**The Parish of Kildwick, Cononley & Bradley** ## _**Annual Report and Accounts**_ _**2025**_ 1 **2025 Report and Accounts for the Parochial Church Council of Kildwick, Cononley & Bradley** ## **Aims and purposes** Kildwick, Cononley and Bradley Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent, the Reverend Mike Green, 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 St John The Evangelist Church Cononley, (and its churchyard), St Mary’s Church Bradley, (and its grounds), and the church complex at St Andrew’s Kildwick, including St Andrew’s Church, the Parish rooms, the Hearse House, and the old and new churchyards. In addition, St John’s, Cononley is part of a Local Ecumenical Partnership with the Methodist Church, (The Airedale Methodist Circuit). ## **Objectives and Activities** The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our churches and to become part of our parish community in Kildwick, Cononley and Bradley. The PCC, through the worship sub-group, 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 prayer and Scripture, music and sacrament. When planning our activities for the year, we have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the supplementary guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, 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; 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 churches of St John’s, St Mary’s, St Andrew’s and the Church Complex in Kildwick. 2 ## **Achievements, Performance, Worship and prayer** We are fortunate to have Licensed Lay Ministers, an Occasional Preacher, a Lay Worship Leader and retired clergy in the parish who are willing to play a part in our pattern of worship. Our grateful thanks go to the Revd John Lancaster, the Revd John Peet, LLM Rod Tickner, Glyn Evans, Mary Peet and to other local clergy. This has enabled us to have a services throughout 2025. St John’s link with the Methodist circuit is maintained, as one service a month is taken by a Methodist minister. Across the parish, our pattern of Sunday worship has continued to develop, helping each of our churches to offer a regular and distinctive rhythm of prayer and gathering. On the first Sunday of the month, Holy Communion is celebrated at St Mary’s Bradley at 9am, and at St Andrew’s Kildwick at 10:30am, alongside a Methodist-led service at St John’s Cononley, also at 10:30am. On the second Sunday, we gather at 9am for BCP Holy Communion at St Andrew’s, and at 10:30am for Holy Communion at St John’s. On the third Sunday, Holy Communion is celebrated at St Mary’s at 9am, and at St Andrew’s at 10:30am. On the fourth Sunday, there is a 9am Holy Communion at St Andrew’s, and Café Church at St John’s at 10:30am, offering a more informal space for worship and fellowship. When there is a fifth Sunday, the parish comes together for a single united service at 10am, rotating between our churches, which continues to be an important expression of our shared life. Alongside this regular pattern, a said service of Holy Communion is offered midweek at St Andrew’s, and Morning Prayer is said each Monday at St Andrew’s and Friday at St John’s. The Worship Subgroup, led by Janet Clifford and supported by representatives from each congregation, continues to guide and support this work. In response to diocesan requirements, lay members who lead services are continuing to be trained and equipped for this ministry. Alongside the regular rhythm of Sunday worship, the parish has marked the key moments of the Christian year: Easter, Harvest, All Saints and All Souls, and Remembrance. We were especially grateful for the many who joined us over the Christmas period — through school services, carol services, and Christingles — and for the encouraging numbers on Easter Day. 3 The parish continues to be present to our communities in the significant moments of life. Our churches have been used for weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and we have seen a growing number of families bringing children for baptism — a church filled with young families is a real sign of hope. In all of this, pastoral care from clergy and congregation continues quietly and faithfully, often unseen, but deeply valued. ## **Deanery Synod** Two members of the PCC now sit on the Deanery Synod, following the resignation of one member during the year. This continues to provide an important link between the parish and the wider structures of the Church, and we are grateful for their ongoing contribution. ## **Our Church Buildings** Much work has gone into maintaining the fabric of our buildings, and a more