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← The Parochial Church Council Of The Ecclesiastical Parish Of Saint John The Baptist, Holland Road, Diocese Of Kensington

2023-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1169173

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John The Baptist, Holland Road, Diocese of Kensington

Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

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The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road

Contents:
Trustees' Annual Report Pages 1 to 16
Independent Examiner's Report Pages 17
Statement of Financial Activities Page 18
Balance Sheet Page 19
Notes to the Financial Statements Pages 20 to 26

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John the Baptist, Holland Road, Diocese Of Kensington

Annual Report 2023

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St John the Baptist, Holland Road

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Administrative Information

St John’s Church is situated on Holland Road in Kensington and is part of the Church of England in the Diocese of London. It forms part of the United Benefice of Holland Park. The correspondence address is St George’s Church, Aubrey Walk, London W8 7JG. The Parochial Church Council constitutes a charity and this year is registered as a UK charity (no. 1169173). The PCC members who have served from October 2023 until the date this report was approved are:

approved are:
The Revd Dr James Heard Chair (Ex Officio)
The Revd Neil Traynor Associate Priest (Ex Officio)
The Revd Peter Wolton Associate Priest (Ex Officio)
The Revd Dana English Associate Priest (Ex Officio)
Clare Heard LLM (Ex Officio)
Ms Lindsay Fulcher Churchwarden and LLM, Synod Rep (Appointed 2023)
Ms Kate Cullinan Churchwarden (Appointed 2021)
Ms Stephanie de Mel Hon. Treasurer (Appointed 2022)
Mrs Jenny Davenport Vice-Chair (Appointed 2023)
Ms Kristin Corbet-Milward Safeguarding Officer (Appointed 2022)
Mr Jamie Priestley (Appointed 2020)
Ms Anita Kouassigan (Appointed 2022)
Tom Dick (Appointed 2023, resigned February 2024)
Tracy Turley (Appointed 2023)

Structure, governance and management

The Parochial Church Council is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a registered charity.

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. Membership of the PCC consists of the incumbent vicar, three associate vicars, church wardens and members elected by those members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll of the church. All those who attend our services/members of the congregation are encouraged to register on the electoral roll and stand for election to the PCC.

The PCC members are responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including deciding on how the funds of the PCC are to be managed. Public benefit statement

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, ‘Charities and Public Benefit’.

Aims and Purpose

The PCC is responsible for co-operating with the Vicar in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. The PCC also has maintenance responsibilities for St John’s Church, and the surrounding land.

Worship and Sacramental Care

The Parish Eucharist is the principal act of worship offered by the parish. It is celebrated week by week in accordance with the apostles’ teaching and fellowship in the breaking of bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). The PCC is grateful to the sidespeople, readers and to all who contribute in many other ways to the life and worship offered to God by this parish. This year we conducted four baptisms, four funerals/memorials, and three weddings/blessings.

Daily Prayer

We continue to meet daily for prayer on zoom – 9.15am Monday to Friday for Morning Prayer and 9.30pm for Compline on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The meditation group , faithfully led by Gill Rowe continues to meet every Monday at 6.00pm both at St George’s and on zoom. We have been encouraged by the significant increase in people for these services.

Pastoral and social care

Pastoral and social care of the parish continues to be shared by the ministry team and several pastoral visitors. Pastoral care is also exercised through such activities as the lunch club. This team make regular ‘phone calls and visits in the parish.

Safeguarding

Kristin Corbett-Millward is the designated safeguarding officer for St John’s and Clare Heard is our children's champion. Fr Peter is the lead DBS checker. The diocesan safeguarding dashboard is used and updated on a regular basis and we review safeguarding at every PCC meeting.

Evangelisation

St John’s is committed to the Gospel imperative to ‘make disciples of all the nations; baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19), and to rising in future to the challenge of engagement in active evangelisation amongst all the peoples of the parish it serves. The Exploring Faith evenings continue with a variety of courses discovering together the richness of the Christian faith, welcoming others who are new to faith and also some non-churchgoers.

Ecumenical links

As a modern catholic parish of the Church of England, St John’s Church honours the Lord’s High Priestly prayer that all Christians may be one as he and the Father are one (John 17:21), and seeks to foster its local relationship with Christians of the great communions of East and West in furtherance of the full and organic unity of the Church. To this end we play our part in the membership of the Kensington Council of Churches.

