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

2025-12-31-accounts

CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, MILL HILL

Meeting of the Parishioners for the purpose of electing Churchwardens

and

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 26[th] April 2026

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CHURCH OF ST PAUL, MILL HILL

Meeting of the Parishioners for the purpose of electing Churchwardens, 26[th] April 2026

Agenda

  1. Appointment of Clerk

  2. Minutes: To approve the minutes of the Meeting of 25[th] May 2025

  3. Churchwarden 2025 – 2026

  4. Churchwardens 2026 – 2027

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 26[th] April 2026

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 25[th] May 2025

  4. Reports

  5. 4.1 Annual Report and Financial Statements (starting at page 14) 4.2 Electoral Roll Report (page 20)

  6. 4.3 Fabric, Goods and Ornaments (page 20)

  7. 4.4 Churches Together in Mill Hill (page 21)

  8. 4.5 West Barnet Deanery Synod (page 21)

  9. 4.6 Men’s Breakfast (page 21)

  10. 4.7 Ladies Tuesday Group (page 22)

  11. 4.8 Gardening Group (page 22)

  12. 4.9 Eco Church (page 22)

  13. 4.10 Messy Church (page 23)

  14. 4.11 Church Hall Development Group (page 23)

  15. Appointment of Independent Examiner for the ensuing year

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

  17. Election of Sides people

  18. Safeguarding

  20. Any Other Business of Parochial or General Church Interest

  21. Vicar’s Report

  22. Prayers

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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 25[th] May 2025

Present: The Revd J. James and 33 members of the laity.

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

Apologies were received from Mr Edward Blacoe, Mrs Elaine and Mr Simon Brown, Mr Lee Downes, Ms Jane Ferguson, Mrs Marina Hobson, Mrs Natalie Layman, Mrs Lynda Mason, Mrs JeaneKe and Mr Graham Poulton, Mrs Irene Shieh, Mrs Gill and Mr Tim Taylor, Mr Michael Worms.

1. Appointment of Clerk

Proposed by Mrs K. Thompson, seconded by Ms J. Shelbourn, by a show of hands Miss N. Williams was appointed to act as Clerk of the mee=ng.

2. Minutes

The minutes of the mee=ng held on Sunday 26[th] May 2024 had been circulated in advance of the mee=ng. Proposed by Mrs C. Reid and seconded by Mr D. Edgerton, by a show of hands the minutes were approved.

3. Churchwardens 2024/2025

Ms J. Shelbourn con=nued church warden du=es single-handedly whilst the posi=on for a second remained vacant however decided to step down a few months early (March 2025) as the role was becoming a vast one to fulfil long term, giving the congrega=on earlier opportunity to show interest and enquire. Revd J. James con=nued to express her gra=tude for the understated commitment from Ms Shelbourn, making the role a difficult one to fill. We discussed the need and possibility the divide the Warden and Assistant Warden roles with the prayerful hope that members of the congrega=on will be willing to volunteer with reduced responsibility assigned.

Nomina=ons had been received for Mrs K. Jun Ong. Proposed by Ms Shelbourn and seconded by Mr B. Taylor, by a show of hands Mrs Ong was duly elected by the parishioners. The Vicar announced confirma=on of our warden and the mee=ng applauded.

4. Churchwardens 2025/2026

Church warden assignment con=nues with Mrs Ong with support from the PCC where required. The PCC stand by their inten=on of breaking down the roles into smaller ones to reduce the pressure.

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 25[th] May 2025

Present: The Revd J. James and 33 members of the laity.

Apologies were received from Mr Edward Blacoe, Mrs Elaine and Mr Simon Brown, Mr Lee Downes, Ms Jane Ferguson, Mrs Marina Hobson, Mrs Natalie Layman, Mrs Lynda Mason, Mrs JeaneKe and Mr Graham Poulton, Mrs Irene Shieh, Mrs Gill and Mr Tim Taylor, Mr Michael Worms.

