ST PETER'S CHURCH, STREATHAM ANNUAL REPORT
MAY 2024
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Year 2023-2024
Vicar:
Fr Steffan Mathias
Curate:
Fr Ben Vertannes
Churchwardens:
Josephine Dapaah Winston Trotman
Parochial Church Council:
David Chapman Maureen Downs Duncan Eastoe Sonia Freeman-Birch Jo Hutton Caroline Johns James Macintyre Melanie Metherell Mary Newbrook Angela Newby Marie-Thérèse Rogers Olivia Suter Sarah Tew Sharon Thomas Winston Trotman
Independent Examiner:
Mrs Pamela Carragher, Reading RG2
Bankers:
Barclays Bank plc 136 Streatham High Road London SW16 1BN
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CONTENTS
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 14 MAY 2023...................................4 VICAR'S REPORT.................................................................................................................................6 CURATE'S REPORT.............................................................................................................................7 TREASUER'S REPORT & ACCOUNTS FOR 2023..............................................................................8 SAFEGUARDING OFFICER’S REPORT............................................................................................12 CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT..........................................................................................................13 PCC SECRETARY'S REPORT...........................................................................................................14 CHILDREN'S CHURCH, TODDLER CHURCH, SCHOOL VISITS REPORT4....................................15 DEANERY SYNOD REPORT..............................................................................................................15 HENRY & MARIGOLD (CLEANING) TEAM REPORT........................................................................15 ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER'S REPORT.........................................................................................16 FABRIC REPORT................................................................................................................................16 MUSIC REPORT.................................................................................................................................17 PLANNED GIVING REPORT..............................................................................................................17 SERVING TEAM REPORT..................................................................................................................18
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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2023 at 11.50 AM
1. PRAYERS
Fr Steffan welcomed those attending (c.30 persons) and opened the meeting with prayers.
2. CHAIRMAN’S BUSINESS
Fr Steffan commented on various aspects of his Chairman’s Report, highlighting improved attendance figures, but reflecting on his impression that there were also signs of growth in faith and fellowship. There would be challenges ahead for our own community and also the wider Church of England, but Fr Steffan was hopeful that, in listening to Christ’s teaching and following his example, barriers would be overcome.
3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies had been received from David Chapman, Catherine Chapman, and Sarah Tew.
4. MINUTES OF THE APCM HELD ON SUNDAY, 8 MAY 2022.
By a show of hands, the Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true record of the meeting and signed by Fr Steffan.
5. ELECTORAL ROLL
Sheila Launchbury reported that the roll now stood at 96, down from 112 last year. This reflected one death, two members moving away from London, and a number of people living outside the parish boundary who had ceased attending the church on a regular basis. By a show of hands, the report was approved .
6. REPORT ON THE PCC FOR 2022/2023
There were no comments on this summary of PCC activity over the past year and, by a show of hands, the report was approved .
7. TREASURER’S REPORT & ACCOUNTS FOR 2022
There were no comments or questions about the report and accounts and, by a show of hands, these were approved .
8. FABRIC REPORT
There was one comment about this having been a busy year. By a show of hands, this report was approved .
9. DEANERY SYNOD
Fr Steffan took the opportunity of explaining what a Deanery was, and the democratic function of the Synod. The secretary expressed her gratitude to the Area Dean (Jonathan Croucher, the Chairman of the Deanery Synod) for producing the summary of Deanery Synod business included in the report. Fr Steffan mentioned that Fr Jonathan, after five years, had recently announced his retirement from this role. By a show of hands, this report was approved .
10. ELECTION OF CHURCHWARDENS
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Fr Steffan said that Jo Dapaah and Winston Trotman had both stated that they were willing to continue as Churchwardens for the coming year. Both had been duly nominated and
seconded ahead of the meeting. The meeting agreed unanimously that they should be elected .
11. DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATION
James Macintyre, Angela Newby and Winston Trotman had offered to serve as our Deanery Synod representatives. All had been nominated and seconded and were duly elected . Thanks were given to Duncan Eastoe, standing down at this time, for his years of service.
12. ELECTION OF PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
Fr Steffan explained that, as the Electoral Roll had fallen below 100, only nine elected places could be filled on the PCC. Seven existing members had agreed to continue in office in the coming year. (An eighth potential continuing member, James Macintyre, would now have an ex officio place on the PCC as a Deanery Synod representative.) Ahead of the meeting two nominations had been received to fill the remaining places. The following 9 people were duly elected :
Maureen Downs Melanie Metherell Olivia Suter Jo Hutton Mary Newbrook Sarah Tew Caroline Johns Marie-Thèrèse Rogers Sharon Thomas
13. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Fr Steffan reported that Pam Carragher, a former member of St Peter’s, who had inspected the past year’s accounts, was willing to undertake this task again next year. By a show of hands, Pam was appointed .
