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2024-12-31-accounts

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Charity Registration Number: 1134253

Diocese of Southwark

Merton Deanery

Annual Report and Financial Statements 31 December 2024

Tandem Accounting Chartered Accountants 17 Heathville Road London N19 3AL

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report and Financial Statements 2024 Contents

Page
Legal and administrative information 2 - 3
Report of the Parochial Church Council 4 - 16
Independent Examiner’s report to the Parochial Church Council 17
Statement of financial activities 18
Balance sheet 19
Notes to the financial statements 20 - 36

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

Charity Name

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Merton Priory.

Charity Number 1134253. The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and was registered as a charity with Charity Commission on 11 February 2010.

Principal Address Holy Trinity Church, 234 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB. Governing Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956) as amended and Church Representation Document Rules. Objective To promote in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church. Members of the PCC The Members of the PCC who served during the year or who were serving at the date of this report were: Clergy (ex officio) Revd Mark Eminson, Team Rector Revd Alison Judge, Team Vicar Revd Simon Asquith, Curate (to 19/01/25) Revd Canon Duncan Swan, Associate Priest Lay ministers Joy Lyons, Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary (SPA) Churchwardens Zoe Miller Christ Church Karen Warman (from 19/05/24) Christ Church John Eades Holy Trinity & St Peter Delene Edwards Holy Trinity & St Peter Ann Roberts St John the Divine Vacancy St John the Divine PCC members Joanne Powell Christ Church Bruce Warman (to 12/05/24) Christ Church Vacancy (from 12/05/24) Christ Church Ben Ooi Holy Trinity & St Peter Rachel Cherry Holy Trinity & St Peter Ann Newson St John the Divine Vacancy St John the Divine Representatives on Abi Erinle Christ Church Deanery Synod Vacancy Christ Church Richard Blades Holy Trinity & St Peter Boris Yurkevich Holy Trinity & St Peter Eva Parker St John the Divine Vacancy St John the Divine Representatives on Desmond Davies (from Christ Church Diocesan Synod 12/05/24) Treasurer Kerry Porritt, PCC Co-Treasurer (Co-opted) Ann Roberts, PCC Co-Treasurer Secretary Margaret Duncan (Co-opted)

Key Management Key management personnel are those in charge of directing, controlling, running and Personnel operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. For Merton Priory Team Ministry, these are all the members of the PCC and the three DCCs (District Church Councils).

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

Bankers Merton Priory PCC, Christ Church, Holy
Trinity & St Peter and St John the Divine:
CAF Bank Ltd,
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
ME19 4JQ
St John the Divine:
NatWest plc
Wimbledon (B) Branch
16 Wimbledon Hill Road
London
SW19 7NN
Independent John Helm ACA
Examiner Tandem Accounting
17 Heathville Road
London
N19 3AL
Quinquennial Christ Church – Tim Gough (Austin Winkley and Associates)
Inspectors Holy Trinity - Tim Gough (Austin Winkley and Associates)
St John the Divine – Karen Butti (Thomas Ford and Partners)

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Merton Priory (“the PCC”) submits its report and the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP2019 (FRS102)). The legal and administrative information set out earlier in this document forms part of this report.

1 Aim and purposes

Merton Priory Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Team Rector, the Revd Mark Eminson, and the Team Vicar, the Revd Alison Judge, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

The PCC is also specifically responsible for the maintenance of the fabric of the three churches of Christ Church, Colliers Wood; Holy Trinity and St Peter, South Wimbledon; St John the Divine, Merton, along with the two separate church halls of Christ Church and St John the Divine.

2 Objectives and activities

The PCC is committed to promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of the Church of England; the PCC seeks by encouraging co-operation between clergy, lay members of our congregation, and the wider community to undertake the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical.

When planning the activities for the year, the Team Rector, Team Vicar and PCC have in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and especially the guidance to charities for the advancement of religion. In particular we make it possible for people to live out their faith as part of our parish community through:

To facilitate this work, we maintain the fabric of the three churches and two separate church halls.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

Our Team Mission Action Plan (see above) has been in operation for three years now with the overall aim for all three churches to work together for community engagement around the High Path estate, trusting that thereby growth at St John’s might emerge. Whilst there are some encouraging signs it would also be fair to say we need fresh perspective, personnel and focus.

Mission Priority One

St John’s congregation has grown slightly with the addition of five people who now come fairly regularly. This means our congregation is still seldom more than 15-18 at the 9.30am Sunday Eucharist but it is good to welcome new faces. Our worship is quiet and rich, and we enjoy worshipping together. We have stopped advertising an All-Age service as we still have no families.

Mission Priority Two

Contact with the High Path Community is on an ad hoc individual basis. So far, no overarching project or needs have emerged. In the sense of the wider community the church is used increasingly and so footfall into the church building at times is considerable, for example the yearly Pantomime and Parish Ale Festival.

Mission Priority Three

Links with younger members of the community, although not necessarily residents of High Path are positive. Fun and Games, run jointly by St John’s and Griffiths Road Methodist Church, a toddler group in the Hall continues to be well received. After an exodus of Toddlers heading for Reception classes across Merton in September we have a new group. The hall is set up by Alison and Angela and a local parent continues to be an active leader. Fun and Games have enjoyed two outings to the Sensory Room at the Polka Theatre.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

Contact with Merton Abbey School continues to thrive with Alison regularly joining the school community for assemblies and the school Christingle in St John’s church. For one week during the summer holiday, we ran a holiday club specifically for children in Key Stage 2 at Merton Abbey. We were successful in applying for a Southwark Mission Grant and so we employed sports coaches from KICK (a Christian organisation that runs sports in schools) who kept the children active throughout the days.

These efforts, and others, have often been small and gradual steps in engaging with the community and building up the church and this lesson chimes with several conference days Mark has attended through the Diocese and the National Estate Churches Network.

Across the churches, Weekday Morning and Evening Prayer and Eucharists offered the round of prayer and intercession for the parish. A weekly Monday evening online service, Finding Sanctuary, offers an alternative expression with usually about nine people in attendance, led by lay people and Sr Chris of the Single Consecrated Life, while weekly meditation group at Christ Church linked with the World Community for Christian Meditation averaged six attendees.

First Communion was celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King, and we were blessed with 12 children being admitted in a lovely service at Christ Church, including three baptisms. Earlier in the year in June the Bishop of Kingston, the Right Reverend Dr Martin Gainsborough, led a service of Confirmation at Holy Trinity, at which we presented six adult candidates and four children. In October, several young people attended the first event convened by Southwark Youth Ministry In Communion (YMIC) , at which the Archbishop of Canterbury was present. There will be more events in 2025, gathering young people from across churches in our part of the Diocese.

The Team combined forces for the Merton Nightshelter Project again this year, using Holy Trinity as a venue, but allowing a broader pool of volunteers from across the Team. We hosted about 12 guests each Friday night over a seven-week period, including Christmas. Huge thanks are due to Alison Fletcher Rogers, who coordinated the project for us yet again and for the final time.

