## Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 

From 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST JAMES' WOODSIDE LEEDS 

Charity registration number: 1206564 



## **Contents** 

1. Welcome from the Vicar 

2. Objectives and Activities 

   - a. Our Purpose 

   - b. Our Main Activities 

   - c. Keeping the Church Maintained 

   - d. Parish Centre 

   - e. Pop-up Café 

   - f. The Horsforth Community Pantry 

   - g. Kid’s Church & Messy Church 

   - h. St James’ Justice Team 

   - i. Open the Book and Rewind 

   - j. Church Flowers 

   - k. Horsforth Churches Together 

   - l. Statement on Public Benefit 

   - m. Contribution made by Volunteers 

3. Achievements and Performance 

   - a. Our Main Activities 

   - b. Sharing God’s Blessing 

## 4. Financial Review 

- a. Our financial position 

- b. Risks, reserves, buildings and investments 

- c. Funding of St James’ 

- d. Gifts from St James’ 

- e. Self-assessed carbon footprint 

- f. Independent examiner’s report 

## 5. Structure, governance and management 

- a. Safeguarding 

- b. The Diocese of Leeds and the Leeds Northwest Deanery 

- c. The Horsforth Shed 

## 6. Reference and administrative details 

7. Trustees 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **3** of **56** 



## 8. Who’s who at St James’ 

9. Declarations 

Annex – detailed financial statements, including church finances explained. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **4** of **56** 



## **1. Welcome from the Vicar** 

It is my great privilege to serve as the Vicar of St James’ Woodside and to welcome you to read the Trustees Annual Report for 2025. 

Our purpose is to live well together under God, and to Share God’s Blessing with the people of the Parish of Woodside.  In this report, we hope to share the ways in which we live out that purpose. 

God’s Church in Woodside is enlivened by the number and variety of people who contribute to the life of St James’.  A fuller list is included later in this report, but I would like to offer particular thanks to PCC members for their commitment and work over the year, churchwardens, Lynne Gillions and Christine Lazenby; vice-chair, Tracey Greig; secretary, Alison Pickford; treasurer Cal Bailey and accountant Malcolm Barraclough.  Thanks also go to our readers, Pete Gillions and Cal Bailey, to retired clergyman, Brian Lipscombe, to Jo Bailey, our Parish Safeguarding Officer and to Hannah Mason who leads our work with children. 

There are also many who pray, read, sing, bake, visit, mow, clean, and complete myriad other jobs at St James’ – many unseen.  These are all expressions of Christian discipleship and a desire to Share God’s Blessing with those around us. 

2025 marked the 10-year anniversary of my being made Deacon in the Church of England, and I was privileged to be able to take a 3-month sabbatical.  This was a welcome time to rest and reflect and included adventures on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, at St George’s House, Windsor and on the Annapurna Range in Nepal. 

I am grateful to the churchwardens and readers for their support and to clergy colleagues from the Diocese who provided cover. 


Rebecca and I on arrival in Santiago de Compostela during the sabbatical.  It was raining! 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **5** of **56** 



Thank you for taking the time to read this report.  I pray that you find it a faithful reflection of life at St James’ and that you will forgive any omissions, which I assure you, have been unintentional. 

May mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance 

Jonathan 


The picture shows children from Broadgate Primary School on an Easter visit to St James’. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **6** of **56** 



## **2. Objectives and Activities** 

## **a. Our Purpose** 

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102.  The Church of England website has as its mission statement 'A Christian presence in every community'. Woodside St James’ PCC has the responsibility of working with the Vicar in promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, primarily in the parish of Woodside St James’ and extending to the town of Horsforth, the Northwest Leeds Deanery and the Diocese of Leeds. 

The PCC also has responsibility for the management of the church building, the Parish Centre, former Scout Hut and The Horsforth Community Pantry, which relocated into a purpose-built unit at St James’ in June 2024.  Further information about the church building, Parish Centre and Horsforth Community Pantry is included later in this report. 

Between 2018 and 2021 work to convert the former Scout Hut into a community workshop was undertaken to accommodate The Horsforth Shed.  The Horsforth Shed operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity no. 1184672).  The trustees of the Horsforth Shed, which include the Vicar and other members of the PCC, report separately. 

## **b. Our Main Activities** 

We are members of the Church of England and so follow Jesus Christ within this tradition and alongside both other Anglican churches and local churches of other denominations, as fellow members of Horsforth Churches Together. 

Services of worship are offered in traditional and contemporary formats, and the pastoral offices - weddings, funerals and services of baptism – are offered to those in the Parish and those with Parish connections.  Services and offices are open to the local community irrespective of formal links to the church. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **7** of **56** 



Highlights from the year included Confirmation for four of our young people, in the Easter season, after a period of preparation in Lent.  It was a great privilege to accompany Chloe Connell, Isabel, Harriet and Seb Mason as they made this step on their journey of faith. 

Following the success of a choir festival held in 2023 during our anniversary celebrations we hosted a repeat event in April.  Five local choirs entertained a near full house at St James’ – an enjoyable evening for all. 


The church picnic is becoming established in the calendar.  This year’s event was held in July, on perhaps the wettest Sunday of 2025.  An enjoyable time was had thanks to Malcolm and Christine Barraclough who hosted at Arthington Cricket Club.  The shelter of the veranda was a welcome space to enjoy food, conversation and to watch the children delight in getting absolutely saturated in the warm rain! 

We also opened St James’ for the annual Heritage Days in September (that’s now three years running).  A small number of visitors – new friends and old were able to learn something about St James’, rekindle memories, enjoy tea and cake, or simply shelter from the rain! 

The Christmas season was busy with a Carol Service for Broadgate Primary Year-6 children and their parents and teachers, a Christingle Service for Ducklings Nursery, a Memorial Service held in partnership with Slater’s Funeral Directors and Carol Singing at Broadfields.  It was good to see a full church once again for the atmospheric Candlelit Carol Service. 

2025 was the first full year of operation of the Horsforth Pantry.  The Pantry, Parish Centre and Horsforth Shed are signs of St James’ commitment to provide spaces of encounter beyond the walls of the church and to bless the local community.  We were delighted to receive comments from members of the Pantry, which describe how 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **8** of **56** 



this project blesses them.  A selection of these comments is included later in the report.  We were also delighted that members of the Pantry and Horsforth Shed accepted an invitation to read lessons at our Candlelit Carol Service this year – signs of how these community projects bring new life to the church. 

In March PCC allocated funds to develop plans and obtain the necessary permissions to replace the church roof and install solar panels as a first phase of the proposed church redevelopment. Some progress was made in the year, and this is also reported below. The longer-term ambition remains to address inter-related issues of limited access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, heating, lighting, and lack of facilities (toilets and kitchen).  These issues need to be addressed to secure the future of St James’ as a worship space and community asset. 

## **c. Keeping the Church Maintained** 

We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable and committed Fabric Committee who ensure the PCC keep up with the maintenance of the church building and churchyard. Thanks are due to David Thrussell who has chaired the Fabric Committee for a number of years, to the members of the committee and to the Vicar who brings his pre-ordination experience as an engineer to bear in the committee’s planning and work. 

## Following the completion of 


some essential roofing and repointing work in 2024, stonemason Graham Bailey returned to St James’ in February to remove damp and loose plaster at the east of the chancel, chancel arch and northwest corner of the north aisle.  This is to allow the masonry to dry out. While some have remarked on a liking for the ‘shabby-chic’ look, the stonemason will return to replaster and redecorate; anticipated late 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **9** of **56** 



2026/ early 2027. 

A crack that has been visible in the northwest corner of the north aisle has started to grow and the area has been studied by our architect and a structural engineer.  Minor subsidence is suspected at this end of the church, and our insurers have commissioned trial pits and other investigations to ascertain the extent and identify a solution.  This will be ongoing in 2026. 

In March the PCC approved a plan to proceed with the proposed Masterplan for St James’ in two phases: 

- Phase 1: fix the fabric (replace the remainder of the roof). 

- Phase 2: fit for the future (internal reordering to address access, heating, sightlines and facilities). 

We spent some time advancing Phase 1 of this plan, which includes the addition of solar panels to the southern slopes of the nave and south aisle roofs.  We were pleased to secure the necessary permission from the Chancellor of the Diocese of Leeds, called a Faculty.  Unfortunately, our planning application to Leeds City Council was refused, and we continue to work with our architect, the Leeds Diocesan Advisory Committee and Local Councillors to find a way forward.  We remain hopeful of securing a planning approval and the necessary funding to allow works to proceed. 

The churchyard continues to be maintained by volunteers, particularly Jonathan Ash and Mike Counsell, and thanks are due to all who help keeping the grass cut and, at the moment, renovating the rose garden around the Memorial Garden. 

