2024-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Torrisholme

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THE PARISH OF TORRISHOLME, THE ASCENSION INCLUDING WESTGATE, ST MARTIN ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024

VICAR: Fr Damian Porter CHURCHWARDENS: Alan Forshaw Janet Diamond

The Aims and Purposes of the Parochial Church Council

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Damian Porter, 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 the Church of the Ascension and St Martin’s Westgate Community Centre complex.

Objectives and Activities

The PCC is committed 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 practice 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.
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
Missionary and outreach work.

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church buildings and Community Centres.

The Church of St Martin at Westgate is used for worship by the Greek Orthodox Community at the weekends, and we hold some midweek worship and activities there.

Since the previous Annual Parish Meeting, 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
Electoral Roll report
Christian Stewardship report
Treasurer's report
Church Hall report
St Martin's report
Deanery Synod report
Children and Youth Ministry report
Safeguarding Officer's report. A safeguarding audit was carried out in the autumn.
Churches Together in Bare & Torrisholme report

The following people have served on the Parochial Church Council during the year: In addition to the Vicar and Churchwardens

Mrs M Parkin (Secretary)
Mrs K Thompson (Treasurer)
Mr G Arkwright (Stewardship recorder)
Mr D Wilde (Deanery Synod)
Mrs H Higgens (Safeguarding Officer)
Mrs J Hall
Mrs C Hammond (Deanery Synod)
Mrs K Anderton
Ms J Phillip
Mr C Barnes
Mrs A Blacow
Father Keith Fenton

Mrs Janet Damond (Churchwarden) is also a Deanery Synod Rep

Achievements and Performance

Worship and Prayer

This year has again seen good numbers of people attending our services and activities. We have a services schedule, which we believe 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 over the 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 the end of the year there were 177 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 54 of whom are not resident within the parish. The average weekly attendance, counted during October, was 120 adults and 63 children, but this number increased at festivals and especially at Christmas.

As well as our regular services, we enabled our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism

we thank God for the gift of life, in marriage public vows are exchanged with God’s blessing and through funeral services friends and family express their grief and give thanks for the life which is now complete in this world and to commend the person into God's keeping. Over the past year we have celebrated 42 baptisms and 2 weddings and held 35 funerals either in our church or at the local cemetries and crematoriums.

The Church Building and Church Hall Complex

Our buildings are generally in a good condition, and we try to invest resources each year into improvements and maintenance. Over the past year, we have improved the wi-fi coverage throughout the complex. During the week the halls are regularly used by a wide variety of hirers, all of which add to the provision for our local community, and the rental income is very useful for our parish finances.

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. Our fortnightly “Breaking 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 ‘A church near you’ website and our parish facebook page. The church is a member of Churches Together in Bare and Torrisholme. The Churches together group has met twice, and the clergy have met together more infrequently. We hope that this will improve when a new Methodist minister arrives later in the year.

The Financial Report

’ – Financial Review Treasurer s report

Total receipts of unrestricted funds were £132233 and restricted funds of missions received were £762. Income this year was down on 2023 by over £11800, but most of this was due to rental income decreasing by £17300. Voluntary income remained very similar to 2023 figures. Fund raising increased by over £2500 and fee income was nearly double at £4918.

£145,151 was 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 2025’s request. Expenditure decreased this year as 2023’s figure was high due to repair works on the Church and buildings.

The net result was an excess of payments over receipts of £12918 on unrestricted funds. Adding bank and

deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31[st] December 2024 on unrestricted funds totalled £272927. We transferred £100,000 from the Church and Church Hall current accounts into our deposit account at Blackburn Diocese following advice from the Auditor as we are able to earn interest on the money, which we were unable to do while it was held in our current accounts. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gordon Arkwright for the work he does with the Stewardship side and for banking our weekly collections and Alan Forshaw for his work with the Church Hall accounts, it certainly makes my role easier. Gavin Glennon has once again done a wonderful job auditing the accounts for us and we are very grateful for this work

Kathryn Thompson Treasurer

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL PARISH OF TORRISHOLME BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note ASSETS Cash in Hand 4(a) Bank Accounts 4(b) CURRENT INVESTMENTS Church Dep Fund - Legacy A/c PERMANENT INVESTMENTS Sugden Legacy-Security Fund Other Investments/ accounts Church Deposit Fund Church Hall Investment Account	Unrestricted Restricted Funds £ Funds £ 325.02 75560.17 55789.98 1000.00 400.82 117605.87 23646.23 272927.27 1400.82	Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2023 325.02 277.08 75560.17 192423.27 56789.98 56789.98 400.82 400.82 117605.87 15777.61 23646.23 23464.68 274328.09 289133.44

Kathryn Thompson Hon Treasurer Gavin Glennon Independent Examiner February 2025

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on and signed on its behalf by:

Rev. D Porter ( Chairman)

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL PARISH OF TORRISHOLME STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 1[ST] JANUARY – 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds £ Funds £ 2024 £ 2023 £ INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary Income 2(a) 56347.55 56347.55 57060.00 Activities for Generating Funds 2(b) 7992.98 7992.98 5459.52 Income from Investments 2(c) 4976.55 4976.55 2692.34 Church Activities 2(d) 56431.50 56431.50 71467.50 Missions Received 2(e) 762.95 762.95 2305.43 Other Income 2(f) 6484.75 6484.75 5864.47 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 132233.33 762.95 132996.28 144849.26 RESOURCES EXPENDED Parish Share 42000.00 42000.00 42000.00 Missions 3(a) 2650.18 2650.18 2089.93 Fund Raising Costs 3(b) 664.42 664.42 457.49 Church Activities 3(c) 37258.41 37258.41 34218.98 Church & Church Hall Running Costs3(d) 37482.58 37482.58 33391.64 Church & Church Hall Repairs 3(e) 27746.04 27746.04 53472.60 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 145151.45 2650.18 147801.63 165630.64 NET INCOMING/ (OUTGOING) (12918.12) (1887.23) (14805.35) (20781.38) RESOURCES

Balances brought forward at 1/1/24 289133.44 Balances carried forward at 31/12/24 274328.09

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL PARISH OF TORRISHOLME NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with

applicable accounting standards and The Charities SORP 2005.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The accounts include all transaction, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Funds

Unrestricted Funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Restricted Funds represent income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest and donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given.

