St Phi Ips Annual Report 2023 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
I,Ii' r:
Introduction
Following 2022’s focus on re-building following the pandemic, 2023 was a year of important steps forward for St Philip’s and our community.
The two most important steps – different in nature but supporting a common goal – both happened in June. They were the completion of the West End Project at the start of the month and the arrival of Helen Calner our curate on 18 June. Together these events paved the way to deeper engagement both within and beyond our regular membership.
The West End Project created a glass lobby just inside our historic wooden West Doors and added additional glazing to reduce sound transmission and heat loss. As a result, our West Doors are wide open every day, inviting people in through the new glass doors to pray and rest and reflect; and into the evening, the light from within draws people in. Literally, the light shines in the darkness. We have experienced a significant increase in visitors who seek peace and calm in our church and Pushkin our cat has proved his pastoral skills by sitting with many of the people who come in to pray, and silently inviting them to return.
As well as inviting people in, the new glass greatly improves the experience inside the church. It creates a setting for worship that invites prayer and calm, free from street noise and cold winter drafts.
Just days after completion of the project, we were able to welcome Helen Calner as a full-time curate. Helen had been a Deacon for many years in the Swedish Lutheran Church and she was ordained Priest in the Church of England on June 17, after which she began her ministry with us, starting with a fabulous sermon at our All age Eucharist the day following her priesting.
With her arrival we have been able to build upon and expand our ministries in many fruitful ways, including a well received month-long autumn series she offered on weekday evenings: The Pearls of Life. The combination of her insightful preaching and her pastoral skills, together with the improvements to our building, have helped us take our Christian ministry to a new level. There was a noticeable deepening of engagement by many in the congregation as the year progressed.
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That deepening was helped by the arrival of our new Director of Music, Laurence Long , who has brought his remarkable talents to St Philip’s, making wonderful music and helping our choir develop their skills.
Not long after Helen’s arrival, we were able to install a cooling system in our Upper Hall, changing baking heat into an inviting cool and drawing more of the local community into St Philip’s for a huge variety of activities that take place in our halls.
2023 was the year that St Philip’s opened its doors and turned the location on a busy road from a problem to an asset. We are there for our community as a spiritual home of increasing depth and a practical resource for many activities. Whether for prayer or for a huge variety of other joyful pursuits, our doors are open. Come and see!
Report of the Vicar
Christian formation and worship
Whilst we were well into the regular rhythm of liturgy and worship in person throughout the year, we continued to maintain our online offer via Zoom, thanks to our able technology, expertly overseen by Rupert Steele , enabling those less able or living far away to be able to continue to regularly join us.
The Unity Service in January was this year hosted by St Stephen’s Gloucester Road, coordinated by Kensington Council of churches with Churches Together in Notting Hill. Among other events, KCC with CTiNH also offered an ecumenical Lent course which, as usual, was hosted by a different church each week.
Our now annual Shrove Tuesday party was celebrated with aplomb and the children decorated some fabulous new banners to hang at Easter. We were delighted that Rebecca Timms , the new Head Teacher of our Church of England primary school, St Barnabas and St Philips, was able to join us for the evening. The children took great pleasure in learning how to burn Palm crosses from last year to prepare for our Ash Wednesday services.
On Ash Wednesday, in addition to our three services, we distributed ashes to the staff and pupils of our school since, for once, it was not half term. On Sunday nights in Lent, we introduced the night service of Compline, a brief form of reflective prayer from the monastic tradition, to end the day.
Early in Lent, we were delighted to welcome the new Bishop of Kensington, Emma Ineson , to join us for morning prayer during her visit to the deanery within the first month of her arrival. Many colleagues from around the deanery also attended. During Lent we also offered a weekly reflection, based on Bishop Emma’s book “Failure: What
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Jesus Said About Sin, Mistakes and Messing Stuff Up”, following our midweek lunchtime Eucharist.
Ijeoma Ajibade preached for us on Palm Sunday. In preparation for Easter, children filled and decorated Easter baskets, and made cards for residents at the local nursing home and those unable to attend church. They also participated in the now annual interactive “journey through Holy Week” to prepare them for Easter.
On Good Friday, following a moving Three Hours at the Cross, we were again grateful to Rebecca and the ECC, for performing Stainer’s crucifixion, which offered a fitting end to this most holy of days.
Ije joined us to preach at our Easter Vigil service and we lit our new Paschal Candle. As usual, the children at our Church School had participated in a competition to draw a design, with the 2023 theme being “Thy Kingdom Come”; the candle bore the winning design. Following the very early start of 5:45 am, we were grateful for the delicious cooked breakfast by Anne Steele and others, fortifying us before welcoming so many to our joyful Choral Eucharist to celebrate the Risen Lord.
There were opportunities during the spring and early summer to meet both with the bishop and the college of bishops to hear and discuss issues concerning “Living in Love and Faith” about same sex blessings. I am looking forward to the time when the path may be clear for these to occur, without so much continued controversy.
We were delighted to welcome our Area Dean, James Heard , as preacher for our Patronal festival followed by our annual Patronal lunch. Thanks to the Wardens and Chandra Tambimuttu for all their hard work to ensure that the bring and share lunch fed one and all. We filled the lower hall with festivity and fun, not to mention delicious food.
No sooner had we finished celebrating our Patronal Festival, but preparations began for the Coronation. The church was decorated by many volunteers, and we invited all to watch the Coronation service on our large screen TV. We provided a printed order of service, as well as tea and scones. In addition, our Sunday Eucharist celebrated the coronation with special music. An Interfaith Prayer Service outside the Kensington Town Hall also took place.
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We saw Bishop Emma again at the Confirmation service in St Mary Abbots in May when she confirmed two youth and five adult candidates, following classes that began in Lent and were shared with St. Mary Abbots, as in past years.
And then to conclude the season of Easter we were so pleased that Stephen Green was able to join us as our preacher to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the birth-day of the church.
Swenja Surminski once more helped us to celebrate God’s creation, reminding us to be good stewards of this fragile and magnificent world in which we live and move and have our being. She addressed the congregation at our Eco Church Sunday in February and a Climate Change Sunday in Creation tide in the autumn. As our Christian Aid representative, she also gave the address during Christian Aid week in May. We are so grateful to her for all her efforts and energy in helping us to keep these important issues front and centre.
On 9 July, we celebrated Sea Sunday, remembering those who go down to the sea in ships – thinking both of their vital role for everybody in these islands, and the difficulties many seafarers face.
On 17 July, we held a magnificent Choral Eucharist to say farewell to Rebecca Taylor , who had been our director of Music since August 2010, as she took up a full time position at Rugby School. Our choir was joined by many members of the English Chamber Choir, where she was Assistant Conductor, as she was also saying farewell to them. In turn, we celebrated with a party following the service, giving thanks for her time with us and the many musical gifts and extraordinary talent she has shared with us all.
