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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Bartholomew, Sydenham

2023-12-31-accounts

The Parish of Sydenham

St Bartholomew’s Church Annual Report

photo taken by Peter Stubbs

May 2024

St Bartholomew’s Church Westwood Hill, Sydenham

CONTENTS

1. Electoral Roll 3
2. Vicar’s Report
 3
3. PCC Secretary’s Report 6
4. Churchwarden’s Report 7
(including Buildings, Fabric & Lettings)
5. Financial Summary for the year ended 31 December 2022 10
6. Safeguarding 12
7. Health & Safety
 12
8. Music 12
9. Flowers 13
10. St Bartholomew’s School Governor’s 13
11. Sydenham Life 15
12. Knit & Natter 16

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1. Electoral Roll

The Electoral Roll at present stands at 149 names. Over the last few years we have kept electoral roll numbers steady through what has been a difficult time for church congregations in general.

Martin Haines, Church Electoral Roll Officer

2. Vicar’s Report

I write having recently returned from 12 days leave. And I am really happy to be back. Not that I didn’t enjoy my time off – it was great! But it is also great to be home. While on leave I made a short visit to my previous Parish in Wolverhampton, the first time I have done so since leaving there. We met with the current Vicar and his wife, enjoyed catching up with many friends and parishioners, heard how the congregation and Parish had fared through Covid and since, and enjoyed walking across the still-but-not-quite familiar Pendeford square. It was a very enjoyable afternoon. But it wasn’t ‘home’, not any more. ‘Home’ can of course mean different things to different people, but for me, as a Vicar, it means the house I live in alongside my family, the communities of the Parish I live alongside day-by-day, and the church family to whom I am called to minister. It can take a while to settle in this multi-faceted home and this was not helped by the Covid Pandemic and lock-downs that happened so soon after I moved here. But this past year has felt to me like we have finally settled in. We joked in Wolves and again as I

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went on to visit friends in Yorkshire and then my youngest brother in Cheshire that we couldn’t sleep properly because it was too quiet with out the sound of busy Westwood Hill traffic, sirens, buses – and foxes! Most importantly has been settling in to the spiritual home that is St Bartholomew’s. This year has felt like the time that everything settled in to place after the difficult time of Covid, the unsettled time of meeting new people (I even get most people’s names right these days!), of us each getting used to each other and the challenge of doing things a bit differently. And of course it’s not really about me feeling at home – it is about us all, the whole St Bart’s family, living, worshipping and serving God together in our Parish and it’s communities. Doing our best to respond to Jesus words from today’s Gospel reading: “...love one another as I have loved you.”

I wrote this time last year about holding back from getting into the process of renewing our Mission Action Plan (MAP) as the time didn’t feel quite right. Because of what I describe above the times does now feel right and that is what our upcoming vision day (June 16[th] ) will be about. And it will be exciting to then welcome Bethany as Curate a couple of weeks later.

Crucial to the life of the church is our excellent Church Warden’s, Lesley and Roland. I continue to be extremely thankful for them both. We are also served by a great treasurer, Peter and his team, PCC secretary Shireen, the sacristy team headed by Carol along with all those who decorate our church with flowers, prepare, edit and distribute Sydenham Life, help lead our worship as readers, intercessors and Eucharistic ministers, provide welcome and hospitality and so much more. And of course Dennis, our organist; we thank God for his health and continued service, as we prayed for him through his treatment. Thanks also to our choir and singers and to those who played the organ and piano when Dennis was unable to.

Music is an important part of our church life, both in our worship and in the concerts and events that take place here. It has been a delight to have our new piano and once again a huge thank you to all who donated towards it’s purchase, and to those who researched and sourced a suitable instrument.

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9 children were Baptised at St Bartholomew's during the year, 4 children were admitted to receive Holy Communion and 5 of our young people were Confirmed at our Deanery Confirmation service. We continue to ask God’s blessing on all of them. And as we seek to make good on our commitment to help them grow in faith as part of Christ’s Church we are grateful to Edward, Clare and Jo who responded to our ‘resources fair’ and agreed to start a monthly group for Children.

Week by week a large number of people come through our doors, for concerts, events, community groups, parties and more and I continue to meet and talk to a huge range of people from the wider community who come in to look around, pray, find a place of quiet or seek support and counsel, when the door is open during the week. Additionally it has been a joy to welcome classes from our school and on occasion the whole school for worship. I also continue to lead worship in school most Wednesdays and have increased opportunities to visit lessons. I was extremely impressed by the depth of biblical knowledge many pupils had when I visited classes in years 1, 3 and 4 at Easter. And we were able to hold the first Pet Service since I’ve been here; a great tradition and one we shall definitely continue this year.

In our national life the year saw the coronation of King Charles III and it was our privileged as part of the National Church of England to offer prayers on behalf of all people for the blessing and well-being of our Nation.

In our Diocese we were deeply saddened by the death of Karowei, Bishop of Woolwich, and his death is still being felt in our Diocesan life. But we look forward and pray for whoever his successor may be.

