## **The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint John the Baptist, Holland Road,** **Annual Report 2025** ## **St John the Baptist, Holland Road** ## **ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** ## **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 May 2025 until the date this report was approved are: The Revd Dr James Heard Chair Ex Officio The Revd Neil Traynor Assistant Priest Ex Officio The Revd Peter Wolton Assistant Priest Ex Officio The Revd Dana English Assistant Priest Ex Officio Revd Jenny Davenport Curate (from Sept) Ex Officio Clare Heard LLM Ex Officio Ms Lindsay Fulcher LLM & Synod Rep Appointed 2023 Dr Jamie Priestley Churchwarden & Vice Chair Appointed 2025 Mr William James Churchwarden Appointed 2024 Dr Stephanie de Mel Hon. Treasurer Appointed 2025 Ms Kristin Corbet-Milward Safeguarding Officer Appointed 2022 Ms Kate Cullinan Appointed 2024 Ms Anita Kouassigan Appointed 2022 Ms Tracy Turley Appointed 2023 Mr 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 is the largest in the Church of England, with over 400 churches serving a diverse population of 4.2m north of the Thames and west of the Lea, with a vision for every Londoner to encounter the love of God in Christ. In 2025, the Church continued to grow according to indicative statistics, contributing to attendance increases of around 20% since 2022. The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) serves, supports and resources all parts of the Diocese by funding around 540 paid clergy and providing essential services so every parish benefits from strong pastoral and missional leadership. The Ministry Team supported the formation and development of 540 paid clergy, 204 self supporting clergy, 114 Licensed Lay Ministers, as well as over 100 exploring ordained or lay ministry. ## **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. Daniel Gable 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 109 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 29 April 2026 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** I continue to love ministering here in the United Benefice and remain convinced that it is among the very best parishes in the country. In a world that often feels divided and unsettled, and within a culture increasingly shaped by screens rather than shared space, I am deeply grateful for all those who, in big ways and small, help our churches to flourish. Your commitment keeps us rooted, meeting together, and growing in love, faith, and prayer. It is a privilege to serve alongside you. ## **Confirmation** Preparation for confirmation remains one of the great privileges of parish ministry. This year it was a particular joy to walk alongside a diverse group exploring faith: teenagers, wonderfully intelligent students in their twenties, and one candidate more mature in years! Their openness, questions, and commitment were deeply encouraging. The confirmation service was led by Bishop Michael Colclough, who is well known to us and previously lived in St George’s parish during his time as Bishop of Kensington. ## **Andrew Wells’ 30th Anniversary** In 2025 we celebrated an extraordinary milestone: Andrew Wells’ 30th anniversary as Director of Music at St George’s. Over three decades, Andrew’s dedication, vision, and exceptional musicianship have enriched our worship and community, offering countless moments of beauty, joy, and reflection. The anniversary year included a recital of Italian music with soprano Marcella, a performance of _Stainer’s Crucifixion_ during Holy Week, a Festival Concert, a “Play the Organ” Day, and an organ recital which was recorded. CDs are available for purchase at £10. The celebrations concluded with a special anniversary service on Sunday 19 October. We offer Andrew our deepest thanks for his loyalty and tireless commitment to the musical life of St George’s. ## **New vocations** We warmly congratulate Jenny Davenport, who was ordained deacon following her training at St Mellitus College. She was ordained at St Paul’s Hammersmith on 27 September and is serving her first year of ministry across the Benefice. She will be priested in June 2026. Daniel is now in his second year of Licensed Lay Ministry training and continues to contribute regularly to our preaching and worship. ## **Supporting Parish Ministry: Save the Parish** In July, both PCCs voted to formally join the _Save the Parish_ movement. This national initiative arose from concern that the traditional parish system—at the heart of the Church of England for centuries—has been increasingly undervalued and under-supported. Joining involves no financial commitment but allows us to add our voice to a wider call to protect, renew, and champion the parish system as the lifeblood of the Church. We continue to pray for the health and witness of the Church, locally and nationally, as faithful stewards