gENicholas
Chiswiclc Parish Church
Ecclesiastical Parish of St Nicholas with
St Mary Magdalene, Chiswick
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended
31 December 2024
Charity Number: 1132838

gvNicholas
Chiswiclc Parish Church
INDEX
Page 3
Vicar's Letter
Page 4
Reports on the Diocese and St Nicholas Activities
Page 14
Report of the Parochial Church Council
Page 17
Independent Examiner's Report
Page 18
Statement of Financial Activities
Page 19
Balance Sheet
Page 20
Notes to the Financial Statements

A Treasure by the Thame5, Transforming lives"
Aiming to become Confident Disciples
Creating a Compassionate Community and
Growing Creatively
Dear Friends
th
It is amazing to think that this is my 18 vicar's introduction letter to the annual parish report to the APCM. This will
also be my last: I will have retired as vicar before the next APCM in 2026.
I hardly know where the last nearly 18 years have gone. What I do know is that we have achieved much and we have
endured much as a nation, parish, and world since my induction as your vicar in September 2007. Change is never
easy; it is always necessary. Change is like the air we breathe-it can knock us over, but it is vitally necessary for our
continued life and survival. I will be taking slightly early retirement from parochial life because I believe in change, and
l am no longer convinced that l am the right person to deliver continued cha nge in the parish. You need a f resh vision,
a fresh voice, and, most importantly, more energy than realistically I feel able to deliver in other words, a younger
per50n. I will be praying hard for you all in the coming months as you begin the process of deciding what kind of priest
you want-you need-to replace me. You will not be on your own.. the diocese and our patrons the Dean and Chapter
of St Paul's Cathedral will help; however, this is your appointment, and you decide. You will need wisdom, courage,
determi nation, and a clear vision.
l am SLtre there will be opportunity to reflect on my ministry these past 18 year5 at a later date. As it is, this report
considersthe work and witness of the parish overthe last 12 months. As always,13m amazed at how active this parish
Is, considering our numbers and our place in Old Chiswick. Above all, l am imrnensely gratef ul to all of you who give so
willingly of your time and talents. You arè the salt here at St Nicholas, and you make the difference.
My special thanks to Hayley Shah in the parish office.. Quite frankly l am not sure what I, or we, as the parish would do
without her. As the poster in the parish office asks, "Do you wish to speok to the person in charge? Or the person who
knows what going onP" I'll just leave that one with you...
Also to Susan Welsh and Chris Lucy, our Churchwardens, who as always put in more hours of work than you will ever
know about and who are a constant support. This year we say farewell to Susan and thank herfor everything she has
done for the parish as churchwarden. So much of her work and contribution to this goes unseen and under the radar.
We are so grateful for her skill and her support. Your new wardens will need to be supported by your prayer, most
importantly your active support when the interregnum arrives. Please do not assume somebody else will get on with
the work.. your wardens and PCC need you!
Our thanks to Catherine Taylor, the treasurer, who with Hayley manage5 our accounts and funds. They are simply
superb at theirjob, and we know to the penny how much money we have in our accounts at any one time. You might
think th is is an obvious and easy task I can assure you it is neither. Also to Lu Brown, who is our Gift Aid officer and
does a superb job claiminE Gift Aid on our behalf.
To our PCC members, including Richard Jones, our Safeguarding Officer. To Laura-jane Wareing and all the leaders of
Children'5 Church. To Heather Johnson i n the sacristy and leading our Sunday concert series, Anne McBride leading
the lunch club. To Juliet Medforth and the flower team-this year Juliet steps down leading the team, but thankfully
Is continuing as an arranger. To David Cresswell, our Director of Music, our choral scholars and volunteer singers, who
make such a contribution to the worshippi ng life of our community. To our sidespeople, chalice assistants, readers at
Mass and intercessors. Thank you to all.
To the Friends of St Nicholas and Simon Morgan, its chairman, who as always support our life and work. Their
generosity and imagination are an inspiration.

This year, too, a special thanks to Hilary Lines, who has led with such skill and energy our Development Appeal. This
has involved an enormous commitment of time and vision and energy. Simply put, we would not be here in the middle
of this restoration without her.
hs and Lows
As always, Christmas sees so many people joining us for our worship. It is a joy, and it's also quite hard work. That said,
I think St Nicholas, if the n umbers ref lect this, is known to keep Christmas well. I think the same can be said for Easter
Day and Remembrance Sunday, both of which attract significantly larger numbers of worshippers than normal.
The development of our musical life is always a joy. Our musical life encornpasses our concerts which, thanks to
Heather and her team of volunteers, are always an inspiration and our music during worship. Thanks to David for
the gradu31 development of our musical life. There is more to come, and l a m confident that music at St Nicholas will
go from strength to strength. Rome wasn't built in a day we are making significant progress in this aspect of our
worshipping life.
Our finances are much more stable, thanks, as I have said, to Catherine and Hayley. Thanks also to Susan, our retiring
churchwarden, who worked so hard to make our recent stewardship campaign such a success.
Fundraising for our Development Campaign has been hard but successful. People are so amazingly generous. Again,
thanks to Hilary, who has led on thi5, and thanks also to those who have supported her. It takes an enormous amount
of time and energy and effort to raise the required funds. We have been privileged to witness their work and enjoyed
some amazing events. l am pleased we have been able to embark on the final phase of our stone restoration before I
retire. It feels to me like I have completed something I was called to encourage.
This year our community engagement took on a new urgency as we campaigned against TfL's proposal to close off the
top of Chu rch Street. I feared, if this proposal was successful, the life of St Nicholas would be seriously threatened. In
fact I th ink the closure of Church Street would have effectively killed us as a church community. Tf L had no idea just
how passionate we all were about this issue I think we knocked them sideways. We were logical, intelligent,
committed, and well organised. We also had contact with powerf ul local people a nd politicians. It wa5 a job well done,
and St Nicholas shone as a leading light in the campaign and gained much local capital a5 a result.
If I have a low, it is my worry and concern about the low numbers of people attending the parish mass on Sunday. This,
of course, is not conf ined to St N icholas. It is something the whole Church is experiencing. There is no getting awav
from it, however-there has yet again been a decline in Sunday attendance. So it is time for a new vision and a new
purpose a new broom, if you like. This is not about me, it is about you, the Christian community, and what is best for
this community. My fervent wish is that you may continue to f lourish, as a conf ident, pilgrim people, here in West
London.
With my prayers and best wishes,
Fr Simon

