The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John The Evangelist Kensal Green
Mass of Baptism and Confirmation celebrated by The Bishop of Fulham, 11[th] August 2024
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
for the period ending 31[st] December 2024
Registered Charity 1163185
1
Bearing Our Faithful Witness
In 2024 we celebrated the 180[th] anniversary of the opening of St Johns, notably with a visit to All Souls’ College, Oxford (which donated the land upon which the church was built). Any anniversary gives thanks for what has been. It also encourages us to reflect on our present life and looks to the future. To that end, we combined the main celebration of the anniversary on 11[th] August with a Mass of Baptism and Confirmation.
The combination of inheritance and looking forward was also demonstrated with the launch of the organ fund, which will see the complete renovation of the Fr Willis Pipe Organ. It was in 1944, as a part of the church’s centennial celebrations and completion of renovations following war time bombing, that the organ was moved to the gallery. Eighty years on, its renewal will ensure a sound future.
During 2024 grants were pledged from Westminster City Council and the Westminster Tree Trust totalling £40,000 for the final phase of the grounds project. We are grateful to the City Council for its support and for discussions about our accessing North Paddington Community Investment funding in 2025.
One of the many events during the year was our commemoration of the 80[th] anniversary of the Normandy Landings. 1944 was also the year (as I note above) that St Johns celebrated its 100[th] birthday. Geoffrey Fisher, the then bishop of London (shortly to become Archbishop of Canterbury) wrote to the parish and said: “ let this centenary renew your faith in the unchanging things – God’s love, our redemption in Jesus Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit in the church, the duty to bear our faithful witness. For these things your church stands…thank God for your past blessings and with humble confidence commit yourselves again to Him.
We bear our witness in an ever-changing world and society when many of the post war certainties we have taken for granted are fragile. St John’s I believe is a faithful witness to the unchanging things and therefore, a place that can serve that ever changing society. In addition, we renew our faith in the unchanging things all the time, and so many enable that to happen. In conclusion thanks to Yvonne Jarman for preparing this Report and Accounts and to everyone who makes this church such a special place.
The Reverend David Ackerman Vicar and Chairman of the PCC
February 2025
3
Annual Report & Accounts 2024
Aims and Purpose
St John’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church; pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at St John’s and to become part of our parish community. Activities are guided by the following principles:
-
Looking out – things we will do in mission to reach out to our community and beyond in service of the Gospel.
-
Looking in – things we will do to build up the common life and fellowship of the church family.
-
Looking up – things we will do with our pattern of prayer and worship to empower and sustain our mission and common life.
In addition, St John’s has embraced Capital Vision 2030; a collective agenda for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ .
Achievements and Performance
The PCC’s charitable objects are focussed on the advancement of religion which is a charitable activity. Evidence of operation for the benefit of the public is demonstrated in this Annual Report for the purposes of good practice in demonstrating our commitment to public benefit.
Our primary charitable purpose is through our prayer, donations, the offering of space (for school visits, assemblies, activities) the Playgroup, and preservation of a listed building. Our aims include the:
-
prevention or relief of poverty
-
advancement of education
-
advancement of health
-
advancement of citizenship or community development
-
advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
-
advancement of amateur sport
5
-
reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity
-
advancement of environmental protection or improvement
-
relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
Worship and Prayer
St John’s has remained open for worship and prayer through the year and weekly attendance has averaged 74 (excluding Easter and Christmas services as well as special services). The church also receives a number of visitors outside the regular cycle of worship for quiet contemplation.
In addition to regular worship, the church provides a focal point for the community to mark the milestones of life. During 2024 there were six baptisms and eight funeral services held in church. An additional eight funeral services were undertaken at the local crematorium. As at March 2024, there were 84 on the church electoral roll.
Deanery Synod
The Deanery Synod provides an important link between the parish and the wider church community. During 2024 there were two meetings: in March Alison Mouldon the Westminster Churches’ Net Zero Officer, gave a presentation on reducing our energy footprint and in November Claire Meaney, from the Diocese of London Safeguarding Team, gave a presentation on Parish Safeguarding Dashboards.
Pastoral Care & Safeguarding
Our Lay Pastoral Minister was recommissioned in May 2024 and has remained available to assist with arrangements for baptisms and funerals as well as devoting time to individuals and families in need of support. In addition, a weekly church newsletter is distributed by email and by post.