14. OTHER REPORTS
All these reports were received by the meeting.
15. TRAINING SESSION
Fr Steffan took the opportunity of this gathering of congregation members to discuss the function of ‘welcomers’, a very important part of our ministry to each other and particularly to newcomers. Attendees were invited to recount good and bad experiences in visiting other churches, and a roleplay exercise was carried out, highlighting some possible pitfalls in how we greet people. All members of the congregation should be encouraged to offer a welcome to visitors and potential new members without being intrusive. Suggestions included speaking to newcomers both before and after the service, introducing them to others who may have similar interests, inviting them to sit with them, offering to accompany new people to refreshments, etc.
There being no other business, the meeting closed with a prayer at 12.55 pm.
Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . . . . 2024
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VICAR’S REPORT
Dear friends,
We meet today at this moment between the Lord’s Ascension, and the day of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was sent to enliven the church. This period has become known in the past few ye3ars as ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, a time of prayer across denominations for the coming of God’s Kingdom. It feels appropriate, therefore, to meet today, and that our prayer as a church may be Jesus’ prayer: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”
It is coming up to 4 years since I arrived at St Peter’s, in the gloomy days of Covid, and I am immensely proud of all that we have done to rebuild St Peter’s and to bring it to the point it is at today. Our Christmas attendance, at all our services, was a quite noticeable increase from previous years, as we saw at Easter, and meeting people after services it was clear that it was not just one thing that caused the growth, but instead lots of different connections that had been made between St Peter’s and the community we serve. Sunday attendance is growing too, with an average of between 60-75 at the 10.30am (and often more, and rarely less), and many Sundays where there are over 100 people across the three services, with many children and teenagers attending. This is one way of looking at the health of a congregation and can be a helpful one.
Every year in a church is a busy year, and this past year has been busy. It’s easy in life, in church, to get caught up in the business, and not notice what really matters. More than numbers or projects, what has really brought joy this year has been seeing connections grow and flourish between people; the way people have cared for and walked alongside people both in the busyness, in the happy moments, and in the more challenging and sadder – growing in love. We’ve also been exploring ways of going deeper in faith. One highlight for me has been our Lent group, with a group exploring different ways of praying followed by a book group. For a church of our size to get between 15-20 at a Lent group is unusual, and a sign of the hunger we have, to learn more about God and about each other. This is a much better way of looking at the health of a church than numbers! It was a great joy to welcome Br Jude CR as our Holy Week preacher, and he was struck by the depth of prayer and love he found at St Peter’s.
We’ve accomplished a number of things through this year – not least our Toddler Church, and the new Servery. There are some exciting things coming up, including a large Deanery Confirmation service in a few weeks. Our stewardship campaign earlier in the year has meant an increase in our planned giving, which is helping to stabilise our finances. But there is work to be done (as always). In terms of the organisation and running of St Peter’s, looking to build in more resilience, moving from a model of individuals to small groups running and managing the different areas of our life together, both to include more people and to give those carrying a lot of work a lighter load. We have two vacancies coming up at churches in the deanery, which will mean the clergy covering more at those churches on Sundays, to ensure they have communion Sunday by Sunday before they appoint new priests. And there is the bigger challenge, of trying to listen to how God might be asking us to change, to grow, to serve.
Lastly, in September-October this year I will be on a mini-sabbatical (having been ordained 7 years). Sabbaticals tend to be good for clergy, but also for congregations, as they are reminded that the vicar’s not that important!
In all that will come – we do it in the grace of God.
Fr Steffan – Vicar
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CURATE’S REPORT
It seems remarkable to me that I am about to begin my third year at St Peter’s as your curate, and I remain grateful beyond words to be ministering with and among all of you. A lot has happened since I was ordained a priest last July, not least the arrival of my son Rowan in October 2023! Tash, Theia, Callie and I would like to thank you for the love, kindness and support you’ve continued to give us as we adjust to being a family of five.
I have continued to enjoy a wide range of opportunities this year to help my learning as a new priest. It has been a special privilege to begin presiding at the Mass, and I will always remember the celebration of my First Mass last July - a typically joyful St Peter’s party!
This year, I have taken particular responsibility for moving forward our Mission Action Plan with regard to Children and Young People. Our first priority was to establish a midweek group for preschool aged children and I’m delighted that ‘Toddler Church’ is now in its ninth month and flourishing. It is a highlight of my week, when on average 13-14 children between 0 and 5 join us for playtime, refreshments and a short service of songs, Bible stories and prayers on Wednesday mornings. Over 80 different children have attended at some point since September and I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has volunteered their help, time, baking and other donations to get this new service off to such an encouraging start. Please keep our Toddler Church and those who attend in your prayers!
