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2023-12-31-accounts

ST GEORGE’S CHURCH BICKLEY Diocese of Rochester

Annual Report and Financial Statements

of the Parochial Church Council

for the year ended 31st December 2023

Parish Priest

The Rev’d Henry Everett

Honorary Assistant Priests

The Rev’d David Cossar SSC The Rev’d Canon Owen Beament MBE The Rev’d Canon Paul Jenkins

Churchwardens

Mr Leonard Brown

Mr Paul Braybrooke

Bankers

CAF Bank Ltd

Independent Examiner

Mrs Claire Moore

Charities Act Registration Number – 1132872

www.stgeorgebickley.co.uk

St George’s Church, Bickley

ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, BICKLEY

Under the Pastoral Care of the Bishop of Richborough

Mission Statement

1

St George’s Church, Bickley

Parochial Church Council

The Parochial Church Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the Parish Priest in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Powers Measure (1956) as amended.

Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex-officio, or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules. Following resolutions of the APCM members are elected for a three-year period, after which they are not eligible for re-election until at least one year has passed. The PCC may also co-opt up to two additional members.

During 2023/24 the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council

Incumbent The Rev’d Henry Everett (Chairman) Churchwardens Mr Leonard Brown (Vice-Chairman) Mr Paul Braybrooke

Elected lay representatives on the Deanery Synod

Mr David Hood Mrs Monica Sanderson

Elected members

Mrs Margaret Brading (retires 2026) Mrs Pauline Emburey (retires2026) Miss Eleanor Bull (retires 2024) Mr Robert Hodgetts (retires 2025) Mr Graham Callow (retires 2024) Mrs Lyn Wheeler (retires 2024) Nr Stephen Cheese (retires 2025) Mr Patrick Willshear (until October 2023) Mrs Elizabeth Clitheroe (until February 2024)

Committees

The PCC has set up the following committees which carry out particular functions on behalf of the Council:

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by church law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.

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St George’s Church, Bickley

Events Committee

This is responsible for planning parish social events. It also arranges refreshments required in association with services and other events. The Committee is also responsible – to an extent - for raising money for both general and specific purposes.

Mission Committee

This Committee advises the PCC on where the parish’s efforts at mission and evangelism ought to be focussed, and meets on an ad hoc basis.

PCC Meetings during 2023

The full PCC met six times during 2023 with very good attendance on all occasions.

Church Attendance

There were 123 persons on the Church Electoral Roll in 2023. Of these approximately one third are resident in the parish and two thirds non-resident. The average Sunday Mass attendance was 86 (80). Usual Sunday Mass attendance in 2023 was 81 (78), including 10 (8) children.

Low Mass is usually offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with an attendance ranging from 5 to 25. Mass was sung on a number of Holy Days and every day during Holy Week. Attendance at Holy Week and Easter Services was 358 and at Christmas services was 665. In addition, approximately 3400 children and parents attended school services during the year.

There were 19 baptisms (attendance 759), 6 weddings (attendance 580) and 7 funerals (attendance 591) during 2023.

The church is generally open during daylight hours.

*Figures in brackets relate to 2022.

Safeguarding

The parish of St George, Bickley is committed to implementing the House of Bishops' safeguarding policies and good practice guidance. A formal statement under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults) to adopt the House of Bishops' "Promoting a Safer Church: Safeguarding Policy Statement" was agreed by the Parochial Church Council and recorded in the Minutes of the meeting on 18 October 2020.

The care and protection of children, young people and adults involved in Church activities is the responsibility of everyone who participates in the life of the Church.

3

St George’s Church, Bickley

Our Commitments:

Public Benefit

The Trustees take account of the Charity Commission general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the PCC’s purpose and in considering how planned activities will meet that aim.

The Trustees believe that St George’s Church promotes the whole mission of the Church of England in the Parish of Bickley and beyond its boundaries, including its pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical aspects, and that in doing so it provides a benefit to the public by:

Review of the Year

During the year the clergy continued to cover Sunday Masses at St Augustine’s, Belvedere, and also did so at St James, Elmers End, and St Michael’s, Beckenham, during their vacancies.

The Confirmation group whose preparation began in autumn 2022 were confirmed by Bishop Norman in February 2023. This was a very joyful occasion.

Lent was observed with our usual soup and bread lunch accompanying a Lent course led by the clergy on the Gospels for the Sundays of Lent. St George’s hosted the Forward-inFaith Lent Quiet Day, which was led by Fr Henry.

