Parochial Church Council of Kingswood (A Registered Charity Number 1172427 from 15th April 2017) Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2024 INDEX
Page
- (i) Treasurer’s Report
(ii) The Independent Examiner’s Report
1 Statement of Financial Activities
2 Balance Sheet
3 Accounting Policies and Description of Funds
4 Incoming Resources - Current Year
5 Resources Expended - Current Year
6 Legacy, St Andrews Survival & Wisdom Centenary Funds
7 Church Hall and Church Hall Fund Raising
8 & 9 Revenue Reserve, Fixed Assets and Investment Fund
Page i
Kingswood PCC -Treasurer’s Report
Presented to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting
I am pleased to present the financial report for the Parochial Church Council of Kingswood for the year ended 31st December 2024.
I am pleased to report that our finances remained stable over the year with a surplus of £15,989 which includes investment gains of £5,801. This compares with the previous year's surplus of £29,163 (which included higher investment gains of £21,340). The surplus strengthens our position going forward and reflects continued prudence in managing Church resources.
Income and Giving
Total income for the year was £116,830, an increase of £2,112 compared with 2023. There was a drop in regular giving and Church Hall income but this was significantly offset by a generous unresticted bequest of £10,000 for which we are deeply thankful. Gift Aid receipts and investment income also made a steady contribution to our finances as well as donations from the Legacy funds of £18,603.
Expenditure
Expenditure totalled £106,643 which was almost identical to the total expenses in 2023 of £106,836. The largest outgoing continues to be the Parish Pledge of £49,000 to the Diocese. Other costs included insurance, utilities, clergy expenses, church maintenance and payments for music and service support. The cost of repairs and maintenance to the Church buildings in 2024 was £6,600 compared with £2,856 last year.
We will be spending over £10,000 in the next few weeks on work to be done on the roof at St Andrews.
Church Hall
The Church Hall ran at a net deficit in 2024 of £1,559 compared with a surplus in 2023 of £3,466. There has been a decrease in Bookings in 2024 as well as additional costs of paying an administrator for the Hall following problems encountered in this area after the death of Colin Miles.
Reserves and Balance Sheet
Our net assets at the year end stood at £997,872, an increase from £981,940 in 2023. Our investments remain stable with a gain of £5,801 in 2024 and our bank account balances were just over £50,000 as at 31/12/24 (excluding the Church Hall balances).
Conclusion
The PCC remains in a sound financial position thanks to the faithful giving or parishioners, wise management of resources and the blessing of one-off gifts such as this year's bequest.
I would like to thank everyone involved in the financial administration of the parish especially those who assist with counting and banking and a special thanks goes to Robert Caulkin, our Independent Examiner.
Gillian French
Treasurer
Page ii
Independent Examiner's Report to the members and trustees of the Kingswood Parochial Church Council
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 which are set out on pages 1 to 9
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the Independent Examiner
The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 145(S)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes the consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with the examination, no matters have come to my attention:
1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act or to prepare accounts which accord with those accounting records and comply with the regulations have not been met; or
2) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Robert Caulkin ACCA
Smart Accountants Surrey and Sussex Limited
Page 1
Kingswood PCC
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year ended 31st December 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | Note | £ | £ | |||
| Donations Received | 2a | 73,645 | 73,645 | 57,348 | ||
| Other voluntary income | 2b | 0 | 0 | 1,517 | ||
| Generating Funds & Investments | 2c, 4,5,6 | 25,738 | 1,653 | 27,391 | 27,077 | |
| Church activities | 2d | 6,447 | 6,447 | 9,029 | ||
| Church Hall | 7&8 | 0 | 9,347 | 9,347 | 19,747 | |
| Sale of investments | 10b | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 105,830 | 11,000 | 0 | 116,830 | 114,718 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||||||
| Donations made | 3a | 898 | 898 | 1,383 | ||
| Church activities | 3b | 93,589 | 93,589 | 88,233 | ||
| Cost of generating funds | 3c | 1,250 | 1,250 | 939 | ||
| Church Hall | 7.8 | 10,906 | 10,906 | 16,281 | ||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | 95,737 | 10,906 | 106,643 | 106,836 | ||
