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2024-12-31-accounts

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

Charity No: 1159915

The Parish of Heston

Trustees Annual Report

2024

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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 2024

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 The Reverend Erica Wilding
Associate Priest/ SSM The Reverend Davidson Solanki
Churchwardens Miss Dawn Rabin (Until May 2024) Miss Caroline
Darvill
Treasurer Mr William Bessell
PCC Secretary Miss Caroline Darvill

Elected Members of the Parochial Church Council

Mrs Pat Jennings Mrs Sara Moffat (until May 2024) Mr Geoff Robinson (from May 2024) Miss Caroline Chamberlain (from May 2024)

Ex Officio Members of the Parochial Church Council

Clergy The Reverend Ken Tombs (from May 2024)
The Reverend Davidson Solanki
Safeguarding Officer Miss Martha Asingura
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.

Page

  1. Title page

  2. 2-3. Legal Information

  3. Contents

  4. 5-8. Vicar’s Review of the year

  5. 8-9. Associate Priest’s Thoughts of the year

  6. 9-11. Structure, Governances and Management

  7. 11-12. Objectives and Activities

  8. Achievements and Performance

Reports

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

Charity No: 1159915

Vicar’s Review of the year

As I reflect upon my first full calendar year as your Vicar, I am delighted by how much we have achieved together. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all who have supported and encouraged me (you know who you are!). Particular thanks go to my clergy colleagues, Fr Ken Tombs and Fr Davidson, whose support has been invaluable. I would also like to thank Rev Rajesh Mhaske, who joined us in September, for the last 9 months of his curacy post.

The year started with a new order of things, including the organ being played by Lynda Hardy on the second Sunday of the month, so that Dawn could work with Wendy and Linda Dobson to restart our Junior Church. Growing Younger is a key focus for all churches within the Diocese of London and my prayer is that through engaging activities (including Junior Church, occasional All age/interactive sermons and our use of the Cheeky Panda videos), we are striking the right balance. The activity packs and Busy Bags were also revamped and are available to families with young children at any time.

January also saw the start of the “Where in the world is the parish bag?” photos, which you have delighted me with all year!

Events since then have been many and varied, including the continuation of our midweek Eucharist service followed by a “light lunch” which has gone from strength to strength and now regularly sees a congregation of approx. 20-25; regular monthly Bible studies; two very well supported Songs of Praise events (May and September); a Lent course on prayer and the 10 week Romans Course; Education Sunday; the long awaited Joseph Banks’ presentation; a Harvest Festival service followed by a Bring and share lunch; a Pet Service; the Patronal Festival with guest speaker from the Ex-offender Charity, Own Merit ; a return visit from Johnny Cash (aka Rev David McClure from Holy Trinity, Southall); the civic Remembrance service; plus Advent and Christmas celebrations.

Two key focuses for me as your vicar are to enhance the opportunities for worship at St Leonard’s and to drive greater links with the wider community. A key highlight of the year was the decision to use the money raised by one of our Tabletop sales and the September Songs of Praise, to invest in a Defibrillator and Bleed Kit, and for it to be a blessing to the local community. This was incredibly well received and is something we can all be rightly proud of.

The church has remained open daily for private prayer Monday–Thursday, drawing many people into the church from the community and those visiting the area. The Stay Active classes have continued to go from strength to strength and Godly Play demonstrations are now a regular part of all Tabletop Sales. Supporting Heston Action Group litter picks, Repair Café events and the Hope Church foodbank, as well as building stronger relationships with the local Primary Schools, have been and will continue to be critical, as we seek to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and the values of His Kingdom throughout the parish.

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

Charity No: 1159915

Worship

Beautiful and meaningful worship should be at the heart of everything that we do as a church family. I am grateful for the support of Dawn and Lynda, who enhance our worship through their accompaniment of our singing. I am particularly grateful to Lynda for having pre-recorded all of the hymns that we regularly sing, so that we can take advantage of the virtual organist facility on the Allen organ (something which was available but not previously used). This facility was used for the first time during our Wednesday services and then at our Carol Service.

I am delighted that our list of readers, servers and welcomers has expanded throughout the year, as we have grown in number and people have felt more comfortable offering their talents to God. I am also thankful to those who are involved in the hospitality that we offer. My particular thanks go to my mother, Janet Johnson, and Keith and Eve Barwell who have continued to provide the “light lunches” on a Wednesday.

