PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
Registered Charity Number 1140076
THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
Administrative information
St John’s Church is situated in Croydon and is part of the Diocese of Southwark within the Church of England. The Incumbent, Rev’d Lu Gale, resides at The Vicarage, 49 Shirley Church Road, Croydon, CR0 5EF.
The church website is ‘www.stjohnsshirley.org.uk’ and e-mail enquiries should be directed to ‘office@stjohnsshirley.org.uk’.
The Parochial Church Council of the ecclesiastical parish of St John the Evangelist, Shirley, is a registered Charity, number 1140076, and the correspondence address is The Vicarage, 49 Shirley Church Road, Croydon, CR0 5EF.
PCC members who have served from 1[st ] January 2024 to 31[st ] December 2024 are:
Incumbent The Rev’d Lucille Gale Curate Rev Tabitha Singh (from 30 June 2024) Churchwardens Michael Wall Georgina Roseweir (from 28 April 2024) Deputy Wardens Samantha Nott (until 28 April 2024) Julie Sayer (from 28 April 2024) Sharon Somaiya (from 28 April 2024) Darren White (from 28 April 2024) PCC Secretary Timothy Roberson Treasurer Julie Sayer (until 28 April 2024) Vivienne Welch (from 28 April 2024) Reader Jacqueline Pontin Deanery Synod Gillian Goldsmith Representatives Teresa McCarthy (until 28 April 2024) Claire Barracliffe Elected members Marie-Claire Bailey Kelvin Carter (until 28 April 2024) Barbara Collins (from 28 April 2024) Jane Gorman Miranda Heester Bex Henderson John Kingdom (until 28 April 2024) Gill Jones (from 28 April 2024) Bernard Maguire (until 28 April 2024) Teresa McCarthy (from 28 April 2024) Sam Nott (from 28 April 2024) Georgina Roseweir (Warden from 28 April 2024) Sharon Somaiya (until 28 April 2024) Ros Wade (from 28 April 2024) Wendy Wall (Co-opted May 2024) Vivienne Welch (Treasurer from 28 April 2024) Charlotte White
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
Structure, Governance and Management
The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules 2017. Urgent business of the PCC between PCC meetings is conducted through the Standing Committee which comprises the Incumbent, Churchwardens, Secretary and Treasurer. All those attending Church are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll, to take part in the Annual Meetings and stand for election to the Council.
Objectives and activities
The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent in promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. There is a close contact with Shirley Methodist Church and some services and social events are shared with them. Co-operation exists with other parishes in the Deanery and through Churches Together in Shirley.
Achievements and performance
Church Attendance
There are 179 on the Electoral Roll with 63 persons living in the Parish, a marginal increase on 2023. The additional 9am Sunday service has continued to attract families with young children. Our continued thanks go to all those who operate the live streaming through the internet with over 20,000 viewings of services through YouTube and Facebook.
Under a Scheme made by the Church Commissioners taking effect on 25[th] April 2025 a substantial part of the Parish of All Saints will be incorporated within St John’s, thus bringing some 37 persons presently on the St John’s electoral roll within the parish.
Safeguarding
The safety of our young people and vulnerable adults remains a priority and ‘A Safe Church’, the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy, continues to be adopted in full and re-emphasised each year at PCC.
Review of the year
The 2023 report recorded some concern that one of the two Churchwarden posts had remained unfilled since the 2022 annual meeting and that two of the deputy warden posts remain unfilled since the 2023 annual meeting. The 2024 Annual Meeting marked a return to a full wardens’ team.
The full PCC met formally six times during the year with an average attendance of 56%. Sub-committees formed to consider in detail the various aspects of our mission and ministry meet between Council meetings and their deliberations were reported to, and discussed by, the full Council where necessary.
The structure and condition of the church buildings remains good, though not without much effort by Mick Wall (with assistance from Christine Healey) and the Premises sub-committee of PCC (chair Paul Campbell) and significant expenditure over the past few years. This was confirmed by the quinquennial inspection completed during 2021 and a rolling programme is in place to attend to the observations contained therein. Two areas previously under active consideration, repairs to the church clock and upgrading the church lighting to improve our environmental impact, have been deferred due to spending constraints. Repairs to the church porch were undertaken during the year. Repairs to the church roof turned out to be much less than feared and will take place early in 2025.