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Our harvest festival was celebrated this year at an All Age Eucharist where children helped us to give thanks for God’s blessings. We then continued the celebrations with our annual harvest bring-and-share lunch. Thanks to the fabulous catering team who ensured that all who came through our doors were fed.
The Feast of St Francis was marked by the blessing of the animals and Pushkin did his best to welcome other four legged creatures.
In September a group from the parish went to hear Rowan Williams at St Paul’s Cathedral and enjoyed a lovely supper afterwards.
Remembrance Sunday was both moving and special. We were delighted that Michael Colclough , a former Bishop
of Kensington, could join us as our celebrant and preacher at a magnificent Choral Eucharist. His words were uplifting and moving on a sombre day where we also offer thanks for so many who gave their lives for peace and freedom.
In Advent the clergy led three evenings of reflection, inviting a time to pause in a very busy season. As Christmas neared, the children decorated Christmas ornaments and created Christmas cards to be sold, the theme this year being “let the light shine”, reflecting our new church doors. Our All Age Christingle this year, led by Helen, was combined with a celebration of St. Lucy whose feast day falls in December and who is much celebrated in the Swedish Church.
The church was filled to overflowing for our candlelit Carol service where the music lifted us to the heavens, and a mulled wine reception following the service was enjoyed by many. Our stunning 18’ tree: the best yet, was festooned with light and as the Advent weeks went on, became more and more filled with “prayer cards” left by people wanting to remember or pray for someone, or give thanks. The Longest Night Service offered opportunities for people to pray in a more reflective space where time was given to write and hang prayer cards, as well as light candles for those on their mind.
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Christmas itself was marked by more beautiful liturgy and magnificent music for the Choral Midnight Mass and Christmas morning Eucharist. A full and joyful Church welcomed the birth of Christ and Light of the World with moving liturgy and song.
We continued to collaborate with “YMIC” which puts on events for youth every few months, giving our teens opportunities to participate with several other churches from a similar liturgical and theological position. We also went ice skating in December which was great fun.
Throughout the year, there were signs of a deepening of Christian faith and devotion among a number of the congregation. It will be important to nurture and support this in the months and years to come.
Pastoral Care
It is a privilege to walk with people through their life journeys, through the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows, and offering ministry and the sacraments of the church. With the arrival of Helen in the summer, we have been able to expand our outreach to those on the periphery. We have also been able to increase our presence in our local Nursing Home, Beatrice Place, which now receives residents on a more short term basis, so there is more flux and an opportunity to often meet new people. Near the beginning of the year and within a few months of each other, we conducted funerals for Otto and Siu Snel , who lived in the parish and occasionally came to church. Not long after, we sadly laid to rest Robert McClintock , son-in-law of Marguerite, who had died in early 2021. Robert had been a stalwart of the parish, attending church weekly as long as he was able and then receiving pastoral care at home near the end.
Other parishioners whose funerals were held in Church were Anne Stephens , Renate Gunn and Josephine Honnor , all known to many in the community.
Joyful occasions
We began the year with the celebration of marriage between Jana StewartRichardson and Byron McCaughey who live in Australia but whose aunt lives in the Parish. We also celebrated a wedding blessing in the summer of a couple from the States.
The Easter Vigil was a special opportunity to welcome into the Faith five adults from Iran and one Japanese pupil from our school. We also welcomed another adult into baptism in the autumn.
Publicity and communications
Laura Sylvester continued to lead on publicity for the increasingly busy programme of events and services. This includes circulating the weekly email newsletter, updating
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the website and preparing numerous posters and flyers. With help from many in the congregation, leaflets were delivered to residences and businesses in the parish about our major festivals.
Laura also updates our feed on X/Twitter @StPhilipsW8 and Pushkin, with some help from his social media secretary Anne Steele, promotes some of our events on @CatSpecr as well as posting pictures of himself being a cat.
As mentioned above, perhaps the biggest step forward in our publicity has been the ability to have our West Doors open all day and into the evening, signalling to the busy Earls Court Road that we are open for business.
Community engagement
Our Monthly film club was able to finally resume in 2023 led by Roberto Schieppati with the technical support of Rupert Steele, providing an opportunity for the community to gather for fellowship and refreshments before watching a film on our large screen TV.
Although the manager of the Scarsdale Tavern, Ross Dickison sadly left in the autumn, the new manager, Jess, has thankfully invited us to continue to hold our monthly coffee morning in the Scarsdale where fellowship and refreshments are enjoyed by many from the neighbourhood. We are very grateful to them for their community minded spirit.
In addition to our Parish lunches and Easter breakfast in church, we celebrated an Epiphany party in the vicarage and a Parish picnic in Holland Park in the summer, which included fun activities for the younger members.
The garden continues to thrive under the able green fingers of James Thayer Warne who has truly created a beautiful piece of paradise which is much admired by many who pass by.
I was invited to bless Claire Dimpfl’s Nursery garden in Chelsea in March and enjoyed a joyful morning with her and her amazing staff and pupils who were so full of enthusiasm; a gift to witness.
The school continued to improve and thrive under its new leadership, supported by the Governing Body. One of our churchwardens, Jamie Mangan , remains a Foundation Governor, appointed by our PCC, and parishioner Claire Dimpfl, Head of Tadpoles Nursery, became a Foundation Governor in 2023, appointed by the London Diocesan Board of Schools (LDBS). We had a regular presence in the school leading collective worship as well as taking services in the church for various occasions in the year, including the end of year school service in the summer, working in close collaboration
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with the Vicar of St Barnabas church, Andy Buckler . In December the children were invited to sing carols at Beatrice Place, our local nursing home, and the residents welcomed them with enthusiasm and enjoyed singing along.
We welcomed the Glass Door
night shelter back this winter and accommodated their request to host on a Sunday night and for women only. It took some adjusting but went well, and it was lovely to be able to welcome the guests to join us for Midnight Mass, even if most only participated from afar, being upstairs in the hall in their sleeping bags. We forgive them for accidentally locking us out on Christmas morning: it certainly offered us an adventure and some anxious entertainment, and of course a good story to share. I suspect that the Kensington Fire Brigade who kindly broke into the building for us, felt the same way. It was their first call on Christmas morning, and we rewarded them as best we could with huge thanks and praise, and a few bottles to share once they were off duty. We have,
however, installed a backup entrance facility so if we are ever locked out again, we can get in without troubling the emergency services.
Dance teacher Paul Prifti returned to offer a community dance class which was held during the fellowship time on a Wednesday in December, following our lunchtime Eucharist. Fun was had by all.
In areas beyond the parish, including diocesan commitments, I continued to serve on Diocesan Synod and on the Kensington & Chelsea Faith Communities Partnership as well as its Steering Group. I served as Chaplain and Governor of the Pathfinder Fellowship based at Bickersteth House, as well as Chaplain within the Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) for London, participating in the teaching and leading the annual retreat. In the autumn Andy Buckler stood down as the leader of the Kensington scheme and the intern groups were brought together. I also continue as an ADO, (Area Director of ordinands) and as a Trustee on the FHL, Friends of the Holy Land.