1. Appointment of Clerk

Proposed by Mrs K. Thompson, seconded by Mrs M. Jones, by a show of hands Miss N. Williams was appointed to act as Clerk of the mee=ng.

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

Church Hall consulta=on

Upcoming Priesthood for Rev’d B. Townley

Point of note: Safeguarding to be added to the agenda

3. Minutes of the Mee=ng of 26[th] May 2024

These minutes had been circulated in advance of the mee=ng. Approval of the minutes was proposed by Mrs C. Reid, seconded by Mrs F. Reynoldson, by a show of hands, carried.

4. Reports

4.1 Electoral Roll

Mr T Gardiner read the electoral roll report.

The revised roll for 2025 stood at 110 names following the full revision of the roll.

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 2024 had been distributed prior to the mee=ng.

kept aside. Reminded to remember our church vision so we aren’t just pouring into building works. The PCC will take this into considera=on.

Mrs Ong noted that we are underspending on Hardship, and we can do more for the community.

financial support for families to help with school trips, hea=ng bills when required. Uptake is not coming through though we encourage more people to step forward.

There were no further ques=ons.

Approval of all Financial Reports was proposed by Mrs P. Pescod, seconded by Mr D. Edgerton, by show of hands all in favour.

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4.3 Fabric. Goods & Ornaments

The Vicar invited ques=ons on this report and added that repair works to the stairs, seat and planters between the Wilberforce Centre and St. Pauls school was scheduled as currently cordoned off.

Other reports:

4.4 West Barnet Deanery Synod

4.5 Churches Together in Mill Hill

4.6 Men’s Breakfast

4.7 Ladies’ Tuesday Group

5. Budget for 2025 – Presenta=on and Discussion

Mrs C. Ip presented the budget for 2025.

Adop=on of the 2025 Budget was proposed by Mrs C. Reid, seconded by Mr D. Edgerton and, by a show of hands, carried.

6. Appointment of the Independent Examiner for the Ensuing Year

Mr R. Seaton, on approval by the PCC, was appointed would support Mrs C. Ip in how we present our Church finances to ensure the detail is coherent for all; by a show of hands all in favour.

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, thanking Mr Kitauchi for serving his term on the PCC and his contribu=ons children’s Sunday school.

PCC Nomina=ons from May 2025 as follows:

Mrs J. Poulton, proposed by Ms J. Shelbourn and seconded by Mr D. Edgerton, by a show of hands all in favour. Mrs C. Wong, proposed by Mr B. Taylor and seconded by Mrs K. Thompson, by a show of hands all in favour. Ms J. Shelbourn, proposed by Mrs I. Adelaja, seconded by Mrs F. Reynoldson, by a show of hands all in favour.

8. Elec=on of Sidesmen

Miss N. Williams read out the list of those to be elected:

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

Proposed en bloc by Mrs F. Reynoldson, seconded by Ms G. Collier, 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 3[rd] July – 7.45pm for an 8.00pm start – Communion would be shared.

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10. Vicar’s Report

The Vicar was thankful for the opportunity the APCM gave to reflect on St Paul’s progress over the past 12 months and the collective efforts of the church family were celebrated.

In particular, Jane was commended for her extensive service beyond basic duties, including leadership in the gardening group and Bible study. Nadia was formally thanked for stepping into the role of PCC Secretary, Carmen was thanked for her work in managing the transition of church accounts to a new database; while balancing the role of Treasurer and Bill and Derrick were highlighted for their contributions, specifically regarding the church loft/pinnacle work and practical investigations.

The establishing of both monthly communion on the first Wednesday of the month, and Messy Church on Thursdays during term time, was a positive sign of church growth and particular thanks was given to Thomas and Becky for their work with the latter.

There were visible repairs being made to the church, including necessary maintenance/repair work on the loft and outdoor seating.

