Registered charity number 1196545
2024
Annual Report
ST CATHARINE'S CHURCH
HOUGHTON ON THE HILL
"A thriving, life giving, life transforming community
following the way of Jesus.
St Catharine's Church is an Anglican Evangelical Church that is part of the
Church of England. Our vision is to increasingly become a thriving, life giving, life
tronsforming communityfollowing the way ofjesus. We have a passion a nd hea rt for
Houghton on the Hill and long to see people from all walks of life turn to Jesus
Christ in repentance and faith and begin to live life to the full. We want to be a
community made up of all ages and all backgrounds seeking to live and grow in
the way of Jesus. A community being empowered and transformed by the
presence of the Holy Spirit. Where people feel safe, at home and where they can
live again. A community that provides a place of rest in a hurried world and is a
shining light of hope to our village. To that end we have 3 foundations that
shape what we do as a church. We desire to be a..
Faith Sharing Church
Faith Growing Church
Faith Serving Church
This Annual Fieport is a summary of all that has been going on in the life of St
Catharine's Church over the pastyear. I hope you find it encouraging to see
what God has been doing this past year.
Rev Steve Flansley
May 2025

Registered charity number 1196545
Contents
Minutes of previous
pages 3-5
meetings
Ministry Areas
pages 6-10
Reports
pages 11-16
Governance
pages 17-18
Administrative
page 19
Information
Accounts
pages 20-35

Registered charity number 1196545
Minutes of previous
Meetings
St Catharine's Church, Houghton on the Hill
Minutes of the Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Meetings
Tuesday 16th April 2024 at 7.30 pm
PresenL' Rev Steve F2ansley and 17 parishioners.
The meeting started with a welcome from Steve, a reading from Ephesians
chapter 2 and a prayer. A hymn was sung.
Annual Vest Meetin
Apologies were received f rom Andrew Fry, Heather Bettles and Phyllis
Messenger.
The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday17th May 2023 were
approved.
Richard Morrison and Mike Evans were unanimously elected to serve
as churchwardens.
Annual Parochial Church Meetin
The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday17th May 2023 were
approved.
Electoral Roll Report: NI ike Evans had prepared a report stating that
there are now 73 people on the electoral roll.
Safeguarding Report: Caroline Smissen, Safeguarding Off icer, had
circulated a report. Steve emphasized the importance of being alert to
issues that should be reported to himself or Caroline.

Registered charity number 1196545
Annual Accounts 2023: these had been circulated by Pat Jackson, who
was warmly thanked for her hard work in preparing these accounts.
The meeting was made aware of the need to increase giving to the
church. Floger 8ettles pointed out the seriousness of the situation,
especially as the stonework needs repairing. The PCC must consider
seriously the cost of supporting the building now and in the future.
Mike Welsh supported Roger's remarks and commented on the
amount of money that has been raised through the efforts of the
Friends of St Catharine's, helped by villagers who are often not
churchgoers. Pat offered to explain the accounts further if asked. She
thinks that the current amount of Parish Share is too high. Mark Scase
pointed out that the 2023 accounts have not been submitted to the
Charity Commission. Pat is working on these and hopes to have them
ready by June.
Appointment of Auditors: Conley Ward Accountants and Tax Advisors
have been appointed.
Deanery Synod Report: Rev Steve Bailey had kindly provided this
report which had been circulated. Richard Morrison asked about the
position of the deaneries should the Minster Community be formed.
No-one knew the answer to this. An appeal was made for a new
Deanery Synod representative.
Church Wardens, Report: a report on the fabric, goods and ornaments
of the church had been circulated by Richard and Mike. The cost of
repairing the building was raised again. Roger suggested using the
reserves. Margaret Mayberry felt it was important that the whole
church family were made aware of the situation and that help was
needed.
PCC Secretary's Report: a report had been circulated by Andrew Fry.
Growing Faith Minister's Report: Mike Corner had prepared and
circulated a very full and encouraging report. He was thanked for the
tremendous work he had done with our young people, both in a
church setting and in school. We are really sorry that he is leaving us
but we wish him God's blessing in his new appointment.
io
Vicar's report: the theme of the report was 'Change"

Registered charity number 1196545
Time of Prayer: following Steve's report, a time of collective prayer was
held.
12
Elections: Isabel Oldham was unanimously elected to serve on the
pcc.
13
Any Other Business: none.
14
Steve closed the meeting with words f rom Ephesians.