Incoming Resources

Planned giving, collections, donations and Tax refunds are recognised 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, magazines and Fund raising is shown gross and expenses shown separately as resources used. Rental income and interest is accounted for when received.

Resources Expended

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for when due, any parish share unpaid at 31[st] December is provided for in the financial statements as an operational liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is recognized when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.

Assets

Investments are valued at market value at 31[st] December. Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the account in accordance with s.96 (2)(a)

of the Charities Act 1993. Expenditure on maintenance or improvement of the church, halls and vicarage is written off in the year it is incurred.

2. Incoming Resources (a)Voluntary Income Planned Giving: Gift Aid Donations Occasional Giving Income Tax Recoverable Sum Up collections Collections Donations/Legacies (b)Activities for Generating Funds Fund raising: Coffee Money Lunch Club Autumn Fayre Craft Money Cards Plants	Incoming Resources	Incoming Resources	Unrestricted Restricted Funds £ Funds £ 31181.60 7039.16 10453.72 2558.64 2332.43 2782.00 56347.55 1973.26 1682.54 1205.20 269.27 418.80 200.00	Unrestricted Restricted Funds £ Funds £ 31181.60 7039.16 10453.72 2558.64 2332.43 2782.00 56347.55 1973.26 1682.54 1205.20 269.27 418.80 200.00	Total 2024 31181.60 7039.16 10453.72 2558.64 2332.43 2782.00 56347.55 1973.26 1682.54 1205.20 269.27 418.80 200.00	Total 2023 32026.20 6848.00 10953.89 2025.56 3797.40 1408.95 57060.00 1614.56 1132.55 1860.00 195.35 147.06

Xmas Fayre		1800.00		1800.00
50/50		433.91		433.91	435.00
Crumble		10.00		10.00
Bear Sales					75.00
		7992.98		7992.98	5459.52
(c)Income from Investments
Fixed Int		10.09		10.09	8.43
National Savings		181.55		181.55	21.82
Church Deposit Fund		2956.65		2956.65	2172.13
Church Deposit @ Blackburn		1828.26		1828.26	489.96
		4976.55		4976.55	2692.34
(d) Income from Church Activities
Church Hall Lettings		51513.50		51513.50	68881.50
Fees		4918.00		4918.00	2586.00
		56431.50		56431.50	71467.5 0
(e) Missions Received
Childrens Society			449.15	449.15	574.00
Christingle			313.80	313.80	262.60
Gaza Appeal					314.13
Bishops Harvest Appeal					338.50
Friends of Holy Land					47.00
Earthquake Appeal					320.00
St Johns Hospice					125.00
ACS					71.00
Christian Aid					253.20
			762.95	762.95	2305.43
(f) Other Income
Flowers		1198.00		1198.00	1270.30
BDBF Grant		2243.00		2243.00	2455.97
Candles		1097.75		1097.75	789.90
Misc		636.00		636.00	100.00
Memorial Book		20.00		20.00	70.00
Albs		830.00		830.00
Books		265.00		265.00
Walsingham Monies		195.00		195.00	1178.30
		6484.75		6484.75	5864.47
3.Resources Expended	Unrestricted		Restricted	Total	Total
		Funds £	Funds £	2024	2023
(a) Missions
Childrens Society			736.05	736.05	935.23
Gaza Appeal			314.13	314.13
Kinkizi Diocese			800.00	800.00

Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Bishops Harvest Appeal Earthquake appeal St Johns Hospice Christian Aid Friends of Holy Land ACS (b)Fund Raising Costs Coffee 439.02 Lunch Club 158.49 Christmas Fayre66.91 664.42 (c) Church Activities Ministry: Vicar’s Expenses 2295.55 Vicarage Expenses 9332.26 Sunday Schools 875.50 Organists 2910.00 Wages 8093.00 Stationery and Admin 1056.36 Photocopier charges 2356.69 Flowers 1306.00 Church Services 8252.15 Organ 588.00 Sundries192.90 37258.41 (d) Church & Church Hall Running Costs Electricity 4296.83 Gas 8741.17 Insurance 2963.14 Repairs & Renewals 14667.73 Cleaning Materials 2024.78 Garden Maintenance 972.93 Water Rates 1702.20 Phones 1863.80 Play equip250.00 37482.58	800.00 2650.18	800.00 2650.18 439.02 158.49 66.91 664.42 2295.55 9332.26 875.50 2910.00 8093.00 1056.36 2356.69 1306.00 8252.15 588.00 192.90 37258.41 4296.83 8741.17 2963.14 14667.73 2024.78 972.93 1702.20 1863.80 250.00 37482.58	338.50 320.00 125.00 253.20 47.00 71.00 2089.93 362.24 95.25 457.49 1287.01 7622.81 1861.94 2720.00 11040.00 1637.71 3069.93 1423.00 3142.78 294.00 119.80
			34218.98 4018.90 7365.72 2850.26 9941.78 2318.16 2190.94 1678.19 3027.69 33391.64

(e) Church and Church Hall Repairs Special Works including : Kitchen 10517.00 Tower 14418.96 Chairs lounge/church 2810.08 Flat roof Gate Painting	10517.00 14418.96 2810.08	47163.60 743.00 5566.00

27746.04 27746.04 4.Assets Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds £ Funds £ 2024 (a) Cash in Hand: PCC Parish Of Torrisholme .57 .57 Church Hall 206.88 206.88 Flower Fund117.57 117.57 325.02 325.02	53472.60 Total 2023 16.37 35.14 225.57 277.08

(b) Bank Accounts PCC Parish of Torrisholme Hall Account	29615.43 45944.74 75560.17	29615.43 45944.74 75560.17	107003.74 85419.53 192423.27

The Churchwarden’s Report including a report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments

In contrast to the previous year, no major works have been necessary on our church building in 2024. However, we remain aware of the issue of rotting window frames mentioned in our report last year. Some minor repairs have been undertaken and we are still trying to stop the illuminated cross tripping out when rain is driven from a particular direction. Otherwise, it is pleasing to report that our church is in a generally good condition. We now have in church six new chairs with arms bought to match existing furniture. These were purchased in memory of the late Betty Whitehead and are so marked. They are much appreciated by less able members of our congregation. We also received in time for Advent Sunday new lectionary books for use at all our services (the previous ones had served for around 30 years.) These new books are in memory of the late Peter Blackwell, who gave a lifetime of service in the sanctuary. It is good that we have been able to so acknowledge two stalwarts of our church family. We would like as always to thank most sincerely all who continue to keep our church looking its best by cleaning, polishing brass and silver, by arranging flowers, and by preparing for and assisting at our services - each job is so important and much appreciated. Thank you everyone!

