Magdalene WANDSWORTH COMMON Parochial Church Council St Mary Magdalene Church, Wandsworth Common Annual Report and Accounts 2024
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024 ON PCC PROCEEDINGS AND PARISH ACTIVITIES The Parochial Church Council of St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common IPCCI present5 this report on its proceedings for the calendar year to 31, December 2024 and on the activities of the parish generally in that year. The PCC'S duties and details of how the PCC works, its meetings and membership, its officers. the electoral roll and other matters are set out atthe end of this report. Introduction We have much to give thanks for in 2024 especially the remarkable voluntary effort5 of so many ofour congregation. Whether it be Sunday worship, weddings, 'Come and Sing, events, humble Jurnble Sales, the Christmas Tree Festival, cleaning, flowers, and maintenance, we are blessed with over a hundred volunteers from the congregation, the parish, and the wider community. Volunteers serve regularly in the community too in Springfield Hospital, the Meadowcroft, with a valiant volunteer in HM P Wandsworth. For some it is a lifelong duty- some of our volunteers are in their gos 5 For others it is a willing duty and service to our neighbours in Christ whenever they are able. As we give thanks for our local parish life, we also remain deeply aware of the suffering and violence everywhere on earth, and we pray for a just peace for all. 2024 saw the continued commitment to our Mission Action Plan IMAP), details of which are in the following pages. The weekly Circle Time sessions for young children and their parents and carer5 continues to go from strength to strength. Music continued to resonate, with Come-and-sing's performance of the most beautiful melodies in Faure's Requiem, conducted by our Director of Music, with 270 singers raising their voices in songs of faith in eternal rest. We give thanks for the service of Rev'd Philippa Boardman, our much-loved Vicar, who retired at the end of September. We remember her in our prayers, and in happy reminiscences of her time with us seven fruitful years in which we grew together as a congregation and parish. The direction Philippa set for us continues,. to make our place at the heart of the community, accessible to all to worship, and to become a touchstone for the values and activities of those we seek to serve. God bless you, Philippa. We rememberthe dear departed in 2024 and theirfamilieswhose lives go on. We give thanks for them, and for the service ofTom Roberts who gave so much of his time to the work of our church in his six years tenure as a churchwarden including during the considerable challenges of the Covid pandemic. We wish him a long and well-deserved rest. We rejoiced with Dr Paul Mitchell when he was licensed at Southwark Cathedral as a Lay Pastoral Minister in our parish. We give thanks to him for his teaching, and to our curate Rev'd Sam Parker, to Rev'd Dr Nadim Nassar and to Wendy Stephens, licensed to our parish
for her service to HMP Wandsworth. We are blessed by the gift of their gracious service to our congregation and to the wider community. Rt Rerfd Dr Rosemarie Mallet, Bishop of Croydon and Dr Paul Mitchell Our nominated church charity in 2024 was The Awareness Foundation, which works in Syria and Iraq, under the dedicated leadership of the Rev'd Dr Nadim Nassar and Miss Huda Nassar, working with children and young people on their journey of peacebuilding. More on their work can be found on their website. www.awareness-foundation.com As we work to supply our Vacancy, we pray that our work with the Diocese will bear fruit in 2025. To expand on the theme of fruitfulness, our curate Re¢d Sam Parker suggests that 'pruning' is a particularly relevant image- it captures something of the loss and stripping back we have experienced. As Jesus reminds us: 'Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit., (John 15.21. Pruning can be uncomfortable, but with God, it is purposeful. Seasons of change, whether expected or unexpected, may feel like times of being stripped back, yet they a150 prepare us for new growth. As we step into the future, we do so with confidence, trustingthat God is shaping and forming our church and community to bear even greater fruit in due season.
Vacancy Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, a5 we look to You through this period of vacancy. may we be inspired by Your servant, Mary Magdalene.. As she and other disciples walked alongside You, Bive u5 joy in each other, as we play our part in Your church here in Wandsworth Common. As she stood at the foot of the Cross. give us courage to face our future together and embrace the unknown. As she stood and watched bythe tomb. give us patience to wait and wisdom to live and trust in the waitin8. As she witnessed You In the stillness of the early morning, grant that we may witness Your presence with us at all times. Amen. Mission Actlon Plan 2021- 2026 We continue to address the priorities set out in our Mission Action Plan for 2021 to 2026 IMAP). This work Is encouraged by the Church of England and remains an essential guide to our work over the next three years, both for the church and within the local community. The MAP is based on ourvision for the future: To become afocal pointfor the community in Wondsworth Common. A beoutiful Space which inspires, uplifts and energi5e5 our outreoch through the Glory of God. A caring ploce of worship, sUPPOrt, safety and opportunityfor everyone- including the most vulneroble. The MAP sets out our five mission prlorltles: l.To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom and grow in faith as we engage with Wand5worth Common and its institutions, especially the three thousand new people coming to live on the new Springfield Village housing development. 2.To teach. baptlse and nurture new believers with a fresh focu5 on welcoming those currently under-represented in our con8re8ation, especially children, families and young people encouraging them to make SMM their home and to grow in faith and love in Jesus Christ. 3. To create a welcoming and inspirin8 place of worship and support especially for those who
are vulnerable, lonely and in need. 4. To develop a range of inclusive activities in our buildings to support those on the margins of society. Strengthen links to existing SMM ministries in prison, hospital, care home and schools. 5.To energise and be active in our care of creation by participating in the Eco-church awards scheme and engaging With global issues via a safe space for learning and discussion. Each priority 15 SUPPOrted by specific actions we plan to undertake in the years to 2026. For further information, hard copies of the MAP booklet can be found in the church pews and details are also available on our website. How we achieved our objectives in 2024 Proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom (MAP priority l} Regular and Special Services: Throughout 2024, we have maintained our regular pattern of services, including the Parish Eucharist (Sundays at 10.OOaml and the Midweek Eucharist Iwednesdays at 11.OOaml. Furthermore, we say Morning Prayer at the church on Monday and Tuesdays, now at 9.00am. Come and Sing Choral Evensong, typically held once a month, continues to draw lots of different voices, including participants from beyond our regular worshipping comm unity (see more details belowl. Continuing our tradition from previous years, we held a series of special services throughout the year.. Lent". including Ash Wednesday and Mothering Sunday. Easter: Marked with services on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. As in previous years, we partnered with our neighbouring church, Holy Trinity, for their Easter Morning Sunrise Service. th Pet Service: We ran our annual Pet Service on Sunday 6 October- one week following Rerfd Philippa's departure. Harvest: Alongside our Harvest Sunday Service, we hosted a special Harvest Sing-along for the children of Marmalade Bear Nursery School. Both events helped raise donations in support of Earlsfield Foodbank. All Souls: We held a special Choral Evensong for All Souls, honouring the memory of loved ones who had passed. The service included the reading of names, the lighting of candles in remembrance, and moving choral offering, featuring four movements from Fauré's Requiem.
