ST GEORGE’S CHURCH BICKLEY Diocese of Rochester
Annual Report and Financial Statements of the
Parochial Church Council
for the year ended 31st December 2025
Parish Priest
The Rev’d Henry Everett SSC
Honorary Assistant Priests
The Rev’d David Cossar SSC The Rev’d Canon Owen Beament MBE
Churchwardens
Mr Paul Braybrooke Mrs Monica Sanderson
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
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We are called to serve God where there is need and especially in the parish of Bickley. We rejoice in our heritage in the Anglican Catholic tradition and that the Proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Mass are at the centre of our life together. Baptism, frequent Mass, Perpetual Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament, the availability of priests to hear Confessions at advertised times are fundamental to our identity as a local church.
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Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit we seek together to answer the call to give glory to God and to proclaim the Gospel by our worship and outreach, our prayer and study, our work with children and our social life. We work to include everyone as fully as possible in the life and worship of God’s people, the Church.
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We are a church that is open to all, of whatever tradition or ecclesial integrity. We are called to be a community of brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ in which without exception everyone is welcome and valued. We rejoice to work with our ecumenical partners in Churches Together .
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We acknowledge and accept as our Anglican and Apostolic heritage the legal rights and privileges of the Bishop of Rochester. We receive valued Alternative Pastoral Care under permission of the Bishop of Rochester. In accordance with The House of Bishops’ Declaration on the Ministry of Priests and Bishops , the parish is served by male priests only and the sacramental ministry of bishops is exercised only by bishops who have not ordained women to the priesthood.
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We are corporate members of The Society , Forward in Faith and the Church Union , and under the patronage of the Society for the Maintenance of the Faith .
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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 2025/26 the following served as members of the Parochial Church Council
Incumbent The Rev’d Henry Everett (Chairman) Churchwardens Mr Paul Braybrooke (Vice-chair) Mrs Monica Sanderson
Elected lay representatives on the Deanery Synod
Mr David Hood Mrs Monica Sanderson
Elected members
Mrs Vera Bilby (retires 2026) Mrs Margaret Brading (retires 2026) Mrs Jane Cheese (retires 2028) Mrs Donna Dawson (retires 2027) Mrs Pauline Emburey (retires 2026)
Mr David Harrison (retires 2027) Mr David Jai-Persad (retires 2028) Mrs Genevieve Madir (retires 2028) Ms Janet McFarlane (retires 2027)
Co-opted: Miss Eleanor Bull, Mr Graham Callow
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 2025
The full PCC met six times during 2025 with very good attendance on all occasions.
Church Attendance
There were 114 persons on the Church Electoral Roll in 2025. Of these approximately one third are resident in the parish and two thirds non-resident. The average weekly Mass attendance was 88 (97). Usual Sunday Mass attendance in 2025 was 89 (91), including 10 (12) 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 Easter Services was 130 and at Christmas services was 533. In addition, approximately 3000 children and parents attended school services during the year.
There were 16 baptisms, 4 weddings, 5 funerals and 9 confirmations during 2025.
The church is generally open during daylight hours.
*Figures in brackets relate to 2024.
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.
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St George’s Church, Bickley
Our Commitments:
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Promoting a safer environment and culture
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Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults
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Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
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Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse or other affected persons
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Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns/allegations of abuse and other affected persons
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Responding to those that may pose a present risk.
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:
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providing facilities for public worship, pastoral care, and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for its adherents and for anyone who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers.
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promoting Christian values, and services by members of the Church in and to their communities, to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
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maintaining the historic fabric and architectural heritage of the St George’s church building and grounds including the Grade II listed War Memorial.
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providing a quiet space that is available daily to all members of the public.
Review of the Year
Fundraising took place during the year for The Passage, Welcare in Bromley, and Bromley Foodbank.
During the year the clergy continued to cover Sunday Masses in neighbouring parishes, but were delighted that Fr Stephen Jullien had been appointed to the Annunciation.
Fr Paul Jenkins withdrew from active ministry with us, but we enjoyed celebrating his 50[th] anniversary of priesthood in July. In September Fr Owen celebrated his 60[th] anniversary of priesthood, both occasions were marked by parties and presentations in the hall.
