2024-12-31-accounts

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Christ Church In the Parish of Erith

Annual Report & Financial Statements of the Parochial Church Council for the year ending 31 December 2024

Objectives and Activities

Administrative Information

Structure, governance and management

Safeguarding Risk management

Achievements and performances

Financial review Reserve policy

Accounts

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Aims and Purposes

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of Christ Church, Erith has the responsibility of co-operating with the Priest in Charge, the Revd Anthea Harris-Faulkner, in promoting the ecclesiastical parish and the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.

Objectives and activities

Christ Church PCC’s primary responsibility is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England.

In planning the activities of the church, the clergy and the PCC have considered the Charities Commission’s guidance on Public Benefit, and in particular the specific guidance for charities for the advancement of religion. These activities include:

Provision of public worship which is open to all and seeks to provide variation in styles to
make it accessible to communities in the parish.
Pastoral Care which includes visiting the sick and bereaved at home or in hospital.
Teaching the Christian faith through sermon and Bible study.
Messy Church and Toddler Church provides an alternative form of worship for families.
The PCC is also responsible for the maintenance of the Church Hall on the site adjacent to the Church.

MISSION STATEMENT

We exist for Christ and are committed to the mission and teachings of Christ

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Christ Church is part of the Diocese of Rochester within the Church of England and is situated in Erith.

The correspondence address is Christ Church Vicarage

Victoria Road Erith Kent DA8 3AN

The Parochial Church Council is registered with the Charity Commission, number 1133966.

Bank

HSBC Bank High Street Dartford Kent DA1 1DG

Independent Examiner

Martyn Burt ACMA CGMA Adventus Accounting Solutions Ashby Acres Chapel Lane Ashby-cum-Fenby Grimsby DN37 0QT

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Appointment to the PCC is in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Church Representation Rules 2022. All those who attend church services are encouraged to register on the electoral role and stand for election to the PCC.

PCC members including ex-officio who have served from 1[st] January 2024 to the date the minute is approved:

Priest in Charge – Revd Anthea Harris-Faulkner

Licensed Lay Minister & Licensed Anna Chaplain

Mrs. Funmi Makanju

Wardens

Doreen Ives Natalie Slator

Representatives to Deanery Synod

Mr. Okechukwu Iwuagwu Mr. Benjamin Milton- Cole

Elected Members

Mrs. Claire Perkins (PCC Treasurer) 2022 - 2025 Mrs. Patricia Iwaugwu (PCC Secretary) 2022 - 2025 Mr. Ayodeji Akande 2022 - 2025 Mrs. Heather Taylor 2022 - 2025 Mrs Velma Gage -Tobun 2023 - 2026 Mr Chris Wakeman 2023 - 2026 Ms Ernesta Redwood-Sawyer 2023 – 2026 Mr Godwin Temisa 2024 - 2027 Mstr Mayowa 2024 - 2027

Safeguarding

As a church, we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and we are committed to ensuring our church and hall buildings are safe places for all.

The PCC has adopted and is working within The House of Bishops’ ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ safeguarding policy. There is a named Parish Safeguarding Officer in position. DBS check is completed for all eligible persons. Those with responsibilities to the congregation and community have been encouraged to complete the various levels of safeguarding training required by the Church of England and Rochester Diocese.

Risk Management

Health and safety policy is implemented. Appliances are PAT tested as required. There are four first aiders for Christ Church and they have completed the first aiders training with Rochester Diocese.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Electoral Roll – Davison Simbagegavi, Electoral Roll ofcer

This report covers the period January 2024 to December 20024. During this period four worshippers officially applied to be on the electoral roll. On a sad note , during this reporting period, the Church lost two regular worshippers who were on the roll, namely Professor Olorunfemi Olaofe who passed on to eternal glory while visiting his home country, Nigeria, in July 2024 and Mr Adeleye Makanju who also passed on to eternal glory here in England in November 2024. No worshippers officially asked to have their names removed from this electoral roll for whatever reason. Therefore, taking these arising issues into consideration, the total number of worshippers on the Christ Church Erith Electoral roll by 31 December 2024 was 131. This is an increase of two more worshipers compared to the previous year 2023 which had a total of 129 . This year, 2025 will see the preparation of a new roll in accordance with the Church of England church representation rules.

Safeguarding Report - Velma Tobin Gage, Safeguarding Ofcer:

I am pleased to say for the past year the church has not had any safeguarding concerns to be reported.

We have successfully had a summer fair and all other activities that has not raised any concerns. The safer church poster is up on wall for the public notice. Dashboard for Christ church is up and running

Members still need to complete their safeguarding training which will automatically update on the dashboard

Report from the Church Wardens – Doreen Ives & Natalie Slator

We spent a lot of time this year trying very hard take forward work to stem the water ingress to some parts of the Church building. Although guttering had been mentioned in the QQ 2022 it was not a priority but unfortunately climate conditions during the winter months proved to be too much for the guttering immediately outside the Vestry door and the need for some urgent action became obvious. Unfortunately due to lack of responses from Thomas Ford & Partners, the

architects we have used for many years, meant no progress could be made towards getting a programme of work produced and quotations obtained. The resulting damage caused to the interior walls and paintings of both ends of the south aisle of the Church was extensive. A new architect was engaged. He produced a specification of the work to be done, sent it to contractors who had expressed interest and at last we were able to get the most urgent phase one of the project completed, thus halting further damage. Meanwhile Arte Conservation Ltd were asked to examine the damaged interior walls and produce a report and quotation for the necessary work. Again the project was split into two phases, phase one, the removal and storage of the most damaged painting has been completed. The works commissioned so far have been paid for from the Church repairs account lodged with the Diocese.

The next stage for both projects is to seek charitable funding and organise fund-raising activities in the Church. Applications have been made to charities. To date we have been granted £5,000 by Friends of Kent Churches. It is now a case of waiting until the other charity committees meet and make their decisions.

Falls of plaster from the ceiling of the Church have caused some concern during the year and our new architect has inspected the areas. His advice is to monitor the situation and cordon off any areas which look vulnerable. Obviously this is another Church maintenance matter that will need greater attention during the 2025.

The 150 years celebrations in June gave everyone plenty of work to do and we played our part. An Anniversary Booklet was produced as reported by Paul our Magazine Editor and our School joined with us holding an Art Competition with all the children participating. They visited the Church, made sketches and returned to their classrooms to do their final piece of work. An exhibition was put up in the Church and School Hall, winners chosen and prizes duly presented. Bookmarks depicting the Church were given to each child in the school as a “thank you” for their work. A 2025 Calendar was produced featuring the winning drawings and photographs from the other 150 year celebrations.

We are still trying to have smart meters installed in the church and hall. So far, we have one installed in the tower meter cupboard but are still waiting for the meters in the church cupboard and the hall to be installed.

We had a problem with Thames Water and a fictitious water meter outside the church grounds on the corner of Victoria Road and Bexley Road which we were being charged for. Once it was proved that it did not exist, we were refunded £6000.00.