2024 was another busy year during which St John’s celebrated its’ 180[th] anniversary. Several events were held to mark the occasion, including a parish outing to Oxford and All Souls’ College, an Anniversary Mass in August with the Bishop of Fulham and an Anniversary Evensong followed by the parish barbeque. In November we also supported our local RBL branch in commemorating the 80[th] anniversary of the Normandy Landings.
Regular events have continued, including the Under-5s Stay & Play and the Monday Music Club. The Youth & Families co-ordinators arranged a highly successful Family Fellowship weekend in Brighton while the Autumn pilgrimage to Walsingham was fully booked. We are also grateful to the Paddington Charities for providing support to St John’s welfare fund, helping those in need.
The PCC has complied with the 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. St John’s is committed to
6
nurturing, protecting and safeguarding all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults. This is recognised as a responsibility of the whole church.
The PCC has adopted the Diocese Safeguarding Policy, which is reviewed annually, and has appointed a Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Champion. There were two recorded safeguarding incidents during 2024 which took place on church premises and both incidents were referred to the Police.
Church Giving
Regular giving in 2024 totalled over £6,000 (of which just under £200 was for special charity collections). The figures are very similar to those in 2023 which is encouraging given cost of living pressures. There was a fall in general donations of some £2,000 (£4,500 compared to £6,600 in 2023). However, there were generous individual donations towards the organ restoration fund.
The PCC continues to recognise the challenges of stewardship during current austere times, especially when individual giving forms only a small part of church income. The number of people giving regularly by standing order and by the envelope scheme remains stagnant.
While stewardship remains a challenge, welfare demands are constant, and St John’s is pleased to support the distribution of charitable funds from the Paddington Charities. In addition, donations were given (or collected) for: Aid to the Church in Need, the Additional Curates Society, CAFOD, the Children’s Society, Embrace the Middle East, the Granada Relief Fund, Marie Curie, Miracles, the Royal British Legion, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SSAFA and The Passage.
Projects and Plans
A further grant of £40,000 was secured from Westminster City Council for the development of the Woodland Garden created on waste ground at the back of the church grounds during the previous year. Along with continued support from Westminster City Council, we also received a grant from the Paddington Charities in support of this important ‘greening’ work.
In April we were pleased to welcome the Lord Mayor of Westminster for the opening of the new Plough Walk which runs along the north side of the church, leading to the Windrush Garden. In addition, work on the Stepping-stone Garden in front of the vicarage began in October. There was no significant progress on redeveloping the church forecourt parking area during the year but it is anticipated that this project will move forward in 2025.
A CAD survey, supported by a Diocese grant, was undertaken in preparation of future work on the church roof and ceiling. Given the importance of the ceiling for acoustics, restoration of the organ will be closely associated with the ceiling repairs, when funds are available. The Organ appeal for restoration funds has now been launched with the Honourable Jan Prendergast (former Lord Mayor of Westminster) as Patron. At the
7
end of the year donations of some £10,300 had been received and £10,000 pledged by the Williams Church Music Trust. In addition, the PCC has budgeted £15,000 from income in 2025.
Financial Review
Total receipts were just under £216,000 in 2024 compared to over £229,000 in 2023. In addition, funds in the savings account (reserves) were just over £10,000.
In 2024 restricted funds totalled some £39,500, largely comprising project grants and donations towards the organ restoration fund. We are particularly grateful to Westminster City Council, the Paddington Charities and the Church Union for supporting St John’s greening scheme which is helping to transform the church grounds and develop the Woodland Garden. The Benefact Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation have also given generously to the organ fund.
Rent from grounds and buildings leased to Bales College remains the church’s main source of income. As part of the redevelopment of the Old Vicarage, Bales College has been using the car park area in return for a commitment to fund enlargement of the church entrance and new gates.
Overall expenditure was £201,000 in 2024 compared to 224,400 in the previous year. The decrease was mainly due to a reduction in church maintenance costs. There was also a fall in the giving of donations. However, the 2023 figure of just over £6,000 was inflated by a one-off donation of £5,000 to the Bishop of Fulham’s Fund.
Payments of £65,000 were made towards St John’s Common Fund commitment of £70,000 (with the balance of £5,000 paid in January 2025 when a £5,000 facilities hire payment from December 2024 was received). £50,000 has been offered towards the 2025 Common Fund. Gift Aid returns of over £2,400 cover claims for 2024.