Remembrance: We were honoured to welcome Rev'd HHJ Sarah Whitehouse as our guest preacherfor our Remembrance Day service, together with representatives from Eighth Upper Tooting Guides and Brownies for their church parade. Advent Caro15: We began our advent season with a beautiful Choral Evensong service, featuring Advent Carols, readings, poems and prayers. Christma5: Following the Christma5 Tree Festival, which brought our festive celebrations to new heights, we continued our cherished Christmas Services, including the Carol Service, Crib Service, Midnight Mass, and Christmas Day offerings. Additionally, we were delighted to host the Marmalade Bear Nursery Nativity and the Finton House School Carol Concerts in the church. Furthermore, members of our congregation came together for carol singing in Springfield Village, lending their voices to the Christmas Tree Light Switch-on, and spreading joy with Carols on the Wards at Springfield University Hospital. The Meadowcroft: We continued to host monthly services at the Meadowcroft Care Home, with hymns, a thought for the day, Eucharist, and time for fellowship with residents, their families, and staff. Prayer: We have continued in our pattern of Morning Prayer, now held at the earlier time of 9.00am on Mondays and Tuesday5 in the church. A small group gathers to pray using the Church of England's 'Daily Prayerf app. Alongside set prayers, we regularly pray for one another, offer intercessions for those on our church's prayer list, and remember in prayer those who have died, as well as their bereaved families and loved ones. As a church, our times of prayer are often enriched by special observances, such as the 'Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,, which frequently inspires themes in Choral Evensong and shapes our worship and services. We also remain deeply attentive to the world around us, holding in prayer both local and global concerns. Pastoral Care: It is important to acknowledge that, vacancy notwithstanding, we have faced bereavements that have deepened our sense of loss this past year. As a community, we share in both joys and sorrows. We have said goodbye to several members of ourcongregation who have died, and our ministry team and volunteers have sought to support bereaved families by providing pastoral care and assisting with funeral arrangements at the church. On one such occasion, we were privileged to welcome back Rerfd Philippa, who, following her retirement, returned to co-lead a funeral service. Our regular sunday services, midweek worship and daily offices would not be possible without the amazing volunteering of over 60 church members including cleaning, choir, sidesmen, servers, Social media, pew sheet, linens, flower team, maintenance and coffee teams together with our ministry team augmented by support from Rev'd Dr Nadim Husar and Dr Paul Mitchell.
Church Music: Adding 800 sets of sheet music to our library. One challenge of our musical life has been a relatively small library of sheet music at SMM for a choir ambitious to perform more. Non- copyright works can be photocopied but that's not always practical for e.g. a work of 8 pages or beyond. Thankfully this year our sister church of St Michael's Wandsworth Common has granted a long-term loan of its extensive and well-catalogued choral music library. This has already reduced photocopying and allowed us to broaden further our repertoire. Monthly 'Come-and-Sing' Choral Evensong. This monthly event attracts additional singers into our orbit and allows our Sunday morning choir a chance to sing longer, more challenging works. Our list of 60 singer5 results in a month ly turnout of 25 - 35 singers every Evensong. We hold faith in our 'no-audition' approach to singing in the choir, but that has not stopped us making rapid musical progress. Indeed, Evensong always involves one unfamiliar work to give a sense of challenge and stretch. In January 2024 we even fielded a choir of 35 for Evensong at our mother church, Southwark Anglican Cathedral, singing Canticles by Murrill and Wesley's 'Blessed be the God and Father,. Come-and-sing Events. Following the success of the Vivaldi Gloria in 2023, we held another ticketed event in February 2024, attracting a capacity 270 singers to learn and perform Faure's Requiem in the span of a Sunday afternoon. SMM was filled to the brim with glee, smiles and an impressively large-scale rendition of Faure's masterpiece. This event was made possible by the tremendous generoslty of parishioners who gave their time and talent to steward participants safely to our many tea stations where they could eat home-made cakes at half time and still be back in position for part 2. A surplus of over £2400 contributed to the "pews on wheels" works, giving flexibility of spaces at front and back of church for performances and indeed future come and sing events. Ultimately, our rnission is still to lead our Sunday worship on a typical 10am service. Our thaNk5 are due to singer5 who arrive every Sunday at 0915am, often learning a new anthem before 0945am. We benefit tremendously from having our new organ and from Keith Mitchell who often takes on the organ playing, allowing the Director of Music to stay out front and guide our musicians. Teaching• baptising and nurturing new believers (MAP priority 2) Lent Café Church: We hosted a three-part Lent Cafe Church, where members of our congregation gathered in a relaxed, cafe-style setting to explore the Christian faith together. Using video-based teaching from the Sycamore Course, this series provided a meaningful opportunity to deepen our faith, strengthen our community, and engage in open and thoughtful discussions. Each session focussed on key Christian themes, such as The Light of Christ, and 'The Power of Prayer,, blending group discussion5, prayer, and informal Christian worship music.