Although I have made some changes to our special services (and reintroduced others, e.g., Corpus Christi), the pattern of our worship has remained pretty much as I inherited. This will continue (apart from the occasional tweak) as I have no intention of altering the tradition and way of worship at St Leonard’s. As I said in my report last year, I am conscious that it is still early days in my tenure and both my presence and the large number of new people joining us, may inevitably bring a sense of potential unease to some. However, I hope that the majority of you will continue to give thanks to God and delight in the growth we have experienced and will continue to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Growth has come from all quarters this year and includes families (hence the re-introduction of Junior Church). My prayer continues to be that we will continue to see growth in the number of families and young people attending.

There have been 13 interments of ashes; 2 funerals; 11 Baptisms (including Veron Edomioya and the Hancey family in May) and 12 Confirmations (in June 2024) and I give thanks to Fr Davidson for his support in their preparation. I also had the great joy and pleasure of preparing Mary and Oliver for their wedding in April; officiating at the wedding of Freddie & Celia in August; a renewal of wedding vows in May and the blessing of rings for Eve and Keith in July.

The parish outing to see The Life of Christ at Wintershall, in conjunction with St Mary’s, Osterley was not as well supported as I had hoped. However, my prayer is that those who did come will share how much they enjoyed the experience and encourage others to join in 2025.

Schools and children’s work

My schools Ministry continues to flourish and Edison, Springwell, Heston Primary and Westbrook all enjoyed visits to the church this year (Easter/Remembrance/Christmas 2024). My relationship with St Mary’s Primary, Norwood Green, continues to build and they now regularly come to St Leonard’s for

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

Charity No: 1159915

their end of term services (and don’t seem to mind the long walk!). The investment in our TV on wheels (purchased using a bequest from Barbara Hill’s family) has been a huge help to me in this regard.

As time goes by and my relationships with the various school Heads deepen, my prayer is that these visits will become regular events and will bear fruit in terms of young families joining us on a Sunday. My sincere thanks to David Sewell, who, alongside Rev Rajesh enabled access to the hall/toilets. There is still no intention to employ a Parish Youth or Family Worker at this time.

Our Christingle service was well attended again this year (48) and continues to provide encouragement that there is an appetite for such a service moving forward.

Outreach

Now that the issues with the church floor hall have been rectified, we are seeing increased use of the hall both in terms of our own use (Memory Café; Wednesday lunches and Stay Active) as well as from external hires. This continues to be a key focus of mine, as I see the church hall as a really important vehicle for community outreach, as well as a good way to increase revenue.

HAG (Heston Action Group) continues to receive my full support, due to their alignment with the Christian imperative to Care for God’s Creation. This will be a key focus for the year ahead, as I become more intentional in highlighting Creation Care in my preaching and by registering St Leonard’s as part of the Arocha network of UK Eco churches. It would be wonderful to have some support for this from the congregation. Please let me know if you might be interested in joining an Eco Group to help steer us all towards a greener and more sustainable way of living.

Unfortunately, due to certain residents moving on, the monthly Eucharist at Percy Bilton Court has ceased. However, we have maintained the relationship with the residents through our annual Carol singing visit.

The Pet Service again provided local people with the opportunity to give thanks for their beloved pets. It was a joy to see new faces who had heard about the service through word of mouth as well as via our vibrant online presence.

Online Presence

I know that many of you may be sceptical about the suitability of using social media to promote our activities but I am convinced that our growth has had a lot to do with the work that Caroline Chamberlain, Dawn, Jo & Amrit have done in increasing our visibility online. A massive thank you to them for all that they are doing - the vibrancy and enthusiasm that you bring to this has been truly uplifting to me. So much good is happening in our Parish that it’s fabulous to have ways of sharing this with the wider community.

We are now posting weekly video reflections; plus promoting future services and other celebrations together with post event photos and comments. My sermons continue to be posted on our website for those who either miss them or who wish to

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

Charity No: 1159915

reflect upon them further. The notice board continues to reflect the vibrancy of our church family and I am convinced that this too has helped with our growth.

