2024-12-31-accounts

The Parish of St Mary and St John the Divine Balham Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31" December 2024 St Mary and St John the Divine BALNAM Charity Registration Number: 1139488

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Contents Page Legal and administrative deLiiIs Trustees, Report Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 13-18 Notes to the Accounts 19-31 Annual Parochial Church Meeting Report

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Legal and administrative details Charitable status The Parish Church Council of St Mary and St John the Divine, Balham, was previously a charity exempted from registration with the Charity Commission. In 201 O as required by charity legislation, the Parish Church Council completed registration with the Charity Commission and gained its charity registration number: 1139488. Location of the Church St Mary's Church is on Balham High Road, London SWI 2 9BS. Incumbent Incumbent priest from 30th January 2023 Revd Jonathan MacNeaney Bankers National Westminster Bank Plc, Balham High Road. London SWI 2 and CAF Bank Limited. 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling. Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Examiner: Mrs Paula Thomas, Charcered AccountanL London SW16

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 The Parochial Church Council IPCC) The PCC of St Mary and St John the Divine has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church.. pastor31, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It is also responsible for maintaining and developing the building for the parish. Trustees (bein8 the members ol the PCC) Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting IAPCMI in accordance with the Church Representational Rules. Those elected bring the skills required for the PCC and ensure the diversity refletts that of the parish. The PCC normally meets seven times per year. During 2024, the members of the PCC were- Appointsnènt Until 2026 APCM Re51gned September 2023 Until 2026 APCM Resigned August 2024 Until ZOZ6 APCM Name Ms Kamalini Arul Committee Ms Lynn 8eatiie Giving Group Mr Graeme Calf Lettln8s. Giving Group Until 2026 APCM M5 Julia de Cr Until 2026 APCM Ms Ka￿n Gray LeThngs Ex Officio Churchwarden Until 2025 APCM Until 2026 APCM Deanery Synod Until 2027 APCM Ms Diane Molmes Standin& Lettings Mr Bru￿ Knight Ms Paulbne Lamunu Until 2026 APCM Mr Jack lawson Until 2026 APCM Tre35urer Vitar, Chair MrJohnA Uoyd N Stsnding Fr Jonathan MatNeaney Standin¥ Ex Officio Churchwardtn Until Z025 APCM Untyl 2026 APCM Ms Nicky Morton Ms Margaret Olasebikan Until 2027 APCM Ms Wendy Newall Giving Group Until 2027 APCM Deanery Synod Vice-chair Until ZO26 APCM MrAnd￿W Purkls Standing, Giving Group Ms Dorothy Tay Until 2016 APCM Oeanery Syn¢>d Mr Sed8il WartemberÈ Names in bold are the trustee5 at 31 December 2024 and at the date of this report.

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Committee5 The PCC operates through several committees that meet between full meetings of the PCC and prepare reports for those full meetings. Emergencies that arise are dealt with by the Standing Committee which comprises the Incumbent, Churchwardens, Secretary. Treasurer. and one other member of the PCC appointed by the PCC lin 202 1-2 the Vice-chairl. Standing Committee This IS the only committee required by law. It has powertotransact the busine55 of the PCC between its meetings, Subject to any directions given by the PCC. It also prioritises and prepares the agenda for PCC meetings. Bullding & Fabric Committee This committee oversees the physical resources of the Church attendin8 to matters relating to the Church building, grounds, fabric, and equipment. Having met irregularly. in 2023 this committee was abolished. Its work is covered by the churchwardens sUPPOrted by two members of the PCC who undertake monthly site inspections. Lett•ngs Committee This committee attends to matters relating to the letting and maintenance of the space available for hire. Giving Committee This committee maintains an active overview of financial support for the church's mission via stewardship, legacies, and fundraisin8 from events or Trusts and other funding a8encies Church attendance There were 154 members on the Church Electoral Roll at the end of 2024. Average Sunday attendance in October 2024 was 98. Collective Worship for Trinity St Mary's CofE Primary School took place when possible every Thursday in term-time. Other services. including b3Ptism, weddings. and funerals, were conducted in the church. Review of the year St Mary's saw fruitful mission throughout 2024. Our core worshiping community continues to grow and this has enabled us to serve the wider parish effectively. In the summer of 2024, we engaged Karen Gray a5 Parish Nurse and began regular healing Eucharists and health talks. This ministry is thrivin8. We are blessed to be able to baptise new Christians, prepare children to receive communion and this vear we have prepared a number of teenagers and adults for confirmation. We thank God for the faithful moving of the Spirit among u5 and pray that we may continue to serve as he calls us.