As ever, it has been an active and positive year for the work of Merton Citizens . This is a community organising alliance of different organisations that work together to champion positive change and social justice in our neighbourhood and our Team is one of the founder members. St John’s and Christ Church welcomed our Citizens Organiser Vitoria Russo Gaino as a visiting preacher in October, to update the wider congregations and encourage more participation in the work of Citizens. The big event in the year was in April, namely the Mayoral Assembly as preparation for the Mayor of London Election. We managed a good turnout across the age range and first-timers were very impressed at the scale and tone of the event at Methodist Central Hall. We continue to campaign on Housing, Mental Health, Living Wage and Refugee welcome, including a “win” on getting Merton Council to begin the process to be accredited as a Borough of Sanctuary. As Citizens UK looked toward the General Election in 2024 one strand of their Agenda was Climate Justice and Alison attended several Zoom meetings around this topic.

We celebrated Creationtide and each church has continued to strive to “recycle, reduce and reuse”. All building work is undertaken with a view to reducing our carbon footprint and environmental impact. Christ Church and St John’s achieved Bronze Eco Church awards this year, and we are encouraged to work towards Silver!

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

Another area of our common work consists in Racial Justice as we seek to implement the Southwark Diocese Anti-Racism Charter. Team members were prominent in attendance at two events run by the Kingston Episcopal Area Racial Justice Group via Zoom: in March, “I don’t see colour” and “what makes a good ally in the cause of racial justice”; then in June, “Allyship in Action”. It was instrumental to have administrative and technical support from Ann Roberts for the smooth running of both these events. As Acting Chair of this Group, Mark was also involved and with his fellow members also led racial justice discussions at Tooting and our own Merton Deanery Synods. We discussed this issue at PCC, preached about it on several occasions, from Racial Justice Sunday to Black History Month (BHM), and sent church members to the BHM Thanksgiving service at Southwark Cathedral with Archbishop Justin presiding.

Our three churches kept a dedicated Inclusive Church Sunday in June and welcomed General Synod’s approval of Prayers of Love and Faith for use in Sunday services, including a joyful service of blessing of marriage held at Holy Trinity in April.

God in the Pub , a monthly discussion of issues of faith and life, has continued with lively conversation and conviviality, having an average attendance of around 10 people.

It was also a delight to see one church member, Richard Blades, complete the Bishop’s Certificate in September. This is a one-year course which goes deeper into aspects of the Bible, theology, Church history, faith and discipleship.

Our curate, the Revd Simon Asquith, led a regular Monday-night Bible study , which was well-supported by members across the Team with between 5 and 10 in attendance.

This year’s Lent Groups studied “Healing and Hope In The One Household of God”, published by Embrace the Middle East .

The MP3 Parish Pantomime enjoyed its eleventh outing with an entertaining take on “Mother Goose”. All the money raised this year went to Deen City Farm, a local urban farm that teaches the community about the rural environment and animal husbandry.

We communicate with those who live in our parish through regular door-to-door leaflets before Christmas and Easter, through our websites and through flyers distributed in schools and other community places; as well as via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, the website and e-notices.

2024 was the ninth year of contributing to the Diocese through the Parish Support Fund. Once again, it has been a heroic effort that the three churches met their commitments in full. During the year we have also given to a number of charities, both through planned donations and special collections (see note 4b on page 25). For 2025 we have pledged £179,000, which covers our full ministry costs with a slight excess of £400 towards other parishes.

The PCC continues to promote cooperation between Parish Safeguarding Officers (PSO) in implementing our safeguarding action plan, has considered Safeguarding at PCC meetings, and has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Our five-strong team of PSOs has kept us largely up to date with DBS certificates, training, compliance, awareness-raising and more. All congregations and the church councils were shocked to receive news of the Makin Report concerning the horrific and sustained abuse of John Smyth. We acknowledged the fresh and ongoing pain and trauma of victims and survivors of this and all church-related abuse and through prayers, sermons and church

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

council meetings have continued to address this profound issue. We pray that the right successor to Justin Welby will be discerned. Our Health and Safety Officers have worked together to share good practice, draw up action plans for each church to ensure that we are fully compliant with our Health and Safety policy, and reported findings to the PCC.

The combined electoral roll for the parish in 2024 was 408 (Christ Church 76, Holy Trinity 301, St John the Divine 31); this number does not include children or the many people with a more fringe relationship with our churches. We also maintain congregational lists of all our contacts, which comply with the requirements of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations), which came into force in May 2018.

3.2 Christ Church

Our buildings consist of a church building and a hall building on the same site but not physically connected. It has been a delight this year to return to more groups using the church building for concerts and community events.

The hall is the home Monday-Friday of Flourish Day Nursery, and this is still proving a very successful arrangement. We agreed to renew the lease in September. The new lease will run for 10 years.

2024 marked Christ Church’s 150[th] Anniversary. This was marked by a weekend of celebration in April featuring concerts from Childe Rolande and Colliers Wood Chorus and Orchestra, and an exhibition of the history of Christ Church which was put together with the assistance of Sarah Gould from Merton Heritage Department. This exhibition featured photographs collected from members of the community who had been married or baptised at Christ Church. Bruce Goatly did sterling work editing and creating a film of members of Christ Church reflecting on their time at the church and in Colliers Wood generally. The exhibition attracted many people and refreshments were served. On Sunday afternoon we held a high tea with fabulous cakes and piano music from Jeremy Roberts.

On Ascension Day, 9 May, our Foundation Day, Bishop Martin joined us to preside and preach at a joyful Eucharist, a fitting conclusion to our 150[th] Anniversary celebrations.

Later in May the east end of the church was completely redecorated. With this work and the lighting which was upgraded in 2023 we now have a stunning focus for our worship.

We have continued to progress our work to enhance Christ Church as a place of worship and welcome for our community. Working with our architect, Tim Gough of Austin Winkley and Associates, the project will provide a kitchenette/tea point, storage and two toilets at the west end of the church. Fundraising has been ongoing including a Quiz Night, a Jumble Sale and the Candlelit Christmas Market taking place again, which was much enjoyed by the local community and stall holders. Vicarage Honey has been for sale; we are grateful to Coffee in the Wood for selling this on behalf of Christ Church.

Our Sunday worship often has the same number of attendees but each week this may be different people. We have made a concerted effort this year to invite families to our All Age Eucharist on the first Sunday each month and this is beginning to encourage families back. Easter attendance this year was ten children and 65 adults. At Christmas 54 children and 200 adults came to the church for services that included a crib service, Midnight Eucharist and a very happy Community Carol Service with included old friends Colliers Wood Chorus and Musicians and Singlegate School. Average Sunday attendance throughout 2024 was two children and 49 adults. This year it has been lovely to welcome into the family of the church in Baptism 14 children. The First Communion service hosted at Christ Church was a beautiful occasion. Our Organist and Church musician, Irene Clugston, has this year worked with some members of Christ Church

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

to form the Christ Church Singers. The main practice time is before the 11.15am service on the first Sunday of each month. This has enabled them to join the other Team singers for Choral Evensong. We are very grateful to Irene for her skill and experience.

During the year one funeral was conducted at Christ Church.

Christ Church bell tower continues to be very popular with visiting bands. Our own band of Bell ringers are also flourishing.

We give thanks to God for the witness of this congregation, and our friendships with so many organisations and people in this vibrant and diverse community.

3.3 Holy Trinity & St Peter

Within one building, Holy Trinity has a main worship area, clergy vestry, St Peter’s Chapel, committee room, kitchen, church hall, St Cecilia Room; and an area of the church is set aside for quiet prayer. The church is widely used by outside agencies and the DCC has a licence under faculty to allow London Together Korean Church to use the church on Sunday afternoons. A quinquennial inspection in October 2021 revealed the need for a lot of minor repair and re-decoration work. We hope to continue with this in the main church, the nave, though will likely need the help of grant money.