The Diocese of London
The Diocese of London is the largest and most diverse in the Church of England. We have more th3n 500 churches
and 750 licensed clergy. We are able to have a church in almost every community, supporting the vision for every
Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In 2024, 50 new deacons were ordained, and early draft statistics
indicate that average weekly attendance in London grew by 7.5% to over 60,000.
During 2024, we have continued working towards our priorities of becoming a younger, safer and more racially just
Church. For example:
19 London Youth Apprentices engaged 715 young people weekly, and funding was granted to enable the
launch of five youth ministers in Hackney and Islington.
In a challenging year for safeguarding, referrals to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team increased substantially,
indicating more trust and conf idence in the safeguardinE service. The diocese offered safeguarding
leadership training to 789 people and carried out 3,808 DBS checks.
Churches across the diocese engaged with Race Equality Week, Racial Justice Sunday, and Black History
Month last year, reflecting on racial justice and committing to action.
The breadth of parishes and Bishop's Mission Orders in London nurtured confident disciples, compassionate
communities, and creative growth in an amazing variety of ways. They also contributed over £23 million in Common
Fund, an increase of almost £1 million. Alongside £13.2 million raised by the London Diocesan Fund ILDFI and £3.6
million from LDF reserves, this paid to provide ministry and support parishes across the diocese.
St Nicholas in 2024125
Churchwardens, Report on the Fabric, Goods, and Ornaments of the Church
During 2024 the churchwardens, with the help of the Fabric Committee com prising ourselves, Fr Simon, Michael
Dix, and Colin Ford have continued to pursue recommendations made in the 2023 Quinquennial Inspection Report
commissioned by the Archdeacon of Midd lesex. We organized a morning of cleaning salts off the walls in the chancel
and Lady Chapel deposited by longstanding da mp. Colin installed locks on the side doors leading to the roof, as our
insurer flagged up that the roof is vul nerable to the theft of its copper sheeting. We have been pursuing the repair
and re-fixing of a stone tablet near the south door that has been identified as potentially fragile because of rusting
fixings. Colin has also kindly undertaken several smaller jobs to upgrade the church. Finally, Edward I rving has agreed
to help the PCC by becoming a point person for health-and-safety policy concerns, and we have already identif led
and begun to rectify some potential hazards around the church premises.
Our steeple keeper, Anthony Rands, has separately forged ahead with plans to replace damaged bell rope5 and to
raise funds to pu rsue needed maintenance and repair5 to the bells. We are most gratef ul to Anthony for his tireless
work to improve the bells and bell tower.
The chu rchwardens have also worked with Hayley Shah, the parish administrator, to manage hiring the church and
hall out to the public for a wide array of pu rposes concerts, fil ming, parties, and so on and to arra nge the regtAlar
inspections and maintenance of the orga n, the clock, the church IiEhting, the flagpole, the fire alarm and
extinguishers, and the heating system. Hayley has kept the Chu rch Logbook and the Church Property Register
(formerly the Terrier and I nventoryl up to date, in digital form.
The Churchwardens extend their thanks to all the many others who have helped maintain the church building,
including (but not exclusively)..

      - =: 

   - Heather Johnson for her work as sacristan 

   - • 7 Anne McBride for her care of the choir robes 7 = ; lls Py. • 1 Ann Rix, archivist, and assistant archivist Francis Ames-Lewis for maintaining all the archival in Pe is . = pa : — ede, materials 

   - Our cleaner, Jane Harrison, for keeping the church and St Denys' Hall clean and attractive 

   - • Christabel and Francis Ames-Lewis and the working parties for their work in maintaining the gardens • Fit 3 5. -t= 3 Jase Fr! “att ess la paitalr Linda Cook for acting as verger at the occasional offices 

   - Donald Maxwell for his work maintaining the fabric of the building 

- the Friends of St Nicholas Church 

- a = • (etna. Cr the sidespersons 

- - • Juliet Medforth and the rest of the flowers team ns ore st Oo = a s “aH . 4 

- Susan Welsh and Chris Lucy Le) Lene a - - 

## **St Nicholas Church: Update on Our Development Project** = ue = ad ~ ea nal i: ime a peo 

— eo Ee During the past 18 months we have been raising funds to be able to complete the final phase of the Development Project, which we started just ten years ago. The project built on the foundations laid with the appointment of Ian Angus as our inspecting architect in the late 1990s. From then work had begun on renewing the church's fabric with i ri *s a a ill a "is = 1 =. ul onl 2 _—a iL the re-laying of the wooden floors in the nave and aisles, the major project of restoring the stonework of the medieval tower completed in 2003, the re-designing and overhauling of the church's lighting, and the creation of St es ial acini Denys Hall (and flat) from the old vicarage coach house. leew foie: ms | aornee eee ee ne 