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Review of the year (continued) Unrestricted income declined in 2024 to £163k12023: £242kl primarily due to large legacies coming in prior year. However, we continued to see significant uptake in room lettings of £47k 12023: £40kl. Unrestricted expenditure declined to £146k12023.' £166kl. primarily as a result of a decline in building and fabric repairs to £23k12023.' £SOkl. More information about our activities and mission is found on our website.. www.stmarybalham.org.uk. Public benefit statement The PCC has considered the Charity Commission's Euidance on public benefit. Working cooperatively with the clergy and other members of the congreBation, it strives to enable all people to live out their faith as part of our parish community. This means facilitating opportunities for worship. prayer, and study, as well as encouraging service to an(J care for members of the wider community of which we are a part. Community The Church Building is used by church groups and the local community. Users include Guides & Brownies, St Mary's Choir, St MarWs Children's Choir. a concert series, Lent and Advent couises, Alcoholics Anonymous, Warm Hubs twice weekly and various social and fundraising events. Other groups who have used the building regularly include the United Church of the Messiah, children's music, movement and drama groups, after school tuition, dance classes, and various exercise and wellness classes.

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Stewardship and other forms of giving Income from Stewardship decreased to £58k {2023'. £73kl, primarily as a result of a couple of givers moving away. A further £16k12023.' £18kl was recovered on gift aid donations, including under the Small Donations scheme. Stewardship giving primarily includes monthly standing orders and a blue envelope scheme. The community generously supported lin excess of stewardship income described above) various donation appeals and fundraising events with online talk5, concert series, tea parties. dinner5 and quiz2es, raffles, jumble sales and the like raising around £25k. Risk management The PCC h35 appointed two Safeguardin8 officers {one of which was appointed in 2024} to ensure full attention is paid to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults whilst in the building and attending events and services. This is a key practice to minimize the risks identified in the risk review conducted by the Churchwarden5. The PCC updated the Health and Safety policy and lettings policies. including ensurin8 risk assessments were completed by all those conducting activities within the Parish Church of St Mary and St John the Divine. Safeguarding training is undertaken as stipulated by diocesan policies and the Safeguarding Officer keeps a record of its timely completion. Other risks leg financial. or related to Health and Safety, etcl were re8ularly reviewed by the Health and Safety Officer, the PCC and its Standing Committee. Finance report Income During the year the church's unrestricted general fund income totaled £163k12023.' £242kl. The main reason for the decrease in income from the previous year is primarily attributed to a decrease in large legacies. However. room lettings continued to grow. increasing to £47k12023.' £41kl. Restricted income (including gift aid thereonl totalled £4k .

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE. BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Finance report (continued) Expenditure Expenditure for the year from the unrestricted fund amounted to £146k12023.. £166kl. The decrease of £29k is mainly due to the unexpected replacement of the boiler heatin8 System and higher energy costs in the prior year. Charltable G•ving Donations totalling £1.6k12023'. £3kl were made to 11 {2023.'121 missionary or charitable or8anisations during the year, from funds raised by special collections. (Details are given in note 101. Oeficit The PCC reports a surplus on the unrestricted fund of £16k12023'. Surplus of £75kl. Transfer between Funds During the year, designated funds nil were utilized and released to the unrestricted general fund. The desi8ned fund was increased in 2024 with the approval of the PCC The current balance is £50k Reserves As at 31st December 2024, the PCC has £SOk in a desi8nated fabric reserve. £106k in the 8eneral fund and £8k in restricted funds. The restricted funds represent a number of funds expendable only in accordance with the specific wishes of the donorlsl. Of the E6k held in restricted funds at the year end, this includes a new grant (£8051 from Southwark Diocese to Start a Parish Nurse Scheme. (Further details are given in Note 81. Reserves policy The PCC'S 8eneral reserves policy is to hold reserves equal to a minimum of three months, expenditure. The current level of general reseNes £106k, is in excess of this figure. The PCC considers that a designated fabric reserve of £50k is an appropriate sum to hold aside for repairs required to the Grade11 listed building.

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Statement of PCC members, responsibllities The law requires PCC members to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial activities of the Parochial Church Council of St Mary and St John, Balham durin8 the year and its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements. we are required to: Select suitable accountin8 policies and apply them consistently: Make judgements that are reasonable and prudent- State whether applicable accountin8 Standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statement5,' and Prepare the financial statements on a going concern b35i5. unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Parochial Church Council of St Mary and St John the Divine, 8alham will continue in operation. The PCC members are responsible for keeping accounting records. for safeguardin8 the assets of the organization, and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. should they exist. For and on behalf of the PCC Jonathan MacNeanev Vicar and Chair of PCC hn Lloyd Treasurer Date 9, May 2025

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE PCC OF ST MARY AND ST JOHN THE DIVINE BALHAM This report is on the accounts of the PGC for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on Pages 11 to 18. Respeclive responsibilities of the Trustees and the Independent Examiner As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to". examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an opinion as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in ihe statement below.. Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with my examination no matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; or the accounts did not accord with the accounling records. I have come across no other matters in connection with my examination to which attention should be drawn, in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Paula Thomas Bsc FCA CTA 25 Westcote Road, London SW16 6BN Date: 10