Alongside these missional and building developments, the church family was encouraged to focus on their personal spiritual growth over the next year.

The Vicar made men=on of the required repairs to stairs, seats and planters between the Church and the School, cordoned off for scheduled repair works.

especially our Warden vacancies. It was stressed that one or two more volunteers for this role allows us to reduce the pressure and commitment on each person.

The Vicar concluded with thanks for the kindness and prayers of St Paul’s church family, noting how gifts shared by every individual are essential to sustaining church life.

Thoughmul prayer was focussed on the changing =mes for everyone, families, schools, the Church and a reminder of remembrance for those in financial hardship including church funding and upcoming commitments.

The mee=ng closed with prayer.

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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 8
Member’s Report 8-11
Statement of Financial Activities 13-14, 17-19
Notes to the Financial Statements 15-16
Electoral Roll Report 20
Fabric, Goods and Ornaments Report 20
Reports from Church Groups 21-23

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ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, MILL HILL ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2025

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

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 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:

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 oc 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 ocer a variety of services throughout the year, catering for quiet contemplation, family

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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 110 parishioners on the Electoral 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 of 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 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.

Financial review

Total income amounted to £259,773 of which £173,270 was voluntary income, £40,337 was investment income and £46,166 came from church activities. Total expenditure amounted to £278,291, of which £42,637 was major church building works and £95,000 was our contribution to the diocesan parish share. The net result for the year was that expenditure exceeded income by £18,518. There are reserves at the end of the year on unrestricted funds of £1,048,289 of which £624,500 is represented by the value of a freehold property.

There are also restricted funds at the end of the year of £80,738, of which £58,197 represents an amount to spend on the churchyard.

Reserves policy

In line with the Charity Commission guidance, it is the policy of the PCC to maintain a balance on its unrestricted funds which equates to at least three months unrestricted payments. Available reserves at 31 December 2025 are well in excess of this.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. It 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, which has ultimate responsibility for a wide range of matters acecting 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.

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There is a stated policy of preferring not to have more than one member of the same family serving on the Council concurrently.

Charity registration number - The PCC is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under charity registration number 1139477.

Safeguarding

The PCC has reviewed the major risks to which the PCC and the church are exposed, ensuring that systems are established to mitigate those risks. Insurance policies are in place to cover appropriate risks to church buildings, employment of stac and public liability and these have been reviewed. Health and safety issues have been discussed and updated during the year and monitored on a regular basis.

A safeguarding policy is in place and is reviewed annually and there are procedures laid down that must be followed to obtain the necessary disclosures for those people working with young children and vulnerable adults. Ms J. Shelbourn is the parish safeguarding ocicer and Mrs M. Jones is the children’s champion.

Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).

Volunteers

and in the community, the financial value of which cannot be quantified.

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 Ocice, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1QU.

The following have served on the PCC during 2025:

Clergy Reverend J. James
Reverend B. Townley (from June 2024)
Churchwardens Mrs K. Jun Ong (from May)
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
Mrs C. Reid
Mr B. Taylor (from APCM 2023)
Ms N. Williams (from APCM 2023) Secretary – 2024
Mrs J. Poulton (from APCM 2025)
Mrs C. Wong (from APCM 2025)

Approved by the PCC on 14 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Revd Joanna James (chair)

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Review of the Year - 2025

Our congregation continues to welcome new people and families from the Parish and wider area.

We are especially grateful for the many ways people serve, often behind the scenes. As some step down from long-held roles, we are looking to share responsibilities more widely, making it easier for more people to be involved in the life and leadership of the church. At our APCM, we confirmed that Jane stepped down as Church Warden and we are forever grateful for her time, energy and commitment. Mrs K. Jun Ong is our incoming Warden, the Children’s Champion role is now filled by Mrs M. Jones and we thank them for their commitment and upcoming service. We also send a huge congratulations to Mike Worms, who received his Barnet Civic Award for Outstanding service to the community .