> The first phase of the ten-year Development Project, completed in 2018, consisted of: ee ie ee So Se 

a 6 



installing a kitchen, Wcs, and improved vestry areas
re-siting and reconstruction of the organ
installing two high-efficiency boilers
funding the construction of a permanent church building for our partner church of St Simon & St Jude in
Namacunde, Southern Angola
The second phase comprised the f irst phase of the overall restoration of the church's external stonework and was
completed in 2022.
We could not have done this work without the kind support of our local community. We are hugely grateful for your
support thus far and hope you agree with us that the work has helped us not only to maintain the beauty of our
church, but also to expa nd the ways in which it serves our local community, through supporting young musicians,
local schools and colleges, and the Crosslight debt advice service, to name but a few.
The final phase of work was estimated to cost £300,000 and involved completing the restoration of the stonework
on the south and east faces of the church both to make it safe and to preserve its appearance for future
generations-and installation of a permanent step free access. Our fundraising has included a SLtmmer wine-tasting
dinner and a uction, a Patronal Festival drinks party and raffle co-hosted with the Friends of St Nicholas, various
smaller events, and several application5 to grant-giving bodies, plus generous donations from parishioners and our
local community.
We have judged it to be urgent that we complete this work this year.. The rainfall last September caused some of the
stonework to fall, posing a real danger to people passing by the church,. and the costs increase by at least 6Yo
annually, making the f und-raising target harder and harder to achieve if we delay. Given the urgency of the work,
nd the fact that VAT reclaiming rules were changing to decrease the amount of VAT that we can reclaim, we
requested a reduced quotation from our stonemason so that we could start the work this spring. This reduced
estimate includes all stone restoration work on the south and east elevations requiring scaffolding but doesn't
include some of the lower-level work or a permanent step-free access. The resulting programme will cost us
£247,000, includin8 VAT1some of which we will be able to reclaim).
Our current fu nds, which already include generous donations a nd grants, will cover this reduced programme of
work. We are hopeful, however, that we are able to raise more money 50 that we can complete more of the original
quotation and ensure that the stonework looks consistent from top to bottom and also that we are able to install a
permanent step-free access. So, we continue to fundraise.
Hilary Lines
Planned Giving Campaign 2024
Last year's Planned Giving campaign, launched in November, was another successful one, thanks to the generosity of
our congregation. As of the February deadline to respond, our Planned Giving income increased by a total of £459
per month. This amou nt will contribute siEn ificantly to the ability of St Nick's to remain viable as a parish. Because of
constraints on our f inances, in 2024 St Nick's was only able to contribute 82 % of the 'Parish Standard Cost,, which
the diocese administers to cover costs such as clergy stipends and housing, falling ghort by £16,300. For the year to
come, the PCC concluded that we could not afford to increase our Common Fund offer1£75,0001, and we fell short
of the diocese's requested amount by £24,980.
We wou Id like to be able to restore St Nick's to a stable footing that covers our costs with the diocese. If you are not
already joining other parishioners in giving to help St Nick's cover its costs, then please consider making a reEular gift

via the Parish Giving Scheme. It is easy to join on their website at www.parishgiving.org.uk, by phone on 0333 002 1271, or by post. Information and application forms are available at the back of church. 

St Nicholas could not survive and thrive into the future without those of you who care enough about our faith community to give of your resources. The clergy and PCC thank you! 

Susan Welsh 

## **Children's Church** 

This past year has been a season of growth and enjoyment in our Children's Church, which has served primarily young children. Each Sunday, the children gather to explore God's word through age-appropriate lessons and interactive activities that bring Bible stories to life. 

We have had good attendance, with a few new families joining our church community. Children's Church has continued to provide a nurturing and engaging environment where children have fun and explore the week's Scriptural readings through interactive arts & crafts, activities, and group discussion. Parent engagement and support has been fabulous. 

I am grateful for the dedication of our Children's Church leaders-Christina Christodoulou, Leyla Hart-Svensson, Narissa O'Moore-Simister, Neelam Rhodes, Vivian Townsend, and Anu Viljanen-and look forward to another year of Children's Church. 

Laura-Jane Wareing 

8 



wens **Music** 

> Our strategy to rebuild the resources required to enable us to have choral music on a regular basis is ee ee en ee er ee ee together once a month to sing a simple anthem without the requirement for any preparation, is now proceeding steadily. The first part of the strategy, the Round the Piano Singers, where anyone can join eea fe ee eee8 eePe oea esee ee Leee 2 

> regularly attracting ten or more, and we have approximately 40 who have sung with us at least once in the (QS eg gy Se er ee ee A 

> past year or so. In September 2024, we appointed our first four choral scholars in collaboration with woe ae eee Glee ee ee SS ee eee ae ee 

> Chiswick School. The choral scholarship programme enables four pupils from years 11 to 13 to have (ee Teee eSee experience of singing in the context of a church service roughly twice a month during term time. Initial ers a A funding for the programme has been generated via the excellent series of monthly Sunday afternoon ee Se OF ee eee.ee aeee eeee ee eeees eeOS eei oe concerts organised by Heather Johnson. The next stage of the strategy will be to establish a group of ees 9 eg ge eS ee ee ol fe ee mages singers who will commit to rehearsal and preparation on a service-by-service basis approximately once a “ke eeee ye eet se egress ee ee ee 

> month, commencing Easter 2025. This group will be known as the Voluntary Choir. The longer-term aim is eS So etee 2egety ee hs eee = eile to bring the Choral Scholars together with the members of the Voluntary Choir to re-establish a regular Se Sees eee celles oe fe eg sees by | ec ee © ce 2 ome Parish Choir and this will happen once the scholars have developed sufficient skills and confidence to Ds oy eg ee ems gee flog ee ppt peg et pe ele me support the members of the Voluntary Choir, and the Voluntary Choir has become suitably established and ee a eg et eg i, Be ae en ee ei al _ 

