ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25 A church for all in Benwell and Scotswood ## OUR MISSION **keep two commandments – to love God and to love our neighbour as** ONE CHURCH FOUR LOCATIONS St John’s Benwell Village Ferguson Lane, NE15 6NW The Venerable Bede West Road + + + St Margaret’s Scotswood Heighley Street, NE15 6AR + **Newcastle upon Tyne. We work tirelessly to share** **bottom 1%** **charity** **Exhibitions** **Artist in residence** **Volunteering opportunities Community Commemorations & festivals Care Civic events** **Socials, fayres & trips Office spaces for charities, community groups & nursery** We are proud of the organisations that have been established by our churches and now work in partnership with us as independent organisations and projects. These include: **The Something Wonderful project** **home visiting & music** **Anna Chaplaincy (dementia)** BENWELLI_ -1 SCOTSWOOD TEAM PARISH FE CHURCH Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, if you witness or are told something then.. Recognise rhe signs that abuse may be happening. Respond sensitively and listen don't quesrion or investigate. Record factually and accurately what you have been told in the language they used. Report immediately to the Church Safeguarding Officer, or the Diocesan safeguarding officer. If there is immediate danger call 999. We promote a saf8 environment and culture. We safely recruit those with responsibi lity f or young people and vulnerable adults. We respond promptly to concerns ond allegations. We listen to survivors of abuse and take them seriously. We will respond with action and care for all those affected. Brenda Mccutcheon Parish Safeguarding Officer brendamccutcheon@yahoo.co.uk 07940 27877 Seen or heard something that doesn't feel rlght? Something made you feel worried? Tell someonel Mike Keller Assistant Safeguarding Officer fleller@btinternet.com 07761542007 tE If in any doubt. contact the Diocese of Newcastle Safeguarding Adviser. safeguarding@newcastle.anglican.org Kathy Germaine Assistant Safegu2rdin Officer kathleen342434@hotmail.com 01912451903 Visit our website for info and advice: benwellscotswood.com/safeguardin9 BENWELLI_ -IscoTSWOOD TEAM PARISH CH RC We believe every person is made in the image of God and is of infinite worth. We are committed to creating a welcomingi inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of: Age Disability ender identity or sex Sexual orientation and marital status Pregnancy and maternity Race (including colour, nationality, or ethnicity) Religion or belief Immigration status Weaimtobea community where diversity is celebrated and valued. We will continue to learn together as a community, and we will challenge discrimination. The Church of England’s vocation is and always has been to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation to the people of England. **We are** PCC OFFICERS 2024-25 Vacant **Team Rector (chair)** **Team Vicar for Mission (Vice chair)** The Revd Christopher Minchin **Licensed Lay Reader** Kathleen Germain **Secretary (co-opted)** Kath McIntyre **Parish Treasurer (co-opted)** James Garratt **St James’ Churchwardens** Michael Keller & Julius Ijefiya **St John’s Churchwardens** Shirley Irving & vacant **St Margaret’s Churchwardens** Brenda McCutcheon & Grace Thompson **Venerable Bede Churchwardens** Kath McIntyre **St John’s reps** Joyce Cuthbertson & Chris Libby **Venerable Bede reps** Donna Germain & James Garratt **St James’ reps** Francesca Stockdale & Vacant ## OTHER POSITIONS (not PCC) Electoral Roll Officer Kath McIntyre Safeguarding Administrator Kath McIntyre Parish Safeguarding officer Brenda McCutcheon Assistant Safeguarding officers Kathleen Germain, Michael Keller, & vacant Eco-champion vacant St James Heritage and Environment Group reps Michael Keller & vacant Treasurer for St James, Venerable Bede, and St Margaret’s James Garratt St James Caretaker (contracted) Christopher Foskett Artist in Residence at St James (contracted) Petra Ondrova **St Margaret’s reps** Jill Sorley & vacant **Deanery Synod Reps** Carol Davison, Michael Keller, vacant **Asylum Seeker Reps (co-opted)** Timothy Ohanaka & Amirreza Zarei **St John’s Treasurer (co-opted)** Colina Fenton ## APPOINTMENTS Independent Examiner: Justine Beer St James & Ven Bede Inspecting Architect: Peter Nugent (Ainsworth Sparks) St John’s Inspecting Architect Christopher J Blackburn St Margaret’s Inspecting Architect Ian Ness ## TEAM VICAR’S REPORT **I want to begin by saying a huge thank you to David Kirkwood, without his vision, sense of justice, and boundless humour, we wouldn’t be in such a positive position.** **Since our last annual meeting we have witnessed a counter-protest to a planned racist march on the West Road. We have also seen a gas explosion that killed seven-year-old Archie York and a young man, Jay Laws, and also displaced many families from their homes. I have also heard so many stories of the trauma that some of you have suffered fleeing the countries of your birth. In each instance the community has responded with authentic compassion and care. This is not a community that just puts on a brave face, this is a deeply courageous and strong** **community. In a world that seems more and more volatile, I look at the people around me and I do not worry, I feel genuinely hopeful. In fact, I feel joyful.** **I see the mission of God running through everything that we do in this place. I see it in all the people here, and I particularly want to pay tribute to a few people:** - **Our Farsi translators, who never complain about translating the (occasionally convoluted) thoughts of our preachers and who so sensitively help our members engage with the Bible. The Revd Anne Marr who chooses to minister to us so generously.** - **Shirley Irving, who has faithfully served the church of St John’s for decades and is now pursuing her true vocation as an Anna Chaplain.** - **Petra Ondrova (AKA Artep Avordno) our artist in residence, who is preparing to move back** - **to Czechia, and has helped create friendship and joy in our community, and has shown true wisdom and tenacity that has kept me grounded.** - **Carol Davison for setting up for our services with such care and dedication.** - **Reza Raoufi who never asks for our thanks, even when he truly deserves them. Timothy Ohanaka and Chris Libby for reinvigorating our music.** - **Kath McIntyre, who has too many jobs to list, takes them all in her stride, and seems to be singlehandedly sorting out the entire Church of England.** - **Chris Foskett, without whom so much of our work would not happen** - **Grace Thomson for the pure offering of her faith which inspires us all.** - **Kathy Germain for reminding us, through her example, all that our most important task is to be the people God has called us to be.** **Brenda McCutcheon, Mike Keller, and Julius Ijefiya, our tireless churchwardens.** **As we look towards interviews for a new Team Rector, I am not worried, because I see a community grounded in faith. In the coming months, I am grateful that Fr Allan Marks and The Revd Helen Young have agreed to help sustain our ministry** ## VOCATIONS **We believe all are called by God, whatever their background or abilities, and always welcome conversations about what this might look like for anyone. We should be proud our parish is a place where vocations have been encouraged and developed, both lay and ordained.