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE. BALHAM Annu21 Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31. December 2024 Unrestricted Restritted Funds Funds 2024 Total 2023 Total Note INCOME Voluntary income Church Acuvities Acriviries for generating funds Income from invescments 2(a) 21bl 21c} 21d) 101.362 9,174 49.751 2.570 2.662 1,387 104,024 10.561 49,751 2.570 194,667 8,939 43,110 958 Total income EXPENDITURE Church Acrivities Raising Fund5 3(a) 3(b) 146.312 196 2.524 1.377 148,836 1.573 169.353 1,071 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 14 SURPLUSI(DEFICIT) OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE 77 Total Funds brought forward 140,118 7,470 147.588 70,338 Total funds carried fonNard The notes on pages 13 to 18 form part of these financial $ratements

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST JOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 BALANCE SHEET At 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 21.459 24.663 150 192 74 170 LIABILITIES Creditors: amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL NET ASSETS 147 PARISH FUNDS Rescricred Designated General 7.618 50,000 106467 7,470 20,078 TOTAL FUNDS Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 9 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by Jonathan MacNeaney Vicar Chair of PCC loyd Treasurer The notes on pages 13 to 18 fom) parr of these financial statements 12

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST JOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 I ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basls of preparation The PCC is a public beneftt entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prep2red under the Charities Act 201 l and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the In¢Jividual accounts of the PCCS. and with the Regulations true and fair view" provis￿￿n$. together with FRS 10212017) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2017 version of the S¢atemeni of Recommended Pracuce. Accounu'ng and Reporting by Charities, {SORP {FRS 102)). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cosr convention. Golng concern The Tru5tee5 have considered Income and expenditure for 2025 and Set a budget for the year which reflects a surplus of £107, after transfers from restricred and designated lund5. This will be absorbed by Ihe general fund. leaving approximately £106k at the end of 2025 in the general fund as a reserve. The PCC are confident thar this indicates that the charity is a going c¢rt¢ern. Flxed assets Purchases are written off in the year ol purchase. The Church building The activities of the PCC take place at S¢ Mary s Church in Balham which is owned by the Church of England {Southwark Diocese). The PCC is responsible for the repair of the Church building and for safeguarding the Church building and assets. All repairs and development expenditure is charged to the income and expendirure accounL Funds General Funds represent ihe funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restricuons regardinR their use. and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Fund5 designated for a particuL3r purpose by the PCC are also unrestricred. Restricted Funds are those funds which must be spenr on specthc purposes. Deuils of the funds held. and movements during the year. are in note 8. The financial statements include all transactj'ons. assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. Incomlng Resources Planned w'ving, collections and donations are recogni5ed when receryed. Tax recoverable under Grfr is recognized when the incoming resource to which it relates is reCe￿ed. Grant5 and lerdcies are accounted for when the PCC is notified of its legal entitlemen¢ the amount due is quantifiable. and its ultimate receipt by the PCC ￿ reaSona￿Y certain. Interest entitlements are aCcoun￿d for as they accrue. Rental income from the letting of the church premises is recognised when the renral is due. Resource5 Expended Grants and donations are accoLtnted for when patd. or when awarded rf that award create5 a binding or constructive obligauon on the PCC. The diocesan contribution or parish share is aCcoUn￿d for when due. 13

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND ST JOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 INCOMING RESOURCES Unresrricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 Total 2023 Total Volunta Income Planned Givin Gift Aid recovered Communion alms Bequesrs inc Benjamin Weir Donations, a Grants Listed Places of Worship VAT Recove Scheme acies Total 58.265 16.448 6.114 58.265 16.680 6.114 73.255 17,620 4.927 400 232 ea1& etc 17.199 1,330 1.100 18,529 1.100 2,837 22,417 1,933 6,978 2,837 500 101.363 500 104.025 67.137 194,667 2.662 Church Activities Fees & char es for services Fundraisin events Coffee donations Candle donations, etc Total 4.327 3,045 549 1.252 9.173 4.327 4.422 549 1.262 10.560 3,402 3,914 522 1,377 10 1.387 8.939 Activities for Generatin Funds Parkin Use of church and rooms Total 2,460 47.291 49,751 2.460 47,291 49,751 2.128 40,982 43,110 2(d) Income from Investments Interes¢ and dividends Total 2.570 2,570 2.570 2.570 958 958 Total Income 162.857 4,049 166.906 247.674 14