| FUND BALANCES | ||||||
| NET FUND INCREASE(DECREASE) | 9 | 10,093 | 94 | 10,187 | 7,883 | |
| Gains/(losses) on investment | 10b | 5,801 | 5,801 | 21,340 | ||
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | 10,093 | 94 | 5,801 | 15,988 | 29,223 | |
| BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AS AT 01/01/24 | 30,417 | 86,358 | 230,748 | 347,523 | 318,300 | |
| BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AS AT 31/12/24 | 40,510 | 86,452 | 236,549 | 363,511 | 347,523 |
| KINGSWOOD PCC | Page 2 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALANCE SHEET as at 31st December 2024 | |||||
| FIXED ASSETS | Note | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 10a | 659,409 | 659,409 | ||
| Investment Assets | 10b | 249,098 | 243,296 | ||
| 908,507 | 902,705 | ||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Short term deposits | Legacy | 1,598 | 1,376 | ||
| Survival | 65 | 62 | |||
| Centenary | 9,759 | 8,331 | |||
| PCC - Metrobank | 29,798 | 20,713 | |||
| PCC-TSB | 1,571 | 1,673 | |||
| PCC-Natwest | 18,707 | 22,492 | |||
| Church Hall-Metrobank | 14,248 | 17,477 | |||
| Church Hall-Santander | 20,515 | 20,515 | |||
| 96,261 | 92,639 | ||||
| Debtors | Accrued Income (Gift | Aid Tax recoverable) | 3,018 | 446 | |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 99,279 | 93,085 | |||
| LIABILITIES | |||||
| Accruals | |||||
| Charitable donations from December services | 529 | 745 | |||
| Heat, Light & Water | 0 | 1,599 | |||
| Diocese fees for weddings and funerals | 1,787 | 2,142 | |||
| Administration Costs | 0 | 174 | |||
| Raffle Prize Fund | 100 | 100 | |||
| Wisdom Stories Fund | 2,401 | 2,910 | |||
| Events Committee Funds | 3,510 | 3,510 | |||
| Coffee Morning Funds | 587 | 457 | |||
| Annexe Fund | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||
| Organist | 0 | 1,213 | |||
| 9,914 | 13,850 | ||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 89,365 | 79,235 | |||
| NET ASSETS | 997,872 | 981,940 | |||
| FUNDS | Unrestricted | 714,011 | 700,652 | ||
| Restricted including Church Hall | 76,938 | 78,996 | |||
| Endowment | 206,923 | 202,292 | |||
| 997,872 | 981,940 |
Approved by the PCC of Kingswood on 31 March 2025
Chairman
Churchwarden
Page 3
Kingswood PCC
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2024
Accounting Policies and Funds
These financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and in accordance with the recommendations of the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities current Statement of Recommended Practice. From 2009, following the assessment of Diocesan Quota for the Parish as a whole, the accounts are presented in unified form and not allocated to the individual churches.
Fixed Assets — The Church Hall and Church House are shown at estimated values in line with previous years’ figures; the PCC has adopted a policy of non-depreciation of these assets on the basis that their residual value is higher than the deemed cost values shown in these accounts. It is not required to revalue these assets.
Any funds raised, or donated, for designated purposes are treated as “Restricted Funds"
The Funds managed are:
1.Capital Funds - These are
A. St Andrew's Trusts consisting of six donations towards the upkeep of graves. The corresponding Investments are held in shares with the Central Board of Finance (CBF).
B. Wisdom of God Trusts consisting of a series of donations towards the church upkeep; the Corresponding investments are held via the South London Church Fund and the Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance in shares with the CBF.
2. Unrestricted Funds — These are the normal operating funds of the two churches:
C1- Shows current year's income and expenditure.
E Revenue Reserve, shows the net funds after transfer of the surplus or deficit from C1 above.
3. Restricted Funds
C2- operates in conjunction with C1 but relates to special purposes; this designation covers special appeals, works and maintenance and the Organ Fund. Other balances of Income and Expenditure on these items are subsequently transferred to the appropriate major Fund:
F- Legacy set up in 2004 with Lowe Legacy funds of £50000 for Fabric expenses of both churches.
G - St Andrew's Survival derived from a special appeal for major fabric projects to which subsequent Appeal and legacy proceeds have been added. H - Wisdom of God Centenary — operated in a similar way to the Survival fund above.
I - Church Hall & L— Church Hall Fund Raising - are held as separate Funds, responsibility having been delegated by the PCC.
M - Kingswood Global Income was set up in 2011 to improve income devoted to the Legacy Fund.
N - Wisdom Income Fund was set up in March 2011 to improve income devoted to the Centenary Fund.