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THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
The churchyard remains open and, whilst there is little space left for full burials, we should be able to accept cremated remains for many years to come. We remain concerned about the instability of some of the older grave stones and it has proved impossible to trace ‘grave owners’, given the passage of time. Those which are clearly unstable are dealt with following periodic inspection.
In 2016, PCC decided to refurbish Church Cottage, completed in July 2017 at a cost of approximately £129,000. The cottage is now let on a short-term residential basis to assist in financing our mission and worship. Following persistent rent arrears, new tenants installed during 2022 have since been delivering a reliable income.
Following the reintroduction of live Sunday services an additional 9am service was introduced, aimed at particularly at families with young children. Live streaming of services has continued; particular thanks are due to the team of audio-visual operators.
There were 11 Baptisms, 3 Weddings, 13 Funerals in Church, 5 Funerals at the Crematorium and 9 Burials of Ashes.
A new organist was appointed during 2023.
We have continued to support various charitable causes notwithstanding the challenges of the pandemic. Locally, we have continued to support Shirley Neighbourhood Care and the foodbank at Shrublands with the Vicar delivering donated supplies on a weekly basis. Further afield, we continue to support a number of charities including Christian Aid and toilet twinning in Africa.
St Johns joined the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) in 2020. Regular donors continue to be encouraged to migrate from standing orders to PGS. The aim is to achieve significant savings in both bank charges and the hassle of dealing with HMRC and to improve cash flow. A leaflet ‘Resourcing Our Future’ is available to explain parish finances and the role of the PGS.
Financial Review
During the year, our ‘Parish Pledge’ to the Diocese amounted to £85,000 (2023 £70,000) and was paid in full.
Total Incoming Resources on Restricted and Unrestricted Funds were £143,360 (2023 £130,652) and are detailed in Note 2 on Page 11 of the accounts. Total expenditure and accruals amounted to £150,965 (2023 £127,566) details of which are set out in Note 3 on Page 12 of the accounts.
The result for the year was a deficit of the General Fund of £(5,839) (2023 surplus £3,086)
Thanks are due to the considerable efforts of those who serve the church at St John's and provide so much on a voluntary basis.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the PCC to maintain Unrestricted Funds balances (excluding the designated Premises Account) equating to three months unrestricted expenditure to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to time.
The PCC resolved that reserves be isolated into a reserve account separate from the NatWest account and that withdrawals from this account be subject to a positive resolution of the PCC. The reserve is set at £30,000 (thirty thousand pounds) until otherwise varied by a resolution of the PCC.
It is PCC policy to invest our funds with the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund.
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 26[th] March 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Rev’d Lucille Gale Chair
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THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
Report of the Independent Examiner to the Parochial Church Council of St John the Evangelist Shirley
I report on the accounts for the year to 31st December 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to14
Respective responsibilities of Parochial Church Council (PCC) and examiner
The PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts The PCC consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The Charities Act), and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145 (5) (b) of the Charities Act); and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of examiner's report
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 the PCC concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
a) the accounting records are not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act and
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b) the accounts did not comply with the accounting records or
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c) the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and fair" view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
- 8 Waldegrave Road, Bromley BR1 2JP
Peter Runacres
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Incoming resources Voluntary income 2a Activities for generating funds 2b Income from investments 2c Church activities 2d Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating voluntary income 3a Distribution of charitable giving 3b Church activities 3c Governance Costs 3d Total resources expended Net incoming/(outgoing) resources Other recognised gains/losses Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward at 1 January 9 Total funds carried forward at 31 December |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTALS TOTALS Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 94,869 0 94,869 86,685 7,166 0 7,166 10,152 6,930 0 6,930 3,533 34,395 0 34,395 30,282 |
|---|---|
| 143,360 0 143,360 130,652 |
|
| 0 0 0 0 2,115 0 2,115 1.565 147,920 270 148,190 125,341 660 0 660 660 |
|
| 150,695 270 150,965 127,566 |
|
| -7,335 -270 -7,605 3,086 0 1,766 1,766 0 |
|
| -7,335 1,496 -5,839 3,086 |
|
| 127.105 18,392 145,457 142,411 119,770 19,888 139,658 145,457 |
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THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Total fixed assets | |||
| Current assets | |||
| Investments held by Diocese | 16,491 | 14,725 | |
| Debtors | 7 | 3,212 | 2,507 |
| Short term deposits | 97,208 | 97,208 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 31,033 | 36,138 | |
| 147,944 | 150,578 | ||
| Creditors/Accruals: amounts falling due within one year | 8 | -8,286 | -5,081 |
| Net current assets | 139,658 | 145,497 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 139,658 | 145,497 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due after one year | 0 | 0 | |
| NET ASSETS | 139,658 | 145,497 | |
| Funds | |||
| Restricted funds | 9 | 19,888 | 18,392 |
| Unrestricted funds | 9 | 119,770 | 127,105 |
| 139,658 | 145,497 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 26[th] March 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Rev'd Lu Gale Chairman The accompanying notes form a part of these financial statements.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting policies
a Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2016 together with applicable standards and Charities SORP (FRS102) with Update Bulletin 1.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value and the revaluation of fixed assets. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those which are informal gatherings of church members.