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 EXPENDITURE Unrestricced Funds Designaied Funds Restricted Funds 2024 Total 2023 Total Church Activities Missiona & Charitable Givin Minist Diocesan arish share Accommodation for Curate Insurance & Wacer Rates Heat & Li ht Tele hone & Broadband Church- repairs & maintenance & decoration Flowers Other expenses inc refreshment5 Fees ble Cleanin Music inc Or anists Altar re uisites unior. Senior church & creche Garden & rounds Staff ex enses and trdinin Vicar s ex enses Parish Administrator Bookkee services Pos(a riniin & scaiione Inde endent Examination fee5 Bank char es ment and software Inre airs Total Raisin Funds Fundraisin costsl ublici Total Total Ex 595 57.900 1.613 2,208 57.900 2,541 45,458 6,000 8.588 13,051 1.975 50,522 9.253 12,340 851 23.381 9.253 12.340 851 23,381 655 1,290 724 1.575 1.290 2.250 9.774 1.060 9.836 1,182 490 202 2.250 9.774 1.060 9.836 1,182 490 202 295 42 6,680 3.975 2,846 300 1,817 9,013 989 7.831 1,524 235 1.946 508 43 6.048 3.795 3.450 250 284 1.186 es & materials n tunin 295 42 6,680 3.975 1846 300 146.312 2.524 148.836 169,353 196 196 146.508 A further analysis of missionary and charitable giving is given in Note 9 1.377 1.377 3,901 1.573 1,573 150,409 1,071 1.071 170,424 enditure STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Average no of employees 21,476 16.718 RELATED PARTIES There were salary payments made to one member of PCC during the year. No other PCC member5 or persons closely connected with such members received payments, by St Mary's Church or any closely related organisation. except for expenses incurred on behalf of the church. The members of the PCC made donauons to St Mary's totalling £18k (2023.. £22k). 15

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE. BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 DEBTORS 2024 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Gift aid rax recoverable Sundry debtors Accrued income Prepayments 4.204 15,549 1.566 4.344 15.549 1.566 5.511 18.381 771 21,319 140 21,459 24,663 CREDITORS - amounts falling due within one year Unrescricced Restricted Toral Total Total Independenc Examination Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 300 4.840 435 300 4,840 1,439 250 22,924 4,093 1,004 5.57S 1,004 6,579 27,267 Creditors consist of accrued expenses and other amounts due in the normal operations of the church. FUNDS rict 21L￿F￿nd are those expendable only in accordance with the specific wishes of the donorls) iLaEgdEund are those ear-marked by the PCC for a particular project or purpose. nrestricted objects of the Church. ated F are expendable at the discretion of the PCC. in furtherance of the 16

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS l Jan 2024 Income less expenditure (utilizations) Transfers 31 Dec 2024 FUNDS Restricted Children's Choir Psalters & Music in Church Healey Willan Memorial Robes and Albs Building 8ibles for TSM Wandsworth BC Sunday School grant LED Brighcer Greener Parish Nurses Scheme 90 446 100 40 2,000 358 2,656 900 880 90 343 100 40 2,000 307 2,586 900 447 805 (103) {51) (70) (433) 805 Total Restricted 7.470 7.618 Unrestricted De518nated Fabric Reserye 50,000 50,000 Total De5i8nated 20,078 29,922 50,000 General Fund 120,040 16,349 (29,922) 106,467 Total Unrestricted 16.349 156.467 Total Funds 147.588 16.497 164,085 17

THE PARISH OF ST MARY AND STJOHN THE DIVINE, BALHAM Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 9 CHARITABLE GIVING Overseas Home Mission Total 2024 Total 2023 2024 2024 From Restricted Funds Bisho Crisis St Thomas with St Ste Friends of TSM Po eal Box on High Road RNLI Wandsworth Su Water Aid 5LentA eal 50 765 50 765 666 446 268 142 127 hen PCC 180 49 180 49 21 ort for Refu ees 36 296 36 296 Little Vill Merc Shi 8.O.N.A. World Aids Da Wandsworth Work & Pla Total Givin 225 53 53 243 10 243 2,S41 534 1.078 1,612 18

2024 Annual Parochial Church Meeting Report Table of Contents Finance Report PCC and Standing Committee Report Electoral Officerfs Report Church Warden's Report: Fabric and Ornaments Safeguarding Report Giving Group Report Lettings Committee Report Parish Nursing Report Health and Safety Report 10. Gardening Group Report 11. Trinity St Maws School Report 12. Music at St Marys Report 13. Brownies and Guides Report 14. Sunday School Report 15. Deanery Synod Report 16. Churches Together Report 17. Vicarfs Report 19