A group of parishioners attended the consecration of the new bishop of Richborough, The Rt Revd Luke Irvine-Capel, at Canterbury Cathedral.
The Vicar represented Churches Together in Chislehurst and Bickley at the Institution of the new Rector of St Nicholas, Chislehurst, in March.
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St George’s Church, Bickley
A Lent course was led by the clergy on heroes of the Faith.
A French lunch was held as a pre-Lent celebration, which was a great success.
As usual, the Easter Vigil was followed by a party with fireworks.
Our preacher on St George’s Day was the Vicar, and the choir of St George’s School sang for us. We were joined by friends from other churches and had a party afterwards.
Ascension Day was celebrated jointly with the Annunciation, and we were delighted to welcome Fr David Herbert (Vicar 1981-2009) as preacher.
We held our Summer Fete on 21[st] June, which was a great success. We were entertained by the Kentones.
At the parish pilgrimage to Walsingham in July we were joined by groups from both the Annunciation and St Michael’s, Beckenham.
The Vicar preached at the Dedication Festival in July, which was followed by a bring-andshare lunch.
The Society parishes enjoyed a pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory in August, with Fr Ben Eadon from Walsingham as preacher.
In September parishioners joined St John’s, Higham, for a day pilgrimage to the shrine of St Augustine at Ramsgate.
Parishioners enjoyed a parish lunch after the Harvest Festival.
All Souls’ Day was observed jointly with the Annunciation.
A Quiz Night was held in November and was highly successful.
Bishop Luke of Richborough made his first visit to St George’s in November, when he confirmed nine candidates from the parish.
Our traditional Advent Carol Service was well-supported by friends from other parishes.
In December we were pleased to host carol services for 15[th] Bromley Scout Group, Breaside Prep School, Bromley High Junior School, Bromley High School, Bickley Park School, and GB News, whose service was recorded and broadcast on Christmas Eve.
Our 2025 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.
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St George’s Church, Bickley
Financial Review
The net surplus for the year was £8,590 (2024: £8,102), comprising a surplus in unrestricted funds of £7,355 (2024: £4,564) and a surplus of £1,235 (2024: £3,538) in restricted funds.
Total incoming resources were £146,573 (2024: £141,595), £136,191 (2024: £129,024) in unrestricted funds and £10,382 (2024: £12,571) in restricted funds.
Legacies amounting to £nil (2024 £nil) were received during the year.
At 31[st] December 2025 total funds were £104,796 (2024: £96,206). Funds designated for specific purposes were £51,225 (2024: £51,815). Restricted Funds were £4,677 (2024: £3,442). The general fund increased by £7,945 to £48.894 (2024: £40,949). Total cash balances at 31 December 2025 were £106,961 (2024: £98,198) held in short term deposits, current account and cash.
Hall income is a substantial source of income for St George’s.
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 2026 budget (excluding major refurbishments which may be paid from designated funds), this amounts to £65,652 (2025: £65,600). The undesignated Cash & Bank balance at 31 December 2025 of £50,250 (2024: £46,383) represented a deficit of £15,402 (2024: deficit £19,217) 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 24 March 2026
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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 2025, 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:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Claire Moore Bickley Kent
20 April 2026
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St George’s Church, Bickley
Statement of Financial Activities
For the year ended 31 December 2025
| 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 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ 63,790 10,382 74,172 65,810 - 65,810 2,699 - 2,699 3,892 - 3,892 136,191 10,382 146,573 127,532 8,936 136,468 1,515 - 1,515 129,047 8,936 137,983 7,144 1,446 8,590 211 (211) - 7,355 1,235 8.590 92,764 3,442 96,206 100,119 4,677 104,796 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 71,848 61,352 3,170 5,225 |
|---|---|---|
| 141,595 | ||
| 132,900 593 |
||
| 133,493 | ||
| 8,102 - |
||
| 8,102 88,104 |
||
| 96,206 |
The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements
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St George’s Church, Bickley
Balance sheet
At 31 December 2025
| 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 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ - - - 8,849 - 8,849 98,723 4,000 102,723 2,752 1,486 4,238 110,324 5,486 115,810 (10,205) (809)(11,014) 100,119 4,677 104,796 100,119 4,677 104,796 100,119 - 100,119 - 4,677 4,677 100,119 4.677 104,796 |
Total Funds 2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|
| 9,798 92,048 6,150 |
||
| 107,996 (11,790) |
||
| 96,206 | ||
| 96,206 | ||
| 92,764 3,442 |
||
| 96,206 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 24 March 2026 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
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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.
