CHURCH FOR ALL - INCLUDING YOU
ST BARNABAS' CLAPHAM COMMON
WWW.STBCC.CO.UK
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
11 MAY 2025
This is is the annual report of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St. Barnabas’ Church, Clapham Common for 2024. It was collectively written and contains a review of the year, the statement on the responsibilities of the PCC, a treasurer’s report and a summary of the church accounts. A full set of accounts with the description of the accounting policies and the independent examiner’s report on the church accounts is available separately.
VICAR'S REPORT
If this is the 2024 Annual Report, then this must be the 15th Vicar’s report I have written as incumbent of St Barnabas. And if my first one was produced in 2010, this means that all the young people in the photograph next to this were all under five years old at the time with one, in fact, still yet to be born!
[2010, to put it into context at St Barnabas, was the year Sarita Rampat started as Church Administrator, the year before Gerard Rundell joined us with his cajon, and the year when Sarah Hughes was still in Year 8!]
As babies, toddlers or little children, all of these young people were brought to St Barnabas (some with baptism in their parents’ mind, some already baptised) and ever since then have been very much a part of the church. Via a succession of family services, Sunday groups, Friday night clubs, and by just being a part of the intergenerational family of the church, they eventually found their way to a confirmation course with me. One movie ( The Greatest Showman ) and a few bible studies later and come November last year, we were ready for Southwark Cathedral and a full-on (let the reader understand!) service of Confirmation with +Alastair.
For me personally, this was a real highlight of 2024 and sums up so much of what church is all about. From childhood, through the teenage years and into young adulthood, this was the fruit of 16 years growing in faith together. For those who brought them along and worshipped with them, this was the outcome of 16 years of faithful parenting. For those who have given up Sunday mornings and Friday evenings for the sake of the young people, this is what 16 years of sessions and clubs produced. It is this sharing of lives and gifts in order to pass on our faith until others make it their own which is so fulfilling for me as the vicar. It takes a church to raise a child like this. Let’s be encouraged and then, let’s do it all again. You with me?
Richard Taylor
SERVICES FOR ALL
SUNDAY SERVICES
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FAMILY SERVICE HOLY COMMUNION MORNING WORSHIP ALL AGE COMMUNION BCP COMMUNION
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Our weekly Sunday services alternate Holy Communion and Morning Worship at 10.30am. In addition, we host a 9.30am family service on the 1st Sunday of the month and a 9.30am BCP communion service on the 4th Sunday of the month. Following a survey in early 2024, we decided to introduce an all-age communion service on the 3rd Sunday of the month, which brings the whole church family together. Outside the family and all age communion services, we run Splash & Grid, our Sunday groups for children and young people. The service start time has moved to 10.30am since August 2024 in order to fit with a wider range of people.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
We open for Daily Prayers between 12.30pm and 1pm, Mondays to Thursdays, open church for those who want to join prayers or sit in church.
The Taizé Prayer & Communion service is held once a month on the 3rd Thursday at 12.15pm. A service of reflection, silence and Taizé chants.
Weather permitting, we hold services on the Common, linking nature & worship, such as the butterfly service in July. In December, Advent prayers by the wildflower meadow included a short time of contemplative seasonal prayers linking ecology and spirituality.
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
COFFEE & CRAFT - STORY & SONGS
Our popular monthly Family Service is designed with children, babies and families in mind. The service starts with some craft and the sermon includes a short interactive talk with music and songs. Each month brings new stories as we create a fun and lively space for children to grow their faith.
ALL AGE COMMUNION
Our all age communion is on the 3rd Sunday. It starts with a craft/activity before an interactive service that includes communion. With music, children, young people and the
wider church family in mind, it brings the whole church family together and is followed by a shared lunch.
CYP GROUPS
On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, volunteers run groups for children and young people with age appropriate activities to learn about, discuss and engage with their christian faith and its values.
THROUGH THE YEAR
Candlemas Service
We celebrate Candlemas c. 40 days after Christmas, by inviting all those who were baptised during the year to come back with their baptism candle and relight it once again to remember their own baptism.
Lent
For Lent, we discovered The Art of Lent by Sister Wendy Beckett, a mixture of classic paintings and meaningful reflections and ran the Lent course Difference . Through readings, stories and discussions, Difference looked at equipping us to cross divides, navigate disagreement and prejudices to pursue a just and flourishing world.
Holy Week & Easter
The Holy week services included a BCP Communion service on the Thursday, a Walk of Witness on Good Friday as well as an Hour at The Cross revisiting the art of Holy week. Easter Sunday was celebrated with a sunrise Communion service at 6am lighting the Easter fire, and later a Family Communion at 10am.