More locally we continue to work with our partners and friends at St Philip the Apostle and Grove Centre Baptist/URC Church, enjoying Holy Week and other seasonal services with them. We have also recently worked alongside Forest Hill Community Church to celebrate a wedding, and are pleased to host a Kenyan Pentecostal church each Sunday afternoon. Encouraging mutual flourishing by supporting one another, and sharing when we can, for the sake of the Gospel, is always a good thing.

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I look forward with anticipation to the rest of the year ahead and pray that we will continue to grow together, abiding in the love of God and bearing ‘fruit that will last’.

Rev’d Jim

Easter 6, 2024.

3. PCC Secretary Report

The PCC has met 5 times this year. Meetings have been well attended.

The PCC discusses and makes decisions on a wide variety of topics and issues during the year, mainly prompted by the reports from its various sub committees. In addition, there was other business to discuss.

Below are some of the items discussed at PCC meetings

June Resources for the Church Fayre were discussed
Set up in church of a Summer Fayre stall which would show
resources that the church needs – one half would be the fnances –
where does the money go and how it used – the other half would
be the time, people and resources required for the running of the
church – day to day and week to week – what can we do going
forward that we are not doing now
Sep Mission giving – it was proposed to support the following charities
this year
Local – Kelvin Grove Community Supermarket
National – Eleanor’s Mental Health Charity with equine therapy
International - Christian Aid
Nov The dates for the new Ecclesiastical year were announced and
listed and it was decided that the plate collection from the
Christingle service would go to the Children’s Society. Approaching
diferent people from the congregation and diocese to preach in
the year to come was also discussed

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Jan Vision day on 16thJune was discussed – it is to be publicised from
April and the congregation will be invited to submit questions to a
question box. The PCC would look at the questions before the day
March The terms of some members of the PCC come to an end this year –
would be inviting the nomination of 3 people – the need to
encourage younger people to join the PCC was discussed
Approval of the church accounts.

Shireen Williams, PCC Secretary

4. Churchwarden’s Report including Buildings, Fabric and Lettings

During 2023, we continued to see healthy congregations at most of our services and although we were extremely sad to lose some much-loved regular members, such as Toyin and family, who moved out of the area, we also welcomed a number of new families, including several children, into our community.

Activities are on the increase, and we are delighted that this has included the re-establishment of a Sunday School, initially on a monthly basis. This has been made possible by several volunteers stepping forward to run it, which is brilliant, and we trust it will grow from here.

Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at St Bart’s. We are lucky to have a beautiful, listed building with some wonderful features, but it does take a great deal of looking after! For many years, Nigel Rushton has been our chief maintenance person, helping to keep our building standing, our gutters clear and our congregation dry. This year, Nigel has finally retired from his regular maintenance duties and although we know he will still give us the benefit of his advice, based on his love for and knowledge of the building, we need to replace his physical labour. We are currently trying to identify suitable local tradesmen who have the right experience to help maintain a building such as ours and expect to be taking on someone on a retainer. However, there are a multitude of jobs required to maintain the

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church and we would be very grateful to anyone who feels they could take part, in however small a way, in this perpetual exercise.

We are already very grateful to people like Stuart, Bernard and Barrie, who take on tasks in the building or churchyard on a regular basis, but there is scope for many more; so whether your skills are DIY, leaf clearing, plumbing, carpentry or you have some serious listed buildings experience, your help would be so welcome, and we would love you to join our Buildings Issues Group (BIG), which meets every few months. Also, if you can recommend local tradesmen who you know to be reliable and skilled in the relevant areas, please pass on their details; just speak to Lesley, Roland or Rev Jim – please!

Details of our various projects/maintenance issues are as follows:

We have had a long-term issue with a leak in the water system running into the crypt and it has been frustrating waiting for the architect, water company and insurers to communicate so that we could decide on the best course of action and resolve the issue. We finally made a breakthrough and work has been done to divert the piping in the churchyard. However, there is still a leak in an area not yet accessed by the contractors and we are now waiting for the further work to be approved by the insurers – we hope to have final resolution very soon!

As reported last year, the nave roof will be in need of replacement in the near future. We have patched things up in the meantime and there are no current leaks, but this will be a major exercise for which funds will need to be raised over the next few years.

The heating is working as well as it can be, given that we had to isolate part of the system some time ago, due to the cost of identifying a leak underneath the stone floors. We are hoping that grants will be available at some point to help us to replace the system with something more environmentally friendly.

The fire alarm system has been serviced this month and all the batteries have been changed.

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We have identified and had fixed a short circuit in the dishwasher, which was causing the electrical circuit in the kitchen to trip.

The clock has been reset and serviced, but we are waiting for permission to instal the BST adjuster.

A faculty application for the repair of the bell has been submitted and this will be done when the specialists have availability.

An application was made by our neighbours for removal of the two oak trees by the lychgate, due to damage caused to their property by the root system. The Diocese have been fighting this and we do not know the final decision as yet, but it is possible they may have to be removed, which would be a great shame.