In the Parish Centre, thanks are due to a few dedicated souls: there has been a new kitchen installed with a dishwasher, cooker hood and redecoration of the kitchen walls.  The new floor and efficient lighting in the large hall have been appreciated by PC users.  The side door to the Centre has been replaced and the front sliding door has been eased to make it easier to use.  An extra outside light has been added to improve access in the dark. 

Annual work on the boilers, lightening conductor, fire and intruder alarms and fire extinguishers has been completed. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **10** of **56** 



## **d. Parish Centre** 

Regular users include very popular Numbertrain classes, to which parents bring their toddlers from far and wide, children’s dance and drama classes, Cook Stars (cooking for primary school-aged children) and a range of exercise classes, including fitness for mums with toddlers, Yoga and Pilates.  We also have regular (but not income-earning) cafés for the Horsforth Community Pantry on Tuesday mornings, and our own popular monthly pop-up café on the second Friday of the month, plus there are weekly craft sessions in the small hall, and a monthly knit and natter group.  Brownies and the Women’s Institute use the building regularly.  The Parish Centre also hosts occasional National Childbirth Trust courses.  The building is used regularly for children’s parties and is occasionally used for meetings such as AGMs of small charitable organisations. 

There is still capacity to increase lettings of the Parish Centre and to use the small hall while classes are running in the main hall.  As ever, we hope to encourage an increase in bookings in 2026. 

Total earnings from lettings during 2025 were £21,839, up 5% on 2024 (£20,860) whilst cleaning costs, utilities, management, insurance, depreciation and repairs costs were £19,536, up only 1% from 2024 (£19,404).  This means that the annual operating surplus of the Parish Centre increased from £2,017 in 2024 to 2,303 in 2025. 

Over the summer the kitchen was refurbished and looks fantastic, and a new back door was installed, which is easier for people to use. 

## **e. Pop-up Café** 

The monthly café was held on the second Friday each month in the Parish Centre.  It was open from 10-11.30 and regularly over-ran due to people enjoying the ‘nattering’! 

The café serves delicious home-baked cakes and hot drinks and endeavours to cater for a range of dietary requirements.  Around 1525 people come each time, of whom most are retired folk. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **11** of **56** 



During the year we received a £400 contribution from the Leeds Warm Spaces initiative, and the café continues to be registered with Voluntary Action Leeds as part of the Welcome Spaces Network.  The Pop-up Café is advertised on local Facebook groups.  Everyone is welcome. 

## **f. The Horsforth Pantry** 


On 01 January 2025 the PCC took over responsibility for operating Horsforth Community Pantry completely.  Previously the Pantry had been run in partnership with HCAP (Horsforth Community Assets Programme) since it opened in July 2024, here at St James’.  Responsibility for the operation of the Pantry has been delegated to a sub-committee of the PCC, who receive regular reports about the Pantry’s operation. 

The Pantry is open on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-11.30 and is staffed by volunteers from across Horsforth, some of whom also help run the community café at St Margaret’s, Horsforth as well as the community pantry at Kirkstall.  Volunteers from St James’ run a café alongside the pantry in the Parish Centre. Customers can have a hot drink and chat whilst waiting their turn to shop. 

Each shop is £6 and customers will usually take home £20-25 of groceries.   In 2025 a total of 841 individual shops were completed, which at £20 of shopping per week equates to £16,000 of food provided! 

We encourage membership of the Foodsavers savings scheme.  £1 from each shop goes into the member’s own Leeds Credit Union savings account.  Some members save more than £1 per week and savings were augmented by the distribution of additional sums at Easter and Harvest time from grants received.  In 2025 Pantry members saved over £2,000 into their accounts.  Members who have elected not to join the savings scheme were given Morrison gift vouchers at Easter and Harvest.  At Christmas 2025 we distributed £25 Morrison vouchers per person to all members. 

We usually have between 15-25 families shopping with us each week and new customers are generally referred to us by Children’s 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **12** of **56** 



Services, MHA, the Children’s Centre and local councillors.  We also welcome self-referrals.  Anyone who struggles to make ends meet and lives, works or has children at school in LS18 is eligible to join.  In 2025 13 new member families joined the Pantry, meaning an extra 21 people are being supported.  That brings the total number of people supported by the end of 2025 to 74. 

We currently have funding from the Household Support Fund distributed by Leeds Christian Community Trust (LCCT), and this helps fund membership of the Fareshare scheme which redistributes excess food from the food industry.  Our weekly Fareshare delivery arrives on Mondays and volunteers from St James’ sort and store. The Pantry also relies on generous donations from churches, schools and individuals across Horsforth. We have food collection boxes in most of the churches and Harvest Festivals in schools provided a bountiful supply of donated groceries in 2025. 

## **Some comments from Pantry members:** 

_“Fantastic people, they’re all angels, always there to stress out to!  I wouldn’t cope if the pantry wasn’t there.”_ 

_“Makes a big difference to my weekly shop.  Staff are friendly and welcoming.”_ 

_“The pantry Woodside Horsforth is a nice place.  Staff are nice, you can have a chat and drink.  What’s nice is you pay £6 so it doesn’t feel like you are getting a free service.”_ 

_“The Pantry is great because everything is so expensive and it isn’t easy to feed the family with the budget we have.  The amount of fruit and vegetables and the variety of food means we are able to eat healthier and have even tried new foods!”_ 

_“I’ve been coming to the pantry for almost a year now.  By coming here it has helped my mental health and social anxiety massively.  Not only are the staff so kind and helpful but the food is exceptional and great value for money.”_ 

_“I had a wonderful experience at Horsforth food pantry.  The volunteers were incredibly kind and respectful and the process was well organised.  There was a great amount of fresh food and other items available. This pantry is a true blessing to our community and I’m very grateful for the support they provide.”_ 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **13** of **56** 



## **g. Kids’ Church & Messy Church** 

Kids’ Church is run by Hannah Mason and Jo Howes and takes place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. The number of children attending varies each session, typically between 8 and 12. Children range in age from 2 years to 15 years old. 

Each session begins with a focus on one of the Bible readings from the main service and is usually followed by a couple of craft activities.  Children have a drink and snack during the session.  We aim to create an inclusive environment where all children feel welcome.  Once each month the children return to the service in church for Holy Communion and participate in the Eucharistic liturgy. 

Messy Church continued to meet on the third Sunday of the month during 2025 in the afternoon.  There was a core of regular committed families with a few new people coming occasionally.  We looked at a variety of themes over the year such as peace, light, fruit of the Spirit and love. There were plenty of crafts, great meals for the children and plenty of cups of tea for the adults. 

During the year we noticed a decline in numbers attending, especially of those families who don’t usually come to a service on a Sunday.  After some prayerful consideration we have decided to take a break from Messy Church and rethink what we could offer instead. Our final session for this season will be on 15 March 2026, Mothering Sunday.  Here we will celebrate the big contribution Messy Church has made to the life of St James’. It has been running for over 15 years through the service of many faithful helpers. 

So a big thank you to everyone who has been a part of the team over the years –especially to Alison Pickford who has shopped and cooked the meals since the beginning, recently aided by Linda Williamson; to Brian and Yvonne Lipscombe, Dave Thrussell, Lynne Gillions, Jonathan Cain, Isabel and Harriet Mason and Chloe Connell for helping at the craft tables; John Pickford for his registration role, Christine Lazenby for her craft ideas, Jo Bailey for the story telling.  A great team. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **14** of **56** 



## **h. St James’ Justice Team** 

We have participated in another year of desk-top campaigning!  We do this by supporting petitions to parliament and campaigns which we agree with and inviting members of the group to sign them. Noone is compelled to support every proposal – and members occasionally disagree. 

Most of us have agreed to support Kurdish women facing execution in Iran; to remember Alexei Navalny and seek stronger sanctions against Russia; to ask Leeds City Council to fine unlawful and sleepdisturbing night-time flights at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA); to seek strong legislation in parliament to minimise Climate Change, and manage deep sea mining; to request action against poor water companies; and to campaign for an end to the war in Sudan. 

Desk-top activity may have limited impact, but through reading petitions, we are informing ourselves of the stories of those without power.  And this is better than remaining uninformed, uncaring and allowing those with power to be the only voice around. 

In a step towards more active campaigning, a group from St James’ met with the Chief Executive of LBA.  We found him more in broadcast than listening mode (!), but it was good to step from behind the desk. 

## **i. Open the Book and Rewind** 

We continue delivering assemblies to all 7 primary schools in Horsforth.  Each round of assemblies sees us telling Bible Stories to over 2000 primary children.  We have told many of the Old Testament stories but since September 


we have moved into the New 

Testament and it is lovely to tell some of the stories of Jesus. Several members from St James’ are part of the team – Jo Bailey, Ruth Dent, Lynne Gillions, Christine Lazenby, Ann Muggeridge, Jill Ramsden, 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **15** of **56** 



Sue Toepritz, Dave Thrussell and Pam Walker.  We are always made to feel welcome, and the children really enjoy our visits often giving a little cheer or a big smile as they come into assembly and see us there. We trust that as we continue our visits through their primary school years, the children will learn more about God’s love. 