Reserves Policy
A review of the Reserves Policy concluded that some £10,000 should be maintained in the savings account to cover unanticipated (unbudgeted) expenditure. During 2024 it was not necessary to draw on these reserves.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules) and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity Number: 1163185). The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. There is an induction process in place for new PCC members and each receives guidance on their responsibilities as trustees.
8
PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of concern to the parish, including decisions on how church funds are spent. There were five meetings from March 2024 to February 2025 inclusive, with any additional urgent PCC business being conducted via email.
Administrative Information
St John’s Church, situated in Kensal Green, is part of the Diocese of London within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, Kilburn Lane, London W10 4AA. The church website is www.stjohnskensalgreen.org.uk
The following PCC members served during 2023:
Ex Officio Members Rev David Ackerman (Incumbent & Chairman) Nigel Clark (Churchwarden & Vice Chairman) Sandra Payne (Churchwarden & Deanery Synod Representative)
Elected Members Anne Abel (Lay Pastoral Minister) Heather Hatter (Playgroup Lead) Frances Ikemefuna Pam Mackintosh Sabeena Johnson (Treasurer & Children’s Champion) Joanna Okello (Safeguarding Officer) Natelle Peters (Youth & Families) Nigel Snuggs (Grounds & Flowers) Daniel Turner (Music Director) Rieanna Wilkinson (Youth & Families)
Yvonne Jarman served as PCC Secretary as part of her role as Parish Administrator.
Approved by the PCC on 21[st] March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
The Revd David Ackerman Chairman
Nigel Clark Vice-Chairman
9
Statement of Receipts and Payments 1 January-31 December 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Payments | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Cash at Bank 1 Jan | 1,200.95 | 3,395.10 | 4,596.05 | LDF Payments | 67,858.00 |
| Cash in Hand 1 Jan | 128.23 | 128.23 | RunningCosts | 68,105.90 | |
| Regular Giving | 6,556.78 | 179.29 | 6,736.07 | Income Generating Costs |
nil |
| GA Returns | 2,404.45 | 2,404.45 | Church Activities | 39,790.00 | |
| Other Voluntary Receipts | 4,547.60 | 1,359.50 | 5,907.10 | Other costs | 25,041.60 |
| Income Generating Activity | 152,579.00 | 152,579.00 | Fabric | nil | |
| Church Activities | 6,633.84 | 6,370.00 | 13,003.84 | ||
| Other Income | 2,457.58 | 28,156.75 | 30,614.33 | ||
| Sub Totals | 176,508.43 | 39,460.64 | 215,969.07 | 200,795.50 | |
| Balance of Receipts over Payments |
15,173.57 | ||||
| TOTAL | 215,969.07 | 215,969.07 | |||
10
| Receipts | 2023 | 2024 | Payments | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at Bank 1 Jan Cash in Hand 1 Jan |
£10,319.61 £119.72 |
£4,596.05 £128.23 |
|||
| Regular Giving | LDF Payments | ||||
| Planned giving Tax refund (Gift Aid) Collections |
£3,295.79 £4,816.98 £2,656.26 |
£3,132.87 £2,404.45(1) £3,603.20(2) |
Fees Commitment |
£2,592.00 £65,000.00 |
£2,858.00 £65,000.00(6) |
| Other Voluntary Receipts | Running Costs | ||||
| Donations Charity Flower Fund |
£6,690.79 £1,084.19 £202.73 |
£4,547.60 £1,004.50 £355.00 |
Office Maintenance (church) Utilities Insurance Sacristy Maintenance (vicarage) |
£33,750.23 £35,590.82 £8,345.11 £4,705.53 £2,829.41 £400.00 |
£31,263.04(7) £17,468.24(8) £10,743.93 £3,780.59 £2,421.20 £2,428.90 |
| Income Generating Activities |
Income Generating Costs | ||||
| Rent Facilities |
£150,504.00 £1,000.00 |
£150,504.00 £2,075.00(3) |
Facilities | nil | nil |
| Church Activities | Church Activities | ||||
| Activities Funeral & Weddings Fundraising Walsingham Welfare refund |
£6,981.20 £3,444.00 £456.25 £1,895.00 £200.00 |
£5,587.84(4) £3,859.00 £207.00 £3,250.00 £100.00 |
Activities Music Charity giving Donations Clergy Expenses Walsingham Fundraising Visiting clergy |
