## Annual Report for the Year Ending 31st December 2023
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**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1130893**
## Contents
|Contents||
|---|---|
|**Administrative Information**|**4**|
|**APCM Agenda 2024**|**6**|
|**Minutes of APCM 2023**|**7**|
|**Rector’s Review**|**12**|
|**Hon. Secretary’s Report 2023**|**16**|
|**Electoral Roll Report**|**20**|
|**Fabric Report**|**22**|
|**City of London Deanery Synod Report**|**24**|
|**Finance Report**|**26**|
|**Accounts for 2023**|**27**|
|**Safeguarding Report 2023/24**|**36**|
|**Music Report**|**38**|
|**Community and Charities Report**|**40**|
|**Lunchtime Recitals Report**|**41**|
|**Mission Action Plan (MAP) 2023 - 2026**|**42**|
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## Administrative Information
St Olave Church is situated in the Ward of Tower in the City of London. It is part of the Diocese of London within the Church of England. The correspondence address is St Olave, 8 Hart Street, London EC3R 7NB.
Its full title is “The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Olave, Hart Street and All Hallows Staining, with St Catherine Coleman”.
The Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) became an individually registered charity in 2009 under Charity Number 1130893.
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## **Objectives and Activities**
St Olave PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the church building in Hart Street, London EC3.
The average weekly attendance at the Sunday service is 23, this includes both attendees via Zoom and in church. This number increased at festivals and the various special services conducted on an annual basis for various organisations, including livery companies and the Corporation of Trinity House. There were two weddings and one wedding blessing in 2023.
The average weekly attendance at the Tuesday lunchtime service was 11.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attenders are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
PCC members who have served in 2023 until the date this report was approved are:
**Incumbent:** The Rev’d Canon Arani Sen **Churchwardens:** Mr Graham Mundy (St Olave, Hart Street) Ms Penny Ritchie Calder (St Olave, Hart Street) Mr Richard Bucknall (All Hallows Staining)
**Hon Secretary:** Ms Oliva Whelan **Hon Treasurer:** Mr Graham Mundy **Deanery Synod Representative:** Mr Graham Mundy **Safeguarding OfNicer:** Ms Rina Wood **Director of Music:** Mr Colin Spinks **Administrator:** Ms Huong Hoang
## **Parochial Church Council Members:**
The Rev’d Arani Sen (Chair) Mr Graham Mundy (Lay Chair and Hon Treasurer) Ms Olivia Whelan (Hon Secretary) Ms Penny Ritchie Calder (Children’s Champion) Ms Rina Wood (Safeguarding OfZicer) Mr Richard Bucknall Mr Thomas Matchett Ms Olushola Oguntimilehin
Attending when appropriate: Director of Music
5
## APCM Agenda 2024
## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Including the Annual Vestry Meeting of St Olave, Hart Street and All Hallows Staining with St Catherine Coleman Sunday 28 April 2024**
## **1. Welcome and prayer**
## **2. Apologies for absence**
**3. Annual Vestry Meeting:**
- **i. Minutes of 2023 Vestry Meeting ii. Election of Churchwardens**
**4. Annual Parochial Church Meeting**
- **i. Minutes of the 2023 APCM**
- **ii. Reports (received en bloc):**
- **a) Rector’s Review**
- **b) Honorary Secretary's Report**
- **c) Electoral Roll Report**
- **d) Fabric Report**
- **e) City Deanery Synod Report**
- **f) Finance Report**
- **g) Accounts**
- **h) Safeguarding Report**
- **i) Music Report**
- **j) Community and Charities Report**
- **k) Lunchtime Recitals Report**
- **l) Appointment of the Independent Examiner**
- **iii. Election of Verger**
- **iv. Election of Sidesmen v. Election of lay members of the PCC**
## **5. First Meeting of the PCC: Elections:**
- **a. Lay Vice-Chair**
- **b. Hon Secretary c. Hon Treasurer**
## **6. Any Other Business**
## Minutes of APCM 2023
## **Minutes of APCM 2023 Annual Parochial Church Mee6ng Including the Annual Vestry Mee6ng of St Olave, Hart Street and All Hallows Staining with St Catherine Coleman Sunday 30[th] April,2023 at 12.00pm Held in Person**
Present: The Reverend Arani Sen, Chair Graham Mundy, Hon Treasurer Richard Bucknall, Hon Secretary
Penny Ritchie Calder, Dr Jim Harris, Thomas Matchett, Olivia Whelan, Olushola Oguntimilehin, Rina Wood, Alison Sen, David Mooney, and Adrian Klos.
## **1. Welcome and Prayer**
Revd. Arani Sen opened the meeting with a prayer that God might guide and direct our thoughts to hear his voice and to give us a sense of unity, mission, and purpose.
It was agreed that the minutes of the meeting should be taken by OW, proposed by GM and seconded by RB.
## **2. No apologies were received for absence.**
## **3. Annual Vestry Meeting**
**i. Minutes of the 2022 Annual Vestry Meeting**
PRC proposed and GM seconded that the minutes of the 2022 Annual Vestry MeeNng be approved, and they were unanimously agreed by all present.
## **ii. Election of Churchwardens**
AS proposed to thank the Churchwardens, Graham Mundy, Penny Ritchie-Calder, Richard Bucknall and Mark Magnacca for their service. Mark will be stepping down as Churchwarden and from the PCC. Thanks were given to Mark for his service as a Churchwarden and before that as a PCC member.
The following churchwardens were elected to serve:
For St Olave Hart Street: Penny Ritchie Calder (proposed by Graham Mundy and seconded by Richard Bucknall), Graham Mundy (proposed by Nick Dykes and seconded by David Mooney) and Richard Bucknall (proposed by Graham Mundy and seconded by Penny Ritchie Calder).
AS congratulated the Churchwardens on being duly elected and thanked them for their help in the life of the church. A prayer was said for the Churchwardens and for Mark Magnacca.
## **iii. Remembrance and thanksgiving for the departed**
The meeNng prayed to give thanks for the life of Nick Bundy, who served as a Churchwarden at this church, and for Penny Ritchie Calder and her family.
## **4. Annual Church Mee6ng of St Olave Hart Street**
**i. The minutes of the APCM of 8[th] May ,2022** were presented to the meeNng for approval. This was proposed by JH and seconded by OO. No other matters arising. AS will sign and file them accordingly. Thanks were given to RB for his service as Hon. Secretary for the last 3 years.
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## **ii. Reports**
## **a) Rector’s Review and Mission Ac6on Plan**
AS spoke to the meeNng, highlighNng Mission AcNon Plan in parNcular, which had been recently launched. AS is grateful to the PCC for their input, parNcularly at the fruiVul Away Day. AS noted, worship aWer the pandemic is starNng to develop.