In December, I was honoured to be invited by Archbishop Angaelos , Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, to the 10th anniversary of the founding of their cathedral in Stevenage, where I was introduced to the King.
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Resources and people
We were grateful for Margaret Ayo’s ministry with us and increasing involvement in weekday activities including leading the weekly Bible study. She also offers much to the Diocese in being on the panel to interview the potential ordinands for the Church of England. She provided cover on a number of Sundays in 2023 for a parish in White City in its interregnum, but she was with us whenever she could and we are grateful for her continued involvement.
We continue to appreciate Ije’s regular presence, she was with us on an almost monthly basis through the autumn until her new duties took her elsewhere. We are, as ever, so grateful to Lesley Perry for her availability and support, particularly during the summer, and for this year joining Helen in August for two Sundays.
Since 2015, the role of Church Manager had been run as a job share between Sally Bessada and Laura Sylvester, with Sally focussing on the lettings that provide the parish’s financial health and Laura on publicity and the service booklets. This changed in March 2023, when Sally moved to a full time post at Fulham Boys School. We were very sorry to see Sally go but are happy for the new opportunities offered to her. Very luckily for us, Laura agreed to pick up the baton and run with it, taking on all the aspects of the job which had previously been covered by Sally. Already brilliant in her role, it is not surprising that she picked up the other tasks of the job description with speed and fluency.
The Fabric Team, benefitting from the expertise of Jacquie Sands and Jo Eade , and with support from Rupert, continued to look after development of the building, culminating in the completion of the West End Project in June 2023 and the subsequent installation of a cooling system in the Upper Hall. We are grateful to the Band Trust and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for their grants that, together with many gifts from parishioners, made the finances of the project work.
Once we knew that Rebecca Taylor was leaving, Anne Steele and Diana von Preuschen led a search for a new Director of Music. As a result, in September, we were delighted to welcome Laurence Long to the role. We rapidly benefited from his experience, talent and ability to fit so well into our community; under his leadership the choir is going from strength to strength. We were thrilled that he has composed several pieces for us, including a mass setting for Advent and Lent.
In the autumn, we needed to say goodbye to Ros Hodson when she moved to Kent to be nearer her family. Ros had attended St Philips for more than 40 years and served in many ministries, most recently as a member of the choir and leading the provision and arranging of flowers as well as being a PCC member. Her move leaves a huge gap in our community. We are grateful for Chandra Tambimuttu and Anne Steele for continuing to ensure that we have beautiful flowers at festivals.
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Decorations of the church for the major festivals continue to be led by Zoe Schieppati-Emery with support from Lucy Cutler , Anne Steele and a team of others. In many cases, the children of the school were invited to colour in or make elements, which could then be put up on the day.
We are so grateful to Kazumi Tsutsui , as Children’s Champion, for continuing to take the lead in providing for an up to date rota of enthusiastic and prepared teacher volunteers who were ready to teach Sunday School through the school year. In the autumn we offered a training session for the teachers, which will become a regular feature. The teachers are creative and instructive, and it is always a joy hearing what the children have been learning when they share their experience and insights with the congregation after the Peace.
In many respects the resources of the parish are its people: those who give of their time, talents, treasure, whose lives are embedded in the worshipping life of the community, and whose presence makes a difference. Each in their own way supports the St Philip’s motto, “Come & See”: more visible and inviting now with our new glass doors inviting people in.
From our Caretaker, Sean Collins , cleaning in the week and opening the doors first thing in the morning, to Simone Bynoe , cleaning at the weekend and closing the doors last thing on a Saturday night; to Simon Cox who keeps Pushkin happy at night with supper and locking the church so he may roam through the building; to the magnificent worship and music from our choir, Director of Music and clergy, and visiting priests and bishops; to our Church Manager keeping everything running smoothly; to Rupert knowing how to fix anything in the building and keeping all connected via Zoom; to all those who serve and contribute to the worship and formation of our lives: stewards, readers, intercessors, Sunday School teachers, acolytes.
To those who provide weekly refreshments or cater for annual lunches, or launder and iron the linens; to those who decorate or arrange the flowers or help with Zoom or care for our garden; to those who sit on our school governing body or on Deanery Synod, who work with our children or youth or visit those in need. And of course to our Wardens Jamie Mangan and Mallindi Baldassarro , and to all the members of the PCC who give so much of their time to creatively care for and offer vision to the mission of St Philips. Among them are our Safeguarding officer, Chandra, Electoral Roll Officer, Chris Luxton , and Simon Cox, whose job as Secretary is endless.
St Philip’s simply wouldn’t be anything without you all: thank you.
Philippa A Turner Vicar
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Report from Director of Music
I started as Director of Music in September 2023 and was given a warm welcome. Since I joined, there has been an increase in the number of regular choir members. We had a visit from a renowned organ consultant, Paul Hale , who gave us sound and detailed advice on repairs for the short and longer term.
The Remembrance Sunday service was a musical highlight. Sung by the St Philip’s choir with four professional singers, it featured a reflective choral mass setting by William Lloyd Webber. The following month, we were all treated to some Swedish songs, introduced to us by our Curate. The songs are very effective and I’m sure that we will be hearing more of them soon! This was in an All Age service where the children and young people played a key role musically, something which has happened regularly and which has included wonderful instrumental playing and solo singing. This has added a lot to worship and is much appreciated.
Our carol service was sung by the regular choir of St Philip’s, supplemented by a quartet of professionals. I was proud of the choir’s rising to the occasion. They delivered a successful service, with members of the congregation remarking afterwards on how beautiful the music was. It was not long before we had another of our biggest services, Midnight Mass. As many of our regular choir members were away, this was led by six professional singers. We performed Haydn’s ‘Missa Sancti Nicolai’, a joyful and exquisite Christmas mass setting, followed by Will Todd’s glorious a cappella piece ‘My Lord has Come’.
Christmas Day morning began, as is mentioned elsewhere in these pages, with a visit from the Kensington Fire Brigade – but we made it into the church, and ‘I saw three ships’ was sung so powerfully by soloist Anna Samant that it received rapturous applause – during communion!
I have fully enjoyed my introduction to St Philip’s and am thoroughly looking forward to exciting music in the future.
Laurence Long Director of Music
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Report from Children’s Champion
The children of St Philip’s remain a central part of the life of the church. Around 50 children attended at some point during the year, and we are pleased to welcome new members regularly. The St Philip’s Sunday school is run by volunteers from the congregation, including parents. Each month, normally on the third Sunday, we hold an All-Age Service in which the children actively participate. Readings and prayers are led by the children.