of the tradition entrusted to us. ## **Wider Ministry** In October, I completed my five-year term as Area Dean of Kensington and was delighted to hand over the reins to the Revd Andy Buckler, Vicar of St Barnabas. My remaining wider commitment is at Sion College, where I serve as Junior Dean. Founded in 1630 following a bequest by the Revd Thomas White, Sion College exists to offer clergy a place to meet socially and to “maintain… love in conversing together.” Recent speakers have included Rory Stewart, Brenda Hale, and Rowan Williams. Do look at the website for more information – sioncollege.org ## **Mission Action Plan** Following Easter 2025, an online survey across both congregations gathered valuable insights, reflections, and suggestions. These were explored further during a Saturday morning Vision Day, led by the Revd Charles Clapham, Vicar of St Peter’s Hammersmith. Our new Mission Action Plan (MAP) builds on the priorities and progress of 2022–2025 and aligns closely with the Diocese of London’s _Capital Vision 2030_ : **Confident Disciples, Compassionate Communities, and Creative Growth** . There is a saying that “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” In many ways, the culture of our United Benefice—marked by hospitality, gentleness, generosity, openness, and shared values—is already shaping our life and growth. Much that has flourished recently has done so organically: the Saturday Breakfast and Ukrainian Conversations at St John’s, the Craft Club, and the remarkable youth club at St George’s, which now welcomes around 40+ young people each week. Our ministry team has also grown and includes five clergy (two stipendiary), two Licensed Lay Ministers, and one in training—clear signs of a healthy, Spiritled church. Our task now is to nurture this culture intentionally and prayerfully. We remain committed to being welcoming and non-judgemental; a place of exploration and sanctuary; a community that connects people with God; and a church that is gentle, generous, and outward-looking. Vision without action is simply daydreaming. I warmly commend this plan to you and invite each of you to pray, serve, and play your part in helping it become a living reality. ## **Changes** Lastly, with the recent news of the Neil’s _exaltation_ to Salisbury Cathedral, we give heartfelt thanks for his ministry among us and commend him, and Harriet, to God’s loving care. As we look ahead to 2026, we pray for wisdom, courage, and imagination for the United Benefice as we discern the shape of our shared ministry—keenly aware that priests with Neil’s particular blend of vision, creativity, and entrepreneurial flair do not grow on trees. ## **Churchwardens’ Report** In some ways, 2025 was quieter than 2024 at St John’s. At the start of the year our regular checks on our lightning conductors had showed that we’d suffered a strike and some remedial work was necessary to put both back in good order. This process also highlighted that our electrics were not surge protected, and work was carried out to rectify this. The main building work was in the last quarter of the year when we finally received permission to replace the kitchen and bathroom floors which had failed. As always, the work took longer than anticipated. We discovered that the root cause was a defect with the waste pipe from the toilets which was not at the right angle. An emergency faculty had to be sought to make the necessary repairs, and by Christmas we once more had both toilets in working order and the floor safely repaired. In December we also received the faculty permission for the hanging sanctuary lamps and associated electrical work to install additional lighting and sockets in the nave floor. The hanging lamps were installed in time for the wedding of Marina Abel Smith to Matt Belcher, and for our Candlemas service the following day. The plug sockets were installed, but there has been a delay with delivery for the remaining lights. There remain significant areas of work to be carried out – the organ is increasingly precarious; work to the flower room, roof of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and additional stone work are all awaiting fundraising to begin. It is pleasing though to see our congregation continuing to grow and for St John’s to continue to reach out into the community. ## **Associate Vicar’s Report – Revd Neil Traynor** I write this report sitting at my new desk, with a view of the spire of Salisbury Cathedral and the Close before me. 2025 continued in the vein of the last few years. We have continued to grow in number at our regular services; we’ve hosted more groups for concerts, rehearsals and events than we have before. Our Ukrainian Conversations and the Breakfast Club have continued to thrive, the Craft Club is now attracting a loyal group of participants. It was a real pleasure to see Jenny Davenport-Hines