We have insulated the West porch door which has made a great improvement to the warmth of the church, but we do have several members of the congregation who do not close the door on entering so we still do lose a lot of heat.

Report from the Deanery Synod Representatve - Okechukwu Iwuagwu & Ben Milton – Cole

Ben Milton Cole and Okechukwu Iwuagwu remain as Deanery Synod Reps.

There were three formal Deanery Synod meetings held this year. They were held in February, June and October 2024.

A representative from Christ Church Erith attended all meetings.

The meeting in February was held at St John’s Welling. There was a talk by Laura Webster and Lydia Fuller on children’s and youth work.

Rev Adam Foot encouraged churches to look for parishioners who can take up the Growing Leaders course. It was announced that Fr Kevin Smith is to be the new vicar of St Augustine’s Belvedere. It was also announced that Bishop Simon will be coming to speak at the next Erith Deanery Synod meeting.

The 2[nd] meeting was held on 20 June @ St John’s Welling. This was a barbecue with a brief business meeting held where Lydia Fuller’s request to submit an application of volunteer to serve on the Diocesan Board of Education was approved.

The last meeting of the year was held on 08 October 2024 at Bishop Ridley Falconwood. Fr Kevin Smith the new vicar of St Augustine’s was welcomed. This was Rev Adam Foot’s last meeting before retiring. He thanked the members for making the deanery a fantastic place to work.

Rev Mark Tariq gave a short talk about Bishop Ridley. There was a talk by Bishop Simon on “ what does growth mean” in relation to the diocese’s three key words, Grow, Change, Serve and in particular on how to share our faith.

Election were carried out.

Election of a new representative to the standing committee following the retirement of Rev Adam Foot: The election was chaired by Area Dean Jim Bennett. Rev Jim Charles was elected to the standing committee.

Election of 3 representative to join the diocesan Synod: There were no volunteers however Estelle Woodcock is considering this and will pray about it.

Other Areas of Achievements and Performance

There were 8 Baptisms (7 children and 1 adult), of which 3 were at the confirmation service held at St John the Baptist Church, Erith. The adult was also confirmed at the service. There were 2 weddings and 8 funerals during the year.

Children, youth and family ministry continue to be a mission priority. We were successful in recruiting a children’s and family worker in April. Funmi Ogunbayo is a valued member of the team. Since Funmi’s appointment the Toddler and Messy Churches were recommenced and these new worshipping communities have continued to evolve, strengthening their impact on families, children, and the wider community. The increase in numbers attending meant that the church building was no longer suitable for that style of worship, and they were moved into the hall. Each worshiping community has provided opportunities for faith engagement and social connection.

Toddler Church: Attendance has remained steady, with an increasing number of parents and carers returning weekly. The intentional and structured format—free play, tidy-up time, songs, rhymes, and Bible stories and prayers—has created a welcoming space where young children are introduced to faith in an engaging way. Relationships between families have deepened, and some parents have expressed interest in wider church activities. Five children from three families who attend were baptized during the year.
Messy Church has become a valuable opportunity for intergenerational worship, creative expression, and shared meals. Families have reported that they appreciate the relaxed and interactive approach to church, particularly those who do not attend traditional Sunday services.
The Junior Disciples continue to meet on Sundays. Full details are in the report provided.

All activities, Bible stories and songs at Toddler and Messy Church are based on the lectionary scripture readings of the preceding Sunday.

A Messy Church style family club was held in the summer holidays which saw those who attend Messy Church, Toddler Church, and Junior Disciples Club, and some new families come together. This was over 3 Tuesdays and an average of 50 attended each session.

Youth Club is run in collaboration with St John’s and is open to youths between the ages of 13-18 years. The youths meet twice a month outside of the Sunday Services. Over the year, the youths have become more comfortable in each other’s company and there is a muchimproved interaction. They are beginning to have conversations about Jesus and their Christian faith. The monthly games night initiative which started in October, in collaboration with a local charity called Re-Instate, was aimed at those who are at work during the day. This has intentionally evolved into an intergenerational games night with the youth group actively involved. The youths are also very much involved in the Sunday service being welcomers and are on the reading rota for the Sunday service. Some of the youths have received training to become acolytes. One of the youths is a PCC member.
Thank you to Patricia Iwaugwu who stepped into the role of youth leader.

Christ Church continues in collaborative ministry with St John the Baptist Church, Erith, throughout the year. This collaboration continues to enhance the mission of the churches and strengthen the presence of the Churches within the community of Erith. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day, All Souls, and New Year’s Eve watch night services were all joint services alternating between the two churches. Where there was a fifth Sunday in the month, it was a joint service again alternating between the churches.

Bible study during Lent was a collaborative activity with St John’s, held at St John’s.

My thanks and gratitude to Funmi Makanju, Licenced Lay Minister, Richard Demuth, Licenced Lay Minister at St Paulinus Church, Crayford and George Johnson, Licenced Lay Minister at Christ Church, Bexleyheath for their ongoing support in leading and preaching at the 10am Service of the Word Services.

The month of June was the highlight of the year for Christ Church as it celebrated its 150 years anniversary on the 6[th] . There were various Church and community activities between the 3[rd] & 9[th] to commemorate this milestone. There was midday Holy Communion every day of the week, a history talks on Friday, and our thanks goes to Rev Jim Bennett and Ron Armstrong for delivering the talk. Thank you also to the youth group who did a presentation on how technology, football and school have evolved from Victorian times to modern day. On Saturday morning there was the Victorian themed family event and a jazz concert in the evening. The celebration concluded with a Communion Service on Sunday afternoon led by the then Archdeacon of Tonbridge, The Ven. Rev Sharon Copestake. Our thanks and gratitude to Sharon.

Thank you to all who supported the celebration in various ways.

As part of our community engagement and collaboration with Erith Town partnership, the church was involved in the annual Erith Made Festival on Saturday 14[th] September. The closing music concert in which the choir participated was hosted here at Christ Church.

Other community events included the Summer and Christmas Fairs which were both fruitful. Thank you to Lerato for co-ordinating the events and the vendors.

The partnership between the church and Christ Church school continued to be strengthened. As well as leading collective worship regularly at the school and the school coming into Church for Easter, Christmas and year 6 leaving service, the school hosted their Creation Sings event in church. The school also participated in the 150[th] anniversary celebration and the choir performed at the celebration service.

A monthly visit is made to the residents of Meyer House, some of whom receive Communion. There are currently 3 parishioners who receive home Communion monthly.

Christ Church is also growing leaders. Ben and Godwin completed the hearing and speaking God’s word training and they have both preached during the Sunday Service and facilitated Bible study. Marlene completed the catalyst training for children and youth workers, organized by the diocese, hosted and accredited by Cambridge University. Funmi Ogunbayo, the children’s and family worker, and Patricia Iwuagwu, the youth leader are currently doing the training.

Looking ahead to next year, we look in anticipation of the ministry and mission opportunities that will be presented to us. We pray for God’s wisdom and counsel as we discern them and as we encourage and enable each other along the way.