** **This year we have been blessed to have Marc Voase on placement with us from Cranmer Hall, Durham, who has given us stimulating sermons and been a welcoming presence throughout the week.** **We must also note our huge thanks to The Revd Mike Baldwin, lent to us by his parish in Durham Diocese, he** **became part of the family in the two months he was with us. We were sad to see him go, but we know he will be a blessing wherever his ministry takes him.** **We look forward to The Revd Claire Lewis’ ordination to the priesthood on 28[th] June 2025 and we pray for The Revd Abigail Harris as she continues in her curacy. We have many continuing their training in lay ministry.** ## MOTHERS’ UNION **Benwell Scotswood has a thriving Mothers’ Union branch with 2 meetings each month. The branch has been running since March 2009 and membership is steady at 13.** **There is a Wednesday morning meeting held at the Venerable Bede Church. This group meets once a month for a short Bible reading and reflection followed by prayer and a simple craft. There is coffee and cake and the meeting is followed by morning prayer. This group has been running since January 2023 and there are regularly 5-6 women attending this group. There is also a Thursday evening meeting held in a member’s home. This group shares joys and sorrows, has a discussion and share curry and wine. There are usually 4-7 women attending this each month.** **In June 2024 the Branch, along with Mothers’ Union Branches in the West Deanery, hosted the diocesan festival. This was a fantastic event, made possible by the hard work of so many people. Approximately 175 people came through the doors of St James, with around 125 staying for a service led by Bishop Helen Ann. People were able to enjoy crafts, tours of the historic graveyard, midday prayers, view the artwork of the Something Wonderful Project, enjoy some music and have a good feast. The day also raised £500 for Mothers’ Union and £500 for the Something Wonderful Project. As a direct result of this event, Newcastle Mothers’ Union are now supporting the Something Wonderful Project, giving regular donations of supplies to help keep the important work going.** ## JUNIOR CHURCH **We have a thriving Junior Church in the weekly hub service. This is different from a traditional Sunday School with children taken out for their own separate activities. In Junior Church, the children and young people worship alongside the adults in the main service. There are children ranging from 3-17 years and there are regularly 1015 children attending. Young people sit in the front row of chairs and younger children sit at the tables supported by the adults who organise Junior Church.** **The children and young people have their own TV screen which supports them to follow the service. They are encouraged to follow the order of service and have laminated cards on a small clipboard to support them to do this. These cards point out the main features of the service and invite the children to think about what is happening. They can note their thoughts on the cards using wipe clean pens. Children are also provided with an envelope containing a small craft and a copy of the reading. The aim of this is to help them to respond to the Gospel reading during the sermon. It is hoped that this structure will support our children to understand the service and to take an active part in the worship alongside the adult congregation.** **Going forward we hope to grow the team of adults supporting our young people so that we can help them to really engage with the weekly service. A stronger team will enable us to explore new ways of helping young people worship and respond to the Gospel.** ## PCC SECRETARY REPORT **Team Rector David Kirkwood retired last August. David and his wife Elspeth have now left the parish. We wish them a happy, contented future.** **It is hoped that a new rector will be appointed in** ## **next few weeks. Chris Minchin must be commended as he has maintained his role of mission priest admirable while taking on additional rector duties.** **PCC and standing committee continue to meet four times each year and members remain dedicated to ensuring that the parish and welcoming to all.** **Congregations are increasing and baptism requests are received frequently.** **Fund raising and grant applications are vital as building maintenance is an ongoing issue.** **We are truly grateful for assistance and work from all volunteers.** **Kath Mcintyre** ## VENERABLE BEDE, WEST ROAD **Venerable Bede church and hall is mostly in good state of repair, but some minor repairs and maintenance is required.** **The Food Bank hire Venerable Bede Hall on Mondays and Thursdays and it has been rented for private events on numerous occasions providing useful stream of income.** **Venerable Bede Church has been venue for hub service from Oct until Apr and services are till held there every Thursday.** **Thank you to everyone for your support. Kath McIntyre** ## ST JAMES BENWELL Our thanks go to everyone who, by sharing their time, talents, and treasures, help to ensure that St James’ Church continues to serve the community of the West End of Newcastle – by being a space for worship, human connections, nourishment of body, mind, and spirit, all for the glory of God. In addition to one-off events, St James’ Church continues to be regularly used and appreciated by various groups throughout the year, including: - •West End Writes - •Lunch Break - •Art Club - •Food Bank & Welfare Support And we were delighted last August to welcome a repeat of the Benstock live music festival, as with the previous year, it was another great success and helps to highlight the potential of our church. As is to be expected, a building that is near to celebrating its bicentennial requires constant work, and in the past year the repairs and annual maintenance works included: - Annual inspection and servicing of Combiboilers/heating, fire extinguishers & PAT testing - •Repair of radiators - •Repair of leaking urinal cistern - •Dismantling vestry wardrobe and storage units - •Tidying of Vestry and Nave - Cutting back weeds & overgrowth andmaintaining the raised beds to the north of the building - •Pest control have been called in to deal withrepeated rodent sightings, now signed to an annual maintenance contract Those items listed above are done with little no or fanfare, so we feel it necessary to highlight the stellar work of the Church Caretaker, Chris Foskett, for alerting us to all issues as they arise, providing access to those who repair and maintain the property, and for always going the extra mile in all that he does. What is more obvious are the essential works currently being carried out by the Local Authority, including: - •Pruning of trees and removal and replacementof dead, dying or dangerous trees • Resurfacing or excavation and relaying of paths everyone to understand and