# **The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John the Baptist, Holland Road, Annual Report 2024**
## **St John the Baptist, Holland Road**
## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **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 PCC members who have served from October 2023 until the date this report was 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 LLM & Synod Rep (Appointed 2023) Mrs Jenny Davenport Churchwarden & Vice Chair (Appointed 2024) Mr William James Churchwarden (Appointed 2024) Dr Stephanie de Mel Hon. Treasurer (Appointed 2022) Ms Kristin Corbet-Milward Safeguarding Officer (Appointed 2022) Ms Kate Cullinan (Appointed 2024) Dr Jamie Priestley (Appointed 2022) Ms Anita Kouassigan (Appointed 2022) Ms Tracy Turley (Appointed 2023) Tim Evans (Appointed 2024) Mr Roy Clark (Appointed 2024)
## **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. 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.
## **The Diocese of London**
The Diocese of London is the largest and most diverse in the Church of England. There are over 500 churches and 750 licensed clergy. There is a church in almost every community, supporting the vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In 2024, 50 new deacons were ordained and early draft statistics indicate that Average Weekly Attendance in London grew by 7.5% to over 60,000. During 2024, we have continued working towards our priorities of becoming a younger, safer and more racially just Church.
## **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.
## **Daily Prayer**
We 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, meets on Mondays 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.
## **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 107 people on the electoral roll.
## **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:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on a going-concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
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 …30 April…... 2025 and signed on their behalf by: ……………… Seon …………………………………………………………. ie
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**
This year has been full of encouraging developments, and I am immensely grateful to my colleagues and the congregation for making this such a wonderful place to minister. I feel truly blessed!
**Staffing Updates** We are delighted that Daniel, our office manager, moved from part- to fulltime, providing much-needed support to Neil at St John’s. Victoria continues her invaluable work as our financial administrator, serving four hours a week.
**Remembering Jill Traynor** Our community was deeply affected by the passing of Jill Traynor, who battled cancer for over three years. Revd Neil arranged a deeply moving farewell, with a requiem followed by a funeral service, both featuring sublime music. Reflecting on the occasion, Neil shared: ‘There has been sadness, but also much joy, hope, and goodness. We’ve been surrounded by a wave of love, inspired by music that was simply outstanding. More than one person told me they felt transported to heaven themselves!’
**Growing Our Ministry Team** Our ministry team continues to expand. This year, Jenny Davenport began the selection and training process for the priesthood through the Caleb Stream at St Mellitus. Daniel Gable was accepted into the three-year St Edmund’s Course in Christian Studies to train for Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM). Meanwhile, Eman, Dana, and Clare continue to lead our children’s and youth ministries, both of which are experiencing encouraging growth (see report below).
**Grow Course** As part of my fourth and penultimate year as Area Dean of Kensington, I organised a ten-month Deanery-wide Grow Course, run by the Diocese of London. This initiative encourages churches to be intentional about growth in health, depth, and impact. Six of us from the United Benefice participated in this, with the PCCs included in some of the course material and discussions about our strengths—such as discipleship, youth ministry, and organisation—and identifying opportunities for further growth.
One key realisation was that all four clergy are working at full capacity, and some events simply cannot happen without additional volunteers. A mapping exercise highlighted the many unseen, yet essential, contributions of our congregation, from washing altar linen to supporting the lunch club and youth club. Our Time and Talents initiative aims to broaden engagement and identify areas still needing support. Another aspect which was highlighted was the importance of all of us to actively look for newcomers and welcoming them. Welcome cards have been designed and printed and are now in use.
**Lent Course** The Lent Course, _Celebrating Difference: Listening and Learning from Those Who Have Been ‘Othered’,_ featured four evenings of study, reflection, discussion, and prayer at St George’s and via Zoom. Speakers included Lindsay Fulcher, Fr Davidson Solanki (Kensington Area Dean of Racial Justice), Fr Gareth Wardell (Vicar of St Clement & St James), Evelyn Blake, and Fr Brian Leathard (Rector of Chelsea Parish and Chair of Glass Door). We were powerfully reminded of the Church’s calling to welcome the stranger and to be transformed through these encounters.
**Confirmation** After a series of preparatory sessions, we were delighted to welcome Bishop Michael Marshall, who confirmed six candidates—three teenage boys and three adults. It was a deeply moving occasion, witnessing these individuals boldly affirming their faith. Do read or re-read his sermon on our website sermon blog.