To further support our work with young people, we have redesigned and re-resourced the Children’s Area in church, now nicknamed the ‘St Peter’s Prayground’. The space is designed to support our youngest members in participating in worship through sensory play and imaginative aids. The different uses of this area on Wednesdays and Sundays has been helped by introducing efficient storage for children’s resources in the Resurrection chapel. Finally, we have begun to create room for our older children and teenagers to get to know each other better by offering Youth Alpha alongside our Adult Alpha course, currently meeting each Thursday to explore the basics of Christianity together. We have a remarkable, thoughtful and insightful group of young people here at St Peter’s, and I am excited to see where this group might lead us.
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All of this work complements the exceptional work with children and young people across our children’s church, our school visits and assemblies, our serving team, our reading team and our youth choir. A huge thank you to everyone involved in supporting these important ministries, and to each of our children and young people for the gifts they bring to our church community.
I am looking forward to stepping into the next year with you all in hope, in joy and with faith! Every blessing.
Fr Ben – Curate
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TREASURERS’ REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2023
I would like to begin my first Treasurer’s report by thanking everyone named and unnamed who contribute to stewarding our finances throughout 2023, including Simon Launchbury, Assistant Treasurer, Catherine Chapman, Planned Giving Officer and manager of the Choir and Organ accounts and Winston Trotman and Jo Hutton for banking the collections each week.
INCOME COMMENTARY
The congregation at St Peters continues to support the mission and ministry, overall Income from Planned Giving has increased by 6% and Unplanned Giving has also increased substantially driven by generous donations at special services such as funerals where a portion of the collection will be shared with a specific charity. At the end of 2023 we conducted a generous giving campaign and as a result regular standing orders are expected to increase by approximately 12% per month. We continue our commitment to allow individuals to donate via cash and cheques.
Venue Hiring. Continues to make strong contribution to income, Football Fun group renewed their booking in 2023 and we were also utilised by the choir Opus 16 who have used the church as a rehearsal space and for concerts. The church was also selected as the location for a TV show and this one-off booking generated £3.400. Many thanks to Angela for all her hard work in hiring out the Crypt.
Grants . We have been able to collect the residual grants relating to the lighting project that was carried out in 2022, we received £11,445 from Veolia & £6,600.from Greater London Authority for the lighting project. To support the ministry we have also received Grants relating to support hiring a Director of Music (£4,000), Toddler Church (£3,240)
2023 Bequests. We have been the recipient of generous legacies from the estates of our extended family £1,500 into the unrestricted funds, £44,000 for the Organ and £6,000 towards the development of the Choir.
EXPENDITURE COMMENTARY
Clergy Expenses . Includes the cost of curates housing, the contribution to Fr Bens preordination pilgrimage (£350) as well as other permitted expenses either relating to growing our mission and ministry eg books, materials or general expenses eg telephone/broadband costs.
Repairs . We continue to invest in the fabric of the building to ensure that we have a safe, warm environment in which to worship. The repair costs in 2023 were lower than prior years as we did not undertake any major works. This year the larger items relate to repairs to the roof Maguire Bros £6,000, JSC Cooke – Belfry & North Side Roof £13,286, Guttering £7,188.
CCLA INVESTMENTS
Our investments in the funds have continued to benefit from the buoyant markets and we received an revaluation profit of approximately £22,000. To cover shortfalls in our funding when our expenditure exceeded our income during the year we sold shares and also transferred funds from the deposit account to the value of £26,000, at the end of 2023 the CCLA investments were valued at £441,530 compared to £419, 430 at the end of 2022.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sharon Thomas – Treasurer
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St Pèters Church. Stroatham Recelpts and Payments Account forlhe year endèd 31st December 2023 Note 2023 Tot81 UnrestrKted Restricted Incryne Jnd endowments from: Voluntary Incorr Activrtts for generating hjnds lllcoffle frorn inveStntS Church Activites Oth8r Inco 2a 2b 78,141 205 21,626 23.480 15.579 139.031 2,898 11.837 81,039 12.042 21,643 23,792 67,860 206.375 2d 312 52.281 67.345 ExndItur• on: Charit8ble actNiti8s Rang funds 145.503 16.760 11,826 162.264 11,826 145.503 28,587 174,090 N•t incornellexpen(thturel Surplus on Revaluatlon of Invesknents Funds brought fonvard ,4731 22.099 436.559 38,758 32,285 22.099 466.894 30.335 Funds ¢•rried forw•rd 452.186 69.093 521.27B Prlor yoar ¢omparatlv8$ Note 2022 Total unStted Restricted Income and endowments Irom: Voluntary Incorre ActrtS for generdting fullds lllc0ffl8 frorn inv851rTwnts Church Activrts Olher IncorT 2a 2b 79.750 1.197 15,169 21,165 65.180 182 460 4.553 9,183 84.303 10,380 1S,173 21,548 65.352 196 754 2d 2e 383 172 14 294 Expendlture on: Chantable aclNrties Raising funds 184.334 12.549 212 196.884 212 184 334 196 672 Net incornellexpen(thturel 11,874) 1,956 83 Funds broutht fonvard 19,003 28,379 47,382 Funds ¢Jrried forw•rd 30 335 47 465 Other Ass3 CCLA Investmènts 419.430 419,430 Al )come derwed from continukng acINits. The notes forn part of Ihe financHI StalentS. li
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Sharon Thomas, Treasurer to the PCC
I confirm the financial statements were approved by the Parochial Church Council 12
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May2024
Fr Steffan Mathias, Chairman
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Independent Examiners Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or that the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or that the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. (The signed copy of the statement is available to view – see the Treasurer.)