detailed account can be found elsewhere in this report. We are especially thankful that the major roof project at St Andrew’s has now been completed, with both the nave and chancel roofs repaired — a significant milestone in the care of this muchloved building. ## **Pastoral care** Some members of our parish are unable to attend church due to sickness or age. Reverend Mike Green has visited all church members who have requested it, to celebrate communion with them either at their homes or in hospital. The pastoral team continues to offer prayer loops visits those who require it. The team has continued to visit those in hospital this year which has been greatly appreciated. ## **Mission and evangelism** Existing links with Kildwick CofE School have continued to be strengthened, with weekly visits by Rev’d Mike into school. In addition, Rev’d Mike now visits Cononley Primary School on a monthly basis to lead assemblies, further deepening our connection with local schools. Concerts have successfully continued in St Andrew’s, and St John’s. A Confirmation service on 15th June, with Bishop Toby Howarth presiding, included the baptism and confirmation of a young person, alongside others affirming their faith — a joyful and encouraging occasion in the life of the parish. Other avenues of outreach continue in small but important ways. In Cononley, Tea and Toast continues to welcome people into the church building for refreshment, friendship, and a warm space. At St Andrew’s, _Little Lambs_ sadly closed this year 4 due to a lack of leaders coming forward, though we remain thankful for all that it offered during its time. In each of our church communities, the quiet work of caring for our neighbours — whether churchgoers or not — continues in an informal, steady, and prayerful way. Gardening days have again enabled the local community to get involved in caring for the environment, especially at St Andrew’s, with its extensive churchyards. And a group planted over 11,000 crocus bulbs in Cononley Churchyard ready for a beautiful late winter/early spring. Good use continues to be made of social media and our website, allowing people to connect with the parish easily. The Vicar writes a weekly newsletter for those who wish to stay in touch, including a prayer diary and a calendar of upcoming events. ## **Ecumenical relationships** We have continued to work closely with the Airedale Methodist circuit in Cononley, and with the Skipton and Grassington Methodist Circuit in Bradley. We also continue to be part of the Cross Hills & District Fellowship of Churches. ## **Financial review** Our sincere thanks go first to Marie Stinson for her dedicated work as Parish Treasurer during this past year. It has not been an easy task, particularly with the significant work involved in bringing our accounts together into a single system, alongside ongoing challenges with banking access. We are very grateful for all she has done to bring us to a much stronger position. Following this substantial piece of work, Marie has now handed on the role of Treasurer to Sandie Walton, to whom we offer our thanks as she takes this on. As a result of this progress, we are now in a position to simplify our financial arrangements further, and plan to close two of our bank accounts in early 2026. Encouragingly, when we look more closely at the overall picture, the position is stronger than it might first appear. We have spent a significant amount this year on the repair of the chancel roof at St Andrew’s. If this exceptional cost is set aside, and if we also remove the £50,000 grant received for the toilets and tea-brewing facilities at St Andrew’s, the underlying position shows a surplus of approximately £5,000, with income slightly exceeding expenditure. We have again increased our Parish Share payment, with agreement from the Diocesan Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, as we continue to work towards 5 paying our full share request. This remains a vital priority, as Parish Share directly funds the ministry offered in the parish — including the provision of a vicar. With financial pressures across the diocese, more and more parishes are being combined under single clergy posts, and so sustaining our contribution is an important part of maintaining ministry locally. Our reserves remain at just over three months’ expenditure, in line with current guidance, equating to approximately £17,000. This gives a degree of stability, though it remains important that we continue to manage our finances carefully, as unexpected costs can quickly change the picture. Overall, while