Charity number: 1131598
ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
ST PETER’S CHURCH, EALING TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Annual Report of St Peter’s PCC
The PCC members, in their capacity as trustees of the registered charity, present their annual report together with the financial statements of St Peter’s Church, Ealing for the year from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
Background
St Peter’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible for co-operating with the incumbent in the promotion of the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, within the ecclesiastical parish. In addition, it has maintenance responsibilities for the Church, Church Hall and grounds adjacent to and on the north side of the Church.
Membership
Members of the PCC are either ex-officio; or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with Church Representation Rules. During 2023, the following served on the PCC:
Incumbent: The Revd David Neno Assistant Curate:
The Revd Dr Adam Dobrzynski (left February 2023)
Churchwardens: Mrs Jane Campbell (2023) completion of 4[th] year Dr Richard Peatfield (2024) completion of 2[nd] year Mrs Allison McAllister (2024) Commencement of 1[st] year
Reader (ex-officio): Mrs Susan Peatfield
Deanery Synod Reps: Mr Angus McAvoy (term completed 2023) Ms Saira Salimi (elected 2023-2026) Mr Richard Martin (elected 2023-2026)
Elected Members:
| Ann Lazarow | [2024] |
|---|---|
| Mark James | [2024] |
| Linda Foster | [2024] |
| Vacancy | [2024] |
| Megan McAllister | [2025] |
| Simon Baker | [2025] |
| Cornelia Harding (Secretary) | [2025] |
| Vacancy | [2025] |
| Alexander Pridgeon | [2026] |
| Christopher Harris (Treasurer) | [2026] |
| Timothy Sheridan | [2026] |
| Michael Grant | [2026] |
Co-opted Member: Revd Dr Margaret Joachim
At the PCC meeting of Sunday, 26 March 2023 (held immediately after the APCM) Richard Peatfield was elected Vice-Chair of the PCC; and Christopher Harris was elected PCC Treasurer. The post of PCC Secretary was filled by Cornelia Harding.
The PCC operates through six committees that meet between full meetings of the PCC:
• Standing Committee : the only committee required by law. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. The following served on the Standing Committee during 2023: Revd David Neno, Dr Richard Peatfield, Allison McAllister, Cornelia Harding; Christopher Harris.
• Mission Committee: The committee meets up to six times a year to agree its terms of reference; to discuss and evaluate mission opportunities within the life of the parish, to monitor the implementation of the Mission Action Plan and agree the beneficiaries of charitable fund-raising events hosted by the parish. The following were appointed to the Mission Committee at the PCC meeting of 26[th] March: Revd David Neno, Susan Peatfield, Allison McAllister, Cornelia Harding, and Madeleine Morse.
• Events Committee : This committee meets up to six times a year to organise social events, some of which are linked with significant seasonal and/or liturgical occasions. Surpluses from social events may
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ST PETER’S CHURCH, EALING TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
be given to charities agreed by the Mission Committee. The following were appointed to the Events Committee at the PCC meeting of 26[th] March: Revd David Neno, Mark James, Sarah Hare, Anne Lazarow, Simon Baker and Megan McAllister.
• Finance & Stewardship Committee: The committee meets a minimum of 4 times per year. This committee manages the church accounts and explores ways of improving stewardship and giving. The following were appointed to the Finance Committee at the PCC meeting of 26[th] March: Linda Foster, Revd David Neno, Alexander Pridgeon; Christine Macallister, Christopher Harris and Dr Richard Peatfield. The PCC Treasurer reports the business of the committee at each PCC meeting.
• Buildings and Grounds Committee: This committee meets a minimum of four times a year. The committee’s main concern is the maintenance and upkeep of the church fabric and grounds, ensuring the annual maintenance programme is carried out and the church and environs are kept in a presentable and safe state. The committee ensures the PCC adheres to all building regulations and safety requirements, working with the church architect and Archdeacon to complete the identified issues in the church Quinquennial Inspection report, and advising the PCC on all matters to do with health and safety. The following were appointed to the Buildings and Grounds Committee at the PCC meeting of 26[th] March: Revd. David Neno, Ian Bradshaw, Dr Richard Peatfield, Alexander Pridgeon, Timothy Sheridan, Michael Grant and Richard Martin.
