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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St. Paul's Mill Hill

2024-12-31-accounts

CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, MILL HILL

Meeting of the Parishioners for the purpose of electing Churchwardens

and

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 25[th] May 2025

1

CHURCH OF ST PAUL, MILL HILL

Meeting of the Parishioners for the purpose of electing Churchwardens, 25[th] May 2025

Agenda

  1. Appointment of Clerk

  2. Minutes: To approve the minutes of the Meeting of 26[th] May 2024 (page 3)

  3. Churchwardens 2024 – 2025

  4. Churchwardens 2025 – 2026

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 25[th] May 2025

Agenda

  1. Appointment of Clerk

  2. To give notice of Any Other Business of parochial or general church interest

  3. Minutes: To approve the Minutes of the Meeting of 26[th] May 2024 (pages 4-6)

  4. Reports

  5. 4.1 Electoral Roll Report (page 19)

  6. 4.2 Annual Report and Financial Statements (starting at page 13)

  7. 4.3 Fabric, Goods and Ornaments (page 20)

  8. 4.4 West Barnet Deanery Synod (page 22)

  9. 4.5 Churches Together in Mill Hill (page 22)

  10. 4.6 Men’s Breakfast (page 22)

  11. 4.7 Ladies Tuesday Group (page 23)

  12. Budget for 2025 – presentation and discussion (page 18)

  13. Appointment of Independent Examiner for the ensuing year

  14. Election of Lay Representatives to serve on the Parochial Church Council

  15. Election of Sides people

  17. Vicar’s Report

  18. Any Other Business of Parochial or General Church Interest

  19. Prayers

2

MEETING OF THE PARISHIONERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING CHURCHWARDENS

Minutes of the meeting of the Parishioners for the purpose of electing Churchwardens held in the Church, St. Paul’s Church, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 on 26[th] May 2024

Present: The Revd J. James and 32 members of the laity.

The Vicar welcomed everyone and opened the mee>ng with prayers.

Apologies were received from Mrs Elaine and Mr Simon Brown, Mr Ian Coombs, Mrs Anne and Mr Mar>n Bourn, Mrs Jenny and Mr Mar>n Crane, Mrs Julia and Mr John Haynes, Mr Alan Roberts, Mrs Carol Reid.

1. Appointment of Clerk

Proposed by Mrs N. Layman, seconded by Ms W. Williams, by a show of hands Mrs K. Thompson was appointed to act as Clerk of the mee>ng.

2. Minutes

The minutes of the mee>ng held on 14[th] May 2023 had been circulated in advance of the mee>ng. Proposed by Ms J. Shelbourn and seconded by Mr D. Edgerton, by a show of hands the minutes were approved.

3. Churchwardens 2023/2024

Churchwardens for the previous year had been Ms Jane Shelbourn and Mr John Lee. Revd J. James stated that there were no words to fully express their awesomeness. There had been extra tasks for the wardens to do over the last couple of years, and they had stepped in and carried a lot more than the warden role usually required. Mr Lee had overseen the pinnacle work, and it had been good to have his steadying hand.

4. Churchwardens 2024/2025

Mr Lee had intended to step down from this overly large role, but sadly nobody had come forward to take on the role, so Mr Lee had agreed to stay on, just for a few months. The inten>on was to break the roles down into smaller pieces so that a larger number of people could take on less and there would be less pressure.

Nomina>ons had been received for Ms Jane Shelbourn and Mr John Lee. Proposed by Ms Anne Common and seconded by Mrs Pauline Pescod, by a show of hands Ms Shelbourn and Mr Lee were duly elected by the parishioners. The Vicar made presenta>ons to the wardens and the mee>ng applauded.

The mee>ng closed.

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ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting held in the Church, St. Paul’s Church, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill NW7 on 26[th] May 2024

Present: The Revd J. James and 32 members of the laity.

Apologies were received from Mrs Elaine and Mr Simon Brown, Mr Ian Coombs, Mrs Anne and Mr Mar>n Bourn, Mrs Jenny and Mr Mar>n Crane, Mrs Julia and Mr John Haynes, Mr Alan Roberts, Mrs Carol Reid.