We opened our doors at the start of the year with colder weather setting in and were pleased to be able to ocer the Wilberforce Centre as a warm and welcoming space for those who wanted to drop in, enjoy a hot drink, have a chat, or spend some quiet time working without the worry of heating costs. It is a simple but important way that we showed care for one another during the winter months.

Life at St Paul’s continues to be full and varied, with many opportunities to gather in fellowship. From spontaneous social events to regular groups like the Tuesday Group , Men’s Breakfast and Gardening Team , there were many ways to connect. These groups continue to deliver a variety of activities for members of the congregation as part of our Mission action plan and are seeing new members attend throughout the year. These moments together, whether in worship, conversation, or shared activity help strengthen our sense of belonging as a church family.

In addition to the above, the Church puts on a range of activities for our children and young people – Sunday groups, weekly visits by Revd Jo and Revd Becky to St Paul’s School and Millbrook Park School as well as school services during the year . Messy Church which has been running for over a year run by Revd Becky and Mr Thomas Gardiner (our Children and Families worker) and takes place at both St. Paul’s and Millbrook Park schools on Thursday’s weekly.

Through joint events, shared services, and ongoing initiatives, we were able to express the unity we have in Christ while serving our wider community more ecectively. The Good Friday Walk of Witness organised by Churches Together was another opportunity for Christians in Mill Hill to publicly worship and share faith together, to reflect, pray and set time aside to grow closer to Jesus. We set up the Wilberforce Centre as space for prayer stations, Rev Jo and Rev Becky helping all 210 children at St Paul’s School to explore dicerent ways of giving thanks to God, saying sorry, listening and praying for those in need.

Partnerships continue to bear fruit in practical ways, supporting those in need and strengthening connections across Mill Hill. Churches together in England’s Annual week of prayer for Christian Unity continues to give Christians from other local churches the opportunity to meet together and is a powerful way of demonstrating the unity that comes from worshipping Jesus. Churches Together in Mill Hill, made up of members from John Keble, Sacred Heart and St. Mary Immaculate, St Michael's, Mill Hill East and Trinity Church, met for their Sunday service at Mill Hill School Chapel, hosted by Rev Ryan Venn Dunn.

We were pleased to be able to give many bags, full of groceries and toiletries to the NW7 Hub Foodbank thanks to the generosity of our local schools and church community for the Harvest Festival . Outreach into our local community remains a key focus including the support we give in hosting the Night Shelter welcoming guests via Homeless Action Barnet (HAB) to weekend stays in our hall over a seven week period, to ocering transport for those unable to attend church. We seek to respond to practical needs with generosity and compassion. Additional activities included giving out Chocolate Easter Eggs on the Broadway, June’s Mill Hill Music Society's evening concert, a Church Summer Picnic, Children’s Christmas Lunch and Chocolate Angels on the Broadway .

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We had our very own Songs of Praise - it was a very lovely time of fellowship and worship. Extended thanks to those who shared their favourite hymns, to Jane for organising it, Pete for playing and for the volunteers who helped to provide refreshments afterwards - we look forward to the next one!

In June, we had two guest speakers come in to preach from a Christian Mission organisation supported by St. Pauls – Bible Society, who translate and share the Bible in communities across the world and Open Doors, who support Christians in over 70 countries who risk their lives to follow Jesus.

We completed our planned 'Visitation' from the Archdeacon , which takes place every three years requiring information about the church - anything from building and fabric maintenance, health and safety policies and services register, to our communion plate, all checked by the Archdeacon. We are happy to report all was in good order.

Consultation for our church hall commenced this year as we continued to plan for the future and explore ways to make our spaces more accessible and better suited to serve the community. This space has been an important part of our community and a blessing to so many over the decades. We pray that it will continue to bless and benefit in the years to come. In the meantime, we were delighted to confirm that the Church loft building works was successfully completed. Our huge thanks go to Bill Taylor who has been integral to the project.

