## **Annual Report** ## **and** ## **Financial Statements** ## **Parochial Church Council** **of Wigan North East** ## **for the year ended 31 December 2023.** ## **Charity Number 1201984** 1 ## **Annual Report and Financial Statements of the** ## **Parochial Church** ## **Council of Wigan North East,** ## **for the year ended 31 December 2023.** ## **Aims and Purposes** Wigan North East Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the Incumbent of the Wigan benefice, in promoting in the ecclesiastical Parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the church buildings of St David’s, Haigh; St Elizabeth’s, Aspull; St John’s, New Springs; and St Stephen’s, Whelley, together with the 3 associated church halls. When planning our activities for the year, the PCC considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and in particular the specific guidance to charities concerned with the advancement of religion. The PCC is committed to promoting the Christian way of life through regular worship, prayer, nurture, outreach, charity and social activities; to build and maintain strong links with our three Church of England Primary Schools; and to provide spiritual, emotional and physical support to our community, especially at times of celebration, need or sorrow. ## **Achievement and Performance** In 1 Thess 5v16-18, St Paul urges the believers to, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It is with this call to thankfulness to God that we reflect on 2023; rejoicing in the growth of God’s Kingdom here, and in his continued faithfulness to us. Our established pattern of Sunday morning worship across the hub has continued throughout the year, providing a source of joy and spiritual nourishment to our established congregations. Our three Journey Groups have continued to meet fortnightly, providing community and discipleship for their members. Alongside this we also give thanks for the ongoing development of our all-age services at St Elizabeth’s and St Stepehen’s and the continued growth of newer worshipping communities and the formation of others. The community of 3Ts has continued to meet and grow throughout the year with an average of 30-40 people now attending each month. Emerging out of JEDS pantry and the warm space a small worshipping community has begun to meet over this year. Another cause for celebration is the re-starting of Messy Church with a team from across the Hub, meeting every other month; here families old and young worship, be creative and eat together. All this growth in the fresh worshipping communities has been made possible through committed and faithful people seeking to first listen to God and then to be willing to serve him either in practical ways or in committing to pray for each of these communities and for whom we are extremely thankful. Throughout this year there has been a continued commitment to engaging in mission of God; that is showing and telling the Good News of Jesus in our communities. JEDS Pantry and the associated 2 warm/welcome space has continued throughout the year and has seen in a growth in its use and an increasing feel of belonging to a community for the many people who are coming each week. There has been further strengthening of the links between the pantry and all the schools within the parish and this has enabled the provision of support to those in greatest need when it has been most needed. A huge Thank You again to Angie at the White Lion and Railway for her continued support this year and especially to the highly committed team of JEDS pantry volunteers. Other areas of mission to the community have included several Churchyard Cafes at both St David’s and St Elizabeth’s, especially at key times of the year such as Christmas, Easter and Mothering Sunday. These cafes have created a welcome opportunity for churchyard visitors to get a hot drink, to light a candle, a time to chat or a time of quiet to sit and reflect. At Christmas, alongside our usual Christmas services many joined with the local communities and councillors in singing carols around the Christmas trees at New Springs, Aspull, and, for the first time, at Whelley in the grounds of St Stephen’s, organised by local resident Cat Croston. St John’s held a Nativity Festival, it was particularly great to see the contributions from our church schools and people from many in our local communities. As part of Aspull Churches Together members of St David’s and St Eizabeth’s also hosted a Nativity Trail based out of Aspull library where refreshments were served, and craft activities provided for children. We can rejoice that through both fresh worshipping communities and the regular missional activities each month we are connecting with somewhere approaching 200 people from beyond our Sunday congregations, quite apart from one-off and seasonal events; these are all people who would otherwise have little or no contact with church. This year has also seen continued social and other community events. There have been regular quizzes, bingo, and other social activities in our church halls and buildings. Other notable events this year