Review of the year

The PCC met five times during the year. A revised electoral roll was drawn up in advance of this Annual Parochial Church Meeting. There are currently 87 people on the electoral roll.

Reports from our various office-holders are attached.

Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statement

The trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Approval

The Annual Report was approved by the PCC on 2 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The Reverend Dr James Heard,

PCC Chair,

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John The Baptist, Holland Road

Vicar’s Report – Fr James Heard

We are truly blessed as a United Benefice with a growing team, receiving excellent support from our office administrator, finance administrator, PCCs, and a dedicated group of volunteers. It is encouraging to note that, in many ways, we have emerged stronger than before the Pandemic.

This year has been marked by the growing strength and diversity of our team, characterised by a complementary blend of gifts, skills, and a shared vision. It has been a year of grace and growth. Fr Neil’s report on the developments at St John’s will be of further encouragement. Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to all who generously contributed to the Associate Vicar’s housing appeal. Our initial goal of raising £30,000 per year for three years has been surpassed, with a total of over £90,000 achieved. And I am delighted to report that we are optimistic about St John's Church covering the full costs of an Associate Vicar by the end of 2024.

Reflecting on the past year, there are several highlights:

Faithful Steps: We have taken various steps of faith, including launching an After-School Choir Club organised by Marcella Di Garbo, Jenny Thorn, and Richard Nicholls (currently on sabbatical). They now regularly sing at our All Age services. Additionally, we recruited a parttime youth worker, Eman Henein, who is shared with St James and St Clements. With the help of Dana and many volunteers, a Youth Club has been initiated on Friday afternoons, with many Holland Park pupils attending.

Worship and Pastoral Care: We have maintained a consistent pattern of worship, both online and in person, while offering pastoral care and support to those in need, especially the elderly, isolated, and bereaved. Morning prayer on Zoom continues to be well attended, as has the twice weekly compline, with its regular and faithful congregation. The Meditation Group has continued in strength, and it is a delight to see how it has grown since lockdown.

Community Engagement: The lunch club, meeting on the third Thursday of each month, continues to be a significant means of hosting elderly members from the community. A dedicated team of volunteers supports this initiative. The connection with Holland Park School, arranged by Mary Spain, has thrived, with students assisting the elderly and engaging in conversations during meals.

Charitable connections: We have continued to support a variety of charities, both locally and globally, and have raised over £20,000 through various events and activities, such as a quiz evening, the Harvest Supper, the Glass Door Sleep Out (well done Harriet!), Henry Poole’s book launch, selling Bethlehem Baubles and a Christmas collection for the Al Ahli Gaza Hospital.

Special Occasions and Milestones: We celebrated significant events in the life of our Benefice, including Admission to Holy Communion, Luke Jerram Mars exhibition, and a confirmation service at St John’s with Bishop Emma.

Welcomes: We welcomed the new Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson, in February. We have also benefited from the wisdom and insight of Bishop Michael Marshall, who led our Lent Course on the Gospel of John.

RIPs: This year, we bid farewell to cherished members of the United Benefice, including Ailsa O’Brien, Alex Taylor, Judy Farrar, Mary Ivens, and Tom Stacey.

Area Dean Role: Since September 2020, I have continued to serve as the Area Dean of Kensington, fulfilling additional responsibilities within the wider church, including participation in the Kensington Area Leadership Team (KALT) and the Kensington Area Council (KAC), arranging deanery cover for sickness or holidays, conducting church visitations, and organising Bishop Emma's visit to the Kensington Deanery in March 2021.

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our common life and mission in any way, big or small. You are all valued and appreciated.

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Churchwardens’ Report

During 2023 we’ve continued to conserve and upgrade facilities at St John’s. Our Quinquennial Inspection took place in October by our new QI architect, Camilla Finlay. We are expecting the report shortly.

Thanks to a Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) grant through RBKC we were at long last able to install CCTV and external lighting. Designed by CES the lighting was finished just in time for the Mars: War & Peace. The new lighting is having a positive impact on St John’s – with a more visible exterior passers by are attracted, and then on seeing the interior and hearing the music are encouraged to join our services. An unexpected, but very welcome, consequence.

In July we finally managed to have the bell repaired, following the flood in 2021 which soaked the cable. It required a spider lift and a new bell toller, both of which costs have been covered by our insurers Ecclesiastical. Thanks to CES and Taylors of Loughborough for what turned out to be a much more complicated process. The bell now rings out for the Angelus at noon and 6pm each day, and automatically rings before the Sunday service.

