’ – ST AIDAN S CHURCH, GRAVESEND ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Charity No. 1130169 Last amended 6/4/2026
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 2025, the following served as members of the PCC: Incumbent: The Rev’d Michael Payne Churchwardens: Rob Hollands (from AGM 26/3/2023, sworn in 14/6/2023) Deanery Synod Reps: Steve Kench-Cannon (from AGM 6/4/2025) Elected members: Ann Ashurst, Mike Butler, Javed Elahi, Doreen McIntosh, Steve Kench-Cannon, Jan Hollands, Barbara Potter, Jenny Rawlinson, David Sisterson, Janet Trevor, 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. The APCM was held on 6[th] April 2025.
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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.
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 6[th] April, there were 51 names on the roll. There were 58 Easter communicants, 50 Christmas communicants (all home Communions excluded), 5 confirmations, 2 funerals, 5 baptisms and 1 wedding.
FINANCE
See separate report annexed which also gives information about ‘away giving’.
REVIEW
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Church/Powerhouse Fabric
The porches, erected over the entrance as part of the 2006 alterations to create the Powerhouse at the back of the church, have been troublesome since local youngsters found that by jumping onto them from the adjacent grass slope they could gain access to the flat roof above the kitchen area. Following an unsuccessful trial of Police-approved spikes on the roof=edge of the porches, a faculty was obtained for the porches to be removed and this was done at the end of July. The temperamental audio system in the church was serviced and the loudspeakers were replaced in September. The Quinquennial Inspection in November identified a serious crack in one of the mullions in the tall south windows requiring urgent attention.
Hall Fabric
In August the flooring was renewed and the building redecorated internally and new chairs provided with a mobile stacking facility. – it is hoped that its letting potential for regular hirers will bear fruit. In October the leaking roof covering above the porch was replaced.
Vicarage
The Diocese had installed a ventilation system to combat the damp/mould problem: the bathroom/ downstairs toilet was redecorated at the Diocese’s expense and the downstairs toilet was redecorated at the Vicar’s expense.
Nursery School
The Nursery School successfully continued to operate from the Church Hall and the Christopher Centre with both schools fully subscribed and with well motivated staff.
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 (except when coinciding with a festival Sunday) the service included 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: Said Common Worship Eucharist (BCP once per month) Fridays : The Holy Rosary (usually 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 several days of the week, Facebook Night Prayer, continued and attracted many viewings far beyond the parish boundary.
In March, the Vicar was appointed as Chaplain to the Mothers’ Union (Rochester Diocese) and, in April, he was appointed as Area Dean for the Gravesend Deanery.
The Ash Wednesday Eucharist was held, followed by the liturgies for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day. A new service held this year was the Easter Morning ‘Mass of the Dawn’ followed by breakfast. Bishop Simon presided at a Deanery Confirmation Service at St Aidan’s on 14[th] September. The much appreciated All Souls’ Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving was held on 2[nd] November. A short Service of Remembrance was held at the site of RAF Gravesend on 9[th] November and this is now a regular part of our remembrance activities. The Annual Crib & Christingle service was held on Christmas Eve and was attended by 170 people raising £193 for the Children’s Society.
St Aidan’s had earlier achieved the Eco-Church Bronze award and qualified for the Silver award in May. ..
Powerhouse
Because there was no one available or with the necessary IT skills, the computer suite was closed to the wider public. 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 hard/software (2006) 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
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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: during the year, these responsibilities were gradually transferred to another person. 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 and an additional experienced PSO was appointed later in the year to eventually take over this role completely. A separate Lead Recruiter was appointed at the APCM (6/4/2025).
Sunday School was held twice a month during morning services, with numbers maintained 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 became a member (rather than a trustee) of the Aletheia Academies Trust which included many local schools including St George’s C of E Secondary school.
Safety & Security
Inspections of the Church, Hall and Grounds were undertaken by the Health & Safety Officer who found them all to be generally in good condition. There were no serious incidents to report.
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. All necessary copyright licences are held.