Registered charity number 1196545
Ministry Areas
Worship
We currently have 3 congregations at St Catharine's Church, that make up one
church family. We have a weekly Sunday service at10.30am which has an
average Sunday attendance of 35. At our10.30 service we worship God through
song, hear from His word, pray and grow our relationships with one another. We
celebrate Communion on the Ist and 3rd of each month. In 2024 we have had a
variety of Bible teaching. Series on Patterns for Life, Identity and some of Jesus
Parables as well as unpacking books of the 8ible including l John, the Psalms
and Joshua.
Our Wednesday morning congregation meets at 9.15am and celebrates
Communion most weeks. This service is more reflective without singing but still
has the Bible at the centre. We follow the same pattern of teaching as our
Sundayservice. Our usual attendance is around 7-8 people.
Our final congregation is Explore. A monthly gathering mainly of families
usually totalling around 30 people. We gather at 4pm and then read a chapter
of Mark's Gospel and chat about what it shows us about Jesus. We then always
eat a meal together through which friendships are grown and deepened. It is
becoming a really precious community.
2025 saw the Electoral roll being revised, something that is required every six
years. Upon the roll being revised there were .........
St Catharine's is part of the wider Cornerstone Team of Churches which includes
St Luke's Thurnby, St Mary's and All Saints Stoughton and Living Hope Church
Plant in the parish of St Michael and All Angels, Thurmaston. During 2024 there
was a joint Sunday service and day out together and the leadership and staff
teams of these churches have enjoyed closer working relationships. During 2024
we began to explore a potential future partnership with Hope Hamilton Church
as part ofthe Diocesan Minster Community framework.

Registered charity number 1196545
Children and Young People
As a church we seek to be a family. That means we want people of all ages to
experience and grow in the love of Jesus Christ.
In the early part of 2024 we had Kids Church, run by Michael Corner and other
volunteers. This was a time for the children in our church family, during our
Sunday morning service, to receive age-appropriate teaching looking at the
same passageltheme that was being looked at in the church service. The idea
behind this was to be able to integrate all of our learning for the morning as a
church family. On the last Sunday of the month we had a'serving Sunday" in
which the children would be actively involved in the service.
Mike continued his excellent work in the school in his role as Growing Faith
Minister. This included planning and leading Collective Worship (alongside
Steve) and also running the weekly after school club, Excite. Mike was a regular
face at the school becoming unoff icially part of the staff team. Mike and Steve
were involved in the major festival services Ichristmas, Easter and Harvest) that
took place in the church.
During Holy Week Mike lead an Easter Fun day which was a great success. We
had approximately 25 children asthey learned about the resurrection of Jesus
Christ. There were some amazing volunteers who pulled together to make that
happen.
Mike led a fortnightlyyouth Bible study and Element Youth Group which met at
the Pavilion. This saw some steady numbers of around 10 young people.
Really sadly at the end of May we said goodbye to Mike, Becky, Beth and Josiah
as Mike moved on to a new role at St John's Clarendon Park. We are so grateful
for the manyyears of faithful, exciting and engaging ministry Mike lead with our
children and young people.
Since Mike has left we have had to pause our groups for our children on a
Sunday morning. However, we are still actively reaching children and young
people. Our 10.30am services seeks to involve our children by encouraging them