**Rule of Life** London’s Capital Vision encourages churches to adopt a Rule of Life. During Easter, we focused on five key areas: worship, rest, generosity, service, and learning. Like a trellis supporting a young plant, these practices help us grow in faith. Ultimately, it is not about what we do, but who we aspire to become.
**Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF)** The House of Bishops endorsed _Living in Love and Faith_ prayers for same-sex couples, with their use at the discretion of clergy. The United Benefice clergy unanimously support their adoption, and the following motion was strongly supported by the PCC:
_The Vicar and PCC resolve to fully and immediately adopt the Prayers of Love and Faith (with Pastoral Guidance) so that same-sex couples in loving, faithful, and stable relationships may seek God’s blessing._
PLF will be available for private prayers or during public worship when requested, and pending future authorisation by the House of Bishops, may also be used as a standalone service. This aligns with our commitment as an Inclusive Church, which affirms: ‘We believe in an inclusive church—a church that celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate.’
**Celebrations** We rejoiced in the ordination of Daniella Fetuga-Joensuu at St Paul’s Cathedral on 29[th] of June. She is now serving her curacy at St John’s Notting Hill. Additionally, we marked several significant ] ah j I Fp \ | i = || £ é a ritiG q anniversaries (see Churchwarden’s report. Finally, we had the pleasure of hosting Carsten Bolz, a minister from Berlin, as part of a 25-year partnership between the Diocese of London and the German Protestant Church in Berlin.
## **Churchwardens’ Report**
Over the last year, and thanks to increased income from the crypt, wedding blessings and congregational giving, we’ve been able to undertake more maintenance to the building. In early January we replaced a gutter on the north side of the room over the vestry, and then redecorated the room shortly afterwards. We commissioned a measured survey of the building which will help architects and contractors in their work, and smooth future plans.
We also repaired steps on the south side of the Church which had been damaged and where we discovered some structural work was also needed. The final stage of stonework is to be completed in April.
We are still working on the project to reinstate hanging lamps at the High Altar, which has taken many years.
We’re now close to having all of the information we need to submit the faculty application, and we will then need to raise the £30,000 to enable us to do this, together with some other essential lighting and electrical work that we need at the same time.
Other urgent work in 2025 will include the replacement of the kitchen floor as the sub-floor of wood has decayed. Quotes are in hand and a faculty application is likely to be submitted shortly. The major fundraising for the organ will be started after Easter 2025.
Our lightning protection system is in good order (having suffered a strike at some point in 2024) and we’ve done additional work in the crypt and elsewhere to upgrade our electrics. We hope that these are now in good condition. Similarly our fire extinguisher provision was upgraded in 2024 with many of our extinguishers needing full replacement. These issues, along with PAT testing of our electrical equipment, are essential to get right to ensure that St John’s is in as good condition as it can be.
It’s a pleasure to see the building used not just as a place of worship but as a gathering place for the community at large. The hire of St John’s for the prestigious Avicenna Awards for the second year and for external carol services helps to cement our reputation as a welcoming church.
## **Associate Vicar’s Report - Revd Neil Traynor**
At the risk of repeating an opening from previous years, 2024 has been remarkable for St John’s. We’re doing more things, more often, a number of which were not anticipated at the start of the year, and which have now become permanent fixtures.
There was a change of warden at the last APCM, and we thanked Kate Cullinan for all of her hard work, and welcomed Jenny Davenport as her replacement. We are grateful for Bill James continuing in post.
We also bade farewell to Daniella as she was ordained deacon in June, and is now serving her title at St John’s Notting Hill. We are all grateful to Lindsay for continuing to explore her vocation, even though she decided that ordained ministry wasn’t the right course at the moment. We are also delighted that Jenny Davenport is undertaking the Caleb Course, with a potential ordination in September. The PCC have continued to be a source of strength and support, and their wisdom is greatly valued.
On a personal note, I’m very grateful to James, Peter Dana, Daniel, Wardens and everyone for covering for my extended absence, at short notice, from April to September. Clergy from neighbouring parishes, particularly Helen from St Philips, but also Gareth from St Clements and Tim from St Mary Abbots have helped with the workload which was much appreciated. Both Harriet and I continue to be very touched by the notes of condolence from parishioners from both congregations and the wider community following
Jill’s death, and the support and prayers of you all has been a great help in the healing process.