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. Unfortunately, in September the pipe organ’s blower started to overheat and until the expensive repairs are undertaken the organist is using a 40+ year old Casio portable electronic organ as a passable alternative.
Social & other events
Aidan Ladies held monthly meetings throughout the year as did the Craft & Chat Meetings, which started last year. An Agapé meal was held in Holy Week. Christian Aid was supported with bucket collections which were held outside a local supermarket and a Plant Sale and Bring and Buy Sale, with refreshments, on 24[th] May. Coffee Mornings were held during the year on the first Wednesday of the month (except during Lent) after the morning service. A Quiz Evening was held on 5[th] July and attended by quite a few people from outside the regular congregation. Two well-attended ‘old-fashioned’ Family Board Games afternoons were held during the year. A Parish Walk in the country close to Shornemead Fort was held on 6[th] September. A very well attended (140 people) Light Party for young people and their families was held on 31[st] October and, as an alternative to ‘Traditional Hallowe’en’, 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 links with his work there. Thirty-five shoe boxes were filled and passed to Amen in November for sending to Romania. The well attended Christmas Fair was held on 29[th] November.
M J Welch
M J Welch PCC Secretary 10/5/2026
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SNDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL IPCC) OF ST AIDAN, GRAVESEND I report on the financial Slalements of th8 PCC for the year ended 31 Dee£mber 2025, whh are sel out on pages 2 10 8. Respectiv• responslbilities of th? PCC and examin•r The rnembers of the PCC are the tru$lees of the chafrty and aro responsible for the preparation of the financial stslement5. The tnJstges consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charrties Act 2011 1.the Act'l and that an independent examinatn is needed. 11 is my responsibilty to.. • examine the financial statements under settn 145 of the Chaiit*s Act 2011. and . state whether particular matters have eome lo my attentn. 8asls of th• Independent •x•mln•r's report My examination was carried out in accordanee with the General Directions given ty the Charity Ccmmission under section 14515llbl ol the Charrties Aet 2011. An independent examinotion includes • revw ol the xcounting rttords kept by the PCC and a comparison of the finaneial stslements wrth those fecords. 11 also Includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the finano81 statemenis and seeking explanations from the Iruslees concerning any such matters. Th8 piocedur8$ undertaken do not provide all the evid8n¢e that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is gwen as lo whether the financial statements present a 'lrue and fair view, and the roport is limrted lo those matter$ 381 out in the slatement below. Ind•pend•nt •xarnln•rf• statement In conneclion with my examination, no mattef has come lo my attention.. 1. whh give$ me reasonab cause lo believe Ihot in any malerial rèspgcl the requirementS' . lo keep accounting reeords in accordance with sgclion 130 of the Charities Act 2011., 8ThJ lo prepare financol statements which accord with Ihe accounting records and comply with the requirements ol the Char1t Act 2011 have not been mel". or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should bè drawn in order to enable a proFer understanding of Ihe financial slalements to be reached. Mr Kerth Scudder 42 Frobisher W8y, Gravesend, Kent DA12 4RA 2 March 2026
