Upper Wharfedale & Littondale PCC
Annual Report and Financial Statements
2025
REGISTERED CHARITY
Reg No. 1205821
UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
2025
ANNUAL REPORT
Vicar’s introduction
There were lots of highs for us in 2025 as a parish. Bishop Anna comes to visit… another great Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival… and the Hubberholme ‘woolly Knitivity’.
My new role as “Skipton Deanery Networking Co-ordinator” was announced, but I didn’t start until January so I’ll save that for next year’s report. Beyond ourselves as a parish we think of the wider church: the year we were between Archbishops of Canterbury… when we said goodbye in November to Bishop Nick as Diocesan Bishop of Leeds… when former vicar James Theodosius started ministry as our archdeacon.
The big thing for me last year was taking a sabbatical for three months from April to June. I am really grateful to all those who helped things to run smoothly while I was away, not least Andrew and Ian as church wardens, the other members of the standing committee, Nick and Keith and Vicky, and all who enabled our parish Sunday and midweek services to continue as normal. It was a delight that so many different clergy offered to cover for Sunday services for those three months.
The start of 2025 also saw the beginning of a new chapter in our efforts to care for our churches and churchyards. In January Louise Smith started work as the first Church Buildings Supervisor in our parish. Her initial remit was look after our historic church buildings, except for Hubberholme, where Keith JeddereFisher continued to care for the church and Buckden School Room. However, Louise took to her task with such dynamism that she was soon tackling pressing issues in our churchyards as well in the churches themselves. (A full report from Louise appears later in this document.)
The Bishop of Ripon, the Right Rev Anna Eltringham, was our very special guest in April as she led our traditional, Palm Sunday Procession and Service at St Michael and All Angels Church, Hubberholme. In August church members from St Mary’s in Kettlewell and St Mary’s in Conistone collaborated to populate the Kettlewell church with highly imaginative figures as part of another very successful Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival.
The funeral of the parish’s oldest resident, Jack Wood, was held at Hubberholme in November. Jack, who was 103 years old, was a past church warden at Hubberholme.
Towards the end of the year there were strong indications that the long-running legal dispute over work on the tower at St Oswald’s Church, Arncliffe, was coming to a conclusion, and thoughts began to turn to how to tackle the tower’s damp problems in the future.
As we approached Christmas the Knit and Natter Group at Hubberholme produced a remarkable series of knitted figures depicting the Nativity story with a distinctive Dales twist. Their series of tableaux, which were on display in St Michaell and All Angels Church over the festive period, delighted parishioners and visitors alike, and the story received positive coverage in local and regional media.
Tom’s sabbatical
I was having a look at my diary entries for my Irish pilgrimage and thought parishioners might be interested in two highlights: my first and last day in Ireland.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
Tuesday April 1, 2025
The sun is shining. The views from the aeroplane were incredible. We did it. We collect our hire car and go to visit Professor Roger Stalley, who has written my favourite book about some of the finest Ancient High Crosses in Ireland. I have the courage to show him my map and the route I hope to take around Ireland. I explain how it has been a long time to get to this point. How it all began with my being inspired by St Martin’s Cross on Iona in 1994. My hope is that I will be “guided by the crosses”. The Prof looks a little disbelieving that I will get round all of them in that timescale. He recommends that I make a detour to Tuam when I am near Galway. Also to see the Reask monastic site when I am on the Dingle peninsula.
In the late evening before the sun sets we see our first cross at Duleek, a ten-minute drive away. The cross itself is the last thing we find. In fact it takes us a whole ten minutes for us to find it. There is definitely no signage saying “amazing cross this way”.
The cross is exactly the same height as me. Christ’s head is tilted to the right in an ‘unnatural’ way, perhaps so he can better draw our own gaze and make eye contact? In the picture of me beside the cross it captures that quite well: he is almost looking at me.
Is it an early cross by the Muiredach Master? Or a later one distilling the best of what he can do? I had asked the Prof but he didn’t give me an answer. He just said enigmatically: “See what you think.”
There are three panels at the front of the cross dedicated to Mary: the Annunciation at the top and the Visitation in the middle, and the bottom panel shows Mary, the baby Jesus on her lap and Joseph standing beside her. Interestingly it is the only depiction of the Holy Family on all the Irish High Crosses.
I make my first video of Helen approaching the cross from the direction we first found it. The end of our first day in Ireland. I sleep like a log.
Tuesday, June 10. 2025
Our last full day. I have the morning to myself and decide to go back to the end of the Dingle peninsula to see the Reask monastic settlement. Reask may have been a dual monastery for women and men – certainly there was a big dividing wall that stretches across the enclosure from one side to the other. As for Skellig the layout is for a similar number of people, 12 in total. The size of the beehive cells made me think you could definitely accommodate two people comfortably inside one. They are really not that dissimilar to the shape and size of an igloo. The Reask cross itself, like the cross at Skellig Michael, is incredibly anthropomorphic.
Looking at my detailed map of Dingle I make out eight distinct Christian monastic sites on the Dingle mainland. With two on the Blaskets and one on Skellig Michael and with the Gallarus oratory in a category all of its own, that would make 12 in total. Not only were there 12 monks at each monastic site it would also seem that there were 12 monastic sites? A total of 144 people, a community of those “written in the book of life”? If they felt they were at the edge of the known world, world’s end, that would fit with an expectation that they were waiting for the end of time.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
On the flight home I reflect on the many high points, the day cycling round Innisheer on the Aran Islands in the sunshine. My arrival at Malin Head, again with clear blue skies. Then the three sleepless nights at Galway hostel.
The many days I felt carried – my first puncture when I was saved by a man called Bernard. My recovery to healthy patterns of sleeping on the Aran islands. The second puncture at 5am on Easter morning, a definite low point. The strangers I met on their own pilgrimages. Shannon on her own sabbatical in Galway taking a break from her care of the homeless and vulnerable. The cathedral deans keeping the show on the road at Dublin, Limerick, Tuam and Galway. The committed parish priests at Ballyholme, at Dunfanaghy and Athlone. Archbishops John and Eamon, primates of All Ireland together, a primacy wonderfully not contested but shared. I think of Sisters Iosophia, Sofronia and Payissia at the Orthodox Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring where I shared in the sacred liturgy of the Triduum.
I think of Father Christian, the Orthodox Romanian priest, who shared with me his own great love of the monastic sites, that chance discovery with him over a shared meal early on Easter morning. The Rev Philip McKinley, encountered later that Easter Sunday, those with a particular calling to minister to the heritage enthusiasts - like me.