We hope to commence a joint Praise and Worship Sunday afternoon Service with St John’s at St John’s once every other month. Due to the repair work in the Wheatley Chapel, we were not able to start it this year.

On behalf of the PCC, I wish to thank all who use their gifts and talents to support the ministry and mission of the church.

Revd. Anthea Harris-Faulkner

OTHER CHURCH RELATED ACTIVITIES

– Junior Disciples Marlene Busayo Elegunde, Lead.

Year 2024 has been an exciting and fulfilling year for the Junior Disciples club. The club continues to build relationships, teach, entertain and nourish the children with the word of God to become disciples of Christ. This is achieved through crafts, stories, songs, bible readings, discussions and much more. The club meets every Sunday except the 1[st] and 5[th] Sundays of the month, summer holidays and Christmas period. All facilitators of the club are CRB checked and MUST have completed the Safeguarding course organised by the Church of England.

After months of consultation with the children and facilitators, a new name was coined and approved by Rev Anthea. The named was suggested by the children and jointly agreed by the facilitators. The new name of the club was unveiled on Sunday, 13[th] of October 2025 by Rev Anthea and we are now known as “ Junior Disciples Club”. Wow ! What an achievement.

The club continues to provide a safe space for children aged 4 to 12 years old and are facilitated by volunteers. Average attendance over this year period is 18 children. The Junior Disciples participated in different activities such as the150[th] anniversary, Easter Egg hunt and picnic, performed at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held on Sunday 15[th] December 2024 service where they received a thunderous applause for their rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” and recognised by the Mayor of Bexley on Facebook

(htps://www.facebook.com/share/p/18PsbtWFzA/), performed at the crib service and wrapped up the year with its first Christmas party to celebrate its achievements and was well attended and very entertaining.

The club continues to grow, however this could not have been possible without the help of the committed facilitators, dedicated parents and most importantly the children.

Huge appreciation to the facilitators (Claire, Miranda, Prettie, Bridget and Jebalin) who have consistently devoted their time in ensuring the club is sustained and the place remains a safe and exciting space for the children.

Hall Report Ayodeji Akande, Hall Manager

The hall at Christ Church is a blessing and we are very Grateful to God for our hall. The income generated by the hall is of great importance to Christ Church Erith.

The Christ Church congregation uses the hall for tea and coffee after the Sunday service and we have now seen an increase in activities hosted by the church under the leadership of Rev Anthea and Funmilayo our Children’s worker. The hosted events are Toddler Church and Messy Church, the hall is also used for games night and youth events overseen by Patricia. The hall is also used for other community and church led events during the year.

The wider Erith community is still hiring our hall for events and parties, and we currently have seven regular hirers using the hall for one activity or the other.

We are still receiving hall enquires and are optimistic that we would increase the number of regular hirers using the hall.

The Saturday hire fees were recently reviewed and approved by the PCC. Please see below for the fees for 2025

Saturday Hall Fees 2025 11am - 11pm (12Hrs) £900 2pm – 11pm (9Hrs) £750 12Noon – 7pm (7Hrs) £580 8am – 2pm (6Hrs) £410

The regular hirer fee is currently under review.

We have carried out a variety of repair jobs in the hall and there is still more to do. The men’s group are compiling a list of repairs and refurbishment that needs to be carried out in the hall.

We are grateful to Chris Wakeman who has devoted a lot of time and effort for the upkeep of the hall, and thanks to the men’s group for working on the hall premises. Thanks to Bunmi for taking the time to open the hall for hirer’s event.

If you can help maintain our hall or join the hall committee in some capacity, please feel free to contact any member of the hall committee.

Report from the Bellinger’s – Natalie Slator, Tower Captain

Over the year of 2024 we have, with a very small band, been able to provide ringers for any weddings or funerals, where needed both at Christ Church and St. John’s.

We have 8 bells which sound beautiful and are well-matched. Currently we only have 4 ringers available to ring most Sundays and gather a group of ringers from churches in the area, Dartford, Crayford, Sidcup and St John’s for practices on a Monday evening.

St John’s also has very few ringers and we try to alternate our practice sessions with them so that the bells in both churches are rung regularly.

Visiting bands are always very complimentary of our bells when they ring them and we host district practices and district meetings every year.

We are hoping to create a starter group soon with ringing teachers from our district. Christ Church belongs to Lewisham district and is the most northerly one in Kent. If anyone is interested in learning how to do it then please let me know. It is a most rewarding hobby, as you will find that there is always another level to rise to.

I am always at the back of the church on Sundays and will have a list for you to put your names on if you are interested.

My number is 07973877110 or email natalie.slator@ntlworld.com

– - Choir Report Des Syl Wilkinson Esq

Let me first extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Rev Anthea and the PCC, for allowing me the privilege to assume the office of Choir leader in this Parish.

I am pleased to report, that the choir is growing from strength to strength and that we have seen great improvement in singing in most recent times.

We now have regular practice sessions on Sundays after the morning services in the effort to keep ourselves in trim.

I am proud to report also, that the choir is now singing in harmony rather than unison as it used to in past years, and that members can now sing their parts with much confidence.

I must commend the dedication and unstinted efforts of Dr Ethan Harris-Faulkner, who works tirelessly towards the development of the choir, not to mention the commitment and willingness of Derek our able organist.

We have also had the opportunity to join St John’s choir on numerous occasions, this has given members the exposure and greater confidence in singing.

It is worth mentioning that the demand for the choir by parishioners, to lead the singing at their various events within the parish, is now on the increase.

For the choir to improve further, we need the commitment of members and would be members, thus we strive very hard to achieve this goal with regular request for new members to join the choir from time to time.

However, the choir is confronted with some difficulties in the sense that most of our members are working and are engaged in shift pattern work. This makes it difficult for us to always get the required number and a balanced choir.

We would continue to strive hard and make all necessary efforts to improve singing in this parish and in the process achieve our aims and aspirations.

It is my prayer and belief that by God’s grace, these challenges will be in the past sooner rather than later.

May the Good Lord continue to Bless our efforts.

– Parish Magazine Report Paul Hyde, Editor

Overview

Best-selling edition was December – 42 copies in total.
Circulation continued to struggle, with some editions selling fewer than 25 copies
Commemorative handbook for 150[th] Anniversary produced and sold over 100 copies
2025 Calendar produced

Subscriptons

Subscriptons
Collect from church	1
By hand delivery (within parish)	7
By post	0
By email (PDF)	3

The number of persons subscribing to the magazine has reduced this year, due to two subscribers who sadly passed away, and one other electing not to continue.

Circulaton

This year sales of the magazine have declined slightly compared to 2023, even though church service attendances have increased. The magazine had historically sold about 50 copies each month, but has now settled at around 30, although some editions sold fewer than 25 copies. As usual, the Christmas Tree Festival produced an uptick for the Christmas edition, which sold about 42 copies.

