St George’s, Gravesend
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
ST GEORGE’S, GRAVESEND PCC
For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024
Incumbent:
The Revd Jim Fletcher
of 54 The Avenue, Gravesend, DA11 0LX
Honorary Treasurer: Gerald Payne
Independent Examiner:
Martyn Burt
Bankers
HSBC - 84 New Rd, Gravesend DA11 0AS
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- ANNUAL REPORT 2024 2025
Background
St. George's Parochial Church Council (PCC) has had the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, Revd Jim Fletcher and the Church Wardens, 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 complex of St George, Gravesend.
The PCC has complied with the duty to have due regard to the House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and a safeguarding update is provided to PCC at each meeting. The PCC has also had regard to the Charity Commission public benefit guidance, where relevant.
Administrative Information
The St George’s Parochial Church Council is part of the Diocese of Rochester within the Church of England. The correspondence address is: 54 The Avenue, Gravesend, DA11 0LX.
The PCC is a registered charity with the Charity Commission under registration number 1132757.
Structure, Governance and Management
The function and purpose of the PCC is outlined in the Parochial Church Council (Powers) Measure 1956
Membership
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Up to two co-opted members may also be appointed to serve on the PCC for a year at a time. There is also provision for an ex officio post of Reader Representative. Treasurer and PCC Secretary are ex officio posts.
During the year, the following have served as members of the PCC.
Ex Officio:
Incumbent Revd Jim Fletcher Chairman Curate Fr Mark Edwards (till May 2024)
Children and Families worker Emma Oliver
Wardens Neil Fisher Denise Birch Deanery Synod Jean Ault 2023 - 2026 Neege Allen 2023 - 2026 Treasurer Gerald Payne
PCC Secretary Vacant (Paulette Helissey co-opted as temporary secretary)
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| Elected: | Colin Nice | Co-opted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eunice Gooding | 2023 – 2026 | ||
| Darren Shilling | 2021 – 2024 | ||
| Frederick Palmer | 2023 – 2026 | ||
| Angela Driscoll-Hicks | 2023 – 2026 | ||
| Harry Ofori | (resigned Feb 2024) | 2023 – 2026 | |
| Simon Clark | 2024 – 2026 | ||
| Karrenah Bergin | 2024 – 2026 | ||
| Paul Relf | 2024 – 2025 | ||
| Melvin Carlton | Hanciles | 2024 – 2027 | |
| Esther Jacquet | 2024 – 2027 | ||
| Denise Excell | 2024 – 2027 | ||
| Ann Lantsbury | 2024 – 2027 |
Committees
The PCC operates through a number of committees that meet between full meetings of the PCC.
Ministry Team:
Meets to discuss services, liturgy, courses, pastoral issues and to pray.
Finance and Standing Committee:
The Standing Committee is the only committee required by law and the only group that needs to be composed exclusively of PCC members. It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council. Our PCC have also delegated the overview of the finance function to this group to create a combined Finance and Standing Committee. This group also makes recommendations to the PCC on matters of finance, buildings and employees of the church. And effective stewardship of Church funds and addressing projected financial shortfalls.
Fundraising and Events Committee:
Seeks to encourage fellowship in the life of our church and to organise events to which we can invite family and friends.
Buildings Committee:
Concerned with the upkeep and maintenance of the Church, Hall and gardens.
Mission and Outreach Committee:
Seeks to improve links with partners and mission and recommends to the PCC how the away giving should be allocated for the year.
Development Committee:
Acting as a link between the church and interested parties in the proposed re-development of the town centre.
Eco Committee:
Helping the Church and wider community understand more about the care needed for God’s world and to engage with becoming an Eco Church.
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Church Attendance
St George’s Electoral Roll numbers are 108 people. And the average weekly attendance at Church was 67 adults and 14 children.