Pamela Carragher, Independent Examiner 07/05/2024
SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS’ REPORT
We have had no major issues to report. All people needing a DBS check have been completed. We are not doing so well with the safeguarding training, hopefully we can get this up to date soon. I appreciate people getting their information to me as soon as possible when I am completing a DBS check we must all remember how important this is for the Safety of our Church.
Maureen Downs – Safeguarding Officer
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CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT
We give thanks for the completion of another year in the life of St Peters and we can say that the covid pandemic which caused so much disruption is a distant memory.
We must give a very big thank you to Jo Dapaah, who will step down as warden this year, having done a sterling job over the last 7 years. She has galvanized the flower team, contributed at PCC & standing committees, an intercessor and reader to mention a few of the aspects of church life she has contributed to.
As churchwardens we must also say a big thank you to those individuals who have given of their time and talents contributing to the smooth running of St. Peters, without whom the
churchwardens’ job would be a bit more difficult. A special thanks to David Chapman and all those who contributed in bringing the church servery project to fruition and to
those who made financial donation. It was also a great pleasure to Welcome Bishop Martin for the first time at St. Peters, which gave the wardens an opportunity to dust of their wands and
process him into the church. We give thanks to God and look forward to another successful year in the life of St. Peters as we grow in numbers, faith and continue to contribute to the greater good of the Anglican church.
Jo Dapaah and Winston Trotman – Churchwardens
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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) SECRETARY’S REPORT
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It has been a pleasure to assume the role of PCC secretary although taking over from the successful and long-term reign of the previous secretary has been a daunting responsibility. I am very grateful for the support of the previous secretary and other members of the PCC and congregation.
The responsibilities of the Parish Secretary are laid out in the Parish Secretary’s Handbook, a revised edition of which was published in November 2023. This placed increased emphasis on governance arrangements and the effective operation of the PCC as opposed to following a specific set of guidelines. For example, there is no longer a set requirement for the number of PCC meetings to be held a year although it must be sufficient to ensure the effective running of the parish.
A major task of the Parish Secretary and the PCC is the promotion of the Southwark diocesan vision; Christ
centred and outward focused. Fr Steffan has introduced a bible reflection section into PCC meetings and this is a positive addition. As a PCC we must continue to put the Southwark vision at the centre of all we do. The PCC (and not just the clergy!) is responsible for leading our worship and ensuring St Peter’s fulfils the ideals of the Southwark vision.
In general, the PCC works effectively to ensure the smooth running of the church. Minutes and Agendas were published according to recommended timescales and Diocesan returns were all completed. The failure to complete the online safeguarding course by all PCC members is disappointing and this will be swiftly remedied in the post APCM PCC. That said, the building is still standing, there is still some money left in the bank (according to the Treasurer!). The completion of the Access Audit, for which we received a commendation from the Archdeacon and the opening of the servery were highpoints in the year.
Finally, a big thank you to all PCC members for their time and commitment in maintaining St Peter’s as a vibrant and diverse community of worshippers.
Yours in faith.
Duncan Eastoe – PCC Secretary
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CHILDREN’S CHURCH, TODDLER CHURCH & SCHOOL VISITS
CHILDREN’S CHURCH meets in the Parish Room during the 10.30am Mass on Sundays. Numbers vary due to children being involved in Serving, Junior Choir or the attraction of the Toddlers Play Area in Church! Bible stories and special Church festivals are explained and backed up by art-work and quiz sheets.
TODDLER CHURCH meets at 9.15am on Wednesdays during term time. Stories and songs on biblical themes in the Lady Chapel are followed by free play and refreshments.15 or so toddlers with their parents/carers attend regularly and friendships are formed and enquiries made about Baptisms and Church in general.
SCHOOL VISITS 5x year2 classes from Julians and 3x year1classes from Hitherfield have been welcomed at St. Peter's in the last year. We are pleased to show the children our lovely church and tell them of some of its history.