We ramped up our focus on our eco-friendly status this year, working together with our Gardening group to ensure that our churchyard reflects this. The area is such a lovely space for finding peace and engaging in reflection. This year the snowdrops, primroses and bluebells had been especially beautiful.

As we brought the year to a close, we held our Remembrance Sunday service including the wider community with a service by the two war memorials on the Ridgeway, supported by the sea cadets & B Company, Fourth Battalion and The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, as wreaths were laid by people representing the Middlesex regiment, council & community groups; as well as our special annual Memorial Service to remember loved ones, give thanks for their lives and receive God's comfort in our grief. The invite was extended to friends and neighbours who would find the service helpful. We welcomed visits from Good Neighbours, Belmont Lower School, Millbrook Park School and St Paul’s School as we held their Carol services . The Good Neighbour Scheme (GNS) is a charitable incorporated organisation (Registered CIO charity no 1192433) with members and one of those is St Paul’s, who support GNS.

Finally, we give thanks for all that has been shared and achieved together from acts of service and generosity to times of worship and celebration. It is through the faithfulness and willingness of so many that makes St Paul’s.

We saw three Baptisms, Teleola, Yenmife and Lauren. Within the electoral year May 2025 to April 2026, we saw the sad losses of Phyllis Parnell, Dorothy Hubbard, Norah Keeley, Ian Coombes and Marina Hobson.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted funds funds
Note funds funds 2025 2024
(restated)
Income
Voluntary income 1 173,270 4,023 177,293 159,530
Investment income 2 40,337 40,337 36,206
Income from
church activities 3 46,166 46,166 25,783
Total income 259,773 4,023 263,796 221,519
Expenditure
Church activities 4 235,654 7,641 243,295 218,781
Major church building works 42,637 42,637
Total expenditure 278,291 7,641 285,932 218,781
Net expenditure before investment
(loss) gain (18,518) (3,618) (22,136) 2,738
Net (loss) gain on investments
- unrealised (2,632) (2,632) 1,725
Net movement in funds (21,150) (3,618) (24,768) 4,463
Total funds brought forward
at 1 January 2025 1,069,439 84,356 1,153,795 1,149,332
Total funds carried forward
at 31 December 2025 1,048,289 80,738 1,129,027 1,153,795

The attached notes form part of these accounts.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

Note 2025 2025 2024 2024
(restated) (restated)
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 6a 624,500 624,500
Investments 6b 72,673 75,305
697,173 699,805
Current assets
Debtors 7 5,436 9,188
Cash at bank 8 431,840 446,011
437,276 455,199
Liabilities: amounts falling due
within one year 9 5,422 1,209
Net current assets 431,854 453,990
Net assets 1,129,027 1,153,795
Parish funds:
Unrestricted 1,048,289 1,069,439
Restricted 10 80,738 84,356
1,129,027 1,153,795

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 14 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Revd Joanna James (chair)

The attached notes form part of these accounts.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCC’s and with the Regulations ‘true and fair view’ provisions, together with FRS102 (2016) as the applicable standards and the 2016 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP (FRS102).

shown at valuation. The accounts are also prepared on the accruals basis as the income for the year is over £250,000. As a result, the comparative figures for 2024 have been restated as those accounts were prepared on a receipts and payments basis.

law.

Fund accounting

The unrestricted fund represents a fund which is available for use at the discretion of the PCC members in furtherance of the general objectives of the church.

the donors, or which have been raised by the church for particular purposes.

Income

All income is recognised once the PCC has entitlement to the income, it is probable the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income to which they relate is received. Legacies are accounted when the PCC is entitled to the use of the resources, their ultimate receipt is considered reasonably certain and the amounts are readily quantifiable. Dividends and interest are accounted for when received.

In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) donated services and the time spent by volunteers, of which the church is heavily dependent in order to achieve its aims, are not included in income as the economic benefit cannot be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual’s basis. All expenses including support costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the church. However, the support costs are considered negligible and dicicult to determine and therefore are not shown separately.