• Safeguarding Committee: this committee meets a minimum of twice a year to prepare the annual report to the APCM, to present the annually updated Parish Safeguarding Policy in line with the Diocese of London’s Safeguarding guidelines, to nominate the Children’s Champion and the Church Safeguarding Officer for the year and to ensure all relevant parties are adequately trained and up to date with their licenses and legally required DBS checks. The Committee comprises Adam Grimley as the Church Safeguarding Officer; Susan Peatfield as the Children’s Champion; Allison McAllister and Dr Richard Peatfield as the nominated ID Evidence Checkers and Revd David Neno.
Vicar’s Report
It doesn’t seem a year since my last report to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). Time passes so quickly. I am doubly amazed that this year will see my twelfth anniversary of induction to the Parish of St Peter’s. It really does only seem five minutes ago.
As with every other year I encourage you to read these reports in full. We may think, as we attend St Peters Sunday by Sunday that not much happens. I hope you will see from the reports in this document that a lot happens. There is always space for more and we encourage creativity. We are also always looking for more help with what we do; singers in the choir, servers at the altar, welcomers at the door. All of which are important parts of our mission and ministry in worship and church life. Church life is only possible with your contribution.
When the Mission Team came together last year to review our Mission Action Plan (MAP) 2020-23 and prepare for our next MAP 2023-26 we were struck by two things: how much of our 2020-23 plan we had acted upon and how much there was still to do, secondly how COViD had halted our mission and ministry so abruptly and how much it continues to affect parish life. This does not reflect an attitude of standing still or complacency. COViD with the associated restrictions and lock downs knocked the stuffing out of us as it did every other church and voluntary organisation. We coped well but now we realise it is taking time to rebuild and move forward; we have had to learn a level of patience and flexibility. The Mission Team also reflected on where we actually were by 2023 realising one thread that wove its way through our life together and that was enjoyment; we enjoyed coming together; we enjoyed celebrating together, worshipping together, welcoming new people and sharing our life together.
We continue as a community to look outwards. We may not have the capacity or physical energy to engage in big social projects but we do play our part in the community. As a collection point for Ealing Foodbank we continue to draw in quite large donations of food and toiletries each year. Our work to support Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter has resumed after COViD. Sadly, the Street Pastors Programme has come to an end along with Christians Together in Central Ealing (CTiCE). Work with the West London Leaders (WLL) continues with future projects which include developing Interfaith links, community work with the Ealing Borough Metropolitan Police and the development of youth programmes.
It was joyous to share with Bishop Lusa Nsenga Ngoy, Bishop of Willesden, Revd David Brammer Twyford Academies Trust Chaplain and the students of Ada Lovelace CofE High School at the consecration of their new chapel. In celebration of this St Peter’s have raised funds to supply the school
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ST PETER’S CHURCH, EALING TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
with a new silver chalice and patten, As a parish we continue to enjoy closer relations with Ada Lovelace School. I am a Governor at the school and we are developing a programme of annual Education Sunday Services where students attend St Peter’s and help lead worship.
Provision for our youngest members, Pebbles, continues to steadily grow in popularity with attendances reaching 18-20 children under 5 with accompanying parents. We have also noticed a slow, steady increase in Sunday attendance with new people joining us almost every week. Not all stay with us and those we wish well. Some do stay and it is a delight to have you as part of the St Peter’s family.
After Easter this year we plan to relaunch Steppingstones for our 5-11 group initially with a teaching session once a month on the 4[th] Sunday. Hopefully, over time we will be able to extend this to cover more Sundays in a month. There are plans too for our 11+ young members, so watch this space.
The choir continues to grow both numerically, in skills and repertoire. Thanks to David Blumeline and Mark James we enjoy anthems, introits and enhanced singing for our Parish Mass, major festivals and celebrations. Thanks too to Alexander Pridgeon who is working with our younger choristers forming a youth choir.