made Deacon in September, and for her to join the ministry team in a different capacity. Moving from Churchwarden to one of the clergy isn’t an easy transition, and Jenny has managed this change wonderfully well. Her Ordination to the Priesthood in June is much to be anticipated. In our services, the St John’s Choir and the St John’s Singers have continued their excellent work. Much of what we do (musically) at St John’s is distinctive and our niche is that we have a sung evening Eucharist, with music that challenges and stimulates both our musicians and congregation. It seems to be working in that our average attendance at the Eucharist is 77 – putting St John’s in the top 20% of churches across the country. St John’s also has some particular ministries that attract people from wider areas. Our Pet Blessing in October was a sell out service, as were our two Carols for Pets in December. New congregation members have joined because of our pet friendly status, and others have come to us for other pastoral support. Our profile in China has continued to grow stronger, and we performed 98 blessing services for couples, almost all of whom flew in from China. The principal exception was the blessing of Hugo and Dao in June. Rarely have couples beamed as much throughout. We continued to improve the fabric of St John’s and further details are in the Churchwardens report. In January of this year, it was announced that I was to move to Salisbury to become Canon Treasurer at the Cathedral. The last nine years in the United Benefice have been something of a rollercoaster, with the illness and death of Jill, but also the springing back to life of St John’s in new and unexpected ways. Thank you for all your generosity, not least in the leaving gift, and it was a delight to see so many of you at my leaving service and installation. Finally, thanks are due to all my colleagues – James, Peter, Dana, Jenny, Jean-Paul, Daniel, the four wardens and Steph and David our treasurers, and Darren at Forest Burlinson. None of this would be possible without you leading our parishes. Thank you. ## **Assistant Priests Report – Revd Dana English** As well as supporting the children and youth ministry, I continue to highly value the privilege of being part of a regular rota for worship leadership and preaching in the Benefice; I also participate in the pastoral care of parishioners, with an average of two or three visits a week to those whose circumstances mean they cannot come on Sundays to services. A high point of each week for me is the **Bible study** that I have led since 2020 – now only on Zoom, this group of about 14 parishioners and others has pursued serious study and discussion of the Biblical texts from the OT book of Genesis to the NT book of Hebrews. We will finish this journey through the Bible at Easter, 2026, and will then perhaps begin again! I also enjoy putting together the **Parish Newsletter** three times a year. I lead our **annual retreat** to Launde Abbey, this year with Father James as one of the participants. It was our fifth journey to Launde on the first weekend of Advent. This year, over the weekend of November 28-30, 2025, we used Jane Williams's book _Giver of Life: The Holy Spirit in the Creed and in the Christian Life Today_ . A somewhat different group of parishioners comes each year; this time we had a somewhat smaller group of 14, with much rich discussion of the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. Fr James and I are present for the **Monthly Luncheon Club** for the over-70s that St George's hosts, usually on the third Thursday of each month; this is a ministry to the larger community, with most of those coming not members of our parish. It continues to meet an obvious need for fellowship among that group. Outside the Benefice I continue to volunteer as duty chaplain at St. Paul's Cathedral once a month; I was asked to return to preach at both Trinity College Cambridge and Magdalen College Oxford. I led a Lenten retreat for the Anglican congregation of All Saint's Milan in March. ## **Fr Peter Wolton** 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 at St. John’s, a member of the United Benefice congregation gives an address about their journey of faith and how it links to their life. In 2025 we were treated to five very different, moving and inspiring talks by Katherine Johnstone, Lou Jones, Joe Ponsford, Denny Morris and Roy Clark. My heartfelt thanks to them for agreeing to speak. A personal highlight was taking the marriage service of my son Hugh to Sophia at the Suffolk church of Blythburgh in August. In September Clare Heard and I hosted a **“Being With” course,** an introduction to Christianity with a difference. Rather than being a Bible study or a series of arguments about faith, it starts with the conviction that we already have a wealth of understanding of truth, beauty and