£15,211.14 £9,760.80 £2,969.96 £6,228.97 £5,027.24 £6,097.60 £137.25 £219.07 |
£15,700.15 £9,262.79 £3,058.89 £85.00 £4,481.37(9) £6,670.80 £248.97 £282.03 |
| Other Income | Other Costs | ||||
| Annual Projects (grants) Organ Music Clergy refund Maintenance & grounds Miscellaneous Bank rewards & interest Visiting clergy Sacristy |
£19,726.33 nil £1,000.00 £201.76 £600.00 £1,559.66 £193.07 £21.00 £8.72 |
£17,836.75(5) £10,320.00 £340.00 £399.80 £1,293.00 £219.31 £205.47 nil nil |
Annual Projects Flower fund Organ fund Bank charges Vicar refreshment Miscellaneous Interest in deposit |
£19,151.29 £1,135.00 nil £377.33 £2,751.86 £24.01 £137.67 |
£20,743.51(10) £424.00 £148.01 £325.38 £2,978.00 £271.00 £151.70 |
| Fabric | nil | nil | Fabric | nil | nil |
| Transfers | £12,189.51 | nil | Transfers | £2,000.00 | nil |
| TOTALS Less Payments |
£229,166.57 -£224,442.29 |
£215,969.07 -£ 200,795.50 |
£224,442.29 | £200,795.50 | |
| Balance of Receipts over Payments |
£4,724.28 | £15,173.57 |
11
| St John’s Memorial Fund (Deposit) Account | ||
| 2023 £ | 2024 £ | |
| Receipts | ||
| Balance at 1 Jan | 20,051.84 | 10,000.00 |
| Interest | 137.67 | 151.70 |
| Transfer from current account | 2,000.00 | nil |
| Total | 22,189.51 | 10,151.70 |
| Payments | ||
| Transfer to current account | 12,189.51 | nil |
| Balance at 31 Dec | 10,000.00 | 10,151.70 |
| Statement of Assets as at 31 Dec | ||
| 2023 £ | 2024 £ | |
| Cash at Bank (current account) | 4,596.05 | 15,046.73 |
| Cash in Hand | 128.23 | 126.84 |
| Memorial Fund (savings account) | 10,000.00 | 10,151.70 |
| Total cash assets | 14,724.28 | 25,325.27 |
| Other Assets | ||
| Leased buildings (insurance value at year end) | 2,150,000.00 | 2,513,995.00 |
Summary of 2024 Restricted Funds
| Restricted | £ |
|---|---|
| Grants & donations | 31,551.85 |
| Activity Payments | 6,270.00 |
| Charities | 1,283.79 |
| Flowers | 355.00 |
| TOTAL | 39,460.64 |
Restricted Funds c/f to 2025
GLA Funding (Eco Projects): £ 3,395.10 Organ Restoration: £10,171.99
12
Notes to the 2024 Accounts
1. Gift Aid returns for 2024.
2. Includes £179.29 special collections for charity.
3. A £5,000 payment for facility hire was received in January 2025 from Pines and Needles (Christmas Tree sales).
4. Activities covering: Stay & Play (under 5s playgroup) £2,567.84 Fellowship & outings returns £3,020.00
5. Grant receipts: Westminster City Council £15,336.75 Paddington Charities £2,000.00 Church Union £ 500.00
6. £5,000 balance against £70,000 commitment paid January 2025.
7. Includes administration costs and office/trustee expenses of £25,303.98.
8. Church maintenance covering:
Grounds £6,830.29 Church £6,669.50 Cleaning £3,968.45
9. Clergy expenses cover parish communications (parish ‘phone use and WiFi rental), car usage, un-budgeted parish hospitality expenditure and wear and tear due to parish use of vicarage.
10. Annual Projects covering Greening Scheme expenditure.
13
Visit to All Souls’ College and Christchurch Cathedral Oxford (shown here) in celebration of St John’s 180[th] Anniversary Year.
St John’s Kensal Green Kilburn Lane London W10 4AA Registered Charity No. 1163185
14
The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of St John The Evangelist Kensal Green
Mass of Baptism and Confirmation celebrated by The Bishop of Fulham, 11[th] August 2024
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
for the period ending 31[st] December 2024
Registered Charity 1163185
1
Bearing Our Faithful Witness
In 2024 we celebrated the 180[th] anniversary of the opening of St Johns, notably with a visit to All Souls’ College, Oxford (which donated the land upon which the church was built). Any anniversary gives thanks for what has been. It also encourages us to reflect on our present life and looks to the future. To that end, we combined the main celebration of the anniversary on 11[th] August with a Mass of Baptism and Confirmation.