St Barnabas & Windrush Sunday
As we have done in recent years, we combined the celebration of St Barnabas Day with the celebration of its Windrush heritage in June with a service followed by a Caribbean lunch.
Creationtide
Over creationtide, we invited Rev Tif Ewins, Rev Ronald Nathan and Rev Vanessa Elston for a sermon series around creation, climate change and climate justice - 4 Sundays on the theme To Hope and act with Creation that were also held in St Michael’s.
Harvest Sunday
Harvest was celebrated with collections for the benefit of Ace of Clubs, a day centre for the homeless and vulnerable in Clapham. The collection included donations from our services, but also from the local nursery, Marmalade Cat and our playgroup, Barney’s.
Advent
Our Chirstingle service marked the start of Advent as we gathered together to step into Advent with songs, candles and prayers. The pre service activities included Christmas decorations and gift bags for Wandsworth prison. Then we made our own Christingle through the service and lit them as we sang This little light of mine ...
Christmas
Advent was busy with services for all, from the family carol service to the evening carol service. This year, we were delighted to welcome London City Brass for some very popular sing-a-long carols and we celebrated Christmas with a Christmas eve nativity service and a Christmas Day Family Communion service.
SUNDAY WARDEN’S REPORT
Last year, my daughter Ava and her choir, the St Margaret’s Choristers, became the first girls to lead worship at Westminster Abbey in its 1000year history. At the inauguration of the choir back in October 2023, the Dean of the Abbey preached. He said, ‘Tonight, there is rejoicing in heaven. Why do angels rejoice? Because the angels know that heaven is the sound of many voices. Heaven is the City of God, the Kingdom of God, a place where there is hustle and bustle, conversation and community. We are meant to hear many and different voices. We are meant to hear the voices
of girls and the voices of women... We are nearer to heaven now that this choir is singing here.’ Since that day, I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time at the Abbey and in its adjoining church, St Margaret’s. Listening to this world-class choir, surrounded by the beauty and splendour of such historic places, there have been definite moments of awe, wonder and deep peace – perhaps a small glimpse of the heaven the Dean was talking about. However, when I reflect on the true meaning of God’s Kingdom for me, I find myself far more drawn towards St Barnabas than to the King’s coronation church.
Last September, as part of a series of sermons for the season of creation, Rev Vanessa Elston spoke to us about reimagining the parish. She reminded us of the unique history of parish ministry, churches being called to particular places and people, cultivating a sense of belonging and story. She showed us a map of our parish, pointing out that it included part of Clapham Common and that part of this calling was to help restore harmony to nature. She also talked of the church being called to demonstrate a different way of belonging, where strangers are welcome and where there is no “us and them”.
At St Barnabas, there are people who know me and know my stories. People who pray for me. People who notice when I have been away or had a haircut, and who ask how my children are doing. Here I have the privilege of meeting people from different walks of life, generations, cultures and backgrounds, who generously share their time with me and widen my experience of life. Each week, I am humbled by people fully signed up to the call to ‘love your neighbour’ through everyday acts of service and kindness or by willingly giving up their time (often over many years) to welcome people and share God’s love in the everyday stuff that keeps our church alive - serving refreshments, ringing the bell, volunteering with our children and young people, connecting with community groups, picking up litter, faithfully turning up to daily prayers ...
It is that sense of belonging and community that makes me love being a church warden here. Thank you all for my small piece of Heaven on Earth. With love, Jo
Joanna Burdett, Sunday Warden
CHURCH MANAGER’S REPORT
Compiling the annual report can sometimes feel like an administrative task. Yet as I start peering through 2024, thinking about who played a part, I am struck by the sheer volume of willingness, energy and creativity that inhabits St Barnabas. And I am always in awe of how much has happened throughout the year, not only on Sundays but also through the week and via the various committees.
St Barnabas, a Church for all Including You, offered seven different types of services, introducing a new communion service as well as some reflective outdoor prayers. Through the year, there were 8 family services with varied themes aimed at engaging the younger ones. And in the community, St Barnabas opens its doors to various groups such as Barney’s toddler group, Place of Welcome or the Nightshelter. But this would not be possible without the wonderful pool of volunteers who, by offering to serve, support St Barnabas’ mission, on Sundays, through its committees and via the outreach projects. To all of you, thank you, we are very grateful for your support and we simply could not do it without you.
And thank you as well to all my colleagues without whom St Barnabas would not be the place it is: a wonderful space made by many wonderful people.
Sandrine Simmons
PASTORAL REPORT
It is commonly understood that C of E clergy have an easy life - after all, they only work on Sundays and not all day at that! I hope nobody reading the last sentence believes it to be true: in my experience of being a full-time vicar there were never enough hours in the day to keep up with what there was to do. Added to that, the nature of the job means that things often crop up unexpectedly and you find yourself doing something totally different from what you’d planned.