1. Appointment of Clerk

Proposed by Miss G. TompseY and seconded by Mrs F. Reynoldson, by a show of hands Mrs K. Thompson was appointed to act as Clerk of the mee>ng. Mrs Thompson was stepping down as PCC Secretary a[er 19 years and this would be her last mee>ng. A presenta>on was made by the Vicar.

2. To give no>ce of Any Other Business of parochial or general church interest

No items of other business had been received.

3. Minutes of the Mee>ng of 14[th] May 2023

These minutes had been circulated in advance of the mee>ng. Approval of the minutes was proposed by Mrs P. Dean, seconded by Ms J. Shelbourn and, by a show of hands, carried.

4. Reports

4.1 Electoral Roll

Mr Thomas Grainger read the electoral roll report.

The revised roll stood at 179 names, which was an increase of 31 names on the previous year and a loss of 3 names. This represented a net gain of 28 names. This increase was due to some upda>ng work, following a period with no one in the posi>on of Electoral Roll Officer. Next year would see a full revision of the roll, which would probably see a reduc>on in numbers.

4.2 Annual Report and Financial Statements

These, comprising The Independent Examiner’s Report, The Annual Report of the PCC and Review of the Year, The Financial Review, and Accounts and Statements of Funds and Property for year ending 31[st] December 2023 had been distributed prior to the mee>ng.

ques>ons.

4.3 Fabric. Goods & Ornaments

The Vicar invited ques>ons on this report – there were none.

Adop>on of the Annual Report and Accounts, and the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report, was proposed by Mr D. Edgerton, seconded by Ms A. Barnden, and by a show of hands, carried.

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Other reports purely for informa>on:

4.4 West Barnet Deanery Synod

4.5 Churches Together in Mill Hill

4.6 Men’s Breakfast

4.7 Ladies’ Tuesday Group

4.8 Churchyard Working Group

  1. Budget for 2024 – Presenta>on and Discussion

Mrs Carmen Ip presented the budget for 2024.

forecast was based on the latest income and payments. This year the PCC had agreed to ringfence some funds: £70,000 for buildings, £15,000 for Mission and £15,000 for hardship. The Common Fund payment had been increased to £91,000 (up from £81,000 last year). The budget showed a planned net deficit of £51,000. The new curate’s rent would need to be paid, following her star>ng in mid-June.

The PCC had agreed the increase in expenditure was a beYer u>lisa>on of large sum that was in the current account. The Vicar asked for ques>ons and comments.

at their giving as to be sustainable. The deficit figure highlighted the church’s true financial posi>on. It was a responsibility that everyone must carry.

A parishioner commented that receipts over three years had been on a downward trajectory, so to budget to lose over £50,000 was quite ambi>ous.

It was suggested that this situa>on should be communicated to the congrega>on more fully, so more people were aware.

There was a ques>on about the covering of the curate’s rent with the income from Shakespeare Road property. The Vicar confirmed that this would indeed be happening, although there would be a shorlall of around £6,000 per annum.

The current account currently had around £10,000; in the deposit account there was £295,000. There was a ques>on about the Mission amount – in previous years the Mission funds had not been fully spent, and as a result the increase had been wriYen in to ensure more money was used for this purpose. It was noted that staff costs had almost doubled, with an increase in the Administrator’s hours and the addi>on of the Children and Families worker.

There was a ques>on about Gi[ Aid – was everyone paying? Gi[ Aid was claimed for everyone who had completed a form.

tenants in Shakespeare Road had been paying under market rate - this had been increasing over the last few years, but it was difficult to increase it by a large amount in one go.

There was a ques>on about rates for the income for lepng the hall and the Wilberforce Centre. The Vicar explained that the bulk of the income of the hall was received from Mill Hill School use for exams and as a polling sta>on – the one-off lets were harder to manage because they required keyholders to open and lock up and the cleaner to be available at the right >me.

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Adop>on of the Budget was proposed by Mr D. Edgerton, seconded by Mr J. Lee and, by a show of hands (with one absten>on), carried.

6. Appointment of the Independent Examiner for the Ensuing Year

Mr Martyn Atkinson of Ivan Sopher had agreed to con>nue as examiner but had subsequently decided to step down. Mr Roger Seaton had stepped in, on approval by the PCC, and had done an excellent job picking up the pieces and colla>ng a coherent report.