General content

There were six editions of the magazine this year, each consisting of 24 pages per edition, except for Lent (20 pages)

Once again, my sincere thanks to the few parishioners who have sent me articles and other material which has been included in the magazine over the last year. My role as Editor is to compile and collate these into a consistent format so as to produce a unified magazine each month. As in previous years, I have myself contributed at least one article each month, ranging from the regular Town & Around piece, to occasional longer, more thoughtful articles.

Cover price and subscriptions

The cover price increased remained at £1.50 for 2024. Annual Subscription (including delivery) commencing Late Summer was also held: Delivery within the parish £9.00 Delivery by Royal Mail 2[nd] class £15.00 e-Subscription (PDF by email) £9.00

Advertsing

Once again, there were no paying advertisers. I did receive one enquiry, but alas was not progressed. Two firms were granted free advertising in recognition of services provided to the church.

Pew Sheet

The cost-saving four-page format was continued, except where excessive liturgy and/or notices made this impossible.

150th Anniversary

A 40-page commemorative booklet, outlining the history of the church since its founding, was prepared for publication in June. The project was developed jointly with Churchwarden Doreen Ives and myself. Content was derived from a variety of sources, including the 1974 Centenary Handbook, direct accounts from witnesses, and much painstaking research of surviving past copies of the Parish Magazine. The booklet was intended to compliment the aforementioned Centenary Handbook (which was reprinted for sale), and therefore the focus was on the last 50 years.

The booklet was printed in full colour A5 format and sold at £3 per copy (A4 copies were made available for the visually impaired). At the time of writing, sales of the booklet continue with over 100 copies already sold.

2025 Calendar

A5 calendar produced in colour, featuring artwork from CCE Primary School and some photos from the anniversary celebrations. Copies sold at £2 each.

Into 2025

Due to an impending residential relocation a long distance from the parish, I have tendered my resignation as editor. My last edition will be Easter 2025, thus concluding the 2024/5 subscription year.

I will continue with my other duties, including production of the pew sheet, for as long as is practical.

Report From Christmas Tree Festval ( CTF) – Claire Perkins

The Erith Christmas Tree Festival took place during the weekend of 13[th] to 15[th] December 2024.

The number of trees remained at 50 and were well supported by the community. The trees looked fantastic and were, as usual, provided by Bexley Garden Centre and we remain grateful to Daryl and Danielle for their continued support. Thanks as always go to David Fitch for providing and installing all the electrical equipment required to make the festival happen.

The weekend was very well attended and we received lots of compliments for the way the trees and the Church looked. The Charity Fair took place on the Saturday in the hall with a variety of stalls including a Christ Church cake stall and a Men in Sheds stall which proved very popular.

For the Saturday evening concert we welcomed back Theatre Box, a local performing arts academy followed by the Rock Choir who with their many members really did raise the roof with their beautiful singing!

The Mayor, our local MP and Councilors joined us for our Sunday evening Carol Concert of Nine Lessons wrapping up what was a wonderful weekend.

Thanks to all those who offered their time and gifts as volunteers, but as always the committee needs new volunteers and a new Chair with fresh enthusiasm and ideas to take the festival forwards. Please do consider if you are able to help this year.

Report from Friends of Christ Church Erith (FOCCE) – Doreen Ives

FOCCE MEMBERSHIP NOW STANDS AT 18.

Unfortunately no fund-raising activities were organised during 2024. 5 new members joined the group during the year but a new Chairperson has not yet been appointed. It is hoped that recruitment and fund-raising activities will be organised during 2025.

The existing FOCCE funds stand at £1,457.80.

FOCCE came into being to capture the support of those in our Parish who value the Church building and it’s architectural presence in the centre of Erith and that is where the membership needs to be encouraged not necessarily those who worship in Church. Perhaps those who attend the Toddler Group, Messy Church, Summer Fayre, Christmas Tree Festival Concert could be targeted for membership.

Social commitee Report – Ernesta

In 2024, the first quarter of the year was quiet with no planned celebrations or gatherings organised by the committee.

Events the committee were involved in included:

Christ Church 150th Anniversary celebraton – 7 th to 9 th June

The Church celebrated a milestone year, and the social committee was responsible for organising and executing the social side of the event. We were tasked with setting up the hall for the Victorian themed day on Saturday morning then change the décor for the jazz concert held in the evening. This was done differently to other events organised so far and the committee worked hard to ensure the hall decorations created a formal atmosphere for the jazz night.

On Sunday, the committee was responsible for setting up the hall and preparing food and serving the refreshments after the thanksgiving service held in the afternoon. This was a community event attended by the mayor and with the attention to detail, the committee was able to make the weekend a wonderful success.

Summer Fair and Barbeque – 13th July

Our annual summer fair was held with the committee responsible for the BBQ side of the event. Monetary contributions from members of church and the social committee helped reduce the cost of purchasing food and drink items. The committee met several times in the run up to the event and we kept the purchases to a minimum to reduce the waste. This was another successful event.

Erith Deanery Youth Trust Associaton – 28th September

This was a community outreach event hosted by Christ Church for first time. Despite some teething problems, the social committee members were able to cook the barbeque food items (which were provided by the Deanery) in time to serve the guests. The social committee oversaw serving tea and coffee in the hall while the BBQ continued in the church grounds. The event was well attended with about 180 people and feedback was given to the EDYTA team on areas for development. Even though it seemed like there would not be enough volunteers, a lot of members did attend and this made especially tidying up after the event easier.

Erith Made (Erith Town Festval) – 14th September

This two-day community event took place in Erith and the celebration concluded with a musical evening hosted by Christ Church Erith for the second year running. The committee worked hard to ensure that all the guests who attended were served both hot and cold drinks during the interval.

Harvest lunch was in the same month as Black History month and because of the focus planned for that event, it was decided that harvest lunch would be scaled back and limited to cakes and nibbles served by members of the committee.

Black History Month Bring and Share lunch – 27th October

Last year, members were invited to bring a dish that represented them as and there was a wide range of dishes despite the rising cost of living which is affecting contributions made by members. The committee was able to showcase the dishes donated with explanations on what made the dish significant for the individual. As a church we were able to celebrate our different and diverse cultures and backgrounds remembering we were all God’s children.

Christmas Tree Festval breakfast stall – 14th December

The last event for the year was the Christmas Tree Festival which continues to be a crowd puller. The social committee was responsible for cooking and serving the breakfast all morning in the hall and recorded a profit of £302.10 in cash takings. Some sales were also paid for using the card machine. The committee was also involved in serving refreshments during the Saturday concert and Sunday Carol service. This year we had some youths attend to serve the breakfast including Adanna who supports the committee every year.

The 2024 year ended with a change of leadership as Marlene stepped down as lead to focus on her ministry with the Young Disciples. She will be sorely missed and a huge thank you to Marlene

for all her hard work in directing the committee. The committee is now headed by Ernesta and Sarah has been approached to act as an assistant. More volunteers are still needed but despite the seemingly low response from members, we always have enough people to make sure all events are well executed.

