2023-12-31-accounts - The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of St Leonard's Heston

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

The Parish of Heston

Trustees Annual Report 2023

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Trustees Annual Report for the Year ended 31[st] December 2023

Administrative and Legal Information

St Leonard’s church is situated in the suburban village of Heston in Middlesex and is part of the Diocese of London in the Kensington Episcopal Area in the Hounslow Deanery.

Ecclesiastical Parish	St Leonard’s Church, Heston
	Heston Road, Heston, Middlesex, TW5 0RD
Vicarage Address	21 Sutton Hall Road, Heston, Hounslow, TW5 0PX
Incumbent	13thJune 2023- The Reverend Erica Wilding
Associate Priest/ SSM	The Reverend Davidson Solanki
Churchwardens	Miss Dawn Rabin, Miss Caroline Darvill
Treasurer	Mr William Bessell
PCC Secretary	Miss Caroline Darvill
Lay Chair	Miss Dawn Rabin

Elected Members of the Parochial Church Council

Mrs Pat Jennings Mrs Sara Moffat Miss Martha Asingura

Ex Officio Members of the Parochial Church Council

Clergy
	The Reverend Davidson Solanki
Safeguarding Officer	Vacant
Treasurer	Mr William Bessell
Children’s Champion	Mrs Wendy Rochester
Deanery Synod Rep(s)	Mrs Joanne Merry

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Independent Examiner Data Developments Wolverhampton Science Park Creative Industries Centre Glaisher Drive Wolverhampton West Midlands, WV10 9TG Bankers National Westminster Bank, Hounslow Branch 275-277 High Street, Hounslow, TW3 1EG Barclays Bank, Hounslow Branch 210 High Street, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 1DL

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Contents.

Reports

12-13. Finance and Treasurer
Churchwardens
14-16. Deanery Synod
16-17. Safeguarding
Shop
Christian Aid
- Archivists
Who’s who 2023

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Vicar’s Review of the year Vicar’s Report (June – Dec 2023)

My sincere thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged me throughout my first few months as the 60[th] vicar of St Leonard’s church, Heston. Particular thanks go to my clergy colleagues, Fr Davidson and Fr Ken Tombs whose support regarding both practical and theological matters has been invaluable.

My year in the parish commenced with my installation and collation service on 13[th] June, when surrounded by family, friends and local clergy, I was installed by the Bishop of Kensington and the Archdeacon of Middlesex. The service was vibrant and welcoming and will be forever etched on my heart. A big note of thanks to Michael Palmer who organised a group of Middlesex bellringers to ring for the occasion.

Events since then have been many and varied, including the recommencement of a midweek Eucharist service followed by a “light lunch”; a Parish Ramble to Osterley in August; The 8 week Bible Course; Education Sunday; a Harvest Festival service followed by a Bring and Share lunch; a Macmillan Coffee morning; a Pet Service; the Patronal Festival and parish Sunday dinner; a visit from Johnny Cash (aka Rev David McClure from St John’s Isleworth); the civic Remembrance service; Advent and Christmas celebrations.

My two main aims have been to enhance the opportunities for worship at St Leonard’s and to drive greater links with the wider community. Opening the church daily for private prayer; starting the Stay Active classes; including Godly Play demonstrations as part of all Table Top Sales; supporting HAG litter picks and building upon the dormant relationships with the local Primary Schools have been and will continue to be, important as we seek to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and the values of His Kingdom out into the wider community.

Heston provides us with considerable opportunities and I have felt supported and indeed welcomed by many people within the wider community who are pleased for the church to have such an active and visible presence in the centre of Heston.

Worship

Worship should be a combination of coming before God in joy, reverence and solemnity and I am grateful for the support of Dawn and Lynda who both, in their own ways, enhance our worship through their accompaniment of our singing. My thanks also to our readers, servers, welcomers and anyone who plays their part in the worship life of St Leonard’s (particularly the quiet and unsung role of hospitality which is critical to the sort of welcome that I want our church to be known for).

The tradition of St Leonard’s is similar to my own (which is why I applied for the post) but just by my very presence in leading worship, I am sure that you will all have noticed some differences. Wherever possible I have looked to honour the tradition of the church but there have been some situations where, after prayerful consideration, I have decided to make changes. The ending of the service with a public vestry prayer was probably the most noticeable. As I explained, I felt uncomfortable about having a prayer that was not in the service book, as its hardly welcoming to new people for them not to know the response!

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Quiet Mornings – the opportunity to spend prayerful time in the church ahead of important festivals (Christmas & Easter) to reflect upon our relationship with God will continue to become a regular feature of our pattern of worship.

There have been 17 number of Baptisms and 11 Confirmations (5 in April 2023 and 6 in October) including many of our Farsi brothers and sisters, who have a special place in the life of St Leonard’s.

Schools and children’s work

There is no plan to replace Nikkita, the former Children’s and Youth Minister, as I intend to do the schools ministry myself. Edison, Springwell, Heston Primary, Westbrook all enjoyed visits to the church this year (Harvest/Christmas 2023) and my relationship with St Mary’s Primary, Norwood Green, which started before I was even appointed as Vicar, continues. My prayer is that as the relationships between myself and the teachers develop, these visits will become regular events and will bear fruit in the growth of young families joining us. My sincere thanks to David Sewell who joins for the school visits to assist me and enable access to the hall/toilets.