Appointment of Roger Seaton as examiner was proposed by Mr P. James, seconded by Mrs P. Pescod and, by a show of hands, carried.

7. Elec>on of Lay Representa>ves to serve on the Parochial Church Council

The Vicar thanked those coming to the end of their term on the PCC for their service: Mrs Louise Grainger, Mrs Carol Reid, Mr Alan Roberts and Mrs Kim Thompson. Mrs Pat Dean had stood down at the end of last year and Ms Sue Evans had le[ St. Paul’s. The Vicar wished to thank Mrs Dean for her many years of service on the PCC and the Deanery Synod.

There being no other nomina>ons and a[er being proposed en bloc by Ms N. Williams and seconded by Mrs F. Reynoldson, the following were, by a show of hands, elected:

Mrs Ide Adelaja, Ms Linda Beaumont and Mrs Carmen Ip.

8. Elec>on of Sidesmen

Miss J. Shelbourn read out the list of those to be elected:

Elaine Brown Carol Reid Simon Brown Roger Seaton Jill Clarke Liz Sykes Derrick Edgerton Bill Taylor Lynda Mason Kim Thompson Jim McGeever Nadia Williams

Proposed en bloc by Mr J. Lee, seconded by Miss J. Shelbourn, by a show of hands elected

9. Date of the First Mee>ng of the New PCC

This was to be held immediately following the APCM, in church. The next mee>ng would be on Thursday 20[th] June – 7.45 for an 8.00pm start – Communion would be shared.

10. Vicar’s Report

The Vicar wished to thank everyone for being part of St. Paul’s, and par>cularly her husband Peter for his strong support. Reflec>ng on the next few months, Becky, the new curate would be star>ng in June, and the Vicar explained that she had limited sight as a result of macular degenera>on and used a s>ck. Considera>on was being given to how to welcome her, and she would be ordained at 3pm on Saturday 29[th] June and her first service would be on Sunday 30[th] June.

A[er a long >me trying to gain access to the building, the second Messy Church session was taking place that a[ernoon at Millbrook Park School. There had been around 40 people at the first session, which was encouraging.

The Vicar asked for prayers for the church hall, which was quite dilapidated. A group was mee>ng quite regularly and working on a presenta>on to show the church family and the local community what could be in that space. Feedback was essen>al before any decisions were made. It was important that anything done in the hall was underpinned with prayer. It could be used in wonderful ways to bless the local community.

The mee>ng closed with prayers.

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PAROCHIAL COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL

CONTENTS

_________________ _________________
Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers 9
Member’s Report 9-12
Independent Examiner’s Report 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14-15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16-18
Electoral Roll Report 19
Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report 19-20
Reports from Church Groups 21-22

8

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, MILL HILL ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2024

St Paul’s Church The Ridgeway, Mill Hill NW7 1QU Incumbent Reverend Joanna James Bank HSBC, 103 Station Road Edgware, HA8 7JJ Independent Examiner Roger Seaton, 23 Greenhill Park, Barnet, Herts EN5 1HQ

Administrative Information

St. Paul’s Church is situated on The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, north west London. It is part of the West Barnet Deanery within the Diocese of London. The correspondence address is St. Paul’s Church Parish O_ice, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1QU.

The following have served on the PCC during 2024:

Clergy Reverend J. James
Reverend B. Townley (from June 2024)
Churchwardens Ms Jane Shelbourne (until March 2025)
Deanery Synod Mrs F. Reynoldson
Ms J. Shelbourne
Elected Members Mr D. Edgerton
Ms C. Ip (from September 2023) Treasurer - 2024
Mrs I. Adelaja (from APCM 2024) D. Treasurer – 2024
Mr R. Kitauchi
Mrs C. Reid
Mr W. Taylor (from APCM 2023)
Ms N. Williams (from APCM 2023) Secretary – 2024
Ms L. Beaumont (from 2024)

Structure, Governance and Management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in Church Representation Rule. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. The PCC has ultimate responsibility for a wide range of matters a_ecting the parish, including compliance with health & safety, disability discrimination legislation, data protection, safeguarding and child protection, and to this end participates in appropriate training procedures including Deanery Training Days attended by a PCC representative who reports back to the PCC. There is a stated policy of preferring not to have more than one member of the same family serving on the Council concurrently.