Circle Time: Since its launch in 2022, Circle Time h3s become a fun and welcoming group, where adults with babies and toddlers gather in the church for nursery rhymes, live in5trurnents, stories, and fun activities for little ones to enjoy. Each week, sessions revolve around a fun and interactive theme to create a joyful and enriching experience for both children and their caregivers. Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 9.30am 10.153m, often followed by tea, coffee, and conversation in the local area. reflecting the genuine sense of community that has flourished. Advent Course: Susanne Mitchell led a three-part online Advent Course in December, exploring the Stars from both Biblical and ecological perspectives. The course provided a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and ponder. Junior Church: Welcoming children aged I to 12, Junior Church provides a nurturing space to explore faith through storytelling, creativity, and play. Each week, at least two leaders guide the session, with parents often accompanying younger children. Topics range from Jesus, parables and Old Testament figures to key moments in the church calendar. Engaging Bible stories are brought to life through hands-on crafts and free play before the children rejoin the congregation for the Eucharist. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team for their commitment and inspiring creativity. Young Adults Group: The Young Adults group is a community of people in their 20s to 40s who gather several time5 a year over a meal for fun and fellowship. A highlight of the year was watching a film produced by one of our members as part of her university trainin& showcased on the big Screen in the Vestry Hall. Another memorable moment was watching the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings- The Fellowship of the Ring, la full 3 hours and 48 minutes!). But what makes these gatherings truly special is the way we take turns hosting in different homes, creating a warm and welcoming space to connect and share life together. Home Group: In 2024 our group continued to meet one afternoon per month to study the Bible together and to share fellowship. For the first part of the year, we carried on with the study book, Prayers of the Old Testament by Lynne M. Baab and following the completion of this, we took up OLsr current book, I Peter. Confidence in a Complex World by Joe Warton. Group members enjoy the opportunity to explore unfamiliar areas of the Bible. The framework of the study books with the questions for group discussion, allows us to share our faith and lived experience with one another. An initiative to add more Home Groups is planned early in January 2025. Men's Bible Briefing: Hosted by Tom Roberts, this welcoming group meets every other Tuesday at 7.30am in Caffe Nero, just around the corner from the church. Over coffee, they share a 40-minute session of fellowship and faith-building, reflecting on the upcoming Sundafs Gospel reading and its meaning for daily life. Baptism5, confirmations, weddings 3nd funerals: In 2024, seventeen children and one adult were baptised at the church. The church also celebrated five weddings, along with a special renewal of vows for one couple. Additionally, our ministry team had the privilege of
participating in a wedding in Warwickshire. Throughout the year, we led five funerals and one memorial service at the church, along with a service at a crematorium. HMPW Prison Team: The team meets weekly on zoom to study the bible and pray for the prisoners. We continue to look for opportunities to return to the prison and recommence bible study with the prisoners. Creating a welcoming and inspiring place of worship (MAP priority 3) One of Rev'd Philippa's lasting legacies was the innovative 'pews on wheels, initiative. This carefully planned project, undertaken in collaboration with professional contractors, has been ongoing and continued in 2024 to ensure the church's beautiful wooden floor is both preserved and revitalised. With more pews now moveable, we have unlocked exciting new possibilities for utilising our church space in dynamic and meaningful ways. From transforming the front of the church for interactive Lent Café Church events to reimagining the layout for our Circle Time sessions and school partnerships, this flexibility enables us to create a more engaging and inclusive environment for a wide range of gathering5. Despite our main church heating system generally serving us well, 2024 brought moments when we relied on it more than ever- particularly in December, during Finton House School's carol concerts. With hundreds of children gathered for the rehearsals, the heating system, though recently serviced, unexpectedly failed just hours before the event. In what felt like a Small miracle, we were able to enlist the help of an engineer who managed to restore it just in time. Since then, additional work has been carried out to ensure the system functions reliably. This experience even inspired Rev'd Sam Parker to reflect on the power of prayer yes, even for heating systems-when he opened both concerts for Finton Housel Developing a range of inclusive activities in our buildings (MAP priority 4(i)) Christma5 Tree Festival: The 12th Christmas Tree Festival was held on 7th December. Once again, we had twenty-five beautifully decorated trees to cause oohs and aahhs as people came into the church. As well as the trees there were the attractions of Santa's Grotto, mulled wine arsd tea accompanied by delicious cakes, home produce and Christmas floral arrangements for sale, a fairtrade stall. children's activities, including watching the steam driven model railway, the prize draw and the Beatrix Potter choir. The Festival raised £6,800 for the Awareness Foundation and in addition it brought many people into the church. The trees remained in place over the Christmas period and so were also seen by those attending the Finton House carol concerts and our own Christmas Services. A huge thank you to everyone who made the Festival possible. The trees, activities and Santa bags were sponsored by local businesses and church groups and Savills made a generous donation to the Festival. There was an army of volunteers who helped put up and later dismantle the trees and provided mulled wine, teas, cakes, flowers, manned stalls, assisted
