a8ain is very healthyl So to eoch and every one. my heartfelt
thanks.
Finallyi I must record my gratFtude to wife Yvonne. without w1￿$e constant love and sUPPOrt I
know my ministry would be very much the rM)orer.
Much has happened, much has changed, and there have many new areas of growth and
development in the past year. The year ahead must, I believe. be a year of consolidation as we
continue to strive to be a living church at the heart of community to the prnise and glory of Almighty
God.
18