I returned from Ireland the first time with a precious icon of the “big four”, Patrick, Brigid, Brendan and Columba from the Orthodox Monastery. The day I flew back from Ireland for the first time was the day of Pope Francis’s funeral. It was moving to hear the litany of the saints invoked to pray for the late Pope. I prayed my own prayer that day as I recalled some of the saints in whose footsteps I had travelled: St Patrick, pray for him, St Diarmid, pray for him, St Kevin, pray for him, St Fionan, pray for him, St Begley, pray for him, St Ciaran, pray for him, St Brendan, pray for him, St Brigid, pray for him, St Declan, pray for him, St Gobnait, pray for him, St Columba, pray for him …
I am struck that my sabbatical has ended well. Despite not being able to step on to the Great Skellig and see the extraordinary monastic site there I have been to Reask and seen the beehive cells within this beautifully ordered early monastic community.
Perhaps one day I will come back to Dingle? Perhaps one day I may even step foot on the Great Skellig. Who knows? What I do know is that it has been a proper adventure.
The Rev Tom Lusty, Vicar of Upper Wharfedale and Littondale April, 2026
Safeguarding Officer’s report for January 2025 to December 2025
Background information
As a parish we have continued to be vigilant in highlighting and following all our agreed policies and procedures relating to Safeguarding within all four of our church communities. We have continued to respond to all the safeguarding guidance we have received from the Diocese of Leeds through their regular newsletters and directly from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
In addition, we have continued to make use of the Diocesan Dashboard Scheme to maintain our Level 3 status and to help identify new areas for future development. We have also continued to make use of the
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
Diocesan Hubs scheme. We have also used the Diocesan Governance Compliance Checklist to ensure we comply with all the necessary safeguarding requirements.
Policy and procedures
As part of our annual programme our Parish Safeguarding Policy and Procedures were reviewed in January 2024. It was considered that only a few minor amendments were necessary, and these were included both within the policy and also listed on the back page of the policy. At the PCC meeting on January 31st the amendments were agreed and signed by the vicar on behalf of the PCC. The updated policy has been placed on our parish website and copies have also been placed in the safeguarding files in all four of our churches as well as in the Parish Office file.
Overview
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer has held regular meetings with the vicar prior to PCC meetings, to discuss safeguarding procedures and progress with regard to working with the Diocesan Dashboard and Hub Schemes and our own Parish Action Plan.
She has produced ‘Progress and Areas for Action’ reports which are circulated to every PCC member prior to every PCC meeting to enable appropriate discussion to take place.
As in previous years, ‘safeguarding’ is always included on all PCC Agendas which helps us as a parish to maintain it as a high priority.
In addition, the vicar and members of the PCC, church wardens, Lay Readers, senior sidespeople, pastoral and our children’s workers have been provided with regular information and support either through PCC or individual meetings or on an individual basis to ensure we all know what is expected of us and that we provide a safe environment for our church activities.
Our Pastoral Worker has provided additional care and support within our parish community and she has also successfully promoted the use of both the Kettlewell Churchyard and the Labyrinth as well as continuing with the Table Tennis Club.
A Children’s Worker to lead the Reverb group, a joint venture with Linton Parish, has recently been appointed. The parish is supporting the newly appointed Children’s Worker in all ways possible.
The vicar has recently been appointed as Deanery Network Co-ordinator for the Skipton Deanery in addition to his duties in our parish.
We continue to complete appropriate risk assessments for all the required church activities and these are monitored annually to ensure both their effectiveness and that anyone taking part in organised church activities can do so in a safe environment.
There were no safeguarding incidents involving children/young people in our care during this year.
Safeguarding training from January 2025 to December 2025
The Parish Safeguarding Officer has regularly monitored our training records in order to identify our training needs. The training records information has during the year, been added to the Diocesan Hubs Scheme. Information provided in the Diocesan Newsletters has also been taken into account. We are currently in a position where all of our PCC members have completed the required three courses.
The courses completed this year are as follows: A total of eight members of the PCC have completed a variety of courses over the year
Training requirements to address during this next year:
Several members of the PCC need to update various courses over the coming year.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
DBS Checks and Self-Declarations have been completed for the following people and meet the Leeds Diocesan Guidelines.
DBS Checks (to include Self-Declaration Forms)
One Lay Reader.
Two church wardens (one of whom is also the Parish Administrator). One Parish Safeguarding Officer (who is also the Lay Reader). All our senior sidespeople. Our Pastoral Worker. All but one member of the PCC. Self-Declarations (only)
All our chalice administrators. Our Parish Treasurer.
Self-Declaration Forms have not been completed for all our volunteer workers as none of them work independently without two or more PCC members or church wardens or senior sidespeople being present. All but one of our DBS Checks and Self-Declaration Forms are up to date. The DBS and Self-Declaration information received from March 2024 to the present has been appropriately stored in accordance with our Handling Data Policy adopted by the PCC and monitored by our named person for handling data.
Action taken towards Safeguarding for January 2025 to December 2025
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Our Safeguarding Policy has been reviewed, updated and agreed by the PCC.
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The parish website has been updated with appropriate safeguarding information and necessary contact details as required by the diocese.
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The information on our Training Schedule has been entered into the Diocesan Hubs Scheme.
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All but one DBS check is up to date.
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A total of 12 safeguarding courses were attended by eight PCC members during the last year, which shows a strong commitment towards safeguarding in our parish.
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The safeguarding files for each of our four churches and also the Parish Safeguarding File have all been updated as part of our annual programme.
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The ‘Creating a Safer Church’ and the ‘Training’ proformas have been completed for this year and used to help create our Parish Action Plan and monitor our training needs.
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Our risk assessments are appropriately completed for church activities.
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Good progress has been made in working through our Parish Action Plan and all identified actions have been completed or are ongoing.
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All our church notice boards are monitored to ensure they have the appropriate safeguarding information and necessary contact details.
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Regular safeguarding meetings have been held between the Safeguarding Officer and the vicar.
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We have continued to use the Diocesan Dashboard and Hub Schemes to monitor our ‘safeguarding’ and training progress. (We are currently in the higher Level 3 bracket of the Dashboard). of 6 ‘Progress and our APCM.
Items
Our Safeguarding Information Meeting for all PCC members is being rescheduled in bitesize items and will be completed within the PCC meetings as the agenda allows. It was commenced in January 2025. To continue working through Level 3 of the Diocesan Dashboard.
To continue to monitor our Safeguarding Training programme with the use of the Diocesan Hub Scheme and provide support for any volunteer church workers who may need help or support to complete the required courses.
To continue to monitor our DBS. Checks and update as required.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
To continue to promote safeguarding within our parish to ensure everyone in our church communities are safe.
To discuss the effectiveness of our completed risk assessments and amend if necessary.