When a curate leaves a parish it is always a bitter sweet affair. Fr Adam Dobrzynski joined is in September 2019 as an Associate Vicar. He weathered COViD lockdowns and restrictions with us, contributing hugely to our management of worship and pastoral care. He played a key part in supporting St Thomas’, Hanwell whilst their priest underwent treatment for cancer and a perforated bowl. After that and in the face of the influx of Ukrainian refugees Fr Adam used his knowledge and linguistic skills to help and support many families and students. We had to say goodbye to him at the beginning of 2023 as he took on his own parish becoming the Vicar of Harlesden at All Souls Parish Church, Harlesden. There was a wonderful celebration at his induction and we continue to hold him and the people of All Souls in our prayers.
The question that arises as a curate leaves is, “when will we have another one?”. It is always good to have a little break and we have recently been exploring the possibility of curacies with a number of candidates. It was with joy that earlier in 2024 I was able not announce that the post of assistant curate to the parish of St Peter’s has been filled by Dr Lyanne Beckerson. Lyanne is presently completing her training at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. She will move in to the curates flat probably at the beginning of June 2024. She will be ordained deacon at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday 29 June to be welcomed to the parish of St Peter’s on Sunday 30 June, our patronal festival Sunday.
Finance is always an issue in the life of a church and the present time is no exception. As the cost of living rises so does the cost of running a church. Looking after a 130 year old, grade 2* listed building with a 40+ year old church hall is not cheap. As you may expect, church finances are stretched. This is an opportunity though to thank all of you who responded so generously to our Stewardship Programme in September when about 60% of our membership responded and raised their pledges by £18K a year. We expect that this will enable us to operate broadly on a break-even basis moving forward, covering expected recurring annual expenditure. The accounts for this year do report a deficit of £135,373 across all funds, however this reflects the fact that we have spent £91,000 on refurbishing the organ, with all but £2,834 of this being funded from income, including legacy income, received in the previous year and in addition repairs expenditure incurred this year was £10,000 higher than in 2022. Clearly we need to build up our much needed reserves that cover costs such as replacement boilers, redecorating the church, repairing the church floor let alone maintaining the fabric, paying for the works identified in our Quinquennial Inspection report, revitalising the church hall floor and renewing the kitchen and toilets.
In short, the life of the parish goes on. We ask your prayers and value your commitment to the life and work of this parish, praying that as this year unfolds we will come to a deeper love and understanding of the place of God in our lives. I pray that God blesses you, keeps you safe, strengthens you in the way and fills you with God’s grace through the Holy Spirit. May Jesus be your constant companion and may you know his love for you that you may grow in love and truth.
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ST PETER’S CHURCH, EALING TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Thank you.
The Chair’s report is an opportunity to say thank you to several people publicly.
I begin by thanking our churchwardens, something I have done many times before. A church can operate without a vicar but it cannot operate without churchwardens, so thank you to Allison and Richard. They work hard to keep us organised. Thank you to Lesley, our administrator, who really makes my life so much easier and life in the parish much smoother. Her support and forbearance as always are invaluable. To Val Stephens who supports our life of worship behind the scenes as our church sacristan. Thank you to our staff team, Susan and Margaret. It is with sadness we note Fr Harold as no longer being part of our time here at St Peter’s having been admitted to residential care in Hampstead at the end of 2023. He along with his wife Christina, who passed away several years ago, contributed so much to our life together. He is very much missed and very much in our prayers. We are truly blessed with such wisdom and skill. Thank you too to Chris our treasurer, who has taken up the reigns this year and has truly gotten to grips with the church finances. Chris is such a God send and we thank Gabbie for releasing him to us. Thank you to Cornelia who continues to grow into her roll of PCC secretary as well as taking a larger part in parish life. Thank you to our PCC members, Safeguarding Team, our servers, welcomers, choir members, especially Mark James our Director of Music and David Blumlein our Choir Leader, our flower arrangers and Events, Finance and Stewardship, Mission, Buildings and Grounds team Members. Rosanna Fullerton and the team who run the Ivy Café and offer a valuable space for friendship and fellowship. As I get to say each year, the list is wonderfully huge.
Public Benefit Statement
In producing their assessment of the benefit to the public provided by the charity, the trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefits, Charities and Public benefit. St Peter’s Church is governed, as are all churches of the Church of England, by the Church Representation Rules 2022, the Canons of the Church of England, and the Book of Common Prayer.