Last year, we reported that we needed to raise funds for a new piano, to better serve our worship needs and to enable us to once again welcome high calibre pianists/ensembles. Due to some generous donations and various fundraising events, we were able to meet our target and are delighted that the piano is now in place and has been played for some excellent musical performances, to great acclaim. We are planning to hold a concert later in the year to formally launch the piano and thank the major donors.

Due to another kind donation, we are able to schedule the cleaning and restoration of our wonderful reredos. We are currently taking advice on this and hope to get the work done in the latter part of the year.

As choir members, we also note the laying of the stone for long-term chorister Dennis Harrington and his wife, Evelyn, both members of the congregation for very many years, in the memorial garden.

As we are about to welcome our new curate, Bethany, we are embarking on a refurbishment of the curate’s flat, including redecoration and replacement of old equipment where required.

We look forward to our Mission Day on 16[th] June, which will be an opportunity for everyone to share their opinions and ideas for the future. We really want to hear everyone’s views and we urge you to come along and take

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part. The more we are all involved, the more likely we will be to have a church that is serving our needs and a real part of the community.

As always, we would like to acknowledge the great contribution made by regular volunteers, without whom we couldn’t function. Whether you are involved in stewarding, reading, music, flowers, coffee rota, maintenance, delivering sacraments, looking after church linen, buying supplies, or as Treasurer, Sacristan or member of PCC or working party/committee; thank you all, and of course, a big thank you to Rev Jim for leading us all.

Lesley Khatibi & Roland Bates. May 2024

5. FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

1) General Fund

Most of our day-to-day income and running costs go through the General Fund.

Donated income showed healthy growth, as did the weekly collections. Non specific donations were down in 2023, but these one-off donations and legacies are unpredictable. Lettings income from the hall and crypt continued its healthy growth. We benefited from renting out the curate’s flat for most of the year, and overall income was up by £4,000 to £130,000. Costs rose by about £5,000, due mainly to an increased Parish Pledge to the diocese for clergy costs, and higher energy costs. Overall, we had a deficit of £2,600 in the year (after transfers to other funds). When we again have a curate, we will lose the income from the flat (£17,000), so there is an ongoing challenge to encourage more regular giving, hire out the hall and crypt more, and have more fundraising activities.

Cash reserves in the General Fund would cover about 60% of our annual running costs. It is good practice to have reserves for at least three months expenses, and we are above that.

Overall, the balance sheet showed an increase in net current assets of £15k.

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2) Buildings Fund

All costs relating to the maintenance of the church building are shown in The Buildings Fund. These costs were almost £8,000 in 2023 due to the regular repairs and maintenance. These costs were covered by a transfer from the General Fund, and donations received of £4,000. It is costly to maintain a building of this size and age, but money is well spent to avoid bigger problems in the future, and to maintain it at a good standard for worship.

Overall, we made a surplus of £11,000 in the fund (allowing for increased equity in the flat as we pay off the loan). This resulted in reserves for future building work standing at £33,000 at the end of the year. The equity in the curate’s flat (the difference between the purchase price and the outstanding mortgage) now stands at £139,000. This is not available to spend unless the flat is sold.

3) SABRE Fund

Due to the Pandemic, the SABRE project to restore and improve the church was on hold. During 2023 the only movement was income of VAT reclaimed on earlier works, of £700. There is now £87,000 in the fund for further repairs, restoration, and improvements to the building.

4) Specific Projects Fund

This fund is used for the income and expenditure for causes and charities, funds accumulated over the years for the specific purpose of piano and organ restoration work, funds for youth work, and a small welfare fund. At the end of 2023 there was a surplus in this fund of £15,760, most of which is the donations towards the new piano, to be paid for in 2024.

Peter Stubbs, PCC treasurer

(The full accounts and financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 are available separately.)

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6. Safeguarding

During the year Rev’d Jim has undertaken his required 3 year renewal of Safeguarding in Leadership training.

The volunteers for the new Sunday children’s group have all had DBS checks and other church officers have had their DBS checks renewed as required.

7. Health & Safety

There have not been any incidents requiring recording in the accident book. Having heard views from several congregation members, the PCC agreed to keep the manner of sharing the Peace in it’s post-COVID form (the ‘wave of peace’!)

One congregation member undertook first aid training, but more are required – please speak to the Warden’s if you would be willing.

The Health and Safety Policy is due for a full review this year, which will be undertaken by the Wardens and Health & Safety group of the PCC.

8. Music Report

Music in our Sunday worship continues to be lead by our group of choristers and singers, with the second Sunday of each month focusing on the choristers, fourth Sunday on the singers and other weeks combined. For various reasons, including some people moving away, the numbers in the choir and singer have reduced over the past year, however the groups continue to give a good lead to our singing.

Rehearsals for choir and singers take place on Thursday evenings.

The organ continues to be tuned and maintained well by a reputable organ tuning and repair company. A new, concert-standard, piano has been bought thanks to generous donations from the congregation past and present and fund raising by friends of the church.