Alan Forshaw & Janet Diamond- Parish Wardens

The Church Halls Report

There have been a number of changes in the use of our halls this year, not least the absence of Sparrows Playgroup. Some new groups have tested the water, so to speak, and one or two have been successful. Overall, the effect on finances has been dramatic. Income reduced by just over £16,500 whilst expenditure fell by only £6000. Our new energy contract began in November (after five years of no change) and will result in higher expenses. Rental charges will need to increase whilst remaining competitive in the market.

I have worked hard to minimise outgoings by making savings on wages, telephones, cleaning materials, and by only undertaking necessary and minor repairs. New stacking chairs (60 in total) were purchased for the lounge as previous ones were suffering metal fatigue - the best of these are now in use in the main hall. Wi-Fi has been extended throughout the church complex and is now available for use by all.

Despite the setbacks, the halls remain vital to the pastoral outreach of our parish. It is so important that all who enter our complex feel welcome and I wish to thank all who helped 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- Parish Warden & Halls Manager

St Martin’s Fabric Report

For some time now expenditure has been kept to a minimum until the future of the centre seemed more certain. This year, it was decided to refit the kitchen and to brighten up the main hall by selective redecoration. Some electrical and plumbing works have also been necessary for the most part age-related and we have seen one full year of our new energy contract. Overall costs have obviously been much higher than for many years.

On the positive side, all our regular hirers have been kept and a good income maintained. Some fairly extensive exterior maintenance is envisaged for the coming year to respond to our recent quinquennial report - that this work is done is very important.

Overall, the centre and its site are in reasonably good order and have a cared for appearance. This is much helped by the sterling work of Geoff and Janet Diamond in grass cutting, weeding and general tidying - a huge commitment for which we are very grateful.

Alan Forshaw and Janet Diamond – Parish Warden

St Martin’s of Tours, Westgate Annual Report

I just can’t believe that a year has passed and I’m writing another annual report.

Once again, I am pleased to report that attendance here at St. Martin’s is steady, thanks to the faithful, who regularly attend and we have welcomed some new members. The yearly diary remains more or less the same as in previous years, meeting weekly every Wednesday for Mass at 6pm followed by light refreshments and Thursday afternoons ‘Open Door’ Fellowship with tea and coffee, lots of cake and lots of chat.

Also we attend the Nursery / Pre-school every week for Storytime with songs and activities.

Advent and Lent study course are held here and are fairly well-attended, but the majority of attendees come from The Ascension.

Our outreach into the community continues – working with Westgate School and the Fire Station (hosting their annual Princes Trust presentations). I also attend the William Mitchell pub most Friday afternoons ‘in uniform’ of course! We also have an excellent relationship with the Lidl supermarket and thank them for their generous support.

Last year, the Bishop extended my licence for a further two years, giving us extra time to continue building up the Church here in Westgate, giving our parish a strong case for someone to replace me. SO – following on from our Lent study group and taking up Bishop Philip’s challenge, we are planning to go out into the community making contact with people, especially those who are most vulnerable, inviting them to

become members of God’s Church here in this parish. Please pray that this bears fruit.

How do we measure success? Well, we have been blessed by people coming forward to be confirmed in the past two years, and already we have more to be confirmed this year. Surely, this is one way we know that the Holy Spirit is working with us. Pray that this continues.

Thanks to all who help in any way here at St Martin’s, no names for you know who you are, but more importantly God knows. Thank you!

P.S. A new kitchen has been installed and it’s great! A fantastic aid to our outreach.

Father Keith Fenton.

The Secretary's Report

Since the previous Annual Parish Meeting, the Parochial Church Council has met on 4 occasions. The average attendance being 12.

The following statutory reports were given at each meeting: Chairman/Warden's report Electoral Roll report Christian Stewardship report Treasurer's report Church Hall report St Martin's report Deanery Synod report Children and young people report Safeguarding Officer's report. Churches Together in Bare & Torrisholme report

I would like to thank Fr Damian Porter, Mr A Forshaw, Mrs J Diamond and all members of the Parochial Church Council for their help and support throughout the year.

Michala Parkin - Secretary

The Christian Stewardship Report

There were 73 members of our Stewardship Scheme during 2024.

26 were using numbered envelopes in church each week, month or quarterly, and there were 49 paying directly into our bank account by standing order each month. (Anyone interested is welcome to ask me about this “discrepancy”.)

The scheme received a total of £31,009.60 … and my fingers are crossed that the annual account show a very similar figure! Not all of this amount is eligible for Gift Aid but we have arranged to submit a claim for £28,007.70, which will be worth £7,000.93.

There is also Gift Aid to be claimed on Occasional Giving via the orange envelopes (costing £92 per 1000) and Bank Credits. Eleven people pay by Standing Order, and last year, 66 different people used those orange envelopes - some quite regularly. The total amount received was £3,911.16 from the envelopes and £3,150 by standing order. From this and other donations, we were able to submit a claim for £4,441.16 for Gift Aid, which will be worth £1,110.29.

A further scheme for small donations – GASDS- enables us to claim a further £2,000 per year on collections and not surprisingly we take full advantage of that each year.