Pauline Thompson,
Safeguarding Officer. March 18, 2026
Buildings, churchyards and land, January 2025 to December 2025
All premises
Fire risk assessment procedures
All premises have had their fire risk assessments (FRAs) updated and signage has been brought up to standard in all premises. Sheets for training compliance have been left in each of the churches for all volunteers to sign as read - this will meet training requirements. Emergency hand-held lighting has been provided in each of the premises. The two-yearly PAT testing was carried out in all the churches and Buckden School Room (BSR). These will not be due again until May 2027.
Martyn’s Law, which relates to protecting public spaces against terror attacks, has been added to the online FRA to comply with recommendations for the need to have procedures in place in case of terrorist incidents. This is not due to be in place until 2027 and even then we are not legally obliged to do it. The updated training sheets for sidespeople and volunteers in the church will have the procedures added when renewed at the end of November 2026.
The FRA certificates and insurance documents are all available on a shared google drive.
St Mary’s Church, Kettlewell
The most recent Inspecting Architect’s Quinquennial Inspection was carried out in August 2020. We are awaiting the updated inspection. Working from the 2020 report, the most important findings were all dealt with under the direction of Phil Burgin before my appointment and all seems to be ok.
There have been really no issues at Kettlewell other than some further tree work that was carried out to meet the priority two tree work listed and recommended work by Treeplan. This was completed by David Allen from Hawes in October.
The only other issue at Kettlewell has been repairs needed to the sound system and there is some concern about the lychgate which has been flagged to the architect. It is likely this will appear in the next QI report. The gutters were cleaned and minor repairs made in April 2025 by Murphy’s cleaning services.
- People to thank for their help at Kettlewell are: garden and maintenance - Phil Burgin, Judy Burgin, Geoff Queen, Anne Lister, Nicki Barras, Clare Blakey-Williams, Di Blakey-Williams (Labyrinth), Graham Rushmer, Dave Nelson, Colin Fairweather, Gary Hardcastle, Andrew Wright and Partner; flag - Lambert Family; clock winding - Jez Altoft; sidespeople and after-service coffee/tea - Clare Blakey-Williams, Di Blakey-Williams, Pauline Thompson, June Appleton, Dave Nelson, Colin and Vivienne Fairweather, Sue Nelson; cleaning - Jenny Innoco, Jaynie Smith, Anne Lister, Jane Howlin, Sue Nelson; work days - Wendy Hardcastle, Judy Burgin, Christine, Margaret, Di Blakey-Williams, Sue Nelson; flowers - Barbara Lambert, Jane Howlin, Jaynie Smith, Maureen Heseltine, Sue Nelson; locking and unlocking church - Dave Nelson, Sue Nelson, Clare BlakeyWilliams, Mark Booth.
St Mary’s Church, Conistone
The report from the Architect’s Quinquennial Inspection that was carried out in December 2020 was the framework for a lot of the work carried out at Conistone in 2025/26. A new inspection was carried out in December 2025 and we are awaiting the updated inspection report. Verbally, after the inspection we were advised that apart from the roofing issues there was not anything major that needed attention.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
The work completed at Conistone this year has been the felling of trees and epicormic growth on boundary trees. There have been boundary wall repairs completed to the boundary with the Roberts’ land. There has also been tree work completed by Northern Power around the power cables feeding into the church. Our thanks are due to Kilnsey Trekking Centre and all adjacent neighbours whilst this work has been undertaken.
Monitoring of the moisture content in the church has been undertaken at various intervals to gain data to support the application to the diocese for work to protect the stained-glass windows in the chancel. Diocesan approval was given in September 2025 for a full re-roof of the church building. The roof is currently patched in places and monitored by Philp Butterfield and myself, with builder Alan Mudd attending when asked. We anticipate fully re-roofing the church in May/June 2026.
We have also had walling repairs on the boundary with Gareth Jaques at Leylands, who has contributed financially towards its reinstatement.
Again thanks are particularly due to Philip Butterfield, who continues to monitor issues at the church. The ground maintenance has been undertaken by Michael Wilding for a number of years. He has decided to retire after ill health and we have managed to secure Chris Mayes to attend to the grounds in future. Thanks also to everyone who has arranged flowers and performed sidespeople duties.
St Oswald’s Church, Arncliffe
The Inspecting Architect’s Quinquennial Inspection report, carried out in 2023, identified a number of recommended works, including repairs to the tower parapet. These works have not yet been undertaken due to uncertainties regarding the appropriate treatment of the tower mortar. It is considered prudent that any decisions relating to the future of the tower are resolved before proceeding. This will ensure that the most appropriate method of repair is adopted and avoid the risk of abortive or duplicated work. Consequently, it is proposed that the parapet repairs are carried out in conjunction with any agreed works to the tower, allowing for a co-ordinated and efficient approach.
Following the QI report suggestions, quotations were obtained for various other roof repairs. However, proposals were placed on hold pending further input from the architect. Discussions have taken place regarding the next steps for the tower, and it was recognised that any future decisions in this area could impact the scope of the roofing works. While awaiting further guidance, an internal fall of plaster occurred from the ceiling at the rear of the nave. This exposed significantly wet timbers along the ridge of the nave roof, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Works that could be undertaken to help reduce moisture levels within the church include lead work, which will require submission to, and approval from, the diocese before proceeding. Audio works have been advised for the sound system at Arncliffe as the existing system is poor. Moves are in place to replace/update the audio system in the church.
- Our thanks go to churchyard and church cleaners, openers, flowers and coffee servers at Arncliffe, who have been: Tony and Lynda Barker, Hilary and Hugh Follows, Ginette Hawkins and Susan Woodhead, Andrew and Alison Mason, Elspeth Miller, Rhish and Sarah Paul, Brian and Jane Raper, Vena Rogers, Sally Smith, and Rebecca and Simon Ward-Dooley.
Louise Smith, Church Buildings Supervisor April 2026
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
St Michael and All Angels Church, Hubberholme, and Buckden School Room
The report from the Architect’s Quinquennial Inspection that was carried out in November 2023, was received in March 2025. The most important findings from these inspections were: Hubberholme Church:
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The tower and roofs are in good/fair order requiring some minor repairs/re-pointing
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Stonework is generally fair with some minor repointing required
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Joinery repairs and replacement of boards required in the bell tower
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Internally the church is well kept.
Buckden School Room (BSR):
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Generally in fair order with repointing of the chimney and ridge, and repairs to slates
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External boundary walls require repairing/rebuilding in places
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Internally the building is very well kept.
Some items that could be attended to by volunteers and volunteer work-parties were addressed almost immediately. More significant work was specified and quotes received. The majority of the work is expected to be carried out in 2026.