Objectives and Activities

St Paul’s PCC is responsible, in co-operation with the clergy and Churchwardens, for promoting the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, both within the parish and further afield. The Church continues to flourish and is thankful for an increase in

9

attendees over the year. Consideration has been given to the Commission’s guidance on public benefit, particularly the advancement of religion. This includes:

There is also the opportunity for all to participate in:

management Committee met between PCC meetings and minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and discussed where necessary.

The PCC operates through two committees and various. The Standing Committee, the only committee required by law, has the authority to transact the business o_ the PCC, subject to any directions from the Council. It meets only when required.

Working Groups operate as and when required, reporting directly to the PCC. The current working groups are Hall Planning and Mission.

Achievements and Performance

Worship and prayer

St Paul’s seeks to o_er a variety of services throughout the year, catering for quiet contemplation, family worship and more formal worship. Bible study, prayer, music and craft activities were enjoyed by parents, carers and children alike each Sunday morning.

Church Attendance

All are welcome to attend our regular services. There were 179 parishioners on the roll.

The Church Buildings

St Paul’s buildings provide a source of interest and delight to visitors. The buildings would be open as much as possible, providing visitors with a tour given by informed parishioners.

Deanery Synod

Currently there are two members o_ the PCC who sit on the deanery synod. This provides the PCC with a valuable link between the parish and its neighbours in the deanery, helping to give

10

reference points and a broader overview of common issues. The deanery synod members report to the PCC on speakers and discussions, enabling St Paul’s to gain insight and share the thoughts of other parishes.

Mission

St Paul’s has been faithful in its commitment to help those in need as a tangible demonstration of our Christian faith. The Mission Committee advises the PCC in its giving and ensures that funds are purposefully targeted both home and overseas where it was felt they would be put to good use.

Our weekly Church Family update, emailed and posted to those not on email, has kept people up to date with general notices, planned worship events and any other important news items, to enable all members to remain in touch with church life as much as possible.

Review of the Year – 2024

Our Congregation continues to grow, in particular our families and young people

At our APCM, Mrs Kim Thompson stood down as PCC Secretary after many years of service. The Church thank her for all that she has done and continues to do. After some challenge in filling the Safeguarding O_icer and Children’s Champion roles, these positions will now be filled by Ms J. Shelbourn, who we are continually thankful for.

The year opened with local church congregations of Mill Hill worshipping together at John Keble. Fulfilment of our Mission action plan involving our church members and Parish schools continued with many events scheduled. Our annual pancake evening was hit with Messy Church attendees living up to its name. Tuesday Ladies group and Men’s breakfast saw new members joining and activities becoming more explorative. Lent Bible Course and communion on Wednesday mornings was followed with a lunch for the period of reflection. A quiz night was hosted for church members and parents from St Paul's school; proceeds went to the purchasing of new furniture – bookshelves and soft seating at St. Paul’s school library and was gratefully received. The church social events continued with a special evening concert of Jazz performed by Kairos Ensemble accompanied by our own all age choir + instrumentalists. Messy church has extended its reach , now taking place at Millbrook Park school as well as St. Paul’s taking place monthly. The Good Neighbour’s celebration took place in April on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Belmont School.

Congratulations to Mike Worms on being awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2024 New Years Honours - well deserved for services to our local community in Mill Hill.

In partnership with Homeless Action Barnet, we hosted Saturday's Night Shelter in our Church Hall in April. During their stay, the guests blessed us by clearing the patio and assisted with repairs and painting of some of the hall doors, too. We thank them and continue to pray for the work that they do, the work that they look for and the hope that they be housed soon.

We welcomed Bill Taylor as Assistant Warden for Buildings , who has taken on oversight of the pinnacles repairs as well as the repair to the crack in the nave ceiling. Bill will be supported by the PCC and other Church members as required. Ide Adelaja joined Carmen, our Treasurer, as Assistant Treasurer. Derrick Edgerton continues as our Mill Hill Churches Together Representative on the Executive Committee. Carol Reid was co-opted as our EcoChurch Representative who supports the Church in surpassing our bronze award status.

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Our new Curate, Becky Townley , began her training post with us following her ordination which took place on Saturday 29th June at St Paul's Cathedral. Becky and her family were welcomed into our Church family with a bring and share meal the following month.