He went on to give thanks to Colin Spinks for the standard and quality of the church music. The St Olave’s Singers who meet on Tuesdays have increased in numbers.
He noted that the Tuesday service in parNcular has seen signs of growth in the past year, with oWen 10-15 a\endees, which are good for numbers for The City currently. We conNnue to have close links with local businesses, despite the challenges many of them are facing.
AS highlighted the close links the church has with livery companies and that their services have been well a\ended. There was a Pepys service last year in May and there will be another one this year on the anniversary of his death, 25[th] May. The Clothworkers had a Christmas service and a summer service and Trinity House have also had a service. The Environmental Cleaner’s have also had 2 services and have celebrated their 50[th] anniversary.
He noted that The Clothworker’s Hall is now closed and will be knocked down. This includes the church tower of All Hallows Staining will not be pulled down, but our church hall will be.
AS thanks the PCC for their support as with his dual role working for the bishop are the Area Director of Ministry in vocaNon and training, he has many demands on his Nme.
AS explained that Edward is now present at the church on Fridays. This is helping with our aim to have a more open church. He expressed his thanks to Huong Hoang for her support in the office and to the Churchwardens and PCC and to all members of the church, as well as to Colin Spinks for all that he gives to the musical life of the church.
## **b) Hon Secretary’s Report**
RB had one comment on the Hon Secretary’s Report, poinNng out an omission at the end of the first paragraph, this should conNnue ‘carry out repairs to the church in line with the report’. This will be amended. RB confirms that there are no other errors. No quesNons were asked in relaNon to the report.
GM explained the background and purpose of the Barker & Bewley Trust and that a prize had been re-insNtuted at The City Academy by AS.
AS reminded the meeNng that there had been a visitaNon from the Archdeacon on the 22nd of May 2022.
## **c) Electoral Report**
In the past year 13 names were added to the electoral roll. 2 names were removed from the electoral roll as people had died. The electoral roll stands at 68 people, which is a 22% increase from the previous year. This informaNon is to be passed on to HH.
## **d) Fabric Report**
PRC reminded the meeNng that at the PCC meeNng aWer this APCM there must be an agreement on the next stage of progress with the Capponi/ Van Thielt ledger stone. A figure that the church itself is willing to pay is yet to be agreed. PCR advises that now we have faculty, the next stage will be fundraising, looking to raise £26,000. GM suggested the inclusion of informaNon on this in fundraising le\ers to one or two well chosen contacts.
AS noted, following the quinquennial inspecNon, works have been carried on the poinNng of the church roof. There has been an improvement in the frequency of water leaks. He confirmed that the gu\ering has been cleaned. The asphalt is yet to be finished and will soon be complete. The tower cupola works are now completed, as is the woodwork. AS advised that the next phase will be interior works, including the installaNon of a disabled liW and disabled WC, as well as improvements to the kitchen and server areas.
CCTV cameras in the church are working well. The webcam for services is sNll someNmes erraNc, which may be down to internet speeds, although these have recently been improved.
## **e) City Deanery Synod Report**
Thanks are given to GM for the report. There are no questions.
## **f) Finance Report**
GM highlighted that although the church made an overall surplus over the year of £980 as against £7,651 in 2021, a loss was made in general funds of £15,000. We will need to work over the coming year to address this. GM also notes that over the course of the year the value of the
church’s investment porVolio has gone down in line with the market. GM reminds the meeNng that this is out of our control but notes with interest that the amount it declined in the last year is almost equivalent to the amount it had increased in a previous year.
GM thanked those who donate to the church via GiW Aid or from a bank account as it is helpful for the church to receive regular sums every month.
PCR proposed a vote of thanks to GM for his continued oversight and guidance. Seconded by RW.
HO proposed a vote of thanks to the Hon. Secretary RB. Seconded by TM.
## **g) Accounts**
TM asks whether, as the actual cost of the quinquennial works was lower than anNcipated, if this had been significantly higher, it would have been more than the £15,000 shorVall. GM advises that there is a trust fund for the St Olave’s Fabric Fund and if the costs for the quinquennial works had come in at a higher amount, we would have asked for a larger amount though GM highlights that we don’t want to drain the trust fund too much but to preserve it for future years. RB asks whether the £15,000 shorVall was against the budget. GM explains this was against the year, as the budget was designed to produce a surplus. When the budget was created, the grant and the expenditure on repairs was put in, so overall we have made a surplus but if the money from the grant were to be stripped out, it would show a deficit.
Regarding congregaNonal giving in relaNon to the previous year, GM advised the meeNng that giving is slightly down, however wall donaNons have increased. GM advised that church rates are down by £10,000, which is a large driver behind the deficit. GM reminds the meeNng that, as idenNfied at the Away Day, it is important for the church to encourage donaNons from local businesses.
TM asks if it would be possible to refer to the Capponi memorial in a le\er to local businesses to show what money would be spent on, as an incenNve for them to pay. GM advises cauNon because of GDPR restricNons but suggested there is limited scope for this within the guidelines. AS already writes a le\er to accompany the rates le\er but one must be careful regarding the content.
## **h) Safeguarding Report**
RW emphasised the importance of ensuring that any visiNng organist and musicians are checked. This is essenNal for anyone who will have contact with children or vulnerable people. RW encourages the PCC to come to her in case of any quesNons.
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RW advised the meeNng that all DBS checks are currently up to date. All the PCC have completed their mandatory training. AS reiterated that Safeguarding is reported on in every PCC meeNng.
A vote of thanks was proposed to RW for her work on safeguarding. This was proposed by RB and seconded by OO. Thanks, were also given to PCR for her work as Children’s Champion and DBS administrator.
## **i) Community and Chari6es Report**
AS brought the meeNng’s a\enNon to the Community and ChariNes report and some of the chariNes to which the church is commi\ed, including The Hygiene Bank, Suited & Booted and Dress for Success. The church has also given money to Tear Fund, which is a global ChrisNan aid agency, as well as The Children’s Society through ChrisNngle. AS reminds the meeNng of the importance of this as our outwards facing mission.
## **j) Music Report**
AS advises that the concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays are going well. We are looking to integrate what we do as a church with music, art, and history. AS notes that people who visit the church first for concerts do come to some services as a result, parNcularly midweek, which is a great result. We should aim to have more of a presence at these concerts to welcome visitors to the church.
AS gives thanks to Colin Spinks and all that he does to keep the musical life of the church going. PCR proposed a vote of thanks to the choir, which was seconded by GM.
## **k) Appointment of Auditor the Independent Examiner**
The appointment of Zachary Ramsden of Messrs. Gilbert Allen was proposed by GM and unanimously accepted.