Our increased income has meant that we’ve been able to do some more routine maintenance. In December we commissioned a measured survey of the entire building which will make repairs and future improvements and conservation much simpler. We look forward to receiving this in the new year (St John’s is a particularly complicated building as you will appreciate and it’s taking longer than expected).

We were also able to undertake routine maintenance to the gutter of the north aisle. Plant material at high level was also removed and repointing took place as necessary. During these works it was noticed that the lead on the north aisle roof was splitting, and this was repaired and made good. The gutter on the north side of the room over the vestry was also noted to have failed, and this was replaced in early January 2024.

The electrics throughout the church have been checked (an “EICR”) and are in good order. Some minor necessary improvements were made, but no major work was necessary.

Rose Physiotherapy Clinic has continued in the Crypt, and, in addition to more work on the drains and electrics, we’ve installed some flood defence barriers in case we again suffer a flash flood.

There’s still a long way to go not least the heating, the flower room and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, but we’re well on our way.

Assistant Priest’s Annual Report

Revd Neil Traynor

2023 has been yet another really remarkable year at St John’s: it’s difficult to know where to begin, as so much has happened, and all of it positive. We’ve continued to grow, our finances are in better shape, more people have visited and used St John’s, we’ve continued to improve the appearance and security, and we’ve even been able to undertake essential maintenance.

There are far too many people to thank, but the clergy, office team and wardens and treasurer as well as members of the congregation have come together to help make 2023 very special. We were delighted to have Tim Evans working with us over Mars: War & Peace, and also Neal Malcom. Neal stayed on with us until November, when his health meant he needed to take some time away. Additional help was very welcome and much needed. From January Daniel Gable, the United Benefice Administrator, has increased his hours and two days a week will be paid for by St John’s.

You will see from the treasurer’s report later that our bookings have increased markedly. From January 2024 we have outsourced our invoicing and payments to Forrest Burlinson, a firm of accountants, who are able to manage this on our behalf. Thanks are especially due to Steph De Mel our treasurer and Victoria O’Neill the finance officer, who suddenly found their workload increase significantly and without warning.

A sign of a healthy church is increased vocations. We have been delighted to have Daniella with us whilst she is on her course at St Melitus, and we will be sad to say goodbye once she is ordained at Petertide 2024 and moves to her curacy parish. We were equally pleased that Lindsay Fulcher was accepted on the Caleb Course for ordination in September. She’s undertaking the course at the same time as proceeding with the vocation selection, and we hope that she too will be ordained. Another parishioner is considering joining the same course in September of 2024 and yet another is exploring Licensed Lay Ministry.

In 2023 we were also awarded the Rocha Eco Church Bronze award in recognition of our efforts to become more eco friendly. We were also pleased to be recognised by the Mayor of London as a “cool space” in the heat (we were not yet able to be a warm space in the winter). During 2023 we became an “Alzheimer’s friendly church”, and a “Single Friendly Church”. We have continued our commitment as an Inclusive Church. We have also taken an active part in the Major Churches Group and we’re proud to have been so designated.

Pastoral care has also been continuing, and our gentle and low key ministry to people with mental health difficulties has continued. Safeguarding has been constantly on our minds and we strive to promote best practice at all times.

Liturgy and Music

St John’s has once more continued to offer the full range of liturgies one might expect. As ever, the highlights are Ash Wednesday; Maundy Thursday; our Patronal Festival; the services at Mars: War & Peace; the Pet Service; Remembrance Sunday; Advent Sunday and the United Benefice Carol Service. We’ve seen each of these services grow in number from the previous year. Our ‘October Average’ figure is now 91 – a major and significant achievement.

We’ve been ably accompanied by Mark Denza on the organ, and the St John’s Singers have continued once a month. We will be doing some more active recruiting in 2024, as the mailing list contains many people who want to be kept in touch with the services but can rarely join us to sing. The St John’s Singers have again been conducted by Toby Ward, and, thanks to a generous donation, we were able to afford four regular choral scholars (from September) who are initially singing about twice a month. We’re grateful to Maddy, Charlie, Sam and David for their contributions which really do enhance our services.

The serving team has fluctuated in size, and thanks are due to John Sen for his continued thurible wielding, and to Daniel, Neal, Gary and Sourash who have all made very helpful contributions. For the larger services we also call upon John Aramanayagam and Sandra Hempel from St George’s, which helps to strengthen the sense that we’re one United Benefice.