Page 4
Kingswood PCC
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2024
Note-2 INCOMING RESOURCES
| Note-2 INCOMING RESOURCES | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL FUNDS | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Fund C1 | Fund C2 | |||
| 2(a) Incoming Resources from donors: | £ | £ | £ |
£ |
| Regular Gift Aid | 13,492 | 13,492 | 16,747 | |
| Occasional Gift Aid | 10,214 | 10,214 | 4,739 | |
| Collections | 8,728 | 8,728 | 8,015 | |
| Donations - Non-recurring (Woodfuffe and Brash Funds) | 18,603 | 18,603 | 15,995 | |
| Gift Aid -Tax Recovered | 8,108 | 8,108 | 7,317 | |
| Bequests | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0 | |
| Churchyard grants | 4,500 | 4,500 | 4,535 | |
| 73,645 | 73,645 | 57,348 | ||
| 2(b) Other voluntary incoming sources: | ||||
| Special Appeals | 0 | 0 | 1,517 | |
| 2(c) Income from generating funds and Investments | ||||
| Fund Raising | 3,923 | 3,923 | 3,960 | |
| Interest on Investments | 5,615 | 1,653 | 7,268 | 6,917 |
| Rent received | 16,200 | 16,200 | 16,200 | |
| 25,738 | 1,653 | 27,391 | 27,077 | |
| 2(d) Income from Church activities | ||||
| Wedding Fees | 1,110 | 1,110 | 2,435 | |
| Funeral/Churchyard Fees | 4,592 | 4,592 | 6,034 | |
| Magazine | 745 | 745 | 560 | |
| 6,447 | 6,447 | 9,029 | ||
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 105,830 | 1,653 | 107,483 | 94,971 |
Page 5
Kingswood PCC
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2024
| TOTAL | FUNDS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3. RESOURCES EXPENDED | Unrestricted Restricted |
2024 | 2023 | ||
| Fund | C1 Fund |
C2 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| 3(a) Donations Made | |||||
| Surrey Care Trust | 232 | 232 | 638 | ||
| Welcare | 0 | 0 | 462 | ||
| British Legion | 169 | 169 | 0 | ||
| Renewed Hope Trust | 148 | 148 | 283 | ||
| Royal Marsden | 201 | 201 | 0 | ||
| Childrens' Society | 148 | 148 | 0 | ||
| 898 | 898 | 1,383 | |||
| 3(b) Church Activities | |||||
| Parish Pledge | 49,000 | 49,000 | 49,000 | ||
| Honoraria-Organists | 9,020 | 9,020 | 7,825 | ||
| Clergy Expenses | 889 | 889 | 1,594 | ||
| Diocese Fees | 1,787 | 1,787 | 2,142 | ||
| Insurances | 7,173 | 7,173 | 7,900 | ||
| Administration Expenses | 3,742 | 3,742 | 4,502 | ||
| Sanctuary | 539 | 539 | 271 | ||
| Churchyards | 5,606 | 5,606 | 7,157 | ||
| Sundry Expenses | 3,419 | 3,419 | 2,000 | ||
| Heat, Light & Water | 3,454 | 3,454 | 4,547 | ||
| Buildings Maintenance | 8,108 | 8,108 | 4,104 | ||
| Repair Work to Apse - Wisdom of God | 0 | 0 | -3,199 | ||
| Organ maintenance | 852 | 852 | 390 | ||
| 93,589 | 0 | 93,589 | 88,233 | ||
| 3(c) Costs of generating funds | |||||
| Church House | 1,198 | 1,198 | 889 | ||
| Magazine | 52 | 52 | 50 | ||
| 1,250 | 0 | 1,250 | 939 | ||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | 95,737 | 0 | 95,737 | 90,555 |
Page 6
Kingswood PCC
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2024
| Note 4 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fund F - Legacy Fund (Restricted Fund) | 2024 | 2023 |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | £ | £ |
| Net income from: Investment Legacy Fund interest | 222 | 184 |
| Kingswood Global Investment Fund interest | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 222 | 184 |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| Transfer to Restricted Fund C2 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 0 | 0 |
| SURPLUS (DEFICIT) | 222 | 184 |
| Balance brought forward 01/01/24 | 1,376 | 1,192 |
| Balance carried forward 31/12/24 | 1,598 | 1,376 |
| Note 5 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Fund G - St Andrew Survival Fund (Restricted Fund) | £ | £ |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | ||
| Net Income from Investment Survival Fund interest | 3 | 2 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 3 | 2 |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| Transfer to Restricted Fund C2 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 0 | 0 |
| SURPLUS(DEFICIT) | 3 | 2 |
| Balance brought forward 01/01/24 | 62 | 60 |
| Balance carried forward 31/12/24 | 65 | 62 |
| Note 6 | ||
| Fund H - Wisdom of God Centenary Fund (Restricted Fund) | 2024 | 2023 |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | £ | £ |
| Net Income from Investment Centenary Fund interest | 1,428 | 1,201 |
| Income from from Wisdom Investment Fund interest | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 1,428 | 1,201 |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| Transfer to Restricted Fund C2 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 0 | 0 |
| SURPLUS(DEFICIT) | 1,428 | 1,201 |
| Balance brought forward 01/01/24 | 8,331 | 7,130 |
| Balance carried forward 31/12/24 | 9,759 | 8,331 |
| Net Incoming Resources in 2024 | 1,653 | 1,387 |
Page 7
Kingswood PCC
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2024
| Note 7 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fund I - Church Hall (Restricted Fund) | 2024 | 2023 |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | £ | £ |
| Net Fees & Donations | 9,347 | 19,747 |
| 9,347 | 19,747 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| Water, Light and Heating | 3,452 | 3,686 |
| Management | 2,775 | 0 |
| Insurances | 1,182 | 1,440 |
| Repairs and Minor Works | 217 | 6,465 |
| Cleaning and Grounds | 2,251 | 4,514 |
| Sundries | 1,029 | 176 |
| 10,906 | 16,281 | |
| Surplus/(Shortfall) | -1,559 | 3,466 |
| Note 8 | ||
| Fund L - Church Hall Fund Raising (Restricted) 2001 | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | 9,347 | 19,747 |
| Interest | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 9,347 | 19,747 |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | 10,906 | 16,281 |
| SURPLUS (DEFICIT) | -1,559 | 3,466 |
| Funds transfer to Current Account | 0 | 0 |
| Balance brought forward as at 01/01/24 | 37,993 | 34,527 |
| Balance carried forward 31/12/24 | 36,434 | 37,993 |
| Represented by Bank Balances as at 31/12/24 | ||
| Metrobank account | 14,248 | 17,477 |
| Santander account | 20,516 | 20,516 |
| 34,764 | 37,993 |
Page 8
Kingswood PCC
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2024
| Note 9 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fund E - Revenue Reserve (Unrestricted Fund) | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | £ | £ |
| Transfer of Net Surplus(loss) to Fund C1 | 10,093 | 3,030 |
| Balance Brought Forward as at 01/01/24 | 30,417 | 27,387 |
| Balance Carried Forward as at 31/12/24 | 40,510 | 30,417 |
| Note 10 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets for Use by the Parochial Church Council | |||
| 10(a) Tangible Fixed Assets | Church Hall | Church House | Total |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Deemed Cost Brought Forward as at 01/01/24 | 416,121 | 243,288 | 659,409 |
| Revaluation | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Net Values Carried Forward as at 31/12/24 | 416,121 | 243,288 | 659,409 |
| Insured Values at 31/12/24 | 711,095 | 444,890 | |
| 10(b) Investment Fixed Assets - detailed on page 9 | Units | 2024 | 2023 |
| Fund A - St Andrew's Trusts (Capital Fund) | £ | £ | |
| Market Values as at 01/01/24 | 503.83 | 11,390 | 10,402 |
| Movements in the year | 260 | 987 | |
| Market Values as at 31/12/24 | 11,650 | 11,389 | |
| Fund B - Wisdom of God Trusts (Capital Fund) | |||
| Market Values as at 01/01/24 | 8445.09 | 190,903 | 174,356 |
| Movements in the year | 4,370 | 16,547 | |
| Market Values as at 31/12/24 | 195,273 | 190,903 | |
| Fund M - Kingswood Global Income Fund | |||
| Market Value as at 01/01/24 | 1933.86 | 5,852 | 5,093 |
| Movements in the year | 366 | 759 | |
| Market Value as at 31/12/24 | 6,218 | 5,852 | |
| Fund N - Wisdom Income Fund | |||
| Market Value as at 01/01/24 | 1555.05 | 35,153 | 32,106 |
| Movements in the year | 804 | 3,047 | |
| Market Value as at 31/12/24 | 35,957 | 35,153 | |
| Overall Market Values 31/12/24 | 249,098 | 243,297 | |
| Increase(Decrease) in Value in 2024 | 5,800 | 21,340 |
Page 9
Kingswood PCC
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2024
Note 10(b) Investments Fixed Assets
| Note 10(b) Investments Fixed Assets | Note 10(b) Investments Fixed Assets | Note 10(b) Investments Fixed Assets | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Kingswood PCC holdings are: | Cost | Total | Market Value | ||||||
| 2024 | 31/12/24 | ||||||||
| Central Board of Finance | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Shares | St Andrews - relating to Fund A | ||||||||
| 422.00 | A E Oddy Legacy | 300 | |||||||
| 16.00 | Allom Grave Endowment | 200 | |||||||
| { Varney | 50 | ||||||||
| 55.00 | { Wilkinson | 50 | |||||||
| { Bonsor | 257 | ||||||||
| 10.83 | Taunton | 104 | 961 | ||||||
| 503.83 | Market Value | 11,650 | |||||||
| Wisdom of God - relating to Fund B | |||||||||
| (held via South London Church Fund & Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance) | |||||||||
| 4,957.29 | Endowment account 459 | 6,054 | 114,626 | ||||||
| 1,582.80 | Endowment account 493 | 2,871 | 36,599 | ||||||
| 1,905.00 | Endowment account 621 | 2,425 | 11,350 | 44,048 | |||||
| 8,445.09 | Market Value | 195,273 | |||||||
| St.Andrew's - relating to Fund M | |||||||||
| 1933.86 | Global Income Investment Fund | ||||||||
| Market Value | 2,000 | 6,218 | |||||||
| Wisdom of God - relating to Fund N | |||||||||
| 1555.05 | Wisdom of God Income Investment Fund | ||||||||
| Market Value | 17,000 | 35,957 | |||||||
| Movements in Market Values | 31/12/23 | 31/12/24 | |||||||
| Cost | Value | Value | Increase | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Fund A endowment | 961 | 11,389 | 11,650 | 261 | |||||
| Fund B endowment | 11,350 | 190,903 | 195,273 | 4,370 | |||||
| Fund M restricted | 2,000 | 5,852 | 6,218 | 366 | |||||
| Fund N restricted | 17,000 | 35,153 | 35,957 | 804 | |||||
| 31,311 | 243,297 | 249,098 | 5,801 | ||||||