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An organ recital was held to mark the Coronation of King Charles III by our organist Dennis Baugh.

Dennis had some time away from playing during the year for health reasons. We are grateful to Tim, Ken, Roland and Cathy who stepped in to play the organ and piano and to lead the choir in Dennis's absence. And we give thanks to God for Dennis return to health and to playing.

9. Flowers Report

Thank you to Jean, Colleen and Jayne, assisted by Anne, who prepare and arrange the flowers in church.

The absence of flowers during Advent and Lent, the the joy of their return at Christmas and Easter was remarked upon, highlighting that flowers are more than just decoration – they are a part of the way all of our senses are engaged in worship.

Thank you to members of the congregation who contributed to the cost of Easter flowers, which is often found an appropriate way to commemorate a loved one.

The team would love to hear from anyone who would like to join them – no previous experience is necessary.

10. St Bart’s School Governors

As I write this Report, we are nearly halfway through the final term of yet another busy year for all those involved in our church school, St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School.

The school’s number on role is healthy with last September’s intake being full. This is no mean feat as school roles are generally dropping in this present climate.

The staff still continue to cope with the challenges presented to them following the pandemic. Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Support Staff and

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Ancillaries, maintain their teaching and care of all the children. All concerned are mindful that there is still much compensating to be done in order to make up for opportunities lost during Covid.

School trips and visits are once again very much an intrinsic part of the curriculum.

Rev Jim continues to visit fortnightly to take collective worship. The school also visits the church for acts of worship.

On a sober note with budget cutbacks and a rise in everyday running costs there has had to be a staff restructuring. With a great deal of care and negotiating this has now happened with the new structure in place.

The governors continue to play a part in maintaining their role as critical friends of the school The full governing body continues to meet twice a term and all governors sit one of the two main committees:

’Ressources’ - The budget is regularly reviewed and monitored and Financial and Resources priorities are discussed.

‘Curriculum and Learning’ - The curriculum is reviewed, subject leaders regularly come to address meetings. Data and progress are monitored and new initiatives are explained.

All governors also sit on sub committees such as Well-Being and Marketing.

The role of Governor has been enhanced by being able to make regular visits to the school. Committees will often visit the school on a working day focusing on a particular area before meeting to discuss challenges and strengths, ever mindful of the school SIP (School Improvement Plan)

The School had their Ofsted Visit on the 3rd and 4th July 2023. The outcome an overall Grade of Good with Pupil’s Personal Development being highlighted and awarded Outstanding.

It is only fitting that the hard work and dedication of David Roberts, a member of our congregation, and for many years a Governor of St Bartholomew's Church School, who passed away recently is acknowledged. Thank you David for the service you gave us.

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Our role as Governors continues. So many skills and experiences are needed and always welcomed. Not only is it hugely important as we support the school that belongs to our church, but also as supporters of the wider community. With that final thought perhaps you might feel that you have something that you could offer. It really is a very rewarding role.

Hilary-Anne Buckhurst. Foundation Governor

11. Sydenham Life

Overview: Sydenham Life Magazine is the free Parish Magazine of St Bartholomew’s Church, Westwood Hill, SE26 6QR and has been continually printed in different formats since 1[st] January 1868 (156 yrs). Copies are with The British Library. It is an important outreach magazine and is also used for Research Projects. It is published 10 times a year (July/Aug & Dec/Jan combined months).

Current versions are also published on the Parish page at A Church Near You and publicised on the Parish Facebook page.

An important outreach magazine with interesting articles. It informs and invites the local population of events and classes available in St Bartholomew’s Church. It helps to promote St Bartholomew’s Primary School, local Business and Social Enterprises such as Sydenham Community Supermarket and Lewisham + Bromley Credit Union. Advertisers have remained with us for years despite increases in advertising costs showing it is an important part of the community.

We welcome Nigel & Josie Ralph as new members of the Working Group. The Sydenham Life Working Group Team, Article Writers, Packers & Distributors from Church and Community contribute their time by writing articles and delivering the magazine. It is written, run, packed and hand delivered to 3,000 households by volunteers. We also welcome the new packers and distributors. Thank you to all new and old volunteers without which we simply could not continue.

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The team always welcomes new volunteers for distribute magazines, writing articles, advertising or sponsorship. Contact slifeads@hotmail.co.uk or any of the working group, Geoffery Cave, Jane Somers, Ope Otudeko, Yvonne Springer, Hal Bannister or The Rev Jim.

Jane Somers April 2024

12. Knit & Natter

Throughout 2023, we have continued to meet on the 1[st] and 3[rd] Saturdays of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm (ish!) We mostly bring our own projects, drink tea & coffee, and chat about our week while we craft.

However, we have also taken part in several projects for St Bart’s, using our crafting skills to raise church funds. At Easter we made chicks and bunnies crème egg covers and sold them at church for the Bishop’s Lent Appeal, raising £270.75.