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Fixed assets

the Charities Act 2011.

Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and

which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insucicient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements. All expenditure incurred during the year to renew, improve or add to them is written oc as an expense.

Investments are valued at market value at 31 December.

Debtors

Other debtors and prepayments are included in the accounts at the amount owing to the PCC at the balance sheet or expenditure that has been prepaid as at that date.

Cash at bank

Cash at bank includes cash held on short term deposit.

Creditors and provisions

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

Financial instruments

financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL'S MILL HILL NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Income
1. Voluntary income
Planned giving
Collections at all services
Donations and appeals
Legacy
Gift aid recovered

2. Investment income
Rent - temporary let on
curate's house
Interest on deposit accounts
and dividends

3. Income from church
activities
Church hall lettings
Wilberforce centre income
Fees from weddings and
funerals

Expenditure
4. Church activities
Mission and outreach
Diocesan parish share
Vicarage and clergy expenses
Curate's house rent
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 fees
Fees paid to LDF
Eco church
Hardship fund payment
Churchyard expenses
 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
Total
funds
funds
funds
2025
2024
(restated)
126,656
126,656
111,324
5,845
5,845
13,743
4,023
4,023
4,034
15,146
15,146
25,623
25,623
30,429
173,270
4,023
177,293
159,530
26,765
26,765
20,699
13,572
13,572
15,507
40,337
40,337
36,206
40,173
40,173
21,383
840
840
907
5,153
5,153
3,493
46,166
46,166
25,783
2,257
2,257
4,633
95,000
95,000
91,300
2,118
2,118
1,978
33,000
33,000
22,507
8,544
8,544
5,960
13,203
13,203
18,752
26,620
26,620
24,084
7,102
7,102
6,197
5,610
5,610
4,027
424
424
339
18,042
18,042
17,631
13,315
13,315
10,175
9,063
9,063
7,945
1,356
1,356
964
250
690
7,641
7,641
1,349
235,654
7,641
243,295
218,781

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL’S MILL HILL NOTES TO THE ACCOUNS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

5. Staff costs
Salary
Pension cost		 2025
2024
16,620
16,275
1,422
1,356
18,042
17,631

One member of staff was employed on a part-time basis throughout the year. (2024: same)

Fixed assets 6a. Tangible assets

Freehold property at valuation of £624.500 as at 31 December 2000.

6b. Investments
CBF Church of England investment fund
3,003 units valued
at
CBF Church of England short duration bond fund
3,935 units valued
at

7.
Debtors
Gift aid recoverable
8. Cash at bank
Current accounts - HSBC
Deposit accounts:
HSBC savings account
CBF Church of England deposit fund

9. Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year
Accounts payable
 2025
2024
66,661
69,437
6,012
5,868
72,673
75,305
5,436
9,188
10,552
14,486
265,840
284,867
155,448
146,658
431,840
446,011
5,422
1,209
5,422
1,209

10. Restricted funds

The funds of the PCC include restricted funds comprising the following balances to be applied for specific purposes:

At At
01/01/25 Incoming Resources 31/12/25
resources expended
Hardship fund 3,560 4,023 7,583
Churchyard 65,838 7,641 58,197
Middlesex Regiment - upkeep of war
memorial and memorabilia 14,958 14,958
84,356 4,023 7,641 80,738

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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST PAUL'S MILL HILL NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

11. Analysis of net assets by fund

11. Analysis of net assets by fund
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
 Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total
697,173
697,173
356,538
80,738
437,276
(5,422)
(5,422)
1,048,289
80,738 1,129,027

12. Related party transactions

The PCC members are considered the key management personnel of the church. No remuneration is paid directly to key management personnel, although the church contributes to the diocesan fund and the incumbent, who has overall responsibility for promoting the whole mission of the church, is remunerated directly by the diocese.