| Note 11 Analysis of Net Assets by Fund 31/12/24 | Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Investment | Fixed Assets | 0 | 42,175 | 206,923 | 249,098 | ||||
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 659,409 | 0 | 0 | 659,409 | |||||
| Current Assets | 64,516 | 34,763 | 0 | 99,279 | |||||
| Current Liabilities | -9,914 | 0 | 0 | -9,914 | |||||
| Fund Balance | 714,011 | 76,938 | 206,923 | 997,872 |
Reports to the Parish of Kingswood Annual Parochial Church Meeting Sunday 27 April 2025
Statutory Charity Commission Information - Charity No: 1172427 Those who served as Trustees since 1 January 2020 were: Chairman: The Reverend Christine Colton Vice Chairman: Mr Ron Searle Reader: Mr Ron Searle Churchwardens: Mrs Anne Bennett (until 8 May 2022) Mr Kevin Chamberlain (from 8 May 2022) Mr Graeme Hopkins (from 7 April 2019) Deputy Wardens: Mrs Jane Hollington (from 21 May 2023), Deanery Synod: Mrs Alison Knibbs, Mrs Jane Hollington (until 8 May 2022) Mrs Abi Robinson (from 15 November 2021) Elected Members: Mrs Pia Chamberlain (from 21 May 2023, Mr Frank Foxen (until 8 May 2022), Mrs Gillian French (from 8 May 2022), Mrs Susan Mitchell (until 21 May 2023), Ms Elizabeth Searle (from 21 May 2023), Mrs Linda Utting (from 8 May 2022), James Hewitt (from 12 May 2024).
The Trustees of the church present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The accounts are prepared in accordance with the Accounting Regulations set out under the Charities Act 2011, and with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing accounts in accordance with FRS102 effective 1 January 2015.
Structure Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council for the Ecclesiastical Parish of Kingswood, Southwark, known as Parish of Kingswood is a registered charity number 1172427 . The method of appointment of Parochial Church Council members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll, to take part and assist in the activities and to stand for election to the Council.
The following committees report to the Parochial Church Council:
-
Standing,
-
Church Hall.
1
Parish Safeguarding
The council has complied with the duty under Section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
Public Benefit
The Parochial Church Council has embraced the Charity Commission's guidance on Public Benefit. It aims to promote religion within the parish. The Wisdom of God church is used by local schools for their services and School visits. The hall is available to church groups, local associations and others.
Objectives and Activities
The Council has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent to promote within the parish the whole mission of the church - pastoral, evangelistic, ecumenical and social. It also has responsibility for the maintenance of both the church and hall and to provide the physical and financial resources to achieve the mission of the church in general and the parish in particular.
Achievements and Performance
The Parochial Church Council strives to offer a range of services that attract all age groups from our community who find attendance both beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. Families are attracted to our church by the Family Services, Wisdom Stories at Teatime.
Meetings
During the past year the Council has met in person on 4 occasions and via Zoom on 3 occasions and the average attendance rate was 82.8%. Various committees manage and develop the various activities and their reports are discussed by the Council and authority given where necessary. The Standing Committee, which comprises the Chairman, Lay Reader, Churchwardens, Secretary and Treasurer, meets when necessary to deal with any urgent matters which may arise between ordinary meetings of the Council. The composition and responsibilities of committees are kept under review in order to create better control and an improved reporting system. Matters requiring immediate attention were dealt with during 2024.
Risk Management
continues to implement plans to deal with these.
The principal risks financially and to continuity are the buildings. Both churches are over 130 years old and the hall is over 80 years old. The quinquennial inspection of the church (but not the hall) was carried out during 2022 by a diocesan approved Architect.
Terrorism was considered by the Council to be of minimum risk and has not been insured.
Succession and temporary cover of officers is discussed.
2
Clergy and Readers
The Priest in Charge, The Reverend Christine Colton, was supported by a licensed Reader, Mr Ronald Searle.
Interim Priest-in-Charge Report
The most significant event of 2024 was the retirement of Revd Chris Colton in September, after 10 years serving the parish faithfully. Her retirement was marked by several farewell events and gifts. We thank her for all she contributed to the parish during her time here. I am personally grateful for the detailed handover notes that she left.
Following her retirement, I came to Kingswood in November on a six-month placement as interim minister, as I complete my time as a curate.