Throughout the year, the children enjoyed various seasonal events hosted at the church. Our Shrove Tuesday Party was well attended, and children also designed the huge Easter banners. Our seventh participatory All Hallows’ Eve service took place with a party afterwards. At Christmas, our Crib Service was incorporated into the 10:30 Sunday service (as Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday). The resulting children’s participation, including a nativity play, was a great success.
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The children enjoyed decorating the church for major festivals such as Easter, Harvest, and Christmas under the guidance of Zoe Schieppati-Emery and Anne Steele. St Philip’s Christmas Card Competition ran for the fifth year, during which children designed their own interpretation of “Let the light shine” to celebrate the new glass doors installed at the church’s west entrance. All the designed cards were sold in the church during Advent.
Our church has an important relationship with St Barnabas & St Philip’s Church of England Primary School. The clergy were involved with worship at the school, and we welcomed the children to St Philip’s for Eucharistic services and other events. There are also joint activities, such as the annual Paschal Candle design competition, where the winning design is put onto our Paschal candle for Easter. Several members of the church also serve on the Board of Governors for the school.
Kazumi Tsutsui
Children’s Champion
Report from the Wardens
This is a report on fabric in accordance with section 50 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018.
St Philips is a busy and well-loved building of the Earls Court area, serving as a place for the community to gather for worship, education, celebration as well as recreation, for all, young and old and in between. St Philips continues to be in good working order, meeting the needs of the congregation and the community.
The building is monitored on a regular basis and any matter which needs repairs is addressed promptly. The heating system received standard repairs, servicing and safety tests in line with normal usage. Repairs to several toilets were conducted in 2023, as well as service and repair to an automated hand washing unit. Storage cupboards located in the lower and upper halls, in need of maintenance from normal wear and tear, were repaired. The upper hall kitchenette and floors were repaired. Additionally, a corner post in the lower hall was reconfigured to prevent damage from chair trolleys.
The safety of those who worship, work and visit St Philips is paramount. With this in mind, fire doors were repaired and a new lock with enhanced security to the side gate at the south of the church was installed. Additional emergency lighting was installed while existing emergency lighting was replaced. To help safely maintain the building, safer access to the roof from the upper hall was installed. Contracts are in place for fire alarm and extinguisher servicing and other necessary testing or servicing, including testing the emergency lighting, is dealt with periodically.
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The church benefits from an extensive CCTV system which helps to deter theft or antisocial behaviour and enables responsibility for breakages to be identified. This system was further expanded and improved cameras fitted in 2023.
The garden continued to grow and flourish, providing a welcoming exterior for St Philips. To help maintain a tidy and inviting environment, the bin shelters have been repaired in 2023.
Two recommendations were outstanding from the Quinquennial inspection of 2019. These were:
• Installation of internal glass structures to reduce the noise disturbance and heat loss affecting the main church. This project (the West End Project) was completed in 2023. In addition, there were significant electrical and builders works undertaken in and around the narthex to facilitate the project, including new lighting for the resurrection window. The flooring in the narthex is ready for future minor repairs with tiles cut ready for installation. The glass structure has decreased heat loss as well as provided significant noise reduction from the Earls Court Road.
• Improving the sound in the church for those with impaired hearing. This will be implemented as part of general works needed on the sound system in the coming years. Upgrades to the sound system for digital streaming of worship services coupled with reduction in outside noise pollution afforded by the West End Project have greatly improved sound in the church. Nonetheless, an overall hearing impaired solution is planned.
Mallindi Baldassarro and Jamie Mangan
Churchwardens
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Treasurer’s Report
General comments – unrestricted funds
The financial position is summarised in the Accounts for 2023, which form part of this report.
In January, we set a budget which was balanced before the expected income from the telecommunication base station in our spire. We budgeted unrestricted income of £249,100 and expenditure of £234,800.
In the event, unrestricted income out-turned at about £272,050, some £22,950 higher than projected. The increase was mainly due to lettings income being £14,500 above target. Unrestricted expenditure came in at just over £252,000, some £17,200 above our budget. This was mainly due to some £11,200 spent on an additional building project, discussed below.
The resulting out-turn was a surplus of nearly £20,050 on the unrestricted fund. This is a strong result, made possible by the continuing generosity of our congregation and exceptional professionalism of our lettings management team.
General comments – restricted funds
On the restricted side events were dominated by the implementation of the West End Project. Just under £32,050 was raised for the project in 2023, of which £30,000 was a grant from the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. This took the total in the Fund to £102,830.
As the money came in, the costs of delivery fell, principally due to a change of primary contractor. As a result, the final cost was £81,520.
Given the difficulty of spending any balance on the fund, the Band Trust varied the conditions of its grant to allow any excess to be spent on other capital projects at St Philip’s. Accordingly, a further project was implemented in 2023 to install a cooling system in the Upper Hall at a cost of £33,880. This was funded by the excess of £21,310 in the West End Project Fund, the £1,365 balance in the Improving St Philip’s Fund, and £11,205 of unrestricted money. There was no income for the Improving St Philip’s Fund.
The West End Project reduces noise levels in the church during services and enables the West Doors to be open and welcoming all day even in winter without significant loss of heat. It has been transformational. Similarly, the cooling system has greatly improved the experience of people using the Upper Hall on warm summer’s days.
There was expenditure of just under £250 on the Piano & Organ Fund (balance reduced to just over £2,750).
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Note on rounding
The accounts are internally calculated to the penny, but shown in whole pounds for printing. This means that some columns may not appear to add precisely because of rounding differences, but the underlying data are fully accurate.
Principal funding sources and review of the performance of fundraising activities
Total unrestricted income in the year was just over £272,050, a fall of just over £920 from 2022. Lettings income remained strong at just over £201,500, a fall of about £9,100 from the 2022 level.
The fall in lettings income can be attributed to the financial difficulties that emerged in our biggest hirer, Star 20 Limited trading as Gymboree Kensington. This company eventually fell into liquidation in 2025 with debts to us higher than what was unpaid in 2023. Accordingly, we have treated the amount of nearly £9,950 owing from that company at the end of 2023 as bad debt and not included it in the 2023 figures. Had this not been necessary, the rental income in 2023 would have been marginally above the 2022 level.
There was a small reduction of planned giving (down just over £1,360 from about £26,800 in 2022 to £25,440 in 2023), This is mainly due to a number of regular givers ceasing due to changed financial circumstances or moving away. Conversely, giving at services grew from £8,350 in 2022 to £11,250 in 2023.
Unrestricted tax reclaim was £260 higher than the prior year. However, the limit of £2,000 reclaimable under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme for tax year 2023/24 was reached by the end of 2023. St Philip’s accordingly re-introduced collection envelopes at services when this issue was identified in early 2024. Restricted tax reclaim was lower than the prior year reflecting lower non-recurring restricted donations.