Our Christmas Rewind involved Year 4 children from all the primary schools.  Again, this work is well supported by volunteers from St James’. 

Children were involved in a range of fun activities and heard the Christmas story told in 

creative ways. We encouraged them to wonder about the events and share their thoughts with each other.  They did some craft work which was ably organised by Ann Muggeridge and Christine Lazenby. Characters from the Christmas story told their version of events.  Jill Ramsden was a very convincing shepherd! 

Rewind ran over 2 days and although we are always tired at the end, it is immensely rewarding to share the birth of Jesus with so many children. The teachers always give positive feedback and are keen to get involved. We have invited all Year 5 children to participate in Easter Rewind where a similar range of activities will take the children through the events of Holy Week. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **16** of **56** 



## **j. Church Flowers Report** 

The flower team provides arrangements each week, extra floral displays for special celebrations at Easter and Harvest and bunches of daffodils for distribution on Mothering Sunday. 

Some members of the congregation sponsor flower arrangements, often in memory of a loved one or on an occasion special to them, and we always welcome new sponsors.  Those interested in making a contribution should see Lynne Gillions. 

This year we purchased some new vases and equipment using a legacy kindly left by Joan Skelhorne for use by the flower team.  Joan had been one of the church flower arrangers for many years. We are very grateful to all who support this area of church life. 

## **k. Horsforth Churches Together** 

Horsforth Churches Together enables the Christian witness of the individual churches in the town to have a bigger impact than if the churches worked separately.  St James’ supports the work of Horsforth Churches Together and The Horsforth Chaplaincy Project with a regular financial contribution. 

We are very blessed to be part of such an active group which enables us to get involved with other local churches in reaching out to our community.  The Horsforth Chaplaincy Project led by Duncan Stow heads up several events including the Good Friday Walk of Witness, Carols in the Park, outreach to refugees and asylum seekers and work in schools. 

## **l. Statement on Public Benefit** 

The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. 

The public benefit offered by St James’ is to promote in our parish the whole mission of God’s church.  We do this primarily by offering public worship free of charge and for everyone.  Additionally, we 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **17** of **56** 



provide, through our vicar and a team working with Horsforth Churches Together, school assemblies at all local primary schools. We make gifts to charities.  We work for justice in our world.  We operate a Community Pantry to serve local people who are struggling with the cost of living.  And we encourage and support our members to serve their neighbours, at work and at home, in these and a variety of other ways. 

## **m.Contribution made by Volunteers** 

Many people contribute to the life of St James’.  The table in section 8 of this report lists around 50 different individuals who all serve the church and local community through a variety of activities. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **18** of **56** 



## **3. Achievements and Performance** 

## **a. Our main activities** 

The population of the parish of St James’ Woodside was recorded as 8,910 in the 2021 census.   The Electoral Roll is the official record of those who are affiliated within a parish to the Church of England.  A person needs to be on the Roll if they want to be able to stand for election to the Parochial Church Council or another of the Church’s governing bodies or if they want to vote at the Annual Church Meeting. 

A new Electoral Roll was compiled in April 2025 and as a result, the Annual Church Meeting (ACM), held on 27 April, was advised that the numbers on the roll had decreased: 46 residents and 42 nonresidents, a total of 88 members.  This is indicated in the table below.  This decrease is not evident in the numbers included in the ‘worshipping community’ but includes a significant catch up element since the last full revision of the Electoral Roll in 2019. 

The PCC is indebted to John Pickford who performed the duties of Electoral Roll Officer for many years.  He handed the baton to Christopher Baker at the ACM in April. 

|**Year**|**Number on the Electoral Roll**|
|---|---|
|2019|96|
|2021|100|
|2022|93|
|2023|93|
|2024|107|
|2025|88|



Each year we are required to make a ‘Statistics for Mission’ return to the Church of England.  A selection of the data record in that return is presented on the graph below and in the tables that follow.  This data gives one indication of the achievements and performance of the church. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **19** of **56** 



## Summary graph from our _Statistics for Mission_ return, 2025. 


|**Worshipping Community**|**Worshipping Community**|**Worshipping Community**||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Year**|**Children**<br>**(Age 0-10)**|**Young**<br>**people**<br>**(Age 11-**<br>**17)**|**Adults**<br>**(Age 18-**<br>**69)**|**Adults**<br>**(Age 70+)**|**TOTAL**|
|2019|22|3|70|20|115|
|2021|17|4|58|29|108|
|2022|23|4|69|26|122|
|2023|18|8|70|24|120|
|2024|23|6|68|27|124|
|2025|13|12|55|34|114|



It is challenging to note a decrease in average Sunday attendance in 2025 when compared to 2024.  A closer examination of the data reveals that this was largely due to higher attendances at baptism 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **20** of **56** 



services (fewer of these in 2025) and at special celebrations, i.e. 175year anniversary events in 2023 and the diamond anniversary of the Revd Brian Lipscombe in 2024.  Numerical growth of our worshipping congregation remains an aspiration for the PCC as we seek to grow God’s kingdom in Woodside. 

|**Average Sunday Attendance**|**Average Sunday Attendance**|||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Year**|**Children**|**Adults**|**Total**|
|2019|13|60|73|
|2021|No data (Covid)|No data (Covid)|No data (Covid)|
|2022|9|52|61|
|2023|10|58|68|
|2024|11|60|71|
|2025|8|53|61|



## **Attendance at major festivals** 

|**Attendance at major festivals**|**Attendance at major festivals**|**Attendance at major festivals**|
|---|---|---|
|**Year**|**Christmas Eve/ Day**|**Easter Day**|
|2019|207|106|
|2021|131|76|
|2022|187|79|
|2023|201|93|
|2024|214|81|
|2025|236|76|



## **Pastoral Offices** 

|**Pastoral Offices**|**Pastoral Offices**|**Pastoral Offices**|**Pastoral Offices**|**Pastoral Offices**|**Pastoral Offices**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Year**|**Baptism**|**Confirmation**|**Wedding**|**Funeral**<br>**(church)**|**Funeral**<br>**(crematorium)**|
|2019|12|3|3|2|6|
|2021|1|3|2|8|5|
|2022|10|0|3|5|5|
|2023|3|2|1|1|10|
|2024|8|0|3|3|5|
|2025|4|4|1|8|1|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **21** of **56** 



## **b. Sharing God’s Blessing** 

Our strategy, _Sharing God’s Blessing_ was established for the five years to 2024.  Refreshing the strategy was not a priority in 2025 and so we continued to use the five aspirations from that document to guide our planning.  The aspirations are: 

|**Goal**|**Goal**|**Aspiration**|
|---|---|---|
|1|**Thriving as**<br>**an Anglican**<br>**Parish**<br>**Church with**<br>**a clear**<br>**vision and**<br>**values**|_With Christ as our model for Loving, Living and Learning,_<br>_we are excited to be part of a body of maturing_<br>_Christians in the Diocese of Leeds, with a shared story_<br>_to tell and a distinctive part to play.  We are all_<br>_committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of_<br>_everyone within our community and to God’s creation._<br>_St James’ is a community of confident Christians,_<br>_growing in numbers and as disciples, transforming our_<br>_local community by sharing the love of God._<br>_Together, we are working with others in the diocese and_<br>_across the town of Horsforth, making a unique_<br>_contribution to building the Kingdom of God._|
|2|**Reimagining**<br>**ministry**|_In the context of a shared understanding of what it is to_<br>_be the Church of England in this diocese; we have_<br>_explored and tested lay leadership.  St James’ ministry_<br>_is faithfully yet imaginatively Anglican, flourishing and_<br>_financially sustainable.  Ordained and lay ministers are_<br>_working confidently in fruitful partnerships._<br>_We have repaired the internal decoration of the church_<br>_building and explored ways in which development of_<br>_the building might better enable our worship and better_<br>_serve the local community as a spiritual resource._<br>_The Horsforth Shed is a vibrant part of the ministry of St_<br>_James’, creating opportunities and building_<br>_relationships to share the love of God._|
|3|**Nurturing**<br>**lay**<br>**discipleship**|_All members of the St James’ community are maturing_<br>_in their calling as Christians.  People understand the_<br>_part that they play in God’s mission to the world (‘The_<br>_Five Marks of Mission’), and our worship and our_<br>_common life equip people to express their faith_<br>_confidently in family, work and social settings._<br>_Teaching is a priority.  An enquirer’s course and a_<br>_programme of nurture courses run each year; small_<br>_group participation is the norm._<br>_All is intentionally underpinned by prayer._|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **22** of **56** 



|**Goal**|**Goal**|**Aspiration**|
|---|---|---|
|4|**Building**<br>**leadership**<br>**pathways**|_We believe and behave as if everyone has a vocation to_<br>_serve God in the world and in the Church.  People at St_<br>_James’ are motivated to take responsibility for their own_<br>_vocational development and are provided with diverse_<br>_opportunities for doing so.  Leadership potential and_<br>_capacity for people of all ages is being identified and_<br>_developed._|
|5|**Growing**<br>**young**<br>**people as**<br>**Christians**|_Children and young people are part of the welcoming,_<br>_enriching and safe worshipping community at St_<br>_James’.  They are provided with a supportive context for_<br>_maturing in their faith and living out that faith in_<br>_practice.  We regularly review the needs of children and_<br>_young people in our community and adapt provision for_<br>_them as they grow._<br>_Through Horsforth Churches Together, St James’_<br>_continues active participation in taking Christian faith_<br>_into primary schools in the town.  St James’ has strong_<br>_links with Broadgate Primary School and the Horsforth_<br>_Children’s Centre._|