Review of the Year
It has been another busy year in the life of St George’s especially as sadly our staff team has decreased. Fr Mark Edwards moved in May and has begun his first incumbency in St Albans’ Diocese. A group of us travelled to Harlington for Fr Mark’s licensing service. Lay ministers Don Hicks and Guy Morfett have both moved and left the area. We all wish Mark, Don and Guy well. Emma Oliver will be on maternity leave for the majority of 2025, so we hold her, Jack and James in our prayers as they await their new arrival. However, lots has still happened and I am sure we can rise to the challenge of attracting more Lay leaders. Our regular groups of ‘Noah’s Ark’, ‘Cool Tots’, ‘Who Let the Dad’s Out’, ‘Places of Welcome’, Youth Group and our ‘Eco Group’ have continued to be stable and are a great resource to the community. ‘Places of Welcome’ has a regular group of people attend and a dedicated team of helpers. Thank you to Emma and her teams for all they do. Emma and her team of helpers were able to run an excellent Holiday Club for children during August. Special mention to Andy Hicks and the Youth Group team who are now getting 20+ children at the twice monthly sessions. It’s been wonderful we can offer this regularly and has created a greater connection with the children and our family services. The ‘Eco Group’ have connected with our congregation to increase awareness of environmental issues and how we can all do more to look after God’s creation. We had a Prayer Day in Church during September with special Eco prayer stations. We are still working on trying to gain the Bronze Eco award. A big thank you to Sarah Cadwallader and the team for this.
Our children and families have a dedicated following on two Sunday’s a month in the Hall, and we join together twice a month in Church. Emma and Rev Jim are very involved with local schools work especially offering Family Services and Messy Church to Holy Trinity School. More schools regularly visit the Church too. And Emma also has good links with Waterside. Bronte school use the Church for their Christingle and Spring Recital.
Revd Jim (on the Churches Together Exec) helped organise four joint events around the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Good Friday Walk of Witness, the Summer Party in the Park and the Christmas Treasure Hunt. Monthly Churches Together Prayer meetings happen too and Churches Together hosted a Hustings for local candidates as the nation voted in the General Election. Gravesham now has a Labour MP.
Special events at St George’s this year included our Patronal Festival, Kay’s Garden Quiz, APCM and Churchwarden’s Visitation, special services for Ascension, Pentecost, Pocahontas’ anniversary and Summer Rectory gathering. The Summer and Christmas Fayres were successful and also a great outreach as well as raising valuable funds for the Church. We had a successful confirmation course and many from St George’s were confirmed at a service held in the deanery. Emma led a fun-filled ‘Light Party’ for children and families. Melvin Carlton Hanciles completed the ‘Hearing and Speaking God’s Word’ course gaining his certificates and preaching for the first time at an Evening service. We still have a couple of Housegroups and Lent/Advent courses are well attended.
We also held a three-week ‘Living in Love and Faith course’ to provide more discussion around the Church of England’s decision to allow same-sex blessings. Earlier in the year, the PCC had voted in favour for St George’s to host these.
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In November we had our annual ‘Departed Loved Ones’ service and continued the link formed with Stephen Gay Funeral Directors with organising the service together. Christmas is always busy at St George’s with the number of schools and choral groups using the Church and is a fantastic way to build links with the community. One new group this year was hosting Ellenor Hospice with a Carol service.
We also continued our fundraising tours thanks to the help of Christoph Bull. The summer one in particular was well attended and included a meal at the ‘3 Daws’.
We continue to support Christian Aid (successful Psalmathon and Carol singing fundraisers occurred this year) the local Foodbank for those who are in need and have good links with ‘Sanctuary’ homeless shelter. We have also been able to reinstate some monies to support local charities. However, we continue to feel the effects financially from the Covid-years, although it has been pleasing to see the Hall being well used and hired out to many community groups.
A big thank you to our Churchwardens and to Neil Fisher for his work as Hall Manager. The plans to receive a new Church Hall are still ‘up in the air’, and very little news has been shared from the Council about this during the year. As the Civic Church in Gravesend, we have good links with our councillors (and host the Civic Service and School’s Carol service each year) and it will be interesting to see if plans for the Civic Centre to move nearer the Church will materialise.
We do all we can to link in with the Diocesan Vision and support the life of Rochester Diocese, who also very much support us. Much of this support occurs through Deanery Synod and Clergy Chapter meetings. A big thank you to our Area Dean, Revd Nigel Bourne (Vicar of Chalk) who provides great support.