2024 was a year in which Mark was able to take his first ever sabbatical, enabling our curate, Revd Simon Asquith, to step up well across the long summer!

We enjoy fellowship and hospitality, often with the expert culinary oversight of Richard Blades, so once again pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, a Dawn Eucharist feast and Harvest Supper have been very wellreceived; Mark also felt blessed on his sabbatical way at a delightful Trinity Sunday tea in the garden. In his absence, the hospitality raged on through June as we hosted, first, the Deanery Confirmation and, second, the Churchwardens’ swearing-in.

The Christmas Fair was again a most enjoyable and well-supported community and fundraising occasion. Our profit was an incredible £5,850, so very well-done new coordinating team of Libby Charlton and Andrew Taylor and all the many helpers! Through December we enjoyed our usual school carols and Christmas Carols with full and gifted choir.

Congregational numbers were similar for Easter with 130 adults and 43 children but rose nicely for Christmas with 318 adults and 132 children. Usual Sunday attendance throughout 2024 was 130 adults and 85 children, taking into account the twice-monthly Early Service as if it happened weekly.

Junior Church continues to thrive thanks to Emma Austin and her slowly growing group of helpers. We regularly have around 25 children attending and this includes a strong core of regular attendees. The children share what they have learned with the main congregation at the end of the morning service and the termly services through the year (including Mothering Sunday and Harvest) where the Junior Church children lead the service with readings and prayers are enjoyed by both the children and the congregation alike. We enjoyed our fourth acted-out Nativity, thanks to Simon, which involved some 60 children, and whose finale in every sense was again uplifting.

In a different liturgical direction, many have also valued now termly healing services.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

Music continues to flourish at Holy Trinity under our Director of Music, Michael Lees, aided by volunteer musicians Jeremy Roberts, Liz Holder and Vivien Halstead. We are always looking out for young instrumentalists to perform during communion which adds something special to the service. Our choir, led by Tracy Lees, comes together for major services throughout the year, including three team evensongs - with the Passiontide service taking place at Holy Trinity. The Christmas Carol service was a particular highlight of the year. Grants are being applied for to cover the ongoing cost of organ maintenance.

Baptisms increased with 36 children baptized and two adults, half of them during Mark’s sabbatical, keeping Simon busily engaged over the summer!

For young children and carers, T3 (Trinity, Tots & Toys) has had a very well-attended year, and we are grateful to Dovi Lawson for taking on coordination of this small team. The large volume of our work in schools has continued. The Team Rector is ex officio governor of Holy Trinity and The Priory schools, while Simon has been a governor at The Priory. They take it in turns to conduct weekly assemblies (with an occasional eucharist) in them both and each school attends church four times a year. The Schools’ Sunday service this year was a triumph with an enormous attendance, helped by the involvement of a joint schools’ choir. We also visit Pelham School (a community school) half-termly. Naturally Simon carried more of this burden throughout 2024.

Ministry to Care Homes is also important for us, so a team has visited Queens Court for a Songs of Praise and a Communion each month and now South Park Residential Home once a month, as well as visiting the sick in their homes for holy communion. We were sorry to say farewell to an integral member of this team and indeed our whole church family, Evelyn Wilson, as she has had to move into care near her brother in Cardiff.

Across the year, we conducted five funerals for parishioners and were very sorry to lose Jody De Saram, Jean Goodwin, Clark Douglas-Withers, Carlton Peazold and Rosemary Jennings, but commend them to the Lord’s love.

Mark and Simon continued to foster relationships across the local community, deanery and borough. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity included a memorable pulpit swap with Simon presiding here and guest preacher Fr Simon Peat of St Winefride’s; we seem to recall Anglicans and Catholics being compared to different wines! Mark therefore preached at St Winefride’s, not thinking of wine, but prosaically CS Lewis instead! This ecumenical dimension was consolidated during the Thy Kingdom Come ten days of prayer across local churches and our two church schools. And then, in keeping with this theme, for the third year, we shared a service with Pastor Park and his congregation. Mark returned from sabbatical in September to take up the reins as new Area Dean of Merton, being formally commissioned at the October Deanery Synod by Archdeacon Simon Gates. This involves him in more of the wider life of our Area and Diocese, as well as Merton Borough through the Faith and Belief Forum and being available to local parishes and clergy if they need a bit of advice or a meal out!

A clear highlight of the year was the blessing of the marriage of Richard Blades and Andrew Taylor in April, which was a glorious coming together in worship and fellowship, in love and faith, under God’s blessing.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

Looking to the future, we are pleased that our connection with DONS Local Action Group means they are coming to us for their five-year celebration early in 2025. We are most grateful for people’s generosity in so many ways. Finances continue to be stretched, however, meaning for at least one more year DCC has voted to suspend the tithe payment. We will hope also to re-decorate the main church space, so help us, God! As well as seeking ways to increase income, we are also seeking to involve more church members in a range of areas of church life and work. This has begun with aiming to break down into smaller sections a range of tasks, so that people know what they are committing to and that the work falls on more not fewer people. After all, we are a family where everyone has gifts of time and talents to offer for the health and flourishing of all.

3.4 St John the Divine

The church comprises a church building, lovingly restored some years ago, and a hall building. These are located on separate sites, the hall being on the other side of the road from the church. As well as services the church provides a venue for Morden Park Choral Society practices and concerts and for Merton Music Foundation who use it weekly for children’s choir practice and for other musical events. The proposed redevelopment of High Path estate, which may incorporate the site of the Church Hall, with the development of a new Church Hall, has now been further postponed and estimated dates for this range between 5-7 years’ time. Nevertheless, our current hall continues to be used by a range of community groups from dance to martial arts and Woodcraft Folk. We continued to host, free of charge, Care4Calais who are working with refugees living in local accommodation. They run a weekly food and clothing bank which gives out over 750 items including food, clothing and toiletries. Care4Calais has now moved to a more spacious site in Mitcham. We remain keen to make our buildings a community resource.

As noted Fun and Games Toddler Group meets each Thursday morning in term time, run as a joint venture for St John’s and Griffiths Road Methodist Church (an annexe of Lantern Methodist Church in Raynes Park). Angela Linton Smith and Alison lead, with excellent support from Bianca Sanasi, a local parent.

The struggles with our beautiful church building continue. Despite efforts to secure a faculty, raise funds and install a new heating and lighting system we finally admitted that, as the darker days came we would address the lighting separately and a new system was installed. We truly want to move away from fossil fuels but this is proving quite challenging for a building of our size and character and so currently we are reliant on our inadequate gas fired heaters.

It has been a good year for social events. MP3 Players used St John’s to good effect in January for a wonderful pantomime ‘Mother Goose’. In February we had a very popular Parish Ale (aka Beer Festival). Numerous Morris Dancers of all traditions entertained and tours of the Bell Tower from our Bell ringers made for a very successful fundraising event.

St John’s Bell Tower is a very popular tower for visiting ringers keen to experience our excellent bells. Our own band flourishes and we were delighted to host The Eight Bell Practice on behalf of the Surrey Association of Bell Ringers, thanks to Pam Donovan who leads this.

