2024-12-31-accounts - The Parish Of St Paul West Hackney

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St Paul's West Hackney

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

Sunday 18 May 2025 at 11.30 am in St Paul’s Church

AGENDA

1) Opening prayers
2) Apologies for absence.
3) Minutes of the Meeting on 21 May 2024
4) Vote of thanks to outgoing Churchwardens.
5) Nominations for and, if necessary, election of :- 2 Churchwardens
6) Nominations for and, if necessary, election of:- 2 Chapelwardens
7) Nominations for and, if necessary, election of:- 2 Deanery Synod representatives 8) Nominations for and, if necessary, election of :- 1 Beadle

following on from the previous meeting

Apologies for absence. Presentation & Formal Adoption of Statutory reports
Minutes of the Meeting on 21 May 2024
Report on the Electoral Roll of The Parish
Presentation of Accounts & Appointment of Honorary Auditor
Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church
Report on the Proceedings of the Parochial Church Council
Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod
Non-Statutory Reports
Lay Chair of the PCC’s Report
Nominations for and, if necessary, election of representatives to serve on the PCC.
Nomination for and, if necessary, election of 2 Deanery Synod Lay Representatives.

* I would be grateful if any nominations, questions, points of clarification or comments could be sent to me by email no later than 10am on Saturday 17 May 2025.

With best wishes,

Cicely Etienne

Lay Chair of the PCC

THE PARISH OF ST PAUL WEST HACKNEY

Annual Report And Financial Statements of

The Parochial Church Council

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Incumbent Sede Vacacnte 306 Amhurst Rd London N16 7UE

(Parish Correspondence Address)

Bank Charities Aid Foundation Bank

Independent Examiner Kevin Ogilvie – Charity Book-Keeping 13 Evelyns Court Uxbridge UB3 3LR UK

The Ecclesiastical Parish of St Paul, West Hackney Registered Charity No: 1137381

Our vision Inclusive and values St Paul’s, West Hackney is a Loving Courageous Christian community with a vision for a church and parish We call where all may have an enriching, ourselves and authentic, abundant and each other sustainable life. We pursue this Grateful to be… Generous vision by seeking to know, love and serve God and neighbour with our whole being and by following our seven Collaborative Creative core values. e> ry 3

WHO WE ARE

We are a community of folk who are single, married, divorced, widowed, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, gender fluid, not quite sure, rich, poor and penniless.

Some of us are wailing babies and are others excited toddlers. Some of us are a bit north of 60 and haven't quite grown up and some of us are in our teens and often feel like we’re growing up too fast. We are wheelchair users, runners, walkers and amblers. Sometimes we take a tumble and fall and when we do, we try and help each other up again.

Some of us sing like Niall Weir whilst others of us are happy just to growl quietly to ourselves. Some of us have come to browse, some have just woken up and some have just been released from prison.

Some of us attend church more than the Archbishop of Canterbury and some of us haven’t darkened the doors of a church since we were on the way home from that Christmas party ten years ago. Some of us are here because our mother is visiting for the weekend and it's more than our lives are worth not to go to church with her and look as though we’re having something that bears a passing resemblance to a good time.

Some of us find the whole idea of God a bit odd, have been damaged by religion, were force-fed religion as children or have wound up here by mistake. Some of us could use a prayer right now, have screwed up monumentally and would like to light a candle but don't quite know why.

Some of us are inked, pierced or both. Some of us are in recovery and others are still addicted. Some of us work too hard, some don't work, can't work, can't spell and feel like we’re not very good at stuff. Most of us know what it’s like to have problems, to be down in the dumps and, on occasions, to feel angry with God. A goodly number of us aren’t what you might call ‘exactly struck’ on organised religion.

Most of us have figured out that you can never really know what’s right for another person and some of us often long for some stillness in an often-noisy world, where we can discover the treasure that is within us.

We are a mixture of pilgrims, tourists, migrants, asylum seekers, neighbours, explorers, doubters and those who prefer to travel rather than to arrive. We call ourselves and each other to go about life in as compassionate, generous, collaborative, loving, creative, hospitable and grateful a way as possible.

We believe that the God who called us all into being - however he, she or they may be perceived – welcomes, includes and loves us all. We at St Paul's try, in our own stumbling way, to welcome, include and love one another too.

THE PARISH OF ST PAUL WEST HACKNEY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Background

The Parish of West Hackney is part of the Stepney Episcopal Area of The Diocese of London

West Hackney PCC has the responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent, The Reverend Niall Weir, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for St Paul’s Church and Hall.