The combination of inheritance and looking forward was also demonstrated with the launch of the organ fund, which will see the complete renovation of the Fr Willis Pipe Organ. It was in 1944, as a part of the church’s centennial celebrations and completion of renovations following war time bombing, that the organ was moved to the gallery. Eighty years on, its renewal will ensure a sound future.
During 2024 grants were pledged from Westminster City Council and the Westminster Tree Trust totalling £40,000 for the final phase of the grounds project. We are grateful to the City Council for its support and for discussions about our accessing North Paddington Community Investment funding in 2025.
One of the many events during the year was our commemoration of the 80[th] anniversary of the Normandy Landings. 1944 was also the year (as I note above) that St Johns celebrated its 100[th] birthday. Geoffrey Fisher, the then bishop of London (shortly to become Archbishop of Canterbury) wrote to the parish and said: “ let this centenary renew your faith in the unchanging things – God’s love, our redemption in Jesus Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit in the church, the duty to bear our faithful witness. For these things your church stands…thank God for your past blessings and with humble confidence commit yourselves again to Him.
We bear our witness in an ever-changing world and society when many of the post war certainties we have taken for granted are fragile. St John’s I believe is a faithful witness to the unchanging things and therefore, a place that can serve that ever changing society. In addition, we renew our faith in the unchanging things all the time, and so many enable that to happen. In conclusion thanks to Yvonne Jarman for preparing this Report and Accounts and to everyone who makes this church such a special place.
The Reverend David Ackerman Vicar and Chairman of the PCC
February 2025
3
Annual Report & Accounts 2024
Aims and Purpose
St John’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church; pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC is committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at St John’s and to become part of our parish community. Activities are guided by the following principles:
-
Looking out – things we will do in mission to reach out to our community and beyond in service of the Gospel.
-
Looking in – things we will do to build up the common life and fellowship of the church family.
-
Looking up – things we will do with our pattern of prayer and worship to empower and sustain our mission and common life.
In addition, St John’s has embraced Capital Vision 2030; a collective agenda for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ .
Achievements and Performance
The PCC’s charitable objects are focussed on the advancement of religion which is a charitable activity. Evidence of operation for the benefit of the public is demonstrated in this Annual Report for the purposes of good practice in demonstrating our commitment to public benefit.
Our primary charitable purpose is through our prayer, donations, the offering of space (for school visits, assemblies, activities) the Playgroup, and preservation of a listed building. Our aims include the:
-
prevention or relief of poverty
-
advancement of education
-
advancement of health
-
advancement of citizenship or community development
-
advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
-
advancement of amateur sport
5
-
reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity
-
advancement of environmental protection or improvement
-
relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
Worship and Prayer
St John’s has remained open for worship and prayer through the year and weekly attendance has averaged 74 (excluding Easter and Christmas services as well as special services). The church also receives a number of visitors outside the regular cycle of worship for quiet contemplation.
In addition to regular worship, the church provides a focal point for the community to mark the milestones of life. During 2024 there were six baptisms and eight funeral services held in church. An additional eight funeral services were undertaken at the local crematorium. As at March 2024, there were 84 on the church electoral roll.
Deanery Synod
The Deanery Synod provides an important link between the parish and the wider church community. During 2024 there were two meetings: in March Alison Mouldon the Westminster Churches’ Net Zero Officer, gave a presentation on reducing our energy footprint and in November Claire Meaney, from the Diocese of London Safeguarding Team, gave a presentation on Parish Safeguarding Dashboards.
Pastoral Care & Safeguarding
Our Lay Pastoral Minister was recommissioned in May 2024 and has remained available to assist with arrangements for baptisms and funerals as well as devoting time to individuals and families in need of support. In addition, a weekly church newsletter is distributed by email and by post.
2024 was another busy year during which St John’s celebrated its’ 180[th] anniversary. Several events were held to mark the occasion, including a parish outing to Oxford and All Souls’ College, an Anniversary Mass in August with the Bishop of Fulham and an Anniversary Evensong followed by the parish barbeque. In November we also supported our local RBL branch in commemorating the 80[th] anniversary of the Normandy Landings.