In 2024 we hope to invest in some more albs for servers and some additional altar linen – that which we have is reaching the end of its useful life. Thanks go to John Sen for keeping what linen we have well laundered.

Morning prayer on Zoom has been well attended, as has the twice weekly compline, with its regular and faithful congregation. At St George’s the Meditation Group has continued in strength, and it is a delight to see how it grown since lockdown. The annual Pet Service in October has continued to be very well attended, and quite a few ‘dog influencers’ join us.

In 2023 we have seen a growth in the number of requests for Chinese wedding blessings and photoshoots. Since we became better known through the Museum of the Moon in 2021 there has been a growing number of Chinese visitors to St John’s. There were 19 blessings of couples who had previously had a Civil Marriage, and we look forward to welcoming more in 2024.

We were delighted to welcome Bishop Emma to a confirmation service in October. From our congregation, Tracy, Neal and Denny were all confirmed – many congratulations to all of them. We also held two stand-alone Baptism services, and two requiem masses. We were also privileged to hold the memorial service for Tom Stacey. We had fewer visiting preachers this year, but it was a pleasure to welcome the Rt Revd Ric Thorpe, Canon George Bush of St Mary le Bow in the City and Dr Ellen Clarke-King, Dean of King’s College, London.

The liturgy and music has contributed to a rise in the number of regular congregants and visitors. Thank you to all who have contributed.

Concerts and Events

The highlight of 2023 was once again taking part in the KC Festival, with the third installation by Luke Jerram Mars: War & Peace. St John’s was fortunate to be the first place of worship to display this piece, and, whilst there were fewer visitors than in previous years, it was very well received. Part of the commitment in hosting the piece was a small music festival alongside the installation. We’re very grateful to Verena Cornwall and the leadership and Councillors of RBKC for their support in enabling the

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exhibition to come to St John’s and also for supporting the musical programme.

We opened with a full orchestral performance of Holst’s Planet Suite performed by the London City Philharmonic. With concerts evey evening at 9.00pm we welcomed: Vocal Shack; Florence Robinson (Organ); Ensemble Pro Victoria(Sunday service); Andrew Wells (organ); intercultural music from the Grand Union Orchestra; Alla Sirenko from Ukraine; Konstanin Lapshin and Joaqin Sofredini (pianist and counter tenor); Andreana Chan (organ); the Coniston Consort (trombones); Endelienta Baroque – an afternoon performance of Handel’s Water Music; Hamish Dustagheer (organ); Ensemble Pro Victoria (Choral Evensong); closing with Mark Denza. A truly amazing musical experience, with some of the best young performers in the country. We are privileged to be associated with all of them.

Other concerts included Dominika Mazczynska and friends in two concerts of baroque music; Cardinal Vaughan VI Form choir performing Faure’s Requiem; The Pegasus Choir; we hosted the KOFMA festival in October; Konstanin and Joaquin returned for another concert; the Saint Martin Singers performed as did the Ponte Orchestra from Hong Kong. Finally, we hosted another fundraising concert for music in the Church, performing Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and the premier of “Nowell el el” by Piers Connor Kennedy. This will be recorded by Ensemble Pro Victoria in 2024. St John’s has also hosted the filming of two music videos – Oscar Lang and Ruti, and it was a pleasure to welcome these artists and their film crews.

St John’s was also delighted to host the Avicenna Award hosted by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies, awarding the prizes this year to Jewish Non-Governmental Organisations for their role in helping Afghan refugees. This was the first awards ceremony and formal dinner that St John’s has hosted. Over the autumn term St John’s hosted Rebecca Hicks and “The English Club” on Saturday mornings offering tutoring to young students. It has been good to have St John’s used regularly by young people.

The organ and piano have been regularly tuned and monitored, and we are currently hosting a harpsichord on behalf of Dominika Maszcynska. All of these give additional opportunities for performance at St John’s. We’ve taken firm steps this year to begin the restoration of the organ. Working with Bishop and Sons, organ builders in Queen’s Park, we’ve now formed a plan and a budget, and have talked to the Organ Advisor and the DAC. Whilst we have a significant amount of money to raise (£500k) we are optimistic about the task, and we’ve begun some gentle fundraising. If anyone would like to support, please speak to Steph, James or Neil.