Our Christingle service was well attended (49) and provides encouragement that there is an appetite for such a service moving forward.

Due to growth in our congregation, Dawn will be taking on the responsibility for leading Junior Church once a month. Please pray for her and her team of volunteers, as we seek to build this up and nurture our young people in the Christian faith.

Outreach

I see the church hall as a really important vehicle for community outreach and am keen that we maximise its use. I was therefore delighted when Aran Summers agreed to start the Stay Active classes in the hall on a Thursday morning with funding from Hounslow Borough Council. Whilst the first few months were difficult (we require 15 attendees to break even) with the generous support of Aran and his wife, who saw, with me, the potential of our hall as a venue, this now seems to be going from strength to strength.

Particularly pleasing is the fact that we have participants who have been referred to the class by their GPs. Over half of attendees are not members of our worshipping community and it is good that through this activity, they come into contact with the church and it's life.

Supporting HAG (Heston Action Group) is closely aligned with the Christian imperative for Creation Care, so I have been keen to build up church support for their regular litter picks and have invited them to be a regular stall holder at the Table Top Sales.

The Pet Service in October provided people of all faiths the opportunity to give thanks for their beloved pet companions and it was a joy to see so many new faces who had heard about the service through word of mouth (including the vicar of a neighbouring parish!)

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Our website has seen a considerable amount of activity since my joining, including weekly video reflections; Daily Prayer from the Church of England and the ability to download my sermons for those who wish to reflect upon them further. The notice board in church has also been busy updating the congregation on events coming up and sharing photos of what has happened. All this goes to highlight the vibrancy of our church family and I am convinced has helped with outreach and growth.

As soon as I arrived I reinstituted the monthly Eucharist at Percy Bilton Court and thank Catherine Lehane, the Manager there, for her support in facilitating this and for welcoming a group of us to sing carols for a good number of the residents, just before Christmas.

Obituary

This year we have seen the passing of a number of beloved members of our church family, including Philip Rudolph and Barbara Hill. Our prayers are with all who mourn their loss.

Thanks and gratitude

My grateful thanks to all of you who have made me feel so welcome and helped ease me into my role as your vicar. Particular thanks go to –

Our Church Wardens, Dawn Rabin and Caroline Darvill and our Treasurer, William Bessell and members of the PCC for their tireless efforts during the interregnum and for their commitment and challenge as we seek to work together in the leadership of this parish.

This leads to my final point and prayer – that we remember the image created by St Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 v 27; Y ou are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)

Together we are all part of the body of Christ, each offering to God our particular skills, interests, passions and experiences. If we work together and keep faithful to these words, we will build up the church and its people in this area.

I am convinced that we are about to have a great deal of fun, building God’s Kingdom here in Heston. Let the fun begin and may God bless us all. Amen

Associate Priest’s thoughts of the year

Ministry of welcome and hospitality

Throughout the year, St Leonard’s has been blessed by many Farsi speaking friends who come to the church in large numbers. Every Sunday, 5 – 10 Farsi speaking friends

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

attend the service on a regular basis. Majority of them are seeking asylum in the UK and they have been housed at the Heston Hyde Hotel which is near to our Parish. It’s a delight to see the regular congregation welcoming them with warmth, kindness and helping hands. Many members have offered support to these friends in the form of guidance, and practical support such as teaching English language. I have been offering regular pastoral care to them in the form of prayer and practical support. Many have been baptised and about nine of them were confirmed by Bishop Emma.

Multicultural Service.

Since my time here at St Leonard’s, God put a burden on my heart for special ministry to BAME and other ethnic groups who make up the majority of the Parish population. After much prayer and reflection, this matter was discussed at the PCC, and it was decided to begin Multicultural (MC) service once a month. With the help of my family, I conduct this service every first Sunday of the month. It starts at 11:30 am after Morning Mass. This is an informal, friendly service which includes time of worship in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Swahili, and Farsi languages. We briefly meditate on God’s word and special individual prayers are offered with anointing of the holy oil. An average of 15 people attend this service where many come forward to receive individual prayers for healing and comfort. Many have grown in their Christian faith and felt supported through prayer as they go through challenging times.

Chaplaincy.

St Leonard’s Heston is blessed with a local unit of Air Force Training Cadets (Heston & Isleworth). I have been supporting them as their Padre (Chaplain) for last three years. I meet with the Cadets once every month on the third Thursday evening where I offer reflection on moral values, faith and religion and provide pastoral support.

I thank and praise God for my ministry at St Leonard’s Heston. I sense the Holy Spirit is active as we faithfully worship God through Word and Sacrament. I am grateful to Rev Erica for her wholehearted support. I am also thankful to the Wardens, PCC, and Parish Administrator for their faithful support. Lastly, I thank my wife Deepika and son Dishan for their encouragement, support, and prayers.

To God be all glory, honour, and praise. Amen!

Rev’d Davidson Solanki Associate Priest

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Structure, Governances and Management

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England and operates under the ‘PCC’ Powers Measures of 1956.

The PCC was registered as a charity on 13[th] January 2015, Charity reg no 1159915.