Behind the scenes at St Barnabas, as in all parish churches, there is a lot going on. Thankfully, being retired, I’m not very involved with meetings or admin but I do help with some of the variety of pastoral work that takes place. This includes home and/or hospital visits to those who are unwell; taking Holy Communion to the housebound; meetings with wedding couples and parents bringing children for baptism; and time spent with grieving relatives as funeral services are planned and delivered. There are also the random events: for example, last year, Richard took a service of blessing for a couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary, who were married at St Barnabas.
I must also mention the unofficial pastoral work that is carried out by individual members of the congregation, who keep in touch with those who are no longer to attend, something that is much appreciated. Thanks to them – and especially to Richard, who does the lion’s share of the work.
Ann Brodie
MUSIC REPORT
This year has been another fantastic musical year at St Barnabas. In-house, we have a budding group of new young musicians and singers regularly joining our Family Service Band, leading the worship with real gusto! We have added new songs to our set list, including 'Hosanna Rock', which proved a real hit in April's service. Our scratch choir has continued to feature at significant services, delivering a polished rendition of 'Ding Dong, Merrily on High' before Christmas this year.
We have been particularly excited to develop our relationship with London City Brass this year. We were fortunate to host their 5th Anniversary Concert in September this year. Within our worship, they provided beautiful accompaniments to our congregational carols at this year's Carol Service, and the bugle calls for our annual Remembrance Service.
Within the local community, we have offered music and lead worship wherever possible. Three musicians from St Barnabas played the accompaniments for Battersea's annual Good Friday Walk of Witness. In December, Sarah and Richard led a session of karaoke carols on the Common, to help runners over the finish line at the final Park Run before Christmas.
The building continues to be used as a rehearsal venue by local musicians and ensembles, including the Academy of StMary-Le-Bow, who enjoyed the acoustics and new lighting while preparing for their recent performance of Mahler's 1st Symphony.
If you would like to take part in the worship at St Barnabas, please do get in touch with the Director of Music.
Sarah Hughes Director of Music
BEHIND THE SCENES
FABRICS
It has been another busy year for the fabrics team. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, as well as grants and legacies, we were able to upgrade the church lighting – the first of our projects celebrating the 125th anniversary of the church. This was not simply for aesthetic reasons. The previous system, over 30 years old, relied on energy-intensive halogen bulbs that frequently failed—requiring no small amount of faith before anyone dared climb the ladder to replace them. The improvement is, I think we can all agree, remarkable. The new lighting not only enhances the atmosphere of our services
and save us money via lower energy usage but also opens the door to broader uses of the space, such as evening concerts or community events. It has also significantly improved the warmth and comfort of the building. We are fortunate to worship in such an architecturally beautiful church, and the new system allows us to illuminate key features—such as the Last Supper reredos, the Ten Commandments panels beside the altar, and, a personal favourite, the church as it glows in the evening alongside the West Window. While the project was a major investment (£56,000 + VAT), it offers real flexibility in how we use the building. We can now create tailored lighting scenes for different services—baptisms, carols by candlelight, daily prayers, and Taizé—helping people to experience the beauty of the space as well as the service.
Looking ahead, we have a similarly active year planned. A mobile phone mast is being installed in the tower, which will generate c. £7,000 of income annually and improve access to the tower itself. We are also hoping to get started on the installation of solar panels, which we hope will pay back within 7–9 years. In addition, we are gathering quotes for a complete and much-needed overhaul of the toilets.
As ever, thank you for your continued support, and my thanks also to the (growing) fabrics team for all their work tightening, plastering, painting, fixing, and modernising this wonderful church for the benefit of all who use it.
Mike Burton, Fabrics Warden
SAFEGUARDING
At St Barnabas, safeguarding is a shared responsibility and a vital part of our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment for all. As a Church of England parish, St Barnabas adheres to the Diocesan guidance A Safe Church when it comes to protecting vulnerable groups, children, and young people. Through an annual Safeguarding Review, the vicar, churchwardens, and Parish Safeguarding Officers ( Sandrine Simmons and Stephanie Wilson)
systematically review procedures and practices and throughout the year, they work closely with the Diocese to ensure any concerns are dealt with promptly and appropriately.
In November, we had our very first Safeguarding Sunday service. This was a very important time for us—a chance to bring to the fore our safeguarding commitments and a reminder to our parishioners that this is not a task we can do on our own. Parishioners also play a key role in promoting a culture of vigilance and care, helping to ensure that everyone—especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults—feels safe, respected, and supported within our church community.