In the 2025 year, the committee will participate in the following planned events 29[th] June – welcoming the new curate

19[th] July – Summer Fair

13[th] September – Erith Made concert

12[th] October – Harvest Service

12[th] – 14[th] December – Christmas Tree Festival

The hope is that a different person takes the lead for different events to play to the strengths of each member of the team and allowing everyone an opportunity to showcase their skills.

A massive thank you goes to all members of the social committee for their commitment, dedication, time and contributions to furthering the ministry of Christ Church Erith.

– Report from Men in Sheds Emily Willey

237 sessions delivered at Men in Sheds with a total of 1907 attendances (between 42 people) Session highlights from 2024:

Trips and socials from this year included a coach trip to Eastbourne, a visit to the Young V&A, a Summer Barbeque and a Christmas meal.
Mini repair shop- Some of our members took on commissions from local organisations and residents to repair some household and garden items. One repair was a family treasure of a children’s chair which was over 100 years old. The customer had broken it as a child when he and his family went hop picking. The customer, now 80 years old, wanted to get it fixed as a late apology to his father. The members managed to remake the broken spindles and arm of the chair as well as stripping the varnish back and re-finishing it. When the customer came to collect the chair, there were tears and a lot of handshakes!
The shed ran 5 market stalls at local events across 2024. This gave members the opportunity to fundraise for their project and have the joy and pride of showing their makes to the local community.
In an anonymous survey shed members gave the following impact feedback:
90% of members surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I have formed new friendships since joining the shed”
80% of members surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I am more active as a result of being involved in the shed”
90% of members surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “I feel my general wellbeing has improved as a result of being involved in the shed”

----- Start of picture text -----
16
----- End of picture text -----

Men in Sheds Annual BBQ

Shed Members in Beachy Head on their Eastbourne Adventure

“Repair Shop” in Erith- The 100-year-old child’s chair

Men in Sheds delivered 4 Outreach sessions for the local community in 2024 The shed reached an additional 117 people due to the member’s outreach work during 2024. Sessions included:

Lime Wood Primary School

In February, shed members built a large wooden dragon to celebrate Chinese New Year and to commemorate the opening of the school. All of the children in the reception classes put their handprint on the dragon sculpture which now sits in the school’s atrium. The members also ran a paining session where the school children could decorate mini wooden dragons.

The Exchange Erith

In March, the shed returned to The Exchange to deliver a Footstall building session to a group of 8–16-year-olds.

Parkview Care Home

Our Shed’s outreach team delivered a session to residents of Parkview Care Home in Shed Members delivering the finished July. The home had a lot of unused outdoor space and wanted items built to brighten dragon sculpture to Lime Wood Primary up these areas. Members delivered a day session on site with the residents (many of School whom were living with moderate dementia or a learning disability). The residents had

the opportunity to use tools supervised and assemble bird feeders and sensory totem poles. Or they could get involved in decorating wooden flowers.

Smerdon Day Centre

In November, the shed visited the day centre for adults living with learning disabilities to run a Christmas themed outreach session. Members and the day centre clients made wooden Christmas decorations and painted ornaments.

----- Start of picture text -----
Shed members working with residents of Parkview Care Home
----- End of picture text -----

Report from Beavers and Scouts by Eve Ives

In the past year we have improved the numbers in the Beavers and Cubs but the Scout Troop had to close through lack of members but we are hoping to reopen in May when some Cubs will be old enough to join Scouts.

In the past year the Sections have been active, Beavers taking part in activities such as Vulcano Experiment, World Book Day, Red Nose Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter Egg Hunt, St George’s Day, an evening with Owls, a camp fire, District Beaver Activity Day, Visit to Erith Pier, Tent Erecting evening, Beavers 40[th] Birthday Party, Halloween Party, Children in Need evening, Christmas crafts and card making, Christmas Party, plus working on gaining various badges and doing badge workshops.

Beavers and Cubs were separately involved in a visit to Erith Playhouse, Chinese New Year activities, a reptile evening, Litter Picking, Firework safety and sparklers, and making decorations for the Christmas Tree we had in Christ Church.

The Cubs took part in the following activities: Making model Spitfires, Teamwork Challenges, Making Mother’s Day and Easter gifts, Fire-lighting and backwoods cooking, Pioneering, Athletics, Riverside walk, Gravity Trampoline park, Weekend Camp and Tenpin Bowling, plus a number of activity badges.

As usual, we need more helpers and Leaders to volunteer at the Scout Group, and I repeat what I said last year and that is that our young people are from diverse backgrounds but there is no diversity among the Leaders and we would welcome adult help from all sections of the community. As you will know, several of the Leaders are of the older generation and we need younger helpers or Leaders to progress.

We are looking forward to the coming year when we will be offering a wide variety of Scouting opportunities for the members of the 13[th] Erith (Christ Church) Scout Group.

Financial Review

Total income in the year was £92,891 (2023: £89,616) and total expenditure was £91,730 (2023: £88,646) At the end of the year, we had £48,417 in the bank in the various PCC accounts (2023: £50,012). The PCC continues to keep a close eye on finances, the cost of living increases do impact the Church as they do the wider the community.

Further details about specific items are explained in the paragraphs below and the full set of the statutory financial accounts are on the following pages.

As in previous years, the payment of fuel bills constitutes a large part of our expenditure. Our large, but beautiful church takes an awful lot of gas to heat, and this is reflected in the utility charges.

Our main source of income remains donations from the congregation, in late 2023 we signed up to the Parish Giving Scheme and we will continue to promote this in Church as being able to rely on a ‘regular’ income will enable us to better budget and plan ahead. The Dona machine remains a very popular and convenient way for our congregation and visitors to donate during both our regular Sunday services and additional services held throughout the year. We remain heavily reliant on the income generated from the letting out of the hall to both regular hirers and those using the hall for celebrations on weekends.

The Christmas Tree Festival does generate a good amount of donations, but these were matched by an increase in the gas and electricity bill for the energy costs during the weekend.

Again in 2024, we paid a contribution towards our Parish Share where the PCC felt we could afford to, but we did not meet our full request.

All restricted funds within the main account are fully preserved with a positive balance in the account covering monthly fees.

We made a start on claiming Gift Aid in 2024. Thank you to Ernesta for volunteering to be Gift Aid Officer to take this forward and ensure we are claiming all that we are able to.

During 2024 the PCC continued to discuss the Rant bequest at length. The Diocese of Rochester receives the dividend payment, and the principal balance is governed by the original bequest. The value of the bequest as of 31 December 2024 was £185,451.00. The Rant bequest was received in 1964 and was very specific about what it could be used for, so we were unable to access the funds. The PCC made an application to the Charities Commission which has been approved, details of which are below

Thank you for submitting the application to change your charity’s governing document. You now have the Charity Commission’s formal authority under s.280A(8) of the Charities Act 2011 (as amended) to make the following amendments: To amend the charity’s objects to read exactly as follows: “ the share of the Church to be invested and the income to be applied to augment the mission and the repair and maintenance of the fabric of Christ Church, Erith”

A further 6 small endowments held as Erith Parochial Charities in the names of R Turnor, W Turnor, T Cooper, F Clare, Lord Eardley and J Street total £3,490. Further research is being carried out as to the purpose of these funds and how they can best be used by the Church.