## **iii. Elec6on of Verger**
AS advised the meeNng that the verger is Edward McMillan, who joined the church team in October 2022. Edward opens the church to visitors on Fridays. AS also offered thanks to Shola for her work behind the scenes, sekng up on Sundays and being at the church to welcome visitors.
GM proposes thanks to Iris for her service to the church as server.
AS reminded the meeNng that we are all involved in welcoming visitors to the church.
## **iv. Elec6on of Sidespersons**
There are no formal appointments to be made but the ma\er will conNnue to be reviewed.
## **V Elec6on of Deanery Synod Representa6ve**
AS reminds the meeNng that also required is the elecNon to the Deanery Synod. There is one vacancy which is for 3 years and there has been one nominaNon for Graham Mundy (proposed by Penny Ritchie Calder and seconded by Richard Bucknall).
## **Vi Elec6on of lay members of the PCC**
Dr. Jim Harris has decided not to stand for the PCC next year as his work commitments prevent him from being able to a\end meeNngs. JH thanks the PCC and looks forward to supporNng their work and asks to sNll be considered a resource in any way he can be useful.
PRC suggests a vote of thanks to JH. Proposed by PRC and seconded by TM.
## The following were elected:
Olushola OgunNmilehin (proposed by Nick Dykes and seconded by Graham Mundy) Olivia Whelan (proposed by Nick Dykes and seconded by Graham Mundy) Rina Wood (proposed by Olivia Whelan and seconded by Graham Mundy) Thomas Matche\ (proposed by Olivia Whelan and seconded by Graham Mundy)
AS thanks the PCC for their willingness and service. GM proposes thanks to AS for leading the church through the pandemic and his caring for the congregaNon.
OO asked regarding her request to assist with communion. AS confirms that OO has been nominated. HH has the list for this but AS advises as we are sNll giving out communion by inNncNon this can be reviewed at a later date but OO can sNll assist.
The meeNng closed with the Grace.
## **5. Meeting of the Parochial Church Council of St Olave Hart Street. Sunday 30 April at 12:50**
Present: AS, GM, PRC, RB, PRC, OW, OO, TM
**1. Election of PCC lay vice chair**
Lay Vice Chair, GM was proposed by RB and seconded by OW. Elected unanimously.
**2. Election of PCC hon treasurer**
Honorary Treasurer, GM was proposed by RW and seconded by RB. Elected unanimously.
**3. Election of PCC hon secretary**
Honorary Secretary, OW was proposed by GM and seconded by TM. Elected unanimously.
**4. Election of Safeguarding Officer**
Safeguarding Officer, RW was proposed by GM and seconded by RB. Elected unanimously.
**5. Election of Children’s advocate**
Children’s Advocate, PRC was proposed by RW and seconded by GM. Elected unanimously.
**6. PCC support to relicense the Lay Ministers, Dr. Jim Harris and Alison Sen on 21[st] November 2023 until 2028.**
PRC proposes that the PCC support the relicensing of Dr. Jim Harris and Alison Sen as Lay Ministers from 21[st] November 2023 until 2028. Agreed unanimously.
## **7. Capponi Memorial update and fundraising plan**
PRC reminded the meeting that in the last PCC meeting it was suggested that the church would kickstart the fundraising with a donation of £5000 but this had not yet been formally approved and asks if the PCC would not be willing to do so. This would demonstrate to potential funders that we are willing to contribute the church’s own funds. TM asked if we might not ask for more. PRC asks if the church should also approach the Livery companies for funding. She asks if the PCC can agree that the work will be funded, come what may? It is a fact that several funders will not contribute if the work has already started. TM suggested adding information about these works to the church website and making use of Dr Jim Harris as a resource, giving an explanation of the works to be carried out so that this could be shown to potential donors.
GM confirmed that donations could be deducted from other funds. AS reiterated that there will also need to be a fundraiser and reminded the meeting that it is important to ensure that we still have funds left available for the work on disabled access. GM advises that there are other funds that could be applied for to assist with this. The FNGP committee is to look into this further.
It was proposed that the church contributes £5000 as a seed fund towards the memorial works, this was proposed by RB and seconded by GM.
## **8. Date of next meeting: 26[th] June at 18:30 on Zoom**
The meeNng closed at 1.12pm
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## Rector’s Review of 2023
2023 was a year of hopefulness and new beginnings. At the annual meeting last year, the new Mission Action Plan was launched. I am grateful to the PCC and leadership for input, thoughtfulness, prayer and hard work in producing such a holistic working action plan.
St Olave’s three key areas are:
- to be a sanctuary –
- to grow and nourish our faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- to be a place of grace –
- to grow in our relationships with each other and all who enter this sacred place
- to be a well spring -
- reaching out to those on the fringe/outside the Church.
In 2023 we are planning for the 70th anniversary of the re-hallowing of St Olave’s following extensive war damage, to be held on 9 April 2024. This will be a very special celebration, giving thanks to God for all he is able to do and accomplish. We are delighted that HRH the Princess Royal will be able to attend, in her capacity as Master of Trinity House.
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In 2023, we held some very special and successful events, as part of the mission. In May, The Bishop of London, Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, gave an excellent address on the women reformers depicted on the Lady Chapel window. I also prepared a Lent course on the reformers. In July, a very joyful and well attended Pepys evening was held in church, with our very own Thomas Matchett playing Pepys and reading sections of the diaries, with music from the Pepys era performed by Brook Brass. On each occasion we enjoyed refreshments in the churchyard afterwards.
Worship on Sundays and Tuesdays has been encouraging, as new people are welcomed. Of course City ministry is transitory as people move away, but I am encouraged. There is high quality worship, music, liturgy and preaching. I am grateful to Dr Jim Harris, who brings many unique gifts in preaching, creativity and in understanding art. Alison has been a constant support to me in her service to St Olave’s; Rev Alex Volossevich provides much invaluable support in celebrating and preaching on Tuesdays. Brian Grumbridge’s help and support before and during Tuesday services is always appreciated.
One of the priorities for the PCC has been to be a place for the arts to Zlourish and for reZlections on theology and the arts. My priority has been to link the work in the arts: music, literature, and the visual arts. The midweek concerts have been very well attended, organised so skilfully by Michael Gammie and Richard Ciecierski. I try to attend when I can and make strong connections with attendees. This has been fruitful, as a number of concert- goers have attended services.
Sunday Worship and special services have been enhanced by strong and creative musical leadership from the Director of Music, Colin Spinks, the regular choir, and the cantors.
In June, St Olave’s was able to welcome the Master, HRH The Princess Royal, the Deputy Master and the brothers and staff of Trinity House, to celebrate Trinitytide, a great success. I have made even stronger chaplaincy connection with the Clothworkers, Trinity House, the Environmental Cleaners and the Pepys Club, leading services, attending dinners and engaging in pastoral support.