In August, we organised an outing to Rochester Cathedral to visit the ‘Creation through Threads’ exhibition by Jacqui Parkinson, a textile artist. Travelling by train together, we had a lovely day out and very much enjoyed the exhibition and the cathedral, lunch in the sun outside, and a wander through the high street. We hope this is the first of many excursions.

In September, at the request of Rev Jim, we started work on making 60 sheep and a new knitted nativity set to use in the Advent Posada. With some knitted and some crocheted, each sheep was unique, just like our group!

In early December we attended the arts & craft fair at Ignition Brewery selling small gifts and Christmas decorations. This raised over £50 for church funds and any items left over were sold at church on the remaining Sundays. We are a small but friendly group of crafters who welcome all who wish to join us, whether you come along for the craft, or just the tea & chat. Why not come and join us?!

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Charity Commission Registration Number 1133852

CONTENTS
Page 2 Balance Sheet
3 Statement of Financial Activities
4 to 5 General Fund
6 Buildings & SABRE Funds
7 Specific Projects Fund
8 to 10 Notes to the Accounts

1

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

BALANCE SHEET AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2023
Note
£
Fixed assets:
2
Current assets:
5,052
4,572
85,592
94,711
23,801
Balance on Church Equals debits cards
578
Cash in church safe for event floats and petty cash
1,309
215,615
Current liabilities:
2
6,464
3,611
- mainly fees due to the Diocese for 2022 & Mission Giving
10,075
Net current assets
Total assets minus current liabilities
Long term liability
2
37,706
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Buildings fund
curate flat purchase cost
183,131
curate flat outstanding mortgage
44,170
equity in curate flat - not available to spend
138,961
surplus in fund that can be spent on works
33,181
total in Buildings Fund at end of year
172,142
172,142
SABRE restoration fund
87,186
Specific projects fund
15,762
8
Rev. Jim Perry
Lesley Khatibi
Incumbent
Churchwarden
Tangible assets_(curate's flat at cost)
Debtors & accrued income(Dec Parish Giving Scheme)
Payments in advance(insurance)
Balance at Natwest bank(current account)
Balance at CAF bank(current account)
Balance at CofE CBF (Central Board of Finance(deposit account))
Loan amount payable within one year(flat repayment)
Other creditors due within one year(accruals)
Diocesan loan for flat purchase -_payable after one year		 2023
Note
£
Fixed assets:
2
Current assets:
5,052
4,572
85,592
94,711
23,801
Balance on Church Equals debits cards
578
Cash in church safe for event floats and petty cash
1,309
215,615
Current liabilities:
2
6,464
3,611
- mainly fees due to the Diocese for 2022 & Mission Giving
10,075
Net current assets
Total assets minus current liabilities
Long term liability
2
37,706
Represented by:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Buildings fund
curate flat purchase cost
183,131
curate flat outstanding mortgage
44,170
equity in curate flat - not available to spend
138,961
surplus in fund that can be spent on works
33,181
total in Buildings Fund at end of year
172,142
172,142
SABRE restoration fund
87,186
Specific projects fund
15,762
8
Rev. Jim Perry
Lesley Khatibi
Incumbent
Churchwarden
Tangible assets_(curate's flat at cost)
Debtors & accrued income(Dec Parish Giving Scheme)
Payments in advance(insurance)
Balance at Natwest bank(current account)
Balance at CAF bank(current account)
Balance at CofE CBF (Central Board of Finance(deposit account))
Loan amount payable within one year(flat repayment)
Other creditors due within one year(accruals)
Diocesan loan for flat purchase -_payable after one year		 2023
£		 £
183,131
205,540
388,671
37,706
350,965
75,875
275,090
350,965		 2022
£
£
183,131
4,841
4,452
30,974
134,155
23,061
4,724
1,318
203,525
6,464
6,366
12,830
190,695
373,826
44,170
44,170
329,656
78,469
161,474
86,227
3,486
251,187
329,655
Roland Bates
Churchwarden
5,052
4,572
85,592
94,711
23,801
578
1,309
215,615
6,464
3,611
2 10,075
37,706
183,131
44,170
138,961
33,181
172,142
172,142
87,186
15,762
8
Lesley Khatibi
Churchwarden
172,142
87,186
15,762

March 2024

2

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Incoming resources
Incoming resources from generated funds
Voluntary income
Activities for generating funds
Investment income
Incoming resources from charitable activities
ie fees
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Costs of generating funds
Costs of running the church
Governance costs (examination of accounts)
Total resources expended
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before transfers
reduction in flat loan liability - to Balance Sheet
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Total funds as at 1 January 2023
Total funds as at 31 December 2023		 General fund
£
Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted funds
£
£
£
Building
fund
SABRE
restoration
fund
Specific
projects
fund		 2023
£
Total
funds		 2022
£
Total
funds
89,009
39,887
0
1,259
130,155
0
118,285
0
118,285
11,870
0
-14,464
-2,594
78,469
75,875		 0
13
14,324
4,000
0
0
0
247
0
0
0
0
4,000
260
14,324
0
0
0
14,260
-699
2,048
0
0
0
14,260
-699
2,048
-10,260
959
12,276
6,464
0
0
14,464
0
0
10,668
959
12,276
161,474
86,227
3,486
172,142
87,186
15,762		 103,346
43,887
247
1,259
148,739
0
133,894
0
133,894
14,845
6,464
0
21,309
329,656
350,965		 84,290
45,539
436
742
131,007
0
132,626
0
132,626
-1,619
6,464
0
4,845
324,811
329,656