Heston PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting the ecclesiastical parish, the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelism, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the fabric of the church complex.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees and Parish members are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC if they have registered for six months prior to the APCM and are over 16 years of age, or in the case of a new roll, have been on the old roll for the required rulings.

With the incumbent, the PCC should look after individual people, tell people the ‘Good News’, help the poorer members of society and those suffering from racial, economic and other injustices, and should encourage good relations with other Christian denominations.

The PCC should consider and discuss matters concerning the Church of England or any other matters of religious or public interest. It is not the role of the PCC to declare doctrine as this is covered under CANON A 5, when the Church of England or Parliament declares the doctrine.

The PCC should make known and put into effect any provisions made by the Diocesan Synod or the Deanery Synod, but without prejudice to the powers of the Council on any particular matter. Also, give advice to the Diocesan Synod or Deanery Synod on any matter referred to the Council and raise such matters as the Council consider appropriate with the Diocesan Synod or Deanery Synod, thus showing the link between the PCC, the Deanery Synod and the Diocesan Synod.

The PCC also has duties concerning the maintenance of the Church building, churchyard, for the contents of the Church, a five-year Quinquennial inspection, insurance, annual inspections, terrier, inventory and logbook, other property matters, the conduct of financial affairs of the Parish and rights respecting female priests.

Whilst members of the PCC cannot be expected to know all the rules and legal implications of certain fields but would be expected to seek advice before any discussions and decisions made. This could involve such things as health and safety, discrimination legislation, child protection, church appointments, church services and property conveyancing.

The PCC acknowledge and accept their collective responsibility that proper financial books and records are kept, adequate control systems in place to safeguard the assets and the format and content of the financial statement.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Risk Management

Major risks to which the PCC were exposed were reviewed and systems and procedures in place designed to manage these risks were established some time ago. However, a review of all of our procedures (in particular regarding financial) took place during 2018 and is on-going. A COVID-19 Risk Assessment was drawn up before reopening our buildings and this remains a dynamic document.

Safeguarding Policies

St Leonard’s PCC has used every endeavour to comply with its duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016, in relation to having due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. A copy of the House of Bishop’s Guidance is included here for ease of reference.

Child Protection

The Church of England, in all aspects of its life, is committed to and will champion the protection of children and young people both in society as a whole and in its own community. It fully accepts, endorses and will implement the principle enshrined in the Children Act 1989, that the welfare of the child is paramount. The Church of England will foster and encourage best practice within its community by setting standards for working with children and young people and supporting parents in the care of their children. It will work with statutory bodies, voluntary agencies and other faith communities to promote the safety and well-being of children and young people. It is committed to acting promptly whenever a concern is raised about a child or young person or about the behaviour of an adult and will work with the appropriate statutory bodies when an investigation into child abuse is necessary. The Church of England is committed to encouraging an environment where all people and especially those who may be vulnerable for any reason are able to worship and pursue their faith journey with encouragement and in safety. Everyone, whether they see themselves as vulnerable or not, will receive respectful pastoral ministry recognising any power imbalance within such a relationship.

Safeguarding Adults

All church workers involved in any pastoral ministry will be recruited with care including the use of the Criminal Records Bureau disclosure service when legal or appropriate workers will receive training and continuing support. Any allegations of mistreatment, abuse, harassment or bullying will be responded to without delay. Whether or not the matter involves the church there will be cooperation with the police and local authority in any investigation. Sensitive and informed pastoral care will be offered to anyone who has suffered abuse, including support to make a

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

complaint if so desired: help to find appropriate specialist care either from the church or secular agencies will be offered. Congregations will often include people who have offended in a way that means they are a continuing risk to vulnerable people. The risks will be managed sensitively with the protection of adults and children in mind.

Objectives and Activities

The prime objective of the PCC is the promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices laid down by the Church of England and Parliament under the PCC (powers) Measure of 1956.

Ministerial and Missional Objectives

❖ To appoint a new Vicar for the Parish- achieved.
❖ To promote our prime objective (above), specialised services, mission work, fundraising, maintenance of our properties and grounds, continued Christian life of our Church, Morning Prayer services, Lent and Advent worship and study and our support of our recognised charities
❖ Normal charity giving
❖ Church Open Days- aim to have the church open during the day on weekdays (resumed June 2023)
❖ Continued activities for fundraising and social activities
❖ Encouraging Lay Leadership
❖ Continued School visits
❖ Church Shop (including Sunday Morning Bookshop in the parish hall)
❖ Parish Outings and Socials
❖ More Missional outreach planned for 2024

Fabric and Structural Objectives

❖ Ongoing annual health and safety checks
❖ Continue the upkeep of the Old Churchyard
❖ Hall refurbishment (begun in 2023 and ongoing)
❖ New noticeboards for bus stop and main forecourt
❖ Church Roof maintenance and repairs

Achievements and Performances

Church attendance

There were 101 parishioners on the Electoral Roll, of which 60 resided in the Parish.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Governance

The full PCC met 11 times during the year including meetings concerning the recruitment of our new Incumbent and discussions with the Diocese Property team regarding the development of the Vicarage and surrounding land. All meetings have taken place face to face.

We have continued our promotion of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, special Sundays, Lent and Advent courses, Morning Prayer, Fundraising, Mission work (mainly through collections), maintenance of our property and grounds, continued Christian life with our Youth Church and Lent and Advent worship and study.

Finance and Stewardship- (within PCC meetings only)
Fabric and Maintenance (within the Vicar’s and Churchwardens’ role)

Financial Report

Please refer to the Independently Examined Financial Report with financial details for 2023. We employ the services of a book-keeper, Mr Kevin Ogilvie of Charity Bookkeeping to provide financial information and keep the books in order on behalf of the Trustees.

Treasurer’s Report (based on draft accounts)

The parish was the recipient of three unexpected financial gains in the year. Firstly, one of the of the parish’s leasehold tenants chose to extend their lease, for which the parish received a premium of £59k. Secondly the value of the parish’s investments, held in Church of England approved funds, rose significantly in the year, showing a gain of £188k over the year. Finally, we received a legacy of £14k. Disregarding these one-off items the underlying finances of the parish improved slightly but are not yet near breaking even.

The expenses of running the parish increased from £128k to £135k this year, a rise of £7k or 5.5 %. This did however include the replacement of the heating system in the Church Hall as well as urgent repairs to the heating system for the Church itself.

The income of the parish is best viewed as divided into income from investments and ‘ordinary’ income. Our investment income increased from £55k to £60k, a increase of £5k or 9%. Much of this was due to the increase in interest rates paid in the year. Our ‘ordinary’ income rose from £24k to £29k, a rise of £5k or 20%. This major increase was driven by increased donations from the congregation, reflecting the rise in congregation numbers since the arrival of our new vicar, Reverend Erica Wilding, in June 2023.

Overall our ‘regular’ income (excluding the one-offs) was around £89k which compares to our ‘regular’ expenses (excluding the repairs) of around £125k giving us a notional deficit of £36k for the year before one-off items. To address this for the future we hope to increase our income from renting out the Church Hall and to

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

receive increased donations over a full 12 months (as Reverend Erica was only in post for 6 months in the year).

Once all the one-offs are included the parish ended the year with assets of £2.277 million, up from £2.062 million at 31 December 2022, an increase of £215k but not yet recovered to the £2.352 million the parish had at 31 December 2021.

William Bessell Treasure

Churchwarden’s Report.

As 2023 began, we continued our journey through interregnum, supporting Father’s Davidson and Ken to provide worship, prayer and fellowship opportunities for the parish. On the occasions when neither were available, Dawn used the retired PTO list to request assistance. Father Tim Marwood and Father Bob Eckhart came to our rescue and have remained firm friends of The Parish.

Our thanks goes to Father Mark Paulson who gave us guidance and support. Mark also joined us for our Annual Parochial Church Meeting in May.

Interregnum gave us both the opportunity to undertake new ministries. Along with Father Davidson, we led Morning Prayer each Sunday, and took Home Communion to those of our congregation who were not able to join us in Church.

At the end of February, Dawn and I were again privileged to be the parish representatives during the interviews for our new incumbent and third time was definitely the charm! We then helped prepare the way for Reverend Erica, who joined us officially on 13th June with a wonderful installation service involving our congregation and local community.

The summer and autumn brought new adventures and opportunities with the congregation growing and becoming more active by the week. Our ramble to Osterley Park was great fun and our first Pet Service proved a hit with not only our congregation, but their beloved pets as well. As promised, we were able to hold a wonderful service and parish meal for our Patronal Festival, a long-awaited event since before the pandemic!

The PCC have continued to support us as Wardens and working for the best interests of our parish family. This has included discussions with the Diocese about the Bishop’s Mission Zone and the development of the Vicarage and land, hoping to keep as much green space as we can for our own activities in the future.

We have made progress in renovating the Hall, with the roof repaired and brand new heating which has been very welcome! And plans continue to be made for 2024.

Dawn and I would like to thank the PCC and whole congregation for their support and reassurance both during interregnum and the remainder of this year. You are all very much appreciated in our lives. Here’s to an exciting and worshipful time in our parish life.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Caroline Darvill & Dawn Rabin. Churchwardens.

Electoral Roll Report

There were 93 people on the Electoral Roll in January 2023 (53 of whom resided in the Parish).

I regret 2 parishoners have died: Mr Louis P. Rodolphe and Mrs Barbara Hill. Ms Sylwia Kubalka resigned.

There were 11 additions to the Electoral Roll:

Mr Vasant & Mrs Vipula Samudre, Ms Martha Asingura, Mr Behzad Bayat, Ms Maryam Hajibagheri, Mr Amir Memarpour, Ms Zahra Mirzaei, Ms Roja Samiee, Mr Hadi Sadkheravi, Ms Natalie Sawney and Mrs Veronica Williams.

There are, therefore, now 101 people on the Electoral Roll(60 of whom reside in the Parish)

Vera Sewell

Deanery Synod

There were three meetings during 2023 at various churches around the Deanery.

Wednesday 8th February 2023 Christ Church Feltham (I attended via zoom)

There was an interview with Jonathan Samadi, holder of the Bishop’s Mission Order for Farsi speaking Christians in the London Diocese. The interview with Jonathan was followed by an interview with Gazelle, a former asylum seeker, who spoke of her experiences.

Jonathan has two main aims in his work, first to share the gospel with those who speak Farsi so they can know Christ and hear the message of God’s kingdom, creating a safe community for them so they can support each other and worship at least once a month. Secondly, he aims to support local parishes with both advice and encouragement in their work with Farsi speakers.

The Kingdom of God is about bringing faith and transformation, there are so many Asylum seekers that are hungry for this. Churches should ask themselves what they are uniquely placed to offer, this may be as simple as offering a new family, a source of peace and wholeness. In practical terms this may be offering kitchen facilities or a community facility so they can gather, allow them to help the church and offer their time, or even helping them to learn English.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

There was an interview with Shelia Allsop, member of Refugees Welcome, Hounslow and St Paul’s Chiswick.

Shelia spoke about the work of Refugees Welcome, Hounslow in both small and large ways. From helping to make refugee homes welcoming, creating communities and a welcoming environment, to ensuring the council understands their needs. During lockdown, the demand for help has increased with inadequate food provision in hotels, and limited assistance to families with children.

- ’ Wednesday 8th June 2023 St George s Church Hanworth

There was a talk on Disability and the Church, with Rev John Beauchamp, Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler. John spoke powerfully on the intersection of disability and the church.

Accessibility is not only about steps and ramps and getting into the building. These things are important, but there is far more to making our church a place and experience where disabled people are able to fully belong and take a full part in the life and worship of the church. This means changing not just the physical building but thinking about the environment people experience, the attitudes they encounter, the language we use, the theology we expound, the spirituality we encourage, the liturgy we share, the worship we invite people into, and how disabled people can change the nature of church for all those who attend. Too often inclusion is only skin deep. It is approached as a matter of making space for disabled people to be present in the building but not really creating opportunities to belong to the community. You belong to a community when you find and can share friendship. You belong to a community when you are missed when you are not there. And you belong to a community when your presence, your personality, your embodiment, your spirituality make a difference to the whole community and you are able to fully participate and be appreciated in all aspects of community life.

The definition of disability-

This is much wider than you might imagine and includes not just physical and sensory disabilities but mental health issues and learning disabilities, as well as ”hidden” disabilities such as epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis, autism, and various conditions which may cause chronic pain.

Disability is: “a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”

So, we will already have disabled people amongst our congregation and those who access our buildings, whether we are aware of them or not.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

The Equality Act 2010 requires us to think ahead about future needs and the needs of those who might not yet attend services or events. Don’t just think of our current congregation, but plan for the full variety of disabilities to be represented in the future.

There is further information on the diocesan disability resources and a newsletter for anyone interested. Please speak to me if you would like the details.

This talk was followed by a Q&A session featuring Rev Rachel Wooden (St John's with St Mary's). For those interested in further reading, the books ‘At The Gates’ and ‘My Body is Not a Prayer Request’ were recommended

’ Tuesday 3rd October 2023 St Michael s Church, Chiswick

I unfortunately couldn’t attend; but the meeting opened in prayer. Bishop Emma led a service of Holy Communion in which all participated.

The Area Dean interviewed Bishop Emma and questions were asked from the floor.

The Area Dean welcomed new Representatives and three new Incumbents: Erica Wilding at St Leonard’s Heston; Caroline Halmshaw at St Paul’s Grove Park; and Dave Cockayne at All Saints, Isleworth.

The Area Dean reminded everyone about the Welcare Trust and encouraged both small and larger grant applications, ideally to be received by 20th October in time for the next meeting of trustees on 6th November.

If anybody would like to also become a parish representative at the Deanery synod meetings, do please speak to myself or Reverend Erica.

Jo Merry Deanery Synod Representative

Safeguarding Report

I would like to thank Miss Amrit Rai for her time as Parish Safeguarding Officer following her stepping down from the role. Following an interim period where Reverend Davidson Solanki looked after the role, Miss Martha Asingura became our new Officer at the end of 2023. She is currently working with Reverend Erica, Dawn Rabin and the Diocese Safeguarding team to complete her training and a handover of the role.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

The purpose of Safeguarding at St Leonard’s is to promote the welfare and champion the wellbeing of vulnerable groups: children, young people, and adults with care and support needs.

We are supported in our work by the Diocese of London Safeguarding Team. Our PCC adopts the Diocese’s Safeguarding Policy and members of the PCC are undertaking online training through the Church of England Safeguarding Training Portal.

The care and protection of children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable, and who are involved in church and other activities within the diocese is the responsibility of the whole church. Everyone who participates in the life of the church and diocese has a role to play.

If you have immediate concerns about someone’s safety, please contact the police and Hounslow Children’s or Adult Social Care Services:

Children’s Social Care Services: 020 8583 6600 (option 2); after 5:00pm weekdays or weekends: 020 8583 2222, ask to speak to the duty social worker
Adult Social Care Services: 020 8583 3100; after 5:00pm weekdays or weekends: 020 8583 2222, ask to speak to the duty social worker

Our Safeguarding Policy statement is available on the church website and is displayed in church.

DBS checks are carried out for all members of the PCC and members of the congregation working with children, young people, and adults with care and support needs. Anyone wishing to take on this role should speak to Jo Merry or Dawn Rabin (our DBS-Evidence Checkers) about the process.

We continue to be committed to providing a safe environment for all children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Caroline Darvill Church Warden

Shop Report

I had a stall at the tabletop sales as usual and it was an opportunity to converse with people who live in the parish.

As usual Christmas is a good time for selling Advent candles and calendars to my loyal customers and I thank them again for supporting the shop.

Lynda Hardy continues to be very supportive and produces interesting

memorabilia for visitors to the church.

We made a small profit of £100 which includes sales of Lynda's books, cards etc. Hopefully there will be more opportunities to open the shop next year.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Vera Sewell

Christian Aid Report

There was no Christian Aid activity in 2023. We hope to resume this in 2024.

Archivist Report

The role of the Archivist at St Leonard’s has shifted somewhat over the last year. While Lynda Hardy continues to maintain our Memorial Book and produces beautiful resources regarding our history and the community, the task of answering enquiries and finding graves/ memorials now falls under the remit of our Parish Administrator.

I am sure that Lynda will remain at the end of the phone for people seeking her knowledge, I would like to thank Lynda for her immense dedication as Archivist for so many years.

Caroline Darvill Churchwarden.

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The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

Who’s Who 2023.

Who’s Who 2023.
Vicar	Vacant/ 13thJune-The Reverend Erica Wilding
Assistant Curate/ SSM	The Reverend Davidson Solanki
Churchwardens	Dawn Rabin, Caroline Darvill
PCC Members	Rev’d Davidson Solanki, Dawn Rabin, Caroline Darvill, Nikkita Robert(until Feb 2023), William Bessell, Wendy Rochester, Joanne Merry, Pat Jennings, Sara Moffat, Martha Asingura
Deanery Synod Members	Joanne Merry Vacancy
PCC Secretary	Caroline Darvill
Safeguarding Officer	Amrit Rai December 2022-Spring 2023. Martha Asingura-December 2023
Children’s Champion	Wendy Rochester
Electoral Roll Officer	Vera Sewell
PCC Treasurer and Insurance Officer	William Bessell
Director of Music	Dawn Rabin
Archivist	Lynda Hardy
Vergers	David Sewell, Caroline Darvill
Interfaith Officer	Vacancy
Sub committees
Fabric and Maintenance	Vicar and Churchwardens
Team Co-ordinators
Choir and Sacristan	Dawn Rabin
Youth Church	Currently suspended
Church Flowers	Heather Bone
Duty rota	Dawn Rabin
Head Server/ Servers’ Rota	Joanne Merry
Cashing up rota	Vera Sewell
Church Shop	Vera Sewell
Christian Aid Representative	Vacant
Children’s Society Representative	Wendy Rochester Jasmine Rochester

Page 19

The PCC of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Leonard’s Heston

Charity No: 1159915

St Leonard’s Church Heston Road, Hounslow. TW5 0RD

Email: office@parishofheston.org Website:www.parishofheston.org

Charity registration number: 115991

Page 20

The Parish of Heston

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 2023

Page 1

Independent Examiner’s report

Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and they consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act

to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the Independent Examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required for an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 26[th] April 2024

Signed:

Stephen Hendy

Page 2

Statement of Financial Activities

	Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total Prior year funds funds funds funds funds total funds
Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Other expenditure Total expenditure Gains / losses on investment assets Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Represented by Unrestricted General fund Designated All Saints Sale Fund Church Tower/Bellringers Fabric Fund Friends of Heston VDF Restricted All Saints Sale Fund Fabric Fund Kath Middleston Sonia Vanstone Fund	34,658 19 — — 34,677 17,359 3,490 — — — 3,490 3,703 4,790 — — — 4,790 2,488 118,557 — — — 118,557 55,530 357 — — — 357 —
	161,853 19 — — 161,872 79,081 497 — — — 497 208 127,972 — 6,725 — 134,697 128,214 — — — — — —
	128,469 — 6,725 — 135,194 128,422 166,907 — 21,704 — 188,612 (241,640)
	200,290 19 14,979 — 215,289 (290,981) — — — — — 2,053,370 — — — — — (2,053,370) — — — — — —
	200,290 19 14,979 — 215,289 (290,981)
	1,810,305 7,500 243,777 — 2,061,582 2,352,564
	2,010,595 7,519 258,757 — 2,276,872 2,061,582 2,010,595 — — — 2,010,595 1,810,305 — — — — — — — 2,519 — — 2,519 2,500 — — — — — — — — — — — — — 5,000 — — 5,000 5,000 — — — — — — — — 1,593 — 1,593 1,593 — — 20,668 — 20,668 19,787 — — 236,496 — 236,496 222,396

Page 3

Balance sheet

	Total funds Prior year funds
Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets less current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets less liabilities Represented by Unrestricted General fund Designated All Saints Sale Fund Church Tower/Bellringers Fabric Fund Friends of Heston VDF Restricted All Saints Sale Fund Fabric Fund Kath Middleton Sonia Vanstone Fund Funds of the church	2,218,359 2,029,746
	2,218,359 2,029,746 58,513 31,835
	58,513 31,835
	58,513 31,835
	2,276,872 2,061,582
	2,276,872 2,061,582 2,010,595 1,810,305 — — 2,519 2,500 — — — — 5,000 5,000 — — 1,593 1,593 20,668 19,787 236,496 222,396
	2,276,872 2,061,582

Statement of assets and liabilities

	General Designated Restricted Endowment This year Last year
Fixed assets - Tangible assets CCLA General Shares No 1 - CCLA Shares No 2 - CCLA Shares no 3 - Parish Office - Totals Current assets - Cash at bank and in hand Nat West - Barclays - CCLA (CBF) deposit account - Cash in Hand - Petty Cash - Totals Grand total	34,060 — — — 34,060 30,234 564,638 — 250,403 — 815,042 744,395 1,316,814 — — — 1,316,814 1,202,673 52,443 — — — 52,443 52,443
	1,967,955 — 250,403 — 2,218,359 2,029,746 23,593 7,519 (1,478) — 29,634 10,290 1,289 — (679) — 610 10,650 17,601 — 10,510 — 28,112 10,839 100 — — — 100 — 55 — — — 55 55
	42,640 7,519 8,353 — 58,513 31,835
	2,010,595 7,519 258,757 — 2,276,872 2,061,582

Page 4

Fund movement by type

	Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Closing
All Saints - All Saints Sale Fund Designated Restricted Sub-total for All Saints Bells - Church Tower/Bellringers Designated Sub-total for Bells Fabric - Fabric Fund Designated Restricted Sub-total for Fabric Friends - Friends of Heston Designated Sub-total for Friends Kath - Kath Middleton Restricted Sub-total for Kath Sonia - Sonia Vanstone Fund Restricted Sub-total for Sonia VDF - VDF Designated Sub-total for VDF General - General fund Unrestricted Sub-total for General Grand total	— — — — — — — — — — — —
	— — — — — — 2,500 19 — — — 2,519
	2,500 19 — — — 2,519 — — — — — — 1,593 — — — — 1,593
	1,593 — — — — 1,593 — — — — — —
	— — — — — — 19,787 — — — 880 20,668
	19,787 — — — 880 20,668 222,396 — 6,725 — 20,824 236,496
	222,396 — 6,725 — 20,824 236,496 5,000 — — — — 5,000
	5,000 — — — — 5,000 1,810,305 161,853 128,469 — 166,907 2,010,595
	1,810,305 161,853 128,469 — 166,907 2,010,595
	2,061,582 161,872 135,194 — 188,612 2,276,872

Analysis of income and expenditure

						Total
	Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted		Endowment	This year	Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
0101 - Gift Aid - Bank	3,905	—		—	—	3,905	5,742
0102 - PGS Giving	5,279	—		—	—	5,279	1,486
0110 - Gift Aid - Envelopes	5,073	—		—	—	5,073	5,953
0201 - Other planned giving	350	—		—	—	350	930
0301 - Loose plate collections	1,931	—		—	—	1,931	1,389
0310 - Card Donations	873	—		—	—	873	245
0401 - Regular gift days	—	—		—	—	—	—
0410 - Giving through church boxes	316	—		—	—	316	181
0501 - One-off Gift Aid gifts	485	—		—	—	485	211
0502 - PGS one off gifts	44	—		—	—	44	—
0510 - Gifts of quoted securities	—	—		—	—	—	—
0550 - Donations appeals etc	733	19		—	—	752	821
0551 - Donations for Flowers	275	—		—	—	275	—
0601 - Tax recoverable on Gift Aid	—	—		—	—	—	—
0602 - Tax Recovered from PGS	1,269	—		—	—	1,269	296

Page 5

Giving 0603 - Tax recovered on PGS one off gifs 0701 - Legacies 0801 - Recurring grants 08A1 - Non-recurring one-off grants 0901 - Other funds generated Total Income from charitable activities 0552 - Stay Active 0915 - 100 Club 0917 - Previous Treasurer Refunds 1101 - Fees for weddings and funerals 1210 - Bookstall sales to promote objectives 1230 - Church hall lettings - objectives Total Other trading activities 0910 - Fundraising 0916 - Stock Sales 0920 - Sunday coffee 1220 - Bookstall sales - fund raising 1240 - Church hall lettings - fund raising 1250 - Magazine income - advertising 1260 - Parish magazine sales Total Investments 1001 - Dividends 1020 - Bank and building society interest 1030 - Rent from lands or buildings Total Other income 1310 - Insurance claims 1320 - Surplus - sales of fixed assets 3000 - Unidentified Income Total	5 — — — 5 — 14,114 — — — 14,114 100 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1
	34,658 19 — — 34,677 17,359 272 — — — 272 — — — — — — — — — — — — — 3,218 — — — 3,218 3,703 — — — — — — — — — — — —
	3,490 — — — 3,490 3,703 1,868 — — — 1,868 857 80 — — — 80 — 221 — — — 221 160 — — — — — 5 2,620 — — — 2,620 1,466 — — — — — — — — — — — —
	4,790 — — — 4,790 2,488 58,272 — — — 58,272 55,157 1,580 — — — 1,580 372 58,704 — — — 58,704 —
	118,557 — — — 118,557 55,530 — — — — — — — — — — — — 357 — — — 357 —
	357 — — — 357 —
INCOME TOTAL	161,853 19 — — 161,872 79,081

Page 6

EXPENDITURE

Raising funds
1701 - Fees paid to fund raisers	—	—	—	—	—	—
1710 - Costs of applying for grants	—	—	—	—	—	—
1720 - Costs of stewardship	109	—	—	—	109	—
1730 - Costs of fetes & other events	387	—	—	—	387	—
1736 - Church Shop Purchases	—	—	—	—	—	208
1740 - Investment management costs	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total	497	—	—	—	497	208
Expenditure on charitable activities
1731 - 100 Club Prize	—	—	—	—	—	(50)
1737 - Refreshments	1,460	—	—	—	1,460	1
1801 - Giving to missionary societies	—	—	—	—	—	—
1830 - Giving - relief and	—	—	—	—	—	331
development agencies
1850 - Home mission	219	—	—	—	219	—
1870 - Secular charities	—	—	—	—	—	—
1880 - Community Outreach	—	—	—	—	—	—
1901 - Common Fund	63,000	—	—	—	63,000	60,000
2001 - Assistant staff costs	—	—	—	—	—	—
2002 - Youth Worker Salary	1,713	—	—	—	1,713	12,603
2003 - Youth Worker Expenses	—	—	—	—	—	—
2004 - Youth Work	—	—	—	—	—	—
2005 - Junior Church	—	—	—	—	—	114
2050 - Salary of parish administrator	11,785	—	—	—	11,785	10,294
2051 - Staff Pension	1,055	—	—	—	1,055	1,651
2052 - Payrol Administration Fee	448	—	—	—	448	550
2101 - Working expenses of	7	—	—	—	7	—
incumbent
2102 - Vicar's Discretionary	—	—	—	—	—	—
Payments
2120 - Council tax	—	—	—	—	—	(6,146)
2130 - Parsonage house expenses	—	—	—	—	—	284
2140 - Water rates - vicarage	372	—	—	—	372	—
2145 - Vicarage Costs	—	—	—	—	—	90
2150 - Vicar's telephone	—	—	—	—	—	—
2170 - Education	—	—	—	—	—	35
2201 - Parish training and mission	773	—	—	—	773	—
2301 - Premeses running - insurance	8,538	—	—	—	8,538	7,243
2310 - Church office - telephone	1,497	—	—	—	1,497	1,777
2311 - Church Office Equipmnent	—	—	—	—	—	60
2312 - Churc office - supplies	213	—	—	—	213	103
2320 - Organ / piano tuning	—	—	—	—	—	12
2321 - Organist Fee	—	—	—	—	—	100
2325 - Verger Fees	590	—	—	—	590	360
2326 - Bell Ringers	—	—	—	—	—	80
2330 - Church maintenance	4,883	—	—	—	4,883	1,963
2331 - Cleaning	407	—	—	—	407	—
2335 - Lodge Purchases	—	—	—	—	—	—
2336 - Lodge Rent	—	—	—	—	—	—
2337 - Lodge Gas	—	—	—	—	—	—
2338 - Lodge Electricity	—	—	—	—	—	—
2339 - Lodge Insurance	—	—	—	—	—	—
2340 - Upkeep of services	585	—	—	—	585	535
2345 - Flowers	402	—	—	—	402	310
2350 - Upkeep of churchyard	750	—	6,725	—	7,475	12,958
2360 - Administration	3,836	—	—	—	3,836	5,175
2361 - Bookkeeping	2,000	—	—	—	2,000	2,000
2362 - Previous Treasurer Expenses	—	—	—	—	—	—
2365 - Bank Charges	246	—	—	—	246	210
2370 - Visiting speakers / locums	100	—	—	—	100	228

Page 7

2401 - Church running - electric 2410 - Church running - gas 2420 - Church running - water 2430 - Church running - oil 2440 - Church running - heating and lighting 2501 - Magazine expenses 2510 - Bookstall costs 2520 - Hall running - Cleaning 2521 - Hall running - Cleaning Materials 2530 - Hall running - electricity 2540 - Hall running - gas 2550 - Hall running - insurance 2560 - Hall running - maintenance 2570 - Hall running - telephone 2580 - Hall running - water 2590 - Hall running - Caretaker 2601 - Governance costs examination/audit fee 2701 - Church major repairs - structure 2710 - Church major repairs - installation 2720 - Church interior and exterior decorating 2801 - Hall + major repairs - structure 2820 - Hall + major repairs - installation 2830 - Hall + interior and exterior decorating 2835 - Hall Fees 2840 - Other PCC property upkeep 2901 - New building parsonage house 2910 - New building house for curate 2920 - New building Church 2930 - New building Hall Total Other expenditure 1735 - Stock Purchases 4000 - Unidentified Expenses Total	1,624 — — — 1,624 1,200 6,445 — — — 6,445 7,897 168 — — — 168 45 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 270 — — — 270 1,356 109 — — — 109 — 702 — — — 702 744 1,043 — — — 1,043 595 — — — — — — 75 — — — 75 342 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 474 — — — 474 432 — — — — — 1,440 4,855 — — — 4,855 — — — — — — — — — — — — — 4,855 — — — 4,855 — — — — — — — 1,239 — — — 1,239 1,281 1,223 — — — 1,223 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
	127,972 — 6,725 — 134,697 128,214 — — — — — — — — — — — —
	— — — — — —
EXPENDITURE TOTAL	128,469 — 6,725 — 135,194 128,422

GRAND TOTAL	33,383 19 (6,725) — 26,677 (49,341)

Page 8

Independent Examiner’s report

Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the examiner

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act

to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the Independent Examiner’s statement

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 26[th] April 2024

Signed:

Stephen Hendy

Page 2