Parishioners in the Stewardship Scheme receive a letter from me twice a year, and I am indebted to the five visitors who help me with these deliveries. This year I achieved my long-held ambition of distributing their envelopes and then delivering all 27 of mine on the same day! Well to be truthful, it was 26 of the 27 as I decided not to venture into the wilds of Priest Hutton!

Gordon Arkwright – Stewardship Recorder The Mothers’ Union Report

We began the 2024 with an Epiphany Service given by Father Tom Bill, with the story of the fourth wise man Artaban. In January, 35 members attended our Christmas lunch at Morecambe Golf Club.

In February at our AGM, we welcomed members from St Chad’s, followed later by a service at corporate communion. Six members have announced their retirement, Jenny Hebblethwaite, Jean Wilson, Mara Haywood and latterly Janet Diamond, Elaine Speight, and Barbara Foulds.

In March, David Wilde gave us an interesting talk, on his time as a prison chaplain, on aspects of the faith for prisoners.

In April, Wendy Jones gave us a full and educational talk on Pulmonary Fibrosis and openly discussed her mothers’ devastating illness and its painful journey.

Kath Bill presented the May afternoon. We looked back at baby photos guessing who they were, followed by another quiz. Several members of our branch also baked cakes for a young person’s residential at Borwick Hall led by Bishop Phillip.

The Caravan continues to be well supported and maintained by all branch members. It is well used for families across Lancashire.

In June, we had chair-based Zumba given by Kate and it was good to see all members joining in.

In July, there was no meeting so 14 members were taken to the food bank to be given a conducted tour by Bryony, the food bank manager. It was good to see how work had expanded. We continue to have 2 collections a year at Advent and Lent for children’s underwear and toiletries.

In August, we had our Summer Fair at Westgate, which this year made an impressive £475.73, which helps us run the branch and donate to Mary Sumner’s linked charities.

In September, the Deanery Festival was held at the Church of the Ascension. The theme was the joy of singing and each branch leader had the task of choosing a hymn which reflected on the way we see the future of the MU developing. Our chosen hymn was “God is working his purpose out”. It was a wellattended event.

At this service 6 of our members received long service awards

Jean Wilson 60 years
Olwyn Heywood 60 years
Margaret Raitt 60years
Dorothy Mingins 55 years
Maryrose Lee 55 years
Molly Ellis 30 years.

In October, we held the Wave of Prayer with Father Tom Bill and Kath Bill, some of our members read the service and lit the candles.

In November, we had the Bay Choir in church with a full repertoire of their songs, followed by tea & cakes. In December, we had our Christmas meal at Morecambe Golf club, and the meal was well attended.

Throughout the year we have had Corporate Communion on the Fourth Wednesday of the month. On November 27[th] , Christine Sanderson was enrolled as a member.

We continue to attend all deanery events taking as many members as we can provide transport. Candlemas, held at Shires Head, the Summer Tea & Chat at Dolphinholme, The Mary Sumner Day at Bolton Le Sands and The Deanery Service at the Church of the Ascension were all well attended.

On Mothering Sunday, a Mothers Union Member read prayers and intercessions.

The branch continues to support the families of prisoners at Lancaster Farms and we provided chocolate selection boxes for the children.

Sadly, this year three of our indoor members died - Kath Wilcock,

Alice Taylor and Brenda Till all will be missed. Audrey Taylor, who had been attending until the last few months, also died.

Lastly, a huge thanks to the committee who have been very supportive and other members who have been a great help in many ways. Last but not least thanks to the clergy team, who have given us their time and help.

Thank you

Jenny Hebblethwaite - Branch Leader

Junior Church Annual Report 2024/2025

Structure:

Junior Church structure benefits from the breadth of skills brought by its parent volunteers; utilising a cooperative approach it aims to draw on personal strengths to enhance sessions.

The Junior Church team is made up of the following parent volunteers Adelle Blacow, Joanne Bisgrove-Peel, Angela Wilkinson, Megan Matthews, Helen O’Hagan, Louise Potter, Natasha Walker, Eve Walker, Helen Ratcliffe and Anna Saxon. All of the volunteers hold a current DBS and are currently completing their safeguarding training.

The Junior Church team plan and prepare sessions on their nominated week. Where possible the sessions will follow the Church of England Lectionary with ideas provided by the Parish Priest, Father Damian. All Junior Church leaders have access to the Weeky@, Twinkl and other church resources to assist with planning the sessions.

Although Junior Church does benefit with other parent helpers on an ad hoc basis, it very much relies on those parent volunteers and more of them are required for Junior Church to continue in the future.

Joanna Dent and Louise Potter continue with their role ‘behind the scenes’ i.e., emails, nominal role, medical forms and DBS.

Junior Church is made up of Pre-School, Keystage 1 & Keystage 2 aged children.

Weekly numbers can vary from 25 to 35 children as in the previous year.

As much as numbers do fall slightly following the completion of Ripley admissions forms from September onwards, numbers also rise with new children starting Junior Church.

We currently have 93 on the JC nominal role this year with varying attendance. There are 137 children on the main church attendance list with varying attendance some attend both church and JC but there are a lot of children who just attend the church services.

Year 6, Keystage 3 & Keystage 4 – 2 or 3 children often attend with their parents/siblings and help out. This age group can now attend the Ignite group once a month.

We continue to commence the Junior Church session with the children meeting in church for the first part of the service. They are then taken into the Hall by the Junior Church leaders before returning into church for the Eucharist/blessing. This provides approximately 45 to 50 minutes for the session. This is still working well and encourages parents/families to be part of the service.

Sessions run by the Junior Church leaders generally start with a short introduction of the session which sometimes includes a story and some role play followed by a craft activity either to take home or to become part of a church display.

The leaders have access to a number resources to enable them to find the most appropriate activity for their session.

On Gift Day the children were given an envelope which contained £10. £5.00 they could keep for themselves and the remaining £5.00 they needed to think of a charitable cause to donate it too either on their own or working together with friends. The children then shared what they had been doing when we returned in September, more information can be found on the display board in the ambulatory.