goodness that helps us, in the company of others, to recognise God's presence in our life and our everyday experiences. The evening opened with each of us answering the question “What has been the heart of your week?” This was the only part of the evening where everyone must speak. Thereafter it is entirely voluntary to offer comments. We considered topics like Meaning, Jesus, Church, Suffering, Prayer and the Cross. Feedback from participants was that the gentle, nonjudgemental and inclusive nature of the programme was important, that It was immensely challenging in places but in a confidential, indirect way and nobody was put on the spot regarding their "stage" of faith or place on the Christian journey. Participants commented that by sharing thoughts and self-reflection, they came to know each other personally a bit better and they noted how this changed a dynamic in the afterservice coffee time. “Being with” built community. I have now completed a third 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 for his leadership. The growth of the clergy team is testament to this. Furthermore, our congregations are a source of constant encouragement, enabling the work of the Holy Spirit to advance in Holland Park. It’s almost twelve years since I joined the ministry team at the Benefice and it continues to be a joy. ## **Music Report** St John’s has once more seen its musical life grow and thrive. We began the year saying farewell to Mark Denza who had been our organist for several years, and a decision was taken to use a variety of organists rather than a single organist. Accordingly, we have welcomed Daniel Turner, James Gough, Luke Mitchell, Tom Norrington, Ben Collyer, Tammis Sater, Daniel Greenway, Robert Sholl, Francis Cloete and others to play for our Sunday services. During Lent we had a number of special services, including sung Compline and Tenebrae and other concerts that we merged this into a Lent festival, with Bishop Emma as our patron. In May we said farewell to Toby Ward as the director of the St John’s Choral Scholars. Since then, Daniel Turner, together with Luca Wetherall, has undertaken this role. We are delighted that Maddy Morris (S), Charlie Davies (CT), Charlie Eastwood (T) and Luca Wetherall (B) have continued as our principal singers and we’ve been pleased to welcome deputies as needed, some of whom have become semi-regulars. Our musical standards have remained extremely high, and this is reflected in the attendance at our sung services. Izzy Mohan (one of our regular altos) took on the role of music administrator in late spring, though pressures of other work meant that she had to relinquish this in the late autumn. Izzy instituted a series of Tuesday lunchtime concerts which had a loyal, if small group of attendees, and it is hoped that these will continue to run on a less frequent basis in 2026. It was a pleasure to welcome back KOFMA (Kensington Olympia Festival of Music and the Arts) in May and October. May saw a wonderful semi-staged production of Hildegarde von Bingen’s Ordo Virtutum, and in October the main concert was of Bach and Mozart by Sutton Philharmonic directed by Brian Choi. We were very pleased to continue to be used by the Hesperos Singers for their weekly rehearsals, and to have been used by many other groups such as Siglo d’oro. We’ve welcomed Cardinal Vaughan School, a number of Ukrainian groups and performers, and many others. Our musical life grows from strength to strength, both for our services and for concerts and we’re delighted to be becoming a regular musical venue for musicians and audiences in London. ## **Kensington Deanery Synod Report** _by Andy Buckler, Area Dean of Kensington_ Deanery Synod meetings in 2025 continued to align with London Diocese’s _2030 Vision_ , with each meeting focusing on a specific theme. At the Deanery Synod in October, James Heard was thanked as he handed over the role of Area Dean to Andy Buckler. ## **Compassionate Communities (February)** Hosted by St John the Baptist Holland Road, this meeting centred on _Homelessness_ . The meeting started with a personal story of Evelyn Blake, a homeless person whose life was turned around through the welcome received by churches working with Glass Door. Jo Carter, CEO of Glass Door, then spoke about the increase in homelessness in London over the previous year. She described the work of the charity with three hubs in West London, offering shelter during the winter months using church premises. More information available at https://www.glassdoor.org.uk/daytimesupport ## **Confident Disciples (October)** St John’s Notting Hill hosted this session on the theme _Learning from the Orthodox Tradition_ . William Taylor, vicar of St John’s, traced the history of orthodoxy. He pointed out that Kensington is the area with the highest concentration of orthodox churches in the UK. Parishes within our