Reverend Jo was thankful . Although not 'out of the woods', we appreciate the generosity of our church family.

everyone who decorated and brought harvest to share. The buildings and the decorations were appreciated by both Millbrook Park and St Paul’s school who enjoyed their Harvest services here during the month. Donations of food were packed into over 50 boxes and bags and taken to the NW7 Hub's Foodbank.

After months of planning, we can say that the St. Paul’s Fun Day was a huge success ! Hundreds of visitors poured into our buildings in November - enjoying the uplifting sounds of the N12 Community Choir in the Church, the stalls and information tables in The Wilberforce Centre, the bouncy castle, face painting, craft tables, hot dogs and pop-up cafe in the Church Hall. None of it would have been possible without our wonderful helpers, from the praying, planning, shopping, setting up, cooking, baking and serving, welcoming and directing, clearing, cleaning and tidying up. The Clergy were hugely grateful to all who helped in every way.

The year was brought to a close with the period of Advent – Churches Together joined in Mill Hill and hosted a Pop-up Carols and Lighting the Tree evening in The Square - Mill Hill Broadway, School Carol services, Christmas chocolate Angel giveaways, Christingle Service, Carols around the Crib and Carols by Candlelight.

We sadly lost George Jones, Barbara Nott- Macaire and David Roberts in 2024. We welcomed the birth of Grace Cheasty. Athena who was baptised by her grandmother, Jan. Services included the marriage of Hannah and Sam and Baptisms of Irene, Elizabeth & Joshua.

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

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 charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records

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.

Roger J Seaton FCA 23 Greenhill Park, Barnet, Herts EN5 1HQ

11 April 2025

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
Receipts
Voluntary receipts
Investment income
Income from church activities

Total receipts
Payments
Church activities

Total payments
Excess of payments over receipts
Cash at bank, 1 January 2024
Cash at bank, 31 December 2024		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total funds
Total funds
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
151,539
3,734
155,273
133,793
36,206
36,206
30,237
25,783
25,783
24,701
213,528
3,734
217,262
188,731
217,856
2,039
219,895
190,840
217,856
2,039
219,895
190,840
(4,328)
1,695
(2,633)
(2,109)
365,983
82,661
448,644
450,753
361,655
84,356
446,011
448,644

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

15

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church

Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis.

2. Investment assets

These are holdings of Central Board of Finance of the Church of England Investment fund and the Short Duration Bond Fund at their market value.

3. Assets retained for church use

These are the freehold property of £624,500 based on a valuation as at 31 December 2000 and the written down value of church equipment, £nil (2023 : £4,481)

4. Restricted funds

Restricted funds are funds that must be applied for specific purposes and are as follows:

Hardship fund
Churchyard
Middlesex Regiment - upkeep of war
memorial and memorabilia		 At 1 Jan 2024
Receipts
Payments
600
3,650
690
67,103
84
1,349
14,958
82,661
3,734
2,039

5. Designated

funds

In the 2023 accounts £100,000 was set aside as designated funds. These have not been used in 2024 and is not being carried forward as at 31 December 2024.

6. Related party transactions

a) Organist fees of £7,753 were paid to Mr Peter James, husband of the vicar.

b) Income through planned giving includes £27,383 received from PCC members.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL'S MILL HILL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Receipts
Voluntary income
Planned giving
Collections at all services
Donations and appeals
Gift aid recovered
Investment income
Rent - temporary let on curate’s house
Deposit fund interest
Income from church activities
Church hall lettings
Wilberforce centre income
Fees from weddings and funerals
Insurance claim
Payments
Church activities
Mission and outreach
Diocesan parish share
Vicarage costs and vicar’s expenses
Curate's house
Assistant staff costs
Children and family pastor costs
Church utilities
Church running and maintenance
Cleaning
Church hall utilities
Church hall repairs and maintenance
Administrator salary and pension
Administration costs
Organist's fees
Fees paid to LDF
Eco Church
Hardship fund payout
Churchyard expenses		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds
Total
funds
funds
funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
111,324
111,324
108,104
13,743
13,743
80
300
3,734
4,034
1,750
26,172
26,172
23,859
151,539
3,734
155,273
133,793
20,699
20,699
20,196
15,507
15,507
10,041
36,206
36,206
30,237
21,383
21,383
5,550
907
907
183
3,493
3,493
4,878
0
0
14,006
25,783
25,783
24,701
4,633
4,633
2,907
91,300
91,300
81,000
1,978
1,978
2,128
22,507
22,507 -
16,623
5,960
5,960 -
18,169
18,169
20,490
24,084
24,084
20,121
6,197
6,197
6,577
4,027
4,027
3,246
339
339
4,068
17,631
17,631
16,638
11,214
11,214
7,612
8,603
8,603
5,535
964
964
3,895
250
250 -
690
690 -
1,349
1,349 -
217,856
2,039
219,895
190,840