FINANCE- 2025 General The accounts for the year slK)w a profit on the General Fund of £1,715 which leaves a balance on the General Fu1 of £3.840 which is still well klow the teserves policy amount. Gift Atd for the year was £4.074 (2024: £5,7fyJ). The PoWerhOe made a loss of £79 (2024.. £796) and the Hall a10&8 of £11250 {2024: LAM £4.129). We still onl! have 3 hirers and 2 of those. although regular. do wt hire it for long each week. We did spend a lot on rqmirs last year and altlK)ugh we b1 a granl of £20.(KKi from the National Lotw there we a lol of ex Mt cove1 by this granL such as a new roof on the r¢b. The NuT5ery School slM)wal a profil of £11248 (2024: Profit £35.669) after the transfer of fuThl8 for the tent of the ChUh Hall. Trr fillMI lkn stsnds 21 £116.909. Reserves Poliey It As the PCC'S PK•licy to ty io njainkn free Teserve fuThls 3 months, exFnditUrC. The restrictive are excl fTom this l1¢y. Explanaliott of Funds The PCC h&$ a Gemj FuThl thnmjgh whicth all Ira110% relating to nornial income and eXPLtIe on & Ministy. the Church butlding and the general activities of the PCC &8. The Cburcb aThl Church Hall Rqmir FUNI contain funds sei aside to meet rryMir eXlture lo the lIding& a qutwuennial review, or lo meet la itellLS of rrymir (x replet &s arise. Tr uses of these There are two sti[ Furn1% to be used as nece&w to ensure that the cost of the incumbent's Sti1 be met slKxthJ tk Gettrdl fiuxl wthle to meet the whole cost in any year. Rtstriaive Fu1 is kn ir e for this pry only, but the Designated FuThl be any ckrgy of Ik lSIL The Nursery Sel1 Testrictive fund covers the finala1 affairs of the Nursery School. The school ts to be self-WPW Ixrt is enabled to contriimrte kn the Balae Sheet of the PCC. The sch1 nts at Chrikn Centre aThl the Churth Hall 5 rnomings a week. (2)
2025 2024 Td Td Gh 28.592 31. Ordirwy I(¥0 3319 Xffj.819 310, 189 FuTrJ Ra8tr¥J 12 62W 13.266 252ryJ 3.134 0 3rd.1 359,916 4).518 25 3.547 19.1(V2 19.1(Q 18.318 Thochurch 17271 17271 io. ordin 4.027 289,623 270.041 21 25.7 17.121 0 3n.703 J17.294 Tc 0 25 17.910 IS.IMJ 42.622 Fund T14 12. Fthl• Y•v 1.715 0 1lllJY (8.0121 42,622 1125 2.IIB2 113) 4S.I*YS 101.e81 0 118.753 124. 131 1rn 2.1x1 34.( 116. 0 I.711 1.753
Ie 2025 2024 note 1 Ffoe 20,949. 2,S56.25 4,0n. 1,013.( 21. 138 2.645 &799 1.41 28,$92.02 31.(MKI note 2 925 925 note 3 F1 Ras 1.627.07 1.627 07 note 4 LyaeB Grants.. TOG IrTanC clnI o.u) 6.2WJ. 4014 hit Sa o. 15 6.TrJ 5,115 1.957.Wl EwditiNe note 5 14,(m.IXI Cwate 5,102.( 19.102 ( 18.348 note6 The ClwM( OrgaThsl Foos 1.015 2.4 4.307 184 2. 149 Hoat etc. ICXQ.67 10.463 37 Grw¥J5 Insura 2.225.rJ 17271.1 10,401 Parish Shwe Ixxj. 1.r28.88 2,013 IT4 4.(126.68 4,517 FWO SubsttiKth Church Hall Ey¥MMes 770 14.813 120 23.2.44 120.IWJ Oth* Cc o.( 25.867 38 17.122
¢> 4 ¥7 0 11: 113$ji lliii