Membership

Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

During the financial year and up until the production of the Annual Accounts, the following served as members of the PCC:

	*May 23 – May 24*	*MAY 24 – MAY 25*
Incumbent & Chair	The Revd Niall Weir	In vacancy
Assistant Priest	The Revd Justin Gau	The Revd Justin Gau
Wardens	Ms Barbara Layne	Ms Barbara Layne
	Ms Cicely Etienne	Ms Cicely Etienne
Chapelwardens	Ms Desiree Crump	Ms Desiree Crump
	Ms Andy Crump	Ms Andy Crump
Vice Chair	Ms Cicely Etienne	Ms Cicely Etienne
Secretary	Vacant	Chelsea Bielskus
Electoral Roll Officer	Mrs Linda Green	Linda Green
Treasurer	Mr Christian Adams	Mr Christian Adams
Deanery Synod Reps	Ms Desiree Crump	Ms Desiree Crump
	Mrs Christina Sosanya	Mrs Christina Sosanya
Safeguarding Officer	Mrs Christine Kakai	Mrs Christine Kakai
Elected Members	Mrs Christine Kakai	Until May 26
	Mrs Jane Horsfall	Until May 26
	Mr Jolley Gosnold	Until May 25
	Mr Christian Adams	Until May 25
Ex Officio
	Mrs Christina Sosanya	Deanery Synod Representative
	Ms Desiree Crump	Deanery Synod Representative

Committees

The PCC has a Standing Committee as required by law. It endeavours to meet in advance of PCC meetings to set the agenda and it also has the power to transact any business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC.

Safeguarding

The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, in relation to having due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. We are grateful to Ms Christine Kakai for her work and expertise as our Safeguarding Officer and to Ping and David Henningham for speaking up for our children and young people as our Children’s Advocates.

Church Attendance

There are 98 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 22 of whom are resident within the parish.

Minutes of Annual Meetings of The Parish of St Paul’s West Hackney on 30 May 2024

Annual Meeting of Parishioners

The meeting opened with prayers.
No apologies were presented.
The minutes of the last Annual meeting of parishioners held on 31 May 2023 were approved.
Vote of thanks to outgoing Churchwardens

Cicely Etienne and Barbara Layne were thanked for their commitment, humour, humility and quality of work.

Nominations for 2 Churchwardens:
Cicely Etienne and Barbara Layne were nominated for office and were duly appointed as there were no other nominations. Although Barbara had been in office for 5 years, the meeting was unanimous in extending her tenure for at least one further year
Nominations for 2 Chapelwardens. Outgoing wardens, Desiree Crump and Andy Crump were thanked for their quality of work and support of the Churchwardens. Desiree Crump and Andy Crump Green were duly elected since no other nominations were received.
Mr Michael Broadway was nominated as Parish Beadle and there being no further nominations, he was duly appointed..

Father Niall congratulated all new officers and gave renewed thanks to outgoing officers.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

1) Apologies for absence – None was received.
2) Minutes of the meeting 31 May 2023were approved.
3) Presentation & Formal Adoption of Statutory Reports – all reports were provided before the meeting.
Electoral Roll Report

A report was given and no questions were received.

Presentation of Annual Accounts and Appointment of Honorary Auditor Fr Niall presented a report on the parish’s financial affairs. Mr Kevin Ogilvy was appointed as Honorary Auditor.
Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church

A report was published prior to the meeting.

Report on the Proceedings of the PCC and life of parish A report was published prior to the meeting.

Father Niall thanked the PCC for their commitment.

Report on the Proceedings of the Deanery Synod

A report was circulated prior to the meeting.

Father Niall thanked everyone who prepared these reports. The meeting then voted to adopt the reports. All reports were adopted.

4) Non-Statutory Reports

Rector’s Report – Father Niall

Father Niall gave a report based on the previously circulated report on the proceedings of the PCC.

Nomination and election of 3 people to serve on PCC

Mr Jolley Gosnold for 3 years Mrs Jane Horsfall for 3 years

As there were no further nominations, they were duly received on to the PCC

STATUTORY REPORTS FOR ADOPTION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS on 18 May 2025

REPORT ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL OF THE PARISH

Residents 22
• Non-residents 76 TOTAL 98

PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL ACCOUNTS & ADOPTION OF HONORARY AUDITOR

Please see attached accounts.

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE TRUSTEES OF WEST HACKNEY PAROCHIAL CHARITY FOR THEIR ON-GOING AND GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY MINISTRY

WE ARE EQUALLY GRATEFUL TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND & WEST HACKNEY PAROCHIAL CHARITY FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR WORK.

REPORT ON THE FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF OUR CHURCH

St Paul’s Church & Hall

Roof, gutters and drains were inspected and cleared.
Windows have been regularly cleaned.
The fire extinguishers were serviced regularly.
Ongoing maintenance works were carried out to the Churchyard and Recreation Ground.
PAT and other electrical checks were carried out to the Church, the hall and all electrical equipment.
The Church and Hall are well maintained on an on-going basis.
Internal and external lifts were inspected
We are extremely grateful to Jarek Budny for his excellent work in maintaining our property as Facilities manager.
West Hackney Recreation Ground and St Paul’s Churchyard were regularly maintained and well kept.
Additional lighting and signage has been fitted to the gates into the Church car park .
The Church Hall is kept wonderfully clean and we are grateful to our cleaner Graca for her care of our Hall Space.
• 102 Solar panels were installed on the roof of St Paul’s Church and Hall and plans are in place to install 4 Air Source Heat Pumps and together, these installations will put the church well on the road to carbon neutrality.
The ‘stage; area at the back of the hall was completely renovated

REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PCC & LIFE OF THE PARISH

During the 12 months since the last Report, the PCC met on three occasions to ensure the ongoing life of the parish which may be summarised as follows :-

Thank you all for attending this meeting and I hope it will not take too long, as I appreciate it is Sunday and we all live busy lives

You will have received the Agenda and the Annual Report for the past year ending 21 December 2024.