CHRISTMAS EVE and GOOD FRIDAY events for children with art and craft activities have been well attended and appreciated and supported by parents/carers. Some of the children who attended these events are the older siblings of Toddler Church attendees.
Jo Hutton and colleagues Hilary and Mihaela
DEANERY SYNOD REPORT
Deanery Synod is a great opportunity to engage with other people from different church venues around Lambeth South Deanery. The meetings are themed with a guest speaker, and we have met twice this year.
8th November 2023 - ‘Homelessness’ held at St James’ Clapham with two speakers: Nelly Mesenga from Together Southwark and a speaker from Housing Justice which places refugees in homes who ‘host’ them.
17th April 2024 - ‘Lay Ministries’ held at Immanuel and St Andrews, guest speaker Rev Carol Coslett, Assistant Director of Lay Ministries, we also heard from a Reader, SPA and Pioneer.
Angela Newby, James Macintyre, Winston Trotman
THE ‘HENRY & MARIGOLD’ CLEANING TEAM
Recognition and appreciation for the, often unsung, heroes who are members of the Henry and Marigold Cleaning Team – in operation since 2019. Due to circumstances some have had to leave, but currently the members are:
Angela Newby, Barbara Ekprikpo, Barbara Drayton, Fr Ben, Fr Steffan, Jake McLeod, Jo Dapaah, Julie Mitchen, Kola Oduola, Marie Rogers, Sally Smith, Sarah Tew, Sheila Launchbury, Simon Launchbury, Veronica Shepherd, Winston Trotman
Special mention to Mel Steyn and Tracey McOgg.
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These members turn up at their designated time on a Saturday morning and give of their time, effort and physical talents to maintain and present St Peter’s as a clean, pleasant, welcoming and beautiful space for all to use and enjoy. So, many, many thanks for your continued hard work and support.
Of course, should there be anyone else who would like to join the team, please reach out to me at any time. You would be more than welcome.
Barbara Drayton – Coordinator
ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER’S REPORT
As we reach the last year of the current Electoral Roll ‘term’, which is started from scratch every six years, in consultation with Fr Steffan, I have removed a number of people who have dropped away from regular attendance (18). or, sadly, died (1). Happily, we have added 10 new members to the Roll. In summary, last year’s Roll stood at 96, 19 names have been deleted, and 10 names added, leaving a total of 87. Nearly 68% of members live within the parish boundary.
Sheila Launchbury – Electoral Roll Officer
FABRIC REPORT
Church Servery (Faculty Ref: 2022-075779)
The major project for 2023/24 has been the installation of a Church Servery into the disused South West porch. Thanks are due to Jo Hutton, Mihaela Musat and Angela Newby who worked with me to ensure that we have a very attractive and functional servery. The project was executed with the knowledge that we needed a church servery that would stand the test of time with potentially many users, but also a space that, in its redesign and designation would fit well with the aesthetic of our Victorian Church. It is wonderful that since Easter we have started to use it.
We took the opportunity during this work to refurnish and decorate the South West external doors, make improvements to the water supply to the Crypt Gents WC and to ensure that we have lighting in the (rarely used) spiral staircase in that corner.
Thanks are due to Simon and Sheila Launchbury for the generous gift of a wheel frame for the Bechstein Grand Piano. This frame will reduce wear on the church tiles.
Garden
Thanks are also due to the efforts of Richard Holdaway and Angela Newby and all those that assist on working parties, for the work on the church garden. Also, thanks to Winston Trotman for organising the repairs and servicing of the church lawnmower.
David Chapman – Clerk of Works
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MUSIC REPORT
There has been a change in our Youth Choir membership as Ania, Adrianna and Elinor have become regulars of the adult choir. Adrianna taking up our Alto Choral Scholarship vacancy.It has been great to have more involvement of Elinor in playing the organ from timeto-time at services and for Adrianna taking the role of conductor on Good Friday.
The 2023 recruitment process has meant that we now have five regular new Youth Choir members and an occasional sixth. The occasional Pop-Up Choir was not well enough attended, and so we have put that on hold for the time being.
Henry, Imogen, April and Esme all gained their cottas at the 2023 Carol Service. We welcomed Alicia to the Youth Choir at the end of 2023. The Youth Choir are working towards their first RSCM Voice for Life medal: Light blue. This development of skills in the following areas: Using the voice well, Musical Skills, Repertoire and Belonging to the Choir.
The adult and youth choirs continue to excel at providing amazing music for the support of our services at St Peter’s. There have been many outstanding moments during the year at mass and evensong and for our major services at Easter and Christmas. The adult choir sang at Durham Cathedral for a week in August 2023 swelled by many former members. This week was led by former choir member, Thomas Chapman and accompanied by John Keys and Oliver King.