Overall our congregational numbers have remained much the same, that is to say small but highly committed. Average Sunday attendance throughout 2024 was 14 adults. Easter attendance was 24 adults and one child and at Christmas 24 adults and one child. We have enjoyed the music of Liz Holder and Peter Crowther who play for us on the first Sunday of each month whilst Irene has singing practice at Christ Church. As last year our carol singing around the estate was a joy as we encountered local residents and waved to others.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

During the year we have had one wedding and no funerals at St John’s.

As noted in the MAP we continue to enjoy a good relationship with Merton Abbey School being involved in assemblies throughout the year. Alison visits Nursery and Reception classes and Year 1 children visit the church. It is always a highlight when Key Stage 2 have their Christingle service in church. The church drive continues to be used for ‘kiss and drop’ allowing pupils who are driven to school by car to alight safely as parking restrictions on High Path make dropping children off problematic.

We look forward to further work with Merton Priory Team to reach out to our neighbours on High Path.

4 Quinquennial Inspections

Christ Church . A quinquennial inspection was completed in January 2024. Urgent works related to maintenance and access were identified for action, with this and other work intended to be addressed by the major works planned for the building in the coming years. Significant redecoration of the chancel took place during the year which, alongside improved lighting, has served to make this focal area of the church stand out.

Holy Trinity & St Peter. A quinquennial inspection was last carried out in October 2021 and revealed the need for a lot of minor repair and re-decoration work. Further work on internal areas of the church is planned, though will likely need the help of grant money.

St John the Divine. A quinquennial inspection was carried out in 2025, with the report received early in 2025. Urgent works related to squirrel access and some minor external repairs were identified, with ongoing external maintenance identified over the course of the next five years. Work to address heating and lighting continues, with the intention of moving away from fossil fuels wherever possible.

5 Looking to the future

As hinted earlier, our MAP needs fresh focus, therefore PCC, DCC and other church members have an Away Day planned in early May 2025 to reflect on where our MAP and indeed each church’s life is at present, the blessings and the challenges, as we look to God’s and our future.

Merton Citizens is also at a similar junction, looking back and looking forward, and Holy Trinity is the venue for a Citizens Celebration in late February. We hope fresh vision will emerge from this, including from within our three churches.

Our duties under safeguarding will continue as we assess ourselves against the latest Diocesan audit. Already one impressive initiative is our own PSOs hosting in-person training for ourselves and other Deanery churches. The January training was “Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse”; perhaps there will be more to follow.

On 19 January 2025, we bade farewell to Simon Asquith after three and a half glorious years; 181 adults and 47 children attended a very moving and joyful team eucharist and were delighted to see pictures of our three churches (courtesy of Simon Burder) which is the Team’s leaving gift to Simon. Then on 13 February Merton Priory Team sent a most impressive delegation to Simon’s Institution at Christ Church Streatham. Life with God is never static, so we also look forward to the ordination, God-willing, of Mary Kilikidi on 28 June, thereafter Assistant and Title Curate in the Merton Priory Team.

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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

6 Personnel

The Team Rector, the Revd Mark Eminson, is responsible for Holy Trinity, while the Team Vicar, the Revd Alison Judge, is responsible for Christ Church and St John the Divine. Joy Lyons, SPA (Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary), continues in her work of pastoral care for members of Christ Church and to co-ordinate the Prayer Group; her work is valued greatly. We have been pleased that The Revd Canon Duncan Swan, Associate Priest, has attended St John’s on most Sundays. Sr Chris SCL is a committed member of Christ Church and has the Bishop of Southwark’s permission to preach which we value.

The DCCs set rates of pay for employees in accordance with the skills and responsibilities of their roles and with the aim of recruiting and retaining high quality staff; we continue to abide by the commitment made in 2014 to pay no one less than the London Living Wage, as set by the Living Wage Foundation, which was £13.15 per hour from the beginning of 2024, rising to £13.85 from 2025. The PCC has indicated a wish to become accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

A staff pension scheme with the Church Workers Pension Fund was introduced on 1 January 2015, which was well before the PCC’s workplace pensions staging date of 1 June 2016. It is available to all employees regardless of salary level and the PCC contributes 5% of gross salary provided the employee also contributes a minimum of 5%.

7 Financial Review

The PCC’s main sources of funding are the free will offerings of church members and others in attendance at church meetings, and income from hiring out the church buildings.

7.1 Financial Activity and Financial Position We remain mindful of the impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on many people.

Total income for the year increased by £6,539 to £346,839 (2023: increased by £20,231 to £340,300) as set out in the accompanying financial statements on pages 18-36. Of this total, £16,181 was restricted income.

Total unrestricted donations and legacies were £176,826 which was a £953 decrease from the previous year’s figure of £177,779. Gift Aid from tax efficient giving totalled £41,072 (2023: £25,581), which includes claims by Christ Church for 2023 and 2024. Church and hall lettings weakened further, raising £126,953 in 2024 compared to £128,340 in 2023, a decrease of £1,387. Income from fundraising events at £19,533 saw a rise against the previous year (2023: £12,924).

Total expenditure decreased by £28,784 to £346,332 (2023: £371,428) with a significant decrease in the costs associated with buildings and facilities, and a reduction in the amount spent for missionary and charitable giving (see note 4).

We were pleased to be able to meet our pledged contributions to the Diocesan Parish Support Fund of £176,900 in 2024. The Parish Support Fund pays for our parish clergy and other diocesan resources, as well as a contribution to poorer parishes.

The team as a whole happily contributed £11,234 (2023: £18,405) to mission giving and donations. The decrease is in part due to Holy Trinity, for operational reasons, paying over its 2022 annual charitable tithe in 2023 and suspending its tithe giving for the foreseeable future.

13

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

In summary, the surplus for the parish on unrestricted funds was £2,263, with an overall surplus of £5, after unrealised gains on investments which totalled a loss of £502. The net movement of funds is a surplus of £5 (2023: a deficit of £28,640).

7.2 Reserves Policy

The PCC has examined the requirements for free reserves, i.e., those unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets. Given the nature of Merton Priory Team Ministry’s work and ongoing financial uncertainty due to the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, the PCC considers that the free reserves requirement should be held at three months’ routine general fund expenditure, plus committed future expenditure on other projects, where funds permit. This is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. At 31 December 2024, the PCC had net free reserves of £226,651 (2023: £227,924) as outlined below, which the PCC acknowledges well exceeds the total free reserves requirement of £94,417 (2023: £110,712).

Total reserves
Less: restricted funds
Less: endowment funds
Less: unrestricted tangible fixed assets used in the continuing work of the PCC
Free reserves requirement:
Reserve agreed by PCC
Balance allocated to the anticipated cost of fabric repairs		 2024 2023
£
300,556
(25,241)
(18,249)
(35,887)
221,179
88,686
22,026
110,712
£
300,561
(22,621)
(18,611)
(32,678)
226,651
82,417
12,000
94,417

Christ Church is planning significant expenditure in 2025 and beyond to coincide with their 150-year anniversary celebrations; this includes work around the altar, redecorations of the church, moving the font and putting toilets into the church. They have already spoken to the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee) and have appointed an architect.

Holy Trinity has completed extensive kitchen refurbishment and redecoration in recent years and is planning work to redecorate the chancel and nave, upgrade more fittings to accommodate LED lighting, and necessary repairs to the boiler.