During 2023, income of £14,475 was received under a licence for a mobile phone base station in the spire of St Philip’s.
The increase in interest rates that continued into 2023, together with increased sums on deposit, led to interest income of around £5,575 compared with nearly £2,000 in the previous year.
Use of expenditure to support key objectives
Total unrestricted expenditure in the year was about £252,000, an increase of about £34,400 on the previous year. Almost all the increase arose from (a) the accommodation cost of the new curate (£9,700), (b) in increase of about £7,300 in utility bills, reflecting the market disruption that continued into 2023 and (c) the
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unrestricted portion of the cooling system installation costs at around £11,200.
The key areas of expenditure in 2023 were:
• Ministry costs, including payments to the Diocese in respect of clergy, and clergy expenses. We are required by the Diocese to pay the cost of the curate’s accommodation; this shows in the accounts under “Other Diocesan clergy costs.
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Church maintenance
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Running expenses of the church including insurance, utilities, cleaning and caretaking etc.
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Publicity and other mission costs, upkeep of services and music.
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Governance costs, including administration, independent examination fees and depreciation.
All of these expenditures have directly supported the objective of maintaining the worship and fabric of St Philip’s. A further sum of around £810 (largely covered by matching donations and tax reclaim) was spent on mission giving and donations.
Organisation and role of volunteers
The PCC is responsible for the finances of St Philip’s. Most day to day work is delegated to the Treasurer assisted by the Church Managers (both employees), working under the supervision of the Standing Committee. The Treasurer, Rupert Steele, prepares the budget and accounts, manages the bank accounts and all expenditure, and looks after certain aspects of income (open collections, legacies and gifts, grants, fundraising income and statutory fees).
The two Church Managers, Sally Bessada and Laura Sylvester, are employed on a job share basis (but Sally Bessada left at the end of February 2023 and Laura Sylvester stepped up to take the entire role). Among their other tasks, they deal with all aspects of hall lettings and recording the income from them. For donations made in 2023, they also prepared the HMRC Gift Aid tax reclaim applications.
The fund-raising for the West End Project was undertaken by the Treasurer, working with the Church Managers and the Vicar.
More widely, all the activities of the church are undertaken by volunteers with the exception of the Vicar, Church Managers and other staff or contractors engaged for specific roles or tasks including caretaking, cleaning, and the provision of music at services. Our independent examiner, a partner of Shaw Gibbs Limited , is engaged on a commercial basis.
Policy for making grants or donations
The PCC makes some charitable donations and grants for purposes connected with its objects. In 2023 these included support for our church school and membership of
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 19
two local residents’ associations. Payments were made to Christian Aid, the Diocese of London Lent Appeal, and the Mission to Seafarers, supported wholly or mainly by collections taken for the purpose. Other donations (beyond those falling within Clergy expenses) are normally supported wholly or mainly by fundraising events or by special collections undertaken (and associated tax reclaim) or are made following gifts received for the purpose. Any specific requests outside this policy will be considered by the PCC or Standing Committee on their merits.
20 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
St Philip’s makes payments to the Diocesan Common Fund significantly in excess of the Diocesan costs attributed to it, thus supporting parishes elsewhere in the deanery.
Investment policy/objectives and performance against investment objectives set
The PCC’s investment funds are invested in the Church of England Central Board of Finance fund, managed by CCLA. Accordingly, St Philip’s follows the CBF’s policy on taking into account social, environmental and ethical considerations in investments.
PCC policy on the reserves that are held
The PCC holds reserves against the possibility of unexpected maintenance requirements or falls in income and also to cover the cost of anticipated works on the church. The PCC reviews the target minimum reserves level from time to time and the level in 2023 was £100,000. The end 2023 level of the unrestricted fund, less fixed assets, amounted to about £300,400.
The PCC wishes to increase the financial resilience and strength of St Philip’s and accordingly the target minimum reserve was increased to £200,000 in 2024. The remaining excess will be held as part of our planning to fund the next phase of work on the building and to strengthen the church’s long term financial position.
Funds
No fund is materially in deficit. The position on creditors is set out in the accounts. No funds are held as Custodian Trustee.
Rupert Steele
Treasurer
Electoral Roll Report
Following the fourth Annual Revision of the 2019 Electoral Roll, I was pleased to report to the 2023 APCM that, since the 2022 Annual Meeting, the number on the Roll had increased overall to 157. Three names had been removed, two of whom had died and one had moved to Australia; 15 new names were added.
By 31st December there were 158 names on the Roll; the percentage of those living outside the parish boundaries remained similar to 2022 at 60% of the total Roll.
Chris Luxton
Electoral Roll Officer
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 21
Report on the proceedings of the PCC
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) met on 6 occasions during 2023. The PCC is supported by a Standing Committee, which is empowered to transact the business of the PCC between the PCC’s meetings.The PCC, in collaboration with the Vicar, has a wide-ranging role in the areas of mission, with primary responsibilities relating to the finances of the parish and the care and maintenance of all church buildings and their contents. The PCC’s main focus during the year was supporting the Vicar in the continuation of the church’s ministry.
The PCC has complied with the duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 (duty to have due regard to House of Bishops’ guidance on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults).
Simon Cox
PCC Secretary
Safeguarding Report
At St Philip’s, the welfare and safety of all congregants is of paramount importance to the PCC and the entire parish community.
Our Parishioners come to the Church with the expectation that we provide a safe environment in which they will flourish in their faith and community. The Safeguarding Team’s role is to protect children, young people and any vulnerable adults in our parish community, reflecting our societal and ecumenical commission. Therefore officers within the parish must ensure that this expectation becomes a reality, particularly for those who may be vulnerable to abuse.
The principles guiding our team are:
-
respectful and informed pastoral care in line with the Diocesan Safeguarding
-
Guidelines
-
early identification and management of actual or potential risks;
-
timely safeguarding action: after advice is sought, action will be taken within 24 hours;
-
involvement of others is on a need-to-know basis only;
-
active commitment of all in promoting and keeping our community safe; and
-
adherence to all relevant legislation.
The Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Advocate are available to parents, children, vulnerable adults and carers, before and after services. The Safeguarding Officer is always available to listen to any queries or concerns they may have, offer advice and support which may involve directing them towards a range of services to access information and advisory organisations or groups.
22 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
Once a year, the PCC considers and approves the safeguarding policy and copies of this are on display on the notice boards and around the building.
St Philip’s undertakes an annual safeguarding self audit (looking at the prior year) and the PCC performed such an audit on 18 July 2023. Of the fifteen criteria, ten were wholly met, three partially met and two not applicable. An action plan was adopted to improve the position on the three partially met criteria and maintain performance on the others.
Chandra Tambimuttu Safeguarding Officer
Report on the Proceedings of the Kensington Deanery Synod
As reported last year, meetings of the Synod followed the diocese’s Vision 2030 themes, taking one broad theme at each meeting:
• February’s meeting was held at St Clement’s Church. Jill Dodd , the Compassionate Communities Development Worker, gave an overview of the work of her team and invited Synod to consider how they were already or could be engaging with this aspect of Vision 2030.