Obituary

This year we have seen the passing of a number of beloved members of our church family, including Mary Duncan-Johnson and Jeremy Short (a regular attendee at our midweek Communion service) and Nigel Anthony Quin. Our prayers are with their families and all who mourn their passing.

Thanks and gratitude

So, thank you again, St Leonard’s, for all of your support and willingness to go along with everything that we are doing to open up the church and make it more vibrant and welcoming to others. Particular thanks go to –

Our Parish Administrator, Sue Hoad; our Church Warden, Caroline Darvill and members of the PCC, as we strive to work together in the leadership of this parish.

As I have said countless times, I remain utterly convinced that the Holy Spirit is moving mightily in Heston and pray that He continues to bless all of our endeavours to give glory to God, spread the Good News and to build God’s Kingdom here in Heston. Here’s to an equally exciting next 12 months.

Amen

Associate Priest’s thoughts of the year

“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever.” 1 Chronicles 16.34

It’s been a pleasure and great joy, serving at St Leonard’s Heston during the last year. God has been faithful in bringing new people to the church every Sunday. Whilst there is an increase in weekly attendance during Sunday services, there is notable reduction in people coming from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.

MULTICULTURAL SERVICE

The Multicultural (MC) services were regularly conducted on the first Sunday of every month. With the addition of Rev Rajesh our new Curate, it brought new flavour to the content of the MC service. They are informal, friendly services that includes worship in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Swahili, and Farsi. There is brief meditation on God’s word and individual prayers are offered with anointing of holy oil. An average of 10–15 people attended the services in 2024. Our first MC Christmas celebration took place on 22[nd] December 2024. It was a joyous occasion where 50 people participated in a celebration that represented many other faiths from our community. Poems, quizzes,

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

Charity No: 1159915

songs and dances from different cultures were presented. The service concluded with a ‘bring and share’ lunch.

CHAPLAINCY

St Leonard’s Heston is blessed with a local unit of Air Force Training Cadets (Heston & Isleworth). It’s been a great joy supporting them as their Padre (Chaplain) during the last year. Sessions were conducted for Cadets once every month on the first Thursday (evening) where reflections on moral values, faith and religion were offered alongside pastoral support.

I thank and praise God for my ministry at St Leonard’s Heston. I am deeply grateful to my wife Deepika, son Dishan and Rev Rajesh for their great support in conducting our Multicultural services throughout the year. Thanks to Rev Erica, and all our PCC members for their support and encouragement during the last year.

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

Rev Davidson Solanki Associate Priest.

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 and the whole mission of the church; pastoral, evangelical, 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.

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

Charity No: 1159915

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. 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 are 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.

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

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

Charity No: 1159915

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 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

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

Charity No: 1159915

Fabric and Structural Objectives

Achievements and Performances

Church attendance

There were 100 parishioners on the Electoral Roll, of which 57 resided in the Parish.

Governance

The full PCC met 7 times during the year with the newly formed Standing committee meeting twice. 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.

Financial Report

Please refer to the Independently Examined Financial Report with financial details for 2024. We employ the services of a bookkeeper, Mr Kevin Ogilvie of Charity Bookkeeping to provide financial information and keep the books in order on behalf of the Trustees.

Treasurer’s Report

Overall the parish’s finances were stable in 2024, ending the year with just £9,000 less assets than we began with (excluding one-off items). We took the decision to write off the purely notional asset of our parish office, valued at £52,000 in previous accounts, because we judged that there would never be a prospect of realising that value as cash. After that write off the parish assets ended the year at £2.2 million, down £62,000 from last year.

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

Charity No: 1159915

In 2024 our income, excluding one off items, rose by 17% to £104,000 (from £89,000 last year). Within this figure was a rise of 40% in donations from parishioners, a rise of 50% in fees received for weddings and funerals, and a rise of almost 60% in income from letting our church hall all of which are very welcome. Disappointingly the income from our investments was slightly less than last year, however they rose in value by £50,500 which helped to balance our finances.

In 2024 our expenses rose by 22% to £164,000 (from £135,000 last year). Within this figure was a rise of 133% in the cost of energy and utilities to £23,000 (from £10,000 last year), and a voluntary rise of 11% in our common fund contribution to the diocese to £70,000 (from £63,000 last year).