## **Ukrainian Conversations**
We were approached by the Society of Friends in Hammersmith (Quakers) to ask whether we could host an informal conversation class for Ukrainian refugees on Saturday mornings. This began as a time limited experiment across Lent, but it quickly became clear that there was a demand from both the Ukrainians and volunteers, and we’ve been delighted to see how this has blossomed over the year.
## **Community Café**
We were approached by the Holland Ward councillors who asked if we could host a free café for local residents on Saturday mornings. We are grateful to Verra Fenton who runs the café, and to Kate Hyatt for her help and advice on setting up the café. The ward councillors now use this as an opportunity to hold their ward surgeries. The café began after Easter 2024, and has been much appreciated by its users.
## **Growth**
There have been a number of areas of growth for which we’re very grateful. For details of the growth of music in our services, please see the separate report.
## **Wedding blessings**
Our links with the Chinese wedding blessing firms has increased over the year, and we conducted 43 blessings and 78 photoshoots in St John’s. This is a significant increase on previous years, and has become a regular part of our work. It’s a delight to welcome the couples, and is a blessing to both them and to St John’s. This is now a major income stream.
## **Pet Blessings**
Our ministry to those with pets has unexpectedly grown this year. Our annual pet blessing in October went viral on _The Dog Vine_ social media, and as a result we had a packed church – around 300 dogs and over 500 people. Many of those attending are not regular worshippers, and it is a pleasure to welcome them to St John’s. As the October blessing was such a success we created a new service “Carols with your Pet” on the Sunday before Christmas, which was attended by over 200 people. A further service will be held on Palm Sunday, and the intention is to hold a petfocussed event quarterly.
## **Social Media**
Our social media profile has increased markedly over the year. We are active on Google Maps, Twitter, Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, YouTube and Rednote – each targeting different audiences. Much of this is visually
led, and from December we’ve been taking short videos of the choir in rehearsal or performance, which is increasing our reach. Rednote only became widely available in January 2025, but, thanks to the Chinese wedding blessings there are many pictures of St John’s (and the clergy) already there and our profile was quite high from the beginning.
In early January a YouTube influencer, Max Fosh, asked to have an avocado blessed. His video currently has 5.7m views and has brought St John’s before a new and much wider audience. In December Max returned to use us as a rehearsal venue for another stunt involving a choir singing football chants.
## **Tourism**
We have seen a steady increase in the number of tourists visiting St John’s. Some of this is due to being able to be open more frequently now that Daniel is regularly at St John’s a couple of afternoons a week. A new hotel has opened in Holland Road (Bob W) and we’re working more closely with the Hilton Hotel. Many tourists use Google Maps and find us through that media. In addition, _Trafalgar Tours_ has St John’s on their list of ‘must visit’ tourist spots in Kensington.
## **Worship**
Our core act of worship continues to be the 6.30 Sunday Eucharist. With the growth in wedding blessings we are now holding more services, but irregularly. During Lent we held some additional services including two services of Tenebrae.
We continue to be grateful to all our servers, the core of whom remain John Sen and Daniel Gable, with help from Gary Matthews, John Aramanyagam, Neal Malcolm and Sandra Hempel. Without them our worship would be much diminished.
We conducted three baptism services, and two funeral services. That for Jill Traynor was a full sung requiem, followed by a funeral service the following day. The second was the funeral for Clare Robert, a scion of the Priestley family, and with long connections to St John’s. May they both rest in peace, and rise in glory.
We have seen a growth across our services, and this is noticeable with services like Remembrance and Advent Sundays nearly doubling in size.
Music has been at the core of our worship, and the Choral Scholars, under the direction of Toby Ward have brought real glimpses of heaven. We are very grateful to the funder whose generosity allowed us to have them each week from September. It’s noticeable that in the first half of the year we averaged 65 people at services, and 75 since they began to sing each week.
For the first time this year we were delighted to host two external carol services – for St Edwards School, Oxford, and also for the Lady Garden Foundation. We hope to welcome more events like these to St John’s.
Our congregation has continued to grow, and we are delighted to welcome such a wide and varied congregation from all the nations of the world. Our commitment to be a hospitable place for all continues apace, and our welcomers each week are a vital part of this mission, as are the refreshments following the service. Since becoming a part of the “Single friendly church” network, we’ve challenged ourselves to think about our congregation in new ways. Our membership of the “Major Churches Network” enables us to share common issues with similar churches and is an encouragement for our work here in St John’s.