-
The Spring Common Fund meetings were held both in person and on Zoom.
-
In June Synod members enjoyed a summer garden party in the grounds of the St
-
Mary Abbots Vicarage.
• St George’s Campden Hill hosted the September meeting of Synod at which the Richard Carter, author of ‘ The City is my Monastery ’ spoke on the theme of Confident Disciples and the life-giving Rule of Life that he had developed.
• The last meeting of 2023 was hosted by St Thomas, Kensal Rise and was on the theme of Growing Younger. Jacob Holme presented the work of Youth Ministry in Communion; Jo Jones , the Kensington Area Schools and Youth Chaplain had provided offers for parishes to contact her if she could be of help. The work of St Luke’s for Clergy Wellbeing was also promoted.
Throughout the year Safeguarding was a standing item on agendas and members were encouraged to get their churches engaging with the Safeguarding Dashboard. Governors were also elected to the deanery LDBS schools.
Simon Cox and Chris Luxton
Deanery Synod Representatives
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 23
Report of the Church Cat
I am pleased to present my report for my sixth year with St Philip’s.
My main role is to continue to keep the church free from mice and rats and I’m pleased to report another year with a 100% success rate. My secondary role is to be a community cat for all those who visit the church, whether as a regular attendee at one of our weekly services or for those who have just popped in for a moment of peace, reflection and feline attention during the week.
In March I welcomed Emma, Bishop of Kensington, as she toured the Deanery following her appointment and in June I was delighted to welcome Helen Calner as our new curate (and my new chief entertainment officer).
I helped the church mark various momentous occasions, both within the St Philip’s and within the wider community, including celebrating the work of Rebecca Taylor, our former Director of Music, welcoming our new Director of Music, Laurence Long in September, joining in the coronation celebrations and cheering on the Lionesses.
I post a daily report of my activities on my Twitter feed @CatSpecr, which had over three thousand followers by the year end. One of my Japanese followers has even written about me in their book about church cats.
In conclusion, I would like to say a big thank you to the various humans who serve me – Pippa Turner, Helen Calner, Sean Collins (the caretaker), Simon Cox (PCC Secretary), Rupert Steele (Treasurer) and my various visitors.
Pushkin
Church Cat
24 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
Statement of the Parochial Church Council’s responsibilities for preparation of the Financial Statements
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Philip, Earl’s Court Road (charity number 1172886) is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the church as at the end of the financial year and of its financial activities for the year to that date. The financial statements must be prepared in compliance with applicable accounting standards. The Parochial Church Council is also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records, for safeguarding the assets of the church and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
In preparing these financial statements, the Parochial Church Council has ensured that suitable accounting policies have been selected and used, applied consistently and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates, has taken account of income and expenses relating to the period reported on whether or not they have been received or paid in that period, and it has prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis.
Mallindi Baldassarro Churchwarden
Rupert Steele Hon Treasurer
22 October 2025
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 25
Independent Examiner’s Report
To the members of the Parochial Church Council of St Philip Earl’s Court Road (Charity number 1172886)
I report on the accounts of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Philip, Earl’s Court Road, for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 28 to 39, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’
Respective responsibilities and basis of report
As the members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). You are satisfied that your Church is not required by charity law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.
I report in respect of my examination of the Church’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Scope of the independent examination
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 Church and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as members of the PCC concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
26 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Church as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
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.
T W Slater ACA, CTA
Shaw Gibbs Limited, Accountants, Salatin House, 19 Cedar Road, Sutton, SM2 5DA
22 October 2025
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 27
Statement of Financial Activities
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Incoming | |||||
| Resources | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 3a | 48,906 | 32,044 | 44,858 | 61,225 |
| Charitable activities | 3b | 1,588 | - | 724 | - |
| Other trading activities | 3c | 215,985 | - | 225,406 | - |
| Income from | 3d | 5,576 | - | 1,984 | - |
| investments | |||||
| Total incoming | 272,055 | 32,044 | 272,972 | 61,225 | |
| resources | |||||
| Resources | |||||
| Expended | |||||
| Expenditure on raising | 4a | 495 | - | 213 | - |
| funds | |||||
| Expenditure on | 4b | 207,932 | 248 | 186,495 | - |
| charitable activities | |||||
| Expenditure on other | 4c | 34,477 | 104,195 | 23,675 | - |
| activities | |||||
| Governance costs | 4d | 9,111 | - | 7,215 | - |
| Total Resources | 252,015 | 104,443 | 217,598 | - | |
| Expended | |||||
| Net Movement | 20,040 | -72,399 | 55,374 | 61,225 | |
| in Funds | |||||
| Transfer between | - | - | - | - | |
| funds | |||||
| Net Movements | 20,040 | -72,399 | 55,374 | 61,225 | |
| in Funds After | |||||
| Transfers | |||||
| Balances Brought | 283,899 | 75,152 | 228,525 | 13,926 | |
| Forward At | |||||
| 1January2023 | |||||
| Balances Carried | 303,939 | 2,753 | 283,899 | 75,152 | |
| Forward At | |||||
| 31 December 2023 |
28 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2023
| Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2023 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 7 | 3,320 | 4,200 |
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 8 | 26,623 | 79,414 |
| Short term deposits | 248,000 | 152,842 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 45,267 | 142,604 | |
| 319,889 | 374,860 | ||
| (Liabilities) | 9 | -16,517 | -20,009 |
| Net Current Assets | 303,372 | 354,851 | |
| Total Assets Less Current | 306,692 | 359,051 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Funds | |||
| Unrestricted – General | 10 | 303,939 | 283,899 |
| Restricted funds | 10 | 2,753 | 75,152 |
| 306,692 | 359,051 |
This Financial Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 including the notes following, was approved by the PCC and signed on its behalf by:
Mallindi Baldassarro Rupert Steele
Churchwarden Hon Treasurer
22 October 2025
The notes on pages 30 to 39 form part of these accounts.
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 29
Notes To The Accounts
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
1. Accounting Policies
a. Accounting convention and accounts preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with the second edition of 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) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and applicable regulations.
St Philip’s Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). They include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC was responsible in law during 2023. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
The entity has taken advantage of the exemption from preparing a cash flow statement conferred by Charities SORP FRS 102 on small charities (with income of £500,000 or less).
b. Funds
Unrestricted Funds are general funds and which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes, while Designated Funds are monies set aside by the PCC out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.
Restricted Funds represent :
(i) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and
(ii) donations or grants received for specific objects or invited by the PCC for specific objects.
The funds may only be expended on the objects provided or specified. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of the year is carried forward as a balance on that fund.