3

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

GENERAL FUND (UNRESTRICTED FUND)

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND FUND MOVEMENT

Note
Incoming Resources
Donated income
Fees for weddings, funerals, banns
Investment income
Interest on General Fund bank balance
Fund-raising activities
Sydenham Life advertising revenue
Floodlighting
Action Bibles donations
Rent from the curate's flat
Sunday morning coffee, breakfasts, afternoon teas
Quiz evening
Knit and natter
Total general fund incoming resources
Parish Giving Scheme_- regular giving_
Tax (gift aid) -reclaimed on donations
Weekly collections_- now included the credit card machine_
Non-specific donations_(various donations, legacies etc)
Old Church Hall site(ground rents from remaining freeholds)
Occasional collections(at special services and events)
Lettings - hall, crypt and church hire- up after the pandemic_
Jumble sales (donations and the October Sale)		 2023
£
62,895
15,323
8,379
1,962
250
200
0
22,596
2,770
0
0
245
13,956
247
0
73		 £
89,009
1,259
0
39,887
130,155		 2022
£
£
57,394
14,992
5,368
5,732
250
135
83,871
742
0
0
20,283
3,025
2,244
10
195
15,400
240
142
0
41,539
126,152		 2022
£
£
57,394
14,992
5,368
5,732
250
135
83,871
742
0
0
20,283
3,025
2,244
10
195
15,400
240
142
0
41,539
126,152
126,152

4

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

GENERAL FUND (UNRESTRICTED FUND)

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND FUND MOVEMENT

Note
Resources Expended
On church objects
Sydenham Life printing and expenses
Bank charges
Parish Pledge to Diocese_- for clergy salaries, housing and training_
Utilities -water, gas, electricity
Insurance_- for the building_
Altar requisites -wafers, wine, candles etc		 2023
£
64,260
5,120
15,999
64
4,452
727
3,720
4,534
4,088
0
294
387
3,207
1,437
4,060
830
1,814
2,500
15
777
-6,464
0
-8,000		 £
118,285
-14,464
132,749		 2022
£
£
63,000
5,104
11,733
105
3,995
1,001
2,422
5,372
4,370
0
124
266
3,908
1,546
3,900
477
1,859
2,700
63
625
112,570
-6,464
0
-8,000
-14,464
127,034		 2022
£
£
63,000
5,104
11,733
105
3,995
1,001
2,422
5,372
4,370
0
124
266
3,908
1,546
3,900
477
1,859
2,700
63
625
112,570
-6,464
0
-8,000
-14,464
127,034
Interest on loan to purchase the curate's flat
Curate's flat service charge, council tax, repairs
Flower costs
Staff expenses - travel, telephone etc
9
Books & print
Office expenses - photocopier etc
Organist
Choir & music - church copyright licence, music books
Instrument maintenance
3
Sunday morning coffee expenses
Action Bible costs
total normal costs
Inter-fund transfers etc:
Transfer to Buildings Fund - capital repayments on flat
2
Transer to Specific Projects Fund - organ restoration
Transfer to Buildings Fund - repairs and renewals
Total Inter-fund transfers etc:
Total general fund resources expended
Net (Deficit)/Surplus in the General Fund in the year
Surplus/(deficit) from the previous year
Surplus/(deficit) carried forward to the ensuing year
Cleaning -includes consumables, rubbish removal, deep clean
Non fund-raising activities_(new altar cloths, DBS checks etc)
Mission giving- to local/national/international charities_
-2,594 -882
78,469
75,875		 79,351
78,469

5

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

BUILDINGS FUND (RESTRICTED FUND)

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND FUND MOVEMENT

Note
Incoming Resources
Donated income for repairs
Total buildings fund incoming resources
Resources Expended
Routine repairs & maintenance
4
Capital paid off loan to purchase curate's flat
2
Total buildings fund resources expended
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
Surplus from the previous year (inc equity in flat)
transfer from General Fund for flat capital repayment
transfer from General Fund for repairs & maintenance
increase in Buildings Fund = reduction in loan liability on balance sheet
Surplus carried forward to the following year
Of this surplus, the amount available for works, excluding the equity in the flat,		 2023
£
4,000
7,796
6,464
is:		 £
4,000
14,260
(10,260)		 2022
£
£
4,000
4,000
6,968
6,464
13,432
(9,432)		 2022
£
£
4,000
4,000
6,968
6,464
13,432
(9,432)
4,000
13,432
(9,432)
161,474
6,464
8,000
6,464
172,142
33,181		 149,978
6,464
8,000
6,464
161,474
SABRE RESTORATION FUND (RESTRICTED FUND)
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND FUND MOVEMENT
2023 2022
Note
Incoming Resources
SABRE donations including gift aid
grant income - from Church Care in 2021
fundraising
Investment income
Interest on balance with CBF (SABRE funds)
Total SABRE restoration fund incoming resources
Resources Expended
5
Total SABRE fund resources expended
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
Surplus from the previous year
Surplus carried forward to the following year
SABRE restoration costs_(VAT refund)_		 £
13
0
0
247
-699		 £
13
247
260
-699
959
86,227
87,186		 £
0
0
0
436
6,348		 £
0
436
436
6,348
(5,912)
92,139
86,227