Registered charity number 1196545
to serve, whether that be reading, operating the tech or being on refreshments.
We want our children to know they are a treasured part of our Church and bring
a really valuable contribution. We also seek to make our service as inclusive for
all ages as possible by offering worksheets, explaining why we say certain liturgy
and also singing songs the children are familiar with from School.
We connected with children and families at Halloween, offering hot chocolate
and goody bags with sweets and a little leaflet explaining how Jesus is the light
of the world.
Despite Mike's departure we have continued to develop and grow our
partnership with Houghton Primary School. Steve gives assemblies every other
week, which the children really engage with. Every Tuesday David Shaw, Richard
Morrison, Jacqui Smart, Margaret Wolfe, Fiona Richardson, Pat Jackson help to
run Excite, the after-school club. Excite sees anywhere between 10 and 18
children attend to learn about Jesus in a fun and safe environment. A big thank
you to David especiallyfor taking on the leadership of this crucial ministry. The
school continues to have termly services in the church and in particular they do
such a good job of re-telling the accounts of Jesus birth at Christmas and his
death and resurrection at Easter. As a church we are so grateful to the school for
our partnership and how accommodating they are of us.
Writing this report in 2025 reflecting back on the previousyear, we have hopes
to run a youth Alpha Course Iwait for next year to find out about that).
Life Groups
We currently have one Life group that meets weekly. Life Group is a great place
to get to know other people in the church in a deeper way. It is a place where
people can explore and dig deeper into God's word, seeking to apply it to our
lives. They are a place where we care and support one another in the ups and
downs of life. They are places of hospitality, safety, and community. During 2024
we tried several different ways of doing Life Group and different methods of
study. We looked at the same passage as the previous Sunday as well as looking
at some separate courses, such as one on evangelism produced by the Oxford

Registered charity number 1196545
Centre for Apologetics. Once a month we would gather in the church to pray, as
well as have the odd social event.
Evangelism
Lots of what happens at St Catharine's is designed to be invitational to those
who are not part of church life or not yet a Christian. Throughout the year we
have opportunities to make a special invitation to services such as
Remembrance Sunday, Christmas and Easter. We also held a service of
remembering where people could come and give thanks for a loved one who is
no longer with us.
We also ran an Alpha Course at the Old Black Horse Pub and also the Marriage
Course which proved an excellent point of connection with our community. We
hope to make these courses a regular pattern in our church year.
We have also hosted events in the church such as Houghton Singers Concerts
as well as the Christmas Craft Fayre. Again, whilst not overt evangelism such
events do provide a point of contact for us as a Church.
Mission Partners
We continue to financially support four mission partners, that were decided at
PCC. Currently we support Open Hands (Leicester based homeless charity),
Good News For Everyone la nationwide Evangelism charity), Open Doors
(worldwide charity supporting the persecuted church) and St Francis Hospital in
Zambia.
Living Hope
Launched in 2022 Living Hope continued to meet each Sunday at 4pm in
Church Hill Junior School in Thurmaston and seeks to engage the next
generation, connect with other cultures, and create community.
The church has a worshipping community of 22 people and has a growing
fringe of people connected to the life of Living Hope-whether coming
occasionally on Sunday, being part of the monthly Saturday Build and Breakfast
event for dads and children, the summer children's holiday club, or the light
party in October.

Registered charity number 1196545
During 2024 the church planting curate moved and a new appointment of a
part time associate lay minister was made with clergy oversight from Steve,
Team Vicar of St Catharine's church.
Also, in 2024 there was a church weekend away and in October 2024 Living
Hope took on responsibility for Bright Sparks Toddler group.
Minster Communities
During 2024 there were further conversations and developments in our
involvement in forming a Minster Community as steered by the Diocese of
Leicester Shaped by God Together process.
Following a two-year process of seeking to form the proposed North East
Leicester Minster Community it was agreed by all the parishes involved in
September 2024 that it was not possible to continue in the current
conf iguration, with the use of Prayers of Love and Faith bringing into focus the
different understandings of vision and mission that would make it difficult to
work together.
In late 2024 we joined the Area 3 process (City, Suburbs, and Adjacent villages)
and were invited to look at a partnership between the Cornerstone Team of
Churches and Hope Hamilton with the aim of forming a Minster Community in
2025.
10IPage

Registered charity number 1196545
Reports
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is all that we do to promote a safe culture protecting one another
from harm and keeping each other safe. The care and protection of children,
young people and vulnerable adults involved in Church activities is the
responsibility of the whole Church. Everyone who participates in the life of the
Church has a role to play.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy the PCC is
committed to:
Promoting a safer environment and culture.
Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to
children,
young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
Caring pastorallyfor those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of
abuse and
other affected persons.
Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
We have two Parish Safeguarding Off icers. All our volunteers are safely
recruited, with relevant training and checks undertaken as required for
different roles. Information about Safeguarding is prominently displayed
and regularly updated.