Always mindful that Christian discipleship is not about accomplishment, but pilgrimage, we are excited about the ways in which these five aspirations have shaped our life under God at St James’ for the last few years.  We will remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we review our goals and aspirations in 2026. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **23** of **56** 



## **4. Financial Review** 

## **a. Our financial position** 

Our policy is to operate the church such that regular giving covers regular costs; to run the Parish Centre at a surplus, giving it away to charities chosen by PCC; to operate the Horsforth Community Pantry within the rules for our government grant and for the benefit of members, funding any deficit from church funds; and to build a Church Project Fund to enable us to keep our listed church building in good condition, and able to serve our community into the future with the love God shows us all. 

In 2025, we have been able to meet all those goals except one.  Our Parish Centre ran a surplus of £4,803 before a provision of £2,500 for future maintenance.  The Horsforth Community Pantry kept the rules and will carry forward a small surplus.  The project to redevelop our church building spent £10,113, with income of £19,600, partly from a kind legacy; however the church itself, after accounting for these items and depreciation of the new Pantry building, made a deficit of £2,492 on regular income. 

There was an above average number of one-off items: in particular, an extraordinary gain arising from your treasurer’s excessive prudence in the last 5 years.  Altogether, they amount to a net surplus in the year of slightly over £16,000.  The Parish Centre surplus of £2,303 will be given away as usual – this year to the Mugumu Safe House in Mara and to George Otieno towards a new car, both in Tanzania.  We plan to bolster our Reserve Fund, kept in case of a crisis.  Our Unrestricted Funds – one of the main measures of our long-term financial sustainability – have risen again. 

It was our busiest year as a church this century – if the quantity of accounting records is our measure!  This was largely because we have now operated Horsforth Community Pantry for a full year.  Ruth Dent reports on this elsewhere; it has been a joy to work with Jonathan Woodward who manages its finances with care. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **24** of **56** 



## **b. Risks, Reserves, Buildings and Investments** 

The primary financial risks we face are the inability of the regular worshipping congregation to continue funding the ongoing use of the church; and the deterioration of our buildings.  We try to ensure we can continue well into the future by our funding planning (see below) and by having sufficient reserves.  We plan to put much of our 2025 surplus into the Reserve Fund, kept in case of a crisis, in order to improve our resilience.  We aim to hold 4 months of all costs in this Fund. 

Our buildings are our biggest asset – financially speaking – and our greatest liability!  We are planning to renew our church roof, improve our heating AND reduce our greenhouse gas emissions via a ground source heat pump, and make the interior of our church more usable by other organisations in Horsforth, and better for our worship too. This is our strategy to be sustainable – both financially and environmentally. 

As reported elsewhere, in 2025 we have taken steps to dry out our walls, and to seek planning approval to put solar panels on our roof at the same time as completing its replacement.  This work has cost £10,113 in 2025.  After allowing for a gift of £400 from Broadfields, our Church Project Fund fell from a balance of £45,738 to £35,625. We propose to put the generous legacy of £10,000, interest on the balance of £2,100 and the extraordinary gain of £7,500 into the Church Project Fund, raising it to £55,225. 

A gift many years ago to maintain our churchyard, came in the form of a small investment from which we derive both a dividend and – normally – capital growth.  This year the capital has slightly declined, which is disappointing.  We have no discretion as to how this asset is invested, so I am pleased that steps are being taken by others to improve performance both by new investment managers and by our Diocese. 

Major work has been done in the Parish Centre kitchen in 2025, arising from the operating surplus in 2024.  Pete Gillions led this project, assisted by many friends, and we now have a new kitchen! The floor in the Small Hall and kitchen are future projects we have in mind, as well as work on the roof ridge tiles. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **25** of **56** 



Our cash reserves, which are currently relatively large, and have grown by £17,000 in 2025, are held mainly by CCLA in a deposit account.  We also have a savings account with our bankers, CAF Bank, which earns lower interest but is readily accessible. 

## **c. Funding of St James’** 

Most of our church income comes from regular givers, upon whom we rely completely.  We believe God is generous to us, and all we have derives from God’s abundance, both in earth’s resources and in our individual skill gifts too.  Our giving is a way of saying ‘Thank You’ to God, and of not living as though all we have is ours, and for our own use.  It reflects too our belief that our church is a valuable gift to people in Horsforth. 

We thank all donors to St James’ for their generosity to, and trust in, our church.  It is a pleasure being Treasurer of this organisation! 

We hold regular Stewardship Campaigns to remind people to give, and to invite givers to review their giving in the light of their income, which goes both up and down.  The last Campaign was in 2025 and most people responded with either a change in their monthly gift, or a confirmation that it didn’t need to change, or a promise to review it again after an imminent event.  Thank you to everyone who responded. 

Most members give through the Parish Giving Scheme (www.parishgiving.org.uk), which is easy to manage for donors, and beneficial for St James’ as it maintains confidentiality and collects gift aid earlier than we could ourselves. 

Additional income comes from events, such as the Choir event in April 2025, which made a surplus of £485 on direct expenses, and the Easter Egg Hunt, which is free to enter but donors nevertheless gave us £599.  Donations at the Popup Café came to £398. 

In 2026, if we obtain planning permission for our new roof with solar panels, we aim to complete this section of our church redevelopment project.  This will cost some £250,000 for which we are likely both to apply for grants, and to appeal to church members 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **26** of **56** 



at a Gift Day or similar.  We already have a Church Project Fund with about £55k (see above) and are expecting a large legacy of £100k for this Fund, as our starting point. 

Our biggest gifts aren’t financial.  It comes in the form of time. People give time to keep the churchyard tidy; to run the Horsforth Community Pantry; to be Welcomers at the church door; and to do many ‘behind-the-scenes’ tasks such as count and bank our weekly cash income.  The Annual Report is one way of recognizing, and saying Thank You, to all those who give lots of time to God through St James’. 

## **d. Gifts from St James’** 

We support Horsforth Churches Together, both directly to fund their projects such as Carols in the Park, and indirectly to help fund the modest salaries of their workers – total £1,570 in 2025.  We regard their work highly and thank them for all they give to Horsforth and its churches.  Several members of St James’ also support them privately. 

We have given £2,600 to Horsforth Shed, arising from the Parish Centre surplus in 2024. 

The PCC has an annual party at the Cain’s home.  The Cain’s give their food free of charge, and the members of the PCC make donations to the Mugumu Safe House in Mara, Tanzania.  This year it came to £524, which includes a sum carried forward from previous years. 

Mike Counsell and Ruth Dent organized a Tear Fund Quiz evening at which £390 was raised and donated. 

Other St James’ events give rise to donations which don’t go through St James’ but go directly to other organisations, for example the collection at Christingle services is given to the Children’s Society. 

Thank you to Malcolm Barraclough who does the accounting work for us, to John Pickford, who manages our cash and VAT reclaims, to Andy Hoye who reviews our reports meticulously and helpfully, and to Finance Committee, for advice, support and challenge.  The treasurer Cal Bailey welcomes questions on our finances from anyone.  Please ask either at our APCM or privately. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **27** of **56** 



## **e. Self-assessed carbon footprint** 

Organisation name: St James’ Woodside 

Data entered by: David Thrussell Data period : 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 

Our scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint in 2025 was 10.2 tonnes CO2e (2024, 11.6 tonnes). 

Comparator period: 2023 footprint is 10.7 tonnes CO2e 

The biggest single contributors to our footprint by far are the two gas boilers. 

This calculation is for our direct footprint, plus the footprint of our electricity.  It ignores the indirect footprint of, for example, manufacturing our copier and computers, pumping our water, and the construction products we have purchased or bought through builders. 