1. Finance Report The main audited finance report for the year to 31 December 2024 is available elsewhere in this document. In summary, during the year the church's unrestricted general fund income totaled £163k (2023: £242k). The main reason for the decrease in income from the previous year is primarily attributed to a decrease in large legacies. However, room lettings continued to grow, increasing to £47k (2023: £41 k). Restricted income (including gift aid thereon) totalled £4k. Expenditure for the year from the unrestricted fund amounted to £146k (2023: £166k). The decrease of £29k is mainly due to the unexpected replacement of the boiler heating system and higher energy costs in the prior year. Donations totalling £1.6k (2023: £3k) were made to 11 {2023:12) missionary or charitable organisations during the year, from funds raised by special collections. The PCC reports a surplus on the unrestricted furld of £16k (2023: Surplus of £75k). During the year, designated funds nil were utilized and released to the unrestricted general fund. The designed fund was increased in 2024 with the approval of the PCC. The current balance is £50k. John Lloyd. Treasurer
2. Parochial Church Council and Standing Committee Report The PCC met throughout the year, usually once every two months, maintaining a systematic overview of the church's activities and mission, and of the management of its resources and staff. I confirm that the PCC has complied with the duty under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have regard to the House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The PCC'S Standing Committee comprises the Vicar, Churchwardens, Treasurer and PCC Secretary. It has met a few days before each PCC meeting to prepare the agenda and plan how best the issues before the PCC are to be presented for decision (including preparing the Budget and other financial information). PeterAssor 20

Report of the Electoral Roll Officer This year saw the revision of the Electoral Roll (every 6 years). Parishioners could fill in forms online or in person and the total number on the new register is 89. The old register had 154 on the list but that included many who had, over the previous 6 years, moved away, left the church, or passed on. Graeme Calf Church Wardens Report: Fabric and Ornaments The fabric and Ornaments of the building have been well maintained with the regular servicing of the lift, fire extinguishers, alarms, electrics, sound-system, gutters and floor polishing. Permission was finally given by the Diocesan Board that repairs could go ahead to stop rain water coming in through the Nave ceiling and Baptistry. This was completed in November and appears to be successful. We are still awaiting Diocesan permission to proceed with repairing the plaster work in the Baptistry and Holy Family chapel. The Stone Masons Boden and Ward repaired the stone pillar hit last year by Hornsby House Minibus in January 2024. We have Smart Metres installed so regular readings can be taken. A brand new back door into the school playground has been fitted - many thanks to Martin for doing this. One of the garden planters had to be removed due to old age and space has now been given to the Cherry Tree planted in memory of Emese Bito. We have also had 3 new smoke detectors fitted and a new St George's flag installed. We would like to thank Margaret Olasebikan and Jack Lawson for their monthly reports on the Church building. We also thank Martin for his continued dedication to maintaining this beautiful building. Throughout the year we have organi5ed several working parties to do extra cleaning and repairs and we would like to thank everyone who has helped make St Marys so special. Diane Holmes and Nicky Morton Church Wardens 21

Safeguarding Julia remains as Parish Safeguarding Officer{PSO) and works closely withjonathan in covering safeguarding responsibilities. Since the last APCM we are still searching for a second PSO, so if anyone is interested please contact Julia or Jonathan to find out more.Jonathan and Julia completed the Parish Safeguarding Audit in February 2025. Safeguarding Incidents Since the previous APCM last year there have been 2 safeguarding incidents reported, 1 enquiry, and 2 historic submissions that have been passed to the Diocese. DBS 6 DBS checks (new and renewal) were completed since last year. These were for PCC members and our Children's Ministry. There are an additional 5 applications ongoing. Training All of those currently required to undertake safeguarding training will have been notified of the courselcourses required and the level required based on their role (paid or voluntary). For the future Jonathan is still exploring the possibility of a Safeguarding Training Day at St Marys, so that all those who are eligible andlor interested can achieve a Foundation Level Certificate, but anyone can complete the course online at anytime by using this link: https://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/training/ I can confirm that the PCC has complied with the duty to have due regards to the House of Bishop's policies and guidance in relation to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Julia D'cruz Parish Safeguarding Officer 22