We are awaiting estimates of the substantial costs to fix leaks in the church roof, but overall the parish’s financial future is secure in the medium term.

William Bessell Treasurer

Churchwarden’s Report.

Our year began with us still seeing increasing numbers of people at our services. As Dawn supported Junior Church on the second Sunday of the month, I led a group in watching Cheeky Panda’s on the last Sunday- a hint at our inner children I think! We have also continued to support Rev Erica in visiting and taking Communion to some of our housebound parishioners.

Our first Holy Week and Easter with Rev Erica was a wonderful season, with the reinstatement of the Good Friday Walk of Witness and a series of services showing off our beautiful worship and church. It was lovely to welcome so many people to these events.

Following the end of Dawn’s term as Churchwarden, I began a journey as a solo Warden, and I thank Dawn for all she has shown and taught me. While the year was challenging, I hope my commitment and ministry was of value to our congregation.

The PCC have continued to meet and work towards enhancing our Parish, this year including repairs to the Hall floor and beginning the long process of restoring the church roof to its former glory…and dryness. December saw the end of our successful project to get a public access defibrillator and Bleed Kit, with training in their uses planned for early 2025.

I would like to thank the PCC and clergy for their support this year, particularly with the unusual path of only having one Warden. Their eyes and ears have been a blessing to me and continue to be so.

Caroline Darvill Churchwarden.

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

Charity No: 1159915

Electoral Roll Report

There were 100 people on the Electoral Roll in January 2024 (57 of whom resided in the Parish).

I regret Mrs Mary Duncan-Johnson died.

There were 10 additions to the Electoral Roll: -

Mrs Eve Barwell, Mr Keith Barwell, Mrs Martine Brady, Mrs Catherine Robertson, Ms Kerry Knight, Mr Gilmour Smith, Miss Keyshia Edomioya, Ms Amanda Hancey, Miss Zoe Hancey and Ms Emily Hancey

There are, therefore, now 109 people on the Electoral Roll (65 of whom reside in the Parish)

Vera Sewell

Deanery Synod

There were three meetings during 2024 as detailed below.

Thursday 22nd February 2024 - Held at Christ Church Turnham Green

Volunteers and the Church with the Venerable Revd Richard Frank, Archdeacon of Middlesex.

Richard began his talk by emphasizing how essential volunteers are to all aspects of church life. Post covid, church life has changed and there are additional challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers. It can be tiring and dispiriting for the organiser in church.

The meeting was then separated into small groups focusing on the motivation and barriers encountered with volunteers, with a particular focus on looking at needs, fears, practical barriers, and possible misunderstandings that can come with every role. When groups returned, Richard discussed four shifts in perspective including:

Attendees were then encouraged to break into groups to discuss strategies that have worked for them in the past.

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

Charity No: 1159915

- Monday 3rd June 2024 Held at Holy Trinity Hounslow

We have a new Deanery Synod secretary, Samantha Dowden, and welcome working with her in the future.

Presentation on Community Collaboration

Rev Sally Bailey gave a presentation on the community work of Holy Trinity Hounslow, as a case study of what might be done by partnering with our local council. Rev Bailey then introduced Amoy Gray, Community Development Officer at the Community Partnership Unit of Hounslow Council. Gray spoke to the Synod about her positive experience of working with Holy Trinity Hounslow in her ward. She said that there are other ward Community Development Officers whom representatives might like to get in touch with.

After the close of the meeting, there was the opportunity to visit various ‘stalls,’ set up by various groups including the Public health outreach team, Rough Sleepers outreach team, Rough Sleepers and Mental Health Programme - NHS, Digital adoption and inclusion, Parks Project Manager, RNIB, Healthy Hounslow, Work Hounslow, The Mulberry Centre, Lampton Leisure and the Met Police.

Fred Michell of St Stephen’s Hounslow said a few words about the situation in his parish. Fred explained that currently the parish is in vacancy and has no churchwardens or treasurer and its ministry will be paused while a plan is made for the future. Nonetheless, Rev. Jonathan Rust (Area Director of Mission) is to be licensed as priest in charge at St Stephen’s and there will be at least two services a year in the church during this ‘pause period.’

