## **We have had a solid and productive year here at St George’s.** Let me draw your attention to some of the significant moments from the past year. Just before Advent, we held our very well-attended All Souls’ Requiem Mass. It was the Mozart Requiem. Sam and his colleagues did us proud as we entered this evening of prayer for the dead, carried by wonderful and emotional music. This day seems to have become a firm fixture in many people’s calendars, and the attendance was very encouraging. Advent began with a parish day retreat at St Katharine’s Foundation in Limehouse, which I led. The talks focused on prayer and mindfulness. Attendance at church during Advent was steady and slightly increased. Our Advent Carol Service and Christmas Carol Service were both richly attended. We were delighted to welcome our new Bishop, Anderson Jeremiah, as our preacher. Fr Demytro from the Ukrainian Church sang the Gospel from John. Both Christmas Eve and especially Christmas Day were very well attended. During the winter months, we continued our partnership with C4WS, offering shelter and food to people experiencing homelessness. I am very grateful to Patricia Cobb for organising the volunteers and to everyone who contributed by cooking or donating food. The guests often mention how much they appreciate being at St George’s—not just for the meals, but also for the underfloor heating, which is very cosy indeed. Ash Wednesday was well attended, with beautiful music. During Lent, I invited members of the congregation to lead sessions on characters from Paula Gooder’s book _Women of Holy Week_ . The sessions were well attended, and everyone was able to participate. Our Wednesday evening services have continued, though I must express some disappointment that attendance has declined from the initially enthusiastic response. Each Wednesday offers a different kind of liturgy—from silence to sung evening prayer—designed to provide 25 minutes of peace and prayerfulness in the midst of the week’s noise. Holy Week and Easter offer the divine invitation to enter more fully into the Paschal Mystery through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Day. Services on Thursday and Friday were beautiful, although attendance was slightly lower than usual. Easter Day was a joyous celebration with a packed church. Fifteen of us enjoyed our annual pilgrimage to Walsingham, and we look forward to returning this June. We continue to benefit from the presence and ministry of the Revd Phillip Dawson, the full-time curate at St Giles-in-the-Fields. We are grateful that he visits us monthly to preach and for the personal support he offers me. The Korean community continues to worship at St George’s, and we are glad to have them among us. We also continue to host the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. They use the church extensively during the week and on Sunday mornings before our Eucharist. Many in their congregation are refugees, having fled the ongoing Russian invasion. We continue to pray for them and welcome them warmly. At the heart of our parish life is the rhythm of the Sunday-by-Sunday Eucharist, a worship experience enhanced by our choral scholars under the capable leadership of our Director of Music, Mr Sam Bardsley. We are truly grateful to him for all his contributions to church life. We were pleased to join St Giles during Holy Week for a joint service of Tenebrae, and we look forward to welcoming our neighbours for a joint Ascension Day celebration on May 29th. An assortment of social events over the year went well: quizzes, cream teas, book clubs and talks. **There are many people to whom I want to extend my thanks, both personally and on behalf of the whole congregation:** To our churchwardens, Julian Sharpe and Helena Roden, for their personal support and deep commitment to the life of St George’s—I am sincerely grateful. Julian, as an architect, takes particular responsibility for the church building, which presents some unique and ongoing challenges. Helena brings an eye for the social life of the church and supports events that bring us together. To the PCC—Claire Barraclough, Carmen Bailey, Neil Handley, Dorothy Connell, Mabel Sharpe, and Sara Payne—many thanks for taking time to meet, discuss, and plan. Special thanks to Mabel for her work as treasurer, which is often time-consuming; to Sara for her service as PCC secretary and safeguarding officer; and to Dorothy for representing us as our lay deanery representative. Thanks to Dr Neil Handley for his contributions as our reader and for offering help with the practical side of future pilgrimages. Thanks also to Dr