The Report consists of Safeguarding Compliance and I confirm that the PCC has due regard to the House of Bishops' guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

You will also note that the financial report demonstrates a healthy balance and a positive outlook for the coming year.

As you are all aware, our Parish went into interregnum (vacancy) after Fr Niall retired in July 2024. Much of the early part of this was spent in a series of meetings with the Diocese, particularly concerning the Vicarage and the land and their decision to appoint a Priest-in-Charge rather than an Incumbent. A great deal of time and effort then went into preparing our Parish Profile, advertising the vacancy, short listing candidates, conducting interviews, and ultimately, successfully appointing a new Priest-in-Charge.

Yet, the life of the church did not pause during this period. Alongside the recruitment process, both the PCC and the wider church community remained active, engaging in a range of projects and discussions that continued to move the church forward.

Our Church is a place where people from all walks of life can come together—where we can be vulnerable with one another and grow together. It’s a space where the usual power dynamics are turned upside down, and those who might be considered "nobodies" stand on equal footing with the "somebodies." Not because we are all the same, but because our differences are not only welcomed— they’re essential.

Our diversity and inclusivity are gifts to be celebrated. We are wonderfully and gloriously different—and not just in age, but in background, perspective, and experience. Each of us brings something unique and needed to the body of Christ.

As we look to the year ahead, I continue to pray for a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit at work in and through us. May our lives overflow with grace, so that more of us may discover and use our Godgiven gifts and passions for the flourishing of His kingdom. Together, let us seek new and creative ways to share the hospitality, joy, and love of Jesus Christ—with one another and with those we serve in these uncertain times.

Above all, may we find joy in the journey—walking alongside dear friends and fellow travellers on the way, united in prayer and purpose, through all the ups and downs of life, as a community centred on the heart and love of Jesus

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge all those who helped keep things steady throughout the interregnum. Without each of you—and the care, support, and goodwill you offered during this time—our church would not be in the blessed position it is today.

So many of you stepped up, and many continue to do so, and for that I am truly grateful. I would especially like to thank Fr. Justin and the PCC, who took on numerous additional responsibilities throughout this period. Their dedication and hard work made my role as Acting Chair far smoother than it might otherwise have been.

Finally, thank you all so much for your support and friendship over the past year. It has been a

challenging time for each of us in different ways, and what a blessing it is to be part of a warm and caring church family—especially in both seasons of need and of abundance

Our Life as a Church Community

Sam Silverlock continued in his role as our Garden Manager and Volunteer Co-ordinator and he keeps the Recreation Ground and Churchyard in excellent and attractive condition, not least during these demanding times.
Jane Horsfall and Cicely Etienne continue to deliver a valued and effective ministry as Pastoral Assistants.
We continue to be blessed by the company and ministry of Fr Justin Gau to St Paul’s as our Self-Supporting Assistant Priest.
We welcomed Jarek Budny as our Facilities Manager.
We celebrated 200 years of St Paul’s with the publication of ‘St Paul’s, Yesterday, toady and tomorrow’ and with a Mass and party on 4 May
We said a very fond farewell to Fr Niall after 22 years of dedicated and inspirational service to the parish at a party o the 2nd June.
We have appointed Fr Brandon Fletcher James to be our new Priest in Charge. He will be licensed on the 8 July and start in post on the 23 July

Worship, Education and Nurture

Members of the congregation continue to lead prayers and read lessons both during our Sunday morning services
We are very grateful to Will Bruce, Michael Broadway, David Appleton, John Evanson and Ginny Strawson who play so magnificently for us during our Sunday worship.
Our Carol Service which was hugely popular and attended by over 150 people
We said a fond farewell to:

Carol Horscraft Lucille Boston

May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

We were delighted to welcome into the church by Baptism :-

Ezekiel Asante

Property, Stewardship & Finance

We are very grateful to Mr Christian Adams for his work as our Honorary Treasurer.
We are now into our fourth year of membership of the Church of England’s Parish Giving Scheme which greatly simplifies the process by which people make their donations to the church and makes the collection of Gift Aid much more straightforward.
For the 8th year in a row, West Hackney Recreation Ground and St Paul's Churchyard have been awarded the prestige Green Flag status. Congratulations to Sam and to Davan and the team from Hackney Council Parks Department.
We are grateful to Graca, our wonderful cleaner, for keeping St Paul’s Church Hall so clean and tidy and for being such a positive and cheery presence
Our solar panels and heat exchangers have been working fantastically and we are well on our way not jyst to being a carbon neutral parish, but one which receives an income from the power companies
In January, we received a formal Visitation from the Archdeacon of Hackney, who met with the Rector, the Wardens and the PCC to review the life and governance of the Parish. His report was favourable and he gave us some pointers for the way forward, not least during the vacancy created by Fr Niall’s retirement.