- Monday 9th October 2024 Held at Hope Church Hounslow

Discipleship

The Area Dean said that people had gathered tonight to learn something new about discipleship programmes but, more importantly, to remember that we are a Deanery of 21 parishes – and we are in this ministry and mission TOGETHER . She encouraged attendees to take the opportunity for both encouragement and consolation – remembering that we all share equally in the joys and disappointments of mission and ministry together.

Then she opened the meeting in prayer.

Presentation on Discipleship: find out how your church can help people deepen their faith.

Rev Clare Clarke (Vicar of Hope Church Hounslow) spoke on discipling adults; Chris Kettel (Youth Leader of Hope Church Hounslow) spoke on discipling youth; Sarah Agnew (Diocesan Adviser on Children and Youth ) spoke on discipling children, youth and families;

and Joe Lowther (CEO of Kick Academy) on linking sports and discipleship. The meeting then broke into small group conversations. And then there was a plenary question and answer session.

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

Charity No: 1159915

If anyone would like to attend the meetings with me, we will be looking for new representative(s) from 2026.

Jo Merry Deanery Synod Representative.

Safeguarding Report

In 2024, the PCC have focussed on completing their DBS checks and Diocesan Safeguarding training necessary for their roles at St. Leonard’s.

We have also spent time successfully working through points on the Diocese Safeguarding Dashboard, ensuring we are providing the best Safeguarding support for the Parish. This has included reviewing policies to keep our Parish compliant with guidelines and providing updated information for the congregation which can be found on the PCC noticeboard.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Martha Asingura, continues to be available for anyone who has questions or concerns regarding Safeguarding within the Parish.

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:

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

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

Charity No: 1159915

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. On behalf of Martha Asingura.

Shop Report

The shop has had a new lease of life thanks to support and encouragement from the Vicar, who negotiated a new discount from Canaan Bookshop in Staines. We have been able to get new stock on Sale or Return, which means we can try new merchandise.

I would also like to thank Lynda for her continued support in producing lovely cards, etc, at the drop of a hat!

Also not forgetting Joanne for taking the church photos and purchasing unusual goods from various outlets online.

This has meant we have had increased sales and interest from the congregation. I had a stall at the tabletop sales as usual and it was an opportunity to reach a wider clientele.

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

We made a small profit of £67, but also have a larger and varied stock in hand. Without the support of Erica, Lynda, Joanne and David (for lifting and carrying) I would not be able to carry on doing the shop but also the generous support of the congregation. Thank you all.

Vera Sewell

Website and Social Media Ministry.

Our Church Website

The church website serves as an important tool for communication, outreach, and engagement with both our congregation and the wider community. We share information about our services, events, and ministries, provide a welcoming first point of contact for visitors, and support the life of the church by keeping members informed and connected.

In 2024, we made several improvements to the website:

The website was redesigned in December 2024:

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

Charity No: 1159915

A copy of Rev Erica’s sermon is uploaded weekly, with the week’s reflection (recorded by Rev Erica or Rev Rajesh). The video reflection is also posted on social media.

In January 2024, our website had 400 visitors; this increased to approximately 590 by December. The website had 5,617 visits during the year.

We regularly update our profile on AChurchNearYou.com, the Church of England’s official church finder tool.

Social Media Ministry

Last year, our church’s presence on social media continued to grow as a means of outreach, communication, and engagement with both our congregation and the wider community.

We have maintained active accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X, and have engaged with Bluesky (January 2025). These platforms have allowed us to:

We have seen encouraging levels of engagement, with an increased number of followers on all platforms:

Facebook Instagram X
August 2024 104 24 17
December 2024 147 45 38
% increase 41.3% 87.5% 123.5%

By April 2025, this had increased to 176 followers on Facebook, 80 on Instagram, 47 on X and 27 on Bluesky.

Posts related to outreach work (our new defibrillator, Tabletop Sale) and key events (St Leonard’s Day, Remembrance Sunday, Christmas services) saw particularly high engagement.

Our Facebook content was viewed 52,853 times in 2024 and has been viewed 57,071 times in 2025.

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

Charity No: 1159915

Looking ahead, we aim to:

We are always open to new ideas: if you have a passion for photography, design, writing, or digital outreach, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our social media ministry this year, whether by contributing to content, offering feedback, or simply sharing a post.