> capable. thie 

David J Cresswell Director of Music wa to 

ee The main feature of the past year for bell-ringing at St Nicholas was the sad death of Monica Trow, Tower Captain and | ee ee ee ee oe longstanding mainstay of ringing at the church. Monica died in September, and her funeral service at St Nichola's was aei ~ ye eeeee Se oie niledee ee oe oe 

9 



attended by, among others, large numbers of ringers from across London and beyond. Although not able to do much
ringing herself in her last few years, she was a great supporter and organiser, communicating with neighbours, having
ringers to her house for lunch on several occasions, and usually being on hand to offer friendly advice, encouragement,
and a multitude of illuminating stories.
Having scraped through the years after the coronavirus lock-down, ringing at the church has shown encouraging signs
of recovery in the past year. Two local ringers have been coaxed back to the ropes and are bringing great stability-as
well as larger numbers of notes-to our pre-service chimes. Word of mouth has brought a furthertwo beginners, who
are currently bei ng trained by our staunch f riends across the river in Barnes. Meanwhile, the two ringers who started
with the "Ring for the King" drive-Anthony Rands and Bobby (Roberta) Jaffé-wilcockson-are now installed as Tower
Captain and Deputy Tower Captain, respectively. They have absorbed the requirements for ringing at weddings this
year and have rapidly arranged staffing of the first lon 3, May).
Anthony brings valuable building experience and an amazing level of energy to tower maintenance. He has organised
and led a transformation of the cleanliness and orderliness of the tower and is now focussing on possible
improvements to the ringing quality of the bells and the structural resilience of the tower. He has been tireless in
trying out as replacements many of the secondhand ropes found on the prem ises. The bullet has f inally been bitten,
and we are acquiring a new set of ropes as well as re-furbishing two whose main working parts are still serviceable.
Various initiatives for recruiting more ringers from the neighbourhood have been considered and some alreadv
experimented with. We are always open to Vlsltors and anyone who would like to take up this venerable "exercise"
las it is formally known) in support of St Nicholas,
Malcolm McAlister
Ringing Master Ihonorary titlel
Crosslight Chlswick
While the cost-of-living crisis peaked in 2023, it ha5 sadly become the 'new normal, for many, with the most
vul nerable in our society faced with making impossible decisions on a regular basis just to make ends meet. Basics
such as heating, food, and housing are a struggle for many of our clients, leading to a spiral of consequences that
impact all aspects of their lives..
Thirty percent had needed to switch off their gas or electricity. Seventy-seven percent struggled with mental
or physical health conditions that impacted their lives. Thirty-six percent were at risk of eviction from their
homes.
Over the last 12 months Crosslight's Chiswick branch has held 573 appointments. We supported 166 people, 60 of
whom were new clients. When the families of our clients are included, oursupport positively impacted the lives of
301 people. Over the year we achieved annualised incorne gains of £262,157 for those we helped and were able to
secure debt write-offs worth more than £78,451. Following our involvement:
89Yo of ou r clients told us that their situation had improved
89Yo described an improvement to their mental health
890/0 told us that their main debt issue had been resolved
IOOYO said that they would recommend Cr0551ight to others.
Crosslight Ch iswick was established by St Nicholas Church, which remains the major moral and spiritual supporter for
its work,. St N icholas hosts Crosslight's work in Chiswick and provides office facilities. Crosslight Chiswick 15 funded by
Chiswick Money Advice Centre ICMACI, a reElStered charity, most of whose trustees are associated with St N icholas.
io

Community Lunches
These continue very successfully each month except January and August on the second Wednesday of the
month between 12.30 and 14.00 in St Denys House. The themes vary each month. This year we have
th
celebrated the 100 birthday of Heather Hay and enjoyed a very well-attended Christmas Lunch. We have also
welcomed family members of past guests, who enjoy the continuity of friendships with us. My team of
volunteer helpers are excellent and continue to enhance the success of these lunches. As we go to press,
I'm arranging a VE Day 80 Lunch for May.
Anne McBride
Community Lunches Coordinator
Friends of St Nicholas Church
For the Friends, 2024 was a busy year. Obviously, our focus from a financial perspective has been to support the church
with its Development Project raising funds for stonework renewal. During the period we gave £20,000 towards the
Development Project. Our ability to make such a donation of this size comes through funds raised from annual
membership fees, some generous donations, and from profits arising from events we held. During 2024 we hosted
visits f rom the Ba rnes Big Band and Rebel Yell, providing two very enjoyable evenings of jazz- a talk from Rosie Fyles,
head gardener of Chiswick House-followed later in the year by a tour of the gardens there led byjune Ford-crush. a
talk co-hosted with Chiswick Book Festival about Ray Howard-jones, artist and former congregation member,. and
Tracey Logan gave a fascinating talk about the development of Chiswick in the early 20th century. We ended the year
co-hosti ng a very enjoyable Patronal Festival drinks party with the Church, at which West London Coro sang beautifully
for us. If anyone is interested in joining the Friends, please contact Simon Morgan or David Whittaker.
li