St John the Divine has spent money on upgrading lighting and electrics, and will continue to explore sustainable heating options, for which they are likely to be applying for grant funding alongside other fundraising for the project. The timing of any work is dependent on funding being secured.

So although the free reserves position at 31 December 2024 may be looking very healthy, it is clear that all three churches are mindful of their responsibility in thinking ahead to the appropriate use of the PCC’s charitable reserves.

7.3 Investment Policy

Funds not immediately required for working capital are partly placed on short term deposit and partly invested in longer-term investment funds. The PCC currently uses the CCLA Church of England Deposit Fund, Charities Aid Foundation investment funds and M&G Charity Funds. The PCC expects to do some work in the near future on drawing up a formal investment policy.

14

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

7.4 Going Concern

Each year it is the PCC’s responsibility to state whether or not the financial statements have been drawn up on a going concern basis (see the accounting policy note on page 20). Going concern is the assumption that an entity, in this case the PCC, has the resources (financial or otherwise) needed to continue operating for the foreseeable future and, in particular, for at least 12 months from the date of approval by the PCC of these financial statements. If the going concern principle did not apply, then the accounts would be drawn up on an insolvent basis.

8 Volunteers

We are grateful to all our churchwardens for their many and varied labours: Zoe Miller and - returning after a decent gap - Karen Warman at Christ Church, John Eades and Delene Edwards at Holy Trinity and Ann Roberts at St John’s. Our co-treasurers, Ann Roberts and Kerry Porritt, have steered us wisely and efficiently through our financial affairs, with Margaret Duncan as PCC Secretary. It seems likely as is often the way that there will be some changes at the annual meetings, and we pray for new volunteers to emerge.

We would like to thank all the volunteers who work so tirelessly on our behalf to make our churches the lively and vibrant communities they are. As well as those in licensed lay roles, we particularly want to mention all those who work behind the scenes and in the more invisible areas of our church life.

9 Structure, governance and management

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a Registered Charity.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The PCC consists of 18 elected members, six from Christ Church, six from Holy Trinity and six from St John the Divine, plus the team clergy. During the past year the PCC has met six times.

A range of issues are discussed during PCC meetings, including considering ministry needs, parish communications and planning for key events in the parish, as well as hearing reports from the individual churches and having oversight of the Mission Action Plans for all three churches. The PCC has authority for finance across the parish.

The PCC has assessed the major risks to which the PCC is exposed, in particular those relating to the specific operational areas of the charity, its investments, and its finances. The PCC believes that, by monitoring reserve levels, by ensuring that controls exist over key financial systems, and by examining the operational risks faced by the church, it has established effective systems and procedures to mitigate those risks.

The PCC Standing Committee, which consists of the Team Rector, Team Vicar, six Churchwardens (when in post), Secretary and co-Treasurers, has met on several occasions. The Curate has recently also been invited to attend these meetings. This group has set the agenda for the PCC meetings and ensured its smooth running. In addition, the PCC Business Committee – Team Rector, Team Vicar, co-Treasurers and Secretary – has met to make certain that all aspects of church business are covered.

Regarding the PCC's obligations to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, the members of the PCC confirm that they have complied with their duties under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. The PCC also complies with statutory requirements with regard to employment, access and health and safety.

15

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2024

The PCC appoints six foundation governors at Holy Trinity School and two at The Priory School, and members of our congregations also serve as governors appointed by Southwark Diocesan Board of Education. This year, two governors apiece were appointed to Holy Trinity and The Priory.

10 Responsibilities of Trustees for the Financial Statements

The PCC is responsible for preparing the report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Charity law in England and Wales requires the PCC to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the PCC and of the income and application of income of the charity for that period.

In preparing those financial statements, the PCC is required to:

The PCC is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the governing document. The PCC is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The PCC is responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included in the charity’s website.

11 Approval

The PCC has elected to have an independent examination rather than an audit of the financial statements. The role of Independent Examiner is a personal appointment and this has been carried out by John Helm. Mr Helm has indicated his willingness to continue in this role and accordingly a resolution will be submitted to the forthcoming Annual Parochial Church Meeting to re-appoint him as the PCC’s Independent Examiner for 2025.

The report of the PCC was approved by the PCC on 22 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

The Revd Mark Eminson PCC Chair

16

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Report of the Independent Examiner to the Parochial Church Council of Merton Priory

I report on the accounts of the Parochial Church Council of Merton Priory for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 19 to 37.

Respective responsibilities of PCC and examiner

The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The PCC 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:

Basis of independent examiners’ report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 the seeking of explanations from you as 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

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the church as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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

John Helm Chartered Accountant 22 April 2025

17

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2024

Note
Income from:
2
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
Other
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
3
Charitable activities
4
Total Expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure)
5
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
176,826
3,019
145,260
5,553
-		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
13,852
-
1,226
1,103
-
16,181
-
16,665
16,665
-
( 484)
(2,136)
(2,620)
25,241
22,621		 Endowment Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
177,779
2,289
141,013
5,518
784
327,383
3,706
354,745
358,451
1,116
(29,952)
-
(29,952)
287,018
257,066		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
11,624
-
313
980
-
12,917
-
12,977
12,977
-
( 60)
-
( 60)
25,301
25,241		 Endowment
Funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
0
1,372
1,372
-
1,372
16,877
18,249		 Total
2023
£
189,403
2,289
141,326
6,498
784
340,300
3,706
367,722
371,428
2,488
(28,640)
-
(28,640)
329,196
300,556
Funds Total
2024 2024
£ £
- 190,678
- 3,019
- 146,486
- 6,656
- -
330,658
0 346,839
2,132
327,535
329,667
(864)
127
2,136
2,263
257,066
259,329
- 2,132
- 344,200
0 346,332
362 (502)
362 5
- -
362 5
18,249 300,556
18,611 300,561

18

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2024

Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
6
Investments
7
Current Assets
Debtors
8
Cash At Bank and In Hand
Creditors - Amounts Falling Due
Within One Year
9
Net Current Assets
Net Assets
Represented by:
Endowment Funds
10
Restricted Income Funds
11
Unrestricted Income Funds
12
Total Funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
32,678
39,078
71,756
47,552
165,205
212,757
25,184
187,573
259,329
-
-
259,329
259,329		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
0
-
22,621
22,621
-
22,621
22,621
-
22,621
-
22,621		 Endowment Total
2023
£
35,887
55,675
91,562
42,440
190,865
233,305
24,311
208,994
300,556
18,249
25,241
257,066
300,556
Funds Total
2024 2024
£ £
- 32,678
16,186 55,264
16,186 87,942
- 47,552
2,425 190,251
2,425 237,803
- 25,184
2,425 212,619
18,611 300,561
18,611 18,611
- 22,621
- 259,329
18,611 300,561

The financial statements were approved by the PCC on 22 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

The Revd Mark Eminson PCC Chair

Dr Kerry Porritt PCC Co-Treasurer

Ann Roberts PCC Co-Treasurer

19

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). The financial statements are drawn up on the historical cost basis of accounting except for the revaluation of leasehold land and buildings and investments which are shown at market value.

The Parochial Church Council of Merton Priory was formed in May 2009 from the amalgamation of three separate parishes: Christ Church, Colliers Wood; Holy Trinity & St Peter, South Wimbledon; St John the Divine, Merton. These financial statements incorporate the income and expenditure, assets and liabilities of the combined parish, including comparative figures for the previous year. The finances of the three individual churches are maintained separately and are therefore accounted for as designated funds.