If we are permanently to reduce our church carbon footprint, then we need to reduce the need for gas heating – without being cold!  This can be done by reducing draughts (e.g. keeping the door shut), improving insulation (difficult in a church), and installing other, lower carbon, forms of heating.  An example might be underfloor heating, with a ground source heat pump.  It looks like this may be a feasible solution for our church – if we dig boreholes along the road to the east and south of the building.  Low carbon heating is one element of our church masterplan.  We are at present seeking planning permission for solar panels which will reduce our electric costs. 

Note: Our footprint has been calculated using the energy footprint tool on the parish returns survey for the Church of England for 2025. This is a different tool than has been used in previous years, which is no longer available.  This may invalidate comparison. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **28** of **56** 



## **f. Independent examiner’s report** 

## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of St James** 

## **Woodside PCC (Charity number 1206564)** 

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out in the Annual Report. 

## **Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner** 

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. 

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act. 

## **Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the 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 connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **29** of **56** 



- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records 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. 

## **Examiner’s Details** 


Teresa Hitchens FCCA 

Member of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners 40 Gascoigne Crescent Harrogate HG1 4AJ 

Date: 09 April 2026 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **30** of **56** 



## **5. Structure, Governance and Management** 

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a Registered Charity. 

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules.  At St James’ the membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent (our vicar), churchwardens, two readers and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services/members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC. 

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be spent. New members receive initial training into the workings of the PCC. 

The full PCC met six times during the year with an average level of attendance of 80%.  Given its wide responsibilities the PCC has four permanent committees: 

1. The Standing Committee. 

2. The Finance Committee. 

3. The Fabric Committee. 

4. The Horsforth Pantry Management Committee. 

These committees are all responsible to the PCC and report back to it regularly, minutes of their decisions being received by the full PCC and discussed as necessary. 

## **a. Safeguarding** 

At St. James’ we value the importance of safeguarding, putting measures in place to protect vulnerable adults and children, these measures include numerous legal, moral and spiritual obligations on the Church to make sure that everyone is safe and prospers.  We work in line with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy which can be found 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **31** of **56** 



- - at: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017 11/cofe - policy statement.pdf 

Guidance comes from the National Safeguarding Team and is made with the support and approval of the House of Bishops.   The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and clergy discipline measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).  The parish safeguarding dashboard is very helpful in providing guidelines, prompts and actions regarding what needs to be done when. 

Each PCC meeting there is a safeguarding item that we address.  Many of the items are annual requirements.  We… 

- Reviewed the list of activities undertaken in the name of the church which involve children and vulnerable adults. 

- Reviewed risk assessments and training requirements for activities undertaken by the church. 

- Reviewed the list of non-church activities in the parish centre, as part of their hire agreement they have all signed a safeguarding addendum. 

- Displayed contact details for the PSO, vicar and churchwardens, plus the diocesan safeguarding officer in church and on our website. We displayed other posters for information, including for those who may have suffered abuse in the past. 

- Reviewed our procedure for dealing with allegations and safeguarding concerns. 

- Checked that we comply with GDPR legislation and data retention guidance. 

- Made arrangements for the safe storage of safeguarding records. 

Safeguarding Learning and Development: Members of the PCC have all completed the training on Domestic abuse awareness.  The new prayer ministry team have completed basic awareness safeguarding training. Plans are underway to encourage the pantry volunteers to complete their basic safeguarding training. The children’s workers are all up to date with their safeguarding training. 

Safer Recruitment and People Management: six DBS checks have been undertaken in the last year with four more due soon.  Both Lynne Gillions and Jo Bailey are verifiers.  When we recruit new volunteers, we 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **32** of **56** 



ask that they complete a volunteer agreement.  We need to remain vigilant on our safer recruitment and follow guidelines even if the volunteer is well known to us. 

We held a special service in November focusing on the importance of safeguarding.  As a PCC we strive to create an open culture where people are encouraged to speak up about their concerns.  We want people to feel safe in our church.  Issues and questions have been raised with our Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO).  We receive this as a sign of a healthy culture around safeguarding. 

Requests for further information or questions can be directed to our PSO, Jo Bailey. 

## **b. The Diocese of Leeds and the Northwest Leeds Deanery** 

St James’ is part of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds and sits within the Northwest Deanery in the Leeds Episcopal Area.  The incumbent and three lay representatives sit on the Northwest Leeds Deanery Synod. The lay representatives, who are all ex-officio PCC members are: Tracey Greig, Christine Lazenby and Ryan Smith-Farthing. 

Central to the vocation of the Church of England is the Parish system, which provides a Christian presence in every community.  Ministry is funded by the Diocese through the collection of Parish Share.  In 2025 St James’ met its Parish Share commitment in full, with a contribution of £74,126 towards a total of £11.6m for the Diocese of Leeds as a whole. This sum represents 75% of the £15.4m total request. 

The Diocese of Leeds supports a worshipping community of 32,000 with 272 stipendiary clergy and curates in 440 parishes. 

## **c. The Horsforth Shed (Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registration no. 1184672)** 

The Horsforth Shed operates from the repurposed former Scout Hut at St James’, providing community workshop facilities with a purpose to promote social inclusion.  The St James’ Woodside PCC regard the Shed as an important element of the church’s outreach to the local 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **33** of **56** 



community, and contribute to the Shed’s activities in the following ways: 

- Lease of the building at a peppercorn rent. 

- The Incumbent and other PCC/ worshipping community members at St James’ serve alongside others as trustees and workshop volunteers; 

- Financial support – the PCC regularly allocates a proportion of the surplus from Parish Centre lettings to the Horsforth Shed; 

- ▪ Prayer. 

The PCC are delighted with the ministry of the Horsforth Shed to vulnerable children and adults.  More information can be found online (https://www.horsforthshed.co.uk/) and in the trustees’ annual report for The Horsforth Shed. 

## **6. Reference and administrative details** 

|Charity name|**THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE**<br>**ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ST JAMES'**<br>**WOODSIDE LEEDS**|
|---|---|
|Other name the<br>charity uses|**Woodside St James’ PCC**|
|Registered charity<br>number|**1206564**|
|Charity’s<br>principal address|**Church Office, Low Lane, Horsforth**<br>**LS18 5QW**|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **34** of **56** 



## **7. Trustees** 

|**Trustees**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Name of Trustee**|**Office (if any)**||
|Cal Bailey|Reader, treasurer||
|Jo Bailey|Parish Safeguarding<br>Officer||
|Sophie Baker|||
|Christine Barraclough|||
|Revd Canon Jonathan<br>Cain|Incumbent, Chair||
|Rebecca Cain|||
|Andrew Cooke||Appointed April 2025|
|Ruth Dent|Horsforth Pantry|Resigned April 2025,<br>attends meetings as<br>a co-opted member|
|Lynne Gillions|Churchwarden|Re-appointed April<br>2025|
|Pete Gillions|Reader||
|Tracey Greig|Vice chair, Deanery<br>Synod Representative||
|Glenda Ingham|Churchwarden|Resigned April 2025,<br>attends meetings as<br>a co-opted member|
|Christine Lazenby|Churchwarden,<br>Deanery Synod<br>Representative|Appointed April 2025|
|Joe Minton|||
|Alison Pickford|Secretary||
|Ryan Smith-Farthing|Deanery Synod<br>Representative||
|Becky Woodward|||
|Jonathan Woodward|||



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **35** of **56** 



## **8. Who’s who at St James’** 

## **Permanent Committees of the PCC** 


**Standing Committee** : Cal Bailey, Jonathan Cain (chair), Lynne Gillions, Tracey Greig, Glenda Ingham (resigned April 2025), Christine Lazenby (appointed April 2025), Alison Pickford. 


**Fabric Committee** : Jonathan Cain, Ruth Dent, Lynne Gillions, Pete Gillions, Derek Plummer, David Thrussell (chair). 


**Finance Committee** : Cal Bailey (chair), Malcolm Barraclough, Jonathan Cain, Glenda Ingham (resigned April 2025), Christine Lazenby (appointed April 2025), John Pickford, Jonathan Woodward (appointed February 2025). 

In addition to these permanent committees the following project committees were established in 2024 

## **Project Committees of the PCC** 


**Church Masterplan Committee** : Cal Bailey, Jonathan Cain (chair), Pete Gillions, Tracey Greig, David Thrussell. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **36** of **56** 



## **Project Committees of the PCC** 


**Pantry Management Committee** : Jonathan Cain, Ruth Dent, Becky Woodward, Jonathan Woodward. 

Coopted from the community: Ann Bossingham, Claire Evans, Sharon Moss, Maria Russell. 

The following tables names those who contribute to and enhance the life of St James’ by performing specific roles. 