Church Attendance
There were 99 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, as declared at the APCM held on 26 March 2023, of whom 35 (36%) were resident within the parish and 64 (64%) were resident outside the parish. Average attendance during the year was 58 adults and 12 children; Christmas congregant figures were 118 adults and 31 children at Christingle, 64 adults at midnight mass and 6 children with 54 adults at Christmas Day Mass. At Easter 22 adults attended the Dawn Mass with 12 children and 91 adults at the Easter Day Mass. The Church in normal circumstances is open daily between 8.30am and 5.30pm or dusk whichever is earliest.
Uniformed Organisations
St Peter’s is affiliated to the following uniformed organisations: 1st Ealing North Beavers; 1st Ealing North Cubs; 4th Ealing Brownies; and Guides.
Review of the Year
St Peter’s PCC met seven times during the year, as follows:
January 2023 : As usual this was the last full PCC meeting before our APCM. We reported the selection of a new architect, that CCTV had been installed after the arson attack in the Lady Chapel and enquiries of repairs had begun. The treasurer reported on the accounts and the massive increase in energy bills and its effects on the end of year accounts. A defibrillator had been purchased and fixed in the church hall entrance. Gutters had been cleaned as part of the annual programme. Reports received from Safeguarding; Christian Together in Central Ealing; Events; Buildings and Grounds and the Chair. This was Fr Adam’s last meeting before moving to Harlesden and his new post as Vicar of All Souls.
March 2023: This shorter meeting was held to agree the annual accounts in preparation for our APCM later in March. Application for another faculty for newly identified works on the Lady Chapel was also agreed.
A second meeting in March, held directly after the APCM agreed the election of officers for the coming year, the co-option of Revd Dr Margaret Joachim and the appointment of committees for 202324.
April 2023: Our first full PCC Meeting was held as part of our PCC Away Day held in the parish Hall . Stewardship Programme Plans for 2023 were launched ; a report on the state of the church hall kitchen roof was offered, plans for new storage sheds in the church grounds was announced; plans
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ST PETER’S CHURCH, EALING TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
were discussed for Coronation weekend celebrations. Reports were received from Safeguarding, Christians Together in Central Ealing, Events Team.
June 2023: Our treasurer reported a healthy bank account but warned our operating costs exceeded our income which meant we were eating into our legacy funds. The need for a Stewardship Programme was becoming pressing. The faculty application for the works in the Lady Chapel had been completed, the Safeguarding Team reported on the new Diocesan Safeguarding Dashboard and impressed upon the PCC the need to complete their training. Reports received from Buildings & Grounds, Safeguarding, Events.
July 2023. There was a discussion about how the parish could save money on their energy bills in the coming winter, a plan to improve the acoustics in the church hall was agreed, safeguarding continued to encourage PCC members to complete their online training and presented a safeguarding policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, Mission Team reported they were drawing up a new Mission Action Plan. Chair reported on the possibility of an Intern who would spend academic year 2023-24 working in the parish. Reports received from Buildings & Grounds, Safeguarding, Churches Together in Central Ealing, Mission, Events and Deanery Synod.
September 2023: a further report from the church architect was received and PCC authorised the preparation of a schedule of works and search for tenders. A 2023 budget was approved and a 2024 budget would be submitted for approval after the completion of the Stewardship Programme. The PCC agreed to pay for the decoration of the vicarage kitchen. Reports received from Buildings & Grounds, Safeguarding Christians Together in Central Ealing, Mission and Events.