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Budget Headings Actual as of Dec
Budget
2024
2025
£
£
RECEIPTS
Voluntary income
Planned giving
Donations and appeals
Collections at all services
Gift aid recovered		 111,324
109,000
4,034
2,300
13,743
10,000
26,172
24,000
155,273
145,300
INVESTMENT INCOME
Rent Shakespeare Road
Deposit Fund Interest		 20,699
26,400
15,507
14,500
36,206
40,900
INCOME FROM CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Hall Lettings
Wilberforce Lettings
Occasional Services
Insurance claim		 21,383
21,000
907
1,000
3,493
3,500
0
0
25,783
25,500
217,262
211,700
PAYMENTS
Church activities
Common Fund
Payment to Diocese
Curate's House
Salary/Staff Cost
Clergy Expenses
Vicarage
Children and Families
Church Utilities
Church and Hall Insurance
Church Building Maintenance
Major Church Building Works*
Hall Utilities
Hall Building Maintenance
General Supplies
Subscription and Charges
Worship Supplies
Mission/Local outreach
Hardship Fund Payout
Churchyard Expenses
Eco Church		 91,300
95,000
964
1,200
22,507
33,500
38,391
38,950
911
1,100
1,067
1,100
77
100
18,169
21,000
6,681
6,681
17,403
17,000
0
90,000
4,027
4,500
339
640
9,233
9,500
1,484
1,484
420
500
4,633
5,500
690
1,000
1,349
1,500
250
250
219,895
330,505
BALANCE -2,633
-118,805

*Note: Deficit projected for 2025 excluding major church building works is £28,805.

ELECTORAL ROLL REPORT

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The number of people on the church electoral roll now stands at 110. We were required to create a new electoral roll in 2025, in line with the usual 6 yearly cycle. This has led to a drop in the total number on the roll, but the number is likely to rise again as more people apply. We have already received a handful of electoral roll applications after the deadline for participation in the APCM.

REPORT ON FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF ST PAUL’S CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD MAY 2024 – MAY 2025

The church has been regularly monitored to ensure it is maintained to the best possible standards. Annual maintenance checks are scheduled for all major equipment e.g. lift, boilers, fire testing etc and any defects or minor repairs required are brought to the attention of the administrator/churchwardens. These are dealt with as soon as possible using reputable contractors.

Following the Quinquennial Report in early 2024, a schedule of works/maintenance was agreed by Jo and Jane to ensure that those major priorities identified were dealt with promptly and minor repairs or suggestions (eg. decoration, monitoring minor defects) were added to a rolling programme.

Issues arising

Boilers

There have been some issues with the boilers in the Church Hall that supplies the heating for the committee room and the hot water for the church hall kitchen and toilets and also the boiler in The Wilberforce Centre.

Considering the plans for re-developing the hall, the installation of a new boiler for the hall was put on hold. We have managed to ensure that the boiler in the hall kitchen is able to provide hot water. Temporary small heaters were purchased to ensure the Committee Room has su_icient heating if required for use during lettings.

To solve the problem in the Wilberforce Centre kitchen, investigations into a heat source pump are being made, in the meantime, it is planned to install zip taps in the kitchen and toilets.

Lighting

The lighting system installed with the refurbishment of the Church is no longer functioning. This is a computerised system and for the interim period an electrician has manged to override this. We can now operate both the overhead lights and the spotlights from a variety of switches situated in the flower cupboard. These are simple on/o_ switches. There is a longer-term plan to investigate replacing current lighting with LED lights.