Sunday Afternoon Concert Series
Our third-sunday-of-the-month concert series continues to flourish. There were 10 concerts this year, each attended
by 50-80 people. The musicians are post-graduate students from the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College
of Music, and the prof its go to fund scholarships for choristers from Chiswick School to sing in our services. The
concerts have brought many new people into our church to enjoy the music and stay for tea and cake. We are
grateful to the team of volunteers who help make the concerts and tea a success.
Archive
The Archive team's year was successful, albeit in more fits and starts than we would like. We had 17
enquiries lup from seven in 20241, but they tended to come in groups rather than spread throughout the
year. We continue to ask for donations to be made via the website but have no means of knowing whether
our appeals are successful or not.
On 14 June we welcomed the archivist and her husband from St John's Episcopal Church in Savannah,
Georgia, who wanted to see the A L Moore window in our tower. She was writing a history of their
church's windows-all designed and made by A L Moore and shipped over to the USA-and was keen to
see an early example of his work. We have no information in our archives as to why the subject matter or
the artist was chosen, a5 this would have been discussed between the donor and the artist. A kind
donation of £40 was made after a very pleasant visit.
On 7 November the London Appreciation Society returned for a second time and were guided by Francis
Ames-Lewis Ichurchl and Colin Ford Igraveyard}. They much enjoyed their tours, and a donation of £150
wa5 made. The Society will keep us on their register, but we will have to Walt for demand to build up again
for another visit.
Any talk by the Friends of St Nicholas tends to lead to enquiries of the Archive team. The latest, on Herbert
Murrill, was no exception, and we are tasked with looking up parish magazines for 1923-1925...
A new exhibition on les5er-known artists buried in our churchyard, entirely curated by Francis Ames-Lewis,
was completed and is currently on display. We will look to organise another exhibition in 2025, although
the theme has yet to be agreed.
12

We tried on several occasions to link up with the history department at Chiswick School but sadly received 5 1 = 7 uel aa » a no reply. a i 

If any upgrades are being considered for the website, the Archive team would appreciate being able to 2 ple m= & . * == = =a CF ae oe a allocate donations to the Archive section-if only to be able to thank donors, which we are currently 7 a 5 me Ee eS " = Miran = unable to do. 

Ann Rix 

13 



Report of The Parochial Church Council of St Nicholas, Chiswick Parish Church
For the year ended 31 December 2024
The Parochial Church Council { PCC") has responsibility for a5515ting the incurnbent, Rev. Simon Brandes, in promoting
in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church. The registered office is.. The Vicarage, Chiswick Mall,
London W4 2PJ. The website is htt
sLnicliolaschiswick.or
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 20 therein
and comply with the PCC'S Governing Document, applicable laws, and the requirements of FRS 102, Charities SORP
IFRS 1021 and Charities Act 2011.
Structure, Governance, and Management
PCC Members are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting IAPCMI in accordance with the
Church Representation Rules. Elected members normally serve for throe years and can not normally serve for more
than six consecutive years. Along with Hayley Shah, who acts as PCC Secretary, the current list of PCC members is as
follows:
Clergy
Churchwardens
Ex Officio.. Rev. Simon Brandes
Chris Lucy, Susan Welsh
Treasurer
Elected Members
Catherine Taylor
Rowena Bentley, Elizabeth Brown, Michael Dix, Heather Johnson, Richard
Jones, Richard Lea, Nicholas Lines, Anne McBride, Alex Gewanter, Richard
Szwagrz3k, Anu Viljanen
Virginia Featherstone-witty, Anthony Smith
Deanery Synod Representatives
All those who attend our services or who are members of the congregation a re encouraged to register on the Electoral
Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC members are responsible for rnaking decisions on all matters of general
concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on howthe funds ofthe PCC are to be spent. New members
receive initial training in the workings of the PCC. The full PCC met 8 times during 2024.
Governing Constitution or Document
Parochial Church Council Powers Measure1195613s amended and Church Representation Rules
Objectives and Activities
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our
parish community at St Nicholas. St Nicholas seeks to be a church where people feel increasingly supported as
Christians in every area of their lives.
Worship and Prayer
The pattern of worship and prayer at St N icholas seeks to cater for a wide range of people. We are pleased to offer:
Morning Prayer
Thursday morning Mass
Our Sunday provision consists of 8am Mass and 10.30am Parish Mass
All are welcome to attend our services. At present there are 104 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, which has
been recently been renewed.
14

Report of The Parochial Church Council of St Nicholas, Chiswick Parish Church
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Pastoral Care
The church is usually open seven days per week. Some members of our parish are still unable to attend church due to
sickness or age. Fr Simon Brandes, assisted by Rev. Eileen McGregor, seek to visit all who welcome or request such
contact, to celebrate Holy Communion with them at their homes.
Financial Review
The PCC has a duty to ensure accounts are prepared and independently examined, to approve the accounts, and
prèsent them to a Parochi31 Church Meeting within 12 months of the end of the financial year. The total income for
the year was £232,21812023.' £190,4821 with voluntary income of £142,36712023.. £135,0261 making up most of thi5
balance. The PCC is very grateful for the continued generosity of its donors.
Total expenditure was £164,18012023.' £144,580)
The General Fund shows a deficit of £14,948. Restricted Funds of £246,96512023'. £164,207) continued to grow, mostlv
as a result of successf ul f u ndraising and a donation from the Friends of St Nicholas. Work has now started on the f inal
phase of the Development Project to complete the restoration of the stonework on the south and east faces of the
chu rch, both to make it safe and preserve its appearance for f uture generations. The estimated cost is £247,000. The
restricted income balance is suff icient to cover this cost.
Total net assets at 31 December 2024 were £1,040,09412023.' £971,346).
Risk Management and Reserves Policy
The PCC has considered a nd discussed the key risks facing the church, the controls in place to mitigate them, and
any action required. The PCC continue5 to review and develop the strategic direction of the church and considers
how its exposure to risk changes as a result.
Reserves are held by the church to provide for future activities and initiatives that cannot be f unded f rom income in
a single year. They are also required to cover unforeseen expenditure.
Inve5trnent Policy
The PCC set aside f unds to f inance future planned expenditure and to provide a contingency agai nst future unforeseen
expenditure. These funds set aside are converted into lower-risk investments that are capable of recovery as liquid
funds within a maximum of two weeks and provide the best possible return for the low risk assumed. To the extent
that funds are held by the charity in excess of these requirements, the PCC seek to invest those fund5 in order to
f u rther the aims of the charity. The performance of those investments is reviewed by the PCC on a regular basis.
Safeguarding
St Nicholas PCC has adopted the safeguarding policy recommended by the Diocese of London. Every person has a
value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God's own image and likeness.
Christia ns see this potential as fulf illed by God's re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a d uty to
value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm., Full details can be found on
the web51te. The Safeguarding Off icer works closely with Fr Simon to ensure all can worshi p safely. Safeguarding is a
standing agenda item at all PCC meetings. The Parish Administrator and SafegvardinE Officer ensure that all people
who volunteer or are appointed to roles that involve the leadership or supervision of activities for children or
vulnerable people are su itably recruited and that DBS checks are completed. All PCC members must also complete
DBS checks. Safeguarding training is provided for all new PCC members and people taki ng on roles involving children
and vulnerable adults. No safeguarding concerns were reported to the diocese during 2024.
Environmental Impact
The PCC recognises that we need to play our part in considering the impact that our Church has on the environment.
We have made every effort to conserve energy consumption in the year.
15