this has been a year of significant expenditure, it has also been a year of real progress — both in the care of our buildings and in bringing greater clarity and stability to our financial position. ## **Optional Information - Volunteers** We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so hard to make our church the lively and vibrant community it is. In particular, we want to mention our churchwardens Mrs Joan McCartney, Mrs Sandie Walton, Mrs Janet Wade and Mr Robert Hall, who have worked so tirelessly on our behalf. We would also like to particularly thank those who have led our outreach groups, JAM, St Andrew’s Little Lambs, Tea & Toasted and of course our Ringing team at St Andrew’s. ## **Structure, governance and management** The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (the APCM) and holding office for up to three years, or co-opted by the PCC for one year. Members of the Deanery Synod are exofficio members of the PCC, holding office for three years; they are also elected by the APCM. Members of the Diocesan Synod are also ex-officio members of the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC. The PCC met six times in 2025, with meetings chaired by the Vicar, Revd Mike Green, or the Lay Chair, Sandie Walton in Mike’s absence. 6 A wide variety of business has been discussed at PCC meetings, reflecting the needs of the different communities. On each Agenda has been consideration of Finance and Safeguarding. The Financial Statements of the parish are noted elsewhere in the Report. The PCC appointed a Standing Committee, members of which have been the Incumbent and any three of the Churchwardens. This Committee is required by law and has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions that may be given from time to time by the PCC. In addition to these responsibilities, the PCC has complied with its duty (under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016) to have regard to the House of Bishops’ Guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Mrs Geraldine Sands was the Parish Safeguarding Officer, being replaced by Ms Frances Elizabeth Evans during the year. Our thanks go to Geraldine for all the work she has done on Safeguarding for us during her time as PSO. The Parish Safeguarding Officer has been diligent in ensuring PCC members undergo the required training and that other requirements of the Bishops’ Policy are implemented as indicated by the Diocesan Parish Dashboards. ## **Administrative information** The parish of Kildwick, Cononley & Bradley is situated in the Bradford Episcopal Area of the Diocese of Leeds within the Church of England. The correspondence address is Thorn Hill, 2 Wheatlands Lane, Cross Hills, BD20 8SH. The PCC is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules 2022) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission under number 1203110. PCC members who have served at any time from 11[th] May 2025 until the date this report was approved are: **Ex officio members:** **Incumbent** : The Reverend Mike Green (chair) ## **Licensed Lay Minister** : Rod Tickner ## **Churchwardens:** (They will serve until the Bishop’s Visitation in 2025) - Robert Hall - Joan E McCartney - Sandie Walton - Janet Wade 7 **Deanery Synod Representatives:** (They will serve until Deanery Synod elections in 2026) - Andrew Symonds - Sandie Walton - Eileen Boothman _(Resigning November 2025, then position vacant)_ ## **Elected members:** - Jane Hall to serve until APCM in 2026 - Anne Hunt to serve until APCM in 2026 - _Vacancy until APCM in 2027_ - _Vacancy until APCM in 2026_ - Janet Clifford to serve until APCM in 2026 - Elsie Clarke to serve until APCM in 2027 - Tim Chapman to serve until APCM in 2026 - Geraldine Sands to serve until APCM in 2026 - Jill Wright to serve until APCM in 2027 ## **Closing Statement** This year has seen a significant amount of work reach completion, particularly with the repair of the chancel roof at St Andrew’s — a major milestone in the care of this building. Alongside this, we have made real progress in strengthening our financial position and bringing greater clarity to our accounts. There remain challenges ahead. The ongoing care of our buildings, especially future phases of work at St Andrew’s, and the increasing pressures around heating and running costs, will require careful thought and continued commitment. Yet there is much to be encouraged by. We are seeing relationships grow within our communities, new connections being made, and quiet but steady signs of life in our churches. As we continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ, often in simple and relational ways, we trust that God is at work among us — and that what is being sown now will, in time, bear fruit. ## _**Approved by the PCC on 13[th] April 2026 and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Mike Green (PCC chairman).