’ – ST AIDAN S CHURCH, GRAVESEND ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Charity No. 1130169
Background
St Aidan’s parish occupies almost 1 sq. mile, containing a population of over 11,450 (estimated from the 2011 Census). The inhabitants are predominantly White British with a small Asian population of long standing and, in recent years, a growing African-Caribbean population. There is a Muslim cultural centre close to the church (formerly a public house). The church’s buildings consist of the Hall (built 1954), Vicarage (built 1958) and Church (built 1963) of which the rear two window bays were converted in 2006 to the ‘Powerhouse’ consisting of a kitchen, two meeting rooms (which can be opened out to form an extension to the worship area, two toilets (one suitable for those with disabilities) and, on the accessible mezzanine floor, a computer room and balcony overlooking the worship area. All these buildings are adjacent to each other in the Westcourt area of the parish. The Christopher Centre (in the Riverview Park area of the parish) was once managed by St Aidan’s but is now let on a long lease from the Diocese to the Christopher Centre Residents’ Association – St Aidan’s pays for any use during the week but has free use, if required, on Sundays. The PCC represents the congregation and supports the incumbent in maintaining the work and witness of the Church in the parish. The PCC takes responsibility for the fabric of the church buildings and ensures safeguarding policies and practices are adopted and maintained.
Membership
During 2024, the following served as members of the PCC: Incumbent: The Rev’d Michael Payne Lay Reader: Dr Peter Harris (licensed 13[th] May 2023, resigned 14/4/2024, confirmed by letter 28/5/2024)
Churchwardens: Dennis Ashurst (resigned on 28/4/2024) Rob Hollands (from AGM 26/3/2023, sworn in 14/6/2023)
Deanery Synod Reps: Dr Peter Harris (resignation dates as for Lay Reader), Janet Morris (to 17/3/2024)
Elected members: Ann Ashurst, Mike Butler, Javid Elahi (from 17/3/2024), Doreen
McIntosh, Steve Kench-Cannon, Jan Hollands, Barbara Potter, David Rawlinson (died 22/6/2024), Jenny Rawlinson, David Sisterson, Janet Trevor, Anne Welch (died 21/1/2024), Michael Welch.
Mavis Prater (retired as a Licensed Reader on 15[th] May 2022) but continued as Reader Emeritus. Sylvia Munns (licensed as an Anna Chaplain on 15[th] February 2022) continued in this role.
Dr Peter Harris held the Bishop’s Certificate to preach at certain number of sermons each year and was licensed as a Lay Reader on 13[th] May 2023, resigning on 14[th] June 2024. The APCM was held on 17[th] March 2024.
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Staff
Services are taken by the Vicar.
Committees
The PCC normally meets about quarterly. Matters of principle, and proposals for expenditure, are referred to the full Council.
Standing Committee: This committee (normally meeting a fortnight before most PCC meetings) undertakes the initial assessment of important issues. In an emergency it may make decisions on important matters which must then be submitted to the full Council for ratification. Fund Raising & Social Committee: Organises fundraising and social activities.
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Nursery School Management Committee: The Vicar is the chair of this committee. It is responsible for running the St Aidan’s Nursery School on two sites on weekday mornings. It consists of 5 (currently 3) members of the PCC and 4 staff members.
Pastoral Care Team – Formed to consider the well-being of members of the congregation and arranging visits or other communication with those in hospital and those sick at home or housebound for other reasons. Meetings are usually held about once a month.
Church attendance: At the APCM on 17[th] March, there were 62 names on the roll (one less than the previous year). There were 47 Easter communicants, 54 Christmas communicants (home Communions excluded), no confirmations, 7 funerals, 14 baptisms and no weddings.
FINANCE
See separate report annexed which also gives information about ‘away giving’.
REVIEW
Church/Powerhouse Fabric
The porches are used by youngsters to gain access to the flat roof resulting in unpleasant graffiti and risks to themselves. Spikes (approved by the police) have been applied to the edges but to no effect. Plans are in hand for the removal of these porches and a faculty will be required.