abide by this direction: nobody, and this includes dogs, may enter the cordoned off areas until the treatment is concluded. It is at least some consolation that the knotweed is currently confined to areas at a generous distance from the church building, as any significant spread has the potential to cause significant damage to the building fabric. Finally, I thank everyone who is reading this report, with special thanks for our amazing Team Vicar for Mission, Chris, our Reader, Kathy Germain, the other officers and volunteers, and the members of our congregation and our Team Parish, and for my dear fellow Churchwarden, Julius. ## ST JOHN’S BENWELL VILLAGE - Pointing, repair and rebuilding of walls andrepair and replacement of fences or gates - •Straightening and making safe of headstoneswhich have become unstable and repair as practicable of any vandalised monuments – in some instances, headstones may be laid down but not otherwise moved. As always, we must express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the St James’ Heritage and Environment Group, which was founded in 2010, and it has been 16 years since the founding of the “Graveyard Group” since 2009. The importance and worth of the work these volunteers provide towards helping to research and promote the heritage and history of St James’ Church and the West End and the tremendous effort they put into beautifying and maintaining the graveyard cannot be praised enough. The presence of knotweed in limited areas of the graveyard has been known about ever since the “Graveyard Group” began work clearing and maintaining the area 15 years ago, and since then they have worked in partnership with the City Council to treat and eradicate it. However, we know that the knotweed has spread significantly during the past two years in substantial parts of the south west part of the graveyard, necessitating unavoidable and urgent action. Those affected areas are strictly cordoned off for a major operation to tackle and, we pray, eradicate the knotweed, and the duration of the treatment is projected to last more than a year. I cannot emphasise enough how imperative it is for On Behalf of the Churchwardens of St James’ Church Benwell, Michael Keller May 2025 ## **Fabric of Church:** Boiler checked in October - R.F.Henderson Joe fixed washer in kitchen, also the screen in church. December - PAT done one failure (but now fixed) adapter for Christmas lights. January 25: we suffered high winds which damaged the side fence next to nursery. Thanks to Joe, Colina and Richard this was promptly fixed. February - Gents toilet radiator not working Boiler fixed. March - Gas engineer changed pipes at back of church - put release valves as air was being trapped in pipe. April - Gas engineer disconnected gas supply to the kitchen. Heating in the Bramble room and corridors greatly improved. ## **Services:** Congregation attendance fluctuating due to members health problems. The IT equipment working well thanks to Colina and Joyce. When screen is down someone standing at the side of it during communion for health and safety. Carol Service was well attended. (Team Service) Maundy Thursday well attended (Team Service) washing of feet. ## **Activities:** Line dancing still going strong. Thanks to Linda for her hard work even though she has not been in the best of health since Christmas. We appreciate the support the church receives from the dancers. Wednesday sequence dance continues. Coffee mornings well attended - supported by the other churches, family and friends. Clothes sale is a boon. Ladies from Ferguson Lodge attend when possible. Feel part of St John's family. Thanks to those who help to bring them over. Ukelele - Meet Monday afternoon after the dancing. They continue to visit residential settings and complexes entertaining residents. Very and popular and they bring love and joy to all. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Approx 9-10 in the group. Also provide music for church services on occasion. A big thank you to Colina and Margy who set up the church each week after dancing. It is a great help thanks for their support. Olive Taylor did a talk(Old Roads of Benwell) it was well attended afterwards we had a lovely tea. Very positive feedback for the talk and tea. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Once again thanks to Olive and all who arranged the tea. Over the past few months we have had the organ repaired and it made a very welcome tuneful addition to the Montague Pit Disaster Centenary celebration. Which we hosted and worked closely with The Heritage group and Scotswood Village residents to provide a truly memorable day, with various exhibitions, and shared fellowship in a service of commendation. Over 100 people attended during the morning and there were 80 people from all areas of the Northeast attended the service. Once again St. Margaret’s showed their unique welcome to all. We have need to have the lightening conductor tested as suggested at the quinquennium report. We still have to address any recommendations for the report. It is over seven years since Scotswood Village Nursery moved into the hall area, they also hire the old vestry, the Children’s Garden and have shared use of the kitchen. They renewed their licence in October 2020 for another 5-year term. Changing Lives MAP and GAPs continue to occupy the upper room and have secured funding for the Elliot room, allowing them to employ a larger ## ST MARGARET’S SCOTSWOOD At the end of a year, were nothing seems to be normal; our building has continued to be open for service users and we continue with a new pattern of worship, with a communion service every Sunday at 9.45, Baptisms have taken place. Baptisms have gone back to what they were with larger numbers, although still not as many as usual. Grace our ALM has delivered a few services, and these were enjoyed by all present. Well, done Grace and thank you for sharing your skills. The Fire safety equipment and the security lighting have been checked regularly, by Northern Fire and Security Ltd, who already maintain the electrics. We still have a lift maintenance contract with Northern Elevators who regularly service the lift (4 times a year). Unfortunately, it’s 25years since we had the building re-ordered, and the main control panel for the lift had to have major repairs. We have had the control panel for the heating repaired, at a cost of £10,000, thanks to Gladys Pew who’s legacy paid for this major repair. All the light fitting have been repaired in the baptistry, upper office and toilets. Holy Nativity Chapel house kindly donated a newer piano, which looks splendid, and modern. team, from Monday to Friday weekly, they also hire the quiet room, which they use for one2one sessions. Once again, the building is busy and vibrant. Since the pandemic all activities have not resumed, a slightly different form as the new normal emerged and the clergy worked with the Bishop to reshape the Diocese. New worship patterns have emerged and will continue to be reviewed as the Benwell Scotswood Team take on a new shape, since David Kirkwood retired last summer. Who Knows what God’s plan is? We will also have to look at future fundraising events and how we reach out to involve the community in these. As we move forward we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us into the future for our Church in Scotswood and help us to develop a new vibrant pattern of worship and social life, making St. Margaret’s once again a happy, healthy centre which meets the needs of the community. Thank you all for your help and support over the past year, you have all shown how loyal and committed you are to keeping St. Margaret’s going. Brenda M[c] Cutcheon Grace Thomson, (Church Wardens) ## FINANCIAL SUMMARY Income, Expenditure and Funds 2024 ## James Garratt, PCC Treasurer **This has been a financially challenging year for the Benwell and Scotswood Team. The total income was just over £128,000, an increase from the previous year of around £11,000. The expenses also rose by £22,000, meaning that our financial position at the end of the year is weaker than it was at the start of the year.