Christmas 2024 saw a small presentation from Junior Church of Christmas songs they had been learning. We also gave out handmade decorations and cards to the congregation. This was well received by the congregation and all children present had a part to play.

Ignite / Sparks Youth Group Report

Youth and Children’s work continues within the parish. This is in no small part due to the fantastic and dedicated efforts of our volunteer youth and children workers within the parish who help to organise, deliver, and maintain the ongoing mission and vision of the parish.

Our Youth Group meets in two sub-groups, Ignite, years 9 and up, and Sparks for years 6 to 8.

Our pattern of meeting and worship remains the same: we meet on the third Sunday of every month to explore a theme, study the scriptures, and to play some games (often with snacks or a meal during the session).

Themes are pre planned in advance by the team, with input from the curate and the vicar.

We have approximately over 20 young people ‘on the books’, and we are very grateful to the leadership team for all they do for our youngsters.

As in the past 3 years, some of our young people will go on the Bishop’s Youth Holiday, which will no doubt continue to be a popular event in our children’s social calendar.

Our thanks once again to our amazing team.

5 th Morecambe Brownies Report

5th Morecambe Brownies have been very busy this year.

We have continued to part of the church community and we love being involved where we can. We love being able to use the wonderful kitchen to cook and the garden area, especially since it has been improved by the Princes Trust. Last summer we used the area

outside to make a bird table and in November we were out with our sparklers for Bonfire night.

The Brownies have been working on a number of badges and Theme Awards and we celebrated the achievements of the girls in the summer with a family fun evening at Silver Sapling Campsite; we played games and had a campfire with sausages and smores. FR Damian and Yvonne joined us for this event and they came with treats for all the girls.

In May, we went on a 2-night Brownie Holiday to Guys Farm Activity Centre in Forton. Our theme was Olympics and we did lots of crafts and activities. On the Friday night, we had a campfire and toasted marshmallows and made smores, along with learning some new campfire songs as a local Guide group was camping onsite the same weekend. On Saturday, we did create stacking and Paddleboarding. On the Sunday, we had a walk to Scorton and had an ice lolly.

In September, we went to Silver Sapling campsite in Silverdale for a construction Theme Day for Brownies. We were lucky enough to meet the team from Electricity North West, who showed us lots of items that had been damaged in the storms and we even got to see the cranes and sit in some of the diggers and trucks they use. There were also inflatables to play on and lots of activities onsite. Our favourite was building a house using chocolate fingers, biscuits and chocolate spread as the concrete.

We have helped at the Church Summer and Christmas fayres and ran a game on our stalls.

We have led Family services and continue to attend Church parade each month.

Many Thanks.

Hayley, Sally and all the Brownies at 5th Morecambe

Breaking Bread Lunch Club 2024

Breaking Bread Lunch Club celebrates its tenth year in September. We continue to meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month (Church Festivals excepted) in the Vestry Meeting Room for a light lunch of soup,

sandwiches and cake, preceded by a short, simple but very meaningful Eucharist service in church at 12 noon.

We have over forty members on the register, with an average attendance of thirty-plus, looked after by a great team of refreshment providers and volunteer drivers. Sadly we have lost some members over the year for various reasons, but have welcomed newcomers.

We had a Summer Party and a pre-Christmas Party, both luckily in the Church Hall, so we could spread our wings with party food, decorations and some entertainment, thanks to Fr Damian (bingo) and Fr Keith (a fun quiz).

One of our members, Alice Taylor, sadly died in June. Her family very kindly requested that the donations given at her funeral should be used for Breaking Bread. The money was used to purchase four pump flasks for use by church, and the balance paid for a small Christmas gift for every member of Breaking Bread. In addition, Alice’s family purchased a super non-stick soup pan for Breaking Bread. This is used very regularly.

No charge is made for the Breaking Bread lunch; members are invited, if they so wish, to make a donation. The proceeds of members’ generosity (less only the cost of the soup) is given to Church and comes to roughly £70 - £80 per meeting.

Many thanks are due to Fr Damian for his guidance, help and support to Breaking Bread, and for his meaningful services, along with those of Fr Keith, Fr Tom and Fr Marvin.

Special thanks to Fr Tom, Fr Marvin, David Hammond, Jeremy Suter and Liz Turner, who provide transport on a regular basis, as more and more of our members need lifts to and from church.

Very many thanks also to the two teams of soupstirrers, sandwich makers and cake bakers, who also help to set up the tables, wash up and tidy away very diligently, fortnight by fortnight. Jenny Hebblethwaite, Carole Hammond, Margaret Mellin, Pam Winder, Julie Unsworth, Yvonne Coupe, Jackie Foy and I make up the two teams, joined by Viv Walker in January 2025. Thanks also to Pam Gardner and Molly Ellis, who arrange vases of flowers for the dining tables.

Finally, a very big thank you to Yvonne Porter, who writes all the birthday cards, Easter and Christmas cards for each member, these cards are very much appreciated by us all.

Love and God Bless.

Kath Bill

The Deanery Synod Report

The Deanery Synod met in March, July and October 2024.

In March, the meeting was held at St James’ Church Heysham and Sion Hall, Chair of the Pan Lancashire Anti-Slavery Partnership and Ruth Packwood, Hope at Home Coordinator spoke on the the theme of Modern Slavery and what we can do to help.

In July, the meeting was held at Lancaster Priory. Here Church Planting and Pioneer Ministry were discussed in a conversation between Rev Rachel Sheehan (Freedom Church, Mereside, Blackpool) and Rev Dr Louis Johnson (Lancaster Priory) . We learnt that church planting and new congregations provide a way of reaching out to communities whose needs cannot be met by a traditional Parish Church.

In October, the meeting was held at St Christopher’s Church, Bare. The Speaker was Mrs Carolyn Barton, Director of Vision Delivery and Deputy Diocesan Secretary. She explained the purpose of the Mission and Financial Flourishing process. Each year the Area Dean and the Lay Chair meet a group of senior people from the diocese to review the mission of the church in the deanery including the opportunities and challenges. Discussions were then held on these subjects.

These meetings help us to liaise with other Churches in the Diocese and to discuss what we are doing in relation to important issues in the Church of England today.