There are so many ‘thank you’s’ that could be mentioned here but we are restricted. However, a big thank you to Martin and Chris Beech. Martin (and choir) for the music life of our Church and Chris who provides much needed admin support. Careful and efficient stewardship of finances has again been characteristic of decision-making in the PCC, and issues of finance and fundraising have been discussed at all meetings. Thanks to Gerald Payne and Colin Nice for their expertise in this field. Thank you also to Pat Broad and Alison Webzell with doing such an efficient job with Safeguarding procedures especially as this year has been a very difficult one for safeguarding issues in the national Church (resulting in the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury). And a big thank you to the Ministry Team and PCC who help make the important decisions within the Church and have had ongoing discussions about ‘vision and strategy’ for these next few years at St George’s. An Away Day is planned for later in 2025 to further many of these issues.
All in all, a very active, prayerful and successful year. Please do pray for more people to join our team of lay leaders who can help with Church services.
Finance Report For Year Ended 31[st] Dec 2024
General
The church finances have remained virtually static during 2024 with a surplus of income over expenditure of just £130. This is an improvement on the original budget, which was for a deficit of approx. £4.4K.
Gross Funds
Our gross funds (including the value of our property) have increased by just £727, to £860,867 (from £860,141 in 2023). We were pleased to be able to increase our Diocesan Offer from the 2023 figure of £55.1K to £59K, within the requested range by the diocese. (The Diocesan Offer includes, for example, the cost of stipend and on-costs of our rector, many of the rectory costs, curate training, and diocesan support costs).
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Income
The overall income was £140.7K (£142.1K in 2023). General giving (including card machine giving) fell by £600 from 2023 with approx. 80% of voluntary giving being made by standing order. Use of the card machine is steadily increasing, but this does not enable us to collect all of the gift aid on this giving. Indeed, Gift Aid overall fell by £1,000. The money generated by groups wishing to use our church building for concerts, talks, etc, doubled from £2.9K to £5.9K and is a very useful incomes stream.
A record-breaking Christmas Fair generated £2.6K and the summer fair generated a record £1.2K.
The annual church Gift Day, again to cover the costs of employing our Children and Families Worker, raised £25.2K compared to the 2023 total of £27.4K.
Expenditure
Expenditure for the year totalled £140.5K (£131.3K). The increase was largely due to our Children & Family worker completing her maternity leave in mid 2023. Virtually all budget areas were reasonably in line with the budget figures. An unbudgeted for battery operated cleaning machine for the hall floor was purchased to aid and simplify those volunteer congregation members who carry out this essential task. While expensive at £2.5K, it has proved to be invaluable.
Investments
Following the rise of £1.9K in the value of our investments 2023, their value rose again in 2024 by £2.5K to £25.1K
Church Hall
Hall revenue increased slightly during the year to £14.7K (£14.3K). Running costs were £12.6K (£11.3K) resulting in an overall profit of £1.7K. The running costs included the aforementioned £2.5K floor cleaner cost.
There has been no word from the developers regarding the town centre redevelopment plan around the church, and a new church hall is part of that plan. This is phase 2 of the town centre redevelopment and now that work on Phase 1 has restarted at full speed on an adjacent site, we are hopeful that there will be positive news within the coming months. Because of the prospect of a new hall only essential maintenance work has been carried out and this has included some roof repairs.
Curate’s House, 105 Wrotham Road
A quinquennial inspection was due in 2024 but has not taken place. Our letting agents however, have inspected the property recently, and reported that our long-term tenants are maintaining it in good condition. During the course of the year, a new sitting room carpet and a new cloakroom basin were fitted. Significant repairs to the boiler were also necessary. The property was valued at £350K in December, unchanged from the 2023 value. The church owns an 80.72% share of the property, resulting in a value to the church of £282,520.
PCC
One week prior to each of the six PCC meetings during the year, the year-to-date accounts are sent to each PCC member in order to allow sufficient time for them to be read and to enable points for clarification to be identified for raising at the subsequent PCC meeting.