A Director of Music recruitment campaign was conducted in Q4 2023, but unfortunately it was not possible to appoint from that process. Therefore, I continue to lead the choir. I am very grateful for the support I receive from our fabulous choir members and our very appreciative congregation and clergy. Thank you!
Some major works on the organ (Faculty Ref 2020-056182) were concluded in 2023 including much work on the journey to convert the organ action to electronic from pneumatic. The fruits of all of this work on the pipework, the winding and the action of the organ are very much showing their splendour during our services. Our next phases will include important work on the winding, restoration of the three tremulants (not heard for about 30 years) and within the next two years or so much needed renovation of the console, the pistons and replacement of 50-year-old low voltage wiring! We received a generous bequest from local resident Robin Purdy in 2023 towards the organ and choir. The bequest to the organ will ensure that we can continue with the urgent restoration works outlined above. The bequest to the choir will assist our development of the Youth Choir. Some new music has already been purchased and used often in 2023 as a consequence.
The role of Catherine Chapman, as treasurer to the choir and organ funds ensures that we have careful stewardship in this area. Accounting for a choir tour of 30 people is no small undertaking and handling the important organ fund takes great care and skill.
David Chapman – Acting Director of Music
PLANNED GIVING OFFICER’S REPORT
Envelope Giving Scheme
At the year-end 2023 there were 20 people receiving boxes of stewardship envelopes, a decrease of 3 from the previous year as people continue to move to standing orders and contactless donations.
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Gift Aid
At the year-end 2023 there were 36 regular monthly givers to the General Fund, Choir and Organ funds who Gift Aid their donations, which is an increase of 3. There are other regular donors who are not able to Gift Aid.
On donations given during 2023, I was able to reclaim a total of £11,774.51 from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs which is a significant increase of 50% on 2022. This is due generous donations towards the Servery and to 3 people changing their tax status.
The amount of donations made using the card reader has increased significantly over the last few years but as these donations are unplanned and usually anonymous, I cannot include them in this report. However, I can reclaim Gift Aid on these under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme up to a maximum of £8,000pa.
Generous Giving
As a result of the Generous Giving presentation in November 2023 I received 26 red envelopes promising increased donations totalling £485 per month. The majority of people have carried out their promise.
If anybody would like information on the above schemes, I’ll be happy to help.
Catherine Chapman – Planned Giving Officer
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REPORT FROM THE SERVING TEAM
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“Serving”, to quote the former Dean of Southwark, Andrew Nunn, “is a ministry!” It is a joy! St. Peter’s has a fantastic group of servers and I am grateful to them all for their skill, flexibility, good humour and friendship.
We assist with the main 10.30 mass on Sunday and at a whole range of evening & special services. I am delighted that in 2023/24 we added new servers to our number – we now have 16 servers on the rota which means we can have a full team every week. Christmas services were
beautiful and Easter, an absolute feast for the senses. I am always keen to hear from anyone interested in serving (or from those who have children who might be interested). Please speak to any of the adult servers after mass – we are easy to spot!
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We had a very special service in 2023 – Father Ben’s first mass as priest! It was an honour to serve on that joyous day in July. I had super feedback from clergy and visitors as well as from the regular congregation who I thank for your continued support and encouragement.
Anthea Eastoe, Coordinator
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CHARThY C(VW5N)N Indopend•nt •x8mlnor's report on th• FOR EIKAAND ANO VI4IES account• Soclion A liid•i)&i)diii Exdirnintrw % R•pcw1 R•port to th• tru•ts•• Ofi ior th• y 31112r20 Ilf 841 txrt M p•y•• chadty (Th Tr) IDr I J•w 31112rA123 RMpofi•lbl1lt •1 r• AÉa"I undef 145 ol th• 2011 A£1 aThl OLrt my •x•ftwMlh)n, I undw 145(SXb>ol I Ind•p•nd•nt •xwnln•rf• ¥tst•m•nt I hav• crrol•l•J my •xamI)at•. I rxrfvm trat r) malwt mait•rs hawi dor lo enable a prOr wMl¥storrflry d the to ba rea¢Sd. $1gfi•d'. 07Kfth24 R•l•¥anl p¢of•ulon qu•lific•tlon(B} or body {11 wry): Addr•M: R8Ading RG2 7KJ IER Oct 2018
St Petèrs Church, Strèatham Rèceipts and Payments Account for the year andod 31st Decombor 2023 Note 2023 Total unreStted ReStlted Incoffle and endowments from: Voluntary Incon Actwitie5 for generdting lunds Income frDm inveslThnts chu ActNitie5 Other IncorT 78,141 205 21,626 23,480 15,579 139,031 2,898 11,837 17 312 52.281 67.345 81,039 12,042 21,643 23,792 67,860 206,375 2b 2d Expenditure on: ChaTTtable actNrties RaL%ing funds 145,503 16.760 11,826 162,264 11,826 145,503 28.587 174,090 Net incomellexpenditurel Surplus on Revaluation of Inveslments Funds brought lorward (6,4731 22,099 436,559 38.758 32,285 22,099 466,894 30,335 Funds carried fonvard 452,186 69.093 521,278 Prlor year comparatlves Note 2022 Total Unle$trted Restse Incwie and •nd¢)wm•nts from: Vohjntary Inco ActivrtEs for generdting funds Incon from invesln*nts Ch ActNrties Other Incorr 79,750 1,197 15,169 21,165 65,180 182460 4.553 9.183 84,303 10,380 15,173 21,548 65,352 196 754 2b 2¢ 2d 383 172 14 294 Expendityre on: Chantabl8 athe$ Raising funds 184,334 12.549 212 196,884 212 184 334 12 338 196 672 Net •ncomellexpenditurel (1,8741 1.956 83 Funds brought ftyward 19,003 28.379 47,382 Funds earriod fonward 30.335 47 465 Olhor Ass8 CCLA Investments 419,430 419,430 All inco derived from continuing actNrtEs. The notes fomi part of th8 ffinanc•l ststempnts.