Santa in the Grotto, sold prize draw tickets, entertained children and welcomed people on the door. A particular thank you goes to Phil and his team of lumberjacks for their work in putting up the trees and then later taking them down I Grateful thanks go to Ann Carrington Brook and Charlotte Flowers who are stepping back from organising the Festival. Exhibitions: Our church was honoured to host the HMP Wandsworth Art Exhibition, curated by Alison Stratton and Mary Brodrick showcasing artworks. We a150 held a private viewing on behalf of the HMP Wandsworth which was attended by over fifty guests, including staff, chaplaincy members, volunteers, and the Bishop of Kingston, Right Reverend Martin Gainsborough. Throughout the exhibition, visitors were invited to share their thoughts and encouragement on feedback sheets, which were passed on to the Prison Art teacher to inspire and support the artists. Strengthening links to existing SMM ministries in prison, hospital, care home and schools (MAP priority 4(ii)) HMP Wandsworth: In partnership with several local churches, our church provided twenty-five Christmas gift bags filled with requested items, including socks, chocolate bar5, and a Christmas devotional book. These were distributed to the 82 men who attended the prison's Christmas Day service. Thanks to generous contributions, there were enough bags to a150 support men and staff in healthcare and segregation, as well as the officers who joined the service, offering a small but powerful sign of encouragement and care throughout the prison community. Springfield University Hospital: The team of Springfield volunteers continued to visit Jupiter Ward on Wednesday evening and play games, including cards, dominoes, banagram and scrabble whilst talking with service users. In addition to the evening visit, volunteers have also led a gardening activity during the day which has been a great success and both the activity, and its results have been enjoyed by service users. The team together with some other members of the congregation, a150 went Carol Singing again around some of the hospital wards, including Jupiter. We are very well supported by the Chaplaincy Team and feel welcomed by the staff. Feedback from both staff and service users is very positive and the group itself gets a great deal from the time spent at Springfield. The year has seen some service users and former service users attending our services. The Mental Health Training Day held in October and attended by members of the congregation, includ ing PCC members and sidespeople, was a very valuable event providing plenty of food io
for thought about how we can provide appropriate support for those who are vulnerable because of mental health issues. The Meadowcroft: Our dedicated outreach team visit this modern, purpose-built care home on the newly developed Springfield site every month to bring a welcome communion service. The Meadowcroft replaced the original Ronald Gibson House, which we had been visiting since the 1980,5. Over the past seven year5 we have re-worked our services to match the needs and desires of the residents. Services are simplified to make things comfortable and easy to follow for both physically frail residents and those, wherever they may be, on their dementia journey. We include hymns accompanied by the piano and serve tea (plus the inevitable cake) following the service to make our visit into a social occasion and foster meaningful connections, offering spiritual and emotional nourishment to residents, their families and carers alike. We also aim to mix things up a little with fun elements such as pop-up singing exercise5, guitar music and visual interpretations of the Service that involve everyone there. We are predictably unpredictable I So popular has this service become that we often have resident's family members and care staff joining in with us and are thought of as an activity for patients, as well as a welcome and regular church service. Our aim is to keep up this joyous momentum. Relationships with local Schools and organisations: Flnton House School: Throughout the year, we have welcomed Finton House students into our church for several recitals. We also hosted a Year Two visit focused on baptism and Easter, as well as a school-wide Easter assembly. Later in the year, the church was the venue for the Finton House Carol Concerts, bringing together 290 children and 370 adults for a wonderful and inspirational celebration. Marmalade Bear Nursery: We welcomed the Marmalade Bear Nursery School for a special Harvest sing-along service in the church, with generous donations collected for Earlsfield Foodbank. Additionally, for the second consecutive year, the nursery held its Christmas Nativity in the church, bringing together 41 children and 120 adults for a joyful and memorable celebration. th 8 Upper Tooting Girlguiding units: In 2024 the Brownies and Guides continued with their regular meetings, following the Girlguiding programme covering 6 theme areas. We were delighted to present one Brownie and four Guide Gold Awards, the highest award girls can gain in each section which require completing at least 6 interest badges, 6 skills builder badges and 18 hours (for Brownies) and 24 hours Ifor Guide51 of unit activities plus some extra challenges. For the Guides this included paddleboarding and the Brownie running a unit meeting. We reopened the Ranger unit for those aged 14 - 18 years with the four older Guides being joined by girls from other units. li
Three Jack Petchey Awards were also celebrated. These are accompanied by grants and which were used to fund indoor skydiving, paddleboarding and a trip to Chessington. The leaders didn't miss out either with Sarah Bell being presented with a Guide County Outstanding Leader award and Rebecca Cuthbert a Jack Petchey Leaders Award. Barbara Littlechild was presented with her Laurel Award at a County Thank you event in April when she a150 took on the reigns as joint County Commi55ioner for London Southwest County. A Tree Planting Day for the county was hosted with over 100 young members & leaders helping to fund & plant 4 tree5 on Tooting & Wandsworth Common who then enjoyed a day of nature themed activities from litter-picking, making seed bombs and bird fat balls, a scavenger hunt, nature spotting and trails. Also, this year the Brownies enjoyed a sleepover at the Science Museum and a vi51t to the zoo. The Guides made body scrubs and sold them to raise £246 for Royal Trinity Hospice. We made nature themed decorations for the Christmas Tree festival, tested new badges. took I" and 2nd place in the outdoor cooking competition and much, much more.... Support for charities and other causes The Awareness Foundation Iwww.ow3reness-foundation.coml A Christian charity which specializes in building lasting peace through education in Syria and the wider Near East. It runs well-crafted courses for 6- 12-year-olds, Little Heroes, 18- 35-year-olds, Ambassadors for Peace and an Enterprising Women course to teach women, of all ages, how to build businesses. Operating for over 21 years it has produced outstanding results which includes a significant number of young "Ambassadors" actively involved in reconciliation and peace during a difficult transition to a new Government in Syria. The courses are open to and attended by Christian and Muslim children and so they bring benefits to the whole community. It is the charity selected by the PCC as SM M's chosen charity to support 2024- 2026. Its Executive Director and Founder, Rev'd Dr Nadim Nassar is part of the ministry team, and some members of the congregation are trustees and volunteers. Other causes: The church continued to support a number of other charities including: Royal Trinity Hospice, through the proceeds of Sunday after church coffee. Earlsfield Foodbank, through our collections at harvest, weekly donations and volunteering by church members. Christian Aid Week, through street collections by church volunteers and online giving. Macmillan Coffee morning, with great support from the local community. Children's Society, through collecting boxes. Energising and being active in our care of creation (MAP priority 5} Eco Church Group 2024- we got silver! What that means is we scored sufficient points in the A Rocha survey to qualify. The survey Seeks responses underfive heJdings. You may score more highly in one than another, the total is aggregated. 12