**Registered charity number 1196545** 

Synod met three times in 2024. Each meeting opens with a prayer and a hymn of Education, General Synod, Joint Archdeaconry Mission Committee and the Diocesan Board of Finance. 

In **January** the deanery welcomed Dan Gower from Open Doors a Christian charity founded by Brother Andrew that serves the persecuted church. 

During the **June** there was a presentation by Leicester Street Pastors part of an internation body run by the Ascension Trust who equip and enable volunteers to serve the nighttime economy. 

The **October** meeting started with the sharing of good news of God at work in the parishes making up the deanery. This was followed by a presentation on diocesan Finances by Simon Wilson. The current diocesan deficit for 2024 is £2.2 million (down from £2.7 million in 2023 and an anticipated deficit of £1.5 million for 2025). 

The majority of income to the diocese is through parish contributions, which over recent years have not kept pace with inflation and reflects fewer people attending Church of England churches in the Diocese of Leicester. Investment income broadly covers central costs, and funding has been accessed for Lower Income Communities and specific projects. 

To lower expenditure central diocesan posts have been reduced (or are funded by national grants) and the number of stipendiary clergy has been reduced through vacancies not being filled and the implementation of Minster Communities. 

Full minutes of the meetings of the Deanery Synod are available on request. 



Registered charity number 1196545
Wardens (fabric and buildings)
A concern is that in the bad wet weather, some stonework in the Church tower
continues to be very gradually flaking away. Although, the flakes are very small
and the places are not so visible, this is being monitored and the ongoing
consideration of repair estimates under scrutiny. This has suggested that repair
costs would be way above our ability to commence work, without gaining
successful grant applications, as well as setting up a village-wide building fund.
The tower has been cleaned out of sticks used by birds for their nests and the
damaged 'window' repaired.
The loan of examples of freestanding stacking chairs was concluded with a
preferred choice made by the congregation over a period of 5 months. This
matter continues to be on hold in the light of plans for partial re-ordering on the
nave.
The organ and clock have been serviced along with fire and lightning
protection equipment in and around the church. The sound and vision
equipment continues to be used albeit there has been some hiccups
throughout the year, whilst the small team of operators have welcomed the
assistance of the Ransley boys operating this system.
The plans to propose a faculty for re-ordering of a reduced area of the Church
were considered during the final quarter of theyear. It was also agreed at PCC
to proceed with selling the barn and associated land.
The Church Grounds are now being cleared and refreshed by a new local
contact, who is very methodical leg ground gutters, hedges and bordersl and
we are grateful to FOSC who payfor this. The main areas of grass cutting are still
undertaken by a company employed by the Parish Council for which we are
very grateful.
There are plans to install benches within the grounds as memorials for villagers.
Recently, the County Council informed the Church that graveyards over100
years old could be re-used for future graves. Currently there has been suff icient
unused areas for graves here.
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Registered charity number 1196545
Finance
Independently Verif led Accounts
We entered 2024 two years in arrears12022 and 20231 in submitting our annual
verified accounts to the Charities Commission. During the Ist half of 2024 this
situation was rectified and our accounts submitted thereby bringing us up to
date on the Commission's website.
Our Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2024 can be located at the
back of these cover notes. They have been verif led by an Independent
Examiner, (Paul Collins, Bsc FCAI who confirms that our records are in
accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act, that they comply with the
accounting requirements of the 2011 Act and that there are no matters of
concern that have come to his attention. This Report and Statements will be
submitted to the Charities Commission within the next 7 days.
The fund headings reflect the accounting spread sheet entries as used in
previous PCC and APCM financial reports. Each heading represents a different
area of church finance and highlights the various areas of income and
expenditure during the period under review.