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I confirm the financial statements were approved by the Parochial Church Council on 12 May 2024
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Fr Steffan Mathias, Chairman
St P•t•rs Church, Straatham Notes to thè Financial Ststèments for the year endèd 31st December 2023 Accountlng Pollcles The financial statements have been prepared under thehistorical cost convention. The financial statement5 have been prepared in accordancewith the Statement of RErommended Practicefor Charities, the CompaniesAct 2006 and applicableaccounting standards IFRS 1021. The princpal xcountin8 policie5 and estimation technique5 are as follows: Goingconcern The Dirtors/Tru5tees consider that thereare no material uncertaintie5 regarding the Charitys ability to continueas a going concern. b) Income All income is included in the Statement of Financial ktivitieslSoFA) on the recebpts and payment5 ba5 Expenditure Expenditure is recognised on the reciepts and paYMt5 ba515and i5classified in the SOFA under headingsthat a88regaterelated cost& Charitable tIvItieS include thecost of employingthe Development Worker plusother project-related expenditure. Svpport costscomprisethe administrative costs incurred in operatingthe Charity, plus expense5 incurred by the Trustees in the performance of their dutie5. dl Fund accounting Thecharity operatesan unrestricted frJnd. which i5freely av3ilablefor any purpose within the Charity's charitable objects at the discretion of theTrustees, plusa nurnber of project-related Restricted fundslsee Note81. Investments Investmentswith CCLAareshown at bid rnarket price on 31st Decanber 2023 65.924 2022 70,235 350,546 637051001P 637051001 S 375.606 AA1 A)rt 7R1
St P•t•rs Church, Streatham Notes to the Financial Statements {Contlnu•d) for th• year •ndad 31st D•c•mb•r 2023 2a Voluntary Income Unrestricted Restricted Total Plannedwving unplann giving Card Reader Gift "0 Recovered Donations Bequest5 Grants 32,045 6,567 2.264 5,532 4,828 1.500 25,405 78,141 32.045 6.567 2.264 5.681 7.577 1.500 25.405 81,039 149 2,749 2,898 2b Actlvltlesfor Generatlnglunds Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total Fund Raisingevents Magaane & book sales Cathedral trip subs Concerts and recita15 200 200 11,837 11.837 205 11,837 12.042 2c Investment Income Unrestricted Restricted Total Bank Intere5t- Depo Account Saleof Shares Dividends from illvestrnents 97 17 113 7,500 14,029 21,626 14,029 14.143 17 2d Church Artivities Unrestricted Re5tricte(I Total 615 615 Candle5 Crypt Hire Church Hire Choir scholarship 17,155 5,710 17.155 5.710 312 312 23,480 312 23.792 2e Other Income Unrestricted Restricted Total In5uranceclaims VATrefund 14,579 1,000 15,579 2,143 50,138 52,281 16.721 51.138 67,860 Other income
Streatham St Pèter Notes to tha Flnanclal Statements {Contlnu•d) for the year enthd 31st December 2023 Prfor comwatl%*s 2a Voluntary Incorne Unrestrict Restricted Total Planned giving Unplanned giving Card Reader Gift Aid RKovered Donations Bequests Grants 30,072 3,144 2.530 8,223 1,376 1,000 33,405 79,750 30.072 6,948 2.530 8.293 2.055 1,000 33.405 84,303 3,805 69 679 4,553 2b r Genefalln8 funds Unrestricted Restricted Total Fund Raisingevents Magaine & book sales C3theilral trip subs Concerts and recita15 1,197 1,197 8,577 607 8.577 607 1, 197 9,183 10.380 2c Investment Income Unrestricted Restrlcted Total Bank Interest- Depo Account Dividendsfrom investments 2d Church Artlvltles Unrestricted Restricted Total 2.890 2.890 Candle5 Crypt Hire Church Hire Choir Scholarship 15,675 2,600 15.675 2.600 383 383 21,165 383 21.548 2e Other Income Unrestricted Restrlcted Total In5uranceclaims VATrefund 5,397 59,783 65,180 172 5.569 59.783 65.352 Other income 172