Deanery were encouraged to engage actively. The synod then reflected on the nature of orthodox spirituality and discipleship with the help of a celebrated icon, ‘The Triumph of Orthodoxy’, from St Catherine’s monastery in Sinai. ## **Creative Growth (November)** The meeting was hosted at St James’ on the theme of _Developing Stronger Links with Schools_ . Discussion focused on the challenge of engaging in children’s/youth work when there is no church school with whom to partner. James Heard shared how the Holland Park Benefice was engaging creatively with pupils from the local school by starting a youth club. Elements of note in the discussion included: the importance of local context in discerning what can be done, of meeting real needs both of parents and children, of sharing a dynamic vision as to why schools and youth work is important for the growth of our churches. ## **Compassionate Communities (February 2026)** Held at St Mary Abbots, this meeting looked at _Disability and Difference in the Body of Christ_ , with John Beauchamp, Diocesan Disability Ministry Enabler for the Diocese of London, who underlined that welcome, inclusion and belonging are kingdom imperatives. He encouraged access and inclusion in church settings, but as a step towards a greater goal of active participation rather than simple passive attendance. ## **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. ## **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_ 2025 represents a year of significant income growth for St. John the Baptist, especially through church activities including concerts, events, and wedding blessings. Church finances were further bolstered through donations to various restricted funds, including the Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund, the Choral Scholar’s Fund, and donations for hanging lamps. Rental income from the crypt provided stable and significant income through the year. Simultaneously, however, church expenses have risen, which has severely limited our ability to build the savings desirable to safeguarding the church’s longer-term financial position. Consequently, while generous donations have enabled us to end 2025 in a position of surplus in total funds (of £13,564), we record a deficit of £6,257 on the general fund. ## **General Fund** In 2025, the general fund shows a deficit of £6,257 (2024: deficit of £19,887). General income was up by £41,630 (£187,134 in 2025, £145,504 in 2024), due mainly to higher income from church activities, which increased by 75% compared to 2024. General expenditure increased by £28,000 (£193,391 in 2025, £165,391), due to a combination of Common Fund contributions, concerts & events costs, and wedding blessing costs. Our gross income from all sources was £249,501 (2024: £188,629). ||**2024**||**2025**|| |---|---|---|---|---| |Donations and legacies (planned giving, collections, gift
aid)|47,418|25%|67,027|27%| |Grants (List Places of Workship; RBKC council; SJHRT)|39,876|21%|34,223|14%| |Church activities (blessings; concerts; etc.)|62,335|33%|109,251|44%| |Lettings|39,000|21%|39,000|16%| |**Total**|**188,629**|**100%**|**249,501**|**100%**| Total expenditure from the general fund in 2025 was £193,391 (2024: £165,391). The largest expenses were music, organ and concerts expenses (30%); common fund and clergy costs (29%); church maintenance (18%); and utility costs (9%), which collectively make up 86% 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. The Choral Scholars fund held £7,953 as at 31 December 2025. £15,000 was received in donations for hanging lamps, and the full balance was carried forward into 2026. A grant was received from RBKC council to help fund the breakfast café, which held £543 as at 31 December 2025; it is hoped that further funding can be obtained to continue this in future years. ## **Balance Sheet** Total cash deposits at the end of 2025 were £88,435 (2024: £76,017). After adjusting for restricted and designated funds, this figure is £70,627, 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** Financial Statements and Independent Examiners Report For the year ended 31 December 2025 Charity office: St. George's Church Aubrey Walk London W8 7JG The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road |**Contents:**||| |---|---|---| |Independent Examiner's Report|Pages|1| |Statement of Financial Activities|Page|2| |Balance Sheet|Page|3| |Notes to the Financial Statements|Pages|4 to 10| ## **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 2025 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 10 May 2026 **The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2025** **Charity Registration No. 1169173** **----- Start of picture text -----**
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 a) 32,244 34,783 67,027 32,608 14,810 47,418
Charitable activities
Grants 3 b) 6,639 27,584 34,223 11,561 28,315 39,876