Hall Fabric
The Hall roof was repaired in May to overcome the problem of persistent leaks. The Hall continues to give good service to the church and the community although it needs redecoration. The flooring is in very poor condition and a grant for the necessary upgrade work was applied for (received early in 2025).
Vicarage
The damp/mould problem had improved (although not completely eliminated) since the Diocese had installed a ventilation system. The Diocese had also dealt with a serious mouse infestation and commercially available rodenticide was used to keep the premises mouse-free.
Nursery School
The Nursery School successfully continued to operate from the Church Hall and the Christopher Centre throughout the year making full use of the enclosed Woodland Garden which they have created at the side of the Hall. The low wooden fence on the two ‘open’ sides of the garden area was replaced with a higher metal fence to improve security.
Ministry & Mission
The regular pattern of services was as follows:
Sundays: Common Worship Sung Parish Eucharist (BCP used about 4 times p.a.) Once each quarter the service includes anointing for healing and wholeness for those who wished it. The Sunday morning service is usually live-streamed although this was temporarily suspended (until 7[th] April) whilst better equipment was sourced and this has significantly improved transmission quality. Wednesdays: Morning Prayer, (said) Common Worship Eucharist (BCP once per month) Fridays : The Holy Rosary (once per month)
Starting during the first Covid Lockdown, the Vicar’s weekly on-line ‘Reflection’ communiqués (with paper copies for those not on-line) which included commentaries on Sunday’s readings by several regular contributors, continued. On-line services were temporarily discontinued pending the acquisition of better streaming equipment. On several days of the week, Facebook Night Prayer, continued and attracted some viewings far beyond the parish boundary. On Tuesday mornings from 16[th] January to 27[th] February the Church Lounge was open to all as a Warm Space, with refreshments available. Small grants were received from Gravesend Borough Council and Kent County Council towards the cost of heating the premises and we have a score of ‘5’ from their Food Safety department.
The Ash Wednesday Eucharist was held, followed by the liturgies for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day. The much appreciated All Souls’ Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving
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was held on 3rd November. A short Service of Remembrance was held at the site of RAF Gravesend on 10[th] November.
Powerhouse
The computer suite was run by a volunteer but since his death in June, the Computer Room has been effectively closed to the wider public. Apart from the Warm Space earlier in the year, there has only been one ‘outside’ hire of the Lounge/West Room (generating about £12). As with the Hall, one-off evening lets are not feasible as there is no one living near the buildings willing to open and close for hirers. The original computer hardware is nearing the end of its life and it is understood that the current version of the software in use will soon no longer be supported.
Safeguarding & Children’s Work
The Parish Safeguarding Officer (appointed 15/11/2018) and her details are displayed in the Church & Church Hall and were sent to the Diocesan Office. The Promoting A Safer Church – Safeguarding Policy Statement is displayed in the Church and the Hall. The Formal Statement of Adoption of this policy was agreed and signed at the APCM and a copy is displayed in the Church. Posters are displayed to raise domestic abuse awareness. The work of the PSO continued to be demanding during the year.
Sunday School was held twice a month during morning services, with numbers increasing through the year, and our thanks go to Mrs Ann Ashurst, and Mrs Amy Payne. ‘Little Rainbows’, a weekly afternoon meeting for pre-schoolers with their carers continued successfully throughout school term times.
The Vicar was a trustee at the Aletheia Academies Trust which included many local schools including
St George’s C of E Secondary school.
Safety & Security
Several smoke alarms in the church have recently been replaced having reached the end of their working life. At the last inspection of the Hall a possible fire risk was identified, and a smoke alarm has now been installed in the Gents toilet adjacent to the electrical fuse box. Apart from a couple of small housekeeping issues no other problems have been identified.
Data Protection
The Church’s Data Protection Officer continued to ensure that personal data is held only in accordance with the requirements of the GDPR. Main services are streamed/recorded, and all attending are made aware, on the weekly newsletter handed to all attendees, of the availability of consent forms which include more detailed information about the consent process.