6

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

SPECIFIC PROJECTS FUND (RESTRICTED FUND)

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND FUND MOVEMENT

Note
Incoming Resources
Donations
Piano and Organ donations
Christian Aid collections
Youth work income
Total specific projects fund incoming resources
Resources Expended
Expenditure on church objects
Bishop's Lent call
Sightsavers
British Legion
Embrace the Middle East donations sent
Christian Aid
Piano and Organ restoration and purchase
The Children's Society (Christingle)
Youth work costs
Total specific projects fund resources expended
Transfer from General Fund - organ and pandemic response
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Surplus from the previous year
Surplus carried forward to the ensuing year
Bishop's Lent appeal -for a range of charities
Poppy Appeal_- to Royal British Legion_
Carol service_- to Embrace the Middle East_
Christingle service_- for The Children's Society_		 2023
£
325
233
13,555
211
325
217
5
1,290
211		 £
14,324
2,048
0
12,276		 2022
£
£
30
0
84
143
162
0
0
418
30
0
0
84
0
0
162
0
275
0
143		 2022
£
£
30
0
84
143
162
0
0
418
30
0
0
84
0
0
162
0
275
0
143
418
275
0
143
3,486
15,762		 3,343
3,486

7

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023

1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements are presented in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006,

together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Commission's revised Statement of Recommended Practice (the Charities SORP).

The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention.

Funds

The General Fund represents the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use, and are available for its general purposes.

The Buildings Fund is a restricted fund deriving its income from legacies, donations and fund-raising activities to be used specifically for building work. It now holds the equity in the flat purchased for curates in training. The Specific Projects Fund is a restricted fund reserved for the projects listed for which the incoming funds have been earmarked.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law or over which the PCC exercises control.

Incoming Resources

Incoming resources are recognised in the following manner:

(i) Collections and planned giving when received.

(ii) Gift Aid recoverable on donations, when receivable.

(iii) Grants and legacies to the PCC, when received.

(iv) Income from fund-raising and similar activities, gross when received.

(v) Investment income and income receivable, when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same year.

Resources Used

The Parish Pledge paid to the Diocese covers the cost of clergy, pensions, housing and central overheads. It is accounted for in the year during which payment is sought. Any unpaid contribution at 31st December is included in the balance sheet as a creditor (though not a legal liability).

Resources Expended

Expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes VAT which cannot be recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Fixed Assets

Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from these accounts.

Other property held for the church's use is shown at cost of acquisition (eg the curate's flat).

Other fixtures and fittings are depreciated on a straight line basis over 3 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Current Assets

Amounts due to the PCC at 31 December 2023

8

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2) TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1st January 2023
Additions
At 31st December 2023
Depreciation
At 1st January 2023
For the year
At 31st December 2023
Net Book Amounts
At 31st December 2023
At 31st December 2023
The leasehold property was purchased on 10th August 2005 for the purpose of housing curates sent to the parish
by the Diocese of Southwark for training. It consists of a flat at 1 Ashleigh Court, 81 Lawrie Park Road, London,
SE26 6EX. In accordance with the law relating to property held by parishes, the legal owners of the property are
the Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance and the South London Church Fund as Custodian Trustees for the parish.
Any capital gain or loss on the property will accrue to the parish.
The flat was purchased for £183,130, and might now be worth more than that.
The loan of £150,000 from the Diocese is repayable over 25 years from 12th August 2005 by monthly instalments		 Office
Equipment
£
2,792
0
2,792
2,791
0
2,791
1
1
£
50,634
-10,184
3,720
44,170
6,464
37,706
44,170		 Long
Leasehold
£
183,130
0
183,130
0
0
0
183,130
183,130
inclusive of interest currently at 3.5% above Bank Rate.
The lease has been extended to 990 years.
balance of the loan outstanding at 31st December 2022
less
repayments made in 2023
plus
interest costs added in 2023
balance of the loan outstanding at 31st December 2023
amount payable within one year
amount payable after one year

Now included in the accounts is a transfer from the General Fund to the Buildings Fund equal to the capital repayments for the flat loan. Interest costs are an expense from the General Fund, but capital repayments result in an increase in the Buldings Fund as the loan liability reduces. Significant capital repayments are now being made, and the addition of this line makes clear the funding needs for these repayments. So the surplus or deficit in the General Fund shows the full position after both interest and capital repayments have been made.