** **We were pleased to pay our full parish share in 2024. The areas of notable expenditure are insurance (£17,000), church upkeep (£18,000) and utility bills (£32,000). There have been some major repairs required, costing £47,000.** **Our income from all sources of voluntary giving (planned, collections and other giving) has declined from** **£28,000 to £24,000. In the autumn, we celebrated generosity and launched our membership of the Parish Giving Scheme. We are confident that this will help to reverse that decline. We had 31 individual planned givers during 2024. Some people gave to more than one of the churches. Our gift aid recovered was lower than in previous years because only one church put in a full claim. Catching up on this is a priority for 2025. We plan to re-validate all gift aid data in 2025 and use our new position as a registered charity to become more consistent with our claims. Our membership of the Parish Giving Scheme will help to improve our regular income from Gift Aid.** GOVERNANCE **Benwell and Scotswood Team Parish is a registered charity (number 1205934). The charity is the responsibility of a PCC (parochial church council) duly constituted under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) and the Church Representation Rules.** **- Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956): legislaton.gov.uk/ukcm/Eliz2/4 5/3/contents Church representation rules: churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/legalresources/church-representaton-rules** **The parish is led by the incumbent Rector and a Team Vicar, along with the PCC which consists of elected Churchwardens and lay representatives. They are the trustees of the charity.** ## THE PCC **There are 4 PCC meetings per year.** **The PCC consists of:** - **The Rector (chair, ex-officio). Licensed clergy (ex-officio). Licensed readers (ex-officio).** - **2 churchwardens for each church.** - **2 elected representatives for each** **church. 3 Deanery Synod representatives.** **PCC members may occupy more than one position. They must be safely recruited with an enhanced DBS check and undertake safeguarding in leadership training (Level 3) and this is renewed regularly.** **Co-opted (non-voting) officers are:** - **The Secretary** - **The Treasurer** - **Two asylum seeker and refugee** - **Representatives.** **The PCC may also vote to create other officer roles and co-opt other individuals to the PCC when this is useful.** ## ASYLUM & REFUGEE REPS **At the APCM in 2024 we agreed to create two asylum seeker and refugee Representative positions. This was to recognise the importance of the many asylum seeker and refugees in our community, but who also face barriers to joining the PCC as full members and charity trustees.** - **The reps are invited to attend all PCC meetings and fully partake in discussions and planning.** - **As officers appointed by the PCC this means they are not trustees, and therefore do not vote, but the PCC agrees that their views will be valued, considered seriously in all matters, and recorded in the minutes. In the event of reps having to move on, new reps can be appointed by a vote of the PCC. The reps need not fulfil the ordinary** - **requirements of PCC members, including being on the electoral roll or complete a DBS check, though this is desirable wherever possible.** ## STANDING COMMITTEE **The Standing Committee meets approximately 2 weeks prior to each PCC.** **The Standing Committee is a smaller, focused group who ensure PCC business is carried out between meetings and discuss details of proposals to be made at PCC.** **The committee consists of the licensed clergy and readers, secretary, treasurer and one warden from each church (where there is more than one warden in a church, they may alternate who joins the committee).** ## ANNUAL MEETING **The APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) is when we hear reports from the last year and approve the annual accounts, this is immediately followed by the Annual Meeting of Parishioners when we elect Churchwardens.** **Anyone on the electoral roll may vote at the APCM and stand for a position.** ## ELECTORAL ROLL **To be eligible to join the electoral roll you must be over 16, baptised, and either live within the Parish boundaries or have attended the church regularly for at least 6 months.** ## DCCs **Each church has a District Church Council. At the APCM in 2023 it was agreed the DCCs would now only meet annually and comprise the bare minimum of members to reduce the number of meetings and avoid duplication of work done by the PCC. This is apart from St John’s, who still value the space for discussion and meet 4 times a year.** ## SUB-COMMITTEES **Task-focused sub-committees are formed when necessary and report to the PCC. Currently there is a sub-committee for stewardship and finance, and a steering committee for the Something Wonderful project.** **Be open to change and new ideas. Speak openly and honestly.** **Listen respectfully without interruption.** **Stay focused and on topic. Be constructive with criticism. Seek consensus and accept majority decisions. Take responsibility for attending meetings.** ## STAFF **The parish currently does not employ anyone directly. The parish is allocated two full-time stipendiary priests by the Diocese who are paid for by the Church of England Commissioners.** **St James contracts the services of Chris Foskett as a caretaker, and Petra Ondrova as Artist in Residence. The church also contracts the services of various individuals and companies for maintenance and repairs, such as cleaners, roofers, and architects.** ## VOLUNTEERS **We encourage participation from all our worshipping community. There are various volunteer roles and we encourage the wider community to get involved as well.** **There is a safer-recruitment process for all volunteers and a DBS and safeguarding training may be required for certain roles. If you are interested in volunteering then please get in contact.** **before self.** ## THE CHURCH OF ## ENGLAND **The Church of England is the established church, it is large and diverse denomination with a long history. The Archbishops of York and Canterbury and local bishops govern the church with the elected representatives of the General Synod. There are also 40 other independent Anglican provinces across the world.