Church attendance figures have generally remained fairly steady during 2024, and the special services at Remembrance, Advent and Christmas, were particularly well-attended, and from my perspective, were busy and enjoyable.
One highlight in June 2024 was the confirmation service at the Wisdom of God, where three of those being confirmed were from our parish. In March, Kingswood Parish joined with other local churches for the World Day of Prayer service.
During the year, there were several social and outreach events. These included the two Party, as well as the Heritage Open Day in September.
Our regular events for the community continue to be well supported, including the monthly Coffee Circle and our weekly after-school club, Wisdom Stories at Tea Time
As 2024 ends, the church is in a time of transition, as we await further clarity about the appointment of a permanent minister. Meanwhile I have enjoyed my initial weeks in the parish and have felt very welcome.
Many thanks to our Churchwardens, Kevin Chamberlain and Graeme Hopkins, our Lay Reader, Ron Searle, and to all those who serve so faithfully in Kingswood Parish.
Thanks also to Graeme Knibbs who edits our monthly parish magazine, which keeps us informed and provides much food for thought, as well as being a useful source of information for my report
Francesca Perlman Mitchell Interim Priest-in-Charge
3
4
Retirement of Revd Christin Colton
Revd Christine Colton, Priest in Charge of the Parish of Kingswood since December 2014, retired on Sunday 29 September 2024. A special leaving service at The Church of the
Chris was presented with an iPad, photobook of her time in the parish and other gifts. Both the service and the party were very well attended by members of the parish who worship in both churches. The churchwardens wish Chris well in her retirement.
Welcoming Revd Dr. Francesca Perlman Mitchell.
The vacancy in the parish was covered by visiting priests between September and November 2024, at which point the parish was blessed by having Revd Dr. Francesca Perlman Mitchell join us on placement as she goes through the discernment process to
transition between being and Associate Priest to becoming an Incumbent Priest.
Francesca spent three enjoyable years as a curate in Cheam Parish. Previously having worked as a GP, she also spent some time in public health research.
Francesca grew up in Banstead, before going away she to study at St George’s Medical School, where became a Christian, after she heard and understood the Gospel for the first time. Since then, church and faith have continued to be important to her. More recently, Francesca started to feel called to be an ordained minister and was subsequently accepted to train at St Augustine’s College.
Parish Vacancy
As reported at the APCM of 12 May 2024, the proposal of the Diocese to suspend the parish’s right of presentation for a period of 5 years from 2024, was communicated by Archdeacon Moira Astin in her letter of 10 October 2023. The effect of the proposal is the Parish of Kingswood and the Parish of Tadworth, The Good Shepherd are likely to be brought together as a United Benefice at some time in the future. The PCC was assured that the creation of the proposed United Benefice does not presage the subsequent amalgamation of the two current livings into a single parish
The draft Parish Profile was worked on by the PCC from October 2024. By the end of the year the PCC was in negotiation with the Archdeacon, as the Bishop’s representative in respect of the process for advertising for a priest to work with the parish and in respect of the process by which such an appointment will be made.
4
Articles of Enquiry 2024
The Articles of Enquiry were duly completed and submitted to the diocese.
inspection:
==> picture [420 x 172] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Certificate Wisdom of God
Insurance Expiry 23/06/2026 Expiry 23/06/2026
Employer Liability Insurance Expiry 22/06/2024 Expiry 02/11/2024
Electrical Fixed Wiring Expiry 20/06/2027 Expiry 07/02/2027
PAT Expired 06/03/2025 Expired 15/03/2025
Gas Expiry 11/03/2025 Expiry 11/03/2025
Fire Extinguisher Check Expiry 01/03/2025 Expiry 01/03/2025
Lightening Conductor Expiry 01/12/2025 N/A
Copyright Licence Expiry 31/12/2025 Expiry 31/12/2025
Fire Risk Assessment Yes Yes
Health and Safety Policy Expiry 18/03/2025 Expiry 18/03/2025
Quinquennial Inspection Yes 2022 Yes 2022
----- End of picture text -----
Church Inspections
The inspections of both churches were carried out on Tuesday 23 April 2024 by The Ven. Moira Astin, Archdeacon of Reigate.
Statistics for Mission Return
The Statistics for Mission return to the diocese has been completed. In brief, the average Sunday attendance at each church in 2024 was 18.6 adults and 3.6 children at The Wisdom of God and 18.1 adults and 1.1 children at St. Andrews. This compares to 2023 figures of an average of 17.7 adults and 3.7 at The Wisdom of God and 16.3 adults and 2.7 children at St. s.
With an average of 25.7 children and 5.9 adults attending Wisdom Stories at Teatime, numbers are comparable to 2023 (22 children and 6 adults). Attendance of this service has remained stable since 2017.