It was a great honour to be granted Freedom of the City of London in February. I was nominated by Nicholas Lyons when he was Lord Mayor. Nick and the councillors are very supportive, and I have worked closely with them. I am grateful to the PCC for their support when we have been campaigning against new nightclubs and other late-night venues, as the noise can be disruptive in the rectory.
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Our online presence is now well embedded and we have increased considerably our social media presence. Thomas Matchett has been working on a new website; we are very grateful to him for all the work he has put into this. This is an excellent means to communicate the presence of St Olave digitally and keep people up to date with all that is going on, in worship, history, music and events.
It was very good that Iris White was conZirmed at St Paul’s Cathedral, and I thank Iris for her role serving at Holy Communion.
The churchwardens and PCC have been a great source of support. Much building work, following the last quinquennial report by Russel Hanslip, our inspecting architect, has taken place, and the church is now watertight, we hope that will last! We are looking to appoint a new quinquennial architect in 2024.
The PCC has been creative and very missional. Rina Wood is doing an excellent job as safeguarding ofZicer, ensuring records and training are up to date, to keep all safe and Zlourishing. Many thanks to Penny Ritchie Calder, Graham Mundy and Olivia Whelan. Penny has made wonderful progress raising funds for the restoration and installation of Capponi/Van Thielt ledger stone. Graham continues to work hard as our Honorary Treasurer and as our Deanery Synod representative. Olivia has done a great job as Honorary Secretary having taken over from Richard Bucknall.
With the PCC, I am going through a process of listening and seeking God’s priorities for the next few years of ministry. So far, I would describe these priorities as:
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- Numerical growth, building on prayer to seek God’s growth for his church.
- Spiritual growth – using Zoom, has helped more engagement in study groups.
- Using the building as a focus of missionTo improve the displays, as a very large number of people come into the church each week, both as tourists and those seeking a place of spiritual sanctuary. We display a number of leaZlets and booklets to help people engage with the Christian faith, as they come into this beautiful sacred space.
- Development of the building in terms of accessibility
- Good Zinancial stewardship
- Building a strong relationship with the London Slavic Pentecostal Church.
- Support for those without regular housing.
I express thanks to the PCC, churchwardens, and the administrative support from Huong Hoang.
I am very much aware that I have two roles, and I try to give both as much time as possible. My role as Area Director of Ministry on the Bishop’s staff is very busy but rewarding. It involves being the lead Director of Ordinands for the Two Cities, oversight and assessment of curates, and clergy ministerial reviews and training. I keep Friday as a day off.
I end with a message of encouragement as we look forward:
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.”
**Rev’d Canon Arani Sen - April 2024 Rector**
15
## Hon. Secretary’s Report 2023
## **Governance**
During 2023 the PCC met on Zive occasions.
The Finance and General Purposes committee (F&GP), reporting to the PCC on Zinancial and organisational matters, met Zive times in 2023. Despite continuing inZlationary pressures which impacted our expenses, there was only a negligibly small deZicit in the cash accounts. Parish Rates were lower than expected, with the PCC determining the need to issue and follow up on unpaid rates earlier in the coming year. With collections having been reinstated from June 2022, overall donations and collections were down on expectations, with the PCC discussing ways to encourage giving, including the provision of more information on the church’s running costs and making the donation point in the church more visible, as well as a planned sermon on giving. The congregation was again encouraged to make donations by way of standing orders. Our Zinances beneZited from the award of £10,000 from the ecclesiastical insurance relating to a past fraud and the payment of £1,600 for the license fee for the scaffolding. There were no circumstances requiring the Standing Committee to meet.
Meetings of the Barker and Bewley Trust were convened on the same dates as the F&GP . The trustees comprise members of the F&GP committee. The trust holds modest sums for use in encouraging the education of students engaged in a technical craft within the City of London. Following discussions with the City of London Southwark Academy the trustees once again agreed a prize of £250 per annum to be granted to an A level physics student from a deprived background who had demonstrated exceptional work.
The PCC meetings were chaired by Rev’d Arani Sen, and the F&GP meetings were chaired by Mr Graham Mundy and both the PCC, and the F&GP were supported by Ms Huong Hoang.
All meetings were held over Zoom.
## **Churchwardens**
At the APCM which was held on Sunday 30th April 2023, the following were proposed and seconded for election as Churchwardens: Graham Mundy: St Olave Hart Street Penny Ritchie Calder: St Olave Hart Street Richard Bucknall: All Hallows Staining
Mark Magnacca stepped down as Churchwarden and thanks were given for his service.
**Lay Members of the Parochial Church Council of St Olave Hart Street** The following were re-elected: Lay Vice Chair: Graham Mundy Honorary Secretary: Olivia Whelan Honorary Treasurer: Graham Mundy Safeguarding OfZicer: Rina Wood Children’s Advocate: Penny Ritchie Calder
The following members were re-elected to the PCC; Olushola Oguntimilehin and Thomas Matchett
Mark Magnacca and Dr. Jim Harris declared their intention to step down from the PCC and were thanked for their service.
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## **Safeguarding**
The safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults remains a high priority for the PCC.
Rina Wood is the Safeguarding OfZicer, whilst Penny Richie Calder remains the children’s advocate. The Diocese of London’s Safeguarding Policy Statement having been adopted in 2022, the PCC’s policy statement remains posted on the church’s new website.
The safeguarding ofZicer ensures that relevant members of the church community have obtained the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service certiZication and that training requirements are maintained up to date. All required safeguarding self-assessment exercises were completed during the year.
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## **Worship Post Covid-19.**
The assumption is that mixed, in person and Zoom services, will remain a feature for the foreseeable future. The PCC engaged with the GROW course, have discussed growth and are discerning when to start the course.
## **The History of St Olave’s**
The PCC planned for the 9th April 2024 marked seventy years since the church was re-hallowed following the extensive damage incurred during the Second World War. A special service is to be conducted on that date, with The Princess Royal, Sir Timothy Laurence, the Norwegian Defence Attaché, the Archdeacon and members of Trinity House and the Clothworkers in attendance. Thanks go to the Rev’d Arani Sen and to Graham Mundy’s efforts in planning. Original music for the event is being composed by Colin Spinks.
## T **he Arts as Mission**
This is an important initiative at St Olave’s. The church hosted a Samuel Pepys evening on 7th July 2023 with readings of his work, and a talk by the Bishop of London on the Lady Chapel women reformers. A talk will be given by Brian Grumbridge and Alex Volossevich on the history behind the church’s stained-glass windows in 2024.
The annual Pepys commemoration service was held in conjunction with the Pepys Club, the address ‘Never to see the like again’ was given by Jacky Colliss Harvey. In addition, there have been a number of concert programmes in 2023.