Regular events have continued, including the Under-5s Stay & Play and the Monday Music Club. The Youth & Families co-ordinators arranged a highly successful Family Fellowship weekend in Brighton while the Autumn pilgrimage to Walsingham was fully booked. We are also grateful to the Paddington Charities for providing support to St John’s welfare fund, helping those in need.
The PCC has complied with the 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. St John’s is committed to
6
nurturing, protecting and safeguarding all our members, particularly children, young people and vulnerable adults. This is recognised as a responsibility of the whole church.
The PCC has adopted the Diocese Safeguarding Policy, which is reviewed annually, and has appointed a Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Champion. There were two recorded safeguarding incidents during 2024 which took place on church premises and both incidents were referred to the Police.
Church Giving
Regular giving in 2024 totalled over £6,000 (of which just under £200 was for special charity collections). The figures are very similar to those in 2023 which is encouraging given cost of living pressures. There was a fall in general donations of some £2,000 (£4,500 compared to £6,600 in 2023). However, there were generous individual donations towards the organ restoration fund.
The PCC continues to recognise the challenges of stewardship during current austere times, especially when individual giving forms only a small part of church income. The number of people giving regularly by standing order and by the envelope scheme remains stagnant.
While stewardship remains a challenge, welfare demands are constant, and St John’s is pleased to support the distribution of charitable funds from the Paddington Charities. In addition, donations were given (or collected) for: Aid to the Church in Need, the Additional Curates Society, CAFOD, the Children’s Society, Embrace the Middle East, the Granada Relief Fund, Marie Curie, Miracles, the Royal British Legion, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SSAFA and The Passage.
Projects and Plans
A further grant of £40,000 was secured from Westminster City Council for the development of the Woodland Garden created on waste ground at the back of the church grounds during the previous year. Along with continued support from Westminster City Council, we also received a grant from the Paddington Charities in support of this important ‘greening’ work.
In April we were pleased to welcome the Lord Mayor of Westminster for the opening of the new Plough Walk which runs along the north side of the church, leading to the Windrush Garden. In addition, work on the Stepping-stone Garden in front of the vicarage began in October. There was no significant progress on redeveloping the church forecourt parking area during the year but it is anticipated that this project will move forward in 2025.
A CAD survey, supported by a Diocese grant, was undertaken in preparation of future work on the church roof and ceiling. Given the importance of the ceiling for acoustics, restoration of the organ will be closely associated with the ceiling repairs, when funds are available. The Organ appeal for restoration funds has now been launched with the Honourable Jan Prendergast (former Lord Mayor of Westminster) as Patron. At the
7
end of the year donations of some £10,300 had been received and £10,000 pledged by the Williams Church Music Trust. In addition, the PCC has budgeted £15,000 from income in 2025.
Financial Review
Total receipts were just under £216,000 in 2024 compared to over £229,000 in 2023. In addition, funds in the savings account (reserves) were just over £10,000.
In 2024 restricted funds totalled some £39,500, largely comprising project grants and donations towards the organ restoration fund. We are particularly grateful to Westminster City Council, the Paddington Charities and the Church Union for supporting St John’s greening scheme which is helping to transform the church grounds and develop the Woodland Garden. The Benefact Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation have also given generously to the organ fund.
Rent from grounds and buildings leased to Bales College remains the church’s main source of income. As part of the redevelopment of the Old Vicarage, Bales College has been using the car park area in return for a commitment to fund enlargement of the church entrance and new gates.
Overall expenditure was £201,000 in 2024 compared to 224,400 in the previous year. The decrease was mainly due to a reduction in church maintenance costs. There was also a fall in the giving of donations. However, the 2023 figure of just over £6,000 was inflated by a one-off donation of £5,000 to the Bishop of Fulham’s Fund.
Payments of £65,000 were made towards St John’s Common Fund commitment of £70,000 (with the balance of £5,000 paid in January 2025 when a £5,000 facilities hire payment from December 2024 was received). £50,000 has been offered towards the 2025 Common Fund. Gift Aid returns of over £2,400 cover claims for 2024.
Reserves Policy
A review of the Reserves Policy concluded that some £10,000 should be maintained in the savings account to cover unanticipated (unbudgeted) expenditure. During 2024 it was not necessary to draw on these reserves.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a body corporate (PCC Powers Measure 1956, Church Representation Rules) and is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity Number: 1163185). The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. There is an induction process in place for new PCC members and each receives guidance on their responsibilities as trustees.