The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe an affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members.

The PCC meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and accordingly the accounts have been drawn up on a going concern basis.

Income recognition

Voluntary income and donations (including legacies) are accounted for once the PCC has entitlement to the income, it is probable the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be reliably measured. Income from the recovery of tax on gift aided donations is accounted for in the period to which the relevant donation is received. Grant income is recognised on a receivable basis.

The income from trading activities includes rental income from the letting of church premises which is accounted for when earned. It is shown gross, with the associated costs included in fundraising costs.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is accrued as soon as a liability is considered probable, and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably. Longer term liabilities are discounted to present value. The PCC is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure includes VAT where appropriate.

Expenditure included in Raising Funds includes amounts incurred in obtaining grants and other donations and property maintenance costs.

20

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

Expenditure on church activities includes those costs incurred to fulfil the PCC’s principal objects, as outlined in the Report of the PCC. These include grants payable and governance costs. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The Diocesan Parish Support Fund is accounted for when due. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the PCC and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to the independent examination and legal fees.

The PCC contributes to employees’ pension plans with the Church Workers’ Pension Fund (see Note 4a).

Rentals under operating leases are charged as incurred over the term of the lease.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Consecrated and benefice property of any kind is excluded from the financial statements by Section 10(2)(a) and (c) of the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable church furnishings are held by the Team Rector and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC. They are considered inalienable property and require a faculty for disposal. They are listed in the churches’ inventories, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). Items are capitalised at cost and depreciated over their useful economic life other than where insufficient cost information is available. Individual items of furnishings with a purchase price of £1,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Equipment and Fixtures & Fittings and such other functional equipment used on a continuing basis for the work of the PCC is depreciated on a straight-line basis over five years (equipment, currently none held) or ten years (fixtures and fittings). Individual items of equipment and fixtures & fittings with a purchase price of £1,500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Fixed Asset Investments

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

Debtors

Debtors are included at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation arising from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at their settlement amount.

Fund accounting

The funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted general funds that can be used for PCC ordinary purposes. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC. Apart from the PCC General Fund, all other unrestricted funds are designated to the three individual churches and are therefore reported as designated funds.

21

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

Restricted funds represent donations received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund.

The permanent endowment fund (St John the Divine) was given for building a new church, completed in 1914, with the income from the remaining endowment capital to be used on the fabric of the existing building.

2 Income

Donations & legacies
Offerings and donations
Income tax reclaimed
Legacies
Grants
Charitable activities
Fees for weddings and funerals
Other trading activities
Bookstall, magazine etc sales
Fund raising events
Lettings income
Investments
Dividends
Bank Interest
Rent from land
Other
Insurance claim		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Restricted
Funds
2024
£
137,434
12,172
39,392
1,680
-
-
-
-
176,826
13,852
3,019
-
3,019
0
-
-
18,733
800
126,527
426
145,260
1226
1,257
-
2,466
664
1,830
439
5,553
1103
-
-
0
0
330,658
16,181
Total
2024
£

The figures for Donations & legacies do not include gifts banked directly to charities for Christian Aid Week or cheques sent direct to the Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Appeal. The parish also makes significant contributions in kind, such as the substantial amount of food given each year to the Wimbledon Food Bank.

22

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

3 Expenditure on Raising Funds

Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Costs of fundraising events
2,066
Costs of supporting regular giving
66
2,132		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
0
Total
2024
£

4 Expenditure on Charitable Activities

Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Parish Support Fund
176,900
Staff costs (note 4a)
19,793
Church Life & Outreach
4,610
Missionary & Charitable Giving and Gifts (note 4b)
3,618
Provision of Office & Support
18,590
Provision of Buildings and Facilities
100,304
Governance costs
3,720
327,535		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
649
7,616
8,400
-
-
16,665
Total
2024
£

Included within expenditure on church activities (see note 4 above) are the following staff costs:

Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Gross salaries
19,732
Pension contributions
61
19,793		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
0
Total
2024
£

These staff costs exclude the amounts paid to Southwark Diocese for the stipendiary clergy, who are funded through the Parish Support Fund. Employer’s National Insurance is currently covered by the government’s Employment Allowance. All employed staff are paid at least the London Living Wage. Information on the staff pension scheme is given below.

During the year the churches employed various part-time staff, as follows:

23

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

4a Staff Pensions

Merton Priory PCC participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of the Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF) for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other participating employers.

The Church Workers Pension Fund has two sections:

  1. the Defined Benefits Scheme;

  2. the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections;

  3. a. a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic; and,

  4. b. a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014.

Pension Builder Scheme

Both sections of the Pension Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes.

Pension Builder Classic provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment returns and other factors.

Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum which members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment returns and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65.

There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme.

The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SOFA (Statement of Financial Activities) in the year are the contributions payable (2024: £61; 2023: £182).

A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2022. The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2025.

For the Pension Builder Classic section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £34.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 6.7% following the strong funding position over 2024. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £8.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, Merton Priory PCC could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employer’s pension liabilities.

24

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

4b Expenditure – Missionary & Charitable Giving and Gifts

Giving to Church overseas & missionary societies:
The Leprosy Mission
Gifts to Relief & development agencies:
Christian Aid
Turkey-Syria
Gaza Hospital
Giving to Home mission & church organisations:
Christian CARE Merton
Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Appeal
Faith in Action – Merton Homelessness Project
Merton Night Shelter
Accoutre Centre Learning
Don Foodbank
Annual Donation
Toddlers Group
Children’s Society
Gifts to Secular Charities:
Children Society
Merton Citizens (part of Citizens UK)
London Air Ambulance
Papyrus
Deen City Farm
White Ribbon Day
Save the Children		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
100
427
-
-
361
-
-
67
-
-
-
1,053
-
5,122
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
234
-
713
-
1,420
-
-
100
-
1,596
-
41
-
-
-
3,618
7,616
Total
2024
£

25

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

5 Net Income

5
Net Income
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation of owned assets
Independent examination fee (including preparation of financial statements)
Other fees paid to independent examiner		 2024 2023
£ £
8,009 7,529
3,720 3,600
- -

6 Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for Year
At 31 December 2024
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 Fixtures,
fittings &
equipment
£
109,486
4,800
-
114,286
73,599
8,009
81,608
32,678
35,887

Moveable Church Furnishings:

None of the three churches hold any moveable church furnishings purchased since 2001 which are capitalised and depreciated over their useful economic life (see Accounting Policies).

Fixtures & Fittings:

Christ Church: T he church sound system was purchased in 2009 and is now fully depreciated. New chancel lighting was purchased and installed in 2023 and is being depreciated over 10 years.

Holy Trinity : The grand piano (purchased in 2002) and refurbishment of the reception area (2007) are both fully depreciated. The audio-visual system was installed in 2015 and will be depreciated over ten years. The original kitchen improvements from 2002 were disposed of and a new kitchen installed in 2023, which is being depreciated over ten years.

St John the Divine : A lighting control panel was purchased in 2018 and is being depreciated over ten years. A new heater was installed in 2023 and is being depreciated over 10 years.