During 2024 voluntary giving by PCC members totalled £15,939.
Financial Viability
At the end of 2024 the ‘cash at bank and in hand’ totalled £86,987. This total is in excess of the minimum
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desired threshold in our reserves policy (below) in which, if possible, sufficient money to cover at least three months’ unrestricted payments should be held.
Reserves Policy
It is PCC policy to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds (if possible), holding at least three months’ unrestricted payments, to cover emergency situations.
Future Plans and Concerns:
Future plans and concerns will be shared at our APCM on May 11th. The PCC and Ministry Team will review how our current Vision and Action plan is developing, and whether any major changes need to occur (an Away Day is planned for November 2025). We have ongoing questions/challenges with more resources (finance and volunteers) needed and looking at areas where we are vulnerable. We will particularly need to discuss this with how we continue to fund and support our children and families/youth work.
Due to lay ministers and curate moving, and Emma Oliver on maternity leave we have big concerns with the small number of people who can lead services (only Revd Jim and Lynda Sawell). How can we resolve this? With a lack of staff presently it is difficult to begin any new ideas/plans.
Awaiting news on how to get a grant for creating a servery in the side chapel which would improve facilities for Church and community groups using the Church.
The longer-term vision of how the potential town centre regeneration will affect us, and plans to get a new hall.
Risk Management:
Risk assessments and inventories of fixtures, fittings, property and belongings have been completed at the Church and Hall. The Safeguarding Policy is in operation, implemented by our Safeguarding representative and monitored by the PCC.
Quinquennial repair work continues under the management of the PCC’s Buildings Committee in order to ensure the safety of the buildings and maintain these in good order.
……………………………………… Approved by the PCC on 17[th] March 2025 and signed on its behalf by the Revd Jim Fletcher (Rector)
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 TOTAL Unrestricted Restricted Endowment FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Notes Incomlng and endowments Voluntary income Activities for generating funds Income from investments Church aCtivitS Other income 2a 2b 93,332 27,428 14,812 4,548 230 93,562 27,428 15,125 4,548 95,700 25,452 15,029 5,911 313 2d 140,120 543 140,663 142,092 Expenditure Church activities Raising funds Totsl resources expended 3a 3b 137,094 3.355 140,450 84 137,178 3,355 140,533 126,033 5,279 131,312 84 Net incomlngl{outgolng} resourcos Transfers be.een funds lin) Transfers beeen funds lout) (330) 9,316 (9,316) 459 130 9,316 19,316) 10,781 6,689 16,689) Net incomlngl(outgoing) resources Gain(lOsSes) on revaluation of fixed assets Gain{loSses} on investment assets Other recognised gainsllosses Net movement In fund8 (3301 459 226 130 597 10,781 371 1,910 {330) 685 371 726 12,691 Total funds brought foward at 1 January 2024 828,857 16,667 14,617 860,140 847,449 Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2024 828,528 17,351 14,988 860,867 860,140 P3ae 1
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 740,520 740,520 Investments 25,078 24,481 Total flxed assets 765,598 765,001 Debtors Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand 11,203 86,987 1,078 95,807 96,884 98,190 Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 2,921 1,745 Net current assets 95,269 95,139 Total assets less current Ilablllties 860,867 860,140 Creditors.. amounts falling due after one year NET ASSETS 860,867 860,140 Funds Endowment funds 10 14,988 14,617 Restrlcted funds 10 17,351 16,859 Designated Funds 10 797,259 799,215 Unrestricted funds 10 31,269 29,449 860,867 860,140 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 11th May 2024 and signed on its behalf The Revd Jim Fletcher Chairman Gerald Payne Treasurer The accompanying notes form a part of these financial statements. Paae 2