Music
The small choir sung during the Sunday morning services (except during the monthly All Age-format service) although the organist played at all Sunday morning services. The choir performed a number of seasonal carols at the Advent Sunday and the Nine Lessons Services. Sadly, one of our sopranos died early in the year, further depleting choir numbers.
Social & other events
Aidan Ladies held monthly meetings throughout the year. An Agapé meal was held in Holy Week. There were no Christian Aid door to door collections but bucket collections were held at a local supermarket and a Plant Sale and Bring and Buy Sale, with refreshments, (to benefit Christian Aid) was held on 25[th] May. Coffee Mornings were held during the year on the first Wednesday of the month after the morning service. The Quiz Evening scheduled for 6[th] July was cancelled because of the death of one of the organisers a little while before. A very well attended (176 people) Light Party for young people and their families was held on 31[st] October and proved a good outreach opportunity.
St Aidan’s continued to have contact with the work of the Hope Gardens in Tamil Nadu, South India and some individuals, and the Church collectively sponsored several children there. Also, as a result of a brother of a member of the congregation being consecrated a Bishop in Sierra Leone, we have
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links with his work there. Thirty-three shoe boxes were filled and passed to Amen in November for sending to Romania. The well attended Christmas Fair was held on 30[th] November.
M J Welch
M J Welch PCC Secretary 7/5/2025
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL {PCC) OF ST AIDAN, GRAVESEND This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are sel out on pages 2 to 8, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 {2017. 5 Edition) ('Ihe Regulations'} and the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). Respective responslbllltles of the PCC and examiner As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements., you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply. 11 is my responsibility lo issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations. Basis of this report My examinalion was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 of the Act and to be found in the Church guidan. 2006 12017, 5th edition}. That examination includes 3 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 nol provide all the evidence thal 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 130 of the Act; and lo prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been mel., or 2) to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Mr. Keith Scudder 42 Frobisher Way, Gravesend, Kent DA12 4RA 261h February 2025
FINANCE - 2024 Gener21 The accounts for the year show a loss on the General Fund of £1.072 which leaves a balance on the General Fund of £2.125 which is still well below the re5etves policy amouni. Gift Aid for the year was £5,799 (2023.. £5.301) The Powerhwse made a 1055 of £792 (2023.. £209) and the Hall made a loss of £4,129 (2023. Profit £3.867) We still only have 3 hirers and 2 of those. although regular. do not hire it for long each week. The Nursery School showed a profit of £35,669 {2023. Profit £21.826) after the transfer of funds for the rent of the Church Hall. The fund balance now stands at £104.662. Reserves Policy It is the PCC'S policy to ty to maintain free reserve funds equal to 3 months. expenditure. The restrictive funds are excluded from this policy. Eiplanation of Funds The PCC has a General Fund through which all transactions relating to normal income and expenditure on