November 2023: the Archdeacon’s Triennial Review would take place later this month and the necessary documentation was being gathered, safeguarding reported that all the PCC had now completed the online safeguarding training, Pebbles report work with younger children going from strength to strength. Reports from Pebbles/Steppingstones, Safeguarding and Events
Significant Events in 2023
The year began with the bitter sweet occasion of Fr Adam’s departure from St Peter’s and his wonderful induction as Vicar of Harlesden at All Souls. It is always amazing to think 3 years pass so quickly but Fr Adam was ready to set off for pastures new and we wished him well. In February we enjoyed our annual school visit from Montpelier Primary School as Yr1 came to learn about their parish church. The repair and refurbishment works on our church organ continued until Easter and are in many ways still on going as Mark James continues to raise funds and bring the organ up to modern standards. May celebrated the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. Here at St Peter’s we held celebrations as part of the parish mass and a Coronation Tea at Ivy Café. Fr David, as Area Dean of Ealing was invited to preach at the Civic Service for Ealing Borough and to Bless a commemorative plaque to the coronation at Ealing Town Hall. In June we celebrated the 130[th] anniversary of the founding of St Peter’s Parish Church with a parish lunch and an organ recital. In July we said goodbye to our two storage sheds which we guessed had given over 30 years service and replaced them with lovely new ones much to the delight of our nursery and uniformed organisations. In September we launch our Stewardship Programme 2023-Giving in Grace. A four-week programme of sermons and presentations which resulted in pledged giving with an £18k a year increase which is fantastic. In October, caught on our CCTV cameras, our World War 1 memorial fell off the wall, having been displaced by the warping World War 2 memorial. The footage was quite comical in a way but no serious damage was done. In November Fr David, again as Area Dean of Ealing was invited to preach at the Ealing Borough Remembrance Day Service. November also saw the Archdeacon’s Triennial Visitation taking place where The Archdeacon of Northolt, The Venerable Catherine Pickford came to meet with the Standing Committee, inspect the parish books and meet with the Incumbent. She was very pleased to find all in order and everyone in fine form. Again, in November the parish played its part in the Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter programme, offering a roof, warm bed and hot meal to 14 homeless men and women. This is a programme that has been running in Ealing now for over 10 years where churches throughout Ealing offer safe space, warm beds and hot food through the winter months. Advent began with a Quiet Day in the Lady Chapel lead by Fr David and the re-introduction of prayer ministry in the parish mass.
We said a sad farewell to a few members of our congregation this year. Tara Cross, after a long and courageous battle with cancer succumbed at the beginning of the year. Anne Reilly, our stalwart cake baker and general all-round great support to the parish life passed away in the late spring and Pat Maufe, a member of St Peters since the 1950s passed away in the autumn after a short illness.
Rev’d David Neno, Vicar
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ST PETER’S CHURCH, EALING TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Safeguarding Report 2024
The Safeguarding Team continued our programme of meetings, ensuring the PCC are kept abreast of developments in the care and wellbeing of our community. The Team of Allison McAllister, Susan and Richard Peatfield and Adam Grimley work with Fr David to keep a watching brief on those who are DBS checked, and check those who are taking on new roles or are due to renew their certification. This year we have been adjusting to using the parish safeguarding dashboard, which enables us to monitor our progress and focus on areas which need particular attention. The current PCC have all completed their safeguarding training - an important step forward in making sure it is a shared responsibility.
Adam Grimley, Safeguarding Officer
Report from the Churchwardens
This report covers the calendar year ending 31 December 2023.
We have continued the programme of repair and conservation of the fabric of the church and its buildings. The twin boilers have been fully serviced, though we are advised that they may soon need replacement. We have fitted a week-long programmable timer to the hall boiler. All the fire appliances and the lightning conductors have been checked, and we are about to have quinquennial electrical safety check. The emergency doors and the emergency lighting are all working efficiently. lan Howe again cleared the gutters and downpipes of leaves in November. The church inventory and the logbook have been kept up to date. Smartwater fluid has been applied to all the church metalwork, both movable and fixed. Our risk assessments are constantly being revised. The statistics for mission return for 2023 were submitted to the diocese in January 2024.
We have now obtained a faculty to re-restore the Lady Chapel altar, reredos and tabernacle following the arson attack in October 2022; work started in January 2024, and we hope it will be finished by Easter. We are seeking a further faculty to restore the two framed War Memorial plaques in the Lady Chapel, and to display the current memorial book on the other side of the Chapel.
Legacies . We are extremely grateful to Marlene Sladen and Mary Hocking for their generosity to the church in their wills; as a result we have undertaken a series of lasting improvements:-
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The organ console was fully restored last year, and the planned longer programme of renewal of the bellows and the soundboard, as well as replacing the Choir pneumatic drawstop actions, was completed during the summer of 2023. This has enabled Mark James to arrange a series of concerts, raising further funds for additional improvements to the organ.