- -
Lettings 3 c) 39,000 39,000 39,000 39,000
Church activities 3 d) 109,251 - 109,251 62,335 - 62,335
Total income 187,134 62,367 249,501 145,504 43,125 188,629
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 a) 192,641 42,546 235,187 164,641 77,142 241,783
Governance costs 4 b) 750 - 750 750 - 750
Total expenditure 193,391 42,546 235,937 165,391 77,142 242,533
Net income/(expenditure) (6,257) 19,821 13,564 (19,887) (34,017) (53,904)
Transfers between funds 8 - - - (5,000) 5,000 -
Net movement in funds (6,257) 19,821 13,564 (24,887) (29,017) (53,904)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 72,584 3,675 76,259 97,471 32,692 130,163
Total funds carried forward 66,327 23,496 89,823 72,584 3,675 76,259
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 2 **The Parochial Church Council of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Holland Road Balance sheet as at 31 December 2025** **Charity Registration No. 1169173** **----- Start of picture text -----**
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
Note £ £ £ £ £ £
Current assets:
Debtors 5 19,456 5,688 25,144 24,292 - 24,292
Cash at bank and in hand 70,627 17,808 88,435 72,342 3,675 76,017
Total current assets 90,083 23,496 113,579 96,634 3,675 100,309
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year 6 (23,756) - (23,756) (24,050) - (24,050)
Net current assets 66,327 23,496 89,823 72,584 3,675 76,259
Total assets less current liabilities 66,327 23,496 89,823 72,584 3,675 76,259
Total net assets 66,327 23,496 89,823 72,584 3,675 76,259
The funds of the charity: 8
Restricted funds - 23,496 23,496 - 3,675 3,675
Unrestricted funds 66,327 - 66,327 72,584 - 72,584
Total charity funds 66,327 23,496 89,823 72,584 3,675 76,259
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 29 April 2026 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 2025** **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 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 pound 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 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 2025** **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: - the PCC has entitlement to the funds; - 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 (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 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 2025** **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. Reverend Neil Traynor, who is the associate vicar at St. John the Baptist, has been reimbursed for expenses incurred for the running of the Church totalling £8,271 in the year (2024: £5,605). No other trustee was reimbursed for expenditure in the year (2024: £525). |**3**
**Income**
a)
**Donations and legacies**
Planned giving
Collections, online giving
and other donations
Gift aid
Legacies
b)
**Grants**
Listed Places of Worship
St. John's Holland Road Trust
RBKC breakfast café
c)
**Lettings**
Rent from crypt letting
d)
**Church activities**
Wedding blessings
Photography
Funerals & weddings
Area Dean allowance
Concerts & events
Other income
**Total income**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
8,848
-
**8,848**
21,001
29,095
**50,096**
2,395
5,688
**8,083**
-
-
**-**
32,244
34,783
**67,027**
6,639
-
**6,639**
-
24,594
**24,594**
-
2,990
**2,990**
6,639
27,584
**34,223**
39,000
-
**39,000**
39,000
-
**39,000**
63,940
-
**63,940**
18,838
-
**18,838**
2,716
-
**2,716**
1,800
-
**1,800**
19,967
-
**19,967**
1,990
-
**1,990**
109,251
-
**109,251**
**187,134**
**62,367**
**249,501**|Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
8,248
-
8,248
21,027
14,810
35,837
2,806
-
2,806
527
-
527
32,608
14,810
47,418
11,561
-
11,561
-
22,315
22,315
-
6,000
6,000
11,561
28,315
39,876
39,000
-
39,000
39,000
-
39,000
29,620
-
29,620
19,595
-
19,595
1,228
-
1,228
2,400
-
2,400
8,991
-
8,991
501
-
501
62,335
-
62,335
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 2025** **Charity Registration No. 1169173** ## **4 Expenditure** |**4**
**Expenditure**
a)
**Charitable activities**
Common fund
Recharges from St. Georges
Church:
clergy costs
office running costs
Insurance
Training
St. John's Holland Road Trust (7)
Other charitable giving
Electricity
Church maintenance
Architects fees
Cleaning
Pest control
Incumbent priests' expenses
Music costs
Concerts & events expenses
Organist fees
Organ maintenance
Blessings music and other costs
Liturgical expenses
Diocesan fees
Breakfast café
Printing and marketing
Computer and telephone
General expenses
Licences and subscriptions
Bank charges
Accountancy fees
b)
**Governance costs**
Independent examination
**Total expenditure**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
6,180
23,820
**30,000**
25,566
-
**25,566**
13,440
-
**13,440**
15,428
-
**15,428**
-
-
**-**
-
-
**-**
-
680
**680**
17,814
-
**17,814**
34,877
-
**34,877**
7,055
-
**7,055**
2,749
-
**2,749**
1,008