Janet Diamond, Carole Hammond and David Wilde Deanery Synod Representatives

Pastoral Care Group Report

The Pastoral Care Group meets monthly to feed back and plan for visits to those who are in any kind of pastoral need, and especially those who are ill, and those unable to come to church and who wish to

receive Holy Communion at home. We also visit some care homes with both regular and occasional services and to offer Holy Communion to residents. We ensure that everyone has at least a monthly visit, and for some the need is more.

The Craft Group Report

“Knit and Natter, Craft and Chatter” meets at 7pm on the second and fourth Monday evenings in the Vestry Room.

Approximately 20 people (male and female) share their knitting, sewing, crocheting, skills, etc. on individual and joint projects, some personal and some for church. Some are present every month, others come when they can.

Evidence of our time and talents is seen on various stalls throughout our churches and buildings on different occasions. Any profits made go to church and charity.

We also all enjoy lovely fellowship together with a brew and a biscuit and / or home bakes.

This group reaches folk from beyond our congregation and has also brought in new people to our worshipping community. All are welcome.

Walsingham Pilgrimage

Once again we took a goodly number of people on our Walsingham Pilgrimage, and we also gathered up some pilgrims from other parishes. Altogether a total of over 30 pilgrims. This pilgrimage provides opportunities for worship, refreshment and fellowship in the beautiful gardens and Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. We have a candle which burns every day for our parish in the Shrine. It is good that we are visibly present and regularly prayed for in this wonderful, ancient place of prayer and pilgrimage, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Mens Group Report

Our informal Men’s Group has met roughly bi-monthly. We have been out for meals together, been ten pin bowling, enjoyed social evenings and enjoyed a Christmas Meal at The Lothersdale Hotel.

The group comprises of up to 25 men, all of whom have some connection with our parish. Keep an eye on the

notice boards and weekly sheets for details of future meetings/events. All men are very welcome!

Churches Together in Bare and Torrisholme Report

This group met twice to discuss joint ventures between the Parishes and the Community.

An ecumenical service for the week of Christian Unity was held at Torrisholme Methodist Church on 21 January.

Lent courses were held at the Ascension, Torrisholme and Bare Methodist Churches.

The United Service on Palm Sunday at Torrrisholme Methodist Church was followed again by the walk up the Barrow carrying Palm Crosses. There was the usual Dawn Service on Easter Sunday where candles were lit to take back to both the Ascension and Torrisholme Methodist Churches.

Christian Aid envelopes were given out in all the Churches.

A joint service was held for Harvest at Torrisholme Methodist Church on 29 September.

In December, the Ascension Church had a Community Carol Service with Torrisholme School and a Nativity Service at The Hurley Flyer bringing together people living in Torrisholme and Westgate.

Carols in the Square on Christmas Eve was well attended. The money raised went to a local Group - “A Breath For Life” which is a charity offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy for all types of conditions.

These services help us to keep in touch and share fellowship with our local Churches and the community.

Carole Hammond

cers The Safeguarding and Vulnerable Adults Of Report

Blackburn Diocese have added “Parish Hubs” as an online resource, which together with the Parish Dashboard enables us to monitor and update our Parish Safeguarding information, records and practice on a regular basis.

We continue to ensure all relevant training is completed and DBS certificates applied for and issued as necessary as part of Safer Recruiting.

Our safeguarding policies are all in line with Diocesan and National Church requirements and are reviewed by the PCC regularly. It is important to see safeguarding as a culture and an integral part of our parish life.

Hazel Higgens and Janet Diamond – Safeguarding Officers

THE LAST WORD! THE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Our life together in the Parish of Torrisholme and Westgate always seems to be busy, lively, and I believe wholesome! The past year has been no exception.

Our various groups and activities for all ages have continued to thrive, which is very encouraging, and I want to thank everyone who gives of their time to ensuring these activities happen.

We’ve maintained good attendances in our congregations, with new people joining us, which is always a wonderful thing. The continued regular worship and fellowship at St Martin’s Westgate has continued to be a real blessing, and it’s so good to see that work and ministry continuing to develop.

Over the next year we are to welcome yet another new minister at the Methodist Church! Our ecumenical relationships continue to be good, as they are with our Greek Orthodox brothers and sisters, with whom we

shared a day of celebration in honour of St Martin in October.

Much time over the past year has been given to supporting the Parish of Carnforth in a period of Interregnum, and our staff team regularly provide cover for other parishes when clergy are away on holiday. It is good that we are able to support other parishes in this way.

A new activity over the past year has been the establishment of a church run Toddler group. Anna Saxon and a team of volunteers have ensured this has had a very successful start on Monday mornings in the church hall.

During the past year, I have continued to be active as a governor at Torrisholme School, now regularly lead assemblies and am present in areas of school life. Our links with the school have continued to grow. This is in no small part due to the leadership of Mrs Pym and the welcome of the school community.

I am involved on several Diocesan committees, including being Chairman of the Diocesan Property Committee, which also means serving on the Diocesan Board of Finance and Bishop’s Council. I am also the Bishop’s advisor for the Ministry of Reconciliation (Confession). I am grateful for the opportunities to serve the wider Church in this way.

The Parochial Council, after consultation with the congregation, chose two charities to support this year, alongside the usual fundraisers. We have supported Mercy Ships a faith-based international development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people in desperate need; and the Lancaster Men’s Club, a local charity created to support men of all ages in the Lancaster area with their physical

and mental health through a wide variety of activities. I believe that we should be a giving church, so am pleased we have agreed this. It will soon be time to seek ideas for next year!

There has been over the past year, less of a focus on building works, maintenance and improvement. We are richly blessed in this parish in that compared to many parishes we have buildings which don’t generally present us with too many challenges in terms of maintenance. We like to ensure that our church and community buildings are fit for purpose and well maintained.

Well kept and well used premises are actually essential to a healthy church which makes a difference to the community around it. And I believe we do that here. Generally there seems to have been so much erosion of community life in our nation in recent years, but here in Torrisholme and Westgate we are helping community life to flourish is many and varied ways. That is a wonderful and indeed it is a Godly work.