Nave Ceiling Cracking

One of the main issues which has arisen with the structure of the church is cracking to the nave ceiling which is getting wider. An inspection was carried out be a specialist company who identified the problem as arising from the weight of the structure on the timbers which have moved apart. Another specialist company has been instructed to complete remedial work to prevent this problem getting worse and we are awaiting a faculty to allow them to proceed. Once this is received, work will be able to start.

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Our roof space is problematic to access and due to Health and Safety restrictions which are applicable in this situation, it has been agreed that from now on only those holding requisite certification and training for accessing such areas will be allowed to enter the roof space.

Pinnacles

Having agreed that the material on the pinnacles has failed and receiving very little satisfaction from either architect or contractors when attempting to rectify this, an inspection on the lime mortar used was carried out by an expert. We are at present in the process of taking further advice to consider how this issue can be resolved to ensure that the pinnacles are restored without further cost to the church.

Alarm System

Recognising that the church needs to be as safe and secure as possible for both property and people, we are intending to install an alarm system so that access areas are covered. A system has been agreed, and we are currently awaiting a start date for the installation of this.

Churchyard

The churchyard continues to be maintained on a weekly basis by the Thursday morning gardening group.

Additions in 2024

Special thanks go to: Derrick Edgerton Bill Taylor

Jane Shelbourn, Churchwarden

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REPORTS FROM CHURCH GROUPS

Report on Churches Together in Mill Hill Activities in 2024

The Walk of Witness held on Good Friday was well supported. Following discussions the committee decided to change the format in 2025 and are continuing to discuss changes to the format, in light of previous experience.

There was a training course run in Harrow for Bereavement Listeners and as a result two more volunteers came forward. There are three drop-in sessions a month, one exclusively for men.

In August the Annual Retreat was held at Pleshey and was well attended. Also in August, “Holiday at Home” was held at the Eversfield Centre but was supported by CTMH members.

2024 saw the last Christmas Day Lunch to be organised by Maggi Lamb. It was a delivery service only and 67 meals were sent out. It cost approximately £500 but we received donations of around £700. A small group will continue to provide the lunch and recently discussions have been taking place to enhance what is available on Christmas Day.

The Night Shelter ran over the period late 2023 to early 2024 and late 2024 to early 2025 involving St Paul’s, John Keble and Mill Hill East, but with collective support from all churches. It was a success and appreciated by the clients.

Derrick Edgerton

Barnet Deanery Synod Report

Barnet Deanery Synod meetings provide an opportunity for representatives from every church in the deanery to gather to share experiences and outcomes of the various activities and outreach taking place in their local churches. This enables parishes to learn from and support one another.

Part of the meeting is given to receiving reports on aspects of deanery business that arise and, where necessary, discussing and deciding the way forward. There is also a keynote speaker or a particular topic for discussion which generally leads into a period of prayer for the work undertaken within deanery and its parishes. The meetings also begin with a period of worship.

Barnet Deanery met on three occasions during 2024, February, June and October.

Fiona Reynoldson

Men’s Breakfast

with an attendance of between 6 and 15 for fellowship and a chat, a cooked breakfast and discussion on a topic of general interest chosen by one of the attendees.

During the year Robin Vicary stepped down as organizer and Graham Searle has stepped aside as chief chef - we thank them both for their support over the years.

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All men are welcome to come along. Please contact Tim Taylor or Bill Taylor for more information and watch out for notices in the weekly St Paul’s Family update email.

the church inviting them to Men’s breakfast and all that it o_ers.

Tim & Bill

Tuesday Group

St. Paul’s Ladies’ Tuesday Group continued to thrive in 2024, with an average attendance of sixteen. The evenings that include food are especially popular, but even if there is no planned meal, the ladies bring a small snack or drink to share, so there are always plenty of goodies to accompany our fellowship.

Our meetings have included a craft evening, a beetle drive and a book review evening, along with our now regular fixtures of the quiz, bingo, walk, pancakes and a couple of meals out. If any ladies would like to join us on the second Tuesday of each month, they would be very welcome. It is a great way to get to know more about each other in a safe space - and there are many very interesting ladies! Our planning session is in September, where we decide on the programme up to the following July.

It is especially good to see people who do not regularly attend the 10am Family Services on Sundays. We have at least 6 or 7 such ladies who often join the Tuesday group, and it is wonderful to keep them within our church family in this way.

Kim Thompson

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