In addition, Hubberholme Church and the Buckden School Room have been maintained primarily by volunteers through the year. This has involved regular checks and minor repairs as needed and two work parties focusing on the churchyards and external features such as gutters and downpipes. The main grass areas have been maintained to a high standard by Sue Metcalfe Gardening. The boiler and fire protection equipment have been inspected/serviced as needed. Repairs and repainting have been carried out on the kissing gate at the entrance. Two short sections of the boundary dry-stone wall have been repaired.
- Appreciation is expressed to all the volunteers who have helped in some way during the year and this includes: Gill Owen; Christopher Winpenny; Ric Halsall; Jayne Sayer; Julian Rangely; David Lusted; Graham and Louise Smith; Sandra Kilvington; Cliff Gosden; Stuart Galloway, Lawrence Beardmore and Keith and Hazel Jeddere-Fisher.
Keith Jeddere-Fisher March 2026
Skipton Deanery Synod
Skipton Deanery Synod meets around six times a year and is an active and dynamic group of people from 13 parishes, elected by the PCCs to a three-year term of office, whose purpose is to share fellowship, worship, and support one another through prayer, discussion and practical help.
Deanery Network Co-ordinator
Much of its work this last year had been around the successful application to the diocese for funding to support a two-year project creating the post of Deanery Network Co-ordinator. This was a big piece of work undertaken by a newly created steering group but in three months we created a job description, person specification, and advertisement, together with a selection and assessment process. This was all approved by Bishop Anna and the Diocesan team. We had a strong field of applicants and after a fair and rigorous interview we were delighted to appoint the Rev Tom Lusty to this position.
He took up post in January 2026 and was commissioned in February. There was good press coverage in local and church publications. He works closely with his two supervisors and meets with the steering committee regularly. Finance is held by this parish, for which we are paid a monthly fee of £10. Embsay Parish acts as the Parent Parish to oversee matters such as safeguarding for a fee of £100 annually. Details of Tom’s work will appear in next year’s report
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
2025
Deanery Bank Account
This has been changed from Barclays to Skipton Building Society.
Safeguarding resolution submitted to Diocesan Synod
“Regarding the decision of General Synod to delay the move to full independence of safeguarding in the Church of England as recommended by the Jay Report:
we ask General Synod for clarification of the timeline in adopting model 3 and working towards model 4 and we ask that updates be sent every six months to each Diocesan Synod on the progress of the working party/subgroup dealing with the outcome of that decision.”
Deanery Events
An Ecumenical Event was held in Earby on September 28.
A Learning Breakfast was held at Christchurch on November 8.
A Peace Vigil was held at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, on November 14. It was well supported despite the appalling weather. We hope to repeat in the spring.
A Sudan Link Celebration service was held on November 21 at Holy Trinity.
A Candlemas Service was held in Earby on February 2.
Anne Vetch,
Deanery Synod Representative April 2026
Electoral roll 2025
Having had the new electoral roll created last year, this year has been comparably quiet. The notices for this meeting were posted as required.
Having had the large drop in numbers for the new roll last year, this year numbers are more stable. Regrettably we have lost three members and recruited one new one, as the total number on the register comes to 76, two down from last year.
The various churches have the following:
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Hubberholme has 28, of whom seven are non-resident.
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Kettlewell has 16, of whom three are non-resident.
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Conistone has 16, of whom two are non-resident.,
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Arncliffe has 16 with all of them being residents.
As part of the compiling of the new electoral records last year, I had an excellent response to my appeal for phone numbers and email addresses. As a result, out of 76 records only seven do not have email addresses now. This will mean easier communication and hopefully less expense for the parish in future. In closing, please let me know or encourage anyone to contact me if they wish to be added to the list. Christopher E Winpenny, Electoral Roll Officer April 7, 2026
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Introduction & Summary
It is positive to report that we have ended the year recording a surplus of income over expenditure although our overall assets have reduced slightly due to a fall in the value of our investments. At the beginning of this year, as in previous years before, we had expected to spend funds on repairs to our buildings but for one reason or another, delays occurred, which meant we spent a much smaller amount than anticipated as most of the work has been carried into 2026. In November, the legal claim relating to works at Arncliffe Tower finally concluded, resulting in a settlement in our favour of £16,700 which boosted our income. Without this payment we would have only marginally broken even.
Taking all of this into account, the overall position at the end of the year is as follows:
| Total Income | £134,036 |
|---|---|
| Total Expenditure | £113,053 |
| Surplus | £20,983 |
If we exclude the money received for Arncliffe Tower, our income has fallen by £8,000 when compared to the previous year primarily due to a fall in donations. Dividends and interest continue to be a key feature of our accounts and now represent over a quarter of our day-to-day income.
Our expenses increased by around £6000 compared with 2024. This was expected and had been budgeted for including paying for the services of our new Buildings Supervisor, who has made an encouraging start to her role.
Income
The detailed figures are available later in the report but a graphical breakdown of income is shown in the table below together with a comparison with the previous two years. Most items are self-explanatory, but a few are worthy of note:
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Income Summary
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
2023 2024 2025
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Donations
The overall level of donations fell this year by just over £10,000 primarily due to a fall in the number of oneoff amounts which, by their nature, can be unpredictable. The Scarecrow Festival was once again our biggest donor by far and it is encouraging that continuation of the Festival has been confirmed for another year. The loss of this income would have a significant impact on our finances. We are fortunate to still be blessed by a great deal of generosity within our community and receive many donations, both large and small, a great proportion of which are eligible for Gift Aid. The following larger donations were received:
| Amount (£) | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | Unspecified | |
| 1,000 | Unspecified (filming ACGAS) | |
| 2,000 | Kettlewell Churchyard | |
| 12,000 | General (Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival) |
Our contactless readers at Hubberholme and Kettlewell continue to be a popular way to collect donations although the amount collected this way fell by 15% when compared to the previous year, with the amount donated at Hubberholme falling by around £1,200. Strangely, box collections remained at around the same level although plate collections have seen a reduction which is consistent with the general move away from cash within society. The PCC have agreed for a contactless device to be installed at Arncliffe and it is hoped this will be in place during 2026.
Planned Giving
For the first time in many years, the amount received through planned giving has fallen slightly. This trend was predicted in last year’s report and is likely to continue as the number of regular givers reduces through death or other reasons. Attention should be given to encouraging new donors through the Parish Giving Scheme as regular donations like these have traditionally made up around a quarter of our income.
The Link
Net advertising revenue together with nominated ‘Link’ donations continue to cover the cost of production which is encouraging given the current economic climate and the strain on business expenditure. We would like to thank all those businesses who continue to take advertising space and encourage parishioners to use their services.