Worship & Teaching The hymns and songs in our services enabled us to celebrate God's creation. Our intercessors included prayers about the environment and the climate crisis. Junior Church planted sunflower seeds and watched their progress. Some plants transferred to the garden and bloomed in a cheerful way that was timely. The leadership team continued its commitment to Eco Church. In Advent this year we considered the Cosmos. Buildings Still the most challenging area, there is an ongoing commitment to make improvements as and when we can. The coffee cup collection points are used, and we were able to take all those used for mulled wine at Christmas to Balham Costa for proper recycling. The cycle rack was installed and occasionally used I We continued to work on using environmentally friendly consumables Ipaper, loo rolls, & cleaning products). Land We added a pond to the front garden with stone5 decorated by Junior Church. We planted tomatoes and lettuces. We also built an herb tower. A large wooden crate was upcycled and decorated by the nursery for their use. We carried out a 'Count on Nature, study in June and discovered 14 different species of wildflower. The children a150 enjoyed looking at bugs. Bee5 have visited and we added a bird feeder, a nesting pod and a mini bug house. The Best Exotic Magdalene Bug Hotel attracted foxeslsquirrels that play with the fir cones Community and Global Engagement We continued our commitment to Fairtrade with occasional stalls and $31e of The Real Easter Eggs and Real Advent calendars. Decorating the downstairs loos reminded us that they need twinning. We were represented at the national March for Nature which brought together over 100 organisations in central London. We also keep in touch with Wandsworth's Environmental network attending a training and resourcing event at Battersea Arts Centre. .'41 Lifestyle Recycling was the focus for the first half of the year, we then switched to plastlC5 and promoted 'Plastic Free Advent, Once again we prornoted a Green Christmas, making tree decorations from repurposed materials- cork reindeer and felt trees decorated with buttons. Alternative trees also featured. Jumble sales continued as a major recycling event. To Go for Gold is a big step up. With continued support we will consolidate and embed OL¢r progress so far. Thanks & well~done. 13
PCC'S Financial Report for 2024 The accounts show another year of generosity, with an overall increase of £14,356 in funds held at the end of the financial year. This includes the legacy from the late Kay Griffin of £10,000 which hB5 been Set aside into a designated fund to be spent specifically on improving access to the buildings so they can be better enjoyed by the whole community of Wandsworth Common. As with most charities, we report by a variety of funds.. unrestricted, designated and restricted with each having different aims and uses. Restricted funds: These are those which are given or raised for a specific purpose only. In 2024 we were able to obtain a matched funding grant from the Archbishops, Council of £3,665 under an initiative they called 'Give to Go Green" This was to replace light fitting5 in the church 50 that we could complete the process of replacement of all lamps to LED. But we raised more than the £7,330 originally required for the church light fittings and so expanded this project into replacing fittings in the Parish Hall as well. In the year, £10,388 was raised and £8,505 spent and we have completed the works funded by this initiative in 2025. We also generated a surplus on the "Come and Sing Faure's Requiem" held in March 2024 which has been spent on works to put more of the pews in church on wheels so they can be moved to accommodate performances and events- this also required repairs to the floor under those pewsl Designated funds: These are set aside and used by decision of the PCC and in 2024 the PCC decided to designate the legacy into MAP projects and £15,000 of the surplus for the year into future maintenance spending- hence both those funds increased during the year. We also spent on the MAP project of pews on wheels - thereby improving the flexibility of the buildinE for greater use by the local community. The other fund is cryptically named 'Re'. Capitalised Assets" which simply reflects the purchase of the diEltal organ in 2023 and that it is being depreciated over a 10-year period. The net book value of the organ (see note 4 of the accounts) at £34,037 is matched by this designated fund. Unrestricted funds: These are the day-to-day income and running costs of the charity. Income here increased to £196,953 from £184,913 with notable increases in use of the church building,. interest earnt on deposlt accounts,. and Parish Hall lettings. However, income from collection5 and planned givinE plug tax recovery under the Gift Aid scheme fell back by £6,339 compared to 2023. A number of the donors have left the scheme leither deaths or moving away from the Parish during the yearl. Expenditure in the year increased by £7,055 with increases on Parish Support Fund (the mechanism by which all parishes in the Diocese of Southwark contribute to the central costs of the employment of all paid priests within the Diocese wherever they are based) of £3,200 and on costs of maintaining and rLJnning the hall of £6,548 being mitigated by savings in other areas. More detai15 on this can be found in note 2 of the accounts. The PCC has designated most of the overall surplu5 of £25,824 to designated funds as indicated above so retained 5urplu5 for general purposes rose by only £824 for the year. This results in the unrestricted fund rising to £83,885 at the end of the year,. giving a good level of reserves for the future activities of the PCC. 14