**Music team:** Sophie Baker, Rebecca Cain, Carolyn Cooke, Ruth Dent, Lynne Gillions, Vix Hargreaves, Brian Lipscombe, Yvonne Lipscombe, Ken Mitchell, Mel Nightingale, Joe Minton, David Parkinson, Alison Pickford, Jill Ramsden, Katie Tither. 

**Readers:** Cal Bailey, Jo Bailey, Chris Baker (snr), Rebecca Cain, Chris Davis, Karen Evans, Lynne Gillions, Tracey Greig, Andy Hoye, Glenda Ingham, Joe Minton, Ann Muggeridge, Mel Nightingale, Beth Parkinson, Alison Pickford, Jill Ramsden, Cathy Thrussell, David Thrussell, Katie Tither, Phil Toepritz, Sue Toepritz, Lynda Wightman. 

**Intercessors:** Cal Bailey, Jo Bailey, Christine Barraclough, Malcolm Barraclough, Andrew Cooke, Chris Davis, Pete Gillions, Alison Pickford, Becky Woodward. 

**PA:** Chris Davis, Lynne Gillions, Pete Gillions, Andrew Nightingale, Alison Pickford, Cathy Thrussell, David Thrussell, Jonathan Woodward. 

**Flowers** : Christine Barraclough, Helen Davis, Ruth Dent, Lynne Gillions, Tracey Greig, Glenda Ingham. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **37** of **56** 




**Work with children and families:** Jo Bailey, Jonathan Cain, Rebecca Cain, Emma Connell, Jo Howes, Lynne Gillions, Pete Gillions, Christine Lazenby, Brian Lipscombe, Yvonne Lipscombe, Hannah Mason (leader), Harriet Mason, Isobel Mason, Ann Muggeridge, Alison Pickford, John Pickford, David Thrussell, Lynda Wightman, Linda Williamson. **Prayer ministry:** Jo Bailey, Andrew Cooke, Carolyn Cooke, Andy Hoye, Anne Hoye, Ann Muggeridge, Linda Williamson, Becky Woodward. 

**Horsforth Community Pantry:** Jonathan Cain, Rebecca Cain, Ruth Dent, Lynne Gillions, Mel Nightingale, Josie Richards, Pam Walker, Lynda Wightman, Fiona Wright. **Finance Team:** Cal Bailey (treasurer), Chris Baker (snr), Malcolm Barraclough, Chris Davis, Lynne Gillions, Andy Hoye, Christine Lazenby, Mel Nightingale, Beth Parkinson, Alison Pickford, John Pickford, Cathy Thrussell, Sue Toepritz, Lynda Wightman, Jonathan Woodward. **Fundraising** : Rebecca Cain, Ruth Dent, Tracey Greig, Glenda Ingham, Alison Pickford. **Churchyard maintenance** : Jonathan Ash, Christine Lazenby, Andrew Nightingale, John Pickford, David Thrussell, Mike Counsell. **The Horsforth Shed** : Chris Baker (jnr), Jonathan Cain, Pete Gillions (leader), Tracey Greig, Joe Minton. **Food Bank** : Christine Lazenby. **Horsforth Churches Together** : Lynne Gillions. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **38** of **56** 



**Sidespeople** : Jose Ashbee, Chris Baker (snr), Chris Davis, Helen Davis, John Evans, Karen Evans, Lynne Gillions, Tracey Greig, Fiona Hockin, Glenda Ingham, Christine Lazenby, Beth Parkinson, John Pickford, David Thrussell. **Coffee rota** : Helen Davis, Ruth Dent, Lynne Gillions, Tracey Greig, Glenda Ingham, Christine Lazenby, Andy Nightingale, Mel Nightingale, Beth Parkinson, David Parkinson, Josie Richards, Alison Pickford, John Pickford, Katie Tither, Pam Walker, Linda Williamson, Fiona Wright. **Pastoral visiting** : Cal Bailey, Jo Bailey, Jonathan Cain, Lynne Gillions, Pete Gillions, Glenda Ingham, Brian Lipscombe, John Pickford. **Prayer chain** : Sophie Baker, Fiona Hockin, Ann Muggeridge, John Pickford. **Pop-up Café** : Ruth Dent, Mel Nightingale, Alison Pickford, Katie Tither. **Catering** : Rebecca Cain, Ruth Dent, Tracey Greig, Glenda Ingham, Alison Pickford, Josie Richards, Katie Tither. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **39** of **56** 



## **9. Declarations** 

|**Declarations**|**Declarations**|**Declarations**|
|---|---|---|
||||
|The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report<br>above|||
|Signed on behalf of the trustees|||
|Signature|||
|Full name|Jonathan Cain|Christine Lazenby|
|Position|Vicar, Chair of trustees|Churchwarden, trustee|
|Date|14 April 2026|14 April 2026|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **40** of **56** 



## **Annex – Detailed Financial Statements** 

|Total funds<br>2024<br>£<br>**Total**<br>**funds 2025**<br>**£**<br>Endowment<br>funds<br>£<br>Designated<br>funds<br>£<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Notes<br>**Statement of Financial Activities**<br>for the year ended 31 December 2025|140,860<br>26,934<br>5,662<br>2,754<br>176,210<br>168,293<br>18,880<br>187,173<br>(10,963)<br>101<br>(10,862)<br>274,337<br>263,475<br>**119,362**<br>**24,246**<br>**6,422**<br>**3,697**<br>**153,727**<br>**125,297**<br>**19,536**<br>**144,833**<br>**8,894**<br>**(179)**<br>**8,715**<br>**263,475**<br>**7,500**<br>**-**<br>**279,690**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(179)<br>(179)<br>4,463<br>**4,284**<br>10,000<br>-<br>2,100<br>-<br>12,100<br>10,113<br>-<br>10,113<br>1,987<br>-<br>1,987<br>78,241<br>7,500<br>15,834<br>**103,562**<br>16,763<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>16,763<br>17,351<br>2,262<br>19,613<br>(2,850)<br>-<br>(2,850)<br>140,658<br>**137,808**<br>92,599<br>24,246<br>4,322<br>3,697<br>124,864<br>97,833<br>17,274<br>115,107<br>9,757<br>-<br>9,757<br>40,113<br>(15,834)<br>**34,036**<br>2(a)<br>2(b)<br>2(c)<br>2(d)<br>3(a)<br>3(b)<br>Unrealised (losses)/gains on investment assets<br>10<br>**Income and endowments**<br>Voluntary income<br>Activities for generating funds<br>Income from investments<br>Income from Church activities<br>**Expenditure**<br>Church activities<br>Fund raising trading<br>Net incoming resources before other<br>recognised gains and losses<br>Surplus/ (deficit) on funds in year<br>Balances b/fwd 01 January 2025<br>Release of prior years provisions<br>(Decrease)/Increase in Designated<br>Reserves<br>Balances c/fwd 31 December 2025|
|---|---|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **41** of **56** 



|Total funds<br>2024<br>£<br>**Total**<br>**funds 2025**<br>**£**<br>Endowment<br>funds<br>£<br>Designated<br>funds<br>£<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Notes<br>**Balance Sheet**<br>for the year ended 31 December 2025|134,559<br>4,463<br>139,022<br>20,807<br>32,503<br>88,771<br>86,902<br>228,983<br>(17,628)<br>(86,902)<br>(104,530)<br>263,475<br>40,113<br>140,658<br>78,241<br>4,463<br>263,475<br>**136,494**<br>**4,284**<br>**140,778**<br>**13,023**<br>**48,337**<br>**88,447**<br>**105,533**<br>**255,340**<br>**(10,895)**<br>**(105,533)**<br>**(116,428)**<br>**279,690**<br>**34,036**<br>**137,808**<br>**103,562**<br>**4,284**<br>**279,690**<br>-<br>4,284<br>4,284<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**4,284**<br>4,284<br>**4,284**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>48,337<br>-<br>55,225<br>103,562<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**103,562**<br>103,562<br>**103,562**<br>127,770<br>-<br>127,770<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>10,038<br>10,038<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**137,808**<br>137,808<br>**137,808**<br>8,724<br>-<br>8,724<br>13,023<br>-<br>88,447<br>40,270<br>141,740<br>(10,895)<br>(105,533)<br>(116,428)<br>**34,036**<br>34,036<br>**34,036**<br>5(a)<br>5(b)<br>6<br>7<br>8(a)<br>8(c)<br>8(b)<br>**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible<br>Investments<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>Reserve fund<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>Owed from funds<br>**Liabilities**<br>Creditors (amounts falling due in one year)<br>Owed to funds<br>Net current assets<br>Total Net Assets<br>**Parish funds**<br>Unrestricted<br>Restricted<br>Designated<br>Endowment|
|---|---|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **42** of **56** 



## **Approval of and notes to the Financial Statements** 

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 12 March 2026 and signed on its behalf: 

Christine Jonathan Lazenby Cain Churchwarden Vicar and PCC Chair 


The notes that follow form part of these accounts. 