## **Fr Peter Wolton**
The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul on 30[th] June 2024 saw an Anniversary Sung Eucharist take place at St. George’s to celebrate multiple anniversaries of the Clergy team: ten years of service by Fr. James, forty years of Ordination by Dana and the tenth anniversary of my Ordination and arrival at the United Benefice. Fr. Kevin Morris of my sending church, St. Michael and All Angels, Bedford Park, who had also preached at my first Mass at St. John the Baptist in 2015, came to St. George’s as our guest preacher.
It's been another busy and fulfilling year, paced by regular seasonal events such as our “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. In 2024 we were treated to five very different, moving and inspiring talks by Daniel
Gable, Henry Poole, Eman Henein, John Arumainayagam and Tracy Turley. My heartfelt thanks to them for agreeing to speak.
I completed a second year as an Assistant Director of Ordinands for the Diocese of Kensington, working with two candidates, assisting them in their discernment journey towards Ordination. The Church of England has been developing new pathways towards ordination. If 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. Our congregations are a source of constant encouragement, enabling the work of the Holy Spirit to advance in Holland Park. It is a joy to be part of the ministry team at the Benefice.
## **Revd Dana English**
I continue to be grateful for the collegial team of clergy with which I serve, preaching and presiding on a rota as well as leading daily prayer. I enjoy these opportunities, and know that it has been important to me, personally, to go through the church year together with these two congregations. I am grateful for all those who come through the door for the first time, and for those who come regularly. The opportunities, also, for pastoral care are many, and I look forward to times when I can meet one-on-one with members of the parish.
Particular points of engagement with the Benefice are the weekly **Bible study** that I lead in discussion. We entered our fifth year together, proceeding from the beginning, the book of Genesis, in January of 2020. In 2024 we read and discussed the books of Mark, Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles. This group of about 12-14 people meets on Zoom for an hour, now on Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30, welcoming any who would like to be part of this ongoing study.
I have continued to organise and lead the yearly congregational retreat to Launde Abbey in Leicestershire: this year's weekend was the 22-24th of November. This past year we used Rachel Mann's Advent book _Do Not Be Afraid: The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear_ . Twentyfour people, the maximum, came to this year's retreat, including eight who had not been before. Despite the rain, we all enjoyed the beauty of the place and the excellent meals as well as worship together in the historic chapel that was part of the 12th c. Augustinian Priory there. A deepened sense of congregational life always comes out of these yearly times away.
I put together the Parish Newsletter for the Benefice three times a year, with the help of the office administrator Daniel.
Part of my ministry in the larger London area continues to be as one of the duty chaplains at St. Paul's Cathedral, serving in this capacity roughly once a month. I enjoy this opportunity to preside at the 12:30 eucharist there as well as give the prayers on the hour and be available to any who need to talk.
## **Music and Events Report**
In addition to our liturgical music, St John’s has continued to host a variety of concerts. In February, an accordion concert of Chinese/European music with Mingyuan Ryan; the Lowe Ensemble came in March for another concert of Baroque music; We were delighted once again to have Sutton Philharmonic Orchestra with us, Brian Choi conducting and Lorna McLean soprano singing operatic arias by Puccini and Wagner.
KOFAM (Kensington Olympia Festival of Music and the Arts) joined us for two events, in April and October. The first saw Cardinal Vaughan VI Form choir perform John Rutter’s Requiem, and also Vocal Shack and Ensemble Toloka. This last is a group singing traditional Ukrainian polyphony. In October “The Olympic Trio” of piano, bassoon and oboe entertained us, followed by James Gough, the Assistant organist of Southwark Cathedral playing Bach and Mendelssohn. Sunday afternoon saw a concert with young musicians at the start of their careers, and The Revd Jonathan Aitken was our preacher at the Choral Eucharist.
We were delighted to host a Christmas Fair in conjunction with the Ukrainian Community to raise funds for Ukraine. We anticipate a second event in December 2025.
In November we were pleased to be a venue for Shakespeare in the Square’s first ever winter season, with Macbeth. St John’s also hosted The Snow Queen - an afternoon of storytelling for Advent with Vanessa Woolf which was thoroughly enjoyable. We look forward to more similar events in St John’s in 2025.
**Liturgical Music**
We have once again been fortunate with our musicians who have supported the liturgy admirably. Mark Denza has continued as our Organist, and Toby Ward as our Choral Director. Mark’s voluntaries at the end of services continue to amaze.