PCC Responsibilities Statement
The PCC are responsible for preparing the PCC'S Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Ki ngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards).
The law applicable to charitie5 in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each
financia l year that give 3 true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and
application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the PCC are required
to..
select 5Ultable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
state whether applicable U nited Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the accounts
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
PCC will continue in business
The PCC are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
f inancial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act
2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are a150
responsible for safeguard ing the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularitie5.
VILJ,
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
Churchwardens
Chris Lucy
Susan
elsh
16

Independent Examiner's Report to the Parochial Church Council of St
Nicholas, Chiswick Parish Church
I report on the Financial Statements of St Nicholas, Chiswick Parish Church for the year ended 31
December 2024, which are set out on pages 18 to 29.
Responsibilities and bas15 of report
As PCC members you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The PCC
members consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144 of the Charities Act
2011 Ithe 2011 Actll a nd that an independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my exam ination of the church 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 14515llbl of the act.
This report is made solely to the PCC, as a body, in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act
2011. My independent examinerfs work has been undertaken so that I might state to the PCC those
matters l am required to state to them in an independent examinerfs 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 PCC for my independent examiner's work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed,
Independent examlner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentlon in
connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accou nting records were not kept i n respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Att; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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 fairview,, which is not a matter considered as part of
an independent examination.
I have no concerns a nd have come across no other matters in connection with the exami nation to
which attention Should be drawn in this report in orderto enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached,
Mr Andrew Jennings FCA
Date-.
151I¥12
ANDREW RAYNER JENNINGS BAFCA
CharteredAccounlanl
3 GRèFN GABLES, EATObl FORD
ST NEOTS, CAIIBS PEJ9 7SL

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Statement of Financial Activitie5 for the year ended 31 December 2024
General Designated Restrirted Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
TOTAL
2024
Total
2023
Note
INCOME from
Voluntary Income
Other Voluntary Incoming Resources
Activities for Generating Fund5
Investment Income
Income from Charitable Activities
TOTAL INCOME
106,307
115
6,636
29,415
4,163
146 636
2,160
33,900
8,213
32,311
8.997
142,367
8,328
38,947
38,412
4,163
232 218
135,026
6,950
12,460
31,438
4,609
190 483
EXPENDITURE on
Cost of Generating Voluntary Income
Charita ble Giving
Charita ble Activities
Church Management & Administration
Ma or Pro ects
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
12,8861
11,4241
11,4401
12,8861
11,1411
11,4241
13,9311
0 1127,6221 1127,4021
{15,6931 113,7481
16,556
1,642
164 180
144 580
1124,8111
115,6931
12,888
153 391
11,3711
3,668
NET INCOME/ IEXPENDITUREI
16,7551
789
74,004
68,038
45,903
Transfers between funds
18, 1931
8,193
Adjustments
Gains 11105sesl on revaluation of investments
563
147
710
2,607
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
789
147
BALANCES B/FWD I JANUARY
79,800
193,437
164,206
533,903
971,347
922,837
BALANCES C
FWD 310ECEMBER
194 227
246 965
534 050 1040 094
971347
The notes on pages 20 to 29 form part of these accounts.
The financial statements of St. N icholas Chiswick Parish Church set out on pages 18 to 29 were authorised for issue
and approved by the Parochial Church Council on 24 April 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:
Chris Lucy
Churchwarden
Susan Welsh
Churchwarden
18

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
Notes
31 Dec 24
31 Dec 23
Fixed ossets
Tangible assets
Investment Assets
719,310
719,310
237,043
161,348
880,658
956,353
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
89,796
2,584
93,726
4,197
Debtors
92,380
97,923
Current liabilities
Creditors.. due within one year
(8,639)
17,234)
Net current assets
83,740
90,689
Total assets less current liabilities
1,040,094
971,347
Funds..
Endowment Funds
10
534,050
533,903
Restricted Funds
li
246,965
164,206
193,437
Designated Funds
Unrestricted Funds
12
194,227
12
64,853
79,800
Total Funds
1,040,094
971,347
19