the Ministry, the Church building and the general actii'ities of the PCC pass. The Church and Church Hall Repair Fund contain funds set aside to meet repair expenditure lo the buildings, ¢onwuent upon a quinquennial review. or to meet large items of repair or replacemeni as they arise. The uses of these funds are restricted to those purposes only. There are two Stipend Funds to be us&J as necessary to ensure that the cosl of the incumbent's stipend can be shwld the General fund be unable to rneel the whole cost in any year The Restrictive Fund is to be used for this purpose only, but the Designated Fund can be used for any clergy of the parish. The Nursery School restrEctTve fund covers the financial affairs of the Nursery School The school is io be self-sUPPOrtÉng but is enabled to contribute to the General Fund of the PCC. The sch(x)I meets at the Christopher Centre and the Church Hall 5 mornings a week. (2)
ST AIDAIIS PAROCMIAL CMURCM COVIICIL STATEIIEIIT OF FIMAIICIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR EIIDED JIST DECEIIBER 2024 2024 2023 Flu Tclal 31.rAJi 31,COI J).55¢ Ordirw IrK¥n• 3.319 310.189 263.704 FuThl Rawr#J 2,082 IrK¢4 4 5.115 6.151 13.2e8 1,1 1.970 41.378 2.267 0 359.916 th1.87J T(tsl 8.227 3.420 18.348 18.348 24.034 T Chw¢h 10.4tt1 10,4CKI 18.095 Ordlrn E410 4.517 270,041 230. 794 Grnnl 21 17.121 51.748 17.121 14.873 0 317.294 293.645 T¢X•l 21 110.jrn 8x7 3.VJ 42.822 114.2XI) ol Furth in Y••r 11,0rn 0 42.fL 14.2 Balar¢• Brcwm Fxl 3.197 n2 3.IK 2.141 46.tsx 0 124.131 109.901 2.125 8.959 2.862 2.1x1 46.D 101.861 0 1e6.753 t24.131
N•t•• on 3tat•m•ht of FIMMcll Activiti Incom¢ 2024 2023 note 1 Giving Free Will 0rIng Colle¢t19n Income Tax recovered - Gift Aid Oonation5 21,138.55 2.645.07 5.798.52 1.418.42 20. 724 3.424 5,301 1. 104 31.000.&8 30,553 note 2 Ordinary In¢ome PCC fees 925.40 972 925.40 972 nole 3 Fund Raising 1,522 45 2.082 1.522.45 2,082 note 4 Legacies Grants.. TOG Student Insurance Claims Other Church Hall Rents Powèrhousè R8nts Pilot Sales Book ol Remembrance 000 000 000 5.014.00 86.00 0.00 15.00 3C &033 1,745 5.11500 9.483 Additionally £5,7CQ12023'. 57001 paid by the Nursery School Is treated as a Funds Transfer Interest 2,046 49 416 Eypenditure note 5 Thè Ministry Stipend Vicars expenses Curate TOG Student Vicarage 14,000 00 000 19,492 78 0.00 4,348.21 4.464 18,34821 24,034 note6 The Church Services Organist Fees Organ Maintenance Heat &Light etc Repairs & Maintenance Groun¢Ys Insurancè 285 74 0.00 1.044.54 2.449.75 4.3CE.53 184.00 2,14943 455 907 2,095 12.245 498 1. 894 10.399.99 18,094 note 7 Ordinary Expènditure Parish Share Bui5ding Repair Fund Administrat10n Young Peoples Work 2,300.00 2,042 80 174.21 2.300 2. 122 4,516.81 4.422 note8 other Expnditure FWO Subscriptions Church Hall Expenses Independent Examiners Fee other Costs Powethouse Expenses othèr 35.15 770.05 14.842.89 120.00 497 51 855 72 32 708 12.010 140 629 1.354 17.12132 14,873
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ST AIDAN'S NURSERY SCHOOLS INCOME & EXPENDITURE STATEMEpir FOR YEAR ENDING 31sr DECEMBER 2024 Total 2024 2024 2024 2024 CODE IIKOME 12739.25 720 141831.(% 142948. 13459.25 284779.89 1x02 1x03 1x04 IXOS 1x06 1x07 Ixll Funding reCVed NEST refvnds Fundraisin8 Grants.. Salary EqulpmentlTrainlng Interest Income Donations Other irtcome l ind SnK* Fees) TOTAL INCOME 988.68 829.65 1818.33 948.33 1340. 948.33 1790 4097.5 350.rxi 921.50 3176.Tr1 IS68aoA9 14Tn4.48 228833 EXPENDtruRE 2x01 &2 Salafles lincludin8 Empws NIQ 2x03 Rent 2M04 Subscr6ptlons 2x05 Mob6 Phone 2x06 Course Fees 2x0? Stationery 2x08 Printin8 and Photocopyl 2x09 P05taKe 2x10 Craft MateriaL 2¥11 Books 2x12 Eoulpment 124416.13 75235.53 18047.14 ?675. 