Young People

Once again, we were able to hold our annual Crib Service on Christmas Eve which attracted over 150 children and adults.
In partnership with St Paul's Cathedral, Hackney Choral continues to run Junior and Senior Children’s Choirs on Monday afternoons in the hall. The choirs sing Evensong twice a term in the church and once a term in St Paul’s Cathedral with the. Cathedral Choir. Will Bruce is now very much at home as director of our children’s choirs. We thank Ginny Strawson, Theo Andrew Watson, Andy Crump and George Cook for all their wonderful and imaginative commitment.
In July of 2024, we ran a week-long Choral Course in the church hall for over 60 young people. The week culminated in a concert in St Paul’s Hall and the young people joined a group of professional singers in singing Evenson in St Paul’s Cathedral. The young people also made a professional recording of a specially commissioned song.
Dolores Crump continues to run her very successful Children’s Book project once a month after church and we’re so grateful to her for this wonderful and greatly appreciated initiative.

Community Involvement and Mission

The Open Doors Sexual Health Clinic, which works with young women at risk, has continued to operate from our church hall and north meeting room, with social distancing firmly in place. We are very grateful to Helen Corcoran for representing us with this project. With the help of Duckie and VFD, we helped the women to celebrate Christmas with a fabulous Christmas Party.
Fr Justin and three of our church members continue to serve as trustees of West Hackney Parochial Charity and West Hackney Almshouse.
North London Action of the Homeless goes from strength to strength under the superb leadership of Lucie Galand and her colleagues Andy Caws and Delphine Allard. Jessica Hodge has taken on the role of Chair of Trustees. Raymond Lyons and Lucie Galand continue to lead the Evering Rd Kitchen Garden project.
Stoke Newington Farmers’ Market continues to operate from our churchyard on Saturday mornings and attracts over 2000 people onto our site every weekend. We are very grateful to the marketeers for their generous donations to North London Action for the Homeless. Again, we congratulate Kerry Rankine for the amazing way in which she manages the market, which is now considered a model of good management by other similar markets across the UK.
Narcotics Anonymous continue their meetings in the church hall on Thursday evenings. The Women’s Meeting on Sunday evenings is also going from strength to strength.
The Saturday morning meeting for 'Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous' is also going strong and growing all the time.
The Christmas Forest – or Pines and Needles as they are now known - once again brought Christmas cheer to our churchyard in November and December.
The Posh Club is still alive and well and during its break between Easter and the autumn, the ‘No Frills Social Club’ continues to meet in the hall with between 60 – 70 attendees each week who meet for dancing, eating, drinking and socialising. We’re very grateful to Peter Robertshaw and his team of volunteers for their energy and commitment and for their wonderful initiative of the ‘No Frills Social Club’, which runs on two Wednesdays every month.
The regenerated Churchyard and Recreation Ground have developed into a popular meeting place for local people and the footfall of people passing through the site has been remarkable.
The Over 50’s Dance Group, normally meets 2-3 times a month in our church hall and it is wonderful to have them back after the lockdown. This project provides a vital, creative and exciting meeting point for so many senior folk from our church community and beyond and we are very grateful to Barbara Layne and her team for organising this project so effortlessly and effectively.
We are grateful to Shira Hess and Yogahome for running an excellent and weekly yoga-based exercise group in the church hall, which is proving hugely popular. Our thanks go to Jane Horsfall for overseeing this.
We welcomed ‘The Choir with No Name’, an innovative project that runs a choir for people experiencing homelessness and we are delighted to have them on board.
We also welcomed a Ukulele Group to our hall, run by the University of the 3rd Age.

REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE DEANERY SYNOD

Report on the proceedings of the Hackney Deanery Synod

as required by Rule 9(1)(e) of the Church Representation Rules

The Deanery Synod’s main functions are:

to promote in Hackney Deanery the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical
to consider matters concerning the Church of England and to make provision for such matters in relation to the Deanery
to bring together the views of the parishes of the Deanery on common problems, and to discuss and formulate common policies on those problems
to foster a sense of community and interdependence among those parishes
to be the point of contact between those parishes and the Diocesan Synod.

During the year since the last APCM, our representatives on Hackney Deanery Synod have been Desiree Crump, Christina Sosanya (lay members) and the Rector.

During 2024 the Hackney Deanery Synod met on three occasions. Details of these, and the main matters discussed or decided, are given below:

Meeting on Monday 29 April at St John of Jerusalem, South Hackney: The main items were as follows: (1) Martin Hornbuckle, Stepney Area Finance Adviser, gave a presentation about Church Finance and answered questions. (2) Synod, recalling with great sadness the mistreatment of Child Q in a school in Hackney, and in light of the commitment of the Diocese of London to racial justice and the wellbeing of all children and young people: (a) adopted a Charter for Valuing Children & Young People in Hackney Deanery Churches (‘the Charter’) and a summary for use with young people (‘the Children’s Summary’), affirming our allegiance to Jesus Christ in his care and welcome for all children by reassuring parents, caregivers, children and young people that no one under 18 will be strip-searched on church premises or in the course of any church-run activity; (b) commended the Charter and the Children’s Summary to PCCs of all parishes in the Deanery for adoption and implementation by them; and (c) resolved that a Motion be put to London Diocesan Synod which, if adopted, would commend the Charter and the Children’s Summary to the Deanery Synods of other Deaneries in the Diocese and to the PCCs of parishes in those Deaneries for adoption and implementation by them. Synod also received reports, including an update on the funding bid for the Hackney & Islington Mission Programme, the outcome of which was expected in June. The Motion at (c) commending the Charter was considered by London Diocesan Synod on 27 February 2025, but sadly was not adopted in view of various issues that were raised, though it is understood that it may be possible to bring it back after addressing those issues, and Deanery Synod will consider the matter further during 2025.
Meeting on Tuesday 16 July at St James, Lower Clapton Road: It was reported that the bid for ‘Diocesan Investment Programme’ funding for the Hackney & Islington Mission Programme had been successful, £9.4 million having been awarded to support 4 strands of mission over a 6 year period: Planting & Partnerships, Youth, Estates Work and Catholic Renewal. The Area Dean described each of these 4 areas of work. The Revd Daniel Gerrans, Vicar of St Michael of All Angels London Fields and Stepney Area Creation Care Lead, and Richard Nicholson, a member of St Mary’s Islington and of the Stepney Area Creation Care Group, gave a presentation about Creation Care in Stepney Area, including the current state of the Climate Crisis; the Parish Creation Care Plan produced by the Group and circulated to parishes to help them on their journey towards net-zero; and the Eco Church programme, for which about half of the parishes in the Deanery had already registered. Daniel and Richard encouraged those which had not yet registered for Eco Church to do so and offered assistance where needed.

Meeting on Thursday 21 November at St Mary of Eton, Hackney Wick: The Revd Daniel Gerrans and lay member Savi Hensman (St Michael and All Angels London Fields) led a discussion about Clergy and Lay Wellbeing in which parishes who have not yet done so were encouraged to engage with The Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing , adopted by General Synod by Act of Synod in 2020 and involving a mutual commitment by clergy and laity ‘to work together to coordinate and improve our approach to clergy care and wellbeing so that the whole Church may flourish in the service of the mission of God’ .

Thank you to all who have attended and contributed to Deanery Synod during this last year.

Our thanks to our Deanery Synod Representatives, Christina Sosanya and Desiree Crump for representing us on Hackney Deanery Synod and for keeping us abreast of wider church matters.

Treasurer’s Report

The unexamined accounts for 2024 are presented for provisional approval by the APCM. These are subject to independent review as per accountancy requirements. I ask that the APCM’s delegate the power to approve the accounts once the independent review has concluded and subject to no material changes being required.

The APCM should note:

The total income was £181k compared to £200k in 2023. The 2023 income included £16k in relation to one-off recovery of historic Gift Aid.
The significant additional expenditure in 2024 against Missionary and Charitable Giving activities relates to grant monies received for a partner organisation in 2023 that was paid out in 2024. It does not represent an increase in expenditure against SPWH funds.
SPWH benefited this year from the installation of 104 solar panels, an air source pump, batteries to store energy generated, new radiators and a water heater. SPWH is now one of if not the most carbon neutral church in Hackney. In addition to the environmental benefit these works will afford SPWH significant savings against its utility bills.

This work was made possible by £146k of grants facilitated by Hackney Light and Power and the London Legacy Development Commission. As the SPWH contribution to costs the PCC agreed to release £40k of endowment funds (investments).

Funds released from endowments mean that the total value of SPWH endowments have reduced from £554k to £488k. Whilst this will result in a loss of investment income in future years the expectation is that these will be more than offset by the savings in utility expenses that would otherwise have been incurred.
Every parish is expected by its diocese to make a contribution to the Common Fund. This is predominantly used to pay clergy salaries and all related costs including accommodation and training. In 2024 the cost incurred from the diocesan Common Fund in relation to SPWH was £91,300. Against this SPWH made a contribution of £46k (50%). This was the same amount as was paid in 2023 whereas in previous years SPWH contribution has been increased. There is an expectation that this parish move toward contributing 70% of the Parish Share by 2030.
Ahead of Fr Niall’s retirement the PCC made the decision to employ a parttime facilities manager. For many years SPWH had employed a Parish Administrator to support the management of the buildings and the work of the parish. More recently and since the loss of the previous Administrator these considerable responsibilities had been undertaken by Fr Niall. PCC felt it necessary to employ a Facilities Manager to take on many of these essential administrative tasks through the vacancy and an ongoing basis given these additional responsibilities are beyond and above those normally expected on a Rector / Priest-in-Charge.

Six-months costs of employing the Facilities Manager are reflected in the accounts.
Looking to 2025 the PCC and SPWH will need to look prioirtise raising additional funds to cover ongoing commitments and meeting the ambition to increase the Common Fund contribution in line with expectations.

Independent Examiner's R eport to the Trustees of St Paul’s Church West Hackney

I report on the accounts of the church for the year ended 3 1[st] December 2024 which are set out on finance pages of the Annual Report.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and 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);
To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

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 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

Since the gross income for the year exceeds the amount provided in section 145(3) of the Act, I confirm that I am qualified to act as Independent Examiner under the provisions of that section of the Act and that my qualification is as shown below.