St P•t•rs Church. Str•atham Not•s to th& Flnanclal Stat•m8nts Icontlnued for the year ended 31st Decombor 2023 Total 2023 Charltablt Attl¥itles UnrÈstritt RestrictÈd Ple(Ige Clergy expenses Repairs Church insurance Utilities 57.600 10,358 40,294 9.299 10,045 8,349 1.92 1 2,427 3,596 377 57.600 10.358 40.294 9.299 10.045 8.349 1.921 2.427 3.596 377 Music Sacri5tv Printing & Copying Crypt Maintenance Parish Mlmin Ma8a2ine Bookstall Cathedral trip expenses StatFonery Music and robes Concert expenses ditional Singws Scholarship Other expen5e5 Costs of recitals. conceytsetc Organ works Donationsto charity Bank Charge5 11.826 11.826 522 522 735 735 1.095 1.095 12.856 1,552 12.856 1.552 201 1.035 174.090 201 1,035 145 503 28.587 Stroatham St Peter Not•s to tho Flnan¢lal Statom•nts (Contlnuod for the yèar endad 31st D8c•mb8r 2023 Prior comwa¢ives Total Charltable Attlvltles Unre5trlcted Restricted 2022 Pledge Clergy expense5 Repairs Churth Insurance utilities Music Sacristv Printing & Copyin8 Crypt Maintenance Parish Admin Magazine Bookstall Cathedral trip expense5 Station Music and robes Concert expense5 dbtional Singers Scholarship Other expen5e5 Costs of recitals. concertsetc Organ works Donation5to charity 57,568 4,973 79.366 8,633 10,168 10.708 2,783 2,083 3.253 4,465 57.568 4.973 79.366 8.633 10.168 10.708 2.783 2.083 3.253 4.465 28 8.866 8.866 407 407 307 310 212 617 212 75 2.680 75 2.680
St Potors Church, Streatham Notos lo the Flnanclal Statements (Contlnued) for the year endgd 31st DeGembgr 2023 4 Movement in Restrlcted Funds Incorne Cathedral Trip subs Donations Sacristyfrjnd Charitie5 Fund Choir lund Organ fund Total 11,837 11,837 2,749 17 312 2,029 720 Interest Scholarship Gift Aid RecoVe Concerts 17 312 61 88 149 other income Grant VATRefund 6,138 44,000 50.138 2,143 2,143 46,951 67.345 17 2.029 18.348 Expenditure Cathayral trip expw Stationery Music and robes Concert expenses Alditional Singer5 Scholarship Other expenses Costsof recitals, concwts etc Or8an works Dofjationsto charity 11,826 11,826 522 522 735 95 735 1,09S 1,000 12.856 12.856 1,552 12,856 28.587 34,095 38.758 16,759 30.335 50,853 69.093 1,552 1.552 477 584 1.000 983 2,715 1.732 13.178 5.169 10.277 15.446 Net movement in theyear Opening balance C105ing balance 1.061
St Peters Church. Streatham Notes to tho Flnanclal Statements Icontlnued) for tho year ended 31 st D•c•mbor 2023 5 Staff costs The average number of personsemployed during the year wa5 0 ie none 12022: 11. Trustees, emoluments No Trustee received any remuneration for SeIce5a$ a Trustee. Trustees rec•ved travelling and out of pocket expen5e5 amounting to £nil12020: £nill in respect of their dutie5 35Trustees. 6 Analyslsof funds Balance blf Income Expenditure Balanceclf Unrestricted fund Restricted fund Total fijnds 436,559 30,335 466.894 139,031 67,345 206,375 1145,5031 128,5871 1174,0901 430,087 69,093 499.179 The Unrestrlcted fund at the sole discretion of theTrustees. is available for the general purposes of the charitv Restrirted lunds represent funds re1Ved for Specified purp05e5.' 7 Analysisof net assets by fund Fixed assets Current Current liabilitie5 Net assets Unrestricted Restricted fiJnd5.' Sacristry Charitie5 Choir Organ Total 441.530 10,656 452.186 1.732 1.061 15,446 50,853 79,749 1,732 1,061 15,446 50.853 521.278 441.530
Independent Examiners Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or that the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or that the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. (The signed copy of the statement is available to view – see the Treasurer.)