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 1. Accounting policles a . Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP12005). 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 which are informal b Funds Funds held by the PCC are.. Unrestricted funds - general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes Designated funds monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects. Restricted funds - al income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest,. b} donations or grants received for 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 the year is ' carried forward as a balance on that fund. Endowment funds - funds the capital of which must be maintained,. only income arising from the investment of the endowment may be used. either as restricted or unrestricted funds, depending on the purpose set out in the terms of the original endowment c Incoming resources All incoming resources are accounted for gross. Voluntary income Collections are recognised when received. Planned giving receivable is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies are recognised when the PCC is legally entitled to the amount due. Income from investments Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue. All oth8r income All other income is recognised when it is receivable. Gains and losses on investments Realised gains are recognised when the investments are sold. Unrealised gains and losses are accounted for on revaluation on 31 December. Paue 3
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 d Resources used Resour$ expended are accounted for on an accruals basis and are accounted for gross. Grants Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Church Actlvltles .The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for when paid. Any parish contribution unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet. e Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.10<2) of the Charities Act 2011. Movable church furnishing held by the Rector and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's inventory which can be inspected. For inalienable property acquired prior to 1 January 2006 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Individual items acquired since 1 January 2006 have been capitalised in the accounts and depreciated over their useful economic life {see below) All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings and individual items costing under £1000 are written off in the year they were incurred. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are.. Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment 25 /0 Straight line 250/0 Straight line No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC'S policy to maintain these assets in continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would nol be material. These assets will be subject to annual impairment reviews. Provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value. Investments Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. Current Assets Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown a debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible. Short-term deposits include cach held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank. Paqe 4
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2 Incoming resources TOTAL Unrestricted Restricted Endowment FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Voluntary income Planned giving gift aid Other planned giving Collections Donations and appeals Gift Aid - income tax recoverable Grants Legacies 53,048 3,511 6,779 12,244 14,811 2,423 516 93,332 180 53,228 3,511 6,779 12,244 14,861 2,423 516 93,562 54,445 3,405 6,626 13,086 15,812 2,325 50 230 95,700 b Activities for generating funds Church hall lettings to non church organisations Fetes, bazaars and other fund-raising events Magazine advertising Use of photocopier 20,534 6,844 50 20,534 6,844 50 17,271 8,064 116 27,428 27,428 25,452 c Investment income Rental of investment propety Divideryds and interest 11,947 2,866 14,812 11,947 3,179 15,125 12,418 2,611 15,029 313 313 d Income from Church Activities Chaplaincy l Baptisms Fees from weddings, funerals etc Church Settings to church organisations Bookstall, magazine sales - linked to church 4,548 4,548 5,911 4,548 4,548 5,911 e Other incoming resources Insurance claims Total incoming resources 140,120 543 140,663 142,092
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 3 Resources expended TOTAL Unrestricted Restricted Endowment FUNDS Funds Funds Funds 2024 TOTAL FUNDS 2023 Church Activities Missionary and charitable giving.. Overseas.. Home.. 905 75 846 846 Ministry costs.. Di0san Parish Contribution Working expenses Rectory expenses Assistant Staff Church running expenses Church maintenance Upkeep of services Upkeep of churchyard Parish magazine Training costs Church hall running costs Salary costs Development of new hall Administration (incl IE fee) Depreciation Propety costs 59,000 2,434 5,123 28,760 14,000 1,675 2,768 327 59,000 2,434 5,123 28,760 14,000 1.675 2,768 327 55,147 2,803 5,133 21,890 14,349 2,409 1,704 472 335 588 11,990 6,152 380 12,845 6,947 380 12,928 6,947 1,989 1,989 2,081 137,094 84 137,178 126,033 b Raising Funds 105 Wrotham Road running costs 105 Wrotham Road management fees Stewardship costs Fund raising costs 1,682 1,643 1,682 1,643 3,172 1,952 30 3,355 30 3,355 154 5,279 Total resources expended 140,450 84 140,533 131,312 Paqe 6