b Funds accounting
Funds held by the PCC are:
Unrestricted funds – general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
Designated funds – monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.
Restricted funds – a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest; b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund.
c Incoming resources
All incoming resources are accounted for gross.
Voluntary Income
Collections are recognised when received. Planned giving receivable is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised in the period the claim covers. Grants and legacies are recognised when the PCC is legally entitled to the amount due.
Income from investments
Dividends are accounted for when due and payable. Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.
All other income
All other income is recognised when it is receivable.
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THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
d Resources used
Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis and are accounted for gross.
Grants
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded where the award creates a binding obligation on the PCC.
Church activities
The diocesan parish contribution is accounted for when paid
e Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by Section 10 of the Charities Act 2011.
Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church’s inventory which can be inspected.
All expenditure on consecrated or beneficed buildings is written off in the year it is incurred.
The Church Cottage has been a freehold asset of the PCC for many years but has not been reflected in the accounts given the historic date of acquisition. It is insured for its estimated rebuilding cost of £450,000.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of tangible fixed assets, excluding freehold properties, over their expected useful lives. The rates generally applicable are:
Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment
25% straight line 30% straight line
No depreciation is provided on freehold property as it is the PCC’s policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair. The useful economic life of these assets is so long and residual values so high that any depreciation would not be material. These assets will be subject to annual impairment reviews.
Provision will be made if there has been any permanent diminution in value.
f Current Assets
Short-term deposits include cash held on deposit either with the CBF Church of England Funds, or at the bank.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2 Incoming resources
| 2 Incoming resources |
|
|---|---|
| a Voluntary income Regular giving Collections - General Collections - Special, Weddings, Alms Income tax recoverable Grants Legacies & Sundry Donations b Activities for generating funds Fund-raising events c Investment income Dividends and interest d Income from Church Activities Church Cottage Income Tamberlin Room/Church Income Fees from weddings and funerals Other Income Total incoming resources |
TOTAL TOTAL Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Other FUNDS FUNDS Funds Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 49,422 49,422 62,668 5,096 5,096 6,093 1,301 1,301 3,394 11,752 11,752 12,500 0 0 0 27,298 27,298 2,030 |
| 94,869 0 0 0 94,869 86,685 |
|
| 7,166 7,166 10,152 |
|
| 7,166 0 7,166 10,152 |
|
| 6,930 6,930 3,533 |
|
| 6,930 0 0 0 6,930 3,533 |
|
| 18,000 18,000 18,000 1,545 1,545 1,190 13,019 13,019 7,638 1,831 1,831 3,454 |
|
| 34,395 0 0 0 34,395 30,282 |
|
| 143,360 0 0 0 143,360 130,652 |
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THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3 Resources expended
| 3 Resources expended |
||
|---|---|---|