## **Churchyard**
We continue to be grateful to the City of London gardening team which keeps this much valued green space in top condition.
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## **Website**
Thomas Matchett began building a new website for the church, replicating all content previously included but also providing a site that is easier to edit and from which it will be easier to share content via social media and to make donations. The migration to the new website is due to take place in 2024.
## **Van Thielt/ Capponi Memorial**
In 2023 progress was made on the restoring of the Van Thielt/Capponi memorial, with almost all of the project costs raised, the PCC passed a resolution to cover any shortfall in funding and to apply for a faculty for the reinstallation of the Van Thielt/Capponi ledger stone on the north wall of the lady chapel.
## **External works**
The external works on the church building were completed in 2023 and the scaffolding removed.
## **Internal works**
The church bellringers advised that 8 ropes are in need of repair. The PCC passed a resolution to pay for the replacement of the main ropes now, to be followed by replacement of the spare ropes next year. A new electricity meter has to be installed for the NETS telecom mast in the church tower, this will be situated in the Pepys vestry and will be concealed in a cupboard. The PCC also approved the expenditure of £7,700 on urgent electrical repair work following an electrical inspection, to be carried out at the soonest convenience. Quotes for this work have been received. The next phase of internal works will focus on accessibility, adding an accessible toilet, lift/ramp and kitchen. The PCC passed a resolution to replace the toilet and sink Zittings to the vestry toilet, to retile the walls and repaint the exposed plasterwork.
**Olivia Whelan – April 2024 Hon. Secretary**
19
## Electoral Roll Report
At the time of the Annual Meeting in 2023 there were 68 names on the electoral roll.
During 2023/24 one member moved away and the names of four others were removed as they were no longer eligible to be included on the roll making 5 in total.
An additional three names were added to the roll during the year.
The electoral roll now stands at sixty-six persons, an overall reduction of 2 during the year.
**==> picture [245 x 326] intentionally omitted <==**
**Graham Mundy – April 2024 Electoral Roll OfNicer**
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21
## Fabric Report
## **Quinquennial Report**
Work continued on repairs and upgrading following the most recent QI (August 2020), including external works on the roof and gutters which was successfully completed. The building is now watertight, and regular checks will be carried out to ensure that this remains the case.
Planning continues for remaining priorities, including those identiZied since the QI report:
- a) Updating of vestry WC facilities.
- b) Installation of wheelchair lift or other means of disabled access.
- c) Installation of disabled WC.
- d) Refurbishment/re-equipment of ofZice kitchen area.
- e) Refurbishment /re-equipping of coffee area in the baptistry.
**==> picture [299 x 200] intentionally omitted <==**
## **Webcam**
The webcam system was monitored throughout the year to ensure that satisfactory live-streaming and/or recording could be achieved. The age and thickness of the stone walls has an impact on the quality of the wiZi signal which can sometimes affect reception.
## **Appointment of Quinquennial Architect**
As the current Quinquennial Architect had been in post for some years, the PCC agreed to review this position and to interview existing and new candidates, with the intention of making an appointment early in 2024.
## **Restoration and installation of Capponi/Van Thielt ledger stone**
Fundraising commenced in autumn 2023 in order to seek the £26,000 needed to undertake this work. SufZicient sums have now been raised to date to enable good progress to be made. A faculty application will be submitted, and it is hoped that work can be completed by the end of 2024. The PCC is most grateful to those who have so far pledged funds. In the meantime the ledger stone continues to be stored safely at Jayhawk Ltd until it can be transferred to the specialist Zirm of Cliveden Conservation for restoration.
## **Annual servicing and maintenance**
Annual maintenance of all the Zire extinguishers and the annual electrical appliance testing (PAT) was completed.
The church boiler was checked and serviced. Additional annual maintenance carried out included: annual gutters clearance carried out by IPH Solutions and Piano tuning/maintenance by Markson Pianos.
**Penny Ritchie Calder – April 2024 Church Warden**
23
## City of London Deanery Synod Report
The Zirst meeting of the Synod in 2023 was held on Wednesday 11th January at St Botolph without Bishopsgate and was attended by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Nicholas Lyons.
The main topic for the evening was a presentation on Wren 300, a celebration marking the tercentenary of St Christopher Wren by Mr Neil MacGregor focusing on Wren’s theology, architecture and sacred space in the City. Following the presentation, the Lay Chair, Mr Rory Anderson, presented the Lord Mayor with a copy of the Bible, annotated by C Lewis, to which the Lord Mayor responded noting that the City of London Corporation was delighted to support the Wren 300 project and that he, and the Sheriffs, hoped to visit each of the 21 Wren Churches in the City during their year of ofZice. Following the departure of the Civic Party the discussion of Wren 300 continued with presentations by Helen Vigors, the Wren 300 Heritage Project Manager, and Keven Rogers, Head of Property at the Diocese, encompassing the heritage and educational aims of the project. The aim of bringing the City Churches to a wider audience as a tool for mission, the development of new relationships and laying the foundation for a fundraising appeal to sustain and protect the churches for the future was discussed.
The second meeting of the Synod was held on Monday 10th July at St Stephen’s Walbrook and was the Zirst meeting of the new triennium. At the meeting the members divided into separate Houses of Laity and Clergy to each elect Zive members of the Standing committee. The House of Laity also elected Mr Rory Anderson as Lay Chair. Both Houses then combined to elect the Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer. The formal part of the meeting then concluded and was followed by a reception in the church garden.
The Zinal meeting of 2023 was held at St Botolph without Bishopsgate on Tuesday 10th October. The main topic of the evening was based around the Living in Love and Faith agenda and comprised a presentation by the Archdeacon of London, Fr Luke Miller, on the process in General Synod, followed by a series of reZlections by members representing twenty churches, of differing traditions, from across the City.
This was followed by a presentation by Georgina Graham, Operations Manager for the Archdeaconry of London, on the maintenance of churchyards by the City of London Corporation and the use of churchyards for income generation e.g. by the operators of coffee carts.
Finally, the Hon Treasurer gave a presentation on the Synod Zinances and the City Churches Burial Ground Fund.
**Graham Mundy – April 2024 Deanery Synod Representative**
**==> picture [153 x 70] intentionally omitted <==**
**==> picture [183 x 66] intentionally omitted <==**
25
## Finance Report for the Financial Year Ending ***** 31st December 2023
The outturn for the Zinancial year ending 31st December 2023 reZlects a positive net movement of funds of £13,097 (negative £73,278) although there was an operating deZicit of £20,093 as against a surplus of £980 in 2022 with the difference being made up by the surplus on the revaluation of the investment portfolio of £33,190 (loss £74,258).
Total Incoming Resources were £185,563 (£203,703) a decrease of £18,140 or 8.9 % on 2022 which reZlected the receipt of a grant of £38,000 from the trustees of the Fabric Repair Trust in 2022 to Finance the repairs to
the exterior stonework recommended in the quinquennial report.