Our preacher on St George’s Day was Fr Desmond Banister SSC, and we were joined by friends from other churches.

4

St George’s Church, Bickley

A number of parishioners travelled to Canterbury Cathedral on a very hot day for the Richborough Family Festival on 10[th] June.

We held our Summer Fete on 17th June, which was a great success. We were entertained by the Viva A Cappella Choir, who rehearse in our hall weekly.

We were pleased to continue hosting concerts in church for Sine Nomine Singers, Viva A Cappella Choir and others.

The parish pilgrimage to Walsingham in June was led by Fr Henry.

In September Fr Henry cycled around ten local churches on the hottest day of the year raising money for the Friends of Kent Churches and the PCC. Fundraising also took place during the year for Welcare in Bromley, the Additional Curates’ Society, SteerRight, and Bromley Foodbank.

Parishioners enjoyed a parish lunch after the Harvest Festival. The Events Committee started planning more social events, one of which was a successful visit to the National Gallery with groups led by Fr Paul, Fr Henry and Fiona Everett and another a tour of Wren churches in the City of London led by Fr Henry and Fiona Everett.

All Saints’ Day was observed jointly with the Annunciation, with a Sung Mass in Chislehurst. All Souls’ Day was observed in the traditional manner, with fair attendances.

In December we were pleased to host carol services for Breaside Prep School, Bromley High Junior School, Bromley High School, and Bickley Park School.

Our 2023 Christmas celebrations began with St George’s Primary School Carol Services. Our traditional Nine Lessons and Carols was well-attended. The Christmas Eve Crib Service attracted a completely full church. The Midnight Mass and Christmas morning Mass were also both well-attended, with numbers at pre-Covid levels.

In July we hosted the Funeral Mass of the Very Revd Fr John Paddock (sometime Dean of Gibraltar) who had been an honorary assistant priest here some years ago. During the year the funerals were also held for long-term worshippers Alan Cowell and John Keen, and for current PCC member Patrick Willshear, all of whom will be sadly missed.

Financial Review

The net deficit for the year was £6,111 (2022: deficit £10,131), comprising a deficit in unrestricted funds of £6,357 (2022: deficit £10,131) and a surplus of £246 (2022: surplus £nil) in restricted funds.

Total incoming resources were £120,107 (2022: £114,611), £114,682 (2022: £110,949) in unrestricted funds and £5,425 (2022: £3,662) in restricted funds.

Legacies amounting to £nil (2022 £nil) were received during the year.

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St George’s Church, Bickley

At 31[st] December 2023 total funds were £88,104 (2022: £94,215). Funds designated for specific purposes were £47,137 (2022: £42,850). The general fund decreased by £10,398 to £40,967 (2022: £51,365). Total cash balances at 31 December 2023 were £90,627 (2022: £97,892) held in short term deposits, current account and cash.

Hall income is a substantial source of income for St George’s.

St George’s supported a number of charities during the year. The Lent Appeal contributed £500 to the Additional Curates’ Society and £700 to SteerRight. A donation of £250 was made to the College of St Barnabas. Sponsorship for Ride & Stride visiting local churches raised £400 for the Friends of Kent Churches. The Harvest collection raised £300 for the Bromley Borough Food Bank, and £550 was raised at the Christmas Family Crib Service, for Welcare, Bromley that provides support to children and families.

The main items of on-going expenditure continue to be parish share (which includes stipendiary costs), and the maintenance and running costs of the church and hall, including utility and insurance costs.

In order to secure the long-term viability of the parish, further significant maintenance works to the church and hall will be necessary over future years, including repairs to the church masonry. It is encouraging that people continue to commit to the parish through the planned giving schemes including making donations under Gift Aid. It is critical that we continue to try to increase incoming resources and manage our on-going expenditure.

Reserves Policy

In 2018 the PCC set a reserves policy to endeavour to achieve a balance on undesignated funds in cash and at the bank equal to six months expenditure to cover general outgoings. Based on the 2024 budget this amounts to £62,650 (2022: £62,762). The undesignated Cash & Bank balance at 31 December 2023 of £43,490 (2022: £55,042) represented a deficit of £19,160 (2023: deficit £7,720) against this policy.

Surplus cash may be invested in short term bank deposit accounts, and endowment funds are invested in accordance with the terms of the endowment.