Buildings During 2024, the PCC resolved to re-direct its efforts away from re-development and towards renewal of the church estate, consistent with the MAP objective to create a welcoming and inspiring place of worship. This has brought into focus a burden of repair that has accrued over the last decade. The maintenance of the St Mary Magdalene church estate proceeds largely unseen by the congregation. This work is essential as we strive to make sure that St Mary Magdalene remains at the heart of the Wandsworth Common community for more people, attending more events, for more time in a warm, dry and safe environment. The yearly maintenance schedule is vital in ensuring that there are comprehensive checks including PAT testing, boiler servicing and the regular clearance of gutters and downpipes. Unfortunately, there has been extensive water ingress during the year, including the Parish Hall lin four placesl, the perennial inundation of the Flower Room, and a blocked downpipe saturating the wall around some of our loveliest stained windows at the west end. General cleaning of gutters and removal of plastic bags and vegetation from the roofs, downpipes and gutters is a regular task for the volunteer church maintenance team. However, the height and inaccessibility of some of these rainwater goods, and the lack of redecoration for decades, calls for more comprehensive solutions by a third-party contractor. Accordingly, the Standing Committee has authori5ed the commissioning of separate surveys of the underground drainage installation, and of the Parish Hall roof and all above-ground rainwater goods in the church estate. The survey reports will include a specification and scope of works so that competitive tenders can be obtained. It is expected that complete renew31 of the Parish Hall roof and fenestration will be needed, for which a discrete fundraising exercise will be undertaken in 2025126. Penetrating damp to the north wall of the stairs down to the basement of the Parish Hall was remedied by tanking and replastering the wa115, although this work had to be re-done lat no additional cost to the church), as the correct plaster was not used. On completion, the stairs themselves were re-carpeted, and new n05ings were fitted to the steps down from the Middle Hall to the Parish Hall, to improve safety. Various electrical works were undertaken during the year. These included feature-lighting concealed in the arches above the stained-gla55 windows, in the west wall and other lighting in the entranceto the nave, and replacement of all halogen bulbs with LED bulbs in the nave and chancel. The downlighters in the nave and chancel were replaced with new LED fittings, and LED floodlights to increase the light level and illuminate the queen post roof trusses, to dramatic effect. New LED track lighting was installed in the Parish Hall, to replace obsolete fittings and provide greater flexibility. There were also general repairs and annual servicing arising during the year. These include installing thermostatic radiator valves to the Parish Hall radiators, repairs to Wcs and re- decoration of the double doors to the front and back of the Parish Hall. 15
The 'Chain-gang' of church volunteers visited the church individually and met on numerous occasions to carry out a myriad of other repairs and improvements, including the installation of new cupboards in the Vestry, and the relocation of older metal cabinets to the choir passage, in order to accommodate a printed music library on loan from St Michael's. The reconvened Fabric and Maintenance Committee met in 2024 under its Chair, Robin Gisby and is planning a busy programme of work5 in 2025. We are grateful to him and to all the unsung heroes in his team who turn out at all hours of the day and night to attend to the needs of the church estate. Safeguarding Ann Carrington Brook and Charlotte Flowers have continued as joint Safeguarding Officers IPSOS). The aim of their safeguarding plan remains to 'enthuse the congregation about safeguarding 155ues ond ensure safeguurding is on integral part of the DNA of Saint Mory Ivlagdalene Church,. In order to realise this aim the congregation have been provided with opportunities to consider and engage with safeguarding- recently a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding team came to preach about safeguarding, and we have also held a Mental Health Training Day run by Dr Kate Kelly, a senior clinical psychologist from Rock and Refuge which included considering safeguarding within the context of our work with Springfield University H05Pltal. The day-to-day work of safeguarding continues with the PSOS updating DBS checks, and encouraging PCC members, Junior Church Leaders and Sidespeople to complete safeguarding courses run by the Diocese. People having any concerns about the safety of children or vulnerable adults are always requested to speak to our Safeguarding Officers, Ann or Charlotte, directly. Their contact details are on the church safeguarding noticeboard in the church entrance and on our website. They can also be emailed at safe uardin smmwandsworth.or The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have regard to the House of Bishops, guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults). 16
The Duties of the PCC How the PCC works and our congregational volunteers Much of the day-to-day work of the PCC is usually delegated to various groups, but the PCC retains the responsibility for receiving reports from these groups and for taking all major decisions at its regular meetings. The principal groups to which the PCC has delegated authority are- Standing Committee (which prepares the agenda for PCC meetings, and which is authorised to transact the business of the PCC between meetings) Finance and Risk Committee Fabric and Maintenance Committee Further informatlon Constitution: The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common is a corporate body established by the Church of England. It operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a registered charity, registered with Charity Number 1140530. Addre55: St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common is situated on Trinity Road, London, SW17 7HP. It is part of the Diocese of Southwark (Kingston Episcopal Areal within the Church of England. The address for correspondence is the Parish Office at loa Wiseton Road, London, SW17 7EE. Electoral Roll.. This year marks the creation of a whole new Electoral Roll, as required every six years under Church regulations. The total number of individuals included on the new roll forthis year is 122. Church attendance: The annual churchwarden's count undertaken in 2024 showed an average attendance of 75 adults and 6 children. PCC Meetings: During 2024 there were seven ordinary meetings of the PCC12023.' 71. AII meetings of the PCC were held face to face. 80% of PCC members on average attended these seven meetings12023: 80/1. Member5 of the PCC: The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Reprosentation Rules. At St Mary Magdalene the membership of the PCC consists of al the incumbent Vicar and other licensed clergy, bl the Churchwardens, cl the licensed lay minister, dl the lay representatives of the parish elected to the Tooting Deanery Synod and el lav members. In the case of dl and el, these are elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church or co - opted to the PCC. All those who worship regularly at St Mary Magdalene are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for 17