Caroline Chamberlain, Jo Merry, Dawn Rabin and Amrit Rai

St Leonard’s Church, Heston © @stleonardschurchheston @parishofheston.bsky.social www.parishofheston.org

Page 19

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

Charity No: 1159915

Who’s Who 2024 (from 12[th] May)

Vicar The Reverend Erica Wilding
Associate Priest The Reverend Davidson Solanki
Assistant Curate The Reverend Rajesh Mhaske (from September 2024)
PTO (Permission to
Officiate)
The Reverend Ken Tombs
Parish Administrator Sue Hoad
Churchwardens Caroline Darvill
PCC Members Rev Davidson Solanki, Rev Ken Tombs, Caroline
Darvill, William Bessell, Wendy Rochester, Joanne
Merry, Pat Jennings, Martha Asingura, Geoff Robinson,
Caroline Chamberlain.
Deanery Synod
Members
Joanne Merry
Vacancy
PCC Secretary Caroline Darvill
Safeguarding Officer Martha Asingura
Children’s Champion/
Junior Church
Wendy Rochester
Electoral Roll Officer Vera Sewell
Treasurer and
Insurance Officer
William Bessell
Director of Music Dawn Rabin
Organist Lynda Hardy
Vergers David Sewell, Caroline Darvill
Interfaith Officer Vacancy
Sub committees
Standing Committee Rev Erica Wilding, Rev Ken Tombs, Pat Jennings,
Caroline Darvill
Fabric and Maintenance Rev Erica Wilding, Caroline Darvill
Team Co-ordinators
Sacristan Dawn Rabin
Church Flowers Jean Thomas
Duty rota Dawn Rabin
Head Server/ Servers’
Rota
Joanne Merry
Church Shop Vera Sewell
Christian Aid
Representative
Vacant
Children’s Society
Representative
Wendy Rochester
Jasmine Rochester

Page 20

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 21

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

Charity No: 1159915

Page 22

The Parish of Heston

End of Year Financial Statements

Year ending 31 December 2024

Page 1

Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees/members of The PCC of Heston

Registered charity number: 1159915

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 which are set out on the following pages.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility

Basis of 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 those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

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

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.

Signed: Date: 3[rd] April 2025

Stephen Hendy Data Developments (UK) Ltd. The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT

Page 2

The Parish of Heston Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

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
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
Church Tower/Bellringers
VDF
Restricted
Fabric Fund
Kath Middleton
Sonia Vanstone Fund
30,548
74


30,621
34,678
5,203



5,203
3,490
7,570



7,570
4,790
60,150



60,150
118,557
1,498



1,498
357
104,969
74


105,043
161,872
82



82
497
158,453
70
5,930

164,453
134,697
158,535
70
5,930

164,535
135,195
44,661

5,869

50,530
188,612
(8,904)
4
(61)

(8,962)
215,289
15,011

15,011

30,021

(15,011)

(15,011)

(30,021)

(52,443)



(52,443)
(61,347)
4
(61)

(61,405)
215,289
2,010,596
7,519
258,757

2,276,872
2,061,583
1,949,249
7,523
258,696

2,215,467
2,276,872
1,949,249



1,949,249
2,010,596

2,593


2,593
2,519

4,930


4,930
5,000


1,593

1,593
1,593


21,141

21,141
20,668


235,962

235,962
236,496

Page 3

The Parish of Heston Balance sheet as at 31 December 2024

Class and code
Description
This year
Last year
Fixed assets
6430
CCLA General Shares No 1
6431
CCLA Shares No 2
6432
CCLA Shares no 3
6450
Parish Office
6460
Equipment
Total Fixed assets
Current assets
6501
Nat West
6505
Barclays
6510
CCLA (CBF) deposit account
6520
Cash in Hand
6590
Petty Cash
Z05
Accounts Receivable
Total Current assets
Liabilities
6601
Loans received
6699
Agency collections
Z04
Accounts Payable
Total Liabilities
Net Asset surplus(deficit)
Reserves
Excess / (deficit) to date
Z01
Starting balances
Z02
Other gains/(losses)
Z03
Gains/(losses) on reval of fixed assets
Total Reserves
Represented by funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total
35,792
34,060
833,697
815,042
1,316,957
1,316,814

52,443

2,186,446
2,218,359
25,139
29,635
1,695
610
1,180
28,112
1,007
100

56

29,021
58,513






2,215,467
2,276,872
(59,492)
26,677
2,276,872
2,061,583
50,530
188,612
(52,443)
2,215,467
2,276,872
1,949,249
2,010,596
7,523
7,519
258,696
258,757

2,215,467
2,276,872

Approved by the PCC on ………………….. 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

…………………………………. ………………………………………..