Gift Aid
The amount of Gift Aid recovered this year was around £1000 more than in the previous year. This reflects the fact that we received a higher level of one-off donations in 2024 and the 2025 claim is based on the previous year’s donations. The Gift Aid on a larger proportion of our donations in volume, if not value, is undertaken at source since any payment processed through the Parish Giving Scheme – namely regular monthly gifts, and contactless – are claimed immediately. This helps administration and to even out the peaks and troughs in our income.
Fees for Weddings & Funerals
It is encouraging to note that three weddings took place in the parish during the year but sadly there were far more funerals than usual. Given the demographic within the parish this is not unexpected, but it is pleasing that families wish to commemorate their loved ones passing through a Christian service in one of our churches.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Fund Raising
The number and value of fundraising events have continued to fall and the amount raised this year of £3429 was £1000 less than in 2024. Apart from making a valuable contribution to church funds, these events play an important role in bringing people together and help social cohesion. The lack of events is disappointing though perhaps not unexpected given the falling numbers in some of our churches, but the reduction in income from fundraising to our overall funds is troubling.
CCLA Interest & Dividends
As noted above, our investment income is now accounts over 25% of our total income. Whilst the value of our underlying assets has dipped this year (see later), the yield has increased slightly which has increased the amount of income when compared to 2024. The contribution that our investments make to our overall income should not be understated.
The balance on our CCLA deposit account has continued to grow this year as we have set aside funds for various repairs on our buildings. Interest rates are still relatively high and we have benefitted from holding these temporary reserves which are likely to be depleted in 2026 as the planned work starts.
Expenditure
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Expenditure Comparison
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
2023 2024 2025
Fund Raising Costs (Gen) Fund Raising Costs (Friends) Card Fees - Card Processing Fees Churchyard maintenance Building repairs & maintenance Insurance Water Oil Gas Electricity Cost of Services Organist Fees Bell Ringing Fees Clergy Expenses Architect's Fees normal The Link Salaries & Wages Licences Sundries for Services Governance Costs Other Administration Costs Miscellaneous Running Expenses Parish Share Charitable Donations Youth Group Professional Fees
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Our expenditure continues to rise year on year and showed an increase of 6% when compared to 2024. We did forecast even higher expenditure but, once again, many of the building projects were delayed for various reasons.
The full breakdown of expenditure is shown in the table above. Most items were in line with expectations although the following are worth a mention:
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Churchyard Maintenance
The condition of the trees in Conistone churchyard had long been identified as a potential issue and had also been a concern of the neighbours. Following advice received in an arboreal survey, extensive tree surgery was commissioned costing £6500 which, added to smaller scale tree surgery and ivy clearance at Kettlewell, led to far higher expenditure than normal. Fortunately, both costs have been covered from restricted funds.
Energy Costs
Our electricity costs continue to rise but hopefully may have peaked and will come down in line with market rates. We continue to be supplied by Octopus on fixed rate deals at all our buildings. Oil supplies are managed carefully by members from each of the churches and LPG is supplied to Conistone on a fixed contract.
Buildings Repairs and Maintenance
There were no significant repairs undertaken this year to the fabric of our buildings so costs were much lower than normal.
Wages and Salaries
Towards the end of 2024, The PCC agreed that we need to employ the services of a Buildings Supervisor to manage building related issues which had previously been carried out by volunteers who had decided to step down. Louise Smith was appointed to this role and has made a significant impact in her first year driving forward a number of projects and completing a wide range of tasks. The cost of employing Louise, together with an adjustment to the salary of the Parish Administrator, has increased the amount we now spend on wages and salaries. It is recognised by the PCC that the parish would not be able to function properly without these two important roles in place and that the associated cost is inevitable given the reduction in active members of the community who are prepared to help with church matters.
Architects Fees
The sum of £3000 reflects the QI costs for the long-awaited reports at Arncliffe, Hubberholme and Buckden School Room.
Assets and Funds
The vast majority of our reserves continue to be held in share funds managed by the CCLA. The return on these increased slightly last year which helped to push up our dividends to just over £25,000. However, despite a generally buoyant global stock market throughout the year, the value of our investments fell by £36,000 (4%) which is disappointing. Clearly, the value of share investments can go up as well as down and, since the formation of our united parish, they have seen an increase of 14% overall so changes should be viewed within this context. The CCLA have accepted that their investment strategy has been disappointing and is out of line with other investment managers. They are taking steps improve their performance and in February 2026 became part of Jupiter Fund Management which should ‘extend the reach of their stewardship approach’ and help to improve their performance.
Throughout this year, our cash reserves have slowly increased, and surplus funds placed on deposit. In recognition of the fact that most of this money will be required to fund building projects in 2026 and 2027, the PCC agreed to formally place £80,000 of this into a designated fund for building repairs. In addition, the
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
money received for our legal claim at Arncliffe has been placed into a separate tower fund to be used for remedial works once they have been specified.
The impact of these movements means that there has been a change in the make-up of our fund structure and a reduction in the freely available reserves in line with the priorities of the PCC. The position at the end of the year is as shown in the diagrams below.
Reserves Policy
In November, the PCC agreed a written reserves policy which formalises the approach we have previously taken. The policy states that the level of reserves should be set at:
-
£300k in long-term investments to produce an income to fund our day-to-day expenditure, and
-
• Approximately three months’ expenditure (c£18k) to be retained in cash
The policy requires that PCC reassess the level of reserves held each year and, having done so, it considers the reserves set out in this report to be acceptable.
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Asset Breakdown by Fund Type
1200000
1000000
800000
600000
400000
200000
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Holdings of reserves
3%
9%
Current Account
Deposit
88% Shares
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Mission
In managing the important issues of our buildings and general day to day affairs, there is a danger that the PCC can become too inwardly focussed. Members therefore make a deliberate effort to ensure that the church carries out its Christian mission and one way they can achieve this is through giving funds to charitable organisations. This year, the PCC made donations of £600 each to St George’s Crypt, Upper Wharfedale Refugee Group, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Dementia Forward to help them carry out their important work.
In addition, the PCC continued its annual donation of £1800 to Project Reverb which helps fund a Christian youth worker for Upper Wharfedale and surrounding areas.
Throughout the year, several church services have specific collections for good causes. The money received does not form part of these accounts, but it can be reported that the following collections and donations were made:
| Royal British Legion | £426 | The Children’s Society | £270 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St George’s Crypt | £52 | Christian Aid | £114 |
| Air Ambulance | £308 |
Our church buildings have also been used to in conjunction with other events including the Scarecrow Festival, Remembrance and Nativity to stage displays. Donations from visitors totalling over £2,000 have been passed to the Scarecrow Festival, Royal British Legion, RBL Enterprises and Martin House hospice.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Looking Ahead
Since the formation of the united parish, our financial position has been very stable and our reserves have grown steadily. This has been through a combination of investment growth and generally spending less than we receive. However, it is possible that our finances have now reached their pinnacle.