Our safeguarding policy and procedures for raising and handling concerns are clearly displayed on the church notice board. Copies of the safeguarding manual are also readily available at the back of the worship area, in the church office, and online via both our church website and the Diocesan website. At St Barnabas, safeguarding is not just a policy—it is a core expression of our faith and our call to care for one another as a church family.
Stephanie Wilson, Parish Safeguarding Officer
AN ECO CHURCH
Eco-Church was busy this year!
We added new members to our team who gave us fresh energy and new ideas as we worked to earn our Silver Award. The hardest part in earning Silver was solidifying care for God's creation into our everyday way of working at St Barnabas and making sure we weren't just doing a box ticking exercise.
We worked many activities into regular Sunday worship such as the Great Butterfly Count on the common (which we hope is now a tradition) and held a series of sermon on the theme of ‘To Hope and Act with Creation’ for creationtide.
There were additional eco-activities where we invited people to consider creation in other ways such as the bat walk, Epiphany prayers on the common, Lenten pilgrimage or meeting with our Councilor to discuss environmental issues. And if you paid close attention, you noticed creation references at regular services as well in songs, intercessions, and sermons.
The LED lighting project contributed significantly to our quest for Silver as it reduced our energy use through the installation of LED lighting throughout the church. We also received a grant from Ecclesiastical Insurance which we used to purchase the St Barnabas logoed hi-res bibs for our regular litter picks. We worked hard to ensure there were opportunities for all ages and abilities and we hope you were able to join us for some and now hold regular community gardening mornings throughout the year in partnership with Abundance Gardens. We encourage everyone to come and join us.
As we look toward Gold, we will have to dig even deeper so stay tuned for more opportunities to participate in the coming year.
Monica McFarland
ST BARNABAS DURING THE WEEK
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
Thanks to our volunteers, some from within St Barnabas and others from the community, St Barnabas’ mission extends to various groups of our community to offer a welcoming space for all, not just on Sundays but throughout the week. Thank you to all those who create those spaces and without whom it could not happen. Do speak to us if you would like to join the pool of volunteers.
BARNEYS PARENTS, BABIES & TODDLER GROUP
Running every Monday and Wednesday mornings 9.30am-11am during term time, Barney’s welcomes parents and grandparents looking for a warm and welcoming space to come to with their littles ones. In Barneys, parents find a supportive and caring group where they can meet and exchange with other parents whilst their little ones play, try out some craft and learn nursery rhymes with the Vicar and his guitar!
PLACE OF WELCOME AND COMMUNITY LUNCH
Every Thursday, between 1pm and 3pm we open St Barnabas to our community. Part of the Place of Welcome network, we aim to offer a welcoming environment to regulars and visitors alike. Every week you can come and join us to share refreshments, play scrabble or dominos or simply sit with us. And every other week or so, we start by sharing a simple lunch of soup, bread and cheese prepared by our volunteers.
GLASSDOOR NIGHTSHELTER
Our partnership with Glassdoor continues with St Barnabas part of the Wandsworth circuit, a group of 7 churches, opening once a week our venues in winter time, to host c. 35 guests, and offer a hot meal and a safe and warm space to spend the night. In 2024, 542 guests were provided with emergency shelter, whilst 376 moved off the streets and into housing and 2338 guests were individually supported.
SCHOOLS
Throughout the year, Richard visits and invites schools to St Barnabas to support their religious studies, including Belleville, Macaulay and Marmalade Cat. It’s an opportunity to exchange and for many a chance to come into the church. Last year, we were also delighted to host Marmalade Cat nursery’s graduation and nativity.
OTHER GROUPS MEETING IN ST BARNABAS
KEEP ON MOVING CLASS
Subsidised both by Enable & St Barnabas, those classes for the 70+ offer a chance to improve balance/ flexibility.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Five support groups meet once a week in St Barnabas to help those tackling alcohol and drug addictions.
The increasing number of participants is a testimony of the need for venues such as ours, let at a charitable rate, which enable its members to step on the road of recovery.
St Barnabas is also home to various groups offering activities such as ballet, karate or music and tuitions on a weekly or monthly basis welcoming children and adults from the area. The venues are also hired privately throughout the year for birthday parties, wedding anniversaries and private events.
OUR MISSION PARTNERS
5% of unrestricted donations received goes to our Mission Giving and last year, the PCC allocated £5000 for our annual mission giving equally to Homestart Wandsworth , GoMAD Tanzania , Christian Climate Action , Wandsworth Prison , Share Community , Devas Club and Citizens UK .
We asked Melissa Pike, from Homestart Wandsworth to answer a few questions to let us know more about Home Start and what difference donations can make.
What is Home-Start? Home-Start Wandsworth provides tailored, practical and emotional support to vulnerable families with children under the age of 5. They work with families who may be struggling with poor mental or physical health, isolation, financial hardship and post-natal depression.