Our Diocesan Vision is for Healthy Churches which transform communities.

I believe we are making a positive 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 and flourishes.

I am grateful beyond words for the work and ministry of my clergy colleagues, our fabulous Churchwardens and PCC, and all those who work and minister 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, servers, our

welcomers, readers, leaders and facilitators of groups and activities, those involved with safeguarding, those who visit and stay in touch with folk, those who brew up and bake, and share in the important work of hospitality. Then those who help with flowers and decorations, adding so much beauty to our worship and all who help to keep our church buildings and grounds clean, tidy and welcoming for all the seasons of the year, and all the worship and activities they hold.

There is always a danger of missing somebody out……. there are so many people involved in the life and worship of this parish…practically, prayerfully and financially too. So to each and every one, my heartfelt thanks.

It is my hope that over the next year we will continue to prioritise our work with all ages, seeking to ensure that people find in our parish community not only a place of worship but also a loving and supportive family to be part of.

Finally, I must record my gratitude to my wife Yvonne, without whose constant love and support I know my ministry would be very much the poorer.

Fr Damian Porter, Vicar.

THE PARISH OF TORRISHOLME, THE ASCENSION INCLUDING WESTGATE, ST MARTIN ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024

VICAR: Fr Damian Porter CHURCHWARDENS: Alan Forshaw Janet Diamond

The Aims and Purposes of the Parochial Church Council

Objectives and Activities

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.
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the parish.
Missionary and outreach work.

To facilitate this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the Church buildings and Community Centres.

The Church of St Martin at Westgate is used for worship by the Greek Orthodox Community at the weekends, and we hold some midweek worship and activities there.

Since the previous Annual Parish Meeting, 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
Electoral Roll report
Christian Stewardship report
Treasurer's report
Church Hall report
St Martin's report
Deanery Synod report
Children and Youth Ministry report
Safeguarding Officer's report. A safeguarding audit was carried out in the autumn.
Churches Together in Bare & Torrisholme report

The following people have served on the Parochial Church Council during the year: In addition to the Vicar and Churchwardens

Mrs M Parkin (Secretary)
Mrs K Thompson (Treasurer)
Mr G Arkwright (Stewardship recorder)
Mr D Wilde (Deanery Synod)
Mrs H Higgens (Safeguarding Officer)
Mrs J Hall
Mrs C Hammond (Deanery Synod)
Mrs K Anderton
Ms J Phillip
Mr C Barnes
Mrs A Blacow
Father Keith Fenton

Mrs Janet Damond (Churchwarden) is also a Deanery Synod Rep

Achievements and Performance

Worship and Prayer

As well as our regular services, we enabled our community to celebrate and thank God at the milestones of the journey through life. Through baptism

The Church Building and Church Hall Complex

Pastoral Care

Mission and Evangelism.

The Financial Report

’ – Financial Review Treasurer s report

The net result was an excess of payments over receipts of £12918 on unrestricted funds. Adding bank and

Kathryn Thompson Treasurer

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL PARISH OF TORRISHOLME BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note ASSETS Cash in Hand 4(a) Bank Accounts 4(b) CURRENT INVESTMENTS Church Dep Fund - Legacy A/c PERMANENT INVESTMENTS Sugden Legacy-Security Fund Other Investments/ accounts Church Deposit Fund Church Hall Investment Account	Unrestricted Restricted Funds £ Funds £ 325.02 75560.17 55789.98 1000.00 400.82 117605.87 23646.23 272927.27 1400.82	Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2023 325.02 277.08 75560.17 192423.27 56789.98 56789.98 400.82 400.82 117605.87 15777.61 23646.23 23464.68 274328.09 289133.44

Kathryn Thompson Hon Treasurer Gavin Glennon Independent Examiner February 2025

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on and signed on its behalf by:

Rev. D Porter ( Chairman)

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL PARISH OF TORRISHOLME STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 1[ST] JANUARY – 31 DECEMBER 2024

Balances brought forward at 1/1/24 289133.44 Balances carried forward at 31/12/24 274328.09

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL PARISH OF TORRISHOLME NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting Policies

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with

applicable accounting standards and The Charities SORP 2005.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Funds

Unrestricted Funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.

Incoming Resources

Resources Expended

Assets

Investments are valued at market value at 31[st] December. Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the account in accordance with s.96 (2)(a)

of the Charities Act 1993. Expenditure on maintenance or improvement of the church, halls and vicarage is written off in the year it is incurred.

2. Incoming Resources (a)Voluntary Income Planned Giving: Gift Aid Donations Occasional Giving Income Tax Recoverable Sum Up collections Collections Donations/Legacies (b)Activities for Generating Funds Fund raising: Coffee Money Lunch Club Autumn Fayre Craft Money Cards Plants	Incoming Resources	Incoming Resources	Unrestricted Restricted Funds £ Funds £ 31181.60 7039.16 10453.72 2558.64 2332.43 2782.00 56347.55 1973.26 1682.54 1205.20 269.27 418.80 200.00	Unrestricted Restricted Funds £ Funds £ 31181.60 7039.16 10453.72 2558.64 2332.43 2782.00 56347.55 1973.26 1682.54 1205.20 269.27 418.80 200.00	Total 2024 31181.60 7039.16 10453.72 2558.64 2332.43 2782.00 56347.55 1973.26 1682.54 1205.20 269.27 418.80 200.00	Total 2023 32026.20 6848.00 10953.89 2025.56 3797.40 1408.95 57060.00 1614.56 1132.55 1860.00 195.35 147.06