ST 0AS NUBSERY SCH¢5 INCOME & EXPENt)m•REATV&wir uc 10162 152795AI 131073.61 11242. 283869.02 1x02 Fundi recei41 1x03 NEST refw 1x04 Fundraisl IXOS Gr.. Sakni EffjdpwrtlTrali 1x06 Intere IKt• 1x07 810.17 2Q(rf) 1661.11 1099A6 1645 1099.86 2995.ts) 2680.LKI oiher incLwM l ind 5fk Fetsl 21 2x01 &2 Salarie5 linckKlry IiiQ 2x03 128583.68 8671324 265(XlJ2 7994.32 s7)) 95.71 241797.74 13694.32 95.71 2x06 fe•s 2x07 Statkinery 6450 34050 6.98 133.63 15SAB 229.53 269J6 5.10 83.71 370.14 425.74 2x09 Ple 137.91 21.42 31.69 920.78 5313.36 233.6 S3.11 822623 2x11 2x12 E9t 1992.09 2x13 ftepalws & R*wals 2x14 Chrfstm•5 Pwtyl Enert•bw• 2x15 Consumables 594.91 658.5 673. IB9145 144IA3 IfJO.47 140.(X) s35 140 2x17 Insurance 2x18 Mtrnberyhlp Fe 2x19 Bank Ch•r8es 2x20 KCC Inspection Fee5 2x21 Other Staff CA 910A6 910A6 3238.15 2x23 Ex4ratla Payrwirs 2x24 Lk)natS Nursery 2x25 2x26 Otsred Cosis 2x27 IIESTCosts J2 19.32 ify).tsJ 1426& i} 14268.09 Surplus I (Defkntl beftre Central CAJSts Christopher Centre. Clxnmunity Plall. lox -5136.111 -5136.111 .2074)37
SAIMT AIDAifs PAROCHIAL CHURCM COUMCIL I&K1130189 2025 Fix*1 Ass•l". 6.415 1,845 109.569 6.984 2.174 172.993 113.018 10,311 1,951 186.102 (7. 132) CrtAAlf ItlS.861 159,819 166. 753 I,711 2, 125 Fwrfl 2.558 Re8trid•J FwKts'. 2, 120 Grants 2,882 Buikth'rwj Fml 46,006 Stiwl Fw 2.120 1278 116, 166. 753 160,711 Hon Treasur
Chanty o. 0.0) ElIOrilKs F¢)1 Great OMitY Slreet Bl(¥)d Rww5 Rhwna TrLtsI (Fky G¥kn) Frid5 of the Fknty LaThJ Sanctu¥y MakTrrwJ . Smartie L1 GId Daytrn• F Water Aid Str•8t Pa$¢ Pov•ty & Pk4 Make a Wish Childrff SL SamaFi&w o. O (I) 2(.{1 (2co.rxii 50 (YJ y) 0.[ .97 97 16.89 o.o) 123.111 o.CKI 349 75 349 75 o.( 191 &Y 35ry) 226. o.(x) o.(J) 25 ) 40 rj) o.Th) RNLI Aif Amw th'oc858 0180 EL•n (15.) as. 85 ( 191 86 938.81 1.828.38 (638 111 18)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL IPCC) OF ST AIDAN, GRAVESENO I report on the financial statennls of the PCC for the year ended 31 Ccember 2025, whh are set on pages 2 to 8. R•sp8cti¥e responslbllltles ol the PCC and •xamSn•r The mgmbers of the PCC are the trustees of the charty arKI are responsible for the preparatn of the fInala1 slalemenls. The trustees considei that an audil Is not required for this year under sect 744 01 Ihe Charrttes Act 2011 {'Ihe Act") and that an independent eXaMinatn is needed 11 is my re$$1b11fy to.. • examine ihe linanci•l •t•t•rn•nt¥ und•r ••Gtkni 140 tn<t GnoriiiviS LOI 1. an . state whether partIcur matter8 have wne to my att&ntithi. 8a81s of th• Independent examlnefs r•port My examination was carried OLrt in &cofdance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under Sen 14515llbl of the Charrties Act 2011. An independent examination includes a review of the COUntIng records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the financial slalements wrth those records. 118150 includes considering any unusual rtems or disclosures In the finan¢id slalemenls and seeking explanations from the trustees contsrning any such rnattefs. The proCedUS undertaken do not pro¥e all the evidence that would be required in an audrt. and consequently no opinion is given as to whethw the financial statements present a 'true and fair view. and th8 rewt is Iwnrted to those matters sel OLrt in the statomenl below Indepondent oxamlnerf¥ $t•tom?nt In connethion wrth my exaThHnation, matter has come lo my attenlvJn'. . whh gives me reanable causo to beIve that in any material rgspttl the requirements.. • lo keep accounting record$ in accordance wlth section 130 of the Chanties Act 2011.. and to prepare financ1 statements whh aceofd wrth the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the charit Act 2011 have not been met." or 2. to which. in my opinion. attention Should be drawn in order lo enab a proper understanding of the financi31 stalemenls to be 8¢hed. Mr. Kerth Scudder 42 Frobisher Way. Gravesend, Kent DA12 4RA 2Tr March 2026