Annual Report for Pardshaw Quaker Centre CIO 2024
Issued 12/7/2025
Our Vision
To develop and progress the vision of Pardshaw Quaker Centre as a resource for Quakers, other groups and the local community – a place for worship, relaxation, learning, fun, creative activities, or short breaks in simple, affordable accommodation, in a historical and peaceful setting.
Trustees:
Graham Howell, Rowan Langley, Dave Moll, David Day, Christopher Thomas, Catherine Thomas, Hazel Nowell (until AGM 2024).
Introduction
Pardshaw Quaker Centre has continued to progress during the year of 2024. Following on from the planning consent granted in 2023 for reinstating the door in the north wall, we have continued to work with our conservation architect to draw up plans for an inclined pathway from the upper foyer down to the new access door which would allow those with wheelchairs or pushchairs to traverse the sloping ground more easily.
We welcome comments and ideas through the contacts on our website https://pardshawquakercentre.org.uk/
Organisation
Pardshaw Quaker Centre Charitable Incorporated Organisation (PQC CIO) is the body responsible for development of the premises and holds a lease on the premises. The
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charity’s objects are providing Pardshaw Quaker Centre for public benefit as a place of Quaker worship, of spiritual retreat and refreshment, and of education and learning (especially in relation to sustainability and the environment), that is open to all, including disadvantaged members of society; and sharing with others our understanding, exploration and development of the thinking and practice of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The charity’s only members are its trustees, who must be in membership of the Religious Society of Friends. It works with the small charity Friends of Pardshaw Quaker Centre (FPQC) to widen participation.
Communications
Our problems with linking donations via the website continued and work is still being done to attempt to solve the issue.
In the meantime, we are asking that donations (and subscriptions to FPQC) are made via bank transfer.
Newsletters
Newsletters continue to be issued which give information on upcoming events, reports of work which has been done and other information.
Community
A ‘”FoxSteps on the crag” event was held on 25/8/2024, contributing to the Fox@400 celebrations. This included readings from “Light Reflected: The Story of Pardshaw Meeting” from the author, Angus Winchester, and others. We are grateful to Angus for revising and allowing the reprinting of this booklet, with proceeds donated to Pardshaw Quaker Centre.
The morning event was attended by 28 Friends. In the afternoon the premises were open to local residents, with approximately 45 attending. Significant contacts were made, including Dean Parish Council.
2024 saw our usual summer workcamp in August. Two social gatherings were held – Spring (April) and Autumn (October). A Meeting for Worship was held on Christmas Day.
We again held a Christmas zoom social in 2024, which saw friends from USA and New Zealand joining in.
We have again held an online special interest meeting at Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) and had a stall at the Groups Fair at BYM in person at Friends’ House.
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Progress in development
We have continued to employ Conservation Architect Alastair McGregor who helped us secure Planning Permission for the new Fire exit and is now advising on the accessible Pathway.
We engaged with a Cumbrian company to work as fundraising consultants on fund-raising and community engagement. After useful advice from contacts at Cumbria Community Foundation we drew up a shortlist, interviewed and selected Welburn & Wood (W&W) of Cartmel. W&W helped with resources for the “FoxSteps on the Crag” event, Appeals literature, have scoped national Fund Raisers and are working on bids to Funds.
Practical progress
During the summer workcamp the windows of the former coach house were repaired where needed and then painted. The doors were also repainted.
Work was begun on improving the walls of the lower foyer, including removing the paint from a stone doorway into the Meeting Room. The outside of the west wall was given a fresh coat of paint.
In the burial ground overgrowth was thinned out. Following storm damage a large pine adjacent to the northern boundary wall was taken down by professional tree surgeons, as it was deemed to be at the end of its life and was becoming dangerous. This was confirmed once felled.
Bookings
Bookings in 2024 totalled 46 nights including the summer workcamp. Apart from the workcamp (a variable number each night), the majority of the nights had 3 or more staying. Ages ranged from babies to those aged 60+.
Usage, year on year
| Usage, year on year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Total nights(and days)in use | Income from bookings |
| 2010-2016 average | £746.22 | |
| 2017 | 27(+1 daytime) | £1070.00 |
| 2018 | 28(+1 daytime) | £957.00 |
| 2019 | 41(+2 daytime) | £913.43 |
| 2020 | 16 | £280.00 |
| 2021 | 41 | £863.10 |
| 2022 | 43(+1 daytime) | £1252.00 |
| 2023 | 60 | £1206.00 |
| 2024 | 46 (+ 2 daytime) | £840.00 |
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Financial
The income during the year of £7,099 covered the running costs of £6,060 with £1,039 to spare. In addition, £3,662 was spent on developments, depleting the reserves by £2,623. Income and expenditure for the year is shown below.
Summary of Accounts to 31-12-2024
Income:
| Income: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Friends of PQC membership | 70.00 | |
| donations (inc. Gift Aid) | 4,463.47 | |
| proceeds from appeal for funds | 1,717.50 | |
| bookings | 840.00 | |
| transfer from CAQM PMH&BG a/c | 8.50 | |
| income | 7,099.47 | |
| Expenditure: | ||
| Electricity & water | 1,394.06 | |
| small repairs & maintenance | 1,516.18 | |
| insurance | 2,455.14 | |
| promotion | 296.95 | |
| Pay Pal fees | 392.00 | |
| other payments | 6.00 | |
| routine expenditure | 6,060.33 | |
| architect fees | 1,840.00 | |
| fundraiser fees | 1,626.70 | |
| advertising | 195.00 | |
| total development costs | 3,661.70 | |
| total expenditure | 9,722.03 | |
| opening balance | 8,735.83 | |
| income | 7,099.47 | |
| expenditure | 9,722.03 | |
| net movement | -2,622.56 | |
| closing balance | 6,113.27 |
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