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at
cost or transaction value, unle55 Otherwise stated in the relevant note(sl to these accounts.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006,
the Charities Act 2011, and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland (FRS 102}.
Funds
Unrestrictedfunds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
Designotedfunds are unrestricted funds which have been set aside for specific purposes.
Restrictedfunds represent donations or grants received for a specific purpose and where the funds may only
be expended on the specific object or purpose for which they were given and accumulated income from
endowment funds that may be expended only on the purpose provided in the terms of the endowment.
Endowmentfunds are funds which have a permanent capital that is held in trust by the LDF. As the LDF is
unable to hold anything above the permanent capital amount, income arising from investment of the
endowment is held as restricted income as described above,
Income
Voluntary income, including grants and legacies, is recognised on receipt of funds or when entitlement of
receipt is measurable and considered probable, Dividends and interest are accounted for when received and
are attributed to each fund on the basis of the amount invested and the age of the investment. Unrealised
investment gains are accounted for on revaluation of investment based on mid-market prices at 31
December. All other income is recognized when it is received.
Expenditure
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding
or constructive obligation on the PCC. Payments to the diocesan Common Fund are accounted for when
paid. Unrealised investment losses are accounted for on revaluation of investment based on mid-market
prices at 31 December. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred.
Fixed Assets
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.1012lla} of the
Charities Act 2011. Other land and buildings are stated at cost, there being no material change, and a
depreciation charge is not therefore deemed appropriate in the year under review.
Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens 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 timel.
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis overfouryears. Individual
items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are generally written off when the asset is
acquired.
It is the Trustees, policy not to undertake a formal revaluation of land and buildings, and no depreciation is
provided in their respect as the cu rrently estimated residual value {discounted for moneta ry inf lation since
capitalisation) is not less than the carrying value and the remaining useful life of this asset currently
exceeds 50 years, so that any depreciation charge would be immaterial. If, in the future, the carrying value
of the building should look greater than the current value, on this basis an impairment review will be
carried out, and any resultant10ss included in expenditure for that year.
Investments
Investments are valued at market value based on mid-market prices at 31 December.
20

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
2. INCOME
General Funds
Designated
Funds
Restrided
Funds
Endowment
Funds
2024
2023
Voluntary Income..
Planned giving- standing orders
Other planned giving
Contactless donations
63,079
665
570
64,314
64,353
2,317
17,738
5,655
144
2,461
17,740
7,374
2,028
19,376
Tax reclaimed under Gift Aid
Loose collertions
1,719
6,467
Contributions box
984
1,322
482
Special offerings
Donations
30
1,495
20
1.545
47,949
142,367
16,504
31,445
40,998
106,307
2.160
33.900
135,026
Other Voluntary Incomlng Resources
Special fund raising
Income for other charities
Miscellaneous & Insurance claim
3,931
2,408
2.513
2,513
5,815
8,328
lis
5.700
611
115
8,213
6,950
Activltles for Generating Fund$
Social activities, events & fundraising
church Hire
32,311
32,311
2.948
3,972
4,277
3,160
1,051
2,948
2,312
St Denys, Hall Lettings
Votive candle donatSons
2,312
1,376
1,376
6,636
32,311
38.947
12,460
Investment Income
Investment income
15
856
871
461
Bank interest
8,141
8,141
29,400
1,577
29,400
St Denys, Flat Rent
29,400
29,415
8.997
38,412
31,438
Income from Charitable Actlvlties
Statutory PCC fees
4,163
4,163
4,609
4,163
4,163
4,609
Total Income
146,636
2,160
83,422
232.218
190,483
21

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
3. EXPENDITURE
Unre5trlcted
Funds
Desl8nated
Fund5
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
2024
2023
C05t of Gener8tlnB Voluntary Income
Cost of Raising Funds
Hospitality
2,886
2.886
1,141
2,886
2A86
1,141
Charitable Giving
Special fLJndraisin8
S Simon & S Jude, Namacunde
1.424
1,424
Home mission & other church Societies
Secular charities
3,931
1,424
1,424
3,931
Charltable Attlvltoes
London Diocesan Common Fund
75,000
5,2(KJ
1,064
75,000
5.200
65,852
4,400
Working expenses of incumbent
Other Cler8y & Staff costs
Episcopal & Synod fee5
Curate expenses, rent & stipend
Sanctuary & Miscellaneous
Church music
1,064
283
30
2,914
13,702
62
2,976
5,443
9,691
2,566
2,470
2,897
636
13,702
Occasional Servlces- lees paSd
St Denys, Hall uillitles
St Denys, Hall Repalrs and Sundry
St Deny5, Flat expenses
Church Utilitie5
1,330
719
1,330
719
156
156
9,628
3,405
8,424
3,268
9,628
3,405
15,S21
3,438
Church Cleaning
Church Insurance
8,424
4,708
8,191
4.371
Repairs, maintenance & renewals
Depreclatlon
Professional fees
1,440
Church flowers
1,309
1,309
1,613
Mi55ion, Evangelism & Pastoral Work
124,811
1,371
127,622
127,402
Church Management & Admlnlstratlon
Parish Adminlstrator
10,322
10,322
9,585
Printin8, Stationery & computer software
3,301
3,301
2,314
Office Telephone & 8roadband
1,892
1,892
1,688
Governance Ifreasurer, Examiner & Prof.
lees)
Bank chargps
Miscellanetrus (including Archive51
179
179
82
79
15,693
15,693
13,748
Major Projects
St Denys, House
Church Development
12,888
12,888
11,6421
3,668
3.668
3.668
12,888
16,556
11,6421
Total Expenditure
153,391
1,371
9,418
164,181
144,580
22

St. Nichola5 Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the f inancial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
4. Trustee remuneration, expenses and related party transactlons
2024
2023
Trustee remuneration
Trustee expenses Ilncumbentl
Related party transactions
5.200
4,400
5. Tangible Assets
Freehold Furniture
Land &
Buildings Equipmen
St Denys,
House
Project
2024
2023
Cost:
b/f 1st January
Additions
Disposals
c/f 31st December
287,986
43,368
431,324
762,678
762,678
287,986
43,368
431,324
762,678
762,678
Depreciation:
b/f 1st January
Charge for the Year
Deduct for disposals
clf 31st December
43,368
43,368
43,368
43,368
43,368
43,368
Net Book Value:
On 1st January
287,986
431,324
719,310
719,310
On 31st December
287,986
431,324
719,310
719,310
Thefreehold land and buildings relatetost Denys, House, which is located in Church Street, Chiswick, London
W4 (freehold interest acquired on 19 December 20021. The book value is the purchase price including its
refurbishment costs, prior to redevelopment, valued at COSt1£287,986} and the cost of redevelopment in
201314 (£431,324). Depreciation is not deemed to be appropriate. The building is currently insured for
£778,221 and its church contents for £8,204.
The church building is a consecrated property and 15 excluded from the financial statements by virtue of
section 1012llal of the Charities Act 2011. The church buildings and contents are insured collectively for
£29,795,794.
23