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The two storage sheds behind the hall had long reached the end of their natural lives, and they were both replaced during August, together with their concrete bases.
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Despite the flat roofs of the link corridor, the lavatories and the kitchen having been sealed on several occasions in the last two years, leaks have continued following heavy rainfall, and we plan a major replacement of all the flat roofing as soon as possible.
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We hope to have sufficient funds to upgrade both the lavatories and the hall kitchen at the same time. We have, in the meantime, restricted the regular flow of water to the gents’ lavatory, which saves a lot of money!
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The new acoustic panels attached to the hall ceiling have had a positive effect on conversations there.
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We may be able to upgrade the lighting in the chancel and replace the outside lobby doors if further funds should become available.
We have appointed Mr Tim Gough as the new Church architect, following the death of Roderick McLennan in August 2022. Mr Gough hopes to undertake the overdue Quinquennial inspection early in 2024.
The number of worshippers at both routine Sundays and church festivals have now returned to preCovid levels, which is a real tribute to our Vicar’s ministry and influence. We were all delighted when Adam Dobrzynski was inducted as Vicar of All Souls’ Church, Harlesden in February 2023.
We remain grateful to Lesley Brooks for filling the role of Administrator with exemplary efficiency. I must conclude by thanking Jane Campbell for her 4 years as a devoted Churchwarden, and Allison McAllister for taking on the role after the 2023 Annual Meeting.
Richard Peatfield and Allison McAllister Churchwardens
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ST PETER’S CHURCH, EALING TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Treasurer’s Report and financial review
Over the course of the past year, I have spent a large amount of time getting up to speed with the Church’s finances. My predecessor, Linda, has generously given her time to help me settle into the role. However, it should be said that she left a wonderful system in place, which I have tried to follow.
As Linda noted in her report from a year ago, following on from 2022 and the receipt of significant legacies there would be no room for complacency regarding the finances of St. Peter’s. As it stood, our stewardship and rental incomes were not covering the ongoing operating expenditures. Thanks to the hugely successful Stewardship campaign in September, as Fr David highlighted, our membership responded generously with pledges of £18k per year.
Total income for 2023 was £151,031 and expenditures were £286,404. A large portion of the expenditures was the previously agreed Organ refurbishment, which came from our legacy fund. At 31 December 2023 the balance on unrestricted funds was £546,585 with restricted funds having a balance carried forward of £13,618. Unrestricted free reserves (which excludes fixed assets and designated fund balances) at 31 December 2023 totalled £91,165, sufficient to cover 4 months of general fund expenditure. In addition there is a designated fund of £50,000 to act as an additional reserve to call upon in case of an emergency.
Looking ahead as the Churchwardens and Fr David have highlighted, there are a number of infrastructure projects that we must carefully choose how to allocate our remaining reserve fund. Therefore, once again I must echo the sentiment from last year, there is no place for complacency with regards to St Peter’s finances.
Chris Harris, Treasurer
This report was approved by the PCC on Sunday 17 March 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Rev'd David Neno, Chair of PCC
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of St Peter's Church, Ealing ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Richard Hill
Dated: 26 March 2024 FCA
Griffin Stone Moscrop & Co
Chartered Accountants 21-27 Lamb's Conduit Street London WC1N 3GS
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Income from use of church buildings 5 Bank interest Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Transfers between funds 13 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 113,140 2,834 32,159 2,650 150,783 283,332 283,332 (132,549) (2,295) (134,844) 681,429 (134,844) 546,585 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - 248 - - 248 3,072 3,072 (2,824) 2,295 (529) 14,147 (529) 13,618 |
Total funds 2023 £ 113,140 3,082 32,159 2,650 151,031 286,404 286,404 (135,373) - (135,373) 695,576 (135,373) 560,203 |
Total funds 2022 £ 466,743 2,761 31,405 397 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 501,306 | ||||
| 262,624 | ||||
| 262,624 | ||||
| 238,682 - |
||||
| 238,682 | ||||
| 456,894 238,682 |
||||
| 695,576 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 4 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 13 Unrestricted funds 13 Total funds |
10,837 148,274 159,111 (4,328) |
2023 £ 405,420 405,420 154,783 560,203 560,203 560,203 13,618 546,585 560,203 |
17,314 276,453 293,767 (7,298) |
2022 £ 409,107 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 409,107 286,469 |
||||
| 695,576 | ||||
| 695,576 | ||||
| 695,576 | ||||
| 14,147 681,429 |
||||
| 695,576 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Rev'd David Neno (Chair of Trustees) Date: 17 March 2024
The notes on pages 4 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. General information
St Peter's Church is an Anglican parish church based in Ealing located at Mount Park Road, North Ealing, London W5 2RU. A description of the nature of the charity's operations and its principal activites can be found in the Annual Report of the PCC.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
St Peter's Church, Ealing meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.4 Government grants
Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of financial activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.