Giving Group The Giving Group meets every 6 to 8 weeks, and corresponds between meetings, in its role of maintaining an overview of, encouraging and inspiring, the raising of funds to support the worship and mission of our church. Lettings are the subject of a separate report. The Giving Group's remit covers: stewardship, legacies, grant applications, collections and sales, raffles and other events with a significant fund- raising dimension. It reports regularly to the PCC. We liaise with Nigel Collier and his team who organise the wonderful free concert series which give such pleasure to many people within and beyond the church community and attract significant donations. Lynn Beattie stepped down from the Group during the year with our warm thanks for her contribution since its inception. Members at the year end were: Fr Jonathan, Graeme Calf, Wendy Newall, Fiona Symes and Andrew Purkis. We would warmly welcome additional members, not least anyone with an interest in outreach and marketing. The strategic priority of the Group is to increase regular and reliable giving through stewardship, as ideally we would spend less time and effort on other fundraising and more on the priorities in our Mission Action Plan. Our annual Stewardship Appeal is in June and is key to the success of our Mission. We also seek to maintain a drip-drip of awareness about the importance of making a will, and remembering St Marys in it as so many have done on whose shoulders we now stand. In addition we strongly support church events which produce funds whilst also helping to enrich our community and reach out to others: our annual Garden Party, our concerts (including in the past year a memorable and high profile Westenders Concert in August), our Tea and Hymns, and regular favourites including Pancakes and Beetle Drive, Harvest Supper, and selective talks in church, including in the past year one by two Policemen and one by a well known advocate of good health and well-being. And both Christmas and Easter at St Maws would not be quite the same without our well-supported raffles. It is a sadness thatThe Grapevine, conceived in the Group, has temporarily ceased because of the lack of a co-ordinating editor. There is no shortage of contributors and enthusiasm for this simple newsletter to enhance our communal life and how 23

we can support it, and we hope that it will soon awake from its current hibernation. We thank sincerely all who support the work of the church through their giving of money and time, and all who organise, support and participate in the initiatives that the Group helps to inspire and co-ordinate. Andrew Purkis Chair. The Giving Group Lettings Committee report Lettings have been going very well this year, as the financial report indicates. We receive about 3-5 email requests a week to use our church. The enquiries led to us making bookings for: parties, first aid classes, business meetings, counselling service, GP surgery away day, sound healing sessions, school concerts, school health hearing and vision testing, wakes, singing/ musical instrument practice. We secured 4 new regular lets including a private fitness class", a dance class and 2 new AA groups, (we now have 6 A4 groups using our church regularly). We offered Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust our rooms once a week for child health care clinics, this only lasted a few months as they said the rooms were not suitable, unfortunately they left without paying & we are still trying to recover the debt. Balham in Bloom was held at St Maws in June 24 and was a great success. We have lost a couple of regular bookings including a large choir who used the Narthex every week, she was asked to leave as she owed over £1,000. We are still trying to recoup the payment. As well as our paid users we also offer a variety of community outreach support, including School Councillor meetings," The sewing club; The repair shop; Wandsworth World refugees and the Retired clergy meetings. TSM school use our space for meetings and services once a week. Our own Little Lambs meet once a week. Once a month we also have a One Stop Organiser to offer later life advice. We introduced new lettings policies and increased fees from September 2024.As a rough calculation we now get about £2,700 a month from lettings. Melinda our administrator sadly left us in December 2024, we thank her for all the work she did with lettings and keeping up with regular users. Happily, we now welcome Mella as our new administrator. She will be a taking on all new booking 24

requests and one-off lettings from Karen in May 25, as well as managing all regular users. In addition to room hire we have five weekday parking permits. If you drive to church during the week, please do not park in the 5 marked spaces. The letting committee meet regularly, to discuss safety, storage, health concerns and any complaints from users. Thanks tojonathan, Graeme and Diane. Melinda/ Mella for their support. Thanks to Jonathan who welcomes most of our one off and new lets and opens up for them, also to Colin, Bruce and Graeme who are there when needed. Thanks also to Margaret our financial advisor who coordinates the invoices & payments. Our current regular classe5 Monday 9.15- 10.50am 7-8pm Tuesday 8-2pm 9.30-10.30pm 3.45- 6.45pm 12-1pm 7.30- 9pm 7pm-8pm 8-9pm Wednesday 7- 9.30pm Thursday 9.50- 11.50am 12-1pm 3.45- 6.15pm 8- 9.45pm Friday 9.30- 10.50am 6.30- 7.30pm Saturday 1.30-4pm 6-8 pm Sunday 1-3pm 6- 7.30pm Narthex MR Tappy Toes Narthex Balcony MR Balcony Narthex Balcony MR Baby Sensory Music lesson Kumon Classes Councillor Popchoir Martial Arts MR Narthex Balcony MR MR Monkey Music Councillor Kumon Classes Narthex Narthex Tappy Toes Dance Class MR MR Kumon Classes Narthex Narthex Messiah Church Karen Gray- Lettings Coordinator 25