The principle monetary assets are held in two National Westminster Bank
accounts and three CCLA reserve accounts.
BACKGROUND AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
GENERAL ACCOUNT NO. I
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Registered charity number 1196545
This account is used to process all incoming receipts and cover the day to day
running costs of St. Catharine's church.
At the close of bank business on 31st December 2024, our cash at the bank {to
carry forward into 20251 was just £12,113.99. Urgent remedial action was
therefore deemed necessary by the PCC to bring the Church's financial position
back on track and stabilize our out-goings.
In February 2024 our Parish Share was paused. We would not be able to sustain
a monthly contribution of ￿,400 to meet our commitment to the Diocese for
the year. Nor could we afford to continue to pay the salary and expenses of our
Youth Worker without accruing a substantial deficit. It was with much regret
that the PCC decided not to renew our Youth Worker's employment contract
when it came to an end in June 2024.
These remedial decisions by the PCC enabled us to restabilize our accounts as
the year progressed. 2024 closed on 315t December with a cash balance of
£31,210.82 in our General Account No. l.
GENERAL ACCOUNT NO. 2
To enable easy access to additional funds in the event of a possible overdraft on
General Account No. I, the PCC felt it necessaryto transfer £10,000 from our
Ordinary Shares Account (held with the CCLAI to our No 2 Account. In the
event, it was not necessary to allocate any of these funds to items of
expenditure and at the close of business on 31st December the cash balance for
this account stood at £10,839.47.
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Registered charity number 1196545
INVESTMENTIRESERVE ACCOUNTS HELD WITH THE CCLA
We currently hold three investment accounts with the CCLA, i.e.
Houghton on the Hill St Catharine's PCC- Ordinary Account
Houghton on the Hill St Catharine's PCC- Restoration Deposit
Greasley Charity for Fiepair of St Catharine's Church
The Restoration Deposit and Greasley Charity for Repairs accounts are restricted
funds and can therefore only be allocated to specific purposes agreed with the
Diocese. The Ordinary Shares Account is unrestricted and funds can be
withdrawn on demand and used at the discretion of the Church.
At the close of business on 315t December the total valuation for each of these
accounts was
OrdinaryAccount
£12,733.11
Restoration Deposit
£28,480.59
Greasley Charity Repair alc
£ 9,091.40
Patricia Jackson
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**Registered charity number 1196545** 

## **Governance** 

The PCC shares leadership with the vicar to enable the mission and ministry of St , Houghton. The PCC oversees the life of the church, stewards our building and finances, enables us to meet our responsibilities (as charity trustees, safeguarding, employment), and contributes to the wider life of the Church of England. 

PCC members are appointed as set out in the Church Representation Rules. St PCC consists of the Team Rector, Church Wardens, 6 elected members. We currently need someone to be elected to Deanery Synod. The PCC met six times in 2024. 

The PCC received regular reports on ministry areas in the life of St . We also spent time throughout the year time looking at and seeking to implement the ideas that emerged from our day away in 2023.  One way to get more buy-in from the church was to have a Sunday dedicated to the ideas that emerged from the day away. From the service the areas of focus were; opening the Church more; being more of a focal point; progressing the re-ordering of the church. which helped us look at the purpose of a PCC as well as review areas of church life. We also drafted a code of conduct to help us as PCC members know our respective roles. 

In March 2024 the PCC adopted the CEEC basis of faith including the two additional declarations, with these being consistent with the beliefs and teachings at St over many years. This was in response to the development of Prayers for Love and Faith by the Church of England. Four resolution were passed including; welcome to all; that it adopts the CEEC basis of faith; that it supports the vicar not to use the PLF; and that we are committed to CPAS as our long-standing patron. 

Throughout the year the PCC responded to the proposed North-East Leicester Minster Community (NELMC). This included offering an alternative Minster 




**Registered charity number 1196545** 

Houghton All the parishes involved with the NELMC decided that there was too much difference in vision and mission for a Minster Community to be viable. Through this process a potential partnership with Hope Hamilton developed. 