Why is it important? The first five years of a child’s life are the most important in shaping their future. During this time, children need nurturing care from their parents and caregivers. Home-Start makes sure that the early years count and that no child’s future is limited.
How are you funded? Thanks to the generosity of donors like St Barnabas, Home-Start staff and trained volunteers are able to offer vulnerable families a lifeline when they are struggling to cope. They help to rebuild confidence and self-esteem, enabling parents to acquire expertise and resilience that they can use in the future.
Donations also help to fund a weekly programme of group activities; including a weekly lunch club, a stay and play session, and day trips to Kew Gardens and West Wittering. These activities help to alleviate isolation and improve mental wellbeing by providing a safe environment for families to come together, creating a sense of community and belonging.
Are there other ways to help? The global pandemic and economic turbulence have acted as magnifiers, exacerbating existing challenges and creating additional pressures for many families who were already struggling. The number of families needing help is greater and the challenges they face are getting tougher. Please make a donation if you can. If you could spare 2-4 hours a week to support a local family and make a difference that lasts a lifetime, please do consider becoming a Home-Start Wandsworth volunteer.
Testimony:
“Home-Start Wandsworth has been my rock, keeping me going through the tough times. The support was unparalleled. The entire team is just incredible, and their dedication is what makes Home-Start such an amazing service. They truly caught me before I could fall. I never thought that I would need the services of a charity, but I was so wrong. The charity came through for me when I needed it the most.”
FINANCE
This past year was a productive year for St Barnabas. A notable achievement was the installation of LED lighting in the church, facilitated by the generous contributions to the 125 fund. As a result of this significant cost (£50k+), the accounts show a planned deficit of £27,543. However, this is not a cause for concern. This figure simply reflects our decision to invest in our facilities using funds received in 2023.
Income - Our total income for the year was £174,388. The reduction from previous year is mostly due to the absence of the legacy received in 2023. Donations and Gift Aid remained consistent, while church hall hire saw increased revenue from more bookings for support groups and parties. Although regular hirers slightly declined, overall income remained strong.
- Expenditure Expenditure totalled £201,841 — up 25% from the previous year. The most significant item was installing LED lights, costing over £50K. This project reflects our aim to keep the church a safe and welcoming space for worship and community use. Operational costs such as staffing, utilities, and supplies were carefully managed, and most remained within expected levels.
We contributed £75K to the Parish Support Fund which supports ministry and mission across the Diocese. In addition, we were pleased to allocate £5,000 towards mission giving, supporting several charities. These included: Wandsworth Homestart, GoMAD in Tanzania, Christian Climate Action, Wandsworth Prison, Share community, Devas Clubs and UK Citizens. These contributions reflect our commitment to extending our support beyond our immediate community.
Despite the year-end deficit, our financial position remains stable and healthy. Our reserves consist of both general and designated funds, set aside to support ongoing ministries and future projects.
We are grateful to your contribution to support the mission and life of our Church; your kindness and involvement are deeply appreciated, and we give thanks to God for your generosity. Looking ahead we will continue to be a welcoming place for worship and community, staying open to new ways we can grow, serve and support one another.
Sosy Cholakian, Finance Co-ordinator
ACCREDITATIONS
LIVING WAGE EMPLOYER
We are pleased to announce that we are a Living Wage employer. The Living Wage commitment sees everyone working at St Barnabas, regardless of whether they are direct employees or third-party contracted staff receive at least the minimum living wage (currently £13.85/ hour) which is higher than the statutory minimum for over 21s (currently £12.21/hour).
ECO CHURCH BRONZE AWARD
We are proud to have achieved in 2024 the Eco Church Silver Award which recognises the steps we have taken to be an Eco church. The litter picks (transforming our community), outdoor services (embedding creation care in worship), or installing LED lighting in the church, thereby reducing our energy consumption are all examples of actions that have led to the accreditation. Thank you to the Eco Church committee which continues to work towards now achieving the Gold award.