Parish Nursing In September 20241 was blessed to become the Parish Nurse here at St Marys. I have worship here for over 30 years and been an NHS nurse for nearly 50 years. For the last 4 years I was Parish Nurse at St Michael's Church in Camden. Parish Nursing is community healthcare based from the church that aims to enable people to maintain physical, mental and spiritual health. It provides an additional layer of nursing support to people with existing health problems, those nearing the end of life or who are at risk in some way. Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK) provide training and clinical support and oversees the service. There is about 100 Parish Nurses throughout United Kingdom. 2025 marks a significant milestone for PNMUK as they celebrate 20 years of training, supporting and promoting holistic care to communities across the nation. would like to thank the Parish Nursing Support team who help me to deliver the service within this community. Thanks to Fr Jonathan for his love and vision in supporting me in bringing the Parish Nurse service to St Marys. Together we deliver a monthly Healing Service followed by Health Advice Sessions covering first aid at home and cancer awareness to name a few, If you require any further information, support or health advice please speak to me or contact me via email [e-mail]. Karen Gray Health and Safety Although COVID 19 has not featured much in the news lately, the congregation consists of very few mask wearers and there are fewer people seeking to be socially distanced during the service. Church attendance is up however there are still areas where people can socially distance if they wish. The Eucharist/Holy Communion is offered in both kinds with the majority of people opting for receiving in both kinds. Also for those parishioners who cannot make it up to the altar rail to receive Communion, we do provide the option of receiving Communion at their seats. Thanks to the new Music Director the Choir has increased in size such that the parishioners can enjoy a regular sung Sunday mass. Bruce Knight 26

1. The Church Garden They say, if you make a garden, you believe in the future. Much of the fun of gardening is planning and looking ahead to the next season, while enjoying the current season. The long bed in front, under the pavement wall, was restored and gaps replanted. The vital, annual top dressing of farmyard manure was applied in the autumn, to ensure stronger growth, drought resistance and weed suppression in all the beds. The neglected North bed was planted with hellebores and the irises continued to do well. The bulbs in beds and containers gave a good show in the spring. The lawn in the Oasis Garden was treated throughout the season by Green Thumb (a gift from a generous member of the congregation). However. drought and hard wear do make it look tired and we have to accept these conditions. We gardeners are very few, so do join us on a Saturday morning. Knowledge is built up with experience. The activity of gardening embodies hope, which may partly account for its therapeutic effect. Marian Shaw

2. Trinity St. Mary's School As has been the case with many schools in Wandsworth and elsewhere, TSM have had another difficult year, mainly due to falling demand for school places. However, this problem is largely outside the control of individual schools and thanks to the hard work and good management by Headteacher Lynn Anderson, her deputy Chloe Keys and all the teaching and support staff, TSM remains one of the leading primary schools in the country. The school's strong links with St. Marys Church provide valuable support and as always, Father Jonathan has made a considerable contribution through his presence as a governor and elsewhere. Lynn and her team continue to successfully motivate the school and also arrange many successful and enjoyable'out of school, activities, The PTA and many parent helpers are also to be thanked for their many contributions to the life of what is a happy and successful school. 'Nurturing minds, filling hearts. flourishing together.. Mark Synge 27

3. Music at St Marys Church Choir We run two rehearsals per month. The choir now regularly has between 9 and 11 singers per service, sometimes reaching 12 or 13. Twice-monthly sight- reading sessions were launched in November which have been very well attended by the six people registered. The feedback has been excellent. Children's Choir The children's group is still in a fragile state, with only four members at the moment, but they are very motivated and sing once a month with the adult choir at the Sunday Eucharist. Sophie Garbisu. Music Director Saturday Concerts In the summer of 2024 we hosted six evening concerts ranging from individual song and instrumental recitals to excerpts from popular West End shows and a jazz quartet. Audience numbers range from 22 to 100 with an average of about 50 attending. In 2025 we are part way through a similar programme. The intention of these concerts is to extend the long musical tradition at St Maws to a wider local audience, making use of what is a unique space in Balham. Entrance is usually low cost or free so that no one is excluded. Donations are collected and any profits passed on to the PCC general account. Nigel Collier

4. 5th Balham Brownies and Guides Unit numbers continue to improve: 7 Guides, 20 Brownies and 1 Young Leader. We also have a new Duke of Edinburgh Helper, Edie and a new leader, Cammy. This year, Hannah and Charlotte were both awarded Jack Petchey Awards. These are £300 grants which have to be spent on the unit. Hannah decided to commission special '5th Balham Guide Hoodies, which the girls wear with pride. Charlotte decided on bowling, the Escape Room and pizza night out. Both attended a presentation evening in March and received a certificate and medal. We havejoined in District Events including a trip to London Zoo and Thinking Day. The girls have worked on different badges including Skills Builder Level 3 and 4 Innovate and Interest Badges including Jobs, Painting, Back-wood Cooking and Mixology. The Brownies have learnt many skills and attempted many challenges including tracking signs, making a zipwire for teddies and constructing towers out 28