-
**1,008**
313
774
**1,087**
13,748
13,325
**27,073**
13,928
-
**13,928**
6,930
-
**6,930**
1,968
-
**1,968**
20,870
-
**20,870**
1,695
-
**1,695**
693
-
**693**
-
3,947
**3,947**
1,370
-
**1,370**
588
-
**588**
702
-
**702**
1,117
-
**1,117**
558
-
**558**
4,044
-
**4,044**
192,641
42,546
**235,187**
750
-
**750**
193,391
42,546
**235,937**|Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
8,845
14,485
23,330
24,686
-
24,686
1,440
-
1,440
12,655
-
12,655
600
-
600
-
51,947
51,947
44
400
444
19,994
-
19,994
50,525
-
50,525
3,990
-
3,990
1,785
-
1,785
-
-
-
583
-
583
13,923
5,810
19,733
1,984
-
1,984
13,063
-
13,063
1,787
-
1,787
-
-
-
374
-
374
248
-
248
-
4,500
4,500
1,153
-
1,153
532
-
532
1,280
-
1,280
801
-
801
566
-
566
3,783
-
3,783
164,641
77,142
241,783
750
-
750
165,391
77,142
242,533| |---|---|---| 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 2025** **Charity Registration No. 1169173** ## **5 Debtors** |**Debtors**
Invoiced debtors
Prepayments
Grants
Gift aid recoverable
Other debtors
Invoices payable
Accruals
Rents paid in advance
Tenant deposits held
**Creditors: amounts falling due**
**within one year**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
9,109
-
9,109
1,328
-
1,328
6,624
-
6,624
2,395
5,688
8,083
-
-
-
19,456
5,688
25,144
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**Total funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**£**
9,217
-
9,217
2,539
-
2,539
3,250
-
3,250
8,750
-
8,750
23,756
-
23,756|Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
6,963
-
6,963
1,285
-
1,285
11,561
-
11,561
3,738
-
3,738
745
-
745
24,292
-
24,292
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
5,364
-
5,364
6,686
-
6,686
3,250
-
3,250
8,750
-
8,750
24,050
-
24,050| |---|---|---| - **6 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year** ## **7 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 £24,594 (2024: £22,315) in respect of the associate vicar's accommodation costs which then forms part of the amount paid to the Diocese. In 2024 payments were made to the CIO of £51,947 (2025: £nil). One of the objects of the CIO is 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 1131866). 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 £33,276 (2024: £26,126). 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 2025** **Charity Registration No. 1169173** ## **8 Analysis of charitable funds** |**RESTRICTED FUNDS**
Choral Scholars Fund
RBKC Breakfast Café
Donations for Hanging Lamps
Donations for Gaza*
Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund
Restricted funds
**Analysis of charitable funds**|**funds**
**brought**
**forward**
**income**
**expenditure**
**transfers**
**funds**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,690
19,588
(13,325)
-
7,953
1,500
2,990
(3,947)
-
543
-
15,000
-
-
15,000
485
195
(680)
-
-
-
24,594
(24,594)
-
-
3,675
62,367
(42,546)
-
23,496| |---|---| ## _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. ## _RBKC Breakfast Café_ A grant from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to fund a Saturday morning drop-in café in the Church. ## _Hanging Lamps_ A restricted fund has been established to restore seven hanging lamps in the Sanctuary that were removed in the 1950s or 1960s. The cost of the project will be £30,000. The lamps previously hung in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and will complete St. John's unique decoration. ## _Associate Vicar Accommodation Fund_ This fund consists of donations from payments from St. John's Holland Road Trust (see note 2) which was money raised towards in providing the accommodation. ## _* Other restricted donations_ Where donations are collected for other charities these amounts are treated as restricted funds. ## **UNRESTRICTED FUNDS** |General fund
Unrestricted funds
**Total funds**|**funds**
**brought**
**forward**
**income**
**expenditure**
**transfers**
**funds**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
72,584
187,134
(193,391)
-
66,327
72,584
187,134
(193,391)
-
66,327
76,259
249,501
(235,937)
-
89,823| |---|---| 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 2025** **Charity Registration No. 1169173** FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR |Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
**9**
**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|funds
brought
forward
income
£
£
32,692
43,125
97,471
145,504
130,163
188,629
**General**
**funds**
**£**
**90,083**
**(23,756)**
**66,327**
General
funds
£
96,634
(24,050)
72,584|
expenditure
transfers
funds
carried
forward
£
£
£
(77,142)
5,000
3,675
(165,391)
(5,000)
72,584
(242,533)
-
76,259
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**£**
**£**
**23,496**
**113,579**
**-**
**(23,756)**
**23,496**
**89,823**
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
£
£
3,675
100,309
-
(24,050)
3,675
76,259| |---|---|---| Page 10