Reserve Policy

Ideally, we would aim to maintain free reserves equal to approximately two months’ unrestricted expenditure i.e. a figure in the region of £20,000. The current level of free reserves are £21,036 (2023: £25,069) which exceeds the reserve policy. The PCC keeps a close eye on this figure.

ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE		YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


					Total	Total
		Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Funds	Funds
		Funds	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
	Note	£	£	£	£	£

Income and endowments
Voluntary income	2	33,887	1,868	3,490	39,245	33,993
Actvites for generatng funds	3	47,380	-		47,380	49,655
Investment income	4	6,266	-		6,266	5,968

Total income		87,533	1,868	3,490	92,891	*89,616*

Expenditure
Charitable actvites	5	88,263	3,467		91,730	88,646

Total expenditure		88,263	3,467	-	91,730	*88,646*

Net income/(expenditure) before Investment Gains/(Losses)		(730)	(1,599)	3,490	1,161	*970*

Net Gain/(Losses) on Investments		-	-	4,150	4,150	15,591

Net Income/(Expenditure)		(730)	(1,599)	7,640	5,311	*16,561*

Transfers between funds		(1,028)	1,028	-	-	-

Net movement in funds		(1,758)	(571)	7,640	5,311	*16,561*

Reconciliaton of funds:
Total funds brought forward	10	39,046	8,644	181,301	228,991	212,430

Total funds carried forward	10	37,288	8,073	188,941	234,302	*228,991*




The statement of fnancial actvites includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from contnuing operatons.

The notes on the pages following form part of these accounts.

ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024


						Total	Total
			Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Funds	Funds
			Funds	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
		Note	£	£	£	£	£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets		7	(0)	-	-	(0)	-

Fixed Asset Investments
Investment Assets					188,941	188,941	181,301

Current Assets
Debtors		8	2,902	-	-	2,902	4,133
Cash at bank and in hand			40,489	7,928	-	48,417	50,012
			43,391	7,928	-	51,319	54,145
Creditors: Amounts falling
due within one year		9	(5,958)	-	-	(5,958)	(6,455)

Net current assets / (liabilites)			37,433	7,928	-	45,361	47,690

CREDITORS: Amounts falling due		9	-	-	-	-	-
afer more than one year

Net assets / (liabilites)			37,433	7,928	188,941	234,302	47,690


Net assets			37,433	7,928	188,941	234,302	*228,991*


Funds
Unrestricted Funds
	General funds	10	21,036	-		21,036	25,069
	Designated funds	10	16,252	-	-	16,252	13,977
			37,288	-	-	37,288	39,046

Restricted Funds		10	-	8,073		8,073	8,644
Endowment Funds		10			188,941	188,941	181,301
Total funds			37,288	8,073	188,941	234,302	*228,991*

adventus accounting solutions Supporting Charitable Organisations

29 April 2025

Independent Examiner’s report to the Member/Trustees of Christ Church Erith Charity Registration Number 1133966

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on the pages following.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The church’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Yours sincerely

Martyn Burt B.Sc.(Hons), ACMA, CGMA

adventus accounting solutions Ashby Acres Chapel Lane Ashby-cum-Fenby Grimsby DN37 0QT e-mail: martyn.burt@btnternet.com or adventusaccountng@btnternet.com Telephone: 07523 6229679

ERITH CHRIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below.

1.1. Basis of accounting

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The Ecclesiastical parish of Christ Church Erith, Parochial Church Council (the PCC) constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the PCC's ability to continue as a going concern.

1.2. Fund accounting

The Unrestricted Funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the PCC. The Restricted Funds comprise amounts received where their application is for a specific purpose.

1.3. Income recognition

Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving receivable under gift aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due is quantifiable and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. Funds raised by fairs and similar events are accounted for gross when received. Sales of items are accounted for gross when received. Income from letting of church premises and use of facilities is recognised when the rental is due. Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.

1.4. Expenditure

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.

Activities directly relating to the work of the Church

The diocesan parish offer is accounted for when payable. Any parish offer unpaid at 31 December is provided for in these accounts as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management.

1.5. Tangible fixed assets

Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Movable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church's inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements.

Subsequently no individual item has cost more than £1,000 so all such expenditure has been written off when incurred.

Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight-line basis over five years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH	ERITH CHRIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


2	Voluntary income		Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Total
			Funds	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
			£	£	£	£	£

		Planned giving	27,989			27,989	20,893
		Collectons and other giving	-			-	8,291
		Collectons for charitable purposes	-	-		-	-
		Gif Aid recoverable	476 -			476 -	1,500
		Grants	-	1,194		1,194	2,045
		Other Donatons	156	-		156	493
		Friends of Christ Church Erith (FOCCE)	-	674		674	-
		Insurance Claim & Sundry Income	6,218	-		6,218	771
		Additons to Endowments			3,490	3,490

			33,887	1,868	3,490	39,245	*33,993*



3	Actvites for generatng funds		Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Total
			Funds	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
			£	£	£	£	£

		Sundry Income	3,780	-		3,780	-
		Hall Income	31,289	-		31,289	38,866
		Fundraising	1,855	-		1,855	270
		Christmas Tree Festval	5,038	-		5,038	5,246
		Income from magazine	345	-		345	272
		Clergy Fees	5,073	-		5,073	5,001
		Other income	-	-		-	-

			47,380	-	-	47,380	*49,655*



4	Investment income		Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Total
			Funds	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
			£	£	£	£	£

	Income from interest on bank and investments		1,233	-		1,233	1,012
	Income from Rant Bequest		5,033	-		5,033	4,956
						-
			6,266	-	-	6,266	*5,968*

5	Charitable actvites	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Total
		Funds	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
		£	£	£	£	£

	Charitable giving	100	-		100	-
	Diocesan Share (Parish Ofer)	12,033	-		12,033	6,956
	Church Running Expenses	21,121	-		21,121	23,155
	Church Repairs	4,921	798		5,719	4,025
	Organ, organist & bellringers cost	6,840	-		6,840	6,530
	Organ repairs	542	-		542	1,479
	Clergy expenses and stpend	6,994	-		6,994	1,843
	Accountancy & Independent Examinaton	1,490	-		1,490	40
	Memberships and Subscriptons	489	-		489	408
	DBF Fees	1,554			1,554	1,738
	Depreciaton	-	-		-	768
	Christmas trees	1,486	-		1,486	2,248
	Admin & Sundry	2,817	79		2,896	3,172
	Fundraising	200			200
	SDF Expenditure	-	2,590		2,590	1,009
	Sanctuary fund	395	-		395	979
	Fees Repayment	-	-		-	-
	Miscellaneous Payments	-	-		-	600
	150 Celebratons	696			696
	Men's Group	175			175
	Hall Running costs & Management	25,645	-		25,645	30,886
	Hall repairs	765	-		765	2,810