Easter day attendance at both churches was slightly lower than in the previous year.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 66 | 54 | |
| Wisdom of God | 34 | 40 | 39 |
Christmas attendance including the crib services, evening services and Christmas Day decreased from 142 to 100 at The Wisdom of God and increased from 56 to 100 at St. This was partly attributable to the change in the pattern of services, with no Christmas Eve evening service at The Wisdom of God and a Christmas Day service at St.
5
The number of weddings was the same as in the previous year (3), baptisms dropped from 6 to 1 and funerals from 9 to 6.
Mission Action Plan
The PCC adopted a Mission Action Plan for 2023-2024, with two key priorities:
-
1) the engagement of older children and adolescents
-
Wisdom Stories at Teatime continues to thrive (Please see Statistics for Mission above.)
-
2) the recruitment of an Eco-champion.
several occasions. The ceiling is badly stained by water and mould is developing both on the ceiling and on the window frame below.
Kevin chamberlain, working with the Parish administrator, sought three quotations for the repair and improvement of the roof so that a similar situation might be avoided in future. A quotation was accepted but the company concerned withdrew from contract before the work could be undertaken. Further quotations were sought and Tresan were contracted to undertake the work, which was scheduled for February 2025 at a cost of £10,092.
Guttering at both Churches
The guttering at both churches was cleaned in the week beginning 15 January 2024. Subsequently, we have been informed that, whilst all is well at The Wisdom of God, there with many damaged brackets. The guttering requires replacement. The damaged slates have been repaired at a cost of £240 +VAT. The replacement of guttering will cost in the region of £10k and further discussion by the PCC is required.
Fencing at The Wisdom of God
Work was required to repair fencing at The Wisdom of God. One of the newer fenceposts in Buckland Road had been broken at the base and a fence panel has been fully detached in Brighton Road and had to be held in place by cable ties.
Graeme Hopkins sought quotations from three companies and the PCC agreed to the work being carried out by Gradescapes at a cost of £2,400. The work being completed prior to the Parish Fete in September 2024.
Shed at The Wisdom of God
A new metal shed was purchased for the garden of The wisdom of God, to be used to house fete equipment and other church materials. The shed was partially erected on 21 September. Sadly, as a result of the high winds in the storms, the structure was completely destroyed. A wooden replacement has been sourced and has since been erected.
6
Parish Fete 7 September 2024
The themed fete was well attended, with well over 100 members of the parish attending the garden of The Wisdom of God throughout the day. Once again, a range of activities for children made the event attractive to families.
Farm helped to maintain the interest of young people. The raffle proved extremely popular this year. The fete raised a total of £2,148.75, a slight decline on the previous year, when £2,822.66 was raised.
Concerns in respect of the quality and frequency of church yard maintenance carried out by contractors and the level of funding received from Reigate and Banstead Council led the PCC to investigate the standard of maintenance at churches where responsibility has been passed from the parish to the council so that the PCC may consider whether this might be a more cost-effective option. Other parishes contacted were very positive in respect of the service provided by the council. It was also noted that during the Ecclesiastical survey of 3 June 2024, the surveyor said that this was generally the best and most cost-effective way for parishes to maintain they churchyards.
Kevin Chamberlain reported that in discussions with the council there had been a suggestion that there may be an increase in the grant. The grant does not cover the maintenance of the churchyard, requiring just short of £3,000 from the parish in 2023. The PCC has a choice notice to the Council that it wishes the Council to take over responsibility for the maintenance of the churchyard. Currently, no final decisions have been made, and negotiations are likely to continue well into 2025.
Confirmation Service Sunday (23 June 2024)
The conformation service was held at The Church of the Wisdom of God on Sunday 23 June 2024 and was led by Bishop Rosemary. The Parish presented 3 candidates 1 child and 2 adults) for confirmation.
Parish Choir
The Parish Choir continued to perform at both churches throughout the year and gave two concerts at our churches: the Fauré Requiem at The Church of the Wisdom of God on Saturday 8 September 2024 and the Christmas Concert on 8 December 2024, the proceeds of which were shared between the Parish and the Surrey Care Trust, for which £232.50 was raised.
Kevin Chamberlain and Graeme Hopkins Churchwardens
7
Electoral Roll
The Electoral Roll has been revised this year, as required every six years. On 3 April 2025 to roll stood at 58.
Alexia Hartman Electoral Roll Officer
Coffee Morning
Attendance at the monthly coffee morning continues to be strong, with members of the local community enjoying the opportunity to meet together, sharing news of the parish, meeting with our local councillor, Rod Ashford, and partaking of tea, coffee and some excellent home-made cakes.
Thanks go to our volunteer team helpers, Gill McMaster, Liz Richardson, Mary McCormack and Sharon Childs - some of whom have completed CPR training in the course of the year.
Also, we were able, yet again, in the December Coffee morning to run a successful and enjoyable raffle in aid of Pancreatic cancer in memory of Brenda Avery, who was a long standing helper at the coffee mornings. We sent a donation of £72.50 to their cause.