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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.
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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 or at the Bank. Where a bank account holds cash in respect of more than one fund, the assets are apportioned between the unrestricted and restricted funds.
| 2 Incoming resources 2a Voluntary income Planned giving Tax efficient donations Other Other giving Collections at services Tax recoverable Donations, appeals Tax recoverable Legacies 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 Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 36,907 - 36,907 31,311 1,493 - 1,493 2,330 6,359 - 6,359 4,255 7,656 - 7,656 8,535 11,251 - 11,251 10,029 110 9,592 9,702 14,060 14 790 804 1,328 - - - - |
|---|---|
| 63,790 10,382 74,172 71,848 |
|
| 8,645 - 8,645 9,174 57,165 - 57,165 52,178 |
|
| 65,810- 65,810 61,352 |
|
| 2,699 - 2,699 3,170 |
|
| 2,482 - 2,482 3,890 1,410 - 1,410 1,335 |
|
| 3,892 - 3,892 5,225 |
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| 136,191 10,382 146,573141,595 |
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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 maintenance and 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 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 305 6,253 6,558 4,350 65,000 - 65,000 63,000 387 - 387 290 1,600 - 1,600 2,450 5,927 - 5,927 6,283 3,107 2,683 5,790 3,824 8.280 - 8,280 9,263 13,916 - 13,916 14,811 4,237 - 4,237 8,331 2,625 - 2,625 2,638 12,492 - 12,492 11,712 7,304 - 7,304 3,637 1,866 - 1,866 1,774 333 - 333 476 - - - - 153 - 153 61 |
|---|---|
| 127,532 8,936 136,468 132,900 |
|
| 1,515 - 1,515 593 |
|
| 129,047 8,936 137,983 133,493 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 6,225 - 6,225 5,944 - - - - 6,225 - 6,225 5,944 |
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 2025 or 2024.
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St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements
| 6 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 January 2025 Disposals At 31 December 2025 Depreciation At 1 January 2025 Disposals At 31 December 2025 Net book value At 31 December 2025 and 2024 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 |
|
| - - |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 2,021 8,178 6,828 1,620 |
|
| 8,849 9,798 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ - 605 - - 11,014 11,185 |
|
| 11,014 11,790 |
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St George’s Church, Bickley Notes to the Financial Statements
| 9 Fund details | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Incoming |
Resources | Transfers | 31 December | ||
| 2025 | Resources | Expended |
2025 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||||
| General Fund – undesignated | 40,949 | 134,781 |
(124,047) |
(2,789) | 48,894 | ||
| Diocesan Repair Scheme - | |||||||
| designated | 51,815 | 1,410 |
(5,000) |
3,000 | 51,225 | ||
| Total unrestricted funds | 92,764 | 136,191 |
(129,047) |
211 | 100,119 | ||
| Restricted funds | |||||||
| Charitable Collections | 3,442 | 7,512 |
(6,253) |
(24) | 4,677 | ||
| Other Donations | - | 2,870 | (2,683) |
(187) | - | ||
| Total restricted funds | 3,442 | 10,382 |
(8,936) |
(211) | 4,677 | ||
| Total funds | 96,206 | 146,573 |
(137,983) |
- | 104,796 | ||
| 10 Summary of fund assets | |||||||
| Liabilities: due | |||||||
| Fixed | Current | in | less than | ||||
| assets | assets | one year | Net asset | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||||
| General Fund – undesignated | - | 59,099 | (10,205) | 48,894 | |||
| Diocesan Repair Scheme - designated | - | 51,225 | - | 51,225 | |||
| Total unrestricted funds | - | 110,324 | (10,205) | 100,119 | |||
| Restricted funds | |||||||
| Charitable Collections | - | 5,486 | (809) | 4,677 | |||
| Total funds | - | 115,810 | (11,014) | 104,796 |
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