We’ve been pleased to continue with the St John’s Singers once a month, and recruitment for new members is gradually happening.
Thanks to a generous donation we’ve been able to have four choral scholars with us – until the summer, twice a month, and each week from September. Maddy Morris (S); Charlie Davies (A/CT); Charlie Eastwood (T); Luca Wetherall (B) are our usual quartet supplemented wherever necessary.
Much of our repertoire has been a capella from the early and renaissance periods, with later twentieth century music. A sung setting once a month, often of plainsong, extends our repertoire, though we mostly sing the Thorne St Thomas setting throughout the year, with Andrew Well’s Mass of St George in Advent and Lent.
For major feasts such as Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Easter Day, Michaelmas, All Souls, Remembrance and Advent Sunday have been choral highlights. Some lesser known pieces such as Finck’s _quorum praecepto subditur_ and music by Hildegarde von Bingen have delighted both congregation and singers.
The funeral of Jill Traynor brought together a wider group of singers, and the music for both services was exquisite. The antiphon _O pastor animarum_ sung at the requiem was repeated by popular demand at the funeral service, and Vaughan Willliams _Valiant for Truth_ was a triumph. Unusually the service ended not with a voluntary but Alex Schifflers playing on solo violin the lament _The Ashokan Farewell_ . All those who took part musically found the services extremely moving.
We look forward to yet more wonderful music in 2025, and further expanding our range of music.
## **The English Conversation Club**
This was an initiative originally brought to us by Belinda Mitchell-Innes and Christian Howgill from The Quaker Society of Friends. They host a Ukrainian Open House every month welcoming in to their Meeting House all the displaced Ukrainians in their region and offer them advice on visas, grants, housing, schooling, sponsors, job searches, medical and mental wellbeing, etc.
It was from running this event that they quickly realised that one the major stumbling blocks for the Ukrainians was the language barrier, which was preventing them from integrating into the English way of life more easily and hindering their job searches enormously.
They wanted to try to ease this situation by starting an English Conversation Club but the Quaker venue proved problematic, so we offered them sanctuary here. Initially, Neil, Jenny and the team helped with teas, coffees and the initiative proved so successful that now the Council have offered to subsidise the event by offering to pay for breakfasts as well and the event has flourished and now regularly plays costs to not just Ukrainians but displaced foreign nationals from all around the world.
The English speaking volunteers come from both the Quaker side of things and our own parishioners, and an unexpected turn of events was the programme seems to be enjoyed by them almost as much as the refugees themselves and it has become quite a social point for many them and has become a close knit community and like a small parish family.
## **Kensington Deanery Synod Report**
Deanery Synod meetings in 2024 continued to align with London Diocese’s _2030 Vision_ , with each meeting focusing on a specific theme:
- **Compassionate Communities (February)** – Hosted by St Barnabas Church, this meeting centred on _Caring for God’s Creation_ and encouraged churches to engage with the Eco Church Awards. Andy Buckler illustrated the Five Marks of Mission using a rainbow metaphor, highlighting _Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform_ , and _Treasure_ —with the fifth mark emphasising the importance of treasuring God’s creation. Due to a lastminute change, Charlotte Bannister-Parker, Associate Vicar of St John's, Notting Hill and Founder of The Hope4Creation Foundation, stepped in as the guest speaker. She spoke brilliantly about a journey of lamentation, pilgrimage, and hospitality, underscoring the necessity of an eco-spiritual faith and reflecting on humanity’s impact on creation.
- **Spring Common Fund Meeting** – Held at Chelsea Old Church, this meeting provided an opportunity to discuss and review financial commitments within the deanery.
- **Summer Garden Party (June)** – With grateful thanks to Mother Emma, Synod members gathered in the beautiful gardens of St Mary Abbots Vicarage for a summer social event, fostering fellowship among clergy and laity.
- **Confident Disciples (November)** – St Philip’s, Earl’s Court Road hosted this session, introducing the _Grow Course_ . The meeting featured a ‘Barriers to Growth’ video and testimonies from parishes currently undertaking the course, as well as reflections from St Barnabas on their experience of completing it.
- **Creative Growth (December)** – St Philip’s, Gloucester Road hosted the final meeting of 2024, with a focus on _Cultural Diversity_ . Revd Sally Bally, Vicar of Holy Trinity Hounslow, shared insights from her experience leading a multi-cultural and multilingual congregation. She emphasised that cultural diversity is a gift rather than a threat and encouraged churches to embrace the richness it brings.