Statement of Financial Activities Total Unrestrltted Deslgnated Restrlcted Endowment 2024 Total 2023 Incorne Income and Endowments Incorne from Charitable Artivities 3.014 3.014 4,858 Income from Donations and Legacies 71.311 19,121 90,432 118,048 Income from Other Tradlng Actlvltles 70,546 S,060 75.606 76,211 Investment Income Other Fundraisin8 5,236 5,236 3,914 Income 100 100 Totsl Income 150,207 24.181 0 174,388 203,030 Expenses Expendlture Charitable Artivitie5 147,530 51,872 2,372 201,774 159,759 Éxpenditure on Raislng Funds Totsl Empenses 67 67 705 14,597 51.872 2,372 0 201,841160,464 Net Recource Movement 2,610 -27.692 -2,372 0-27,452 42,566 Net movement Sn Funds 2,166 .27.248 -2,372 0-27453 42,566 Total Funds Brought Forward 101,008 51.340 2,385 0 154,734 112,167 Total Funds Carrled Forward 103,175 24.092 14 0 127,281154,734
Balance Sheet 2024 2023 Flxed Assets Tangible Assets Fixtures & Fittlll85 Other Assets 3,957 1,117 1,733 2,527 Current Assets Debtors Hlrers Account Recelvable 247 581 Account Receivable 11,366 6,849 Cash at Bank and in Hand CAF Bank Current Account 14.901 59.244 CAF Donate loo CAF Gold 60,493 CCLAICBFI Deposit Account Cash Iundeposited Recelpts 93,564 88,849 1,994 1,417 Goodbox 283 CredStors Account Payable Other Creditors -267 -4,633 .57,750 Funds Held on bèhalf of BWR -3,058 Net Assets 127,281 154.734 Funds & Resevers Unrestricted Funds 103.175 101.tr)9 Restricted Funds 14 De518nnated Fund Funds Provlded 24.092 53.722 127,281 154,734
BATTERSEA DEANERY
Battersea Deanery Synod met three times last year at St Peter's in March, at Christchurch Batterea in July, and at St Barnabas in October. Our visiting speaker in March was Joseph Vambe, the Church Engagement officer for Christian Aid, whilst the Assistant Director of Lay Ministry, Ven Carol Coslett spoke about opportunities for lay ministry in October. July's meeting took the form of a garden party.
Rev Ian Luke-Macauley continues to lead the Deanery as Area Dean with Vasantha Gnanadoss appointed as the Lay Chair of Synod. Fr Philip Kennedy and Rev Richard Taylor were elected as clergy representatives on Diocesan Synod with the lay positions being filled by Vasantha Gnanadoss and Helen Goddard.
As ever, there are three spaces available on Deanery Synod for any members of St Barnabas who would like to serve in this way.
Richard Taylor
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
The PCC Trustees share responsibility for promoting the whole mission of the Church, its financial accountability, safeguarding users, the maintenance, preservation and insurance of the fabric of the Grade II listed building.
They met 8 times in 2024 with Joanna Burdett and Mike Burton as wardens, with responsibility for overseeing Sunday mornings and fabrics respectiverly.
PASTORAL OFFICES
There were a total of seven baptisms, including one adult baptism, one wedding, a blessing and three funerals.
We alternate Holy Communion services with Morning Worship and hold a monthly family service and an all age communion. In addition, there is a monthly BCP Communion service and a Taize Communion service. Our services are live-streamed on our YouTube channel.
ELECTORAL ROLL
After revision, there are 126 members on the Electoral Roll at the time of the 2024 APCM.
STAFF
There were no changes in the staff team in 2024. There are three part time staff, Sandrine Simmons, Church Manager, Sarah Hughes, Director of Music and Sosy Cholakian, Finance Coordinator.
We said good bye to Anna Mills after 3 years as Ordinand as she joined St Mildred as Curate in July 2024.
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The church is located on the north side of Clapham Common at the corner of Lavender Gardens. Correspondence should be addressed to:
Rev. Richard Taylor, St. Barnabas’ Church Clapham Common North Side London SW4 9SW
Tel: 020 7223 5953 Facebook & Instagram: @stbarnabassw4 Email: vicar@stbcc.co.uk St Barnabas’ Church, Charity Number: 1151362
St Barnabas Church Clapham Common
End of Year Financial Statements 31st December 2024
Page 1
Statement of Financial Activities
| Income Income and Endowments Income from Charitable Activities Income from Donations and Legacies Income from Other Trading Activities Investment Income Other Fundraising Income Total Income Expenses Expenditure Charitable Activities Expenditure on Raising Funds Total Expenses Net Recource Movement Net movement in Funds Total Funds Brought Forward Total Funds Carried Forward |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total 2024 Total 2023 |