election to the PCC. During 2024, the PCC consisted of.. Chair: October) Recd Philippa Boardman (until 30, September 20241 Jeremy Tonge (from 1st Curate: Rev'd Sam Parker Churchwardens: Tom Roberts (until May 20241 Jane Cooper and Jeremy Tonge (from May 20241 Licensed Lay Minister.. Paul Mitchell (from November 20241 Deanery Synod Representatives: Nicola Pattinson and Nicholas Higton throughout the year. Susanne Mitchell was nominated and elected pursuant to the procedure set out in the Church Representation Rules in September 2024. Elected members of the PCC: Alicia Drewitt (nee Birchalll, Charlotte Flowers, Matthew Heard, Nicholas Higton, and Richenda Tonge throughout the year. Charles Congdon, Keith Mitchell and Sarah Parson5 were elected at the APCM 2024 (having previously been coopted members). Ann Carrington Brook was elected at the APCM 2024. Veronica Mills stood down in May 2024. Graham Dick resigned in November 2024. Officers elected by the PCC during 2024: Vice Chair: Jeremy Tonge Treasurer: Keith Mitchell Secretary: Sarah Parsons Elertoral Roll Officer: Carolyn Chambers Deputy Churchwarden: Nicholas Higton Safeguarding Officers: Ann Carrington Brook and Charlotte Flowers th Members of the Standing Committee.. Rev'd Philippa Boardman (until 30 September 20241, Jane Cooper, Keith Mitchell, Jeremy Tonge, and Sarah Parsons Sides people: Barbara Littlechild (head sides person), John Ager, Alison Blair, Ruth Bowdage, Lucinda Byron-Evans, Carolyn Chambers, Alex Cox, Graham Dick, Charlotte Flowers, Jill Gould, Nick Higton, Veronica Mills, Maha Nassar, Jane Ogram, Nicola Pattinson, Serena Perkins, Gabrielle Richards, Jake Stratton, Joan Taylor, Michael Taylor, Lynn Tilling and Nick Wood 18
Mernbers of the Fabric and Maintenance Committee: Robin Gisby. Nicholas Higton, Hugh Birchall, Simon Child and Phillip Mills Members of the Finance and Rlsk Committee: Keith Mitchell, Charles Con8don, Nick Higton, Jane Player, Alicia Drewitt and Andrew Beney Members of HMP Wandsworth Bible Study Group: Olivia Pethybridge, Peter Carpenter. Serena Perkins, Huda Nassar, Alicia Drewitt, Veronica Mills and Tom Roberts Members of Sprlngfield Hospital CHATS IChaplaSncy Activitles Team) Group: Rosemary Birchall, Mary Broderick. Ann Carrington Brook, Graham and Katie Dick, Jill Gisby, Matthew Prescod. Louisa Russell, Richard Sweet and Richenda Tonge The Meadowcroft Wednesday communion volunteers: Rev'ds Philippa Boardman and Sam Parker, Pat Crosswell, Marion Cahill, Jane Cooper, Lynn Tilling, Rosie Tillin& Joyce Mason, Nell Wells, Doreen Bush and Susanne M itchell Report ofthe Deanery Synod 2024 Meetings were held, on 31st January at St Mary's Balham, 30th April, at St Mary Magdalene's, 26th SeptemberatAscension Church Balham Isoclal and synod meeting) and 27th November, at St Mary Magdalene's. At the January meetin& the focus was Eco Church and Eco Deanery. We heard that Southwark Diocese, via Diocesan Synod, has cornmitted to becoming an Eco Diocese and working towards the A Rocha Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. We looked at how we can become an Eco Deanery, supporting one another and taking some collective actions. We shared our eco successes and our eco challenges and came up with some suggestions for collective actions. At the April meeting. following on from January, churches shared information on what they have achieved and what areas can be worked on by church Eco teams/champions to gain the A Rocha Bronze, silver and Gold. The subject for the rest of the meetin8 was Racial Justice. The topic was introduced by members of the Kingston Racial Justice Group: Lorraine Thomas, Mark Eminson and Michael Phillips. The informative talk5 and discussion covered the Anti- Racism charter. Visible Signs and Diversity, Unconscious bias and trainin8, Missing Dimensions and Representation. A list of resources was circulated. Anne McGregor (St Augustine's) and Rosemary Wilson {St Nicholas) were elected as Lay Representatives on Diocesan Synod. The September meeting was our annual social event and commenced with a meal at The Ascension Church. Then Marcus Gibson interviewed Carol Coslett, Assistant Director for Lay Ministry in Southwark Diocese, Carol explained the wide range of possibilities for lay ministry. 19
Ethan Glackin- Mccolgan has been appointed as Tooting Deanery Lay Ministry Champion. In November we heard from Sophie Sutherland from the Anna Chaplaincy, who talked to us about how our churches support and minister to elderly and housebound parishioners. In the following discussion we shared experiences and insights from our own parishes 20
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31" December 2024 Unrestricted Deslgnated Restricted Funds Funds Funds Total Total 2023 Incoming Resources (Notes 2&3J Income from donors Other voluntary income Government grants Income from operations Income from investment 100,447 14.918 13,091 113,538 146,853 14.918 6,122 3,000 65,461 73,069 2,443 75,512 8,519 8.519 4.796 Total income 196.953 15,534 212,487 226,232 Resources Expended (Notes 2&3J Costs of generatin8 funds Work of the Church Church Mana8ement & Administration Other expenditure 230 128,603 230 200 128,603 129,913 5,529 36,767 5,529 63,769 3,742 36,173 12,116 14,886 Total expendlture 171,129 12,116 14,886 198,131 170,028 Net incoming/loutgoingl resources 25,824 112,116} 648 14,356 56,204 Balances at 1st January 2024 83.061 95,791 39,640 218,492 162,288 Transfer between funds (25,0001 25,OC Balances at 31, December 2024 83,885 108,675 40,288 232,848 218,492 21
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Balance Sheet at 31st December 2024 2024 2023 Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets, at cost less depreciation Note 34,037 38,291 Current Assets Debtors Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand Petty cash 15,963 152,926 40,773 267 209,929 17,328 145,290 30,941 267 193,826 Less.. Liabilities Creditors falling due within one year Net current assets 11,118 13,625 180,201 198,811 Total Net Assets 232,848 218,492 Funds Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Maintenance Fund West Window Fund MAP Projects Fund Re: Capitalised Assets 83,885 83,061 3A 45,000 10,000 19,638 34,037 30,000 10,000 17,500 38,291 95,791 108,675 Restricted Funds 3B 40,288 39,640 232,848 218,492 hurch Council on 8 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Jeremy Tonge Churchwarden Jane Cooper Churchwarden 22
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31st December 2024 Accounting Policles The Accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2015. The Accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The Accounts include 11 transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC'S responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of other church groups that owe affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members. Funds Restrictedfunds represent (al income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest and Ibl 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 and any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year much be carried forward. The PCC does not invest separately for each fund. Unrestrictedfunds are general funds which can be used for the PCC ordinary purposes. Designoted funds are general funds that have been set aside by the PCC for particular purposes. The aim and use of the designated funds is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Incomlng Resources Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resources to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Interest and all other income are recognised when they are receivable. All income resources including funds raised by sales and events are accounted for gross. Resources Expended Grants and donations are accounted for when they are paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. The parish Support Fund is accounted for when due. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross. 23