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

1 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; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Kevin Ogilvie Signed

13 Evelyns Close, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB8 3LR

Date 27th May 2025

Sofa Separate Designated

	Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year total funds
Receipts Planned giving 33,120 - - - 33,120 29,467 Collections and other giving 8,681 - - - 8,681 9,012 Other voluntary receipts 28,337 - 7,405 - 35,742 19,920 Gift aid recovered 5,659 - - - 5,659 22,146 Other receipts 903 - - - 903 32,373 Activities for generating funds - - - - - - Investment income 14,178 - 3,567 - 17,745 19,452 Receipts from church activities 61,621 17,660 374 - 79,655 68,104 Total income 152,500 17,660 11,346 - 181,506 200,474 Resources used Cost of generating funds 456 - - - 456 - Missionary and Charitable Giving 5,079 - 43,642 - 48,721 23,746 Parish Share 46,000 - - - 46,000 43,800 Clergy and Staffing costs 17,628 24,245 - - 41,873 27,244 Church Running Expenses 16,890 - 1,294 - 18,184 21,551 Hall Running Costs 21,648 - 4,105 - 25,753 34,732 Church Repairs & Maintenance 8,585 2,229 - - 10,814 12,683 Hall Repairs & Maintenenace 48,893 - 8,833 - 57,726 16,570 New Building Work 20 - 1,708 - 1,727 81,237 Goverance Costs 4,956 - 1,753 - 6,709 2,058 Total expenditure 170,155 26,473 61,335 - 257,963 263,621 Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer (17,656) (8,813) (49,989) - (76,458) (63,148) Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in 78,665 - 360 - 79,025 89,442 Gross transfers between funds - out (360) - - (78,665) (79,025) (89,442) Other recognised gains / losses Gains/losses on investment assets - - - - - 29 Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use - - - 13,134 13,134 48,509 Net movement in funds 60,650 (8,813) (49,629) (65,531) (63,324) (14,609) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 21,414 34,707 52,462 553,797 662,379 676,989 Total funds carried forward 82,063 25,893 2,833 488,265 599,055 662,379	33,120 - - - 33,120 29,467 8,681 - - - 8,681 9,012 28,337 - 7,405 - 35,742 19,920 5,659 - - - 5,659 22,146 903 - - - 903 32,373 - - - - - - 14,178 - 3,567 - 17,745 19,452 61,621 17,660 374 - 79,655 68,104
	152,500 17,660 11,346 - 181,506 200,474 456 - - - 456 - 5,079 - 43,642 - 48,721 23,746 46,000 - - - 46,000 43,800 17,628 24,245 - - 41,873 27,244 16,890 - 1,294 - 18,184 21,551 21,648 - 4,105 - 25,753 34,732 8,585 2,229 - - 10,814 12,683 48,893 - 8,833 - 57,726 16,570 20 - 1,708 - 1,727 81,237 4,956 - 1,753 - 6,709 2,058
	170,155 26,473 61,335 - 257,963 263,621
	60,650 (8,813) (49,629) (65,531) (63,324) (14,609)
	21,414 34,707 52,462 553,797 662,379 676,989
	82,063 25,893 2,833 488,265 599,055 662,379

Balance Sheet detailed

Balance Sheet detailed
Class and code Description	As at 31/12/2024 As at 31/12/2023
Fixed assets 6504 CBF Deposit Account-Evering Rd Hall Sale 6507 M&G Shares from sale of Clevedon Rd Site 6508 CBF Shares from sale of Evering Rd Site 6509 Shares from sale of St Barnabas' Hall Total Fixed assets Current assets 6501 CAF Cash account - 1967 6502 CAF Gold account - 6808 6503 CAF Platinum account - 4064 6505 CBF Deposit account Bequest 6510 NATWEST Current account 6515 CAF a/c Reaching Communities Building - 9473 Total Current assets Liabilities 6699 Agency collections Z04 Accounts Payable Total Liabilities Net Asset surplus (deficit) Reserves Excess/(deficit) to date Z01 Starting balances Z02 Gains/(losses) on investment assets Z03 Gains and losses own use Total Reserves Represented by Funds General (Unrestricted) Designated Restricted Endowment Total	- - - - (0) 37,547 488,265 516,249
	488,265 553,796 47,563 30,553 21,335 37,762 - - 40,195 40,195 - 262 1,973 88
	111,067 108,860 277 277 - -
	277 277
	599,055 662,379
	(76,458) (63,148) 563,983 578,593 98,396 98,425 13,134 48,509
	599,055 662,379 82,063 21,414 25,893 34,707 2,833 52,462 488,265 553,797
	599,055 662,379