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4 Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 34,267 27,073 During the year the PCC employed a full tirne Children & Family Worker {CFW) (£27,400), a part-time organist (£3,959) and an administrator (£2,908). PAYE deductions were managed by an external company. Our CFW salary rose from £27,037 to £28,119 in Sepi. b Payments to PCC membe 'No payments were made to any PCC member, persons connected to them or related parties. The total 2024 donations made to the PCC by PCC members and related parties, inc Gift Aid was £16,189 (£15,939 in 2023) 5 Tangible fixed assets Freehold land Church Hall and buildings equipment Boiler TOTAL Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluation At 31 December 2024 740,520 740.520 74 ,520 Depreciatlon At 1 January 2024 Provided in the year Disposals Revaluation At 31 December 2024 Net book amounts At 31 December 2024 740,520 740,S20 At 31 December 2023 740,520 740,520 The freehold land and buildings comprise the curate's house at 105 Wrotham Road, Gravesend, and the Church Hall. 105 Wrotham Road has been valued for the PCC at £350,000131 December 2023 £350.000). The PCC owns 80.72 % of this property with 19.28'/0 owned by the Diocese. The declaration of trust in relation lo this propety between the PCC and the Diocese allows for Ihe PCC'S share of the net proceeds arising on sale of Ihe property to be applied to the general income of the PCC. The asset is therefore shown as unrestricted. The church hall is difficult to value as a resull of the Thameside redevelopment and therefore for the purposes of these accounts the Insuran value of £458,000 has been used al bolh the beginning and end of the accounting period. 6 Inveslrnents Units Valuation (p) At 1 January 2024 Disposals at carrying value Purd)ases al cost Net gains and revaluation At 31 December 2024 22,571 2,507 25,078 The following investments are held: Units Valuation Value CBF COE Fixed Interest Short Duration Bond CBF COE Investmenl Fund COIF Charities Inveslment Fund 3.709 436 466 149.12 2.312.27 2.029.33 5,531 10,090 9,457 25,078 All the investments are held in restricted or endowment funds as analysed in Note 10. Paoe 7
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GAAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 7 Debtors 2024 2023 Income tax recoverable Prepayments and accrued income other debtors 7,903 78 1,000 1,078 3,300 11,203 8 Creditors: amounts falling due in one year 2024 2023 Accruals for utilities and other costs Diocese share of rentsl income Other creditors 1,698 1,223 2,921 1,745 1,745 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 2024 2023 Analysis of Net assets by fund Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 9a Fixed assets for church use Investment fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Long term liabilities 740,520 740,520 25,078 98,190 (2,921) 740,520 24,481 96,884 (1,745) 10,090 7,281 (201 14,988 90,909 (2,901) 828,528 17,351 14,988 860,867 860,140 Analysis of Net assets by fund- previous year 2023 U nrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Funds Total F unds Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 9b Fixed assets for church use Investment fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Long term liabilities 740,520 740,520 24,481 96,884 (1,745) 740,520 22,571 85,393 {1,035) 9,865 6,293 14,617 90.592 {1,745) 829,367 16,157 14,617 860,140 847,449 Paqe 8
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE. GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontinued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 10 Statement of funds Transfers, other gains At Expenditure and losses 31 Dec 2024 At 1 Jan 2024 Income Unrestricted Funds - undesignated 29,642 113,854 {112,002) (226) 31,269 Unrestricted Funds - designated Church Repair Fund Church Hall Repair Fund ChurGh Hall Fixed Asset Bellringing 105 Wrotham Road Repair Fund 105 Wrotham Road Fixed Asset Children's Worker 25,459 15,970 458,000 274 1,034 282,520 15,958 799,215 930 526 2,155 (2,481) 28,544 14,015 458,000 274 1,631 282,520 12,274 797,259 46 552 24,764 26,266 28,448 28,448 Restricted Funds Charities Account Barbara Tyman Memorial Income Gravgeo Ascot (COIF) Pathfinders Tower Restoration Fund Who Let The Dads Out 2,677 312 2,989 9,865 899 1,905 1,321 16,667 226 10,090 899 1,906 1,467 17.351 230 543 84) 84 226 Endowment Funds C H Bowen Legacy (C of E SDBF) J Russell for poor (COIFI Legacies (C of E SDBF} Miss Mabel McLaren (C of E SDBF) St James School Fund (C of E SDBFI 688 9,248 1,183 2,315 1,184 14,617 21 209 36 70 36 371 708 9,457 1,218 2,384 1.220 14,988 Total funds 860,140 140,663 {140,533 371 860,867 The Church Repair Fund, Church Hall Repair Fund, 105 Wrotham Road Repair Fund are deposit accounts held with Rochester Diocese Board of Finance and have been designated by the PCC for the repair of the respective buildings. Page 9