Fr Peter Wolton

2023 saw me complete my ninth year at the United Benefice. Fr James encourages members of the clergy team to innovate. In 2015 I introduced the idea of “Why me?” talks when, instead of a sermon at our 6:30pm service, a member of the United Benefice congregation gives an address about their journey of faith and how it links to their life. I can claim no originality, since it was something that had been taking place for many years at my sending church in Chiswick. 2023 saw the eighth series. We were much moved and inspired by the talks given by Angela Lascelles, Toby Ward, Angus Stirling, Anita Kouassignan and Clive Rowe. I also note with much sadness the deaths in 2023 of two of our earlier speakers, Alexandra Taylor and Tom Stacey. To re-read their talks is a reminder of the gift of faith and also all they brought to the life of the United Benefice.

Highlights during the year included the continuing growth of attendees of our online Daily Prayer services, taking a wedding in the Isle of Wight, and the baptism of the first child of a couple whose marriage I took in 2021.

I have also been active as an Assistant Director of Ordinands, and the first two candidates I have been working with on their discernment journey towards ordination, were both selected. The Church of England has been developing new pathways towards ordination. If

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you think this might be for you, do speak to me, or one of the other members of the clergy team.

Can I finish by saying how grateful I am to James and Neil for their leadership. It is a joy to be part of the ministry team at the Benefice. Our congregations are a source of constant encouragement, and my sense is this enables the work of the Holy Spirit to advance in Holland Park.

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Revd Dana English

Assisting with the rota for preaching and presiding at both St George’s and St John’s is a great opportunity and pleasure. I assist in the coverage of worship at other churches, as needed. I lead daily prayer every fourth week, and visit various parishioners on a regular basis in conjunction with the rest of the clergy team. Other opportunities I have been privileged to have for sharing in the life of the congregation follow:

The Weekly Bible Study Every Tuesday at 1.30pm I lead a lively group of between 10-14 persons who gather on Zoom for an ongoing discussion of books of the Bible. We began with Genesis three years ago: having included the less familiar books of the Apocrypha, then approaching Paul's letters in chronological order, we have now arrived at the Gospel of Mark. The group has come to include participants from Germany and the U. S. as well as more locally; we have incorporated many references to paintings and other forms of art into our study.

The Young Adults’ Group of the Benefice met every other Tuesday at 7.30pm for Bible study through the Spring. We met on Zoom, as the weekday evening time made gathering in person a challenge. The desire of the group was to cover the books of the New Testament. A group of eight met for a picnic and then for a performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah at the Proms on July 29th, a highlight of the year. Over the summer many young adults active in the group moved to other parts of London or England or even abroad, so we have not had a formal group since then.

Retreat Weekend at Launde Abbey, 10-12th November This opportunity to lead a group away from the familiar landscape of London has become an annual tradition for the Benefice. Nineteen of us spent Remembrance Sunday weekend with the theme of How Christians Keep Time . Reflecting on the nature of memory and remembrance, we read selected poems of WWI for our session on Sunday morning. We had the main house of Launde Abbey, as before, all to ourselves, with the front room for our presentations, looking out onto the hillside full of grazing sheep. Launde Abbey has come to expect us each year, with deluxe accommodation at a moderate price and excellent food. The weather was mild enough for the traditional long Saturday afternoon walk. We add compline on both Friday and Saturday nights to the regular schedule of services offered by the Abbey chaplain. This weekend has proven a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another better in a relaxed and beautiful setting. The age range of participants has been 21-86.

I put together The Parish Newsletter, printed three times a year, with many photos, to record events that go on throughout the church year. This has been especially helpful as a means of keeping up with those who do not have computers.

Deanery Synod Report by Sarah Tett

As reported last year, meetings of the Synod followed the diocese’s Vision 2030 themes, taking one broad theme at each meeting:

Throughout the year Safeguarding was a standing item on agendas, and members had been encouraged to get their churches engaging with the Safeguarding Dashboard.

Governors were also elected to the deanery LDBS schools.

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Treasurer Report by Stephanie de Mel

2023 represents a year of financial growth for St John’s, building on the previous year’s positive trajectory. Church finances were particularly bolstered by several grants and by earnings from a wide range of concerts, events, and church lettings. Further, the resumption of a stable rental income stream from the crypt letting has provided crucial financial stability. Consequently, we have been able to undertake essential church maintenance and expand church activities, including music and events. Reflecting these changes, income and expenditure were both higher in 2023 than in 2022, and St John’s ended the year in a position of surplus. Nonetheless, there is more to do in order to build on this success and secure the church’s financial position, particularly to support its ability to weather large shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Fund

In 2023, the general fund generated a surplus of £60,286, which is more than triple the previous year's surplus of £19,956.