|---|---|
| 3,014 3,014 4,858 71,311 19,121 90,432 118,048 70,546 5,060 75,606 76,211 5,236 5,236 3,914 100 100 0 |
|
| 150,207 24,181 0 0 174,388 203,030 |
|
| 147,530 51,872 2,372 201,774 159,759 67 67 705 |
|
| 14,597 51,872 2,372 0 201,841 160,464 |
|
| 2,610 -27,692 -2,372 0 -27,452 42,566 |
|
| 2,166 -27,248 -2,372 0 -27453 42,566 |
|
| 101,008 51,340 2,385 0 154,734 112,167 |
|
| 103,175 24,092 14 0 127,281 154,734 |
Page 2
Balance Sheet
| Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Fixtures & Fittings Other Assets Current Assets Debtors Hirers Account Receivable Account Receivable Cash at Bank and in Hand CAF Bank Current Account CAF Donate CAF Gold CCLA(CBF) Deposit Account Cash /Undeposited Receipts Goodbox Creditors Account Payable Other Creditors Funds Held on behalf of BWR Net Assets Funds & Resevers Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Designnated Fund Funds Provided |
2024 2023 |
|---|---|
| 3,957 1,117 1,733 2,527 247 581 11,366 6,849 14,901 59,244 100 100 60,493 0 93,564 88,849 1,994 1,417 0 283 -267 -4,633 -57,750 -1,600 -3,058 0 |
|
| 127,281 154,734 |
|
| 103,175 101,009 14 0 24,092 53,722 |
|
| 127,281 154,734 |
Page 3
Asset and Liabilities
| Assets Fixed Assets Tangible Assets Fixtures & Fittings Chair Trolly Chair Trolly Accumulated Depreciation Table Trolly Table Trolly Accumulated Depreciation Dishwasher Dishwasher Accumulated Depreciation Other Assets Notice Board Notice Board Accumulated Depreciation Megaflo Megaflo Accumulated Depreciation Vicar's Float Fixed Assets Current Assets Debtors Hirers Account Receivable Account Receivable Vicar's Float Cash at Bank and in Hand CAF Bank Current Account CAF Donate CAF Gold CCLA(CBF) Deposit Account Cash /Undeposited Receipts Goodbox Current Assets Liabilities Creditors Account Payable Other Creditors Funds Held on behalf of BWR Current Liabilites Grant Total |
2024 2023 |
|---|---|
| 504 504 -263 -137 |
|
| 242 367 518 518 -323 -195 |
|
| 195 323 2,658 2,658 -2,657 -1,805 |
|
| 0 427 2,474 2,474 -742 -247 |
|
| 1,733 2,227 3,640 0 -120 0 |
|
| 3,520 0 0 300 |
|
| 5,690 3,644 |
|
| 247 581 11,066 6,849 300 0 |
|
| 11,613 7,430 14,901 59,244 100 100 60,493 0 93,564 88,849 1,994 1,417 0 283 |
|
| 171,052 149,893 |
|
| 182,665 157,323 |
|
| -267 -4,633 -57,750 -1,600 -3,058 0 |
|
| -61,075 -6,233 |
|
| 127,281 154,734 |
Page 4
Fund Balances
| Fund | Brought Forward Transfers Income Expenses Balance |
|---|---|
| 125 Anniversary Barney's Battertsea Welcome Refugees Battersea/RT Area Dean Flowers General Fund Nightshelter Organ Seniors Total |
45,730 89 22,089 51,050 16,859 1,598 352 1,787 -166 3,571 2,371 0 0 -2,371 0 14 0 0 0 14 150 0 0 -119 31 101,009 -444 150,207 -147,597 103,175 1,825 273 -155 1,943 167 0 0 0 167 1,871 2 5 32 -393 1,522 |
| 154,734 0 174,388 -201,841 127,281 |
Page 5
Income and Expenditure
| Income and Expenditure | |
|---|---|
| Income and Endowments Income from Charitable Activities Baptism certificate Fees Fees for weddings & funerals Banns fee Funeral Fees Wedding Fees Total Income from Charitable Activities Income from Donations and Legacies CAF Donate Gift Aid Claimed Gift Aid Donations - Envelopes Card Donations (GoodBox) Card Donations (Sumup) Card Donations (Sumup Barneys) Legacies Loose Plate Collections Non Gift Aid Donations - Bank Non-recurring one-off grants One off Gift Aid Donations Other Donations/Contributions Barneys Seniors Regular Gift Aid Donations - Bank Regular Giving Envelopes Total Income from Donations and Legacies Income from Other Trading Activities Antenna Income Church Hall Letting Income (AD HOC Hire) Church Hall Letting Income (Party) Church Hall Letting Income (Regular Hire) Church Hall Letting Income (Support Group) Income From Fund-raising Events Income From Parking Space Total Income from Other Trading Activities Investment Income Interest Received Total Investment Income Other Fundraising Income Book sale Total Other Fundraising Income Total Income and Endowments |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total 2024 Total 2023 |
| 0 17 865 865 1,125 1,525 1,525 1,879 624 624 1,836 |
|