** THE DIOCESE OF NEWCASTLE **Framed by the Rivers Tyne and Tweed the Diocese of Newcastle is the Church of England’s most northerly diocese. This Diocese in the ‘land of the Northern Saints’ was formed in 1882 and comprises 169 parishes across 2,110 square miles. The Diocese covers the local authorities of Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside and also small parts of County Durham and Cumbria. The 12 deaneries within** **2 archdeaconries serve a population of about 800,000 people across a variety of communities ranging from sparse rural to large inner-city areas of deprivation.** **The Diocese is led by the Diocesan Bishop of Newcastle and the suffragan Bishop of Berwick. The Newcastle Diocesan Synod is the representative governing body of the Diocese of Newcastle. In it, the Bishops, along with elected clergy and lay people, meet to discuss the issues facing churches across the Diocese and make decisions about their common future. The clergy and laity of Diocesan Synod are elected from each Deanery by the members of Deanery Synods.** ## NEWCASTLE WEST DEANERY **We are in the Newcastle West Deanery. Licensed clergy meet as the Deanery Chapter to support and pray for each other. Each parish also elects lay representatives to the Deanery Synod. Each deanery is led by an ordained Area Dean and a Lay Chair. The Deanery Synod considers topical issues, it passes motions to be considered by the Diocesan Synod and is responsible for creating deanery plans. Our deanery synod meets 3 times a year.** ## DIOCESAN CONTACTS ## **Bishop of Newcastle** The Bishop’s House 29 Moor Road South, Gosforth, NE3 1PA bishop.ha@newcastle.anglican.org Personal Assistant - Deborah Botha d.botha@newcastle.anglican.org 0191 285 2220 ## **The Bishop of Berwick** bishopoferwick@newcastle.anglican.org Personal Assistant - Elena Rose elenarose.crawford@newcastle.anglican.org 0191 285 2220 **The Archdeacon of Northumberland** The Venerable Rachel Wood northumberland@newcastle.anglican. org 0191 270 4157 / 07469950198 Personal Assistant - Katherine Govier k.govier@newcastle.anglican.org 0191 270 4142 ## NORTHUMBERLAND ## ARCHDEACONRY **Our parish is in the Northumberland Archdeaconry in the primarily urban south-east of the Diocese. The Archdeacon is a senior member of clergy who is responsible for the administration of the church in this part of the Diocese.** ## **Area Dean for Newcastle West** The Revd James McGowan Vicar of St James and St Basil’s Fenham 0191 266 1071 vicar@jamesbasilfenham.org.uk Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of Benwell & Scotswood Team Parish, Newcastle upon Tyne This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 1 to 11, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations’) and section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 (‘the Act’). Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner As members of the PCC you are ## responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. Basis of this report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions ## given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner’s statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: - (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and - - to prepare financial statements, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations 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. 16/05/2025 Justine Beer FCCA 3 Bevan Court Hepscott park Morpeth NE61 6FH BENWELL I_ -1 SCOTSWOOD TEAM PAI1￿H ST IAMES I ST1tr4N I ST 14AAGAAE T I VlNf E 11 DE SAFEGUARDING POUCY THE fiiuR(.H I )F EN'GL￿￿,0 T>T*. NE I S 6RS BENWELL I_ -1 SCOTSWOOD TEAM PARISH ST IAMES I ST I $7 14tARG4RET I VENE￿£ 8EOE EqLAllty. 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Yow p•rsty41 dxa - ￿1( Is itl (th• "GDPAI ITrIE C.IIURfH i)F ENGLAN'D T>rt 15 6PS BENWELL I_ -1 SCOTSWOOD ST WIES I ST I S"1 I VENEUOtE J(IX TFlf CIIURCH l)F fN'GLAN'O BENWELL I_ -1 SCOTSWOOD ST WIES I ST I S"1 I VENEUOtE J(IX HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICf rt8¥d for TFlf CIIURCH l)F fN'GLAN'O BENWELL I_ -1 SCOTSWOOD $7 I ST1¢>•41 S", MArtGAAEf i •fOE FIPST AD ITrIE C.IIURfH i)F ENGLAN'D T>rt 15 6PS BENWELL I_ -1 SCOTSWOOD TEAM PARISH ST gws I $7 I(w I S", MARGAAfT I ￿NE￿I￿(f ￿DE ACO()ENT REKXTNG T•¥n TFIE CIIURrH I )F ENGLAN'D T>rt S 6PS 12.Ci))0(th. 19 K4•y 2024 •1 ￿ J•m•s J. M•eiln¢ lor th• Ele•¥￿ Xirkwood summlflsed vrt*ten reptyl th w•$ w•ll•ble Io fe•d •1 the ft*ethy. Advised by Ste¥* Forster (cortsultanll lo tell our S¢ory bettw; rt was an knspwaiional re l)a¥KI Kirkwood also announced his knhctynlrq retrniiffiL l* rm thanked f¢f his wtyk ¢)vff the Yea￿ 4 h•ppy lu¢ufe. 11. T•am Report Team VK4f report was •vall•ble to re•d •1 ffleetiry •nd was sumffwflsed by c￿4$ Nl 12. Churth Wafden ReP￿ts Fabfk News. Goods and Ornaments) (trwfch Wafd¢n repwts available to read at meew and summafI￿ b¥ Mike Kelw. Sl¥r*y Iry1￿ Grace Th¢Nn￿ and Lithy Germain. 13. KC Report Report av•llable to read •t meeik 14. S•l•y•rnllry Safe￿Id1￿ c(wKinuts lo be a lof the PCC and wrish. for PCC membws Ss a required level. safeD￿rdi￿ 045hbo¥d ts supplen*ntod with H￿tsF￿1 report available to read at meetin& The FinafKial re￿ and fi￿nCIal statefnents ol PCC wefe avali able lo be read at meeli and wesented ty Chris iibly. James Garrntt offefed to answer any questions and Ytha¢ed wilhnlness to dbSCUSS financial matters at ary lime. Prowsed unanimou5ty a8reed. 17. AO8 Food Bahk Is ￿)dertakary w iefm lfrase of ve1￿•ble eedt lull.The *411 fequke soffle trwovemefits $0 COnv￿￿ty bookrts can ccmminue In th•1 twlldty. D•￿_- St James’ Benwell St John’s Benwell Village St Margaret’s Scotswood Venerable Bede West Road benwellscotswood.com @benwellscotswood ## **Benwell and Scotswood Team Parish Income, Expenditure and Funds 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Money in
S James Ven Bede S John S Margaret Common TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023
Planned giving 5,915 4,842 2,919 2,347 200 16,223 18,383
Collections at services 315 436 1,106 200 0 2,057 4,600
All other giving 2,214 824 367 40 468 3,913 5,267
Gift Aid 38 1,306 10 10 10 1,374 5,462
Grants and legacies 41,194 621 0 10,000 20,960 72,775 54,958
Fundraising 1,257 0 8,026 0 0 9,283 11,279
Fees and rentals 1,915 9,048 174 27,940 188 39,264 39,154
Investments 688 212 841 0 0 1,741 1,319
Other income 0 0 441 0 0 441 0
TOTAL 53,535 17,288 13,884 40,537 21,826 147,070 140,420
Transfers within team 0 0 0 0 20,960 20,960 32,658
TOTAL minus transfers within Team 53,535 17,288 13,884 40,537 866 126,110 107,762
Money out
S James Ven Bede S John S Margaret Common TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023
Diocesan parish share 0 0 0 0 12,400 12,400 16,800
Staff salaries and expenses 0 0 0 0 344 344 4,465
Charitable giving 7,200 164 0 0 200 7,564 1,627
Transfers within Team (incl. to Common Fund 5,208 7,836 6,108 1,808 0 20,960 26,117
Other mission payments 420 533 0 0 153 1,106 10,525
Church services 1,051 104 72 309 122 1,659 2,313
Insurance 8,700 3,794 738 3,774 0 17,007 14,938
Church upkeep 8,580 2,894 668 3,952 2,151 18,245 27,007
Utilities 5,967 5,126 689 13,767 6,416 31,965 28,093
Costs of fundraising 706 0 0 0 0 706 2,769
Major building / repair 31,993 0 301 11,876 321 44,491 8,609
TOTAL 69,826 20,452 8,576 35,486 22,107 156,448 143,263
Transfers within Team 5,208 7,836 6,108 1,808 0 20,960 28,467
TOTAL minus transfers within Team 64,618 12,616 2,468 33,678 22,107 135,488 114,796
Money remaining on 31 December 2024
S James Ven Bede S John S Margaret Common TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023
General access funds 3,036 19,671 17,804 19,803 7,325 67,638 67,270
Restricted funds 2,831 0 20,351 0 0 23,183 32,929
TOTAL 5,867 19,671 38,155 19,803 7,325 90,821 100,199
**----- End of picture text -----**
This has been a financially challenging year for the Benwell and Scotswood Team. The total income was just over £128,000, an increase from the previous year of around £11,000. The expenses also rose by £22,000, meaning that our financial position at the end of the year is weaker than it was at the start of the year. We were pleased to pay our full parish share in 2024. The areas of notable expenditure are insurance (£17,000), church upkeep (£18,000) and utility bills (£32,000). There have been some major repairs required, costing £47,000. Our income from all sources of voluntary giving (planned, collections and other giving) has declined from £28,000 to £24,000. In the autumn, we celebrated generosity and launched our membership of the Parish Giving Scheme. We are confident that this will help to reverse that decline. We had 31 individual planned givers during 2024. Some people gave to more than one of the churches. Our gift aid recovered was lower than in previous years because only one church put in a full claim. Catching up on this is a priority for 2025. We plan to re-validate all gift aid data in 2025 and use our new position as a registered charity to become more consistent with our claims. Our membership of the Parish Giving Scheme will help to improve our regular income from Gift Aid. Page 1 of 11 **Analysis of finance for St James and Ven Bede (2023 and 2024)** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Sources of income at St James Spending at St James
45 35
40 30 S James 2023
35 S James 2023 25
30 20 S James 2024
25 S James 2024 15
20
10
15
5
10
0
5
0
Thousands Thousands
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Money remaining at St James at the end of the year
year 2023 2024
General access funds £4,190 £3,036
Restricted funds £17,968 £2,831
Total funds £22,158 £5,867
**----- End of picture text -----**
St James has required substantial repairs during 2024. Much of this has been paid by grant funding, but we have also used a considerable portion of our reserves. The grants that we have received include £10,000 from our own Gladys Plews legacy, so it is not new money from outside. All other sources of income have declined. Nearly all costs have increased. The total funds at St James at the end of the year represent less than 2 months-worth of regular expenses. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Sources of income at Ven Bede Spending at Ven Bede
10 9 Ven Bede 2023
987 Ven Bede 2023 876 Ven Bede 2024
6 Ven Bede 2024 5
4
5 3
4 2
3 1
2 0
1
0
Thousands Thousands
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Money remaining at Ven Bede at the end of the year
year 2023 2024
General access funds £22,505 £19,671
Restricted funds £330 £0
Total funds £22,836 £19,671
**----- End of picture text -----**
The Ven Bede has spent more money than it has brought in during 2024. The income from voluntary giving has remained steady, but other sources of income have declined. The income from rental (mainly the Food Bank) remains the largest source of income. Most costs have gone up, notably the transfers within the team to the Common Fund and the utilities. The funds remaining at the end of the year is enough to cover approximately 1 year of expenses. Page 2 of 11 **Analysis of finance for St John and St Margaret (2023 and 2024)** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Sources of income at St John Spending at St John
12 9
8 S John 2023
10 7
8 S John 2023 6 S John 2024
5
6 S John 2024 4
3
4 2
1
2 0
0
Thousands Thousands
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Money remaining at St John at the end of the year
year 2023 2024
General access funds £18,284 £17,804
Restricted funds £14,564 £20,351
Total funds £32,848 £38,155
**----- End of picture text -----**
St John has continued to be very effective with fundraising and this makes up more than half the total income. Giving has declined slightly from the previous year. The biggest single cost is the payment to the Common Fund. The maintenance of the building is another important expense. In 2023, there were some improvments made to the building, hence the large expense on upkeep. By the end of 2024, the available funds had increased by £5000 to £38,000. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Sources of income at St Margaret Spending at St Margaret
30 16
25 S Margaret 2023 1412 S Margaret 2023
20 S Margaret 2024 108 S Margaret 2024
15 6
4
10
2
5 0
0
Money remaining at St Margaret at the end of the year The main source of income at St Margaret continues to be the room hire for the
year 2023 2024 Nursery and Changing Lives. Also in 2024, St Margaret receiveda £10.000 grant from
General access funds £14,752 £19,803 the Gladys Plews legacy, to help pay for a new heating control panel. There has
Restricted funds £0 £0 been no change to planned giving. The main cost continues to be utilities
Total funds £14,752 £19,803 (mainly gas) to keep the building warm. By the end of the year, the available funds at
Thousands Thousands
**----- End of picture text -----**
The main source of income at St Margaret continues to be the room hire for the Nursery and Changing Lives. Also in 2024, St Margaret receiveda £10.000 grant from the Gladys Plews legacy, to help pay for a new heating control panel. There has been no change to planned giving. The main cost continues to be utilities (mainly gas) to keep the building warm. By the end of the year, the available funds at St Margaret had increased by £5,000 to £20,000. Page 3 of 11 ## **Analysis of finance for the Common Fund (2023 and 2024)** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Sources of income at the Common Fund Spending at the Common Fund
35 14
30 12 Common 2023
25 Common 2023 10 Common 2024
8
20
Common 2024 6
15 4
10 2
5 0
0
Money remaining at Common Fund at the end of the year The Common Fund had very little income other than the grants from the
year 2023 2024 individual churches. These grants had decline from the previous year as not
General access funds £7,539 £7,325 every church was able to meet the request. However, the costs from the
Restricted funds £67 £0 Common Fund declined dramatically. The only significant costs were the
Total funds £7,606 £7,325 diocesan parish share and the utilities (Council Tax and Water for the
vicarages). The funds available at the end of the year were maintained.
Thousands Thousands
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 4 of 11 **Benwell And Scottswood Team Parish Summary statements Year ended 31 December 2024** |INCOME
Voluntary giving
Planned giving
Direct payments
Envelopes
PGS
Collections at services
All other giving and voluntary receipts
Special appeals
Flowers
General giving
Gift Aid recovered
Legacies received (capital value)
Grants
Grants from outside
Transfer within team
Activities for generating funds
Fundraising activities (gross proceeds)
Fetes and bazaars
Special events
Income from investments
Dividends, interest, income from property etc.
Church activities
Fees retained by PCC (weddings, funerals etc.)
Trading activities (gross proceeds), NOT fundraising
Hall rental
Church rental
Other incoming resources
Other receipts/income not already listed
TOTAL INCOME
Costs of generating funds
Costs of fundraising activities
Church activities
Mission giving and donations
Diocesan parish share contribution
Salaries, wages and honoraria
Clergy and staff expenses
Church expenses
Mission and evangelism costs
Transfer within team
Paid outside team
Church running expenses (including governance)
Ceremonial costs
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Other church running expenses
Church utility bills
Council tax
Water, light and heat
Telephone and internet
Costs of trading
Major capital expenditure
Major repairs to the church building
Major repairs to church hall/other PCC property
New building work to the church, church hall etc.
Other expenditure
Other payments/expenditure not already listed
TOTAL EXPENDITURE|**St James**
**St James**
**St James**
**St James**
**St James**
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted
Restricted
**General**
**Music**
**Missions**
**Developm**
**ent**
**Something**
**Wonderful**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
5,705
60
150
315
170
975
1,069
38
10,130
25,064
6,000
1,257
617
71
1,915
19,226
617
60
25,135
8,496
706
5,423
1,777
5,208
420
337
714
8,700
108
8,472
5,739
229
31,993
19,776
714
1,777
31,993
15,566|**Ven Bede**
**Ven Bede**
Unrestricted Restricted
**General**
**Mission**
**£**
**£**
4,482
360
396
40
824
1,306
212
9,048
16,627
40
164
7,836
104
3,794
2,894
4,387
409
19,425
164| |---|---|---| |**Ven Bede Ven Bede**
Restricted Restricted
**Gladys**
**Plews**
**NBYP**
**£**
**£**
621
0
621
533
330
330
533|**St Johns**
**St Johns**
Unrestricted Restricted
**General**
**Building**
**£**
**£**
2,889
30
1,106
10
357
10
5,369
2,084
573
53
788
174
441
13,096
788
6,108
72
738
329
340
689
301
8,576
0|**St Margarets**
Unrestricted
**General**
**£**
2,307
40
200
40
10
10,000
27,940
40,537
1,808
309
3,774
3,476
475
13,767
11,876
35,486|**Common**
**Fund**
**Common**
**Fund**
Unrestricted
Restricted
**General**
**Farsi**
**£**
**£**
160
40
80
388
10
20,960
108
80
21,826
0
200
12,400
344
86
67
122
1,071
1,080
5,053
1,146
216
321
22,041
67|**Total**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
0
0
0
60
15,543
15,603
0
0
0
0
620
620
40
2,017
2,057
0
0
0
170
80
250
0
50
50
1,069
2,544
3,613
0
1,374
1,374
0
0
0
0
0
0
31,685
20,130
51,815
0
20,960
20,960
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5,369
5,369
0
2,084
2,084
1,257
573
1,830
0
0
0
0
0
0
858
882
1,741
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
108
108
0
0
0
0
39,156
39,156
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
441
441
35,139.08
111,931
147,070
0
0
0
706
0
706
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,942
5,623
7,564
0
12,400
12,400
0
0
0
0
344
344
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20,960
20,960
1,019
86
1,106
0
0
0
0
1,659
1,659
0
17,007
17,007
8,472
7,877
16,350
0
1,896
1,896
0
0
0
0
5,053
5,053
5,739
19,989
25,728
559
625
1,184
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
31,993
11,876
43,869
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
622
622
50,430
106,017
156,448| |---|---|---|---|---| ## **Benwell And Scottswood Team Parish Cash summary Year ended 31 December 2024** |||||**St**|**Common**|| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||**St James**|**Ven Bede**|**St Johns**|**Margarets**|**Fund**|**Total**| ||**£**|**£**|**£**||**£**|**£**| |**Balances at 1 Jan 2024**||||||| |Bank current account|8,485.21|8,759.29|14,722.27|15,751.66|7,605.85|55,324.28| |Bank Deposit account|6,021.97|14,076.39|3,512.71|||23,611.07| |Bank Deposit (Second)|7,651.08||0.89|||7,651.97| |Bank Deposit (Third)||||||0.00| |CBF Diocesan Deposit Scheme A|||14,558.76|||14,558.76| |CBF Diocesan Deposit Scheme B|||4.98|||4.98| |Cash|0.00|0.00|47.97|||47.97| ||**22,158.26**|**22,835.68**|**32,847.58**|**15,751.66**|**7,605.85**|**101,199.03**| |**Balances at 31 Dec 2024**||||||| |Bank current account|3,596.43|5,383.05|14,237.22|20,707.53|7,324.95|51,249.18| |Bank Deposit account|0.00|14,288.15|3,565.55|||17,853.70| |Bank Deposit (Second)|2,270.67||0.89|||2,271.56| |Bank Deposit (Third)||||||0.00| |CBF Diocesan Deposit Scheme A|||20,346.28|||20,346.28| |CBF Diocesan Deposit Scheme B|||5.24|||5.24| |Cash|0.00|||||0.00| ||**5,867.10**|**19,671.20**|**38,155.18**|**20,707.53**|**7,324.95**|**91,725.96**| |**Change in monetary asset value**||||||**-9,473.07**| |check||||||-95.14| Page 7 of 11 Benwell And Scottswood Team Parish Funds summary Year ended 31 December 2024 ||||**Opening**|||||**Closing**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||**balance**|**Receipts**|**Expenditure **|**Transfers in**|**Transfers out**|**balance**| |St James|Unrestricted|**General**|3,862.61|19,226.16|19,775.89|0.00|508.58|**2,804.30**| |St James|Unrestricted|**Music**|327.42|617.46|713.56|0.00|0.00|**231.32**| |St James|Restricted|**Missions**|1,208.70|60.00|1,777.28|508.58|0.00|**0.00**| |St James|Restricted|**Development**|7,651.08|25,135.29|31,992.90|0.00|0.00|**793.47**| |St James|Restricted|**Something Wonderful**|9,108.45|8,495.63|15,566.07|0.00|0.00|**2,038.01**| |Ven Bede|Unrestricted|**General**|22,425.21|16,627.17|19,424.90|88.00|44.28|**19,671.20**| |Ven Bede|Unrestricted|**Mission**|79.98|40.00|164.26|44.28|0.00|**0.00**| |Ven Bede|Restricted|**Gladys Plews**|330.49|0.00|330.49|0.00|0.00|**0.00**| |Ven Bede|Restricted|**NBYP**|0.00|620.64|532.64|0.00|88.00|**0.00**| |St Johns|Unrestricted|**General**|18,283.84|13,096.32|8,576.24|0.00|5,000.00|**17,803.92**| |St Johns|Restricted|**Building**|14,563.74|787.52|0.00|5,000.00|0.00|**20,351.26**| |St Margarets|Unrestricted|**General**|14,751.66|40,537.28|35,486.27|0.00|0.00|**19,802.67**| |Common Fund|Unrestricted|**General**|7,539.10|21,826.38|22,040.53|0.00|0.00|**7,324.95**| |Common Fund|Restricted|**Farsi**|66.75|0.00|66.75|0.00|0.00|**0.00**| |Total Restricted|||32,929.21|35,099.08|50,266.13|5,508.58|88.00|**23,182.74**| |Total Unrestricted|||67,269.82|111,970.77|106,181.65|132.28|5,552.86|**67,638.36**| |**Total**|||**100,199.03**|**147,069.85**|**156,447.78**|**5,640.86**|**5,640.86**|**90,821.10**| Page 8 of 11 ## **Benwell And Scottswood Team Parish Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 December 2024** |Monetary assets
Barclays Community
Barclays Savings
Barclays Premium
CBF
cash
Investment assets (at market value)
Gladys Plews BEQ - Investment Fund
Gladys Plews BEQ - Deposit
Scott Legacy
Other monetary assets
Accrued interest on investments
Liabilities
Independent examiner's fee
**Note**
St James' Development fund had a closing balance of £ 2,270.67|**Unrestricted**
**£**
7,325
0
7,325
0
0
0
0
900
900|**Restricted**
**£**
43,924
0
20,125
20,352
0
84,401
117,595
17,364
22,753
157,712
0|**Total 2024**
**£**
**51,249**
**0**
**20,125**
**20,352**
**0**
**91,726**
**117,595**
**17,364**
**22,753**
**157,712**
**0**
**900**
**900**|Total 2023
£
54,324
0
31,263
14,564
48
100,199
114,964
32,539
22,244
169,746
0
900
900| |---|---|---|---|---| Page 9 of 11 ## **Benwell And Scottswood Team Parish Notes to the financial statements** 1. The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the R&P basis. 2. A statement of monetary assets for each church is detailed below: ## **Statement of Monetary Assets as at 31 December 2024** |Barclays Community
Barclays Savings
Barclays Premium
CBF
Cash
Newcastle Diocesan Society hold t
There is also a Trust fund for Benwel|**Unrestricted**
**Common**
**Fund**
**St James**
**£**
**£**
7,325
3,596
2,271
**7,325**
**5,867**
wo trust funds with market values of £1
l Scott Legacy, held by Newcastle Dioc|**St James**
**Mission**
**Venerable**
**Bede**
**St Johns**
**£**
**£**
**£**
0
5,383
14,237
1
14,288
3,566
20,352
0
**0**
**19,671**
**38,155**
17,595.12 and a deposit account totalling £17,363.86
esan Society, with a market value of £ 22,752.74, mar
**Restricted to the individual churches**|**St Margarets**
**£**
20,708
**20,708**
on behalf of the P
ket value has redu|**Total**
**restricted**
43,924
1
20,124
20,352
0
**84,401**
CC.
ced this year.|**Total assets**
**£**
51,249
1
20,124
20,352
0
**91,726**
91,726
0.00| |---|---|---|---|---|---| Both the capital and income from the larger trust fund and the deposit account are available for such religious and/or charitable purposes in the parish of Benwell as the Diocesan Society shall in their absolute discretion think fit, with the desire, without imposing any trust or binding obligation, that in exercising their discretion they should apply such capital and income for such purposes within the said parish of Benwell as may be directed by the DCC of the Venerable Bede (per the Trust document). For the smaller trust fund, both 50% of the capital and the income is available to the parish for the choir/music group and 50% of the capital to the Diocesan Board of Finance towards clergy stipend, as agreed with the parish. Page 10 of 11 NEWC*STrEDIOcEUN￿lEr¥ NEWCW5TLEr￿0CEwsL￿*rY C4phl ¢¥pN¥l ## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of Benwell & Scotswood Team Parish, Newcastle upon Tyne** This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 1 to 11, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations’) and section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 (‘the Act’). ## **Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner** As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. ## **Basis of this report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the _Church Guidance_ , 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: - (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and - to prepare financial statements, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations 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. 16/05/2025 Justine Beer **FCCA** 3 Bevan Court Hepscott park Morpeth NE61 6FH