Total Resources Expended increased from £202,723 to £205,656, an increase of £2,933 or 1.4% which is below the rate of inZlation for the year.
The Funds balance carried forward as at 31st December 2023 increased to £1,058,287 (£1,045,190) which reZlects the gains arising from the revaluation of our investment portfolio of £33,190 (loss of £74,258).
Given the continuing deZicit on the combined general and designated funds it is important that the PCC keeps a close eye on income and expenditure in the current Zinancial year to ensure that the parishes Zinances return to balance in the short to medium term.
**Graham Mundy - April 2024 Hon. Treasurer**
* Figures in brackets (2022)
Accounts for 2023 Parish Church of St Olave Hart Street
Financial Statements The Year Ended 31 December 2023
27
## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF**
## **THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST OLAVE, CITY OF LONDON**
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 1 to 6.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Foundation’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Steve Hale FCCA FCA Date: for and on behalf of Perrys Audit Ltd Chartered Accountants Churchdown Chambers Bordyke Tonbridge Kent TN9 1NR
## **Parochial Church Council of St Olave, City of London Statement of financial activities**
## **For the Year ended 31 December 2023**
|Note
**Income from:**
Donations
2(a)
Charitable Activities
2(b)
Investments
2(c)
Other
2(d)
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable Activities
3(a)
Generation of voluntary income
3(b)
Fund-raising trading costs
3(c)
Governance Costs
3(d)
**Total expenditure**
**Net Income/ (Expenditure)**
Transfers
Gains(losses) on revaluation of
4(b)
fixed asset investments
**Net Movement in Funds**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**TOTAL**
**TOTAL**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
93,322
-
12,183
105,505
138,770
44,949
-
-
44,949
41,523
20,026
14,564
519
35,109
23,410
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|
||158,297
14,564
12,702
185,563
203,703|
||182,861
-
17,173
200,034
198,563
2,000
-
-
2,000
2,000
430
-
-
430
-
3,192
-
-
3,192
2,160|
||188,483
17,173
205,656
202,723|
||(30,186)
14,564
(4,471)
(20,093)
980
(400,000)
400,000
-
-
33,190
-
-
33,190
(74,258)|
||(396,996)
414,564
(4,471)
13,097
(73,278)
518,994
465,491
60,705
1,045,190
1,118,468|
||121,998
880,055
56,234
1,058,287
1,045,190|
The notes on pages 3 to 6 form part of these accounts
2 9
## **Parochial Church Council of St Olave, City of London Balance Sheet at 31 December 2023**
|Note
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible
4(a)
Investments
4(b)
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
5
Cash at bank and in hand
Inter Fund Loan
**LIABILITIES**
Creditors - amounts falling due in one year
6
_Net current assets less current liabilities_
**TOTAL NET ASSETS**
**PARISH FUNDS**
Unrestricted
7
Designated
Restricted|**Unrestricted**
**Designated Restricted**
**TOTAL**
**TOTAL**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,906
-
-
1,906
3,813
118,847
880,055
-
998,902
965,712|
|---|---|
||120,753
880,055
-
1,000,808
969,525|
||15,537
-
-
15,537
27,506
50,091
-
-
50,091
58,832
(56,234)
-
56,234
-
-|
||9,394
-
56,234
65,628
86,337|
||8,149
-
-
8,149
10,673|
||1,245
-
56,234
57,479
75,664|
|||
||121,998
880,055
56,234
1,058,287
1,045,190|
||121,998
121,998
518,994
880,055
880,055
465,491
56,234
56,234
60,705|
||121,998
880,055
56,234
1,058,287
1,045,190|
Signed on behalf of the PCC:
Arani Sen
Date
## **Parochial Church Council of St Olave, City of London**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP (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**
Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or 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. The PCC does not necessarily invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.
Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
## **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 it is receivable. All incoming resources are for accounted gross.
## **Resources expended**
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for 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 gross.
## **Fixed assets**
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishings held by the rector and church wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Subsequently no individual item except for the rectory carpets and curtains purchased in 2005 and computers purchased in 2006 has cost more than £1,000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred. The PCC does not own any freehold land or buildings.
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Investments are valued at market value at 31 December 2023.
31
## **Parochial Church Council of St Olave, City of London**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023**
||UnrestrictedDesignated|UnrestrictedDesignated|Restricted|Total|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**2. INCOMING RESOURCES**|Funds|Funds|Funds|2023|2022|
||£|£|£|£|£|
|**2(a) Voluntary Income**||||||
|Planned Giving including tax recoverable|19,366|-|-|19,366|16,589|
|Collections and wall box donations|815|-|-|815|3,445|
|Church rate|30,081|-|-|30,081|42,143|
|Grants & Donations|37,715|-|12,183|49,898|75,079|
|Miscellaneous Income|5,345|-|-|5,345|1,513|
||93,322|-|12,183|105,505|138,770|
|**2(b) Activities for generating funds**||||||
|Rental Income - Hire of church and Church hall|12,966|-|-|12,966|10,085|
|Fund-raising events|-|-|-|-|-|
|Net Fees - Mast in Tower|18,986|-|-|18,986|19,409|
|Church yard overhang licence (St Catherine)|12,997|-|-|12,997|12,030|
|Film Production|-|-|-|-|0|
||44,949|-|-|44,949|41,523|
|**2(c) Income from Investments**||||||
|Dividends and Interest including tax recoverable|20,026|14,564|519|35,109|23,410|
||20,026|14,564|519|35,109|23,410|
|**2(d) Other income**||||||
|Hall compensation|-|-|-|-|-|
||-|-|-|-|-|
|**Total Incoming Resources**|158,297|14,564|12,702|185,563|203,703|
|**3.RESOURCES EXPENDED**||||||
|**3(a) Church Activities**||||||
|Ministry: Diocesan Parish share|78,000|-|-|78,000|76,620|
|Ministry: Service and other costs|22,608|-|-|22,608|22,004|
|Church running costs and maintenance|45,024|-|15,923|60,947|56,089|
|Depreciation|1,907|-|-|1,907|1,907|
|Rectory, refurbishment and upkeep costs|390|-|-|390|281|
|Office costs and legal and professional fees|34,932|-|-|34,932|41,413|
|Grant to Barker and Bewley charity|-|-|1,250|1,250|250|
||182,861|-|17,173|200,034|198,563|
|**3(b) Generation of Voluntary Income**||||||
|Church Rate & Licence Costs|2,000|-|-|2,000|2,000|