Xmas Fayre		1800.00		1800.00
50/50		433.91		433.91	435.00
Crumble		10.00		10.00
Bear Sales					75.00
		7992.98		7992.98	5459.52
(c)Income from Investments
Fixed Int		10.09		10.09	8.43
National Savings		181.55		181.55	21.82
Church Deposit Fund		2956.65		2956.65	2172.13
Church Deposit @ Blackburn		1828.26		1828.26	489.96
		4976.55		4976.55	2692.34
(d) Income from Church Activities
Church Hall Lettings		51513.50		51513.50	68881.50
Fees		4918.00		4918.00	2586.00
		56431.50		56431.50	71467.5 0
(e) Missions Received
Childrens Society			449.15	449.15	574.00
Christingle			313.80	313.80	262.60
Gaza Appeal					314.13
Bishops Harvest Appeal					338.50
Friends of Holy Land					47.00
Earthquake Appeal					320.00
St Johns Hospice					125.00
ACS					71.00
Christian Aid					253.20
			762.95	762.95	2305.43
(f) Other Income
Flowers		1198.00		1198.00	1270.30
BDBF Grant		2243.00		2243.00	2455.97
Candles		1097.75		1097.75	789.90
Misc		636.00		636.00	100.00
Memorial Book		20.00		20.00	70.00
Albs		830.00		830.00
Books		265.00		265.00
Walsingham Monies		195.00		195.00	1178.30
		6484.75		6484.75	5864.47
3.Resources Expended	Unrestricted		Restricted	Total	Total
		Funds £	Funds £	2024	2023
(a) Missions
Childrens Society			736.05	736.05	935.23
Gaza Appeal			314.13	314.13
Kinkizi Diocese			800.00	800.00

Morecambe Bay Pulmonary Bishops Harvest Appeal Earthquake appeal St Johns Hospice Christian Aid Friends of Holy Land ACS (b)Fund Raising Costs Coffee 439.02 Lunch Club 158.49 Christmas Fayre66.91 664.42 (c) Church Activities Ministry: Vicar’s Expenses 2295.55 Vicarage Expenses 9332.26 Sunday Schools 875.50 Organists 2910.00 Wages 8093.00 Stationery and Admin 1056.36 Photocopier charges 2356.69 Flowers 1306.00 Church Services 8252.15 Organ 588.00 Sundries192.90 37258.41 (d) Church & Church Hall Running Costs Electricity 4296.83 Gas 8741.17 Insurance 2963.14 Repairs & Renewals 14667.73 Cleaning Materials 2024.78 Garden Maintenance 972.93 Water Rates 1702.20 Phones 1863.80 Play equip250.00 37482.58	800.00 2650.18	800.00 2650.18 439.02 158.49 66.91 664.42 2295.55 9332.26 875.50 2910.00 8093.00 1056.36 2356.69 1306.00 8252.15 588.00 192.90 37258.41 4296.83 8741.17 2963.14 14667.73 2024.78 972.93 1702.20 1863.80 250.00 37482.58	338.50 320.00 125.00 253.20 47.00 71.00 2089.93 362.24 95.25 457.49 1287.01 7622.81 1861.94 2720.00 11040.00 1637.71 3069.93 1423.00 3142.78 294.00 119.80
			34218.98 4018.90 7365.72 2850.26 9941.78 2318.16 2190.94 1678.19 3027.69 33391.64

(e) Church and Church Hall Repairs Special Works including : Kitchen 10517.00 Tower 14418.96 Chairs lounge/church 2810.08 Flat roof Gate Painting	10517.00 14418.96 2810.08	47163.60 743.00 5566.00

27746.04 27746.04 4.Assets Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds £ Funds £ 2024 (a) Cash in Hand: PCC Parish Of Torrisholme .57 .57 Church Hall 206.88 206.88 Flower Fund117.57 117.57 325.02 325.02	53472.60 Total 2023 16.37 35.14 225.57 277.08

(b) Bank Accounts PCC Parish of Torrisholme Hall Account	29615.43 45944.74 75560.17	29615.43 45944.74 75560.17	107003.74 85419.53 192423.27

The Churchwarden’s Report including a report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments

Alan Forshaw & Janet Diamond- Parish Wardens

The Church Halls Report

Alan Forshaw- Parish Warden & Halls Manager

St Martin’s Fabric Report

Alan Forshaw and Janet Diamond – Parish Warden

St Martin’s of Tours, Westgate Annual Report

I just can’t believe that a year has passed and I’m writing another annual report.

Also we attend the Nursery / Pre-school every week for Storytime with songs and activities.

Advent and Lent study course are held here and are fairly well-attended, but the majority of attendees come from The Ascension.

become members of God’s Church here in this parish. Please pray that this bears fruit.

Thanks to all who help in any way here at St Martin’s, no names for you know who you are, but more importantly God knows. Thank you!

P.S. A new kitchen has been installed and it’s great! A fantastic aid to our outreach.

Father Keith Fenton.

The Secretary's Report

Since the previous Annual Parish Meeting, the Parochial Church Council has met on 4 occasions. The average attendance being 12.

I would like to thank Fr Damian Porter, Mr A Forshaw, Mrs J Diamond and all members of the Parochial Church Council for their help and support throughout the year.

Michala Parkin - Secretary

The Christian Stewardship Report

There were 73 members of our Stewardship Scheme during 2024.

A further scheme for small donations – GASDS- enables us to claim a further £2,000 per year on collections and not surprisingly we take full advantage of that each year.

Gordon Arkwright – Stewardship Recorder The Mothers’ Union Report

We began the 2024 with an Epiphany Service given by Father Tom Bill, with the story of the fourth wise man Artaban. In January, 35 members attended our Christmas lunch at Morecambe Golf Club.

In March, David Wilde gave us an interesting talk, on his time as a prison chaplain, on aspects of the faith for prisoners.

In April, Wendy Jones gave us a full and educational talk on Pulmonary Fibrosis and openly discussed her mothers’ devastating illness and its painful journey.

The Caravan continues to be well supported and maintained by all branch members. It is well used for families across Lancashire.

In June, we had chair-based Zumba given by Kate and it was good to see all members joining in.

In August, we had our Summer Fair at Westgate, which this year made an impressive £475.73, which helps us run the branch and donate to Mary Sumner’s linked charities.

At this service 6 of our members received long service awards

Jean Wilson 60 years
Olwyn Heywood 60 years
Margaret Raitt 60years
Dorothy Mingins 55 years
Maryrose Lee 55 years
Molly Ellis 30 years.