Throughout the year safeguarding was a standing item on the agenda of each meeting. Promoting a safer church policy was approved in March 2024. St reviewed and updated. The policy is in line Statement. Information about safeguarding in the life of our churches is available on our websites and on posters in all buildings. We continue to highlight the importance of safeguarding with two simple principles 

During 2024 Andrew Fry, our PCC secretary sadly died. Andrew was a dear brother in Christ who modelled such a godly faith in times of real distress and suffering. He also was a fantastic and valued member of the PCC always bringing a much-needed clear perspective on various issues. We miss him dearly. 

Full minutes of the meetings of the PCC are available on request. 



**Registered charity number 1196545** 

## **Administrative Information** 

of England. 

Leicester, LE7 9GD 

Leicester is a registered charity with the Charity Number 1196545 

The membership of the PCC during 2024 was: 

_Ex Officio members_ 

_Team Vicar:_ The Reverend Steven Ransley (chair) 

_Wardens:_ Richard Morrison and Mike Evans 

_Elected members_ 




Registered charity number 1196545
Financial Accounts 2024
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
("the Charity")
Annual Report and Financial Statements
forthe year ended 31 December 2024
(registered as a charity in England and Wales: number 1196545}
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
Legaland administrative information
Forthe year ended 31 December 2024
20IPage

**Registered charity number 1196545** 



**Website:** https://www.stcatharineschurch.co.uk/ 

**Name Date appointed** Reverend S Ransley 1st June 2019 M J Evans 20nd November 2020 P A Jackson 14th September 2023 I E Oldham 20th November 2020 R W B Morrison 22nd October 2020 S J Richardson 18th October 2024 D Shaw 12th January 2023 M Welsh 17th May 2023 





**Registered charity number 1196545** 



||**2024**|2023|
|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted liquid funds (see page 9)|**£57,433**|£38,334|
|Unrestricted expenditure (see page 8)|**£34,751**|£92,720|
|Funds held as a ratio of expenditure|**19.8 months**|5.0 months|





Registered charity number 1196545
As noted in the 2023 annual report, to increase reserves to more acceptable levels, the charity effected
expenditure reduction plans during 2024, pausing the Parish Share payments in February 2024 and
ceasing the Children's Worker project in july 2024. Subsequent to the year end, the Parish Share
payments recommenced in January 2025 and 8 drive to increase regular monthly giving income was
launched in February 2025.
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
Trustees, Report (continued)
Forthe year ended 31 December 2024
Review of the year
Income of the trust continues to be derived from donations, rental income and grants.
Income for the year totalled £55,35212023: £92,837), a year-on-year decrease of 400/0. Regular giving
income, excluding gift aid, was £18,574132%1 lower than last year, with net grant income and other
donations also lower this year.
Expenditure for the year tot811ed £34,751 12023.. £111,431), of which the Parish Share was £3,40212023-
£40,824). and the youth worker cost £14.69612023.' £37,519). As noted earlier, the charity Put in place
expenditure reduction plans during the year. pausing the Parish Share payments in February 2024 and
ceasing the Children's Worker project in July 2024. A decre8se in donations and professional fees
accounted for the majority of the other cost decreases. Parish Share payments recommenced in
January 2025.
Overall, a net surplus of £20,801 was reported for the year12023: deficit of £18,094).
In April 2015, the chLJrch land and barn were bequeathed. at nil cost, to the Leicester Diocesan Board
of Finance as custodian trustees. The Charity are the beneficial owners of these 8ssets. to enjoy
revenues generated from them and any proceeds from their sale. The assets are insured by the Charity
at an insured value of £36,000. In June 2024 theywere valued at£400,000 Iland £310,000, barn £90,000)
and this valuation has been included in these 2024 financial statements.
Net assets. principally being the church land, barn and cash at bank, totalled £495,005 as of 31 st
December 202412023= £74,2041.
Truslees
The following served as trustees during the period from 1 st january 2024 up to the date of signing of
these financial statements on 13th March 2025, serving throughout the whole period unless otherwise
stated=
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**Registered charity number 1196545** 