30 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
As a result of large expected savings that materialised at a late stage on the West End Project, it became clear that a surplus was likely on the associated restricted fund with little immediate prospect of spending it. A large donor declined an offer of returned funds and instead broadened the terms of its grant, which allowed the excess of £21,310 to be used to support an additional project aimed at improving the church building.
c. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are accounted for gross.
Donations and legacies
Planned Giving and Collections are recognised when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the donation is made, or (if later) when the amount due is assessed. Grants and legacies are recognised when received or (if earlier and an amount can be estimated) a legal entitlement has arisen.
Income from Investments
Interest entitlements are accounted for as and when they are credited.
All other income
All other income is recognised when it is receivable. By way of exception, in 2023, one hirer, Star 20 Limited, trading as Gymboree Kensington, experienced significant financial difficulties and, as a post balance sheet event, fell into liquidation in 2025 with no dividend expected to unsecured creditors. It was therefore considered prudent to account for this hirer’s income on a cash basis and not recognise invoiced charges that were unpaid at the year end. There was no such issue for this or any other hirer in 2022.
d. Resources Expended
Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis and are accounted for gross.
Charitable activities
The Diocesan Common Fund is accounted for when paid. Any amount unpaid at 31 December is provided for as an operational (though not a legal) liability and is shown as a creditor in the Balance Sheet.
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 31
e. Cash
Cash and cash equivalents comprise deposits in bank accounts or with the CBF Church of England Deposit fund, and cash held in hand on the reporting date. These are therefore subject to an insignificant risk in change in value.
f. Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are included in the balance sheet at cost or if gifted at market value at the date of the gift.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the full cost or valuation less estimated residual value of each asset over its estimated useful life. The principal rate in use is:
Equipment: 25% on cost
g. Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
h. Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the church 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 trade discounts due.
i. Financial instruments
The Church only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
2. Legal status and address of the Church
The Parish of Saint Philip, Earl’s Court Road was formed with effect from 1 January 2017 by a scheme made on 8 December 2016 by the Church Commissioners under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011. The PCC was registered by the Charities Commission on 4 May 2017, Charity Number 1172886. The address of the Church is St Philip’s Church, Earl’s Court Road, London, W8 6QH.
32 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | |
| 3. Incoming Resources | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| 3a. Donations and | ||||
| legacies | ||||
| Tax-effcient planned giving | 25,440 | - | 26,803 | - |
| Other planned giving | 70 | - | 70 | - |
| Tax-effcient collections at | 10,000 | - | 8,300 | - |
| services | ||||
| Other Collections at services | 1,250 | - | 50 | - |
| Other donations | 2,054 | 1,119 | 754 | 6,965 |
| (tax effcient, non-recurring) | ||||
| Other donations | 1,241 | 493 | 289 | 560 |
| Income tax recoverable | 8,852 | 432 | 8,592 | 1,701 |
| Legacies | - | - | - | 2,000 |
| Grants | - | 30,000 | - | 50,000 |
| 48,906 | 32,044 | 44,858 | 61,225 | |
| 3b. Charitable activities | ||||
| Statutory fees | 792 | - | 151 | - |
| Income from church | 796 | - | 573 | - |
| events & meals | ||||
| 1,588 | - | 724 | - | |
| 3c. Other trading | ||||
| activities | ||||
| Fundraising events | - | - | - | - |
| Lettings (general) | 177,518 | - | 190,313 | - |
| Lettings for mission purposes | 23,992 | - | 20,311 | - |
| Diocesan admin/ | - | - | - | - |
| sequestration payments | ||||
| Income from licences | 14,475 | - | 14,782 | - |
| under faculty | ||||
| 215,985 | - | 225,406 | - | |
| 3d. Income from | ||||
| investments | ||||
| Bank and CBF deposit interest | 5,576 | - | 1,984 | - |
| Total Incoming | ||||
| Resources | 272,055 | 32,044 | 272,972 | 61,225 |
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 33
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | |
| Resources Expended | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| 4a. Expenditure on | ||||
| raising funds | ||||
| Stewardship, appeal costs, | 495 | - | 213 | - |
| refreshments for sale | ||||
| 495 | - | 213 | - | |
| 4b. Expenditure on | ||||
| charitable activities | ||||
| Mission giving and donations | 811 | - | 1,209 | - |
| Diocesan parish share | ||||
| contribution | ||||
| Diocesan Common Fund | 103,000 | - | 100,000 | - |
| Other Diocesan clergy | 9,700 | - | - | - |
| costs | ||||
| Salary costs for Church | 26,576 | - | 28,946 | - |
| Activities | ||||
| Clergy expenses | 7,219 | - | 6,441 | - |
| Mission and evangelism costs | 1,922 | - | 1,704 | - |
| incl. publicity | ||||
| Church running expenses | ||||
| Church Maintenance | 19,553 | - | 19,049 | - |
| Insurance | 5,667 | - | 5,248 | - |
| Upkeep of Services, | 5,094 | - | 3,618 | - |
| booklets, fowers | ||||
| Music costs | 6,096 | 248 | 5,337 | - |
| Sunday School and Youth | 1,382 | - | 2,257 | - |
| Refreshments (not sold) | 1,760 | - | 1,220 | - |
| Cleaning expenses | 3,298 | - | 2,922 | - |
| Church utilitybills | 15,853 | - | 8,544 | - |
| 207,932 | 248 | 186,495 | - |
34 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 4c. Expenditure on | ||||
| other activities | ||||
| Salary costs for | 19,954 | - | 17,742 | - |
| Hall lettings | ||||
| Cleaning expenses for | 3,298 | - | 2,922 | - |
| hall lettings | ||||
| Other caretaking costs | - | - | 2,992 | - |
| Other fundraising | 20 | - | 20 | - |
| trading costs | ||||
| New building work and | 11,205 | 104,195 | - | - |
| alterations to church | ||||
| 34,477 | 104,195 | 23,675 | - | |
| 4d. Governance | ||||
| costs | ||||
| Independent | 1,260 | - | 1,200 | - |
| examination fees | ||||
| Bank charges | 577 | - | 572 | - |
| Support costs: | 3,668 | - | 2,147 | - |
| administration | ||||
| Production of | 82 | - | 117 | - |
| annual report | ||||
| Depreciation | 3,524 | - | 3,179 | - |
| Losses on disposals | - | - | - | - |
| of fxed assets | ||||
| 9,111 | - | 7,215 | - | |
| Total Resources | 252,015 | 104,443 | 217,598 | - |
| Expended |
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 35
5. Staff Costs and PCC Member Payments and Donations
5a. Wages
In 2023 a Caretaker, two Directors of Music in succession and initially two then one Church Managers were employed. The total pay was £46,530 (2022: £46,688) including pension costs of £785 (2022: £503). St Philip’s claimed Employment Allowance, which removes Employer’s National Insurance Contributions, in 2023 and 2022. None of the employees in 2023 or 2022 earned over the lower limit for individual disclosure of £60,000.