2.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by section 10(2)(c) of the Charities Act 2011.
Moveable church furnishings held by the Vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted for as inalienable property unless consecrated. For such alienable property there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements.
All expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or benefice buildings or on repair or replacement of church furnishings is expensed within the Statement of Financial Activities
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
No depreciation is being charged on the land and buildings as it is considered immaterial in the context of the financial statements.
Depreciation on specific categories of fixed assets is being charged on a straight-line basis over the number of years shown below:
Audio visual equipment - 4 years
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.7 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
2.10 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3. Income from donations, grants and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Stewardship income, collections and gift aid recoverable 113,140 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ Stewardship income, collections and gift aid recoverable 109,747 Legacies 317,503 Listed places of Worship grant and grants for Lady Chapel 13,777 Other grants 2,179 443,206 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - Restricted funds 2022 £ 3,311 - 20,226 - 23,537 |
Total funds 2023 £ 113,140 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 113,058 317,503 34,003 2,179 |
||
| 466,743 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Income from events 2,834 Fee income - 2,834 Income from events Fee income |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - 248 248 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 480 2,281 2,761 |
Total funds 2023 £ 2,834 248 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,082 | ||
| Total funds 2022 £ 480 2,281 |
||
| 2,761 |
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
5. Income from use of church buildings
Income from fundraising events
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ St Peter's Hall rental income 31,019 Church building income 1,140 32,159 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ St Peter's Hall rental income 29,435 Church building income 1,970 31,405 |
Total funds 2023 £ 31,019 1,140 |
|---|---|
| 32,159 | |
| Total funds 2022 £ 29,435 1,970 |
|
| 31,405 |
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Church Activities 283,332 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ Church Activities 211,046 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 3,072 Restricted funds 2022 £ 51,578 |
Total 2023 £ 286,404 |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2022 £ 262,624 |
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Church Activities Church Activities |
Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ 265,473 Activities undertaken directly 2022 £ 241,306 |
Support costs 2023 £ 20,931 Support costs 2022 £ 21,318 |
Total funds 2023 £ 286,404 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2022 £ 262,624 |
Analysis of direct costs
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs (continued)
| Diocesan quota Clergy expenses Outreach/Mission Worship expenses Music expenditure Junior church Events expenditure Traidcraft expenditure St. Peter's Hall expenditure & utility costs Vicarage costs Church repairs & maintenance Restricted expenditure from Lady Chapel fund Organ refurbishment costs LDF fees Depreciation |
Total funds 2023 £ 87,780 6,546 1,617 2,838 9,649 - 4,147 - 34,265 566 19,953 - 91,353 3,072 3,687 265,473 |
Total funds 2022 £ 85,500 2,949 1,246 1,541 9,635 297 1,257 192 33,613 - 9,190 51,405 41,488 173 2,820 |
|---|---|---|
| 241,306 |
Analysis of support costs
| Staff costs Sundry expenses Parish office stationery Parish office telephone Bank charges Computer costs Governance costs |
Total funds 2023 £ 12,157 1,014 2,903 1,543 220 - 3,094 20,931 |
Total funds 2022 £ 12,168 727 4,067 1,389 182 288 2,497 |
|---|---|---|
| 21,318 |
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
8. Staff costs
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 12,157 | 12,168 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|
| No. | No. |
| - | 1 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
The key management personnel of the church consists of the incumbent, who is not paid directly by the church and the PCC members (trustees). None of these individuals are employees of the church.
9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 December 2023, expenses totalling £5,439 were reimbursed to 2 Trustees (2022 - £2,949 to 2 Trustees).