8
PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of concern to the parish, including decisions on how church funds are spent. There were five meetings from March 2024 to February 2025 inclusive, with any additional urgent PCC business being conducted via email.
Administrative Information
St John’s Church, situated in Kensal Green, is part of the Diocese of London within the Church of England. The correspondence address is The Vicarage, Kilburn Lane, London W10 4AA. The church website is www.stjohnskensalgreen.org.uk
The following PCC members served during 2023:
Ex Officio Members Rev David Ackerman (Incumbent & Chairman) Nigel Clark (Churchwarden & Vice Chairman) Sandra Payne (Churchwarden & Deanery Synod Representative)
Elected Members Anne Abel (Lay Pastoral Minister) Heather Hatter (Playgroup Lead) Frances Ikemefuna Pam Mackintosh Sabeena Johnson (Treasurer & Children’s Champion) Joanna Okello (Safeguarding Officer) Natelle Peters (Youth & Families) Nigel Snuggs (Grounds & Flowers) Daniel Turner (Music Director) Rieanna Wilkinson (Youth & Families)
Yvonne Jarman served as PCC Secretary as part of her role as Parish Administrator.
Approved by the PCC on 21[st] March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
The Revd David Ackerman Chairman
Nigel Clark Vice-Chairman
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Statement of Receipts and Payments 1 January-31 December 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Payments | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Cash at Bank 1 Jan | 1,200.95 | 3,395.10 | 4,596.05 | LDF Payments | 67,858.00 |
| Cash in Hand 1 Jan | 128.23 | 128.23 | RunningCosts | 68,105.90 | |
| Regular Giving | 6,556.78 | 179.29 | 6,736.07 | Income Generating Costs |
nil |
| GA Returns | 2,404.45 | 2,404.45 | Church Activities | 39,790.00 | |
| Other Voluntary Receipts | 4,547.60 | 1,359.50 | 5,907.10 | Other costs | 25,041.60 |
| Income Generating Activity | 152,579.00 | 152,579.00 | Fabric | nil | |
| Church Activities | 6,633.84 | 6,370.00 | 13,003.84 | ||
| Other Income | 2,457.58 | 28,156.75 | 30,614.33 | ||
| Sub Totals | 176,508.43 | 39,460.64 | 215,969.07 | 200,795.50 | |
| Balance of Receipts over Payments |
15,173.57 | ||||
| TOTAL | 215,969.07 | 215,969.07 | |||
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| Receipts | 2023 | 2024 | Payments | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at Bank 1 Jan Cash in Hand 1 Jan |
£10,319.61 £119.72 |
£4,596.05 £128.23 |
|||
| Regular Giving | LDF Payments | ||||
| Planned giving Tax refund (Gift Aid) Collections |
£3,295.79 £4,816.98 £2,656.26 |
£3,132.87 £2,404.45(1) £3,603.20(2) |
Fees Commitment |
£2,592.00 £65,000.00 |
£2,858.00 £65,000.00(6) |
| Other Voluntary Receipts | Running Costs | ||||
| Donations Charity Flower Fund |
£6,690.79 £1,084.19 £202.73 |
£4,547.60 £1,004.50 £355.00 |
Office Maintenance (church) Utilities Insurance Sacristy Maintenance (vicarage) |
£33,750.23 £35,590.82 £8,345.11 £4,705.53 £2,829.41 £400.00 |
£31,263.04(7) £17,468.24(8) £10,743.93 £3,780.59 £2,421.20 £2,428.90 |
| Income Generating Activities |
Income Generating Costs | ||||
| Rent Facilities |
£150,504.00 £1,000.00 |
£150,504.00 £2,075.00(3) |
Facilities | nil | nil |
| Church Activities | Church Activities | ||||
| Activities Funeral & Weddings Fundraising Walsingham Welfare refund |
£6,981.20 £3,444.00 £456.25 £1,895.00 £200.00 |
£5,587.84(4) £3,859.00 £207.00 £3,250.00 £100.00 |
Activities Music Charity giving Donations Clergy Expenses Walsingham Fundraising Visiting clergy |
£15,211.14 £9,760.80 £2,969.96 £6,228.97 £5,027.24 £6,097.60 £137.25 £219.07 |
£15,700.15 £9,262.79 £3,058.89 £85.00 £4,481.37(9) £6,670.80 £248.97 £282.03 |
| Other Income | Other Costs | ||||
| Annual Projects (grants) Organ Music Clergy refund Maintenance & grounds Miscellaneous Bank rewards & interest Visiting clergy Sacristy |
£19,726.33 nil £1,000.00 £201.76 £600.00 £1,559.66 £193.07 £21.00 £8.72 |
£17,836.75(5) £10,320.00 £340.00 £399.80 £1,293.00 £219.31 £205.47 nil nil |