Signed

Name ___

Signature ____

Date ___

Fund movement summary

Fund	Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/Losses Journals Closing
200 Book Restricted Sub-totals Duckie Restricted Sub-totals ERSSDA Endowment Sub-totals ERSSEF Endowment Sub-totals HCC Restricted Sub-totals OD Restricted Sub-totals RDF Restricted Sub-totals SBHEF Endowment Sub-totals SBHIF Restricted Sub-totals Stat Fees Restricted Sub-totals WHPC 200 Restricted Sub-totals WHPC Defib Restricted Sub-totals WHPC12Step Restricted Sub-totals WHRG-MM Designated Sub-totals General Unrestricted Sub-totals	- 5,000 4,893 - - - 107
	- 5,000 4,893 - - - 107 35,000 - 35,000 - - - -
	35,000 - 35,000 - - - - 0 - - - - - 0
	0 - - - - - 0 37,547 - - (38,665) 1,118 - -
	37,547 - - (38,665) 1,118 - - - 200 80 80 - - 200
	- 200 80 80 - - 200 1,058 210 1,268 - - - -
	1,058 210 1,268 - - - - - - 168 168 - - -
	- - 168 168 - - - 516,249 - - (40,000) 12,016 - 488,265
	516,249 - - (40,000) 12,016 - 488,265 6,112 3,567 6,788 - - - 2,891
	6,112 3,567 6,788 - - - 2,891 1,379 374 1,753 - - - -
	1,379 374 1,753 - - - - 3,333 - 3,333 - - - -
	3,333 - 3,333 - - - - - 1,995 1,708 - - - 287
	- 1,995 1,708 - - - 287 5,580 - 6,343 111 - - (652)
	5,580 - 6,343 111 - - (652) 34,707 17,660 26,473 - - - 25,893
	34,707 17,660 26,473 - - - 25,893 21,414 152,500 170,155 78,305 - - 82,063
	21,414 152,500 170,155 78,305 - - 82,063
Totals	662,379 181,506 257,963 - 13,134 - 599,055

Analysis of income and expenditure

	Total
	Unrestricted Designated Restricted EndowmentThis year Last year
RECEIPTS Planned giving 0101 - Gift Aid - Standing Orders 2,495 - - - 2,495 2,530 0102 - Gift Aid Envelopes 900 - - - 900 - 0104 - Payroll Giving 720 - - - 720 654 0105 - Parish Giving. Scheme Giving 28,855 - - - 28,855 25,901 0201 - Non Gift Aid - Standing Order 150 - - - 150 382 Planned giving Totals 33,120 - - - 33,120 29,467 Collections and other giving 0301 - Sunday Collections 8,681 - - - 8,681 8,996 0303 - Other Services - - - - - 15 Collections and other giving Totals 8,681 - - - 8,681 9,012 Other voluntary receipts 0401 - Recurring Giving/Donations 200 - - - 200 - 0403 - Hackney Children's Choir - - - - - 240 0408 - North London Action for the Homeless - - 200 - 200 - 0410 - Open Doors - - 210 - 210 2,957 0501 - Ad Hoc Donations 325 - - - 325 1,499 0502 - Donations for Gifts - - - - - 325 0503 - Fundraising Events 712 - - - 712 50 0804 - Non-Recurring Grants 27,100 - 6,995 - 34,095 14,850 Other voluntary receipts Totals28,337 - 7,405 - 35,742 19,920 Gift aid recovered 0601 - Gift Aid Recovered 2,531 - - - 2,531 16,111 0602 - Parish Giving Scheme Gift Aid Recovered 3,128 - - - 3,128 6,035 Gift aid recovered Totals 5,659 - - - 5,659 22,146 Other receipts 0409 - Duckie - - - - - 26,250 1300 - Other Income Resources 903 - - - 903 6,123 Other receipts Totals 903 - - - 903 32,373 Investment income 1001 - Interests 14,178 - 3,567 - 17,745 19,452 Investment income Totals 14,178 - 3,567 - 17,745 19,452 Receipts from church activities 1101 - Statutory Fees 124 - 374 - 498 499 1200 - Church Rental 252 - - - 252 50 1201 - Hall Rental 61,035 - - - 61,035 48,170 1202 - North Community Room Lettings 120 - - - 120 1,840 1203 - South Community Room Lettings 90 - - - 90 300 1207 - Churchyard Rental - 6,985 - - 6,985 11,065 1208 - Parking Lettings - 10,675 - - 10,675 6,180 Receipts from church activities Totals 61,621 17,660 374 - 79,655 68,104 Receipts Grand totals 152,500 17,660 11,346 - 181,506 200,474 RESOURCES USED Cost of generating funds 1702 - Stewardship Campaign 76 - - - 76 - 1703 - Fundraising Events 380 - - - 380 - Cost of generating funds Totals456 - - - 456 - Missionary and Charitable Giving 1801 - Rector's Discretionay Fund - - 168 - 168 2,502	2,495 - - - 2,495 2,530 900 - - - 900 - 720 - - - 720 654 28,855 - - - 28,855 25,901 150 - - - 150 382
	33,120 - - - 33,120 29,467 8,681 - - - 8,681 8,996 - - - - - 15
	8,681 - - - 8,681 9,012 200 - - - 200 - - - - - - 240 - - 200 - 200 - - - 210 - 210 2,957 325 - - - 325 1,499 - - - - - 325 712 - - - 712 50 27,100 - 6,995 - 34,095 14,850
	28,337 - 7,405 - 35,742 19,920 2,531 - - - 2,531 16,111 3,128 - - - 3,128 6,035
	5,659 - - - 5,659 22,146 - - - - - 26,250 903 - - - 903 6,123
	903 - - - 903 32,373 14,178 - 3,567 - 17,745 19,452
	14,178 - 3,567 - 17,745 19,452 124 - 374 - 498 499 252 - - - 252 50 61,035 - - - 61,035 48,170 120 - - - 120 1,840 90 - - - 90 300 - 6,985 - - 6,985 11,065 - 10,675 - - 10,675 6,180
	61,621 17,660 374 - 79,655 68,104
	152,500 17,660 11,346 - 181,506 200,474
	76 - - - 76 - 380 - - - 380 -