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
10. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2023 At 31 December 2023 Depreciation At 1 January 2023 Charge for the year At 31 December 2023 Net book value At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022 11. Debtors Due within one year Prepayments Tax recoverable 12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
Freehold property £ 400,000 400,000 - - - 400,000 400,000 |
Computer and AV equipment £ 14,747 14,747 5,640 3,687 9,327 5,420 9,107 2023 £ 2,986 7,851 10,837 2023 £ 4,328 |
Total £ 414,747 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 414,747 | ||||
| 5,640 3,687 |
||||
| 9,327 | ||||
| 405,420 | ||||
| 409,107 | ||||
| 2022 £ - 17,314 17,314 2022 £ 7,298 |
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
13. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Church Hall AV Equipment Operating Reserves Provision Organ Fund General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Lady Chapel Fund Funeral fees Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 400,000 5,640 50,000 1,000 456,640 224,789 681,429 13,618 529 14,147 695,576 |
Income £ - - - 2,834 2,834 147,949 150,783 - 248 248 151,031 |
Expenditure £ - (2,820) - (3,834) (6,654) (276,678) (283,332) - (3,072) (3,072) (286,404) |
Transfers in/out £ - - - - - (2,295) (2,295) - 2,295 2,295 - |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 400,000 2,820 50,000 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 452,820 | |||||
| 93,765 | |||||
| 546,585 | |||||
| 13,618 - |
|||||
| 13,618 | |||||
| 560,203 |
The unrestricted funds of the church were boosted during 2022 by the receipt of two significant legacies. The PCC have applied some of these funds in 2022 and 2023 towards refurbishing the Organ and have set up a Designated fund to provide an Operating Reserve to be called upon as may be required in the future.
The Lady Chapel fund was setup to raise funds to enable expenditure to be incurred to restore and conserve the Lady Chapel. After being on hold due to the pandemic, work began during the summer of 2022. The balance remaining on this fund at 31 December 2023 will be applied to fund future work to the fabric of the church.
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
13. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Church Hall AV Equipment Operating Reserves Provision Organ Fund General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Lady Chapel Fund Funeral fees Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2022 £ 400,000 8,460 - - 408,460 6,246 414,706 41,486 702 42,188 456,894 |
Income £ - - - 1,000 1,000 476,769 477,769 23,537 - 23,537 501,306 |
Expenditure £ - (2,820) - - (2,820) (208,226) (211,046) (51,405) (173) (51,578) (262,624) |
Transfers in/out £ - - 50,000 - 50,000 (50,000) - - - - - |
Balance at 31 December 2022 £ 400,000 5,640 50,000 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 456,640 | |||||
| 224,789 | |||||
| 681,429 | |||||
| 13,618 529 |
|||||
| 14,147 | |||||
| 695,576 |
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
14. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| Designated funds General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 456,640 224,789 14,147 695,576 Balance at 1 January 2022 £ 408,460 6,246 42,188 456,894 |
Income £ 2,834 147,949 248 151,031 Income £ 1,000 476,769 23,537 501,306 |
Expenditure £ (6,654) (276,678) (3,072) (286,404) Expenditure £ (2,820) (208,226) (51,578) (262,624) |
Transfers in/out £ - (2,295) 2,295 - Transfers in/out £ 50,000 (50,000) - - |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 452,820 93,765 13,618 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 560,203 | |||||
| Balance at 31 December 2022 £ 456,640 224,789 14,147 |
|||||
| Summary of funds - prior year | |||||
| Designated funds General funds Restricted funds |
|||||
| 695,576 |
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ST PETER'S CHURCH, EALING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Tangible fixed assets 405,420 Current assets 145,493 Creditors due within one year (4,328) Total 546,585 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - 13,618 - 13,618 |
Total funds 2023 £ 405,420 159,111 (4,328) 560,203 |
|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 409,107 279,620 (7,298) 681,429 |
Restricted funds 2022 £ - 14,147 - 14,147 |
Total funds 2022 £ 409,107 293,767 (7,298) 695,576 |
|---|---|---|---|
16. Related party transactions
The aggregate donations given by PCC members in the year amounted to £25,410 (2022 - £28,080).
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