Funds raised by the coffee morning were more than sufficient to cover costs and at the end of 2024, plans to purchase a new vacuum cleaner for The Church of the Wisdom of God were made, although the purchase was not made until after the end of the year.
Linda Utting
Church Hall
There was no substantive chair of the committee from October 2022 and, with no one stepping forward, Revd Chris Colton assumed the role in 2023. The death of the Treasurer in March 2024 and simultaneous resignation of the Church Hall Administrator meant that Ron Searle, as secretary, was charged with booking, care of keys and maintenance. Gillian French, the PCC Treasurer, assumed the role of Church Hall Treasurer in March 2024. The main Church Hall account has been closed and amalgamated in the PCC account as a restricted fund. There is also a Santander account containing just over £20k. The return of Justina Thomas as Hall Administrator has ensured that administration is now well managed. Richard Wells has joined the committee.
Rev Dr. Francesca Perlman Mitchell has agreed to chair the committee in the interim period. Ron Searle has stepped down as secretary to the Church Hall Committee but is prepared to remain as a member.
The Church Hall Committee requires a Chair and a Secretary.
Ron Searle
8
Home Group
The home group continues to thrive with a number of additional members from the parish, the majority of whom worship at our churches. We have also welcomed some Christians who have moved into the parish but worship at churches outside of the area. It has been good to be able to benefit and learn from others journeys/experience of faith. We currently have 11 members which is about the maximum number for a viable home group to allow all to be able to contribute.
As a group we enjoy encouraging one another through sharing our experiences of God and growing in prayer for each other, the life of the parish, the world, and other things that are inspired by our lively and thought-provoking discussions.
During the year we have completed our studies in the book of Genesis. We have listened to, and discussed the implications of a couple of talks on particular bible passages and have studied the Beatitudes. In our discussions we try to understand what God might be saying to us.
consisted of eight sessions aiming at demonstrating the big picture of the Bible Storyline from Genesis to Revelation. It gave some ideas on tools to use when studying the bible and plenty of space for discussion and personal reflection. Everyone said how wonderful it had been to see the overall narrative of the Bible in a cohesive whole and see the Bible narrative expressed in a timeline diagram.
We would very much welcome a chat with anyone interested in joining the group. No qualifications needed just a desire to grow in faith and a lively sense of humour.
Alison and Graeme Knibbs
Cross Ways Magazine
I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the magazine in any way over the past year. I would also like to thank Alexia for copying and sending out the print copies of the magazine each month.
There were 10 issues of Cross Ways through the year, including two issues that covered June/July and December/ January. I am always interested in contributions or ideas for topics to be included from the congregation. Sadly, this year we had a tribute to Mary Bush who died during the past year.
During the year the magazine production process has changed so that both the email and print versions utilise the same PDF. The email provides a button to download the same PDF as used for the print version magazine. The email also contains information about what is in the issue and a limited amount of other content like posters or important announcements. This change has considerably reduced the work involved in creating each issue. The change to a PDF maintains the ability to include clickable hyperlinks and images, though obviously these are not available in the printed version.
9
The software required to compile the magazine is now only Microsoft Word and other software that is readily available as part of either Microsoft Windows or iOS. The change also makes it easier to manage the page count of the print version removing blank pages and hence production costs. The aim is now to limit the magazine to 20 A4 pages. Further consideration is needed about the use of colour vs monochrome from a cost point of view but it might be detrimental to advertising content.
The masthead is now the same for all issues and the month and year has moved to the same place as the copy date for the following issue. This makes production easier as the month/year is now a simple textual change rather than requiring changes to a JPEG. The magazine now contains three banner advertisements and two full page advertisements. The inclusion of the full-page advertisements means that the income from the magazine has increased. However, the space available for editorial content has reduced.
I try to provide a wide range of content so that there will be something of interest to content is really needed. I hope that the magazine inspires us to think about how our faith affects us as individuals and as a parish. While the sidebar provides book reviews, more light-hearted and humorous content.
If you would like to receive the email version of the magazine, please use the link on the Parish web site magazine page to subscribe. A paper copy is available, if you require one, please contact the parish administrator. If you have any comments about the magazine or content that you would like to submit, I can always be contacted through by email at kingswood.parishmag@gmail.com .
magazine page of the parish web site.
Finally, I would like to thank Alison for her invaluable assistance helping me make sound editorial decisions, checking for my mistakes and laying out the print version.
Graeme Knibbs Editor
Deanery Synod
The Deanery Synod met three times in 2024, on 27 February, 26 June and 10 October. Amongst the subject discussed and considered were the impact of faith, school pastors in Union, environment and climate change, including the Gatwick expansion, children and youthwork, racial justice, working with the elderly, modern slavery and safeguarding.
Presentations were received by several local agencies and charities, including the Renewed
10