|**3(c) Fund-raising trading costs**||||||
|Hall running costs and maintainance|-|-||-|-|
|Cost of Events|430|||430|-|
||430|-|-|430|-|
|**3(d) Governance Costs**||||||
|Independent Examination|3,192|-|-|3,192|2,160|
||3,192|-|-|3,192|2,160|
|||||||
|**Total Expenditure**|188,483|-|17,173|205,656|202,723|
## **Parochial Church Council of St Olave, City of London**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**4. FIXED ASSETS**
**4(a) Tangible**
Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions at Cost
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for Year
At 31 December 2023
Net Book Value
At 1 January 2023
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2023
**4(b) Investments**
Market Value 1 January 2023
Additions at Cost
Disposals
Revaluation surplus
Market Value 31 December 2023
**5. DEBTORS**
Tax Recoverable
Light & Heating
Church Building Hire
Mast Rent Review
VAT recoverable on Church Building
Lunchtime Recitals
Donations - Not Gift Aided
Rent COLAS
Parish Rates|**Rectory**
**curtains and**
**Church**
**TOTAL**
**TOTAL**
**carpets**
**Equipment**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
6,500
25,022
31,522
23,895
-
-
-
-|**Rectory**
**curtains and**
**Church**
**TOTAL**
**TOTAL**
**carpets**
**Equipment**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
6,500
25,022
31,522
23,895
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|
||6,500
25,022
31,522
23,895||
||6,500
21,209
27,709
23,895
-
1,907
1,907
-||
||6,500
23,116
29,616
23,895||
||-
3,813
3,813
-||
||-
1,906
1,906
-||
||**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
495,506
460,000
50,000
-
-
-
33,190
-|**TOTAL**
**TOTAL**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
955,506
1,029,764
-
-
-
-
33,190
(74,258)|
||578,696
460,000|988,696
955,506|
|||**TOTAL**
**TOTAL**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
362
1,146
13,089
12,029
1,792
-
-
2,472
294
4,937
-
500
-
1,634
-
160
-
4,628|
|||15,537
27,506|
33
## **Parochial Church Council of St Olave, City of London**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023**
## **6. LIABILITIES**
|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
Heat & Light
-
-
Cleaning
-
-
Accounts and Independent Examination Fees
3,228
2,250
Administration
-
3,414
Clergy Expenses
140
-
Mast Income in Advance
4,305
3,904
Mission Pastoral
125
517
Church Maintenance
236
473
Music
115
115
8,149
10,672
**7. FUNDS**
**Fund Movements**
**1.1.23**
**Income**
**Expenses**
**Gains**
**Transfers**
**31.12.23**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**General Fund**
518,994
158,297
(188,483)
33,190
(400,000)
121,998
**Designated Funds**
Hall compensation fund
465,491
14,564
-
480,055
Long term mission fund
-
-
-
400,000
400,000
465,491
14,564
-
400,000
880,055
**Restricted Funds**
Fabric Fund
3,911
-
-
-
3,911
Joint Ministry project
2,000
-
-
-
2,000
Music
755
-
-
-
755
Lady Holfords Charity Fund
162
-
-
-
162
Relief for the Poor
600
-
-
-
600
Clothworkers fabric fund
38,135
-
-
-
38,135
Capponi Memorial
548
-
-
-
548
Barker and Bewley educational prize
1,057
519
(1,250)
-
326
Sheepfold fund
20
-
-
-
20
Homeless Project
200
-
-
-
200
Building Fund
13,317
12,183
(15,923)
-
9,577
60,705
12,702
(17,173)
-
56,234
Total funds
1,045,190
185,563
-205,656
33,190
-
1,058,287|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
Heat & Light
-
-
Cleaning
-
-
Accounts and Independent Examination Fees
3,228
2,250
Administration
-
3,414
Clergy Expenses
140
-
Mast Income in Advance
4,305
3,904
Mission Pastoral
125
517
Church Maintenance
236
473
Music
115
115
8,149
10,672
**7. FUNDS**
**Fund Movements**
**1.1.23**
**Income**
**Expenses**
**Gains**
**Transfers**
**31.12.23**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**General Fund**
518,994
158,297
(188,483)
33,190
(400,000)
121,998
**Designated Funds**
Hall compensation fund
465,491
14,564
-
480,055
Long term mission fund
-
-
-
400,000
400,000
465,491
14,564
-
400,000
880,055
**Restricted Funds**
Fabric Fund
3,911
-
-
-
3,911
Joint Ministry project
2,000
-
-
-
2,000
Music
755
-
-
-
755
Lady Holfords Charity Fund
162
-
-
-
162
Relief for the Poor
600
-
-
-
600
Clothworkers fabric fund
38,135
-
-
-
38,135
Capponi Memorial
548
-
-
-
548
Barker and Bewley educational prize
1,057
519
(1,250)
-
326
Sheepfold fund
20
-
-
-
20
Homeless Project
200
-
-
-
200
Building Fund
13,317
12,183
(15,923)
-
9,577
60,705
12,702
(17,173)
-
56,234
Total funds
1,045,190
185,563
-205,656
33,190
-
1,058,287|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
-
3,228
2,250
-
3,414
140
-
4,305
3,904
125
517
236
473
115
115|
|---|---|---|
|||8,149
10,672|
|||**Transfers**
**31.12.23**
**£**
**£**
(400,000)
121,998
-
480,055
400,000
400,000|
|||400,000
880,055
-
3,911
-
2,000
-
755
-
162
-
600
-
38,135
-
548
-
326
-
20
-
200
-
9,577|
||60,705
12,702
(17,173)|-
56,234|
||1,045,190
185,563
-205,656
33,190
-
1,058,287||
## **Parochial Church Council of St Olave, City of London**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**8. SERVICE AND OTHER COSTS**
Choir and Music
Regular Religious Service Costs
Childrens Church
Clergy Expenses
Mission
Mission and Charitable Giving|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
17,134
15,630
312
-
103
202
1,298
2,361
3,116
2,811
1,000
1,000|
|---|---|
||22,963
22,004|
|**9. STAFF COSTS**
Salaries
Employers pension Contribution|**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
25,836
25,018
580
580|
|---|---|
||27,528
25,598|
## **10. TRUSTEES**
None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from the Charity. (2022 -none).
## **11. RELATED PARTIES**
There have been no transactions with persons or entities that are closely connected to the charity or its trustees (2022 - none).
## **12. GOING CONCERN**
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the ability to continue as a going concern.
35
## Safeguarding Report 2023/24
The PCC takes safeguarding seriously and has adopted the London Diocese Safeguarding policy.
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In accordance with the House of Bishops’ Policy Statements ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ (2017) and ‘Protecting All God’s Children’ 4th edition (2010) and the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy ‘Promoting a Safer Diocese’ (2018) the PCC agreed to commit to:
- Promoting a safer environment and culture.
- Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility
- related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
- Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
- Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and
- other affected persons.
- Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
- Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The safeguarding ofZicer keeps up to date with issues in the Church of England and the local communities via a safeguarding Newsletter and press releases sent by the Diocese. She regularly attends the drop-in sessions facilitated by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST).
Information is then shared regularly with the PCC.
Safeguarding is a standing item on the agenda of the PCC and the F&GP. At the PCC meeting on 26th June 2023 the PCC agreed and signed the Safeguarding policy. Penny Ritchie Calder remains the Children’s Advocate and DBS administrator. Huong Hoang continues to support the administration of the central record and is based at the Parish ofZice.
## **DBS**
Penny Ritchie Calder administers the DBS process. The PCC follows the safer recruitment guidelines. All information regarding DBS is held conZidentially and remains private, in a designated safe.
## **Training requirements**
Safeguarding training records have been updated. CertiZicates and completion dates are now held at a central record. There are three levels of training that have been identiZied for PCC members, all delivered online by the Church of England. All PCC members are expected to complete the foundation course (C0), church wardens, safeguarding ofZicer and children’s advocate are expected to complete the C0 as well as intermediate course. Clergy and lay ministers attend the leadership course.
The safeguarding ofZicer has now completed the Leadership course and the churchwardens, clergy, lay minister have all attended domestic abuse training.
We keep the safeguarding dashboard up to date.
## **Safeguarding Concerns**
There has been one safeguarding incident where advice was sought from the Diocesan safeguarding team – the issue has now been resolved.
**Rina Wood - April 2024 Safeguarding OfNicer**
37
## Music Report
The musical life of St Olave’s continued to strengthen through 2023, both in terms of quality and the number of people involved.
Music at the main Sunday Eucharists is maintained by a regular team of 5 Choral Scholars, the bass role being shared by Henry Page and Nic Walker alongside long-standing tenor Nick Dykes, alto Ruth Elleson and soprano Toni Smart. Having such a settled group of singers now so used to singing with each other is especially helpful in maintaining and furthering our standards My thanks to all of them for their loyalty and commitment to edifying the worship of the church in a friendly, relaxed and supportive environment. We also continue to develop a list of regular deputies, all of whom have made excellent contributions.
The full time Scholars were supplemented by additional professional singers on the occasions of Easter Day, Patronal Festival and Remembrance Sunday. We also saw the return of the 5th Sunday Singers on those “eponymous” dates. Another group, the Hanover Choir, who use the building for rehearsals on Thursday evenings, also made their Sunday morning debut this year, singing 3 services in total thus fulZilling our aim of expanding the number of people involved in the musical life of the church.
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Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the past year has been the resurgence of the St Olave’s Singers, the long standing voluntary choir who meet regularly on Tuesday lunchtimes. A recruitment drive has seen membership double from a low of just 8 to around 16 or 17 at the latest count. More work needs to be done here, but it is pleasing that the St Olave’s Singers can now provide music for a number of midweek services through the year, such as Candlemas, Ash Wednesday, the Pepys commemoration service, Trinity tide, Harvest, and the Corynthians Remembrance service, as well as several carol services, mainly without any professional assistance.
Both the St Olave’s Singers and a range of professionals singing as the St Olave’s Choral Scholars have performed at a number of other venues in the City, such as St Katharine Cree, St Andrew by the Wardrobe, St Peter’s Cornhill and the Four Seasons Hotel, an important additional layer to our outreach which I hope we can develop.
Weekly recitals organised by Michael Gammie and Richard Ciecierski and their team, on Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes, continue to Zlourish. These concerts are such an important part of the church’s outreach, and enjoyed by so many, both performers and audience members and I express my thanks to Michael, Richard and their colleagues for all their work on this.
**Colin Spinks - April 2024 Musical Director**
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39
## Community and Charities Report
In 2023 our parish community and congregation continued donating items to be distributed via charities.
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Throughout the year there were collections for and donations made to Tear Fund, the Children’s Society, Suited & Booted and Dress for Success.
We continue to provide pastoral care and pot noodles to people in need in the parish.
Our partnership with St Katharine Cree to provide English lessons to members of the Spanish and Portuguese speaking community working in and around the City is on-going.
All of us in the City can make a difference.
**Rev’d Canon Arani Sen - April 2024 Rector**
## Lunchtime Recitals Report
Lunchtime recitals have continued to Zlourish during 2023. Altogether some 160 musicians have performed in a wide range of groups of instruments although solo piano recitals do still form a substantial percentage.
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The majority of performers are at one of the London colleges, the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of music or the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and it is important that they have the opportunity to practice performing in front of a good sized and appreciative audience. We have been able to provide a community which fulZils that purpose and this is demonstrated in the feedback we get from the artists. A big thanks to our team for this.
Our Bösendorfer piano has needed some care and attention this year as it is now nearing 90 years old. It is a beautiful instrument and much loved by those that perform on it. I am pleased to report that we have now found an excellent young musician who has trained for seven years to become both a technician and a tuner.
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We are getting an increasing number of requests from musicians from overseas which demonstrates that news of what we provide is spreading.
Next year we will have a quartet form the London Symphony Orchestra and a trio from the BBC Symphony Orchestra giving a recital as well as several of our illustrious friends who just wish to come back and perform for us.
## **Michael Gammie - April 2024 Lunchtime Recitals Manager**
41
## Mission Action Plan (MAP) 2023 - 2026
A new Mission Action Plan was launched at the APCM. Here is a summary:
## Our Mission – what are we about?
St Olave’s Church is one of the few surviving mediaeval buildings in London encompassing a rich history and many links to historic City organisations. This is our mission; we are called to be:
## A sanctuary:
- A safe, sacred holy place. John Betjeman described St Olave’s as "a country church in the world of Seething Lane”.
- A connection to the spiritual transformation of Jesus Christ. Worship on Sunday at 11:00am and Tuesdays at 12:30pm.
- A place of quiet prayer and reZlection amidst the bustle of the City of London in the church and the churchyard.
## A place of grace:
- A history of almost 1000 years, proclaiming and reZlecting
- the good news of Jesus Christ,
- Journey together to grow in our faith and understanding of the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
- Through choral music on Sundays and special services,
- we deepen spiritual reZlection.
- A belief in the power of prayer
- A place of hospitality, where all are welcome.
## A wellspring:
- The love of Jesus Christ Zlows out of our very being, to connect others to Christ, in word and deed.
- A centre for the arts - we reZlect on the connection of the arts and theology, as well as the rich history.
- Service to the City in all its diversity, the Tower Ward and local livery companies.
- To show Jesus’ love practically to the homeless, refugees, and those who suffer poverty.
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## **St Olave Hart Street**
**8 Hart Street London EC3R 7NB www.saintolave.com**
**Registered Charity Number 1130893**
**2024**