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31st December 2024 Icontinuedl Flxed Assets Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with 59612llal of the Charities Act 1993. Moveable church furnishings held by the vicar and churchwarden in 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. For anything acquired before 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the Accounts. Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a 5traight-line basis; individual items of equipment costing over £1,000 over a period of four years and individual items costin8 over £10,000 over a period of ten years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset 15 acquired. Parish Hall The parish hall is approximately 100 years old. it is an integral part of the church building and is not considered to have a separate identity which could have been consecrated, or which can be individually valued. Current Assets Amounts owing to the PCC at 31" December in respect of fees, rents taxes due or other income are shown as debtors less provision for any amounts that may prove uncollectible. Short term deposits include cash held on deposlt either with the CBF Church of England Funds or atthe bank. 24
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Notes to the Accounts for year ended 315t December 2024 {continued) 2A Unrestricted Funds 2024 2024 2023 Income frorn Donors Church open collections Tax efficient giving lillcluding stewardship) Tax Rebates received and due 11,361 71,605 13,111 73,947 100,447 106 786 Other Voluntary Income Fees Donations and bequests 2,958 2,477 14,918 Government grants Income from Operations Trading Use of photocopier Bookstall 4,863 64 75 5,002 40 40 Fund Raising Jumble Sale (Note 2BI Other fundraising Quiz Nights Parish Hall Lettings 4,827 310 942 4,186 77 73,069 Income from Investments Interest.. On deposit Total Income 196 953 184 913 25
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31" December 2024 (continued) Resources Expended 2024 2024 2023 Cost of Generating Funds Fund Raising (Note 2BI Jumble Sales 230 200 Activities Directly related to the Work of the Church Parish Support Fund Clergy expenses ioo,ioo 96,900 110 698 108 501 Church and Services Choir and organ Mission and Worship Communication 2,944 1,159 151 2,723 1,238 685 General running expenses Heat and Light Insurance Repairs and maintenance 3,839 3,600 4,877 3,600 128,603 129 913 Church Management & Admin Administration Examiners Fee Parish Office Photocopier maintenance Bank Charges Depreciation (note 41 1,232 360 3,535 241 161 1,611 360 1,192 381 198 5,529 3,742 Resources expended carried f/d 134,362 133,855 26
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Notes to the Account5 for year ended 31st December 2024 (continued) 2024 2023 Resources expended brought forward 134,362 133,855 Other Expenditure Parish Hall expenses Total Payments 171129 164 074 Surplus/ldeficitl of receipts over payments 25,824 20,839 Unrestricted funds at l January 2024 83,061 69,722 Transfer to Designated Funds (Note 3A) {25,0001 {7,500) Unrestricted funds at 31" December 2024 2B Trading/Fund Raising Net income from Jumble Sales £4,597 27
st Mary Magdalene- Wand5worth Common Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31" December 2024 {continued) 3A Designated Funds Movement of designated funds Fund Balance Income I at 01.01.24 Transfers Expenditure Balance at 31.12.24 Maintenance Fund West Window Fund MAP Projects Fund Re.. Capitalised Assets 30,000 10,000 17,500 38,291 15,000 45,000 10,000 19,638 34,037 10,000 7,862 4,254 Total Designated Funds 108 675 3B Restricted Funds Movement of restricted funds Fund Balance at 01.01.24 Income Expenditure l Transfer Balance at 31.12.24 Roof and Fabric Organ Children and young people Sewing Chair Rood Screen Servers War Memorial Maintenance Music Fund Accessibility Fund Give to Go Green Fund 30,638 4,440 4,228 30,850 1,481 163 90 1.160 937 35 2,805 2,331 1,481 163 90 1,160 937 35 2,881 1,998 1,883 706 630 333 8,505 10,388 Restricted Funds 28
St Mary Magdalane- Wandsworth Common Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31. December 2024 Icontlnued} Fixed Assets 2024 2023 Makin Thirlmere Digital Organ - book value b/f Depreciation of Digital or8an in year 38.291 42.545 Debtors 2024 2023 Tax rebates due Debtor re VAT Debtor re PAYE Sundry debtors 15,000 17,290 963 Credltors 2024 2024 Marmalade Bear Nursery School Rental deposits Examiner's fee Diocesan fees payable Sundry creditors 3,000 1,962 360 3,fJ)O 1.762 360 29
St Mary Magdalene- Wandsworth Common Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31, December 2024 {continuedl Money held in Trust~ Charity Projects Fund The Charity Projects Fund does not form part of the accounts and is only included here to show rnonie5 received for and paid to other charities. Charity Projects Fund income and expenditure 2024 2023 Balance b/f from prior year 134 360 Specific Collections Other income 2,490 2,736 25 Christmas Tree Festival Less expenditure 9,700 9,360 Total available to distribute 9,433 10,169 Donations paid and payable Christian Aid (Note 11 Children's Society British Red Cross Gaza emergency DEC Turkey Syria Earthquake Trinity Hospice Awareness Foundation 177 1,205 216 250 746 1,108 Total donations made 142 135 Less Bank Charges Balance carried forward £142 £134 Notes in addition. with Gift Aid, £4,044 was raised and sent directly to Christian Aid. 30
J A Steward MA FCA Chartered Accountant 'Hydal', 26 Woodcote Hurst, Epsom. KT18 YDT Independent Examinerfs Report to the Parothial Church Councll of St Mary Magdalene Church, Wandsworth Common I report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and associated Notes. Respecti¥e responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner As members of the Parochial Church Council, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and Regulations 3 Icl and 4 of the Church Accounting Regulations 2011 and that an ndependent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under sectiorb 145 of the 2011 Act and Regulations 3lcl and 4 of the Church Accounting Regulations 2011,- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnerfs Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Ch8rity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disc105ures in the accounts and seeking explanation5 from the Trustees concernlng 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 audlt opinion on the accounts. Independent Examinerf5 Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. iii which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirement5: to keep accounting records in accordance with section s.130 of the 2011 Act and Regulations 31cl and 4 of the Church Accounting Regulations 2011 or to prepare accounts which accord with accounting records and to comply with the requirement5 of the Act. as also contained in the Church Accounting Regtjlations 1997 have not been met,. or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Yours sincerely 121 J A Steward 7 May 2025 30