Jack Highton, who continues to serve faithfully at the altar and as a reader, and to Esther, who serves faithfully on Sundays. Thank you to Eva Driskell, who continues to support our publicity, Sunday sheets, and also dedicates time to tending our garden and for everybody who helps with its watering and upkeep. Thank you to everyone who reads lessons, rings the bell, greets people at the door, and especially to Tim Fairclough for sweeping the steps! I am so grateful for all of you being there, Sunday by Sunday. Thanks to Kathryn Hughes for organising the reading rota, and to all who read or lead the intercessions. Thanks also to Carmen Bailey for looking after the cleaning and linen, preparing Sunday tea and coffee, and keeping me on the straight and narrow! We said goodbye in March to Noel Gordon, who served as our caretaker for many years. We’re very grateful for all he contributed and for doing it so cheerfully. Though he has formally stepped down, he still lives just around the corner and has kindly agreed to help out when needed. Thank you very much, Noel! We warmly welcome his successor, Justin Pawley, who brings with him a wealth of experience from the Imperial War Museum. He has begun his work with enthusiasm and imagination, and we look forward to all he will bring to the role. Thank you again to Pat in the office who works on the accounts and is having to deal with a transition in the online accounting system. We remain grateful to our church volunteers who open the building and support the concert programme. I would also like to thank the church for supporting my work as a psychotherapist. On Tuesdays, I work at St Marylebone Church, which has a Christian therapy centre, offering support to ordinands and others involved in church life who are facing emotional challenges. I hope that this work also informs my pastoral care and preaching here at St George’s. ## **Finances and Future Projects** Most of our income comes from letting the crypt to the Leicester Square Theatre Company and renting the hall to various community groups. Our finances are generally stable, though unexpected costs—like a recent £10,000 bill to repair the lift—can disrupt our budget. Congregational giving has remained steady over the past few years. If you haven’t reviewed your giving recently, perhaps now is a good time to consider increasing your contribution to help support all that St George’s offers and hopes to share. Looking ahead, we aim to improve the interior of the church by commissioning new altar frontals in the liturgical colours and purchasing new vestments. I am also exploring the idea of installing a large icon-style crucifix on the reredos behind the altar to provide a stronger visual focus for worship. We will soon launch a £15,000 fundraising appeal for a new piano. Our current one is nearing the end of its life, and the cost of overhauling it exceeds the price of a new instrument. Donations are, of course, very welcome! ## **In Closing** There is much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. We move ahead in hope and prayer, encouraged by recent research that suggests people are returning to church, looking for spaces where they are welcomed and can discover that, in Christ, they are deeply loved. Profit and Loss PCC Of St George Bloomsbury (Reg. Charity: 1139695) January-December, 2024 DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT TOTAL Income Collections Collection - Other Gift Aided Weekly giving scheme Yellow Envelopes Total for Gift Aided £5,221.72 2,286.00 £9,604.41 2,352.20 2,314.20 £14,270.81 2,598.00 Plate Tax recovered GASDS recovered Total for Tax recovered 543.26 £543.26 Totsl for Collections £24.919.79 Dividend Income Fundraising Gifts and Donations Income Unrestricted Total for Gifts and Donatlons Income 20,356.04 540.00 -£310.00 500.00 £190.00 Income - Church and Hall Hire Church Donations for use of space Donation for use of E courtyard Total for Donations for use of space Musician fees Upper Meeting Room UVH (Upper Vestry hall) Totsl for Income- Church and Hall Hire £28,115.00 20,030.00 £6,885.00 1,230.00 £8.115.00 1,050.00 350.00 4,970.00 £62.630.00 Income- Concerts Income - LI￿nceS granted Lower Vestry Hall Licence Undercroft Licen Total for Income- Ll¢8nces granted Interest Income Parochial Fees Total for Income 4,365.00 £911.69 52,570.00 66,652.75 £120.134.44 1,056.24 531.00 £234,722.51 Cost of Sales Gross Profit £234.722.51 Expenses 1004 Donation to Charities C4WS night shelter Totsl for 1004 Donation to Charities 845.66 £845.66 2001 Common Fund 73,000.00 Accrual Basis Sunday, October 19, 2025 05:37 PM GMTZ 114 Profit and Loss