_Current as at 13th March 2025_ Reverend S Ransley M J Evans P A Jackson I E Oldham R W B Morrison S J Richardson (appointed 18th October 2024) D Shaw M Welsh 

_Resigned since 1st January 2024_ C Evans (resigned 1st April 2024) Professor A M Fry (resigned 1st April 2024) 






Registered charity number 1196545
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity
Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any
unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as trustees
concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would
be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements
present a'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.
Independent Examlners Statement
I have completed my examination. In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my
attention:
1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act., and
to prepare fin8ncial statements which accord with the accounting records and
to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met. or
2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding
of the financial statements to be reached.
Paul Collins Bsc FCA
Independent Examiner
5 We8re Close. Billesdon, Leicestershire LE7 9DY
13" March 2025
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
Statement of trustees, responsibilities
The charity's trustees are responsible for preparing an annual report and financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice).
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Registered charity number 1196545
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, and the provisions of the charity's constitution,
requires the charity's trustees to prepare financial statements for e8ch year which give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of
the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
observe the methods and principles in the Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice
I'SORP'I.
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
state whether applicable a¢¢ounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
prepare the f inanci81 statements on the going concern basis unless it is in8ppropri8te to
presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, and to enable them to ensure that the financial
statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008
and the provisions of the trust dee(J. They are also responsible for safeguardingthe assets of the charity
and hence for taking reasonable steps forthe prevention and detection of f raud and other irregularities.
On behalf of the TrLJStees
PAJackson- Trustee
13" March 2025
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
Statement of comprehensive income
Forthe year ended 31 December 2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Tot81
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Registered charity number 1196545
Income (note 11
Income from church activities (note 41
52,675
52.675
90,438
Investment income
1,175
1,502
2,677
2,399
53.850
1.502
55,352
92.837
Expendlture (notes 1 and 5)
34.751
34.751
111.431
Unrestricted
34,751
34.751
92,720
Restricted
18,711
Surplu$lld¢fi¢itl from a¢tivitia$
19.099
1.502
20,601
118.5941
Surplus on revaluation DI investments
note 3
200
200
500
Tot•L $urpLu$lldgficitl for tho year
19.099
1.702
20,801
118.0941
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
Statement of changes in reserves
Forthe year ended 31 December 2024
Total
Unrestricled
Restricted
reserves
As at1 January2023
58,070
34,228
92.298
271Page

Registered charity number 1196545
Total surplus/ldeficrtl for the year
119,7361
1,642
118.0941
As at 31 December 2023 Isee page 91
38,334
35,870
74.204
Total surplus forthe year
19,099
1,702
20,801
Revaluation ol church land and barn (note 21
400,000
400.000
As at31 December2024 Isee page 91
457,433
37,572
495,005
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
Statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2024
2024
2023
Reserves
note
Tangible fixed assets (see note 2)
Church land and barn
Unrestricted
400,000
Fixed asset investments (see note 31
Central Board of Finance short duration bond fund Unrestricted
2.650
2,650
Central Board of Finance COIF repair account
Restricted
9.091
8,891
281Page

Registered charity number 1196545
411,741
11,541
Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents
Natwest General account
Unrestricted
31.211
12,114
Natwest number 2 account
Unrestricted
10,839
1,764
Central Board of Finance ordinary account
Unrestricted
12,733
21,806
Central Board of Finance restoration deposit
account
Restricted
28,481
26,979
Net current assets
83,264
62,663
Not assets
495,005
74,204
Reserves allocation (see page 8}
Unrestricted- liquid assets
57.433
38,334
Unrestricted - property
400,000
Restricted
37,572
35,870
Total reserves
495,005
74,204
These financial statements, includingthe notes on pages 10-12, were approved bythe trustees and authorised for
issue on 13" March 2025. and are signed on their behalf by=
291Page

Registered charity number 1196545
R W B Morrison
P A jackson
Trusttse
Trustee
Charities number: 1196545
30IPage