Organist fees of £8,287 were paid to Mr Peter James, the husband of the vicar.

Income from planned giving includes £31,288 received from PCC members.

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4.2 Electoral Roll Report

From 9[th] April 2026, the new electoral number stands at 110 and welcomes 4 new members

4.3 REPORT ON FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF ST PAUL’S CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD MAY 2025 – APRIL 2026

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.

Issues arising

Heating and Hot Water

There were some issues with the boiler in The Wilberforce Centre which was not heating water for the taps in the kitchen and toilets. A new hot water system was installed which provides the requisite hot water to both areas.

Heating in the Church Hall was reported as faulty with some radiators not functioning properly. However, with the aid of one of the HAB visitors from the Night Shelter, this was solved and all radiators appears to be working correctly allowing hall lettings to continue.

Lighting/ Solar Energy

Research to replace lighting within all areas of the church to upgrade standards and to conform with Eco Church eciciency, is presently taking place. There are also some on-going discussions about solar panels to assist with energy costs.

Nave Ceiling Cracking

The nave ceiling cracking has been remedied by work to solve the problem by repairing the structure to ensure that the roof remains stable, preventing further movement. There are still a few more aspects of this work outstanding but the major structural work to the roof is now complete. Thank you Bill for all your expertise!

Pinnacles

Finding a solution to remedying the substandard work on repairing the pinnacles remains on-going. Discussion is still taking place with both the architect and contractors.

Alarm System

The alarm system for the church has been started but we await completion in the near future.

Additions in 2025

A new dishwasher was purchased for the Wilberforce Centre to assist with groups such as Men’s Breakfast and Church lettings.

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Reports from Church Groups

4.4 Report on Churches Together in Mill Hill Activities in 2025

The Good Friday Walk of Witness was shorter this year and provoked many comments. These have been listened to, and the Walk of Witness 2026 will, again, start at The Eversfield Centre and end at Sacred Heart.

The “Holiday at Home” week hosted and organised by Trinity but supported by many, was successfully held in the latter part of August.

The CTMH Annual Retreat held as usual at Pleshey Retreat House was attended by 17 people.

The major change this year was the Christmas Day lunch. This was organised by a completely new team and was prepared at Mill Hill East Church. 54 meals were delivered using 18 volunteer drivers. Costs went up from £515 in 2024 to £578 in 2025, but donations went down from approximately £700 to £20. Many lessons were learnt and will be mulled over at the CTMH Executive Committee.

Derrick Edgerton (CTMH Treasurer)

4.5 Barnet Deanery Synod Report

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

The meetings begin with a period of worship, with time 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 the deanery and its parishes.

Barnet Deanery Synod met in March and June during 2025. Topics included an Eco Church focus, with a London Diocese speaker explaining why and how the Diocese supports and gives support to churches involved in Eco church. Our very own Simon Brown also spoke on A Rocha, giving some examples of the churches who have worked from bronze up to gold.

Fiona Reynoldson

4.6 Men’s Breakfast

Bright or Dim - the weather, of course! - a dozen or so diverse chaps gather in the Wilberforce Centre on the first Saturday in the month to consider and gently discuss topics of interest, after eating porridge and bacon sandwiches.

And once the dishwasher is loaded, we’re back home to start those weekend chores by 9.30am. Open to all men, new members of the St Paul’s congregation are especially invited to attend, just let Tim know you’d like to attend and bring a fiver – we give any profit to charity.

We will be delighted to introduce ourselves to you and you to others.

Bill Taylor / Tim Taylor’s contact details: E: tim@taylors.org.uk / M: 07411 209707

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4.7 Tuesday Group

We have had another successful year, with average attendance of around 16. Our popular Bingo Night kicked oc 2025 and we enjoyed our regular events including the quiz, walk, book evening and pancakes. We spent a fascinating evening looking at international dress and some of our group displayed clothing from their homelands. We had the opportunity to try on a sari, and Olive demonstrated her amazing skill at creating all styles of headdress in seconds! Our Christmas meal out was a lovely evening, rounding oc our year splendidly.