## **Key Ongoing Matters**
- **Safeguarding** remained a standing agenda item at each meeting, with continued encouragement for churches to engage with the Safeguarding Dashboard.
- **Deanery Governance** – Governors were elected to serve on the deanery’s LDBS schools, ensuring continued support and leadership in church schools.
We are hugely grateful to all who contributed to the Synod meetings throughout the year, fostering growth, learning, and unity across the Kensington Deanery.
## **Treasurer Report** _by Stephanie de Mel_
In 2024, following three years of surplus, St. John’s ran a budget deficit. This is due primarily to a decline in giving and one-off donations, combined with an increase in maintenance, energy and music costs. These impacts are, however, partly offset by a significant increase in income from church activities (59% higher than in 2023), while rental income from the crypt letting has continued to provide important financial stability.
In 2024, the general (unrestricted) fund shows a deficit of £19,887 (2023: surplus £77,303). Our gross income from all sources was £188,629 (2023: £274,231).
Income from church activities has risen by £23,209 compared to 2023, but this has not sufficed to offset a fall in collections, online giving and donations, and in one-off grant funding. Consequently, general (unrestricted) income was down by £14,879.
General (unrestricted) expenditure in 2024 was £165,391 (2023: £100,097). The difference is driven primarily by required maintenance works and utility cost increases. The largest expenses were church maintenance (32%); common fund and clergy costs (20%); music, organ and concerts expenses (18%); and utility costs (12%), which collectively make up 82% of overall costs from the general fund.
## **Restricted Funds**
As included in last year’s report, the balance on the Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund was transferred to the St. John’s Holland Road Trust, which makes monthly contributions towards costs.
A fund to enable professional singers at Sunday Service has been established. This fund held £1,690 as at 31 December 2024.
Finally a grant from RBKC Council to fund the breakfast café held £1,500 as at 31 December 2024. It is hoped that further funding can be obtained to continue this activity.
## **Balance Sheet**
Total cash deposits at the end of 2024 were £76,017 (2023: £124,930). After adjusting for restricted and designated funds, this figure is £72,342, which is above 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.
**St John the Baptist, Holland Road** Registered Charity number 1169173 office@hollandparkbenefice.org hollandparkbenefice.org 020 3602 9873
Charity Registration No. 1169173
The Parochial Church Council of
the Ecclesiastical Parish of
Saint John The Baptist,
Holland Road,
Diocese of Kensington
STJOHN THE BAPTIST
HOLLAND ROAD
Financial Statements and Independent Examiners Report
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Charity office:
St. George's Church
Aubrey Walk
London
W8 7JG
Forrest Burlinson
CHAR TERED ACCOUNTANTS &
REGISTERED AUDITORS
www lnfo@lorresiburlinson.co.uk
The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road
Contents:
Independent Examiner's Report
Pages
Statement of Financial Activities
Page
Balance Sheet
Page
Notes to the Financial Statements
Pages
4 tolo
## **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 2024 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**
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
3. 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 30 April 2025
The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the BaptisL Holland Road
Statement of Financial Activities
Charity Registration No. 1169173
for the year ended 31 December 2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3a)
32,608
14.810
47,418
60,862
14,417
75,279
Charitable activities
Grants
Lettings
Church activities
3bl
3cl
3d)
11,561
39.oc
62.335
28,315
39,876
39,000
62,335
20,0
40,368
39,126
99,431 119,431
40,368
39,126
Investments
3el
27
27
Total income
145.504
43.125
188.629
160.383
113.848
274.231
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Governance costs
4a)
4bl
164,641
750
77.142
241,783
750
99,347
750
98,123
197,470
750
Total expenditure
165,391
77.142 242,533
100.097
98,123 198,220
Net income/(expenditure)
119.887) 134,017) 153,904)
60,286
15,725
76,011
Transfers between funds
(5.000)
Net movement in funds
124,887) 129,017) {53,904)
60,286
15,725
76,011
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
97,471
72,584
32,692 130,163
3,675
76,259
37,185
97,471
16,967
32,692
54,152
130,163
Page 2
**The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Balance sheet as at 31 December 2024**
**Charity Registration No. 1169173**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
Current assets:
Debtors 5 24,292 - 24,292 21,252 15,579 36,831
Cash at bank and in hand 72,342 3,675 76,017 107,817 17,113 124,930
Total current assets 96,634 3,675 100,309 129,069 32,692 161,761
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year 6 (24,050) - (24,050) (31,598) - (31,598)
Net current assets 72,584 3,675 76,259 97,471 32,692 130,163
Total assets less current liabilities 72,584 3,675 76,259 97,471 32,692 130,163
Total net assets 72,584 3,675 76,259 97,471 32,692 130,163
The funds of the charity: 8
Restricted funds - 3,675 3,675 - 32,692 32,692
Unrestricted funds 72,584 - 72,584 97,471 - 97,471
Total charity funds 72,584 3,675 76,259 97,471 32,692 130,163
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds
**----- End of picture text -----**
The notes on pages 4 to 10 form part of these accounts.