Our gross incoming resources increased to £274,231 (2022: £151,472). Of this, 35% came from donations and legacies (including planned giving, collections, and Gift Aid), 36% came from grants (including from RBKC council and Heritage London), 22% came from rental income (from the church crypt), and the remainder came from church activities (including concerts, weddings, and events) and insurance recoveries. Compared to 2022, donations and legacies increased, from £81,207 to £97,011, and rental income from the crypt remained stable at £34,743.

Total expenditure from the general fund in 2023 was £100,097 (2022: £114,155). The largest expenses were church maintenance (27%), common fund and clergy costs (20%), and concerts and events expenses (15%), which collectively make up approximately 62% of overall costs.

Restricted Funds

Three restricted funds exist for 2023: the Organ Restoration fund has a balance of £10,000 carried over at the end of 2022, while the Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund has a balance of £22,207, due to be transferred to the St John’s Trust, and £485 charity collection.

Balance Sheet

Total cash deposits at the end of 2023 were £124,930 (2022: £82,669). After adjusting for restricted and designated funds, however, total cash holdings fall to £107,817, which is above both the equivalent 2022 figure (£65,702) and the PCC’s policy figure for minimum cash balances.

The PCC would like to thank all those who supported St John’s financially during the year.

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St John the Baptist, Holland Road Registered Charity number 1169173 office@hollandparkbenefice.org hollandparkbenefice.org 020 3602 9873

Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of St John the Baptist Church, Holland Road, Parochial Church Council

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of St John the Baptist PCC (the Trust) for the year ended 31st December 2023 comprising the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, and the accompanying notes to the accounts.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner and basis of report

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. As the charity’s trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

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

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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

Peter Cranenburgh Cranenburgh Limited Chartered Accountants 76-80 College Road Harrow Middlesex HA1 1BQ 2 July 2024

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

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2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 a) 60,862 36,149 97,011 63,846 17,361 81,207
Charitable activities
Grants 3 b) 20,000 77,699 97,699 2,641 - 2,641
- -
Lettings 3 c) 61,349 61,349 48,748 48,748
Church activities 3 d) 18,145 - 18,145 18,857 - 18,857
Investments 3 e) 27 - 27 19 - 19
Total income 160,383 113,848 274,231 134,111 17,361 151,472
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 a) 99,347 98,123 197,470 113,405 11,488 124,893
Governance costs 4 b) 750 - 750 750 - 750
Total expenditure 100,097 98,123 198,220 114,155 11,488 125,643
Net income/(expenditure) 60,286 15,725 76,011 19,956 5,873 25,829
Net movement in funds 60,286 15,725 76,011 19,956 5,873 25,829
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 37,185 16,967 54,152 17,229 11,094 28,323
Total funds carried forward 97,471 32,692 130,163 37,185 16,967 54,152
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds
----- End of picture text -----

Page 18

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Balance sheet as at 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

==> picture [488 x 421] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
Current assets:
Debtors 5 21,252 15,579 36,831 4,480 - 4,480
Cash at bank and in hand 107,817 17,113 124,930 65,702 16,967 82,669
Total current assets 129,069 32,692 161,761 70,182 16,967 87,149
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year 6 (31,598) - (31,598) (12,997) - (12,997)
Net current assets 97,471 32,692 130,163 57,185 16,967 74,152
Total assets less current liabilities 97,471 32,692 130,163 57,185 16,967 74,152
Creditors: amounts falling 7
- - - -
due after more than one year (20,000) (20,000)
Total net assets 97,471 32,692 130,163 37,185 16,967 54,152
The funds of the charity: 9
Restricted funds - 32,692 32,692 - 16,967 16,967
Unrestricted funds 97,471 - 97,471 37,185 - 37,185
Total charity funds 97,471 32,692 130,163 37,185 16,967 54,152
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds
----- End of picture text -----

The notes on pages 20 to 26 form part of these accounts.

Approved by the trustees 2 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

…………………………………………………………..

Reverend Dr. James Heard

Chair

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John The Baptist, Holland Road, Diocese of Kensington

Page 19

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

The PCC is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England, which operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure and is a registered charity number 1169173.

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

1 Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)' - the Charities SORP (FRS 102); the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of PCCs, and with the

Regulations 'true and fair view' provisions, the Charities Act 2011 and other relevant accounting regulations. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.