	Total expenditure	88,263	3,467	-	91,730	*88,646*



6	Analysis of staf costs, the cost of key management personnel and remuneraton of members of the PCC

	There were no personnel directly employed during the year or the prior year. Other than the clergy atached to the charity, who may receive stpend or housing benefts from the Diocese of Rochester, all of the charity's actvites are carried out by volunteers.
	For related party transactons see Note 11

7	Tangible Fixed Assets	Tangible Fixed Assets	Fixtures,
			ftngs and	Total	Total
			equipment	2024	2023
			£	£	£
	Cost
		At 1 January 2024	8,537	8,537	8,537
		Additons	-	-	-
		Gains / (losses) on revaluaton	-	-	-
		Disposals	-	-	-
		At 31 December 2024	8,537	8,537	8,537

	Accumulated depreciaton
		At 1 January 2024	8,537	8,537	7,769
		Charge for the year	-	-	768
		Disposals
		At 31 December 2024	8,537	8,537	8,537

	Net book value
		At 31 December 2024	(0)	(0)	-

		At 31 December 2023	(0)	(0)	768

8	Investments

				2024	2023
				£	£

	Market value as at 1 January 2024			181,301	165,710
		Disposal		-	-
		Additons at cost		3,490	-
		Net gains/(loss)		4,150	15,591

	Market value as at 31 December 2024			188,941	*181,301*

	There are several investments; the largest is the Rank Bequest which is held with the CCLA Investment Fund, number 131001406S and the Rochester Diocesan Board of Finance act as custodian trustees	There are several investments; the largest is the Rank Bequest which is held with the CCLA Investment Fund, number 131001406S and the Rochester Diocesan Board of Finance act as custodian trustees	There are several investments; the largest is the Rank Bequest which is held with the CCLA Investment Fund, number 131001406S and the Rochester Diocesan Board of Finance act as custodian trustees	There are several investments; the largest is the Rank Bequest which is held with the CCLA Investment Fund, number 131001406S and the Rochester Diocesan Board of Finance act as custodian trustees
	As at 31 December 2024 there were 8,020.29 shares held at a mid market value of 2,312.27 pence (2023: 8,020.29 shares mid market value 2,260.53 pence).
	The investment was originally made following a bequest, date unknown.
	The bequest states that dividends generated would be used to augment the stpend of the vicar/rector of the parish, but current practce is to pass these dividends to the diocese as part of the PCC's contributon towards the Diocesan Ofer/Parish Share
	Dividends received in 2024 were £4,956 (2023: £4,956) - see Note 4.

	Several additonal endowments have been in existence for a number of years but only added to these accounts in 2024; these are held with CCLA in their COIF funds as Erith Parochial Charites under reference number GB0001877546
	Across all 6 of these endowments as at 31 December 2024 there were 172.000 shares held at a mid market value of 2,029.33 pence (2023: n/a)
	Research is being carried out as to the true purpose of these endowments to ensure the wishes of the funds a			re being properly met



8	Debtors		2024	2023
			£	£

		Gif Aid	2,153	3,940
		Other Debtors	749	193
		Prepayments

		Total Debtors	2,902	*4,133*

9	Creditors	Creditors				2024	2023
						£	£
	Creditors: liabilites falling due within one year
		Accountng Fees & Independent Examiner				1,190	890
		Utlity Creditors				2,298	2,100
		Miscellaneous Creditors				1,240	2,815
		Hall Hirers & Fees Paid in Advance				1,230	650

						5,958	*6,455*

	Creditors: liabilites falling due afer one year
						-	-

	Total All Creditors					5,958	*6,455*

10	Funds

	During the year the movements in the charity's funds were			as follows:

			Opening	Incoming	Outgoing	Investment	Transfers	Closing
			balance	resources	resources	Gains/(Losses)	in the year	balance
			2024	2024	2024	2024	2024	2024
			£	£	£	£	£	£
	General Unrestricted Funds

		General Fund	25,069	87,083	(87,988)	-	(3,128)	21,036

	Designated Funds

		Church Repair Fund	11,251	420	-	-	2,100	13,771
		Hall Repair Fund	1,970	-	-	-		1,970
		Charites	606	-	(100)	-		506
		Men's Group	150	30	(175)	-		5


	Total Unrestricted Funds		39,046	87,533	(88,263)	-	(1,028)	37,288


	Restricted Funds

		Friends	863	674	(79)	-	-	1,458
		Church Path	-	-	-	-	-	-
		Church Repairs	820	-	(798)	-	-	22
		Organ fund	-	-	-	-	-	-
		Legacy	400	-	-	-	-	400
		School Bibles	696	-	-	-	-	696
		Community lunch	334	-	-	-	-	334
		SDF	443	1,194	(2,590)	-	1,177	224
		CYP	1,021	-	-	-	(149)	872
		Woollet	3,996	-	-	-	-	3,996
		Choir and Robes	71	-	-	-	-	71
		Energy Grant	-	-	-	-		-


	Total Restricted Funds		8,644	1,868	(3,467)	-	1,028	8,073


	Endowment Funds

		Rant Bequest	181,301	-	-	4,150	-	185,451
		Other endowments	-	3,490	-	-	-	3,490


	Total Endowment Funds		181,301	3,490	-	4,150	-	188,941


	Aggregate of Funds		228,991	92,891	(91,730)	4,150	-	234,302

9	Creditors	Creditors				2024	2023
						£	£
	Creditors: liabilites falling due within one year
		Accountng Fees & Independent Examiner				1,190	890
		Utlity Creditors				2,298	2,100
		Miscellaneous Creditors				1,240	2,815
		Hall Hirers & Fees Paid in Advance				1,230	650

						5,958	*6,455*

	Creditors: liabilites falling due afer one year
						-	-

	Total All Creditors					5,958	*6,455*

10	Funds

	During the year the movements in the charity's funds were			as follows:

			Opening	Incoming	Outgoing	Investment	Transfers	Closing
			balance	resources	resources	Gains/(Losses)	in the year	balance
			2024	2024	2024	2024	2024	2024
			£	£	£	£	£	£
	General Unrestricted Funds

		General Fund	25,069	87,083	(87,988)	-	(3,128)	21,036

	Designated Funds

		Church Repair Fund	11,251	420	-	-	2,100	13,771
		Hall Repair Fund	1,970	-	-	-		1,970
		Charites	606	-	(100)	-		506
		Men's Group	150	30	(175)	-		5


	Total Unrestricted Funds		39,046	87,533	(88,263)	-	(1,028)	37,288


	Restricted Funds

		Friends	863	674	(79)	-	-	1,458
		Church Path	-	-	-	-	-	-
		Church Repairs	820	-	(798)	-	-	22
		Organ fund	-	-	-	-	-	-
		Legacy	400	-	-	-	-	400
		School Bibles	696	-	-	-	-	696
		Community lunch	334	-	-	-	-	334
		SDF	443	1,194	(2,590)	-	1,177	224
		CYP	1,021	-	-	-	(149)	872
		Woollet	3,996	-	-	-	-	3,996
		Choir and Robes	71	-	-	-	-	71
		Energy Grant	-	-	-	-		-