Approved by the trustees 30 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
………………………………………………………….. Reverend Dr. James Heard Chair
The Parochial Church Council of Saint John The Baptist,
Page 3
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 2024
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:
l 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 1021, the Charities
SORP IFRS 1021,. the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021,
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 IA 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 transartion value unless otherwise stated in the
relevant accounting policy note.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling IGBPI, which is the funttional currency of the charity-
Monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest one pound {£1.
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 circumstance5. There are no judgements lapart 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 abo the PCC'S ability to continue as a going concern.
At the time of approving the financial statements the trustees have a reasonable expertation that the
PCC will continue and has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the for5eeable
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 4
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 2024
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 projerts, 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..
the PCC has entitlement to the fund5;
any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, or are fully within the control of
the PCC-
it is probable that the income will be received: and
- the amount can be measured reliably.
In accordance with the Charity SORP IFRS 102) the economic contribution of volunteers. time is not
measured in the accounts.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or construttive 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 reliablv.
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 contrattual obligations expire or are discharged
or cancelled.
Page 5
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 2024
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. Three trustees were reimbursed for expenses
incurred for the running of the Church totalling £6,129 in the year12023'. £5,552}.
3 Income
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
al Donations and legacies
Planned giving
Collections, online giving
and other donations
Gift aid
Legacies
8.248
8,248
8,308
8,308
21,027
2.806
527
32.608
14,810
35.837
2,806
527
47N18
37,672
14,882
7,985
6.432
45,657
21,314
14.810
60.862
14.417
75,279
b} Grants
The London Diocesan Fund
Listed Places of Worship
St. John's Holland Road Trust
RBKC breakfast café
Heritage London
RBKC Events
RBKC Lighting and Cctv
20,000
20,000
8,662
21,732
11.561
11.561
22.315
8.662
21.732
22.315
6,000
5.000
28.700
35.337
99,431
5,000
28,700
35,337
119,431
11,561
28,315
39.876
20,000
c} Lettings
Rent from church letting
Rent from crypt letting
2,375
37,993
40,368
2,375
37,993
40,368
39,000
39.000
39.IXIO
39,IXIO
dl Church activities
Wedding blessings
Photography
Funerals
Area Dean allowance
Concert5/events/filming
Other income
Insurance recoveries
29,620
19,595
1.228
2.400
8,991
501
29.620
19,595
1,228
10,030
13,211
10,030
13,211
2,400
9,525
2,400
9,525
8,991
501
3,960
39.126
27
160,383 113,848
3,960
39,126
27
274,231
62.335
62.335
el Bank interest
Total income
145,504
43,125
188,629
Page 6
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 2024
Charity Registration No. 1169173
4 Expenditure
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
al Charitable activities
Common fund
Recharges from St. Georges
Church:
clergy costs
office running costs
Insurance
Staff costs
Training
St. John's Holland Road Trust17}
Other charitable giving
Gas & Electricity
Church maintenance
CCTV equipment
Cleaning
Incumbent priests, expenses
Music cost5
Concerts & events expenses
Organist fees
Organ maintenance
Liturgical expenses
Diocesan fees
Breakfast cafe
Printing and marketing
Computer and telephone
General expenses
Licences and subscriptions
Bank charges
Professional fees
Accountancy fees
8.845
14,485
23,330
19,330
19,330
24,686
1.440
12.655
24.686
20,085
1,440
12.212
1,030
20,085
1,440
12,212
1,030
12.655
600
51,947
51,947
400
44
19,994
54,515
19.994
54.515
13.771
5,112
6,000
2,396
1,235
5,050
350
6,578
3,234
1,666
13,771
54,111
6,000
2,396
1,235
5,050
30,144
6,578
3,234
1,666
48,999
1.785
583
13,923
1.984
13.063
1.787
374
1,785
583
19.733
1,984
13.063
1,787
374
248
4,51)0
1,153
532
1,280
5,810
29.794
4.500
1,153
532
1.280
180
566
621
3,783
164.641
1,043
1,043
566
621
3,783
241.783
237
16,708
1,200
99.347
237
16,708
1,200
197,470
77,142
98.123
b} Governance costs
Independent examination
750
750
750
750
Total expenditure
165,391
77,142
242,533
100,097
98,123
198,220
Page 7
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 2024
Charity Registration No. 1169173
4 Employees
The average number of staff employed by the charity during the reporting period was 012023.. 11.