Signed on behalf of the Parochial Church Council

Fr Henry Everett

Chairman 2 April 2024

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St George’s Church, Bickley

Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of St George’s Church, Bickley

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 8 to 15.

Responsibilities and basis of report

The PCC's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Claire Moore Bickley Kent

2 April 2024

7

St George’s Church, Bickley

Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Note
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary income
2a
Activities for generating funds
2b
Income from investments
2c
Church activities
2d
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
2
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Church activities
3a
Fund raising costs
3b
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
3
NET (OUTGOING) / INCOMING
RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS
Transfers between funds
9
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD
1 JANUARY
9
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD
31 DECEMBER
9		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
57,488
5,425
62,913
50,086
-
50,086
2,460
-
2,460
4,648
-
4,648
114,682
5,425
120,107
119,856
5,179
125,035
1,183
-
1,183
121,039
5,179
126,218
(6,357)
246
(6,111)
246
(246)
-
(6,111)
-
(6,111)
94,215
-
94,215
88,104
-
88,104		 Total
Funds
2022
£
54,829
55,546
352
3,884
114,611
123,285
1,457
124,742
(10,131)
-
(10,131)
104,346
94,215

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements

8

St George’s Church, Bickley

Balance sheet

At 31 December 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
6
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
LIABILITIES
Creditors - amounts falling due
within one year
8
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL NET ASSETS
PARISH FUNDS
Unrestricted
9
Restricted
9		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
-
-
-
9,279
21
9,300
86,394
-
86,394
3,704
529
4,233
99,377
550
99,927
(11,273)
(550)(11,823)
88,104
-
88,104
88,104
-
88,104
88,104
-
88,104
-
-
-
88,104
-
88,104		 Total
Funds
2022
£
-
8,615
87,959
9,933
106,507
(12,292)
94,215
94,215
94,215
-
94,215

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 19 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by :

Fr Henry Everett David Hood Chairman Treasurer and Member of the PCC

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements

Registered Charity Number: 1132872

9

St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies

a) Basis of accounting

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the Regulations' 'true and fair view' provisions, together with FRS 102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS 102)).

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, or those that are informal gatherings of church members.

b) Funds

Details of the movements in the funds under the PCC’s control during the year are given in note 9 to the financial statements.

The General Fund represents the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for the general purposes of the PCC. The PCC seeks to hold sufficient free reserves in the general fund to meet its future expenditure requirements, taking into account expected future income.

The PCC has agreed that the Hall and Church Diocesan Repair Schemes as designated funds. These funds are designated to contribute to the cost of for future repairs and maintenance to the church and church hall identified as necessary by inspectors appointed on behalf of the diocese;

Restricted funds are restricted to the purpose for which the funds have been raised.

Income and expenditure relating to special appeals to meet specific expenditure are included as restricted movements. Special appeals are conducted with the proviso that any final surplus remaining once all expenditure has been met can be transferred to the unrestricted General Fund.

Where expenditure exceeds income on a specific project the excess costs are charged in the unrestricted general fund.

Endowment funds are capital funds to which the PCC has access to the income only, and can only realise the investment under the terms of the endowment.

10

St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements

c) Incoming resources

Planned giving collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax income is recognised when the income to which it relates is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Interest is accrued. All other income is recognised when it is receivable.

All incoming resources are recognised gross except for contributions to shared costs, monies received on behalf of other parties and refunds.

d) Resources used

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded if their award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds.

The parish share is accounted for when payable. All other expenditure is accounted for when due.

All expenditure is accounted for gross, except for the element of shared costs and payments of money received on behalf of other parties.

e) Fixed assets

Tangible assets

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the financial statements.

Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted for as inalienable property.

For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. Items acquired since 1 January 2000 are capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their anticipated useful economic life on a straight-line basis.

All expenditure incurred on consecrated or beneficed buildings, individual items under £1,000 or on the repair of moveable church furnishings is written off as incurred.

Office and other equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of less than £1,000 are written off when the asset is acquired.

Investments

Any investments are valued at market value at 31 December each year and unrealised gains or losses are accounted for in the financial statements. Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold.

11

St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements

f) Current assets

Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.

Short term deposits represent cash held on deposit at the Diocese of Rochester. Where a bank account holds cash in respect of more than one fund, the assets are apportioned between the various unrestricted and restricted funds according to the fund balance.

2
Incoming resources
2a Voluntary income
Planned giving
Tax efficient donations
Other
Other giving
Collections at services
Tax recoverable
Donations, appeals
Tax recoverable
Legacies
Grants
2b Activities for generating funds
Fund-raising
Hall lettings
2c
Income from investments
Interest
2d Church activities
Fees
Other fund raising events
Total incoming resources		 Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
£
£
30,002
-
4,016
-
3,969
-
8,065
-
9,511
-
1,589
4,332
336
793
-
-
-
300		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
30,002
27,666
4,016
4,895
3,969
2,989
8,065
6,329
9,511
9,158
5,921
3,011
1,129
581
-
-
300
200
57,488
5,425		 62,913
54,829
5,006
-
45,080
-		 5,006
9,744
45,080
45,802
50,086- 50,086
55,546
2,460
-		 2,460
352
3,293
-
1,355
-		 3,293
2,687
1,355
1,197
4,648
-		 4,648
3,884
114,682
5,425		 120,107114,611

12

St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements

4
Staff costs
Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
3
Resources used
3a Church activities
Missionary and charitable giving:
Ministry:
Diocesan parish share
Families, Children Mission
Other
Clergy expenses
Upkeep of services
Music and choir
Church running expenses
Church / Vicarage maintenance
& repairs
Churchyard upkeep
Hall running expenses
Hall maintenance and repairs
Printing and stationery
Parish office running expenses
Cost of appeals
Bank charges
3b Fund raising costs
Costs of fund raising events
Total resources used		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
282
2,418
2,700
3,071
60,000
-
60,000
60,000
99
300
399
246
1,067
-
1,067
2,446
4,936
-
4,936
4,238
1,792
2,082
3,874
2,360
8.057
-
8,057
6,910
20,996
-
20,996
16,336
3,534
-
3,534
10,165
2,010
-
2,010
2,010
13,297
-
13,297
10,527
1,249
379
1,628
2,611
1,556
-
1,556
1,889
882
-
882
394
-
-
-
-
99
-
99
82
119,856
5,179
125,035
123,285
1,183
-
1,183
1,457
121,039
5,179
126,218
124,742
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
5,644
-
5,644
5,208
-
-
-
-
5,644
-
5,644
5,208

5 Transactions with related parties

Under accounting regulations, the PCC is required to disclose all material transactions with related parties. The PCC considers those persons who are, or are closely connected to, members of the PCC to be related parties. There were no material transactions with related parties during 2023 or 2022.

13

St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements

6
Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 January 2023
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023 and 2022
7
Debtors
Tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
8
Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
Creditors for goods and services
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 Hall
Total
Equipment
£
£
1,140
1,140
-
-
1,140
1,140
1,140
1,140
-
-
1,140
1,140
-
-
2023
2022
£
£
7,922
7,183
1,378
1,432
9,300
8,615
2023
2022
£
£
-
493
-
288
11,823
11,511
11,823
12,292

14

St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements

9 Fund details
Unrestricted funds
Undesignated
General Fund
Designated
Diocesan Repair Scheme – Hall
Diocesan Repair Scheme – Church
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Special Charitable Collections
Other Donations
Grants
Total funds
10 Summary of fund assets
Unrestricted funds– undesignated
General Fund
Unrestricted funds– designated
Diocesan Repair Scheme – Hall
Diocesan Repair Scheme – Church
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Charity Collections
Total funds		 1 January
Incoming Resources Transfers
31 December
2023 Resources
Expended
2023
£
£
£
£
£
51,365
113,395
(121,039)
(2,754)
40,967		 1 January
Incoming Resources Transfers
31 December
2023 Resources
Expended
2023
£
£
£
£
£
51,365
113,395
(121,039)
(2,754)
40,967
11,189
339
-
1,000
12,528
31,661
948
-
2,000
34,609
42,850
1,287
-
3,000
47,137
94,215
114,682
(121,039)
246
**88,104 **
-
2,418
(2,418)
-
-
-
2,707
(2,461)
(246)
-
-
300
(300)
-
-
-
5,425
(5,179)
(246)
-
94,215
120,107
(126,218)
-
88,104
Fixed
assets
Current
assets
Liabilities: due
in less than
one year
Net asset
£
£
£
£
-
52,240
(11,273)
40,967
-
12,528
-
12,528
-
34,609
-
34,609
-
47,137
-
47,137
-
99,377
(11,273)
88,104
-
550
(550)
-
-
550
(550)
-
-
99,927
(11,823)
88,104

15