	Total Restricted Funds		8,644	1,868	(3,467)	-	1,028	8,073


	Endowment Funds

		Rant Bequest	181,301	-	-	4,150	-	185,451
		Other endowments	-	3,490	-	-	-	3,490


	Total Endowment Funds		181,301	3,490	-	4,150	-	188,941


	Aggregate of Funds		228,991	92,891	(91,730)	4,150	-	234,302

In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds w	In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds w	In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds w	ere as follows:


		Opening	Incoming	Outgoing	Investment	Transfers	*Closing*
		balance	resources	resources	Gains/(Losses)	in the year	*balance*
		2023	2023	2023	2023	2023	2023
		£	£	£	£	£	£
*General Unrestricted Funds*

	General Fund	24,249	86,976	(87,637)		1,481	*25,069*

*Designated Funds*
	Church Repair Fund	8,864	287	-		2,100	*11,251*
	Hall Repair Fund	1,970	-	-			*1,970*
	Charites	606	-	-		-	*606*
	Men's Group	-	-	-	-	150	*150*


*Total Unrestricted Funds*		*35,689*	*87,263*	*(87,637)*	-	*3,731*	*39,046*


*Restricted Funds*

	Friends & Toilet Project	181	-	-		682	*863*
	Church Path	1,900	-	-		(1,900)	-
	church Repairs	-	-	-	-	820	*820*
	Organ fund	53	284	-		(337)	-
	Legacy	-	-	-	-	400	*400*
	School Bibles	696	-	-		-	*696*
	Community lunch	334	-	-		-	*334*
	SDF	473	2,069	(1,009)		(1,090)	*443*
	CYP	171	-	-		850	*1,021*
	Woollet	3,996	-	-		-	*3,996*
	Choir and Robes	71	-	-		-	71
	Energy Grant	3,156	-	-		(3,156)	-


*Total Restricted Funds*		*11,031*	*2,353*	*(1,009)*	-	*(3,731)*	*8,644*


*Endowment Funds*

	Rant Bequest	*165,710*	-	-	*15,591*	-	*181,301*


*Total Endowment Funds*


*Aggregate of Funds*		*212,430*	*89,616*	*(88,646)*	*15,591*	-	*228,991*

Descriptons of Funds	Descriptons of Funds

Designated Funds
	Church Repair Fund	Money set aside by the PCC for emergency repairs to church
	Hall Repair Fund	Money set aside by the PCC for emergency repairs to hall
	Charites	Money set aside by the PCC in previous years for transfer to various charites
	Men's Group	Funds raised for maintenance of church and grounds

Restricted Funds
	Friends	Money raised by the Friends of Christ Church Erith to support the upkeep of the fabric of the church. These funds are included within the PCC accounts as any funds raised are for the beneft of the church and the PCC.
	Church Path	Money given towards repairs of the church path.
	Church Repairs	Money given towards church repairs.
	Organ fund	Money raised for major repairs to the church organ. All funds were utlised in 2021
	Legacy
	School Bibles	Money given to buy bibles for children in the local school
	Community Lunch	The specifc proceeds for the yearly community lunch to be carried over to future similar events.
	SDF	Grants received for expenditure on strategic development/outreach work
	CYP	Money given to be used for youth work outreach actvites
	Woollet	Proceeds of a legacy to support children and young families.
	Choir and Robes	Money given as donatons for new choir robes and resources

Endowment Funds
	Rant Bequest	Permanent Endowment given where the dividends and interest generated are for the augmentaton of the parish priest's stpend (now paid to the diocese as part of the parish contributon to the Diocesan Ofer/Parish Share)
	Other Endowments	6 small endowments held as Erith Parochial Charites in the names of R Turnor, W Turnor, T Cooper, F Clare, Lord Eardley and J Street. Further research is being carried out as to the purpose of these funds

	Analysis of net assets by fund	Analysis of net assets by fund

				Unrestricted Funds
			General		Designated	Restricted	Endowment
			Funds		Funds	Funds	Funds	2024
				£	£	£	£	£

		Fixed assets		-	-	-	-	-
		Investment assets		-	-	-	188,941	188,941
		Current assets		26,994	16,247	8,078	-	51,319

		Liabilites:
		Amounts falling due within 1 year		(5,958)	-	-	-	(5,958)
		Amounts falling due afer 1 year


				21,036	16,247	8,078	188,941	234,302


	Analysis of net assets by fund at previous year end date

				Unrestricted Funds
			General		Designated	Restricted	Endowment
			Funds		Funds	Funds	Funds	2023
			£		£	£	£	£

		Fixed assets	-		-	-	-	-
		Investment assets	-		-	-	181,301	181,301
		Current assets	31,524		13,827	8,794	-	54,145

		Liabilites:
		Amounts falling due within 1 year	(6,455)		-	-	-	(6,455)
		Amounts falling due afer 1 year


			*25,069*		*13,827*	*8,794*	*181,301*	*228,991*



11	Transactons with related partes
	During the year the charity:
	a)	received donatons totalling £4,817 (2023: £5,402) from related partes (which includes members of the PCC and anyone closely connected to them).
	b)	No expenses (2022: £nil) were paid to, or for, non-clergy members of the PCC (reimbursements for expenses incurred when actng as agent for the charity or incurred when undertaking employment dutes not connected with serving as a PCC member are not included in this disclosure).

	During the year the charity made no other to, or for, related partes

	Analysis of net assets by fund	Analysis of net assets by fund

				Unrestricted Funds
			General		Designated	Restricted	Endowment
			Funds		Funds	Funds	Funds	2024
				£	£	£	£	£

		Fixed assets		-	-	-	-	-
		Investment assets		-	-	-	188,941	188,941
		Current assets		26,994	16,247	8,078	-	51,319

		Liabilites:
		Amounts falling due within 1 year		(5,958)	-	-	-	(5,958)
		Amounts falling due afer 1 year


				21,036	16,247	8,078	188,941	234,302


	Analysis of net assets by fund at previous year end date

				Unrestricted Funds
			General		Designated	Restricted	Endowment
			Funds		Funds	Funds	Funds	2023
			£		£	£	£	£

		Fixed assets	-		-	-	-	-
		Investment assets	-		-	-	181,301	181,301
		Current assets	31,524		13,827	8,794	-	54,145

		Liabilites:
		Amounts falling due within 1 year	(6,455)		-	-	-	(6,455)
		Amounts falling due afer 1 year


			*25,069*		*13,827*	*8,794*	*181,301*	*228,991*



11	Transactons with related partes
	During the year the charity:
	a)	received donatons totalling £4,817 (2023: £5,402) from related partes (which includes members of the PCC and anyone closely connected to them).
	b)	No expenses (2022: £nil) were paid to, or for, non-clergy members of the PCC (reimbursements for expenses incurred when actng as agent for the charity or incurred when undertaking employment dutes not connected with serving as a PCC member are not included in this disclosure).

	During the year the charity made no other to, or for, related partes