PCC Of St George Bloomsbury (Reg. Charity: 1139695) January-December, 2024 DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT TOTAL 2002 Clergy Expenses 2002 Books 2002 Courses and retreats 2002 Office equipement 2002 Postage and stationery 2002 Rector discretionary fund 2002 Rector's pastoral work 2002 Sundry 2002 Telephone 2002 Travel 2002 Working lunches & coffees Total for 2002 Clergy Expenses 2003 Rectory Expenses 2003 Rectory Repairs 2003 Rectory Water Rates Total for 2003 Rectory Expenses 2005 Church Running Expenses 2005 Churchyard 2005 Cleaning General 2005 Cleaning Stone Floor 2005 Electricity 2005 Gas 2005 Gifts 2005 Insurance 2005 Li￿nCe fees 2005 Newsletter 2005 Sanitary Supplies 2005 Water Rates Wifi equipment and maintenance Total for 2005 Church Running Expenses 2006 Church Maintenance 2006 Boiler Maintenance 2006 Key cutting 2006 Lift Maintenance 2006 Misc 2006 Piano Tuning 2006 Refuse Collection 2006 Security Total for 2006 Church Maintenance 138.00 2,080.00 520.99 48.01 244.00 1,264.70 46.95 330.00 178.07 533.18 £5,383.90 £57.96 14.45 292.29 £364.70 37.50 7,788.46 1,740.00 14,237.76 10,284.79 69.98 17,079.81 224.99 12.00 1,354.70 2,698.60 158.00 £55.686.59 121.50 121.00 1,071.00 413.41 170.00 1,984.26 72.00 £3,953.17 2007 Upkeep of Services 2007 Candles 2007 Giving Envelopes 2007 Honoraria 2007 Music Extra 171.94 181.69 120.00 2.798.26 Accrual Basis Sunday, October 19, 2025 05:37 PM GMTZ 214 Profit and Loss PCC Of St George Bloomsbury (Reg. Charity: 1139695) January-December, 2024 DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT TOTAL 2007 Music for High services 2007 Music LI￿nsing 2007 MLJSIC sheets 2007 Publicity 2007 Repair and Replacernenl 2007 Sacristy Supplies 2007 Service Sheels other Total for 2007 Upkeep of Services 2016 Salaries & Support 2016 Accounts Manager 2016 Book-keeping se￿1￿$ 2016 Cantors Scholar deputies Total for 2016 Cantors 8,852.45 238.50 124.90 1,621.00 96.00 1,118.41 729.84 1,344.66 £17,397.65 7,910.00 680.00 4,205.00 £4,205.00 2016 Caretaker 2016 Organists Total for 2016 Salarles & Support 4000 Church Administration 4000 Computer Software 4000 IT Services 4000 IT Support 4000 StationeryllT Consumables 4000 Telephone & broadband Totsl for 4000 Church Administration 12,540.60 6,888.50 £32.224.10 84.00 95.88 2,633.99 913.23 1,190.29 £4,917.39 6000 Musician Fees 6120 Bank Service Charges 6140 Gifts and Honoraria 6160 Dues and Subscriptions 6270 Professional Fees 6650 AccoLJntinglAudit Fees Totsl for 6270 Professional Fees 1,775.00 305.07 990.00 259.20 600.00 £600.00 6560 Payroll Expenses 6690 Reconciliation Discrepancies Concerts & Events Concerts - core expenses PRS tariff for concerts Total for Concerts - core expenses Totsl for Concerts & Events 1,008.00 481.70 246.14 £246.14 £246.14 Parish Events Repairs & Renewals Total for Expenses 4,986.11 735.00 £205.159.38 Net Operating Income £29.563.13 Accrual Basis Sunday, October 19, 2025 05:37 PM GMTZ 314 Profit and Loss PCC Of St George Bloomsbury (Reg. Charity: 1139695) January-December, 2024 DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT TOTAL other Income Increase in value of investrnent Total for Other Income 17.783.24 £17.783.24 Other Expenses Net Other Income £17.783.24 Net Income £47.346.37 Accrual Basis Sunday, October 19, 2025 05:37 PM GMTZ 414 _**LEON CHARLES LIMITED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS**_ CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS y _**Suite 307 Boundary House, Boston Road London W7 2QE Telephone: 020 8050 8591 Email: mailbox@leoncharles.com**_ ## **Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of St George’s, Bloomsbury** This report on the accounts of the St George’s, Bloomsbury for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, which are set out on the annexed pages, is in respect of an examination carried out under Regulation 3(3) of the Church Accounting Regulations 1997 to 2005 (‘the Regulation’) and s.43 of the Charities Act 1993 (‘the Act’). ## **Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner** As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 3(3) and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of Regulation 25. ## **Basis of this report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2005 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. _________________________________________ **Katie Schofield ACA** Leon Charles ltd ## **15 December 2025** Directors : L B Charalambides BA(Hons) FCA K Schofield BSc(Hons) ACA Consultant: A L Charalambides ACCA A member of the ICAEW Practice Assurance Scheme. Incorporated in England and Wales, Company number 04686928