Assets and liabilities are recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling (GBP), which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest one pound (£).

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There are no judgements (apart from those involving estimations) that management has made when applying the charity's accounting policies that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Accounting estimates and assumptions are made concerning the future and, by their nature, will rarely equal the related actual outcome. The key assumptions and other sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are disclosed where necessary in the relevant accounting policy note.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the PCC's ability to continue as a going concern. At the time of approving the financial statements the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the PCC will continue and has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the forseeable future.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the purposes of the PCC. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees, at their discretion, to use for a particular purpose.

Page 20

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

Restricted funds are subject to specific restrictions, which the donor, legatee, or other third party has specified to be used for particular areas of the PCC's work, or for specific projects, or for specific items of expenditure, to be undertaken by the PCC.

Income

Income is recognised and included in the accounts when all the following criteria are met:

In accordance with the Charity SORP (FRS 102) the economic contribution of volunteers' time is not measured in the accounts.

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of operating and maintaining the church, providing services and pastoral support and includes Value Added Tax (VAT) which is not recoverable by the PCC.

Support costs

There has been no allocation of administrative or other support costs, all such costs are incurred on the PCC's principal activity.

Financial instruments

The PCC only has financial instruments classified as 'Basic Financial Instruments' applying the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments' of FRS 102.

Financial instruments are recognised in the PCC's balance sheet when the PCC becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Debtors (basic financial assets)

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount or provision for bad debts.

Creditors (basic financial liabilities)

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the PCC has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the PCC's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Page 21

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

Taxation

No tax has been provided in these accounts because the trustees believe that the income and gains are within the exemptions granted for charities by Chapters 2 and 3 of the Corporation Taxes Act 2010.

2 Trustee remuneration and expenses

No remuneration was paid to any trustee in the year. Four trustees were reimbursed for expenses for the running of the PCC totalling £7,927 in the year (2022: £2,172).

3
Income
a)
Donations and legacies
Planned giving
Collections, online giving
and other donations
Gift aid
b)
Grants
General
Listed Places of Worship
Heritage London
RBKC Events
RBKC Lighting and CCTV
c)
Lettings
Rent from church letting
Rent from crypt letting
Rent from other property
d)
Church activities
Fees for weddings & blessings
Area Dean allowance
Concerts & events
Insurance recoveries
e)
Bank interest
Total income		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
8,308
-
8,308
37,672
29,717
67,389
14,882
6,432
21,314
60,862
36,149
97,011
20,000
-
20,000
-
8,662
8,662
-
5,000
5,000
-
28,700
28,700
-
35,337
35,337
20,000
77,699
97,699
26,606
-
26,606
34,743
-
34,743
-
-
-
61,349
-
61,349
7,280
-
7,280
2,400
-
2,400
4,505
-
4,505
3,960
-
3,960
18,145
-
18,145
27
-
27
160,383
113,848
274,231		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
7,970
-
7,970
53,019
17,361
70,380
2,857
-
2,857
63,846
17,361
81,207
2,641
-
2,641
2,641
-
2,641
11,478
-
11,478
34,590
-
34,590
2,680
-
2,680
48,748
-
48,748
750
-
750
2,400
-
2,400
15,707
-
15,707
18,857
-
18,857
19
-
19
134,111
17,361
151,472

Page 22

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

4 Expenditure

4
Expenditure
a)
Charitable activities
Common fund
Recharges from St. Georges
Church:
clergy costs
office running costs
Insurance
Staff costs
Charitable giving
Gas & Electricity
Church maintenance
Cleaning & gardening
Incumbent priests' expenses
Music costs
Concerts & events expenses
CCTV equipment
Organ maintenance
Liturgical expenses
General expenses
Bank charges
Lighting project
Professional fees
Accountancy fees
Staff accommodation
b)
Governance costs
Independent examination
Total expenditure		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
-
19,330
19,330
20,085
-
20,085
1,440
-
1,440
12,212
-
12,212
1,030
-
1,030
-
-
-
13,771
-
13,771
5,112
48,999
54,111
2,396
-
2,396
1,235
-
1,235
11,628
-
11,628
350
29,794
30,144
6,000
-
6,000
3,234
-
3,234
1,666
-
1,666
1,043
-
1,043
237
-
237
-
-
-
16,708
-
16,708
1,200
-
1,200
-
-
99,347
98,123
197,470
750
-
750
100,097
98,123
198,220		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
13,867
-
13,867
19,950
-
19,950
1,440
-
1,440
10,177
-
10,177
-
-
-
420
-
420
12,784
-
12,784
23,401
-
23,401
1,430
-
1,430
2,171
-
2,171
16,357
-
16,357
-
-
-
2,718
-
2,718
-
-
-
2,755
-
2,755
202
-
202
1,489
-
1,489
4,244
-
4,244
-
-
-
-
11,488
11,488
113,405
11,488
124,893
750
-
750
114,155
11,488
125,643