26

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

7 Fixed Asset Investments

Market Value
At 1 January 2024
Net of purchases and sales
Net gain/(loss) on revaluation
At 31 December 2024
Market value represented by investments in:
Charibond Charities Fixed Interest
Common investment Fund shares
CBF Investment Fund shares
Polka Theatre – interest in the freehold		 Unrestricted Endowment
Funds Funds Total
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
39,851 15,824
91 -
(864) 362
39,078 16,186
3,400 16,186
25,678 -
10,000 -
39,078 16,186

Christ Church : CBF Investment Fund shares: Trust Fund T0169, held by the Diocese of Southwark as custodian trustee, originated from the sale of a passageway in 1951 for £200. Dividends are reinvested.

St John the Divine : CBF Investment Fund shares: Trust Fund T0046 held by the Diocese of Southwark as custodian trustee. The fund was a permanent endowment (capital) for building a new church, completed in 1914, with the remaining capital invested to provide an income restricted to work on the fabric of the building.

Holy Trinity : Charibond Charities Fixed Interest Common Investment Fund. The unit trust invests in government and corporate fixed interest securities.

The Polka Theatre: a nominal figure of the PCC’s interest in the freehold of the Polka Theatre (240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB) which is subject to a long-term lease. This has not been the subject of an independent valuation.

8 Debtors

8
Debtors
Prepayments and other debtors
Gift Aid recoverable
Accrued income		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
1,701
19,069
26,782
47,552		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
-
0		 Total
2023
£
1,966
19,422
21,052
42,440
Total
2024
£
1,701
19,069
26,782
47,552

27

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

9 Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Accruals
Pension creditor
Income received in advance		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
13,466
27
11,691
25,184		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
-
0		 Total
2023
£
15,557
49
8,705
24,311
Total
2024
£
13,466
27
11,691
25,184

10 Endowment Funds

10a Current Year
St John the Divine (permanent)
Mackrell Trust (T0046/capital)
10b Prior Year
St John the Divine (permanent)
Mackrell Trust (T0046/capital)		 At 1
January
2024
£
18,249		 At 1
January
2024
£
18,249		 Income
£
-		 Expenditure
£
-		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
362		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
362		 At 31 At 31
December
2024
£
18,611
At 1
January
2023
£
16,877		 Income
£
-		 Expenditure
£
-		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
1,372
At 31
December
2023
£
18,249

This fund was a permanent endowment (capital) for building a new church, completed in 1914, with the remaining capital invested to provide an income restricted to work on the fabric of the building.

28

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

11 Restricted Funds

11a Current Year
PCC
Curate Housing
Youth Work
Night Shelter
Other Restricted Donations
Christ Church
Children’s Society
Christian Aid
Faith in Action
Christian Care
Hymn Book Fund
Holy Trinity
Merton Night Shelters
Flower Fund
Other Restricted Donations
St John the Divine
Bells Centenary Project
Mission & Charities
Church Maintenance & Repairs:
Mackrell Trust (T0046/income)
Total		 At 1
January
2024
£
Income
£
0
8,400
1,893
-
1,690
4,563
-
800
408
305
427
-
574
479
67
295
-
4,562
(4,562)
4
25
2,145
-
2,296
609
506
10,271
1,103
25,241
16,181		 At 1
January
2024
£
Income
£
0
8,400
1,893
-
1,690
4,563
-
800
408
305
427
-
574
479
67
295
-
4,562
(4,562)
4
25
2,145
-
2,296
609
506
10,271
1,103
25,241
16,181		 At 1
January
2024
£
Income
£
0
8,400
1,893
-
1,690
4,563
-
800
408
305
427
-
574
479
67
295
-
4,562
(4,562)
4
25
2,145
-
2,296
609
506
10,271
1,103
25,241
16,181		 Expenditure
£
(8,400)
-
(560)
(649)
(713)
(427)
(1,053)
(67)
-
-
-
-
(234)
-
(16,665)		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,136)
-
-
-
-
(2,136)
0		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,136)
-
-
-
-
(2,136)
0		 At 31
December
2024
£
0
1,893
5,693
151
0
0
0
0
295
0
29
2,145
160
881
11,374
22,621

Both Christ Church and Holy Trinity agreed to transfer funds they held for the Night Shelter to the PCC as it was agreed that it should be administered centrally, which was done over the end of one financial year and the beginning of another. The movement of funds between Holy Trinity and the PCC is presented as income and expenditure, whereas the transfer between Christ Church and the PCC in the previous year is presented as a transfer of funds.

St John’s resolved to close the NatWest Bells account and move the funds from a restricted fund to the general fund. The intention is to close the Bells restricted fund completely and move the remaining money to the general fund in the next financial year.

29

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

11 Restricted Funds (continued)

11b Prior Year
PCC
Curate Housing
Youth Work
Night Shelter
Christ Church
Merton Night Shelters
Children’s Society
Christian Aid
Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Call
Faith in Action
Christian Care
150th Anniversary Fund
Hymn Book Fund
Mission & Charities – Other
Holy Trinity
Merton Night Shelters
Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Call
Flower Fund
Other Restricted Donations
St John the Divine
Bells Centenary Project
Mission & Charities
Church Maintenance & Repairs:
Mackrell Trust (T0046/income)
Total		 At 1
January
2023
£
Income
£
0
8,400
1,976
-
0
-
1,958
-
408
202
427
-
194
15
574
-
204
231
871
(333)
295
-
0
237
4,603
-
0
197
4
-
2,338
1,645
2,258
560
(100)
783
9,291
980
25,301
12,917		 At 1
January
2023
£
Income
£
0
8,400
1,976
-
0
-
1,958
-
408
202
427
-
194
15
574
-
204
231
871
(333)
295
-
0
237
4,603
-
0
197
4
-
2,338
1,645
2,258
560
(100)
783
9,291
980
25,301
12,917		 At 1
January
2023
£
Income
£
0
8,400
1,976
-
0
-
1,958
-
408
202
427
-
194
15
574
-
204
231
871
(333)
295
-
0
237
4,603
-
0
197
4
-
2,338
1,645
2,258
560
(100)
783
9,291
980
25,301
12,917		 Expenditure
£
(8,400)
(83)
-
(268)
(202)
-
(209)
-
(368)
(538)
-
(237)
(41)
(197)
-
(1,838)
(522)
(74)
-
(12,977)		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
-
-
1,690
-
(1,690)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
-
-
1,690
-
(1,690)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0		 At 31
December
2023
£
0
1,893
1,690
0
408
427
0
574
67
0
295
0
4,562
0
4
2,145
2,296
609
10,271
25,241

Both Christ Church and Holy Trinity agreed to transfer funds they held for the Night Shelter to the PCC as it was agreed that it should be administered centrally, which was done over the end of one financial year and the beginning of another. The movement of funds between Holy Trinity and the PCC is presented as income and expenditure, whereas the transfer between Christ Church and the PCC in the previous year is presented as a transfer of funds.