57CKI.IN) 95.71 217698.80 13375.00 9S.71 671.65 1477.65 3.83 403.76 671.65 553.25 216.78 42.00 369.20 58.33 219.88 555.20 25.72 141.88 25.44 35.15 18.66 8(.69 649.19 902.t)7 145.90 4321.95 976.15 199.71 5771.83 2x13 2x14 2xlS 2x16 2x17 2x18 2x19 2x20 2x21 2x22 2x23 2x24 2x25 2x26 2x27 Repair5 & Renewals Christmas Partyl Enertalnefs Consumables Audltors Renumeratlon Insurance Membership Fees Bank Charges KCC Inspertion Fees Other Staff Costs Aeuuitment Costs Ex-Gratia Payments Oonations by Nursery Promotion of Nursery Of51ed Costs NEST Cts Float l Adjustsnent Iln year mont}UalkX petty cash TOTAL EXPENDMJRE 13514521 86922AI 4915U8 36(Kl.I 36LYI.C¥) 460. 4651.14 140.(KS 4478.57 209.36 460.CKI 2554.26 140. 4478.57 205.77 1251.79 845.09 3.59 171.10 125.70 2875.rAI 3171.80 Iry). 13442.54 iTr). 13442.54 271224.50 Surplus I (Defititl before centr Costs 2168528 60852x17 46868.55 3566&80 Allotatlon of Centrdl Cosis Christopher Centre- Communlty Hall- I 42181.7 42181.7 .20496.42 56165.22 a5668.&)
SAIIIT AIDAifs PAROCMIAL CHURCM COUIICIL BALAM¢E AS AT 3I•T DÉCEMBER 6.5>5 6.415 87,055 10.51fj 1.578 153.414 11x1. 2.174 Ir2. IW,17• Cr• (T.1311 123.239 1ffi.&32 124. 131 188,753 3, 197 Fml 2.125 2.141 3.062 Fw 46,( StIF•%J FurJ 2.1X 68.993 Nmwy SctsA 104.1%1 124. f31 1.7$5
ST.AIDANS PCC statemeftt of Aw*y Glvlng Charity Balance 2023 In 2024 Out 2024 Now Du• Demetra Hous¢ EllenoriLion$ Foundation Grèat Omond Stro•t Blood Runners Rhema Trust (Hop• Ggrd•nl Fotsd 88nk Sanetuary Making Memories Smartie Lent App•81 House of Mercy Wat•r Aid Stre•t Pa$lors Pov&rty & Hopo. Make 8 Wish Church Urban Fund SamBrilans C4n¢trr ReSreh RNLI Air Ambulanc• Diocese 0180 Chfi$ling1• 0.00 5100 54.82 13 821 6550 0.00 85.50 200.00 1200 001 0.00 000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 239 12 000 5690 000 88.00 239. 12 0.00 90 0.00 149.00 0.00 0.00 86.00 000 0.00 0.00 000 400. 1315 901 191.86 000 000 0.00 0.00 000 8100 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 000 88.00 0.00 000 8410 191.86 81.00 850.82 1,231 34 1328.cel Accrual$ 19186 181
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) OF ST AIDAN, GRAVESEND This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 2 to 8, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordan with the Church Accounting Regulats'ons 26 {2017, 51h Edilionl {'the Regulations,) and the CharitEs Act 20111.the Acl,). Respe¢tlve responslbllllles of the PCC and examiner As the members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of Ihe financial statements., you consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those ffinancial statements in accordance wrth the terms of the Regulations. 8asis of thls report My examination was carrietl out in accordan wth the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 of the Acl and lo be found in the Church guidance, 2006 12017, 5th edition). That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. 11 also includes considenng any unLtsual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such mattefs. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audr(, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examlnovs $tatornent In connection wtth my examination. no malter has come to my attention.. 1) which gNes me reasonab cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements lo keep accounting records in accordance wth section 130 of the Act,. and lo prepare financial statements which a¢cord wf(h the accounting records and lo comply wth the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been mel; or 21 to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Mr Keith Scudder 42 Frobisher Way. Gravesend, Kent DA12 4RA 26" February 2025 (1}