Registered charity number 1196545
Parochial Church Council St. Catharine's,
Houghton
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Aocounting polioies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by
Charities.. Statement of RecommendeL1 Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts
in accordance with the Financial Reporting standard for Smaller Entities published on 16" july
2014, the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities IFRSSEI and the Charities Act 2011
and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1° January 2015.
The financial staternents have been prepared to give a'true and fair, view and have departed from
the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a
'true and fair view,.
Goingconoern
The charity's forecasts and projections show that the charity should be able to operate within the
level of its Current cash reserves. As noted earlier, a Cost reduction program was implemented
during 2024, together with a drive to increase regular gift income which was launched in February
2025. After m8king enquiries, the trustees have 8 re8son8ble expectation that the ch8rity has
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The c harity
therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its fin8ncial st8tements.
Income and expenditure
Income represents donations (together with the associated claims for gift aid), grants, income
from Investments and interest on deposits and are included in the financial statements when
credited or due to be received.
Expenditure is included in the financial statements on a cash basis when paid.
31 |Page

**Registered charity number 1196545** 






||**£**|£|
|---|---|---|
||**2024**|2023|
|**Church land and barn**|||
|At 1st January 2024|-|-|
|Revaluation|400,000|-|
||----------------------|----------------------|
||-|-|
|**At 31st December 2024**|**400,000**|-|
||==================|==================|





**Registered charity number 1196545** 



||**£**|£|
|---|---|---|
||**2024**|2023|
|**1,831 Shares in the Short Duration Bond Fund at the**|||
|**CCLA Central Board of Finance**|||
|At 1st January 2024|2,650|2,899|
|Revaluation|-|(249)|
||----------------------|----------------------|
||-|-|
|**At 31st December 2024**|**2,650**|2,650|
||==================|==================|
|**448 Shares in the COIF Charity Investment Fund**|||
|At 1st January 2024|8,891|8,142|
|Revaluation|200|749|
||----------------------|----------------------|
||-|-|
|**At 31st December 2024**|**9,091**|8,891|
||==================|==================|
|COIF Charity Investment Fund share prices (mid-|||
|market)|||
|At 1st January 2024|£19.85|£18.17|
|At 31st December 2024|£20.29|£19.85|





**Registered charity number 1196545** 



|||**£**|£|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**2024**|2023|
|**Income**||||
|Regular giving (includes Parish Giving Scheme)||39,389|57,963|
|Gift aid claims from HMRC||5,646|4,489|
|Donations received||546|9,855|
|Funeral and wedding fees (2024: net of||1,311|3,402|
|repayments)||||
|Grants received (2023: net of repayments)||-|5,058|
|Rents received||4,292|6,441|
|Other income||1,491|3,230|
|||-----------------------|-----------------------|
|**Total income**||**52,675**|90,438|
|||==================|==================|
|Unrestricted||52,675|72,288|
|Restricted||-|18,150|
|||-----------------------|-----------------------|
|**Total income**||**52,675**|90,438|
|||==================|==================|
|||**£**|£|
|||**2024**|2023|
|**Expenditure**||||
|Church activities|parish share|3,402|40,824|
|Children and youth worker salary and expenses||14,696|37,519|
|Utilities and insurance||6,029|6,778|
|Mission and outreach||1,469|2,618|
|Donations made||4,160|10,000|
|Professional fees||493|4,479|
|Other expenditure|(includes clergy expenses)|4,502|9,213|
|||-----------------------|-----------------------|
|**Total expenditure**||**34,751**|111,431|
|||==================|==================|
|Unrestricted||34,751|92,720|
|Restricted||-|18,711|
|||-----------------------|-----------------------|
|**Total expenditure**||**34,751**|111,431|





**Registered charity number 1196545** 

|||==================|==================|
|---|---|---|---|
|**As a % of total costs**||||
|Church activities|parish share|10%|37%|
|Children and youth worker salary and expenses||42%|34%|
|Others||48%|29%|
|||-----------------------|-----------------------|
|||**100%**|100%|
|||==================|==================|