have included Haigh and Aspull Walking Day, the now famous Aspull Worming Charming Championships, and community BBQ’s. In celebration of the crowning of King Charles III, St Stephen’s also hosted the “Great Whelley Coronation Bake Off” which was judged by our very own Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood lookalikes! We are hugely thankful to all those across the hub who have again given tirelessly of the time and talents to enable all of this (and a whole lot more) to happen. Particular thanks must go David Garrington, for his work as churchwarden, to Margeret Bishop, our treasurer, Julie Oldham, our PCC secretary to all those who serve in our Local Missional Leadership Teams. Sincere thanks must also go to Brian Delap who made the decision to stand down as Churchwarden in July; Brian had served faithfully as Churchwarden and deputy PCC chair since the formation of the parish of Wigan North East in 2020, and before that as churchwarden and deputy PCC chair at St David’s. Throughout this year we have continued with the Right Buildings Process which began in late 2022. It must be recognised that this has been a very difficult, challenging, and painful process for many but most especially the Worshipping Community at St John’s whose building was recommended for “Release”, and the community of St David’s whose building was recommended for a further review. The Right Building process will continue into 2024 and, whilst we don’t necessarily give thanks for the challenging situation we are in, nevertheless we can and must give thanks for the faithfulness of God: our faithful God who, we trust, will continue to lead us, guide us, and support us by his Spirit as we continue this necessary but difficult process. 3 At the end of the year, as well as our Christmas celebrations it was also a time for goodbyes as it was announced that, after just over three years as curate, Rev Sandra Jones would be leaving us to take up the role of Hub Leader in the South Hub of Church Wigan. Sandra has been a huge blessing to so many throughout her time here and although sad that she is leaving us, it is again with joy and thankfulness to God that we acknowledge His call for her to continue to serve Him here in Wigan. ## **Financial Review** Once again, we are thankful to those who have contributed towards the management of our Hub finances, particularly to Margaret Bishop as PCC Treasurer. She has continued to be assisted and supported by Elizabeth Hayward, Janet Dickinson, David Garrington, David Ryding, Richard Fisher and Susan Whittle. The following gives a narrative summary to the accompanying, independently examined, accounts. Figures are generally rounded to nearest £500 for clarity. 1. Overall Income in 2023 was £124,000, up from £109,000 in 2022, an increase of approx. 15,000. 2. Notable details: - a. £700 increase in Giving (Planned, PGS, envelopes, collections, donations, GiftAid tax recovered) - b. £5,700 winter heating grant from the National Church, for 2022, but received in 2023. - c. Fundraising as 2022, at £9,500 - d. Wedding and Funeral fees up £4,000, from £17,500 to £21,500 - e. Hall lettings also up £4,000, from £11,500 to £15,500 - f. JEDS pantry contributions towards utilities up from £1,700 to £2,500, and are being reviewed further for 2024. 3. Overall Payments, from all Funds, were £104,000 in 2023, down from £130,000 in 2022, a decrease of £16,000. 4. Within this, Parish Share (inc Wigan Deanery Trust contributions) payments were £53,000 in 2023, down from £86,000 in 2022. - a. Complexities of cash flow and managing multiple bank accounts led to us paying more Parish Share than we could afford in 2022. - b. This resulted in us ending 2022 with our General Fund in £12,000 deficit. (We were not overdrawn at the bank because the Designated Fund was £61,000 in surplus.) - c. During 2023 this deficit was corrected, leaving the General Fund at £3,500 surplus at the end of 2023 (but with less than £1,000 of this held in the Current Account). 5. Other Payments were £51,000 in 2023, up from £44,000 in 2022. - a. Of this £51,000, £44,000 was from General Funds, £5,000 from Designated, £2,000 from Restricted. 4 - b. Utility and insurance costs (inc. clergy housing) increased £6,500 (though some of St David’s Hall heating costs were 2022 arrears). - c. Routine church maintenance increased £1,000. - d. £700 of the increased Admin costs is largely due to bank charges (we are charged each time we pay cash into the account) These charges started mid-year 2022 as the first year of banking was free. Other costs were hub and admin phone rental and increased paper/ink usage. 6. Other notes - a. Hall lettings go to Designated St David’s and St Elizabeth’s Funds, but to General for St John’s and St Stephen’s. - b. Clergy Expenses includes housing costs (water rates & council tax), which are now being paid by the Deanery, then reimbursed by us. - c. Upkeep of Services on p1 of the accounts includes Readers Fees (shown itemised on p3) - d. Upkeep of Services is paid from general hub funds (except capital purchases – see above). - e. St Elizabeth’s and St Stephen’s pay to CCLI and PRS which cover the playing and projection of more modern worship songs used in all age worship, they also cover a limited public event performances (see Admin and Governance). As trustees the PCC are aware of our financial responsibilities and we continually review the levels of controllable expenditure, making savings wherever possible. ## **Risk Assessment.** The PCC recognises that in relation to ‘Risk Assessment’, risk is defined as ‘the threat of any action or event which will adversely affect an organisation’s ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies’. It also accepts that the term ‘risk’ can include any circumstances that may, or do, have an adverse effect, and is wider than financial matters. ‘Risks’ relate not only to the negative consequences of a threat, but also to the impact of not taking advantage of opportunities. The PCC recognises it requires a practical Health and Safety Policy covering activities for both the churches and their surrounding grounds. The contents and obligations of the Equality Act 2010 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 are known and complied with to the best of the PCC’s ability. The PCC is aware of its responsibilities in respect of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in its requirement to carry out a fire assessment to identify any possible dangers and risks, to take action to minimise the risks and to create a plan to deal with any emergencies, and also to write up and keep a record of its findings and to review its assessment annually. The PCC has appointed the Churchwardens to be the responsible persons to put these things into operation. ## **Safeguarding** There is a Safeguarding Policy in place in respect of children and vulnerable adults. DBS Checks have been and are made for those dealing regularly with young people and vulnerable adults. The Parish Safeguarding Officer is Sally Oyeyele, with Revd. Sandra Jones acting as PCC Rep and working closely with the PSO. There is also a Safeguarding contact for each congregation/building, who work with the PSO. Those new to PCC have each undertaken safeguarding training. Whilst it is impossible to eliminate all risks and their consequences, efforts are constantly made to minimise such occurrences. The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. ## **Structure, governance and management:** The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The Standing Committee of the PCC is the only committee required by church law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to ratification by the PCC. Its members are the Team Vicars, the two Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary and one lay PCC member. ## **PCC members.** ## Clergy: Team Rector: Revd. Neil Cook Team Vicars: Revd. Stephen Beck, Revd. Frances Shoesmith The other Team Vicars of the Wigan Benefice are/were also members of the PCC during 2023:, Revd Sue Fulford, Revd Dot Gosling, Revd Stan Higginson, Revd Will Gibbons (resigned Jan 2023) Revd Canon Sam Nicholson, Revd Rachel Sheehan (resigned October 2023), Revd Jeremy Thomas, Revd Mark Wade, Revd Elliot Ireton, Revd Fran Humphry, Revd Catherine Coslett. Lay Members: ## Churchwardens (ex-officio PCC members): Mr Brian Delap (Lay Vice Chair) – (resigned July 2023) _(Vacancy)_ Mr David Garrington Representatives on the Deanery Synod (terms end APCM 2026): Mr Keith Lang (subsequently resigned March 2024) _(Vacancy)_ Mr Peter Walker Mrs Barbara Holden Mr Mike Knight _Vacancy_ Elected lay members: Mrs Margaret Bishop (PCC Treasurer) – term ends APCM 2024, Mrs Janet Dickinson-term ends APCM 2024 _(Post up for election)_ _(Post up for election)_ 6 Mrs Julie Oldham (PCC Secretary) – term ends APCM 2024 _(Post up for election)_ Mr Vince McCarthy - term ends APCM 2025 Mrs Susan Whittle – term ends APCM 2025 Mr Eric Grindrod – term ends APCM 2025 (resigned Nov 2023) _(Post up for election)_ Mrs Joan Garrington – term ends APCM 2025, Mrs Helen Hollis – term ends APCM 2026, Joanne McClennon – term ends APCM 2026 Mrs Elaine Grindrod – term ends APCM 2026 (resigned Nov 2023) _(Post up for election)_ Mrs Nicola Cosens – terms ends APCM 2026 _Vacancy – term ends 2024_ _(Post up for election)_ ## Co-opted members (until APCM): Revd Sandra Jones (Assistant Curate) _(subsequently moved to new post Jan 2024)_ The Standing Committee of the PCC during 2023 was: Mr Brian Delap (resigned July 2023), Mr David Garrington, Mrs Julie Oldham, Mrs Janet Dickinson, Mrs Margaret Bishop, Rev Stephen Beck, Rev Frances Shoesmith. ## **Electoral Roll** As of 31[st] December 2023, the parish electoral role consisted of 224 members, the changes are summarised below. ||Resident|Non-resident|Total| |---|---|---|---| |2022 Roll|187|37|224| |Additions|1|2|3| |Removals|-3|0|-3| |Total 2023|185|39|224| This report was agreed by the PCC on 23[rd] April 2024 Signed:______________________________________ (Revd Stephen Beck, PCC Chair) 7 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF WIGAN NORTH EAST Cha Ref. No. 1201984 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS R THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 PAROCHIAL HUR H COUNCIL OF WIGAN NofffH EAST Charf No. 1201984 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 RE PT AND PAYMEFir Ger￿31 Designat￿ Restricted Funds Funds Funds 2022 Total Tolal RECEIPTS Voluntary Glvlng: Gift Aid FAanned giw Other planned givi Collections at seNices Donations Gift ￿'d recoveied Legacies received Grants r8eeiv 34.412 6.924 8.744 2,801 14.299 34,412 6,924 8.744 3.197 14.299 35,665 7.083 7,142 2,972 13.568 76 320 6.663 6,663 1,500 Actlvltles for generallng lunds: Income trom fundraising 8,664 455 370 9,489 9,867 Income from Invgslmgnts: Bank interest retsived 213 259 364 Church actlvltles: Siatulory lees Iweddiros. funerals eicl Magazine income Hall lettings Other income 21.448 21,448 17,663 6.430 2.480 9,294 15,724 2,480 11,618 1,725 TOTAL RECEIPTS 123 639 109 167 PAYMENTS Costs of generaling fund8: Weekly env8lopes Co8t8 Ot church actlvltlfr8: Deanery share contribution Salanes, wagès and honararia Clergy expenses Upkeep ol services Routine church maintenance Church insuranc8 Church ulilty bills Administratlon al￿ governance Churchyard maintenance Magazine cosls Church hdl costs Major expendilurè- Major repairs to chuch bjlhjiro Major repairs to church hall 113 113 305 53,ofKI 53,000 86.200 10.804 2,258 4,071 7.987 17,810 1.787 10,804 3,561 4,071 7,987 17.810 1,787 1,071 8,557 2.401 2.915 6,407 15,159 1,070 4,343 673 630 1,071 4,102 4,102 2,941 TOTAL PAYMENTS 97.830 1.701 104,306 130 298 NET SURPLUSI{DEFicrr) 15,248 5,096 11,0111 19,333 121.1311 Transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 15,248 5,096 11.0111 19.333 121,1311 Balances bltstl at 1st January 2023 111.690) 61,404 25,981 75.695 96,826 Balances clfwd at 31sl December 20t3 95,028 75,695 PAROCHIAL CHURCH Cha No. 1201984 NAN ATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2W2 STATEMEKr ETS ANO uA￿UllES General Designaled Restrfcted Fund Funds 2022 Totsl Total Cash in Hand Bank Current Accounts: Bank DeFosil Accounl CBF Deposfi Accounts CBF Fixed Income Inveslmerrts 66.500 89,841 40.020 8,332 24,716 2,622 42 2,623 2,564 2.623 3.558 66.500 24.970 95,028 75.695 Note$ 1. The linanacial slalgmonts ol Iho PCC have been prepared in xcordance *ryth the Church Accounlino Regulations 2009 using the Receipts ￿ Payments basis. 2. Consecrated and beneficed property ol any kn'nd is exdudod Irom the financial staiem¢nts by s.10121 ot th8 Charities 2011 The lollowng assets are recognised bul nol necessari￿ valuèd in the Slalement ol Assets an¢J kn'abllili8S.' - movethe church lumishings hekl by Ihe ChuTclhvard8ns on special Irusl lor the PCG %4tsch require a facuty lof disposal - additional propety owned by the PCC tr￿1 has not been vall￿￿.. St Davids Parish Hatl, Si Elizaboth's Parish Hall & St Siephen's Parish Hall 3. Th8 èxpènses p8kl to clergy may Ind￿le a small immaterial prop)rtion which re￿5 to I￿1r functlon as PCC members. 4. No payments were made to PCC members for belng methrs ol the PCC. Approved by the PCC on 2024 arKI signed M tr*ir b0haM by.. Chalrman Trgasurer 21 201 Independent Examiner's unqualified report to the niembers of the P.C.C. of the Parish of Wigan North East (Charity Registration Nunther 1201984) of the P.C.C FiDaDcial Statements for the year ending 31 . December 2023. as set out on pag&8 of this Report. Respective responsibilities of the P.C.C. and the examiner. The P.C.C. members acting &s th¢ charity's trustees are reswnsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audii is not required for the year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011(the Charities Act) and that an independent examI￿On is needeAI. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charitias Act to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(SKb) of the Charities Act. and to state whether particular matters have come to my atientioftL Basis of the Independent EI•miner's statement. My examination w&s carried out in accurdance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission and the guidance published in PCC Accountability (The Charilies Act 2011 and the P.C.C.). 5 edition). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a Comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or dI￿lOsUreS in the accounts, and s¢eking explanations from the trustees conc¢rning such matters. The procedures und¢rtak¢n do not provide all the evidence that would b¢ required for an audiL and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited io those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner'$ statemenl. In connection with my examI￿tion. no material matter has come to my attention which giv¢s me Cause to believe that in, any material respect". accounting record8 were not kept in accordance with S￿tion 130 of the Charities ACL or tb¢ accounts do not accord to the accounting record& I have come acmss no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a prow undeTStandin8 of the accounts is reached. Signed. Name Date 15 . May 2024. Revd. A. A. Clem¢nts. Fellow Assoclation of Clwity knde￿ident Exarniners. Address 15 Carleton RO￿ Great Knowley, Chorley PR6 8TQ ACIE PCC CC32