| a Costs of generating voluntary income Special appeal costs Stewardship costs b Distribution of charitable giving Missionary and charitable giving Grants to Parochial Organisations c Church Activities Ministry costs: Vicarage and Vicar's expenses Cost of Church Services Cost of Church Music Choir Expenditure Insurance Utilities Inspections & Certificates Repair & maintenance of Church Floral Decorations in the Church General Admin Expenses (incl Parish Office) Tamberlin Room - Expenditure Churchyard Expenditure Church Cottage Expenditure Diocesan Parish Support Fund Alpha Course/Healing Hub expenditure Bank Charges Fund raising event expenditure Other Expenditure d Governance costs Independent examination fee Total resources expended |
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ 0 0 |
TOTAL TOTAL FUNDS FUNDS 2024 2023 £ £ 0 0 0 0 |
| 0 0 0 |
0 0 |
|
| 2,046 69 |
2,046 1,565 69 0 |
|
| 2,115 0 0 |
2,115 1,565 |
|
| 1,142 760 11,116 270 8,327 7,111 0 7,817 25 3,105 246 15,507 3,892 85,000 120 434 2,347 971 147,920 270 660 |
1,142 1,245 760 827 11,116 4,580 270 127 8,327 7,304 7,111 7,509 0 0 7,817 6,240 25 88 3,105 3,071 246 1,833 15,507 14,451 3,892 1,416 85,000 70,000 120 120 434 405 2,347 3,045 971 1,011 |
|
| 148,190 125,341 |
||
| 660 660 |
||
| 660 0 0 |
660 660 |
|
| 150,695 270 0 |
150,965 127,566 |
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4 Staff costs
| Wages and salaries During the year there was 2 (2023: 2) part-time employee. |
2024 2023 £ £ 10,000 1666 |
|---|---|
5 Tangible fixed assets
| Tangible fixed assets | |
|---|---|
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluation At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Provided in the year Disposals At 31 December 2024 Net book amounts At 31 December 2024 |
Freehold land Church TOTAL TOTAL and buildings equipment 2024 2023 £ £ £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
| 0 0 0 0 |
|
| 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
|
| 0 0 0 0 |
|
| 0 0 0 0 |
- 6 Analysis of Net assets by fund
| Fixed assets for church use: Current assets Current liabilities Non Current Liabilities |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL FUNDS Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 128,056 19,888 147,944 150,578 -8,286 0 -8,286 -5,081 0 0 0 0 |
|---|---|
| 119,770 19,888 139,658 145,497 |
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THE CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHIRLEY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
| 7 Debtors Interest Receivable HMRC-Gift Aid Funeral Fees 8 Creditors and accruals: amounts falling due within one year Gardening Contractors Accruals—Independent Examiner Diocesan Assigned fees Verger Fees Property Maintenance Estimated gas/electricity charges outstanding Creditors: amounts falling due after one year 9 Statement of funds Bal b/fwd 1stJan 2024 £ Unrestricted Funds General fund 31,397 Reserves 30,000 Other Funds: Legacies 65,708 123,892 Restricted Funds Held in General Fund: Choir Funds 1,834 Eist Grave/Bench 176 Toilet Twinning 157 Music Director/Organist 0 Other Funds: Butterworth Trust 1,000 Watts Trust 500 Trust funds held by Diocese 14,725 18,392 Total funds 145,497 |
7 Debtors Interest Receivable HMRC-Gift Aid Funeral Fees 8 Creditors and accruals: amounts falling due within one year Gardening Contractors Accruals—Independent Examiner Diocesan Assigned fees Verger Fees Property Maintenance Estimated gas/electricity charges outstanding Creditors: amounts falling due after one year 9 Statement of funds Bal b/fwd 1stJan 2024 £ Unrestricted Funds General fund 31,397 Reserves 30,000 Other Funds: Legacies 65,708 123,892 Restricted Funds Held in General Fund: Choir Funds 1,834 Eist Grave/Bench 176 Toilet Twinning 157 Music Director/Organist 0 Other Funds: Butterworth Trust 1,000 Watts Trust 500 Trust funds held by Diocese 14,725 18,392 Total funds 145,497 |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,155 0 1,132 925 2,507 0 3,212 2,507 2024 2023 £ £ 550 550 660 660 5,629 1,752 0 50 132 0 1,315 2,069 8,286 5,081 2024 2023 £ £ 0 0 Income Expenditure Transfers, Bal c/fwd other gains 31st Dec 2024 and losses £ £ £ £ 143,360 -150695 24,062 30,000 65,708 |
|---|---|---|
| 123,892 | 143,360 -150,695 0 127,105 |
|
| 1,834 176 157 0 1,000 500 14,725 |
-270 1,564 176 157 0 1,000 500 1766 16,491 |
|
| 18,392 | 0 -270 1766 19,888 |
|
| 145,497 | 143,360 -150,965 1766 139,658 |
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