In terms of expenditure, the coming year looks to be an expensive one as we now have essential building projects lined up for Conistone, Hubberholme and Buckden School Room. Having thought we knew what work was required at Arncliffe, it seems that the roof may be in a worse state than we anticipated and might require more extensive repairs in the short term. Remedial work to the tower remains a medium-term project but costs are likely to be significant. A further blow has been dealt through the withdrawal of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme which means that VAT for repair work can no longer be reclaimed through HMRC. This will add at least £32k to our planned expenditure.
In terms of income, as we spend money on repairs, the amount we receive in interest and dividends will reduce as our reserves are called upon. For example, this year we received just over £4,000 in deposit account interest but this will be reduced to almost zero once that money has been spent on repairs. Likewise, shares will also need to be sold to fund the balance of repairs and, this too, will reduce our income.
In addition, risks that have been flagged in previous finance reports are now starting to materialise:
-
Planned Giving is starting to reduce as existing donors pass away or are choosing to stop their regular monthly contribution
-
Fundraising is falling year on year as fewer events are being held
-
General donations are reducing
We currently have a strong base from which to tackle these issues but it is recommended that the PCC develop a plan that faces up to these challenges so that we can continue to exist and carry out our Christian mission within the community.
Nick Davies
Treasurer, Upper Wharfedale & Littondale PCC
Detailed financial statements appear on the following pages and the PCC would like to record its thanks to Graham Walter who has once again acted as Independent Examiner.
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Statement of Financial Activities
| Statement of Financial Activities | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year total funds |
|
| Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Other expenditure Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains/losses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Represented by Unrestricted General Fund Designated Building Repairs And Maintenance Hubberholme Chipperfield Donation St Mary Conistone St Mary Kettlewell St Michael Hubberholme St Oswald Arncliffe Restricted Agency collection Arncliffe Door Fund Buckden School Room Kettlewell Churchyard Kettlewell Organ Fund Oughtershaw School St Mary Conistone St Mary Kettlewell St Michael Hubberholme St Oswald Arncliffe Tower Fund (St Oswald's) |
70,337 2,550 - 72,887 83,212 14,027 - - 14,027 12,451 - - - - - 22,569 7,793 - 30,362 29,723 30 16,730 - 16,760 - |
| 106,963 27,073 - 134,036 125,386 350 - - 350 1,154 96,290 16,412 - 112,703 105,511 - - - - - |
|
| 96,640 16,412 - 113,053 106,665 |
|
| 10,323 10,661 - 20,983 18,720 80,000 - - 80,000 - (80,000) - - (80,000) - (21,611) (8,799) (6,207) (36,617) 20,495 - - - - - |
|
| (11,289) 1,861 (6,207) (15,634) 39,216 |
|
| 639,985 246,799 155,257 1,042,041 1,002,825 |
|
| 628,697 248,660 149,050 1,026,407 1,042,041 320,813 - - 320,813 402,611 80,000 - - 80,000 - - - - - - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - 30 - 30 - - - - - - - 54,223 - 54,223 56,138 - 13,314 - 13,314 12,774 - - - - - - 2,864 - 2,864 2,983 - 157,194 - 157,194 170,989 - 3,200 - 3,200 3,200 - 715 - 715 715 - 420 - 420 - - 16,700 - 16,700 - |
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Endowment Kettlewell Churchyard - - 7,978 Oughtershaw School - - 71,967 St Mary Conistone - - 58,382 St Michael Hubberholme - - 10,723 Total funds 628,697 248,660 149,050 Balance Sheet detailed Class and code Description |
- - 7,978 - - 71,967 - - 58,382 - - 10,723 |
7,978 8,310 71,967 74,964 58,382 60,813 10,723 11,170 1,026,407 1,042,041 As at 31/12/2025 As at 31/12/2024 1 1 1 1 - - 1 1 3 3 24,992 33,931 - - 15,624 13,899 96,700 65,000 - - 8,920 8,800 - - - - 7,978 8,310 58,382 60,813 56,971 59,343 56,971 59,343 56,971 59,343 56,971 59,343 291,078 303,199 10,723 11,170 157,852 164,426 2,864 2,983 50,590 52,697 5,108 5,031 71,967 74,964 1,030,661 1,042,596 4,257 559 4,257 559 1,026,407 1,042,041 20,983 102,268 1,042,041 919,277 (36,617) 20,495 - - 1,026,407 1,042,041 320,813 402,611 |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets FA1 Fields known as Church Clowder & Millholme, Littondale FA2 Part interest in the field Short Butts Littondale FA3 Freehold Property known as Church Cottage, Halton Gill vested in the DBF as Custodian Trustee with PCC as Managing Trustees FA5 National Savings Investment - ownership and value currently unknown Total Fixed assets Current assets 1 CA Current Account Dep CCLA 08D St Oswald's Tower Fund Dep CCLA 508 Kettlewell - Churchyard Dep CCLA 516 General Purpose Dep CCLA 07D Oughtershaw Parish Deposit Fund Dep CCLA 511 Conistone - Florrie Whitehead Share Acc CCLA 01J Florrie Whitehead Bequest (Conistone) Share Acc CCLA 03J Bagley Accumulation Share Account Share CCLA 510 Kettlewell - Wiseman (Churchyard) Share CCLA 512 Conistone - Horner Bequest Share CCLA 513 St Mary Kettlewell Share CCLA 514 St Mary Conistone Share CCLA 515 St Michael Hubberholme Share CCLA 517 St Oswald Arncliffe Share CCLA 518 General Purpose Share Share CCLA 519 Bagley - Hubberholme Share CCLA 520 Florrie Whitehead Bequest ZLeeds CCLA 786 Oughtershaw School Endowment ZLeeds CCLA 795 Buckden School Room Share ZLeeds CCLA 847 Buckden School Room ZLeeds CCLA 860 Oughtershaw School Proceeds Total Current assets Liabilities 6699 Agency collections Total Liabilities Net Asset surplus (deficit) Reserves Excess/(deficit) to date Z01 Starting balances Z02 Gains/(losses) on investment assets Z03 Gains/(losses) on reval of fixed assets Total Reserves Represented by Funds General (Unrestricted) |
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Designated Restricted Endowment Total |
307,884 237,374 248,660 246,799 149,050 155,257 |
|---|---|
| 1,026,407 1,042,041 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by code)
| Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment Total Lastyear |
Class and nominal code General Designated Restricted Endowment Total Lastyear |
|---|---|
| Fixed Asset - Investments FA5: National Savings Investment - ownership and value currently unknown Total Fixed Asset - Tangible Assets FA1: Fields known as Church Clowder & Millholme, Littondale FA2: Part interest in the field Short Butts Littondale Total Current Asset - Cash At Bank And In Hand 1 CA: Current Account Dep CCLA 508: Kettlewell - Churchyard Dep CCLA 516: General Purpose Dep CCLA 511: Conistone - Florrie Whitehead ZLeeds CCLA 847: Buckden School Room Total Current Asset - Investments Share CCLA 510: Kettlewell - Wiseman (Churchyard) Share CCLA 512: Conistone - Horner Bequest Share CCLA 513: St Mary Kettlewell Share CCLA 514: St Mary Conistone Share CCLA 515: St Michael Hubberholme Share CCLA 517: St Oswald Arncliffe Share CCLA 518: General Purpose Share Share CCLA 519: Bagley - Hubberholme Share CCLA 520: Florrie Whitehead Bequest ZLeeds CCLA 786: Oughtershaw School Endowment ZLeeds CCLA 795: Buckden School Room Share ZLeeds CCLA 860: Oughtershaw School Proceeds Total Liability - Agency Accounts 6699: Agency collections Total Net total assets Represented by General (Unrestricted) Designated - Repairs Designated - St M Con Designated - St M Hub Designated - St M Kett Designated - St O Arn Restricted - Kett C'yard Restricted - None |
1 - - - 1 1 |
1 - - - 1 1 1 - - - 1 1 1 - - - 1 1 |
|
2 - - - 2 2 29,732 - (4,740) - 24,992 33,931 - - 15,624 - 15,624 13,899 - 80,000 16,700 - 96,700 65,000 (0) - 8,920 - 8,920 8,800 - - 5,108 - 5,108 5,031 |
|
29,732 80,000 41,611 - 151,343 126,661 - - - 7,978 7,978 8,310 - - - 58,382 58,382 60,813 - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 291,078 - - - 291,078 303,199 - - - 10,723 10,723 11,170 - - 157,852 - 157,852 164,426 - - 2,864 - 2,864 2,983 - - 50,590 - 50,590 52,697 - - - 71,967 71,967 74,964 |
|
| 291,078 227,884 211,306 149,050 879,318 915,935 - - 4,257 - 4,257 559 |
|
- - 4,257 - 4,257 559 |
|
| 320,813 307,884 248,660 149,050 1,026,407 1,042,041 |
|
| 320,813 - - - 320,813 402,611 - 80,000 - - 80,000 - - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - 56,971 - - 56,971 59,343 - - 13,314 - 13,314 12,774 - - 30 - 30 - |
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Restricted - Ough Sch Restricted - Sch Room Restricted - St M Con Restricted - St M Hub Restricted - St M Kett Restricted - St O Arn Restricted - Tower Fund Endowment - Kett C'yard Endowment - Ough Sch Endowment - St M Con Endowment - St M Hub Total |
- - 2,864 - 2,864 2,983 - - 54,223 - 54,223 56,138 - - 157,194 - 157,194 170,989 - - 715 - 715 715 - - 3,200 - 3,200 3,200 - - 420 - 420 - - - 16,700 - 16,700 - - - - 7,978 7,978 8,310 - - - 71,967 71,967 74,964 - - - 58,382 58,382 60,813 - - - 10,723 10,723 11,170 |
|---|---|
| 320,813 307,884 248,660 149,050 1,026,407 1,042,041 |
Fund movement summary
| Fund | Opening | Incoming | Outgoing | Transfers | Gains/Losses | Journals | Closing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | ||||||||
| Unrestricted | 402,611 | 106,963 | 96,640 | (80,000) | - | (12,121) | 320,813 | |
| Sub-totals | 402,611 | 106,963 | 96,640 | (80,000) | - | (12,121) | 320,813 | |
| Kett C'yard | ||||||||
| Restricted | 12,774 | 3,350 | 2,810 | - | - | - | 13,314 | |
| Endowment | 8,310 | - | - | - | - | (332) | 7,978 | |
| Sub-totals | 21,084 | 3,350 | 2,810 | - | - | (332) | 21,292 | |
| Ough Sch | ||||||||
| Restricted | 2,983 | - | - | - | - | (119) | 2,864 | |
| Endowment | 74,964 | - | - | - | - | (2,997) | 71,967 | |
| Sub-totals | 77,947 | - | - | - | - | (3,116) | 74,830 | |
| Repairs | ||||||||
| Designated | - | - | - | 80,000 | - | - | 80,000 | |
| Sub-totals | - | - | - | 80,000 | - | - | 80,000 | |
| Sch Room | ||||||||
| Restricted | 56,138 | 1,666 | 1,474 | - | - | (2,107) | 54,223 | |
| Sub-totals | 56,138 | 1,666 | 1,474 | - | - | (2,107) | 54,223 | |
| St M Con | ||||||||
| Designated | 59,343 | - | - | - | - | (2,372) | 56,971 | |
| Restricted | 170,989 | 4,856 | 12,078 | - | - | (6,573) | 157,194 | |
| Endowment | 60,813 | - | - | - | - | (2,431) | 58,382 | |
| Sub-totals | 291,145 | 4,856 | 12,078 | - | - | (11,377) | 272,547 | |
| St M Hub | ||||||||
| Designated | 59,343 | - | - | - | - | (2,372) | 56,971 | |
| Restricted | 715 | 50 | 50 | - | - | - | 715 | |
| Endowment | 11,170 | - | - | - | - | (447) | 10,723 | |
| Sub-totals | 71,228 | 50 | 50 | - | - | (2,819) | 68,409 | |
| St M Kett | ||||||||
| Designated | 59,343 | - | - | - | - | (2,372) | 56,971 | |
| Restricted | 3,200 | - | - | - | - | - | 3,200 |
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Sub-totals | 62,543 | - | - | - | - | (2,372) | 60,171 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St O Arn | ||||||||
| Designated | 59,343 | - | - | - | - | (2,372) | 56,971 | |
| Restricted | - | 420 | - | - | - | - | 420 | |
| Sub-totals | 59,343 | 420 | - | - | - | (2,372) | 57,391 | |
| Tower Fund | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 16,700 | - | - | - | - | 16,700 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 16,700 | - | - | - | - | 16,700 | |
| None | ||||||||
| Restricted | - | 30 | - | - | - | - | 30 | |
| Sub-totals | - | 30 | - | - | - | - | 30 | |
| Totals | 1,042,041 | 134,036 | 113,053 | - | - | (36,617) | 1,026,407 |
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Analysis of income and expenditure
| Total | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Thisyear Lastyear |
|
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies I01 - Planned Giving (bank) I02 - Planned Giving (Envelopes) I03 - Other Planned Giving I04 - Plate Collection I05 - Gift Aid Recovered I06 - Church Box I07 - Donations I08 - Legacies I09 - Friends I10 - The Link Donations I13 - Donated Services Donations and legacies Totals Income from charitable activities I12 - Fundraising Events I15 - Fees for Weddings/funerals etc. I20 - Gift Day I21 - The Link Advertising Income from charitable activities Totals Other trading activities I14 - Room Bookings I19 - Room Hire Other trading activities Totals Investments I16 - CCLA Interest I17 - CCLA Dividends I18 - Rent Investments Totals Other income I11 - Misc Income I22 - Sale of Fixed Assets Other income Totals Income and endowments Grand totals |