The cost in respect of staff was-
2024
2023
Wages and salaries
1,030
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.
5 Debtors
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
Invoiced debtors
Prepayments
Grants
Gift aid recoverable
Other debtors
6,963
1,285
11,561
3,738
745
24,292
6,963
1,285
11,561
3,738
745
24,292
1,055
1,05S
8,662
18,378
8,736
36,831
8,662
6.432
485
15,579
11,946
8,251
21,252
6 Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
Invoice5 payable
Accruals
Rents paid in advance
Tenant deposits held
5,364
6.686
3,250
8.750
24,050
5,364
6,686
3,250
8,750
24,050
20,898
1,950
20,898
1,950
8,750
31,598
8,750
31,598
7 Transactions With related parties
Under trustee arrangements three of the PCC trustees are trustees of St. John's Holland Road Trust
la charitable incorporated organisation ICIOI registration number 11952501. During the year this charity
made payments to the PCC of £22,31512023: £21.732} in respect of the associate vicar's accommodation
COSts which then forms part of the amount paid to the Diocese. Payments made to the CIO in the year
were £51.94712023- £nill, including £10,410 in respect of the Organ Restoration Fund which will be
managed by the 5t. John's Holland Road Trust. One of the objects of the CIO are to further the religious.
pastoral and other charitable work of St. John the Baptist Church. Holland Road.
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 11318661.
Four of the St. John the Baptist PCC trustees are also trustees to the PCC of St. George The Martyr.
The total paid in the year was £26.12612023: £21,525).
Page 8
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 2024
Charity Registration No. 1169173
8 Analysis of charitable funds
funds
brought
forward
funds
carried
forward
RESTRicfED FUNDS
Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund
Organ Restoration Fund
Choral Scholars Fund
RBKC Breakfast Cafe
KOFMA Ukraine
Christmas collection for Gaza
Restricted funds
22,207
10,000
33.815
410
2,500
6,000
400
156.022}
110,4101
15,810)
14.500}
1400}
5,000
1,690
1,500
485
3,675
32,692
43.125
177,1421
5,000
AssOClOte Vicar Accommodation Fund
This fund consists of donations from public appeals. Payments are made to St. John's Holland Road
Trust Isee note 21 to cover expense5 incurred in providing the accommodation. The balance of the
fund represents amounts not yettransferred to the Trust.
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.
This fund was transferred to the St. John's Holland Road Trust in the year.
Choral Scholars Fund
A restricted fund has been established to enable St John's to have four professional singers at the
Sunday Service. Donations may be received for this purpose.
Other restricted donations
Where donations are collected for other charities these amounts are treated as restricted funds.
UNRESTRICtED FUNDS
funds
brought
forward
funds
carried
forward
General fund
97.471 145.504
1165.3911 15,0001
72,584
Unrestricted funds
97,471 145.504
1165.391} 15,0001
72,584
Total funds
130,163 188.629
1242.5331
76,259
Page 9
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 2024
Charity Registration No. 1169173
FUNDS- PRIOR YEAR
funds
brought
fOard
funds
carried
forward
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
16,967 113,848
37,185 160,383
54,152 274,231
198,1231
1100,0971
1198,2201
32,692
97,471
130,163
9 Analysis of net assets between funds
General
funds
Restrirted
funds
Total
funds
Current assets
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
96,634
3,675
100,309
{24,050)
(24,0501
72,584
3,675
76,259
PRIOR YEAR
General
funds
Restritted
funds
Total
funds
Current a55ets
Creditors- amounts falling
due within one year
129,069
32,692
161,761
{31,5981
131.5981
97,471
32.692
130,163
Page 10