4 Employees

The average number of staff employed by the charity during the reporting period was 1 (2022: 0). The cost in respect of staff was:

2023 2022 £ £ - Wages and salaries 1,030

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.

Page 23

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

5 Debtors

5
Debtors
Prepayments
Grants
Gift aid recoverable
Other debtors
6
Invoices payable
Accruals
Tenant deposits held
7
Loan from Diocese
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Creditors: amounts falling due
after more than one year		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
1,055
-
1,055
-
8,662
8,662
11,946
6,432
18,378
8,251
485
8,736
21,252
15,579
36,831
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
20,898
-
20,898
1,950
-
1,950
8,750
-
8,750
31,598
-
31,598
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
2,347
-
2,347
-
-
-
2,133
-
2,133
-
-
-
4,480
-
4,480
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
2,397
-
2,397
1,850
-
1,850
8,750
-
8,750
12,997
-
12,997
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
20,000
-
20,000
20,000
-
20,000

8 Transactions with related parties

Under trustee arrangements three of the PCC trustees are trustees of St. John's Holland Road Trust (a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registration number 1195250). During the year this charity made payments to the PCC of £21,732 in respect of the associate vicar's accommodation costs, these costs are then paid to the Diocese.

As part of the United Benefice of Holland Park costs are incurred and recharges made by The Parochial Church Council of St. George The Martyr Campden Hill (registered charity number 1131866). Three of the PCC trustees are also trustees to the PCC of St. George The Martyr. The total paid in the year was £21,231.

Page 24

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

9 Analysis of charitable funds

RESTRICTED FUNDS
Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund
Other donations
Organ Restoration Fund
Listed Places of Worship Grant
Heritage London
RBKC Events
RBKC Lighting and CCTV
Christmas collection for Gaza
Restricted funds		 funds
brought
forward
income
expenditure
transfers
funds
carried
forward
£
£
£
£
£
5,873
35,664
(19,330)
-
22,207
1,094
-
(1,094)
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
10,000
-
8,662
(8,662)
-
-
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
-
-
28,700
(28,700)
-
-
-
35,337
(35,337)
-
-
-
485
-
-
485
16,967
113,848
(98,123)
-
32,692

Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund

This fund consists of donations from public appeals. Payments are made to St. John's Holland Road Trust (see note 2) to cover expenses incurred in providing the accommodation. The balance of the fund represents amounts not yet transferred to the Trust.

Other donations

This fund is in relation to specific works on the drains and boiler, as well as support for musical events. The opening balance related to gift aid claims that had to be made.

Organ Restoration Fund

This fund is in relation to funding received from Ecclesiastical Insurance to pay for the conservation of the organ following damage caused by a fire in the chancel in February 2017.

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

General fund
Tenant deposits fund
Unrestricted funds
Total funds		 funds
brought
forward
income
expenditure
transfers
funds
carried
forward
£
£
£
£
£
28,435
160,383
(100,097)
8,750
97,471
8,750
-
-
(8,750)
-
37,185
160,383
(100,097)
-
97,471
54,152
274,231
(198,220)
-
130,163

Page 25

The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023

Charity Registration No. 1169173

FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR

Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
10
Analysis of net assets between funds
Current assets
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
PRIOR YEAR
Current assets
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year		 funds
brought
forward
income
£
£
11,094
17,361
17,229
134,111
28,323
151,472
General
funds
£
129,069
(31,598)
97,471
General
funds
£
70,182
(12,997)
(20,000)
37,185
expenditure
transfers
£
£
(11,488)
(114,155)
-
(125,643)
-
Restricted
funds
£
32,692
-
32,692
Restricted
funds
£
16,967
-
-
16,967
funds
carried
forward
£
16,967
37,185
54,152
Total
funds
£
161,761
(31,598)
130,163
Total
funds
£
87,149
(12,997)
(20,000)
54,152

Page 26