3) MISSION GIVING

Mission giving is agreed at 3% of the church's donated income during the previous year and was used to support the following causes by direct giving from the church's general income, rather than by specific fund-raising activities:

Kelvin Grove Community Supermarket, Christian Aid and God Unlimited Outdoor Therapy.

9

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, SYDENHAM

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2022

4) BUILDINGS FUND

BUILDINGS FUND BUILDINGS FUND BUILDINGS FUND
The balance in this fund represents the funds donated for building works, and the equity in the
curate's flat. A summary of the money available for building works is:
available for repairs works at 31/12/2022 £28,977
donations received for building works £4,000
transferred from the General Fund - repairs & maintenance £8,000
major repairs in 2023 £0
spent on routine repairs and maintenance -£7,796
available for repairs at 31/12/2022 £33,181
plus the equity in the curate's flat (not availble to spend) £138,961
total carried forward in Buildings Fund at 31/12/23 £172,142
SABRE RESTORATION FUND
The Saint Barts Restoration Appeal (SABRE) was launched in 2014 to raise money for a comprehensive programme
of repairs to and restoration of the building, along with improvements to benefit the congregation and community.
funds brought forward 1/1/2023 £86,227
funds raised in 2022 £13
Interest on balance with CBF (SABRE funds) £247
income/spend in the year - VAT refund income £699
SABRE funds available at 31/12/2023 £87,186
This balance is held in the church accounts at NatWest, CAF bank and CBF (Church of England account).
The total raised so far since the appeal was launched is: £414,361

5) SABRE RESTORATION FUND

6) SPECIFIC PROJECTS FUND

The balance in this fund at 31/12/2023 breaks down as:

£1,048 Youth Work funds

£1,152 Welfare Fund, to be used at the discretion of the vicar for needy members of the congregation. £13,562 available for organ restoration and repairs £15,762

7) PCC MEMBERS

No member of the PCC has received any remuneration from the PCC during the year.

8) ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN BALANCE SHEET HEADINGS BY FUND

Unrestricted Total Total
funds Restricted funds funds funds
SABRE Specific
Building restoration projects
General fund fund fund fund 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 0 183,131 0 0 183,131 183,131
Current assets 79,486 33,181 87,186 15,762 215,615 203,525
Less Current liabilities 3,611 6,464 0 0 10,075 12,830
Less Longterm liabilities 0 37,706 0 0 37,706 44,170
Total net assets 75,875 172,142 87,186 15,762 350,965 329,656
VEL AND ENTERTAINING EXPENSES PAID TO MEMBERS OF THE PCC DURING 2023
Travel Entertaining Total
£ £ £
Rev Jim Perry 270 270
0 0 0
Total 0 270 270

9) ANALYSIS OF TRAVEL AND ENTERTAINING EXPENSES PAID TO MEMBERS OF THE PCC DURING 2023

10

Report by the Independent Examlner on the ac￿Unts for St BartI￿lon￿W Church. Sydenham, 2023. The accounts have been prepared on an accruals basls. An understanding of the PCCS or8anisation. accountlng records, attfvitles and natu￿ of its assets. liabilitle5, income and expenditure wa5 gained from a survey of the accounting records and discussions with the treasurer. No major fallures were Identlfied In the accounting ￿cords. An analytlcal revlew of the financlal statements was carried out to look for Inconslstendes and unusual events in the year, and compared to prevlous years. No unexpected fluctuatlons were dlscovered In the financlal statements. No unexperted events were dlscovered In the financlal statements for 2022. A posltlve development 55 that St Bartholomev/s holds accounts with two banks (CAF Bank and Nat Westl, and they have spread credlt balances across the banks so as to maxlmlse the protertlon from the Flnanclal Servlces Compensatlon Scheme. In addltlon to the General Fund. there are three Reserved Funds, one being for the 8ulldln8 Fund to to meet ongoing malntenance: the SABRE fund. to progress the major restoratlon of the church bulldlng and roof: and the Special Purposes Fund used for organ restoratlon. plano replacement and charltable appeals. After transfers to other funds the General Fund had a loss of £2,594. Th15 reflects Increased Parlsh Share contributlon, and hi8her utlllty costs. Routlne malntenance from the Buildln8 Fund was covered by transfer from the General Fund. The SABRE appeal was largely on hold In 2023. There Is £87,0(Kl In the fund for repalrs. storatlon and buildin8 improvements. The Spedal Projects Fund benefitted from donatlons for a new piano which wlll be purchased In 2024. Overall the financlal positfon of St Bartholomev/s remalns secure. A curate Is belng appolnted In 2024, Meaning that most of the rentsl Income from the curate's flat will be lost and wlll need replacin8 from elsewhere (for Instance. Increased lettln8s Income}. SIrn(￿ Taylor Treasurer, St George and St Mlchjel & All An 15 March 2024