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
6. Investments
2024
2023
CBF Church of England Investment Fund- 284 Shares
COIF Church of England Investment Fund 1255.37 Units
COIF Church of England Investment Fund
6,567
25,475
205,001
237,043
6,420
24,913
130,015
161,348
7. Cash at Bank & in Hand
2024
2023
CAF Bank Cash Account
CAF Bank Gold Account
Santander Bank
53,427
62,201
389
31,136
36,365
Cash in Hand
89,796
93,726
8. Debtors
2024
2023
Debtors
2,584
2,584
4,197
4,197
9. Creditors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within l year- Unrestricted
Amounts falling due within l year- Restricted
Agency collections
5,640
4,157
2,999
8,639
3,077
7,234
24

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
10. ENDOWED FUNDS
Old
Comrades
Association
St Nicholas
Hall Fund
2024
2023
Fund Balances B/Forward
6,420
527,483
533,903
533,351
Income
Voluntary income
Other Voluntary Incoming Resources
Activities for Generating Funds
Investment Income
Income from Charitable Activities
Total Income
Expenditure
Cost of Generating Voluntary Income
Mission & Charitable Giving
Charitable Activities
Church Management & Administration
Major Projects
Total Expenditure
Net Income
Revaluation
147
147
552
Inter-Fund Transfers
Fund Balances C/Forward
6,567
527,483
534,050
533,903
25

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Ln Ln CQ
> o <
26

11 Designated and Restricted Fund5
DESIGNATED FUND5
UNRESTRicfEDFUNDS
St Deny5,
House ReSe￿e Youth Fund
Fund
Flower Food Bank
Fund
Fur¥J
Heat Bank
2024
2023
2024
2023
Fund Balances BIForward
191,827
472
228
910 193.437
194,C61
79,8CK)
67,774
Inwmè
Voluntary income
2,160
2,160
615
110,585
106,548
Othervoluniary Incoming Re50urcès
150
iii
Activities lor Generèling Funds
Investment Income
6,636
29,415
8,936
29,420
Income from Charitable ActNities
490
4,609
Totsl Income
2,160
2,160
146,636
149fi24
Expendlture
C05t olGeneratin8 Voluntary Income
Church Managemént & Administralion
Major Projects
115,IB31 113,7481
Total Empenditure
1621 11,3091
11,3711 IIN91
IIS3,3911 1137,5881
Nei l¢xpendlturell Income
851
789
16,7551[ 12,036
Trah51er5 between luThds
io
Adjustment
Gainsl11055e51 on revaluatlon ol Investment5
'Fund BalancesCIForward
191127
410
1,079
910 194227
193,437
79,800
27

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Endowed Funds
The Old Comrades Association
Set up by the Middlesex Regiment, with the income to be used for the preservation for posterity of the
regiment's memorials in the church.
The St Nicholas Hall Fund
Created from the sale of St Nicholas Church Hall in August 2000, part of which proceeds have been spent on
St Denys, House in 2002. The remaining capital may only be used for a replacement parish hall and has been
used for the St Denys, House Project, which work was completed early in 2013.
Restricted Funds
Church Fabric Fund
To provide funds for the church
The Belfry Fund
Set up from the fundraising proceeds raised by the bell-ringers for the benefit of maintaining the church
bells
The Groveyard Project
Created from an initial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to appraise the feasibility of improving the
graveyard
Special Offerings & Mission
The PCC agree the use of this fund, where not purpose specific.
The Church Development Project Fund
Set up to receive restricted donations, funds from fundraising events, and grants to enable re-ordering of
the church, organ renewal, and external stonework. A donation of £8,192 from a total donation of £10,000
received in memory of the late James Stitt has been transferred from the General Fund to Ihe Development
Fund. This relates to the balance remaining after the purchase of sanctuary lamps.
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds are made up of Designated and General Funds.
Desi
nated Funds
St Denys, House Reserve Fund
This fund has been set up to isolate the residual value of the St Denys, House rebuilding costs, and the
opening amount has been transferred from Unrestricted Funds, through which original transactions were
channelled. For the balance of the value see St Nicholas Hall Endowment Fund.
Youth Fund
Fund set up to segment amounts for youth work
Flower Fund
Fund receives subscriptions and donations for flowers, the cost of which usually exceeds income when it is
then funded from General Fund.
Food Bank Fund
Fund set up to segment donations to the Food Bank
28

St. Nicholas Chiswick Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Archives Fund
Fund receives Archive search fees and occasional grants, which are used on archive administration and
special treatment of valuable documents.
S Simon & S Jude, Nomacunde
Linked parish in Angola, for which the parish of St Nicholas raises funds, initially enabling the purchase of
land, subsequently to help in the building of a church building, and on an ongoing basis to continue
supporting the parish in its work
St Nicholas Fabric Fund
Income to be used for the maintenance, repair, and insurance of the church fabric
Restricted Income Fund
Set up to reflect accumulated income from the permanent capital held by the LDF in respect of the Old
Comrades Association Endowment fund
General Fund
This is the main fund of the Parish through which our income from congregational giving, rentals, and
other income is used to pay day-to-day expenses of running the church, including our contribution to the
Diocese of London.
29