1802 - Charitable Giving 2201 - Events 2203 - Nurture Courses 2205 - Children's Work 2206 - Bees & Buds 2207 - Hackney Children's Choir 2208 - Sunday Club 2211 - Cantignorus Chorus 2212 - Duckie & Posh Club 2213 - NLAH 2214 - Open Doors Project 2221 - Communication & Branding 2307 - Caring for Church's Ground - Events Missionary and Charitable Giving Totals Parish Share 1901 - Common Fund Parish Share Totals Clergy and Staffing costs 2001 - Organists 2002 - Facilities Manager's Salary 2003 - Garden Manager's Salary 2006 - Garden Manager's Pension 2101 - Rector's Expenses 2102 - Curate's Expenses 2105 - Garden Manager's Expenses 2109 - Housing Clergy and Staffing costs Totals Church Running Expenses 2300 - Church Office Expenses 2301 - Cost of Services 2302 - Church Cleaning 2303 - Church Insurance 2309 - Parish Events 2400 - Church Utility Bills Church Running Expenses Totals Hall Running Costs 2501 - Hall Cleaning 2502 - Hall Insurance 2503 - Hall Office Expences 2504 - Hall Utility Bills 2505 - Hall H&S, Fire and Risk Hall Running Costs Totals Church Repairs & Maintenance 2304 - Church Routine Maintenance 2305 - Caring for Church Grounds 2306 - Caring for Church's Ground - Equipment 2700 - Church Major Repairs 2701 - Church Redecoration 2702 - Replacement of Church Items Church Repairs & Maintenance Totals Hall Repairs & Maintenenace 2800 - Hall Major Repairs 2802 - Replacement of Hall Items 2803 - Hall Maintenance Hall Repairs & Maintenenace Totals New Building Work	280 - - - 280 - 3,095 - 7,126 - 10,222 - 341 - - - 341 - 100 - - - 100 322 - - - - - 2,820 - - 80 - 80 2,156 1,256 - - - 1,256 5,023 - - - - - 3,000 - - 35,000 - 35,000 - - - - - - 360 - - 1,268 - 1,268 3,711 7 - - - 7 3,659 - - - - - 193
	5,079 - 43,642 - 48,721 23,746 46,000 - - - 46,000 43,800
	46,000 - - - 46,000 43,800 3,300 - - - 3,300 2,050 12,731 - - - 12,731 - - 21,608 - - 21,608 22,344 - 2,436 - - 2,436 1,588 780 - - - 780 590 28 - - - 28 - 456 - - - 456 - 334 201 - - 534 671
	17,628 24,245 - - 41,873 27,244 1,239 - - - 1,239 1,602 2,607 - - - 2,607 5,414 5,212 - - - 5,212 5,008 3,503 - - - 3,503 1,714 - - 1,100 - 1,100 641 4,329 - 194 - 4,523 7,172
	16,890 - 1,294 - 18,184 21,551 15,240 - 118 - 15,358 14,812 90 - - - 90 1,712 718 - - - 718 1,441 5,601 - 3,987 - 9,587 16,682 - - - - - 85
	21,648 - 4,105 - 25,753 34,732 6,369 - - - 6,369 4,276 310 2,028 - - 2,338 3,712 - 201 - - 201 - - - - - - 696 - - - - - 2,429 1,906 - - - 1,906 1,570
	8,585 2,229 - - 10,814 12,683 41,100 - - - 41,100 - 1,640 - 1,009 - 2,648 2,112 6,154 - 7,824 - 13,977 14,457
	48,893 - 8,833 - 57,726 16,570

2900 - New Building Work Church 2901 - New Building Work Hall New Building Work Totals Goverance Costs 2600 - Governance Costs 2601 - PCC Admin 2602 - IT Equipmenmt 2607 - Bank Charges 2608 - Accountancy Fees 2610 - Statutory Church Fees Goverance Costs Totals Resources used Grand totals	- - - - - 39,445 20 - 1,708 - 1,727 41,792
	20 - 1,708 - 1,727 81,237 - - - - - 984 765 - - - 765 - 224 - - - 224 - 567 - - - 567 194 3,400 - - - 3,400 880 - - 1,753 - 1,753 -
	4,956 - 1,753 - 6,709 2,058
	170,155 26,473 61,335 - 257,963 263,621