of marshmallows and spaghetti! Guides have learnt about ember cooking, construction, public speaking and shopping on a budget. Many thanks to Helen, Henna, Cammy and Church Volunteers who ensure the girls are safe and happy. Diane Holmes Brownie and Guide Guider 14. Sunday School We have had a good year in Sunday School, getting to know our regular attendees better and growing closer to God together. It is exciting and refreshing to be able to tell them the stories of the bible that we know so well, but which they are often hearing for the first time. We have also been focussing on teaching them about the fundamental elements of our faith, such as prayer and the meaning of Easter. A few highlights have been: Making fishing boats out of cardboard boxes Using star stickers to each represent a prayer and creating a beautiful starry sky of all the children's prayers Easter party complete with egg and spoon race, musical bunnies and bunny in the middle We currently have 8 volunteers and are looking for more to join the team. Our attendance is up slightly from lastyear with between 5 and 12 children each week, and an average of 819. The age range of our regular attendees is currently 4-12yrs. Going forward we are discussing further ways that we can support our neurodivergent children and are trying to link in our learning from week to week. We continue to use the Roots resource which provides good ideas for activities based around the lectionary readings. I would like to try and support others to use this resource to be able to lead sessions so that this responsibility can be shared more between volunteers. 15. Deanery Synod Deanery Synod is a church council comprising of clergy from the deanery and elected lay members from the local churches. Synod comprises 11 parishes with a geographical boundary that ranges from The Church of the Ascension in Balham Hill to St. Marys in Summerstown. It also includes Wandsworth Prison, Springfield Hospital, and St. George's Hospital. It acts as a source of information and decision- 29

making for Diocesan Synod and, more importantly, a support to the parishes and other institutions within it. The Deanery Synod meets four or five times a year, discussing ways to fulfil the mission of the Deanery, and hosting guest speakers on topics that are important to the Deanery or wider Diocese. There were 5 meetings during 2024. Topics included Environment (including the growing concern about an Eco-crisis), Diocesan Synod Elections, Racial Justice in the Church, promoting the Lay Ministry, and the importance providing a Ministry for Older People. The meetings are open to everyone in the Deanery, whether Synod members or not. Feedback on discussions and any pressing Deanery matters are subsequently shared with the pcc. Bruce Knight 16. Churches Together in Balham and Upper Tooting (ChBUT) Churches Together in Balham and Tooting have shared another packed year of events, including: A group visit to the Shrine of Julian of Norwich, two coffee mornings, selling cakes and refreshments at the BATCA Fun Day in Tooting, spirituality, prayer and learning for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and two hugely popular concerts: Prelude to Advent and Prelude to Holy Week. A special thank you to representatives of St Maryds who have supported Churches Together over the past year as members of our very own ChanTons Choir, helping to step in atthe last minute to ensure the Coffee Morning last October went ahead as planned, and to those who join us at meetings and events. At the time of writing we are preparing to witness and worship together on Good Friday 18th April at 10.30am at Bedford Place at the back of Sainsbuws. Please support us by keeping a regular eye on our events on the pew sheet and our website https://v¥rww.ctbut.co.uk/ Julia D'cruz 30

1. Vicarf5 Report It is a privilege to lead this parish as we proclaim Christ afresh in this generation and seek to serve our community. 2024 witnessed the embedding of a number of initiatives which had started the year before alongside continued growth of our regular worshipping life. I have been delighted to witness how ready is our congregation to expend energy, time and resources in pursuit of our shared vision. Additionally, 2024 saw some changes in personnel. Karen was commissioned as our parish nurse. Beginning in the summer a ministry in Balham which she has already been carrying out in Camden for some years. In December Melinda our administrator handed in her resignation as she moved on to fuller time opportunities. l am grateful for all her work particularly in revitalizing the lettings after the pandemic. Our presence makes Balham a better place to be. We reach out to lives young and old and especially those on the margins. And our greatest gift is the opportunity we offer season by season, week by week and day by day for people to encounter the living God and see their lives transformed. The activities enumerated above bear testimony to our thriving community and I offer my thanks to those who take responsibility to lead different parts of our church's life. Rather than list the 100 names who all deserve praise each year I pick out just a couple of people to whom to pay tribute. Janet is faithful in fellowship, the breaking of the bread and prayers. She supports the ministry to children on Sunday and on Thursday afternoons alongside Sally. She prepares the altar for our midweek Eucharists and cleans up after them. She cares for me like a mother and gently enables my pastoral ministry by freeing me from practicalities. If ever you don't see her, it is because she is replacing candles, straightening a cloth or quietly serving in some unseen capacity. Martin: sands, paints, affixes weatherboarding and rehangs doors; fixes taps and replaces washers; sets the clock,. hangs fresh flags; replaces lightbulbs; examines roofing leaks; has mastered the sliding doors; replaces bricks and in general saves the church thousands of pounds of repair costs. All this he does in a spirit of prayerful service with good humour and his price is a coffee and a thank you. He is good value. These two individuals stand in the stead of many I could write about. l am blessed to be spending my life with you all. As always, l am indebted to the PCC, standing committee and particularly the wardens, Diane Holmes and Nicky Morton. With my love. Fatherjonathan