| 3,014 0 0 0 3,014 4,858 9,428 9,428 12,622 13,602 3,750 17,352 15,952 3,335 130 3,465 2,102 894 663 1,557 2,851 1,510 56 1,566 0 0 717 717 0 0 0 30,500 3,213 77 3,290 3,116 1,160 1,160 1,020 764 250 1,014 2,190 1,200 13,000 14,200 9,771 1,033 45 1,078 1,393 0 295 295 939 0 29 29 315 31,093 31,093 30,298 4,078 110 4,188 4,977 |
|
| 71,310 19,122 0 0 90,432 118,048 5,488 5,000 10,488 0 598 598 0 3,368 3,368 0 42,569 42,569 56,515 9,356 9,356 8,420 0 0 1,603 9,167 9,167 9,673 |
|
| 70,546 5,000 0 0 75,546 76,211 5,236 5,236 3,914 |
|
| 5,236 0 0 0 5,236 3,914 100 60 160 3,914 |
|
| 100 60 0 0 160 3,914 |
|
| 150,206 24,182 0 0 174,388 203,030 |
Page 6
Income and Expenditure
| Expenditure Charitable Activities 125 Trees Battersea Welcome Refugees Books & resources for congregation Charity Management & Administration Administration & Compliance Bank Charges Depreciation Children & Youth Church Flowers Church Running Costs Annual Church Maintenance Church Cleaning Fees Kitchen & Cleaning Supplies Church Electricity Church Gas Church Insurance Church Telecoms Church Water & Sewage Church repairs & maintenance/Equipments IT & Software/Computer Expenses Organists Fees Printing & Stationary Refreshments Catering & Social Church Hospitality Sunday Refreshment Staffing Church Manager's Salary Director of Music Salary Employees NI & Pension contribution Finance Co-Ordinator Salary Clergy & Staff Expenses Clergy & Staff Refreshments Staff Travel Costs Cost of Entertainment Cost of Services Church requisites Organ / Piano Tuning & Repair |
Total 2024 Total 2023 |
|---|---|
| 0 4,303 2,372 2,372 1,775 188 135 323 228 930 930 939 60 60 85 1,295 1,295 927 352 352 184 119 119 158 551 551 2,283 5,060 5,060 5,250 762 762 1,133 4,064 4,064 5,573 6,173 6,173 9,156 3,939 3,939 3,848 470 470 492 25 25 55 5,869 51,064 56,933 3,629 693 693 484 683 683 1,171 272 272 1,022 29 29 0 241 37 278 778 314 314 563 14,101 14,101 13,648 6,534 6,534 6,310 1,517 1,517 1,913 7,548 7,548 6,708 366 366 427 244 244 98 0 0 200 27 27 0 0 0 316 607 607 962 |
Page 7
Income and Expenditure
| Income and Expenditure | |
|---|---|
| Provision of services/Worship resources Curate Costs Courses (Lent,Alpha,…) Diocesan Quota (Parish Support Fund) Diocesan Returns To SLCF Gardening Fees Gift Mission Giving Giving to Missionary Societies Giving to Secular Charities Mission Expenses Night shelter Parenting course Pastoral Senior Activities Cost Place of Welcome Staff Training Vicarage Hospitality Working expenses of incumbent Total Charitable Activities Expenditure on Raising Funds Costs of Fund-raising Costs of stewardship campaign Total Expenditure on Raising Funds Total Expenditure Operating Profit/(Loss) Total Other Income/(Expenses) Net Profit/(Loss) |
Total 2024 Total 2023 |
| 366 366 1,241 0 0 781 253 253 0 75,000 75,000 72,025 616 616 984 666 666 2,077 251 251 218 5,075 5,075 4,075 90 90 297 807 807 752 105 105 83 155 155 169 20 20 0 261 261 237 329 329 363 14 14 322 15 15 0 41 41 97 1,071 1,071 1,419 |
|
| 147,529 51,873 2,372 0 201,774 159,759 67 67 0 0 0 705 |
|
| 67 0 0 0 67 705 |
|
| 147,596 51,873 2,372 0 201,841 160,464 |
|
| 2,610 -27,691 -2,372 0 -27,453 42,566 |
|
| 2,610 -27,691 -2,372 0 -27,453 42 566 |
Page 8
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
| Report to the trustees/ members of On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages Responsibilities and basis of report |
Charity Name St Barnabas Church, Clapham Common |
Charity Name St Barnabas Church, Clapham Common |
Charity Name St Barnabas Church, Clapham Common |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31stDecember 2024 | Charity no (if any) |
1151362 | |
| 2-8 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) |
|||
| I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2024. As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. |
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
• the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or • the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts 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 no concerns and 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.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed: Name: Douglas Pearson Relevant professional ICAS qualification(s) or body (if any):
Date: 08/05/2025
1
Oct 2018
IER
Address: Flat 2, Read House
Clayton Street
SE11 5SF, London
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of n/a any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
Oct 2018
IER