Page 4

The Parish of Heston Statement of assets and liabilities- 2024

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
35,792



35,792
34,060
571,414

262,283

833,697
815,042
1,316,957



1,316,957
1,316,814





52,443
1,924,163

262,283

2,186,446
2,218,359
20,524
7,523
(2,908)

25,139
29,635
2,374

(679)

1,695
610
1,180



1,180
28,112
1,007



1,007
100





56
25,086
7,523
(3,587)

29,021
58,513
1,949,249
7,523
258,696

2,215,467
2,276,872

Statement of assets and liabilities- 2023

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
30,235
564,638

250,404

815,042
744,395
1,316,814



1,316,814
1,202,674
52,443



52,443
52,443
1,967,955

250,404

2,218,359
2,029,747
23,594
7,519
(1,478)

29,635
10,290
1,289

(679)

610
10,650
17,601

10,510

28,112
10,840
100



100
--
56



56
56
25,086
7,523
(3,587)

29,021
58,513
2,010,596
7,519
258,757

2,276,872
2,061,583

Fund movement by type - 2024

Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Journals Closing
AllSaints - All Saints Sale Fund
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for AllSaints
Bells - Church Tower/Bellrin
Designated
Sub-total for Bells




















2,519
74




2,593
2,519
74




2,593

Page 5

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







1,593





1,593
1,593





1,593













20,668



473

21,141
20,668



473

21,141
236,496

5,930

5,396

235,962
236,496

5,930

5,396

235,962
5,000

70



4,930
5,000

70



4,930
2,010,596
104,969
158,535

44,661
(52,443)
1,949,249
2,010,596
104,969
158,535

44,661
(52,443)
1,949,249
2,276,872
105,043
164,535

50,530
(52,443)
2,215,467

Fund movement by type - 2023

Opening Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains/losses Journals Closing
AllSaints - All Saints Sale Fund
Designated
Restricted
Sub-total for AllSaints
Bells - Church Tower/Bellrin
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



860

20,668
19,787



860

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

Page 6

Analysis of income and expenditure

Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Gift Aid - Bank
3,415



3,415
3,905
PGS Giving
8,003



8,003
5,280
Gift Aid - Envelopes
3,869



3,869
5,074
Other planned giving
107



107
351
Loose plate collections
5,667



5,667
1,932
Card Donations
2,293



2,293
874
Giving through church boxes
383



383
317
One-off Gift Aid gifts
2,905



2,905
485
PGS one off gifts
59



59
44
Donations appeals etc
881
74


955
753
Donations for Flowers





275
Tax Recovered from PGS Giving
1,926



1,926
1,270
Tax recovered on PGS one off gifs
15



15
5
Legacies
1,000



1,000
14,114
Other funds generated
26



26

Total
30,548
74


30,621
34,678
Income from charitable activities
Stay Active
68



68
272
Fees for weddings and funerals
5,105



5,105
3,218
Bookstall sales to promote objectives
30



30

Total
5,203



5,203
3,490
Other trading activities
Fundraising
2,284



2,284
1,869
Stock Sales
100



100
80
Sunday coffee
258



258
222
Church hall lettings - fund raising
4,928



4,928
2,620
Total
7,570



7,570
4,790
Investments
Dividends
58,769



58,769
58,273
Bank and building society interest
1,381



1,381
1,581
Rent from lands or buildings





58,704
Total
60,150



60,150
118,557
Other income
VAT Reclaim
670



670

Unidentifed Income
828



828
357
Total
1,498



1,498
357
Total
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
Endowment
This year
Last year
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Gift Aid - Bank
3,415