24,613 - 50 - 24,663 24,910 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,145 - - - 2,145 3,305 11,762 - 500 - 12,262 11,078 5,777 - - - 5,777 5,716 23,720 - 2,000 - 25,720 35,977 106 - - - 106 - 815 - - - 815 875 1,398 - - - 1,398 1,351 - - - - - - |
70,337 - 2,550 - 72,887 83,212 3,429 - - - 3,429 4,444 5,203 - - - 5,203 2,860 30 - - - 30 15 5,366 - - - 5,366 5,132 |
|
14,027 - - - 14,027 12,451 - - - - - - - - - - - - |
|
- - - - - - 3,334 - 1,109 - 4,443 4,446 19,187 - 6,264 - 25,451 24,857 49 - 420 - 469 420 |
|
22,569 - 7,793 - 30,362 29,723 30 - 16,730 - 16,760 - - - - - - - |
|
30 - 16,730 - 16,760 - |
|
106,963 - 27,073 - 134,036 125,386 |
~~13~~
UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
| EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds E23 - Fund Raising Costs (Gen) E24 - Fund Raising Costs (Friends) Raising funds Totals Expenditure on charitable activities Card Fees - Card Processing Fees E01 - Churchyard maintenance E02 - Building repairs & maintenance E03 - Insurance E04 - Water E05 - Oil E06 - Gas E07 - Electricity E08 - Cost of Services E09 - Organist Fees E10 - Bell Ringing Fees E11 - Clergy Expenses E12 - Architect's Fees (Major Work) E13 - Architect's Fees (normal running costs) E14 - The Link E15 - Independent Examination Costs E16 - Salaries & Wages E17 - Licences E18 - Sundries for Services E19 - Governance Costs E20 - Other Administration Costs E21 - Miscellaneous Running Expenses E22 - Parish Share E25 - Charitable Donations E26 - Youth Group E27 - New Building/Equipment/Churchyard work E28 - Professional Fees E29 - Card Reader Fees Expenditure on charitable activities Totals Other expenditure Other expenditure Totals Expenditure Grand totals |
50 - - - 50 754 300 - - - 300 400 |
|---|---|
350 - - - 350 1,154 635 - - - 635 678 4,378 - 11,184 - 15,562 5,880 2,082 - 1,398 - 3,480 15,136 6,273 - 1,565 - 7,838 7,499 392 - 336 - 728 569 2,442 - - - 2,442 592 - - 903 - 903 1,299 3,085 - 806 - 3,891 3,652 584 - - - 584 1,409 480 - - - 480 320 30 - - - 30 - 1,572 - - - 1,572 2,026 - - - - - - 3,002 - - - 3,002 - 5,887 - - - 5,887 6,034 - - - - - - 16,980 - 220 - 17,200 12,316 396 - - - 396 385 1,451 - - - 1,451 21 25 - - - 25 20 2,740 - - - 2,740 2,689 1,775 - - - 1,775 1,515 37,882 - - - 37,882 37,977 2,400 - - - 2,400 100 1,800 - - - 1,800 - - - - - - - - - - - - 5,397 - - - - - - |
|
96,290 - 16,412 - 112,703 105,511 |
|
- - - - - - |
|
96,640 - 16,412 - 113,053 106,665 |
The Attached notes form part of these financial statements
Approved by the PCC on
and signed on their behalf by Tom Lusty (Vicar) and Nick Davies (PCC Treasurer)
~~14~~
UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following accounting policies have been adopted by the PCC and should be read in conjunction with the attached financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.
FUNDS
General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the PCC. Designated funds are likewise not subject to any special restriction but have been set aside by the PCC for a particular purpose. Restricted funds represent the funds held by the PCC that are subject to special restrictions as to their use.
The accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other Church groups that owe an affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.
Subject to the above, receipts and payments include income and received and expenditure when irrevocably paid.
2. STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The following assets are recognized but not valued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:
- Land and buildings (other than those specified) and any other tangible fixtures, fittings and equipment held on behalf of the PCC
3. FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
The following activities raised funds for the church during the year:
| £ | |
|---|---|
| Littondale Cards | 170 |
| Hubberholme Stars | 205 |
| Buckden School Book sales | 148 |
| Kettlewell Winter Warmer | 600 |
| Buckden Bank Holiday Fundraiser | 779 |
| Easter Lilies | 170 |
| Duck Race (teas/tickets) | 671 |
| Quiz Sheets | 70 |
| Recipe Books | 12 |
| Buckden Open Gardens | 558 |
| Buckden Gala | 46 |
| TOTAL | 3429 |
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
- PAYMENTS TO PCC MEMBERS
The following amounts were paid to PCC members in respect of goods or services acquired by them for the benefit of the PCC:
Pauline Thompson £168 Andrew Hitchon £537 Nick Davies £78 Vicky Bliss £37 Keith Jeddere-Fisher £264
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE UPPER WHARFEDALE AND LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on the previous pages.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts. The Charity’s trustees 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
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner. 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 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 accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: a) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- to which in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
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UPPER WHARFEDALE & LITTONDALE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025
Administrative Information Our Parish: Upper Wharfedale and Littondale PCC. Our Churches: St Oswald’s, Arncliffe. St Mary’s, Conistone. St Michael and All Angels, Hubberholme. St Mary’s, Kettlewell. Administrative Address: The Parish Office, St Mary’s Church, Kettlewell. BD23 5RD. Incumbent: The Rev Tom Lusty. Administrator: Andrew Hitchon. Bankers: Barclays. Independent Examiner: Graham Walter. PCC Members: The Rev Tom Lusty, Incumbent. Ian Smith, Church Warden. Andrew Hitchon, Church Warden. Nick Davies, Treasurer. Vicky Bliss, PCC Secretary. Keith Jeddere-Fisher, Buildings and Land Co-ordinator. Elizabeth Hird. Sarah Paul. Pauline Thompson, Licensed Lay Minister and Safeguarding Officer. Anne Vetch, Deanery Synod Representative Rebecca Ward-Dooley. Jackie Yarrow.
(*denotes membership of Standing Committee)
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