Annual Projects Flower fund Organ fund Bank charges Vicar refreshment Miscellaneous Interest in deposit |
£19,151.29 £1,135.00 nil £377.33 £2,751.86 £24.01 £137.67 |
£20,743.51(10) £424.00 £148.01 £325.38 £2,978.00 £271.00 £151.70 |
| Fabric | nil | nil | Fabric | nil | nil |
| Transfers | £12,189.51 | nil | Transfers | £2,000.00 | nil |
| TOTALS Less Payments |
£229,166.57 -£224,442.29 |
£215,969.07 -£ 200,795.50 |
£224,442.29 | £200,795.50 | |
| Balance of Receipts over Payments |
£4,724.28 | £15,173.57 |
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| St John’s Memorial Fund (Deposit) Account | ||
| 2023 £ | 2024 £ | |
| Receipts | ||
| Balance at 1 Jan | 20,051.84 | 10,000.00 |
| Interest | 137.67 | 151.70 |
| Transfer from current account | 2,000.00 | nil |
| Total | 22,189.51 | 10,151.70 |
| Payments | ||
| Transfer to current account | 12,189.51 | nil |
| Balance at 31 Dec | 10,000.00 | 10,151.70 |
| Statement of Assets as at 31 Dec | ||
| 2023 £ | 2024 £ | |
| Cash at Bank (current account) | 4,596.05 | 15,046.73 |
| Cash in Hand | 128.23 | 126.84 |
| Memorial Fund (savings account) | 10,000.00 | 10,151.70 |
| Total cash assets | 14,724.28 | 25,325.27 |
| Other Assets | ||
| Leased buildings (insurance value at year end) | 2,150,000.00 | 2,513,995.00 |
Summary of 2024 Restricted Funds
| Restricted | £ |
|---|---|
| Grants & donations | 31,551.85 |
| Activity Payments | 6,270.00 |
| Charities | 1,283.79 |
| Flowers | 355.00 |
| TOTAL | 39,460.64 |
Restricted Funds c/f to 2025
GLA Funding (Eco Projects): £ 3,395.10 Organ Restoration: £10,171.99
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Notes to the 2024 Accounts
1. Gift Aid returns for 2024.
2. Includes £179.29 special collections for charity.
3. A £5,000 payment for facility hire was received in January 2025 from Pines and Needles (Christmas Tree sales).
4. Activities covering: Stay & Play (under 5s playgroup) £2,567.84 Fellowship & outings returns £3,020.00
5. Grant receipts: Westminster City Council £15,336.75 Paddington Charities £2,000.00 Church Union £ 500.00
6. £5,000 balance against £70,000 commitment paid January 2025.
7. Includes administration costs and office/trustee expenses of £25,303.98.
8. Church maintenance covering:
Grounds £6,830.29 Church £6,669.50 Cleaning £3,968.45
9. Clergy expenses cover parish communications (parish ‘phone use and WiFi rental), car usage, un-budgeted parish hospitality expenditure and wear and tear due to parish use of vicarage.
10. Annual Projects covering Greening Scheme expenditure.
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Visit to All Souls’ College and Christchurch Cathedral Oxford (shown here) in celebration of St John’s 180[th] Anniversary Year.
St John’s Kensal Green Kilburn Lane London W10 4AA Registered Charity No. 1163185
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Independent Examiner's Report to the PCC of St John's Kensal Green I report on the accounts for the year ended 3tst December 20¥ which are set out in this document. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 44(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 20ll Act) and that an independent exaMItion is needed. It is my responsibility to". examine the accounts under section 45 of the 2011 Act. follow the procedures laid dovm in the General Directions gjven by the Charity Commissioners section ¥5(5)(b) of the 2011 Act" and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Enminer's Statement My examition Girried out in accordance with the General Directions gAven by the Charity Commission. An exaMItion includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those recoTds. It also indudes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examiner's Statement In connection with my exaMItiOn, no matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any nmterial respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 20M Art" or to PTepare accounts which accord with these accounting records have not been met. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. R Moore BSC, Westminster, London 24th March 2025