3,415
3,905
PGS Giving
8,003



8,003
5,280
Gift Aid - Envelopes
3,869



3,869
5,074
Other planned giving
107



107
351
Loose plate collections
5,667



5,667
1,932
Card Donations
2,293



2,293
874
Giving through church boxes
383



383
317
One-off Gift Aid gifts
2,905



2,905
485
PGS one off gifts
59



59
44
Donations appeals etc
881
74


955
753
Donations for Flowers





275
Tax Recovered from PGS Giving
1,926



1,926
1,270
Tax recovered on PGS one off gifs
15



15
5
Legacies
1,000



1,000
14,114
Other funds generated
26



26

Total
30,548
74


30,621
34,678
Income from charitable activities
Stay Active
68



68
272
Fees for weddings and funerals
5,105



5,105
3,218
Bookstall sales to promote objectives
30



30

Total
5,203



5,203
3,490
Other trading activities
Fundraising
2,284



2,284
1,869
Stock Sales
100



100
80
Sunday coffee
258



258
222
Church hall lettings - fund raising
4,928



4,928
2,620
Total
7,570



7,570
4,790
Investments
Dividends
58,769



58,769
58,273
Bank and building society interest
1,381



1,381
1,581
Rent from lands or buildings





58,704
Total
60,150



60,150
118,557
Other income
VAT Reclaim
670



670

Unidentifed Income
828



828
357
Total
1,498



1,498
357
30,548
74


30,621
34,678
68



68
272
5,105



5,105
3,218
30



30
5,203



5,203
3,490
2,284



2,284
1,869
100



100
80
258



258
222
4,928



4,928
2,620
7,570



7,570
4,790
58,769



58,769
58,273
1,381



1,381
1,581





58,704
60,150



60,150
118,557
670



670

828



828
357
1,498



1,498
357
INCOME TOTAL 104,969
74


105,043
161,872

Page 7

EXPENDITURE

EXPENDITURE
Raising funds
Costs of stewardship





110
Costs of fetes & other events
82



82
388
Total
82



82
497
Expenditure on charitable activities
Refreshments
73



73
1,460
Giving - relief and development
agencies
146



146

Home mission
85



85
220
Secular charities
405



405

Community Outreach
15



15

Common Fund
70,000



70,000
63,000
Youth Worker Salary





1,713
Salary of parish administrator
11,729



11,729
11,786
Staff Pension
841



841
1,055
Payrol Administration Fee
372



372
449
Working expenses of incumbent
111



111
7
Vicar's Discretionary Payments

70


70

Water rates - vicarage
169



169
373
Parish training and mission
1,459



1,459
773
Premeses running - insurance
8,457



8,457
8,538
Church office - telephone
1,292



1,292
1,498
Churc office - supplies
179



179
213
Organ / piano tuning
94



94

Organist Fee
200



200

Verger Fees
780



780
590
Church maintenance
8,721



8,721
4,883
Cleaning
756



756
408
Upkeep of services
2,111



2,111
585
Flowers
20



20
403
Upkeep of churchyard
1,750

5,930

7,680
7,475
Administration
3,229



3,229
3,836
Bookkeeping
2,233



2,233
2,000
Bank Charges
288



288
247
Visiting speakers / locums
41



41
100
Church running - electric
3,895



3,895
1,624
Church running - gas
12,647



12,647
6,446
Church running - water
721



721
169
Hall running - Cleaning
972



972
270
Hall running - Cleaning Materials
276



276
109
Hall running - electricity
1,331



1,331
702
Hall running - gas
4,520



4,520
1,043
Hall running - maintenance
12,546



12,546
75
Hall running - water
100



100

Governance costs examination/audit
fee
971



971
474
Church major repairs - structure
4,920



4,920

Church major repairs - installation





4,855
Hall + major repairs - installation





4,855
Hall Fees





1,239
Other PCC property upkeep





1,223
Total
158,453
70
5,930

164,453
134,697





110
82



82
388
158,453
70
5,930

164,453
134,697
EXPENDITURE TOTAL 158,535
70
5,930

164,535
135,195
GRAND TOTAL (53,565)
4
(5,930)

(59,492)
26,677

Page 8

Prior Year Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

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
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
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

2,275,872
2,061,582

Page 9

Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees/members of The PCC of Heston

Registered charity number: 1159915

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31[st ] December 2024 which are set out on the following pages.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility

Basis of 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 those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

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

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.

Signed: Date: 3[rd ] April 2025

Stephen Hendy

Data Developments (UK) Ltd. The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT