## **Annual Report** 

## **and** 

## **Financial Statements** 

## **Parochial Church Council** 

**of Wigan North East for the year ended 31 December 2024. Charity Number 1201984** 


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## **Annual Report and Financial Statements of the** 

## **Parochial Church** 

## **Council of Wigan North East,** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024.** 

## **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** 

_Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. (Ps 136:1-3)_ 

In the opening verse of that Psalm, the writer encourages and reminds us to give thanks to God because he is good. The refrain, which continues throughout the whole psalm, tells of God’s goodness springing from the love that he has for us and all of his creation. As we look back on another year it is a time to reflect and give thanks to God for the goodness and love he has again shown to us as we have sought to join with him in bringing his Kingdom here in the parish of Wigan North East, as it is in heaven. 

Our established pattern of Sunday morning worship across the hub has continued, providing a source of joy and spiritual nourishment to our established congregations. In some of our Hub Worship services we have explored using some Celtic-inspired prayers and liturgy which has been well received. Our Journey Groups have continued to meet fortnightly, providing these communities an opportunity to grow in faith. We are also thankful to God for the formation of an additional group which has developed from some of our pantry customers wanting to explore the Christian faith. 

Our all-age services at St Elizabeth’s and St Stephen’s have continued to grow and develop. The community of 3Ts has continued to meet throughout the year for times of fellowship and creative reflection using craft activities on a particular theme. 

This year as also seen the continued growth of JEDS pantry and of the warm space which follows immediately after it. There is a growing community of people coming along, a place of deepening 

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existing friendships and the forging of new ones. Thanks go to all the volunteers and also Angie at White Lion for all their work and support during another busy year. Throughout the year several outside and public agencies have been invited to attend, giving advice on topics such as energy efficiency, finance and benefit entitlements. Looking forward into 2025, JEDS are looking to support the setting up a popup style pantry at St Davids. 

Messy Church, run by a team from across the Hub, has continued to meet every-other month; here families old and young have worshipped, been creative and eaten together. In order to help further development of community in 2025 the team have committed to trial meeting monthly and see if this is sustainable. 

As in previous years, our growth in and development of all our worship communities has been made possible through committed and faithful people being willing to step out and use their gifts and talents to serve God. We remain deeply thankful to all who committedly serve in so many and varying ways 

This year continued to see us working with and supporting our local schools within the parish. Organised through JEDS and because of the generosity of people across the parish we again distributed Christmas food hampers and children’s toys to families who were identified by our schools as being in greatest need. 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. 

Our churchyard cafes continued at St David’s over the summer and at key seasonal times of the year where good conversations over a hot drink have been had with those visiting their family members grave. 

Drawing on the experience of the previous year, Aspull Churches Together members of St David’s and St Eizabeth’s hosted both Easter and Nativity Trails. Based out of Aspull library, this were short activitywalks which told the Easter and Christmas accounts in an all-age friendly way, and which finished with refreshments and engaging craft activities. 

As in previous years, at Christmas we joined with the local communities and local councillors in singing carols around the Christmas trees in Aspull and New Springs. This year St Stephen’s again organised a community carols event around the tree in the churchyard. This event saw over seventy people from the local community come and sing carols and Christmas songs and then refreshments together in church. 

We can rejoice that through both fresh worshipping communities, regular social and missional activities each month we are connecting with increasing numbers of people who would otherwise have little or no contact with church. 

We are also thankful that in June many of us we able to share in the joy of witnessing the ordination of Andrew Turton at Liverpool Cathedral. It is a real delight that Andrew is able serve his curacy with us; Andrew has been and remains a real blessing to us as he continues to serve in this new role into which God has called him. 

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 to our Churchwardens, Peter Walker and David Garrington. David has expressed his intention to not stand again for churchwarden at our APCM and so we want to say a huge thanks to him for all his commitment and hard work over the last almost 5 years. Thanks again to Margeret Bishop, our 

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treasurer, Julie Oldham, our PCC secretary, to all those who serve in our Local Missional Leadership Teams, and everyone who helps in so many, often unseen, ways. 

Above all, we “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” 

## **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, Richard Fisher, Susan Whittle and David Ryding. 

The following gives a narrative summary to the accompanying, independently examined, accounts. Figures are generally rounded to the nearest £500 for clarity. 

1. Overall income in 2024 was £119,000 down from £124,000 in 2023, reduced by £5,000 

2. Notable details: 

a. Planned Voluntary Giving (Gift Aid, Other and collections at church services) was a slight decrease of 

- £500 from 2023 

b. Fundraising was primarily from General Fund of £19,250 a slight increase from 2023, which was £18,500 

- c. Wedding and Funeral fees was lower in 2024 by £3,000, which included only one wedding in the Hub 

- d. Hall lettings from General and Designated funds show a modest increase of £2,000. 

3. Overall, Payments from all Funds, saw an increase of £12,800 

4. In previous years all Deanery Share expenditure was paid directly to Liverpool Diocese Board of Finance (LDBF). Then from this money they paid Wigan Deanery Trust (WDT) their allocation. In 2024, this changed allowing the Hub to pay directly to WDT their allocation, which made a reduced Deanery Share total 

- a. In 2024 we were able to increase our Deanery Share and WDT payments by £3,500 

- b. Clergy expenses significantly reduced by £3,500. This is mainly due to a reduction of Clergy in our Hub 

c. Routine church maintenance significantly increased by £8,000. This was for essential church repairs etc. The costs were covered by General, Designated and Restricted Funds 

d. An increase of £2,000 on Church (buildings) Insurance 

e. Church utility bills were lower in 2024 by £2,000 than in 2023. This is significant as the utility charges were higher in 2024. Closing our churches and using our parish halls in the winter months has contributed to this saving 

f. There was an increase in churchyard maintenance by £1,500. This increase was funded by Restricted Funds 

g. There was a significant increase in 2024 Church Hall costs by £5,500. This was for essential hall repairs. The vast majority of this was funded by Designated Funds. 

5. Other Notes 

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a. Hall lettings go to Designated St David’s and St Elizabeth’s Funds, and to General for St John’s and St Stephen’s Fund 

b. Clergy expenses include housing costs (council tax and water rates) 

c. St Elizabeth’s and St Stephen’s continue to pay 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. 

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 Mrs Rachel Thomas. 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’ Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance."_ 

## **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. 

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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 2024.** 

## 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 2024:, Revd Sue Fulford, Revd Dot Gosling, Revd Stan Higginson, Revd Canon Sam Nicholson, Revd Jeremy Thomas (resigned June 2024), Revd Mark Wade (resigned August 2024), Revd Elliot Ireton (resigned June 2024), Revd Fran Humphry, Revd Catherine Coslett, Rev Clive Doran, Rev Roland Harvey, Rev Sandra Jones. Lay Members: 

Churchwardens (ex-officio PCC members): 

Mr Peter Walker 

Mr David Garrington 

Representatives on the Deanery Synod (terms end APCM 2026): 

Mr Peter Walker 

Mrs Barbara Holden 

Mr Mike Knight 

_Vacancy_ 

_(Lower electoral roll means post_ 

Elected lay members: 

Mr Vince McCarthy - term ends APCM 2025 Mrs Susan Whittle – term ends APCM 2025 Mrs Nicola Cosens – terms ends APCM 2025 Joanne McClennon – term ends APCM 2025 Mrs Joan Garrington – term ends APCM 2026 Mrs Helen Hollis – term ends APCM 2026, Mr Les Williams – term ends APCM 2026 

_(Post up for election) (Post up for election) (Post up for election) (Post up for election)_ 

Mr Eric Grindrod – term ends APCM 2026 

Mrs Margaret Bishop (PCC Treasurer) – term ends APCM 2027 

Mrs Janet Dickinson - term ends APCM 2027 

Mrs Julie Oldham (PCC Secretary) - term ends APCM 2027 

Mr Richard Thomas – term ends 2027 

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The Standing Committee of the PCC during 2024 was: 

Mr Peter Walker, 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 2024, the parish electoral role consisted of 216 members, the changes are summarised below. 

||Resident|Non-resident|Total|
|---|---|---|---|
|2023 Roll|185|39|224|
|Additions|1|0|1|
|Removals|9|0|9|
|Total 2024|177|39|216|



This report was agreed by the PCC on 25[th] February 2025 

Signed:______________________________________ (Revd Stephen Beck, PCC Chair) 

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PAR
HI
RCH COUNCIL OF WIGAN NOFMI EAST
Char
Ref. No. 1201984
IAL
ATEME
YEA

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF
NAN
ATEMEKr
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
RE
AND PAYMEKfs ACCOUP
2023
Total
Funds
Funds
Total
RECEI
Voluntsry Glvlng:
Gift Aid planned gmng
Other planned giving
Collections al setvices
Donations
Gift Aid recover8d
Legacies ￿1Ved
Grants r8ceiv&l
33.414
5.147
10.955
1.059
11,401
33,414
5,147
10,955
1,479
11.401
34,412
6,924
8,744
3,197
14,299
4,172
5,172
6,663
Actlvltles lor g￿ratIng funds:
Incom8 from lundraisirvJ
6,424
4,749
11,993
9,489
In￿me Irom Investmen18:
Bank Inte￿$1 received
259
Church aetlvttlos:
Slalutory fees (W￿dIng$. funerals etcl
Magazine income
Hall l&ttin98
Olhor income
18,613
18,813
21,448
5,763
11.758
17,Y21
3,030
15,724
2,480
TOTAL RECEIFrs
118788 123639
AYMENT
C08t8 01 generntlno fund•=
Weekly envelopes
Co$t$ of ehurch 8Ctlvltle•:
Deanery shar8 contribution
WDT administration suw)rt
Clergy expenses
Upkeep ol services
Routine church mainlenance
Church insurance
Church utilrty bills
Adminislralion and govemarta
Churchyard maintenancè
Magazine costs
Chur¢h hall costs
Malor oxpendfturn:
Majoi repairs lo chuch buildir¥J
Major repairs lo church hall
75
75
113
44,IlXI
12,480
7.146
711
44,100
12,480
7,146
756
12,184
10,234
15,743
2,367
2.456
53,000
10,804
3,561
4,071
7,987
17.810
1,787
1,071
3.106
250
10,234
15.743
2.151
216
2.4
537
9.047
4,102
TOTAL PAYMETr¥rs
102,(M)5
117125 104306
NET SURPLUSI(DEFICIT)
{1,171)
19,333
Transfers belween fund8
14.4361
NET MOVEMElff IN FUNDS
{1.171)
1.663
19,333
Balances brt al 1st January 2024
24,970
95,028
75.695
Balances crt at 31st De¢wnber 2W24
67.402
96,691
95,028

HIAL CHURCH
NCIL
No. 1201984
FINANCIAL STATEME
EMBER
ATEMEKr
AND UABILrnES
Fund
Funds
Tolal
Totsl
Cash in Hand
Bank Curr8nl ACC￿1n￿.
GBF De[￿11 A￿￿nts
CBF Fixed Income Inve*ments
2.973
42
2.47S
67.402
21,277
2.522
91,652
2,564
2.475
89,841
2,564
2.623
5,490
96.691
95.028
1. The finanaual stalements of Ihe PCC have been wepared in ac￿rdanCe hrylh tho Church
Accounting Regulations 2009 using the Receipts and Payments tosis.
2. Consecrated and benef￿ed propety of any kn'nd is eX￿￿￿j Irom the financial Statern￿ts
by s.10121 of the Charities Act 2011
The following assèts are recognised imjt necessarily in the Ststem8nt of Assets and Liabililies:
- moveable church lumishings held by th8 Churchwardens on Sp8Th￿ Iwst lor the PCC which
T￿Vire a laculty for th"sposal
- addibonal property owned by the PCC t￿1 whith has not been valued..
St DavKI's Parish Hall. Sl Elizabeth's Parish Hall & Sl Stefv's Parish Hall
3. The expenses paKI lo clerw nwy ifKlude a sm811 immaterial pl￿￿r￿0￿ th'ch relaies to Ihoir
function as PCC rnerr￿.
4. No payments were made to PCC memb8ryJ for boing of the PCC.
Approved by the PCC on 2£ Ah J aThJ goned on their behall by..
r¥ar
Chairman
Treasuref

Independent Examiner's unqualified report to the members of
the P.C.C. of the P8rish of Wigan North East
(Charity Regislra¢ion Ivumber 1201984)
of the P.C.C Financial Statements for the year ending 31". December 2024.
as set out on pag&8 of this Report.
Respective responsibilities of the P.C.C. *Dd the examiner.
The P.C.C. members acting &$ (he charity's tn￿teeS are responsible for the preparation of th¢
accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is noi required for the year under section
144 of the Charities Act 2011(the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the ChaTities Act
to follow th¢ procedures laid down in the general Direclions given by the Charity
Commission (under section 145(5Kb) of the Charities Act. and
to Slate wheth¢r particular matters have come to my attention,
Basis of the IDdepeDdent Examiner's statem¢DL
My examination w&s caTried out in accoTdance with the general Directions given by the Charity
Commission and the guidance publi%hed in PCC Accountability {The Charities 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 accounls presenied with these records. It also includes
considcration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from
the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence
that would be required for an audiL and consequendy no opinion is given as to whether the
accounts present a 'true and fair, Vie￿ and the report is limited to those matters set out in thc
statement below.
Independent examiner's statement.
In connection with my examination. no ma*rial matter has come to my attention which gives me
cause to believe that I￿ any material r¢spe¢t:
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Chartties Act, or
the accounts do not accord to the accounting re¢oids.
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attentiorfft should
be th?wn in order to enable a prO￿r understanding of the accounts is reache
Signed.
Date 25". March 2025.
Name
Revd. A. A. Clements.
Fellow Association of Charity Independent Examiners.
Address 15 Carleton Road, Great Knowley. Chorley PR6 8TQ
ACIE PCC CC32