## **Note 1** 

**Accounting Policies** .  The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 with the Regulations' "true and fair view" provisions, together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102). 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.  The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members. 

**Funds** .  Endowment Funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only the income arising from investment of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established. 

Restricted Funds represent either income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest or donations and grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given.  Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.  Where there is no separate investment and it is material, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis. 

Bank interest received into the CCLA deposit account is pro-rated between designated and unrestricted funds. 

Designated Funds are funds available as Unrestricted Funds but designated for particular purposes at the discretion of the PCC. 

Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **43** of **56** 



**Incoming resources.** Planned giving, collections and donations are recognized when received.  Tax refunds are recognized when the incoming resource to which they relate is received.  Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due.  Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognized when receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross. 

Trading activities are accounted for gross.  Parochial fees are accounted for on receipt and assigned fees payable to the Diocese of Leeds are dealt with as agency payments not affecting turnover. 

**Resources expended** .  Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation to the PCC. The Diocesan Parish Share is accounted for (monthly) when due.  Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as Restricted Funds.  All other expenditure is generally recognized when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. 

**Fixed assets** .  Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with section 10(2) (a & c) of the Charities Act 2011. 

Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church inventory, which can be inspected.  For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements.  No individual items have cost more than £1,000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred. 

Land owned by the PCC is not depreciated.  The Parish Centre is depreciated on a straight-line basis over 50 years. 

Investments are valued at market value on 31 December. 

Depreciation on other fixed assets is charged as follows: 

- Church assets – Sound Equipment: straight line over 4 years. 

- Food Pantry Building and Parish Centre assets (Kitchen Equipment): straight line over 10 years. 

**Food Pantry Stock.** We receive food from FareShare weekly (for a subscription fee), from donors across Horsforth (especially at Harvest Festival) and make supplementary purchases out of member receipts and grants.  Its value is therefore indeterminate, and stock is not included in the accounts. 

**Cash balances and transfers** .  For day-to-day transactions the PCC maintains a current account with CAF Bank and recently opened a further CAF account for Horsforth Community Pantry.  In addition to this a deposit account with CAF Bank is used to hold temporarily surplus funds.  Long term cash deposits are held in an interest bearing CCLA deposit account. 

The PCC holds a designated reserve fund that is calculated to cover the cost of operations for 4 months (prior year: 3 months).  Whilst this figure is shown separately in the balance sheet it is not represented by a separate underlying bank account. 

These are the only bank accounts held by the PCC.  At the year end the total balances are reflected as unrestricted funds.  As a result, at the year end, cash balances are owed to restricted funds and designated funds. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **44** of **56** 



## **Note 2 – Incoming resources** 

|Total funds<br>2024<br>£<br>**Total**<br>**funds 2025**<br>**£**<br>Endowment<br>funds<br>£<br>Designated<br>funds<br>£<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>**Incoming resources**<br>for the year ended 31 December 2025<br>**Note**|103,358<br>3,102<br>10,400<br>24,000<br>140,860<br>20,860<br>6,074<br>26,934<br>5,541<br>121<br>5,662<br>2,754<br>2,754<br>176,210<br>**89,047**<br>**3,817**<br>**10,000**<br>**16,498**<br>**119,362**<br>**21,839**<br>**2,407**<br>**24,246**<br>**6,298**<br>**124**<br>**6,422**<br>**3,697**<br>**3,697**<br>**153,727**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>-<br>10,000<br>-<br>10,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,100<br>-<br>2,100<br>-<br>-<br>**12,100**<br>265<br>-<br>-<br>16,498<br>16,763<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**16,763**<br>88,782<br>3,817<br>-<br>-<br>92,599<br>21,839<br>2,407<br>24,246<br>4,198<br>124<br>4,322<br>3,697<br>3,697<br>**124,864**<br>**Voluntary income – Planned giving**<br>Donations and tax recoverable<br>Cash collections<br>Legacies<br>Grants and other income<br>**Activities for generating funds**<br>Parish Centre lettings<br>Other activities (2 ticketed events 2025; 3 in 2024)<br>**Income from investments**<br>Bank interest<br>Dividends<br>**Income from church activities**<br>Fees for weddings and funerals<br>**Total income**<br>**2(a)**<br>**2(b)**<br>**2(c)**<br>**2(d)**|
|---|---|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **45** of **56** 



## **Note 3 – Expenditure** 

|Total funds<br>2024<br>£<br>**Total**<br>**funds 2025**<br>**£**<br>Endowmen<br>t funds<br>£<br>Designated<br>funds<br>£<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>**Expenditure**<br>for the year ended 31 December 2025<br>**Note**|1,916<br>4,242<br>71,493<br>1,966<br>1,491<br>443<br>75,393<br>3,234<br>67,244<br>6,257<br>2,838<br>587<br>80,160<br>930<br>3,822<br>1,578<br>252<br>6,582<br>168,293<br>**126**<br>**4,115**<br>**74,126**<br>**3,174**<br>**14,886**<br>**455**<br>**92,641**<br>**2,959**<br>**11,145**<br>**2,038**<br>**2,943**<br>**619**<br>**19,704**<br>**-**<br>**4,023**<br>**3,831**<br>**857**<br>**8,711**<br>**125,297**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>10,113<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>10,113<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**10,113**<br>-<br>524<br>-<br>271<br>14,886<br>-<br>15,157<br>-<br>-<br>1,670<br>-<br>-<br>1,670<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**17,351**<br>126<br>3,591<br>74,126<br>2,903<br>-<br>455<br>77,484<br>2,959<br>1,032<br>368<br>2,943<br>619<br>7,921<br>-<br>4,023<br>3,831<br>857<br>8,711<br>**97,833**<br>**Church Activities**<br>**Cost of raising funds**<br>**Charitable giving**<br>**Ministry**<br>Diocesan Parish Share<br>Other ministry costs<br>Horsforth Pantry<br>Organ, organist & music group<br>**Church running and maintenance**<br>Light, heat & water<br>Repairs & maintenance<br>Depreciation<br>Insurance<br>Sundry expenses<br>**Administration and fees payable**<br>Fees payable to the Diocese of Leeds<br>Salary: Parish Administrator (see note 4)<br>Church office costs<br>Legal and professional<br>**Total Expenses C/FWD to next page**<br>**3(a)**|
|---|---|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **46** of **56** 



## **Note 3 – Expenditure (continued)** 

|Total funds<br>2024<br>£<br>**Total**<br>**funds 2025**<br>**£**<br>Endowmen<br>t funds<br>£<br>Designated<br>funds<br>£<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>**Expenditure**<br>for the year ended 31 December 2025<br>**Note**|3,328<br>4,738<br>1,419<br>3,822<br>-<br>2,939<br>2,634<br>18,880<br>187,173<br>**3,228**<br>**4,861**<br>**1,472**<br>**4,023**<br>**-**<br>**3,120**<br>**2,832**<br>**19,536**<br>**144,833**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**10,113**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,262<br>2,262<br>**19,613**<br>3,228<br>4,861<br>1,472<br>4,023<br>-<br>3,120<br>570<br>17,274<br>**115,107**<br>**Fundraising trading**<br>**Parish Centre running & maintenance**<br>Light, heat & water<br>Repairs & maintenance<br>Insurance<br>Salary: Parish Administrator (see note 4)<br>Irrecoverable debtors<br>Cleaning & sundries<br>Depreciation<br>**Total expenses**<br>**3(b)**|
|---|---|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **47** of **56** 



## **Note 4 – Staff costs** 

## **4 Staff costs** 

During the year the PCC employed Mrs A Pickford as an Administrator.  Mrs Pickford is also a trustee.  Wages and salaries paid during 2025 amounted to £8,046 (2024: £7,644).  The figure for wages and salaries is apportioned equally between church activities and the costs of the Parish Centre. 

## **Related Parties** 

The following PCC members were reimbursed in respect of expenses incurred on the church's behalf. 

|Name|**2025**||2024||Year-end creditor||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**£**||£||£||
|Revd J Cain||**3,914**||1,131||-|
|JK & NC Bailey||**1,249**||738||-|
|R Dent||**3,073**||588||-|
|G Ingham||**-**||-||-|
|P & L Gillions||**5,899**||8,299||-|
|A Pickford||**182**||-||-|
|C Barraclough||**-**||77||-|
|J Woodward||**30**||130||-|
|J Minton||**-**||236||-|



Donations from trustees amounted to £46,420 (2024: £60,322), including Gift Aid. 

This includes the combined giving of partners, where only one is a PCC member. 

Payments represents amounts spent by individual PCC members and are for purchases and expenses that are directly related to our work. 

The amounts reimbursed to P&L Gillions represent payments in respect of the refurbishment of the Parish Centre kitchen (2025) and for construction of the Pantry (2024. 