We have such a lovely group and really enjoy our evenings – it would be great if more ladies would join us to experience this. Please consider coming along – we meet on the second Tuesday of the month, mainly in the Wilberforce Centre. You will be welcome.

Kim Thompson

4.8 Gardening Group

The Gardening Group meets every Thursday morning from around 8.45am in the Churchyard to take care of the environment and ensure that those visiting the graves of loved ones are able to find a quiet, reflective space. It is a space which really reflects the beauty of God’s creation and encourages us in our stewardship of it. The churchyard has been particularly beautiful this spring with an abundance of snowdrops, crocuses, dacodils, violets and primroses and each season bring its own pleasures.

There are many jobs to be done, and we have recently had all the hedges cut to ensure that these can be more easily maintained. This was a large undertaking, but we were anxious to get it done in the Winter months to ensure it did not interfere with the time that birds were nesting. We now plan to fill any gaps with some new hedging plants where necessary.

At present we are working closely with Carol (our Eco-Church representative) to ensure that we encourage environmentally initiatives such as no mow May in some areas. We aim to encourage wildlife through increasing the amount of bat and bird boxes available, creating wood piles for minibeasts and building an insect hotel. We have also added a water butt to increase water sustainability.

In thinking about how we can become more sustainable in the equipment used, we have now purchased some new battery-operated tools. These have reduced our dependence on using petrol and are also lighter and easier to manipulate.

We could always use more help in this endeavour, so we would welcome new volunteers to come along and join us. A friendly chat, tea/cocee and cake are provided!

Jane Shelbourn

4.9 Eco Church

Eco church is a project of A Rocha UK; a charity committed to mobilising Christians to care for nature and God’s Earth. There are 3 awards bronze silver and gold. St Paul’s has received the bronze award and is working towards silver.

We have been looking at ways to make churchyard more nature friendly and over the next few years, will work to reduce our carbon footprint, replacing lights with LED, also possible pump heating and solar panels

Genesis 2.15 The Lord God took man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and take care of it.

Carol Reid

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4.10 Messy Church

‘Be kind and compassionate to one another’ Ephesians 4v32

What is Messy Church?! On Thursday afternoons, we run an informal and fun church session for parents and primary aged children, known as Messy Church. The main focus of each session is the opportunity parents and children have to spend a mealtime and craft time together, with a Bible story, and a time of worship and prayer. It gives the leaders and volunteers the opportunity to build valuable relationships with the families who attend.

This is a key area of outreach for St Paul’s into our wider community ; we have been successful in welcoming in families who would not otherwise be coming to church and it gives us an opportunity to share God’s love with them.

The sessions have been doing well and are growing in number . We often have between 10-20 children attend each session, along with their parents or carers and the children enjoy making theme related craft each week, including Mother’s Day cards and decorating biscuits to represent the empty tomb (it really can be done!) and creating Noah’s ark using paper plates - come and get involved and share your creative ideas!

We love gathering around to enjoy food and fellowship - the children and parents enjoy making their own sandwiches, eating pizza and on special occasions, burgers! The weekly cost for food and craft resources averages around £20.

highlight of the week, for all the children! ‘We love because He first loved us’ 1 John 4v19

Rev. Becky Townley (Curate) and Thomas Gardiner, (Children and Families Pastor)

4.11 Church Hall Development Group

A Church Hall Development group has been formed to look at how we can make the most of our facility for the church and community. The hall shows its age and will need considerable work to bring it up to the standard our users deserve.

Various options for its future use have been explored, with a public consultation exercise which took place in May & June 2025. In April 2026, the group will be working with a local architect to develop a building feasibility study, looking at options for refurbishment or redevelopment.

Chris Wong

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