30

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

11 Restricted Funds (continued)

Descriptions of the main restricted funds are as follows:

PCC

Christ Church

Holy Trinity

St John the Divine

31

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

12 Unrestricted Funds

12a Current Year
Unrestricted
PCC General Fund
Designated Funds (General)
Christ Church
Holy Trinity
St John the Divine
Designated Funds (Specific)
PCC:
MP3 Players
Christ Church:
Hall & Church Repairs Fund
Bells Fund
150th Anniversary Fund
Fixed Assets Fund
Holy Trinity:
Marian Esling Legacy (income)
Special Projects Fund
Fixed Assets Fund
St John the Divine:
Fixed Assets Fund
Total		 At 1
January
2024
£
(479)
36,162
45,853
41,186
558
405
4,362
17,902
42,307
32,923
30,574
5,313
257,066		 At 1
January
2024
£
(479)
36,162
45,853
41,186
558
405
4,362
17,902
42,307
32,923
30,574
5,313
257,066		 Income
£
2,616
75,618
177,094
58,767
-
-
1,010
15,554
-
-
-
-
330,659		 Expenditure
£
(1,140)
(81,786)
(169,509)
(62,230)
-
(83)
(6,913)
(480)
-
-
(6,746)
(783)
(329,670)		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
(4,800)
74
-
(938)
2,136
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,800
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,136
(864)		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
-
-
(4,800)
74
-
(938)
2,136
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,800
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,136
(864)		 At 31 At 31
December
2024
£
997
25,268
52,500
39,859
558
405
5,289
26,543
4,320
42,307
32,923
23,828
4,530
259,327

St John resolved to transfer funds from a restricted Bells fund to general funds, ahead of closing the restricted fund in the next financial year.

Christ Church transferred money from their designated general fund to the fixed assets fund in respect of the new chancel lighting installed in 2023.

32

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

12
Unrestricted Funds (continued)
12b Prior Year
At 1
January
2023
£
Unrestricted
PCC General Fund
1,000
Designated Funds (General)
Christ Church
46,591
Holy Trinity
45,931
St John the Divine
58,016
Designated Funds (Specific)
PCC:
MP3 Players
558
Christ Church:
Hall & Church Repairs Fund
716
Bells Fund
3,394
150th Anniversary Fund
4,828
Holy Trinity:
Marian Esling Legacy (income)
42,307
Annual Tithe
11,700
Special Projects Fund
32,923
Fixed Assets Fund
36,972
St John the Divine:
Fixed Assets Fund
2,082
Total
287,018		 12
Unrestricted Funds (continued)
12b Prior Year
At 1
January
2023
£
Unrestricted
PCC General Fund
1,000
Designated Funds (General)
Christ Church
46,591
Holy Trinity
45,931
St John the Divine
58,016
Designated Funds (Specific)
PCC:
MP3 Players
558
Christ Church:
Hall & Church Repairs Fund
716
Bells Fund
3,394
150th Anniversary Fund
4,828
Holy Trinity:
Marian Esling Legacy (income)
42,307
Annual Tithe
11,700
Special Projects Fund
32,923
Fixed Assets Fund
36,972
St John the Divine:
Fixed Assets Fund
2,082
Total
287,018		 12
Unrestricted Funds (continued)
12b Prior Year
At 1
January
2023
£
Unrestricted
PCC General Fund
1,000
Designated Funds (General)
Christ Church
46,591
Holy Trinity
45,931
St John the Divine
58,016
Designated Funds (Specific)
PCC:
MP3 Players
558
Christ Church:
Hall & Church Repairs Fund
716
Bells Fund
3,394
150th Anniversary Fund
4,828
Holy Trinity:
Marian Esling Legacy (income)
42,307
Annual Tithe
11,700
Special Projects Fund
32,923
Fixed Assets Fund
36,972
St John the Divine:
Fixed Assets Fund
2,082
Total
287,018		 12
Unrestricted Funds (continued)
12b Prior Year
At 1
January
2023
£
Unrestricted
PCC General Fund
1,000
Designated Funds (General)
Christ Church
46,591
Holy Trinity
45,931
St John the Divine
58,016
Designated Funds (Specific)
PCC:
MP3 Players
558
Christ Church:
Hall & Church Repairs Fund
716
Bells Fund
3,394
150th Anniversary Fund
4,828
Holy Trinity:
Marian Esling Legacy (income)
42,307
Annual Tithe
11,700
Special Projects Fund
32,923
Fixed Assets Fund
36,972
St John the Divine:
Fixed Assets Fund
2,082
Total
287,018		 Income
£
1,270
70,715
180,302
57,214
-
-
1,026
16,856
-
-
-
-
-
327,383		 Expenditure
£
(2,747)
(81,420)
(181,220)
(69,684)
-
(311)
(58)
(3,782)
-
(11,700)
-
(6,746)
(783)
(358,451)		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
(2)
-
-
276
-
840
(4,360)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
348
-
4,014
-
0
1,116		 Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
(2)
-
-
276
-
840
(4,360)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
348
-
4,014
-
0
1,116
At 31
December
2023
£
(479)
36,162
45,853
41,186
558
405
4,362
17,902
42,307
0
32,923
30,574
5,313
257,066

33

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

12 Unrestricted Funds (continued)

Designated (General) Funds are funds which have been designated by the PCC to each DCC for unrestricted purposes.

Designated (Specific) Funds are funds which have been designated by each DCC for specific purposes.

PCC

Christ Church

Holy Trinity

St John the Divine

34

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

13 Operating Lease Commitments

The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are payable:

Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than five years		 2024 2023
£
706
881
1,587
£
706
175
881

The previous printer/photocopier lease expired on 12 April 2021. The PCC signed a new lease on 9 April 2021 which commits the PCC to total lease payments of £3,528 over five years.

14 Capital Commitments

The PCC has the following capital commitments, which it expects to complete in 2025:

Expected Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Cost Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
Christ Church
Building works		 150,000 150,000 - -
Holy Trinity
Nave redecoration and installation of LED
lights		 16,000 16,000 - -
Boiler refurbishment/replacement 6,000 6,000 - -
St John the Divine
No capital works planned for 2025 0 - - -
172,000 172,000 0 0

15 Related Party Transactions and Balances

The expenses of three (2023: three) members of the PCC amounting to £11,237 (2023: £10,923) in relation to travel, housing, training and retreats were met by the PCC during the year.

Aggregated unrestricted donations from PCC members totalled £11,467 (2023: £9,235).

35

THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF MERTON PRIORY

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
16. Income & Expenditure PCC CC HT SJ
Analysis Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 5 12,963 51,343 785 109,652 25 15,825 80 - 190,678
Charitable activities - - 1,255 - 1,438 - 326 - - 3,019
Other trading activities 2,458 800 39,400 - 62,000 - 41,402 426 - 146,486
Investments 153 - 186 - 4,003 - 1,212 1,102 - 6,656
Total Income 2,616 13,763 92,184 785 177,093 25 58,765 1,608 0 346,839
Expenditure on:
Raising funds - - 150 - 1,810 - 172 - - 2,132
Charitable activities 1,139 9,609 89,112 2,259 174,445 4,563 62,839 234 - 344,200
Total Expenditure 1,139 9,609 89,262 2,259 176,255 4,563 63,011 234 0 346,332
Net gains/(losses) on investments - - 74 - (938) - - - 362 (502)
Net income/(expenditure) 1,477 4,154 2,996 (1,474) ( 100) (4,538) (4,246) 1,374 362 5
Transfers between funds - - - - - - 2,136 (2,136) - -
Net movement in funds 1,477 4,154 2,996 (1,474) ( 100) (4,538) (2,110) ( 762) 362 5
Total funds brought forward 80 3,583 58,827 1,771 151,658 6,712 46,501 13,175 18,249 300,556
Total funds carried forward 80 3,583 58,827 1,771 151,658 6,712 46,501 13,175 18,249 300,561
----- End of picture text -----

36