Revd J. Cain, R Dent and J Woodward bought goods and equipment for the operation of the Food Pantry.  The magnitude of this expenditure is anticipated to reduce as the Food Pantry now operates its own bank account, with a debit card. 

All payments are subject to independent authorisation by unconnected members. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **48** of **56** 



## **Note 5 – Fixed Assets** 

|**Total**<br>**£**<br>Equipment<br>unrestricted<br>£<br>Equipment<br>restricted<br>£<br>Buildings<br>Food Pantry<br>£<br>Buildings<br>Parish Centre<br>£<br>Land<br>restricted<br>£<br>**Fixed Assets**<br>for the year ended 31 December 2025<br>**Note**|168,296<br>7,100<br>-<br>175,396<br>33,737<br>5,165<br>-<br>38,902<br>**136,494**<br>134,559<br>3,826<br>7,100<br>-<br>10,926<br>1,264<br>938<br>-<br>2,202<br>**8,724**<br>2,562<br>19,982<br>-<br>-<br>19,982<br>19,882<br>-<br>-<br>19,882<br>**100**<br>100<br>19,361<br>-<br>-<br>19,361<br>807<br>1,965<br>-<br>2,772<br>**16,589**<br>18,554<br>113,127<br>-<br>-<br>113,127<br>11,784<br>2,262<br>-<br>14,046<br>**99,081**<br>101,343<br>12,000<br>-<br>-<br>12,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**12,000**<br>12,000<br>**Tangible fixed assets**<br>**Cost**<br>Balance b/fwd<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>Balance c/fwd<br>**Depreciation**<br>Balance b/fwd<br>Charge for the year<br>Disposals<br>Balance c/fwd<br>**Net book value 31.12.2025**<br>Net book value 31.12.2024<br>**5(a)**|
|---|---|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **49** of **56** 



## **Note 5 – Fixed Assets (continued)** 

## **5(b) Investment assets** 

The church has investments which are held on behalf of the PCC by the Diocese of Leeds and are managed by CCLA Investment Management Ltd. 

The values represent the market value at 31 December 2025. 

||**31.12.2025**<br>**£**<br>31.12.2024<br>£|
|---|---|
|**Church and churchyard capital**<br>193 Church of England Investment Fund<br>Income Units|**4,284**<br>4,463|
||**4,284**<br>4,463|



The dividend for this investment is shown in Note 2(c) on the page titled ‘Incoming Resources’. 

The investment was donated many years ago and forms our Endowment Fund.  It may be used only for maintenance of the churchyard. 

## **Note 6 – Debtors** 

||**31.12.2025**<br>**£**<br>31.12.2024<br>£|
|---|---|
|**Debtors**<br>Parish Centre debtors<br>Prepayments & accrued income<br>Income tax & VAT recoverable|**1,423**<br>1,782<br>**3,324**<br>-<br>**8,276**<br>19,025|
||**13,023**<br>20,807|



## **Note 7 – Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year** 

||**31.12.2025**<br>**£**<br>31.12.2024<br>£|
|---|---|
|**Creditors**<br>Fees due to the Diocese of Leeds<br>Accruals<br>Income in advance|**-**<br>676<br>**10,826**<br>16,918<br>**69**<br>34|
||**10,895**<br>17,628|



Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **50** of **56** 



## **Note 8 – Funds** 

||**31.12.2025**<br>**£**<br>31.12.2024<br>£|
|---|---|
|**(a)**<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>Glebe Land Fund1<br>Parish Centre2<br>Food Pantry – Capital Fund3<br>Food Pantry – Operating Fund3<br>Fabric fund assets<br>Mara Safe House Tanzania<br>Flower Fund<br>**(b)**<br>**Endowment Funds**4<br>Investments<br>**(c)**<br>**Designated Funds**<br>Reserve account<br>Church Project Fund|**12,000**<br>12,000<br>**99,081**<br>101,343<br>**16,883**<br>18,553<br>**9,314**<br>7,702<br>**100**<br>100<br>**-**<br>524<br>**430**<br>436|
||**137,808**<br>140,658|
|||
||**4,284**<br>4,463|
||**48,337**<br>32,503<br>**55,225**<br>45,738|
||**103,562**<br>78,241|



1 Glebe Land Fund represents the cost of the land used for the church car park. 

2 Parish Centre Fund represents the cost of the Parish Centre less depreciation. 

3 The Food Pantry Capital Fund represents the cost of the building less depreciation.  The Food Pantry Operating fund represents specific amounts received, less costs, for running the Pantry. 

The Glebe Land Fund, Parish Centre Fund and Food Pantry Capital Fund do not represent realisable assets which can be converted into cash. 

4 This fund is held in the form of investments given to maintain the churchyard.  Income generated is disbursed through the Churchyard fund which, together with additional unrestricted funds, is used to maintain the churchyard.  There is no balance on the Churchyard fund at year end. 

The Church Project Fund comprises legacies which the PCC has designated, grants, the release of prior years’ provisions and interest, less amounts spent on the new chancel roof (scaffolding, stonemason, etc.), or in architect and planning fees.  These costs appear on the Note 3 (a) Repairs and Maintenance line in the detailed expenditure page of the accounts, in the Designated Funds column.  Routine annual maintenance, such as boiler servicing, is charged on the same line, but under the Unrestricted Funds column.  Parish Centre repairs and maintenance costs are separately shown in Note 3(b) on the following page. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **51** of **56** 



## **Note 9 – Commitments and contingent liabilities** 

The PCC committed an amount of £10,000 in respect of planning fees and architect’s fees towards the next stage of our substantial church redevelopment project.  The amount remaining unspent at the year-end was £7,410.  It is anticipated that this remaining balance will be utilised in full in 2026. 

The PCC secured the necessary permission from the Chancellor of the Diocese of Leeds (called a Faculty) to complete re-roofing works on the church building and to install two arrays of solar panels on the nave and south aisle roofs.  Unfortunately, our planning application to Leeds City Council was refused, and we continue to work with our architect, the Leeds Diocesan Advisory Committee and Local Councillors to find a way forward.  We remain hopeful of securing a planning approval and the necessary funding to allow works to proceed in 2026/27. 

## **Note 10 – Release of Prior Years’ Provisions** 

During the year, provisions made in prior periods for anticipated costs, totalling £7,500, were reviewed and determined to no longer be required.  They covered, for example, provisions for slow payment of debts to the Parish Centre, and for costs arising from the purchase of our photocopier which we previously rented.  These amounts have therefore been released to income. The PCC has subsequently designated these funds to the Church Project Fund. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **52** of **56** 



## **The Church Finances Explained** 









**Unrestricted funds.** This is money that can be spent on anything provided it is within our objectives – which is why it is called Unrestricted.  This includes Designated funds, money which the PCC has earmarked for a particular project such as a new carpet. However if circumstances change, e.g. if a new boiler is needed, the PCC can decide to spend the funds differently. 

**Restricted funds.** Restricted funds can only be spent for the particular purpose that the money was given for, e.g. to construct the Community Pantry or for the Mara Safe House in Tanzania. Our Endowment Fund, is a specific type of Restricted Fund, whereby a gift of shares - given with the specific purpose of enabling the church to maintain the churchyard – enables us to use the dividend to service the lawnmower.  We may not spend the capital. 

**Funds brought forward.** The total of Funds brought forward is the total of all that we have at the start of the year. This will include all the above funds: Unrestricted, Designated, Restricted and Endowment funds. **Income.** This is money that comes in during the year.  It can come from donations or fundraising activities like the 175 events or to pay for our weekend away. 

**Expenditure.** This is money that we spend during the year.  It can be spent on a wide range of things provided they are for the benefit of the church - such as heating or boiler maintenance or what is paid to the Diocese of Leeds each year.  This latter item is called Parish Share and it represents our gift to fund our share of the cost of vicars in this region.  Because we are a wealthier parish than average, we pay more than the costs of our own vicar – and we are pleased to do so. 

**Depreciation.** This is a way of spreading the cost of a long-life item, like a building or item of equipment, over its useful life.  Our sound equipment will last less time than our Parish Centre – so the useful lives vary. 

**Exclusions.** Not everything is included in the accounts – in particular the value of the graveyard and Church building.  We cannot sell the church, so it would be meaningless to value it. **Funds carried forward.** This is the total of Funds brought forward, plus income less expenditure.  If we make a surplus, our funds carried forward will have grown during the year.   It is not a simple snapshot of the balance in the bank at the end of the year but includes the Parish Centre property and money we know is owed to us as well as deducting money we know we owe others – e.g. for bills we haven’t yet paid. 

Charity Registration no. 1206564 

Page **53** of **56** 



S*JAMES WooDSIDE
HORSFORTH
FAITH
HOPE
LOVE
Sharing God's blessing in Horsforth for 175 years