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 10 Statement of funds (continued) The restricted funds comprise: The Gravgeo Ascot Fund which is restricted for use towards the house at 105 Wrotham Road. The Fund was invested in 380 units in the CBF COE Investment Fund but proceeds from the Doris Law fund have been added to the holding The Charities Account which is restricted to charitable giving. The account is funded from the interest on the J Russell for poor fund. The Church Tower Restoration fund which was commenced in 2008 to raise funds for the restoration of the church tower. "Who Let The Dads Out, is a holding account for an activity group for children and their fatherslmale carers The endowment funds comprise: The C H Bowen legacy fund which is invested in 475 units in the CBF COE Fixed Income Securities Fund. Income is used for general purposes. The Miss Mabel McLaren fund whictt is invested in 1599 units in the CBF COE Fixed Income Securities Fund. Income is used for general purposes. The St James School fund which is invested in 818 units in the CBF COE Fixed Income Securities Fund. Income is used for general purposes. The Legacies fund which is invested in 817 units in the CBF COE Fixed Income Securities Fund. Income is used for general purposes. The J Russell for poor fund which is invested in 466 units in the COIF Charities Investment Fund. Income is restricted to charitable giving. The Pathfinders Fund is a holding account for the church youth club into which weekly subs are paid and from the proceeds new equipment is purchased. This club is not currently active. The Unrestricted Funds comprise: The Bellringing Fund, established to support the cost of repairs to the bells, ropes and ancillary equipment The Church Repair Fund, used to support the cost of repairs to the church The Hall Repair Fund, used to support the cost of repairs to the hall The 105WR Repair Fund, used to support the cost of repairs to the curate's house, 105, Wrotham Road The Staff Fund, used to hold monies raised in supporl of our Children and Families Worker and the salary costs Paae 1
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST GEORGE, GRAVESEND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 10b Statement of funds - Previous Year 2023 Transfers, other gains At Expenditure and losses 31 Dec 2023 At 01-Jan-23 Income Unrestricted Funds - undesignated 28,178 115,524 (110,190) {3,871) 29,642 Unrestricted Funds - designated Church Repair Fund Church Hall Repair Fund Church Hall Fixed Asset Bellringing 105 Wrotham Road Repair Fund 105 Wrotham Road Fixed Asset Children's Worker 21,582 14,512 458,000 174 1,340 282,520 12,148 790,275 677 440 3,200 1,019 25,459 15,970 458,000 274 1,034 282,520 15,958 799,215 100 42 348 24,716 25,975 20,905 20,905 Restricted Funds Charities Account Gravgeo Ascot Pathfinders Tower Restoration Fund Who Let The Dads Out 2,384 9,016 899 1,905 1,238 15,441 293 2.677 9,865 899 1,905 1,321 16,666 848 300 594 217 217 848 Endowment Funds C H Bowen Legacy J Russell for poor Legacies Miss Mabel McLaren St James School Fund 651 8,470 1,120 2,192 1,121 13,555 36 778 63 122 63 1,062 688 9,248 1,183 2,315 1,184 14,617 Total funds 847,449 142.092 131,312 1,960 860,140 Page11
adventus accounting solutions Supporting Charitable Organisations
11 February 2025
Independent Examiner’s report to the Member/Trustees of Gravesend St George PCC
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on the pages following.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner
The church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
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Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
adventusaccounting@btinternet.com 07523 622979 www.adventusaccounting.wixsite.com/website
Independent Examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been
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met; or
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Yours sincerely
Martyn Burt
B.Sc.(Hons), ACMA, CGMA
adventus accounting solutions Ashby Acres Chapel Lane Ashby-cum-Fenby Grimsby DN37 0QT
e-mail: martyn.burt@btinternet.com or adventusaccounting@btinternet.com
Telephone: 07523 6229679
adventusaccounting@btinternet.com 07523 622979 www.adventusaccounting.wixsite.com/website ~~PT~~