**_ 8 **Independent Examiner's Report to the members of the Parish of Kildwick, Cononley & Bradley, Parochial Church Council.** I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 which are set out on pages 10 to 12. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; - follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and - state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement** 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 accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention 1. which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act; or - to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Tom Relton MBA, FCMA. Chartered Management Accountant. 17[th] February 2026 9 Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 Receipts and Payments Accounts Unrestricted Notes Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL. 2025 TOTAL. 2024 RECEIPTS Voluntary receipts.. Planrbed 8ivin8 Collectiorb at services 22,008 9,015 22,008 9,015 27,042 9,272 Bequests All other 8ivingJvoluntary receipts 3a Gift Aid recovered 11,972 3,870 46,865 11,972 3,870 46,865 10,574 2,918 49,806 Activities for generating funds Grants for Works Bank Error Refund Loarb from Diocese Church activities 3b 2,405 2,405 163,817 18,049 14,969 1,621 163,817 50,000 50,000 19,095 19,095 5,220 Total receipts 68,365 213,817 282,182 89,665 PAYMENTS Church Activities.. Diocesan Parish Share Cler8y Expenses Church Runnin8 Expenses Salaries & Honoraria Mission 8ivin8 and dorbations Mission & Evangelism Costs Barbk Char8es Repairs to Parish Buildirb8S New Altar at St Andrew's 26,400 26,400 400 22,000 400 3c 30,530 1,675 2,723 30,530 1,675 2,723 64,062 1,260 1,786 997 3d 51 51 166 3e 25,446 113,817 139,263 53,938 5,010 86,825 113,817 201,042 149,619 Costs of generating funds Banking Error Repay Diocesan Loan 280 280 608 1,621 1,065 50,000 51,065 Total Payments 88,170 163,817 252,387 151,848 Excess of receipts over payments -19,805 50,000 29,795 -62,183 Transfer between funds -19,805 50,000 29,795 -62,183 Cash at bank and in hand at l January 86,336 2,638 88,974 151,157 Cash at bank and in hand at 31 December 66,531 52,638 118,769 88,974 10 ststement of Assets and Liabilities Unrestricted Notes Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL. 2025 TOTAL. 2024 Cash Funds Bank Current Accounts CCLA Funds 40,061 26,070 20,CK)O 32,638 60,061 58,708 30,409 58,565 118 769 88,974 Notes The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accountin8 Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis. The movements in restricted funds during the year were.. Bal blfwd Receipts Payments Bal c/fwd Restricted St Andrew's Roof Works St Andrew's Toilet & Tea Brew Fund Binns Grave St John's Churchyard 113,817 50,(K)O 113,817 50,000 2,485 153 2,485 153 2,638 163,817 113,817 52,638 Further Analysis of Receipts and Payments Accounts Unrestricted Notes Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL. TOTAL. 2025 2024 Receipts All oth•r ilvlni/volunt•ry R•c•Spts: Donations Gift Week Parish Visit DBF Income John Swire Charity 9,187 9,187 2,431 1,630 560 4,953 1,000 1,785 1,000 1,785 1,000 11,972 11,972 10,574 bl Activities for generating funds: Hire of Parish Rooms (Now under Church Activitiesl Misc Income Wedding Fees (Now under Church Activitiesl 12,488 2,405 2,405 1,069 4,492 18,049 Unrestricted Notes Fund5 Restricted Funds TOTAL. TOTAL. 2025 2024 Payments Chur¢h Runnlng E¥p•ns•$: Music License WeddingJFuneral Expenses Insurance 201 201 201 1,342 6,592 127 1,342 6,592 127 3,345 7,854 127 RSCM Gas & Power Water Churchyard/Garden Maintenance Upkeep of Organs Leeds DBF 9,679 1,112 6,376 2,598 494 9,679 1,112 6.376 2,598 494 16,331 1,655 8.148 12,351 1,434 4.501 3,482 1,800 2.833 Upkeep of Bells Church Goods Quinquennials Buildin8 Maintenance 320 320 1,212 1,212 30,053 30,053 64,062 dl Mission giving and donations: Jigsaw ICMSI Skipton Step into Actio Sudan Skipton Food Bank Abigail Housing Embrace the Middle East 665 665 687 210 210 165 165 60 125 203 203 350 Yorkshire Cancer Research 175 Mccabe Education Trust 1,420 1,420 449 2,723 2,723 1,786 Repairs to Parish Buildings: Architect Fees Inspection Fees St Andrew's Nave Roof Repairs Parish Rooms Repairs 13,658 13,658 11,057 731 113,817 124,874 731 50,684 3,254 25,446 113,817 139,263 53,938