5b. Payments to PCC members
Payments totalling £26,023 (2022: £20,387) were paid to nine (2022: six) PCC members or related parties during the year ended 31 December 2023. These comprised reimbursed expenses. All the underlying costs are accounted for according to the category in which they fell. In accordance with section 185 of the Charities Act 2011, one PCC member was paid £120 under a contract for musical services in 2023 (2022: £60).
5c. Donations by PCC members
No donations were made in 2023 or 2022 from a PCC member or a related party with conditions which would, or might, require St Philip’s to alter significantly the nature of its existing activities if it were to accept the donation. Donations without such conditions totalled £11,172 in 2023 (£13,587 in 2022).
6. Analysis of Net Assets By Fund
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | 3,320 | - | 3,320 |
| Current Assets | 317,136 | 2,753 | 319,889 |
| Current Liabilities | -16,517 | - | -16,517 |
| Fund balance | 303,939 | 2,753 | 306,692 |
36 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
| Cost: At 1 January 2023 Additions Disposals (cumulative) 7. Tangible Fixed Assets |
Equipment Total £ £ 39,070 39,070 2,644 2,644 -3,385 -3,385 |
|---|---|
| At 31 December 2023 | 38,329 38,329 |
| Depreciation: At 1 January 2023 Provision for the year Depreciation on cumulative disposals |
34,870 34,870 3,524 3,524 -3,385 -3,385 |
| At 31 December 2023 | 35,010 35,010 |
| Net book value: | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 3,320 3,320 |
| At 31 December 2022 Income tax recoverable Accrued income from hall lettings Other debtors 8. Debtors |
4,200 4,200 |
| ~~2023~~ ~~2022~~ |
|
| £ £ 16,614 15,491 9,064 12,205 945 51,717 |
|
| Total | 26,623 79,414 |
| Other creditors Deferred income Accruals 9. Liabilities |
2023 2022 £ £ 10,717 12,315 3,340 5,293 2,460 2,400 |
| Total | 16,517 20,009 |
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 37
10. Movement of Funds
| Current | Balance at | Balance at | Net | Transfer | Balance at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| reporting period | 01/01/23 | income/ | between | 31/12/23 | |
| (expenses) | funds | ||||
| in the year | |||||
| Unrestricted fund comprises | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General | 283,899 | 20,040 | - | 303,939 | |
| Restricted funds comprise | |||||
| The West End Project Fund | 70,786 | -70,786 | - | - | |
| The Piano & Organ Fund | 3,001 | -248 | - | 2,753 | |
| The ImprovingSt Philip's Fund | 1,365 | -1,365 | - | - | |
| 75,152 | -72,399 | - | 2,753 | ||
| Totals | 359,051 | -52,359 | - | 306,692 | |
| Previous | Balance at | Net | Transfer | Balance at | |
| reporting period | 01/01/22 | income/ | between | 31/12/22 | |
| (expenses) | funds | ||||
| in the year | |||||
| Unrestricted fund comprises | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General | 228,525 | 55,374 | - | 283,899 | |
| Restricted funds comprise | |||||
| The West End Project Fund | 9,560 | 61,225 | - | 70,786 | |
| The Piano & Organ Fund | 3,001 | - | - | 3,001 | |
| The ImprovingSt Philip’s Fund | 1,365 | - | - | 1,365 | |
| 13,926 | 61,225 | - | 75,152 | ||
| Totals | 242,452 | 116,599 | - | 359,051 |
38 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
The Church had three restricted funds (the West End Project Fund, the Piano & Organ Fund, and the Improving St Philip’s Fund) in place during 2023.
The West End Project Fund is a restricted fund, that was started in 2021, used for the purpose of funding changes to the West End of the church to reduce noise transmission. Funds of £32,044 were raised in 2023 (2022: £61,225 ) and it was fully spent during the year.
The Piano & Organ Fund is a restricted fund used only to refurbish and maintain the church’s concert grand piano and organ. There was no income on this fund in 2023 (2022: nil) and £248 spent in 2023 (2022: nil).
The Improving St Philip’s Fund is a fund that was created to fund improvements to the building and contents of the church. There was no income on this fund in 2023 (2022: nil) and the balance was fully spent in 2023 (2022: no spending).
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 39
Statutory Information
The following (taken together with the Treasurer’s Report) comprises the information required by statute.
A Reference and administrative information
Full name of PCC
The Parochial Church Council of Saint Philip, Earl’s Court Road.
Location of Church and PCC correspondence address
The Church is located at the junction of Earl’s Court Road and Stratford Road, London W8. Correspondence should be addressed to the PCC Secretary, St Philip’s Church, Earl’s Court Road, London, W8 6QH.
Names and addresses of bankers, legal and other advisers Bankers:
NatWest Bank PLC, South Kensington Station (B) Branch, PO Box 592, 18 Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2LB
Independent Examiners:
Shaw Gibbs Limited, Accountants, Salatin House, 19 Cedar Road, Sutton, SM2 5DA
The person to whom day to day management is delegated The Reverend Philippa A Turner, Vicar.
40 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
Names of members of the PCC who have served since the commencement of the Financial year until the approval of the financial statements
Ex Officio (throughout period)
| Philippa A Turner | (Vicar) | |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret Ayo | (Assistant Priest) | |
| Mallindi Baldessarro | (Churchwarden) | |
| Jamie Mangan | (Churchwarden) | |
| Chris Luxton | (Deanery Synod) | Electoral Roll Offcer |
| Ex Offcio (for part of period) | Ex Offcio (for part of period) | |
|---|---|---|
| Lesley Raymond | (Deanery Synod) | To June 2023 |
| Mary (Helen) Calner | (Curate) | From June 2023 to July 2025 |
| Simon Cox | (Deanery Synod) | From July 2023, PCC Secretary |
| Lara (Briony) Mackie | (Assistant Priest) | From October 2025 |
Elected (throughout period) Antonio Aidah Meron Gwiggner Peninah Kamatsiko Matthew Livas Karen Loggey Diana von Preuschen Rupert Steele Treasurer Chandra Tambimuttu Safeguarding Officer Petya Todorova
| Elected (for part of the period) | |
|---|---|
| Philippa Heimann | To May 2023 |
| Simon Cox | To July 2023, PCC Secretary |
| Anastasia Alshanskaya | From May 2023 |
| Charles Micklewright | From May 2023 |
| Davina Jackson | From May 2025 |
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 41
B Risk assessment
The PCC considers that it is exposed to various areas of risk, including:
-
Financial risk;
-
Reputation risk;
-
Risks emanating from statutory and legal requirements;
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Operational risk.
Systems and procedures are in place to handle these risks.
Factors affecting achievement of objectives
Worship and fabric of the church of St Philip
The worship is principally under the control of the Vicar, but the PCC is consulted about changes. The fabric is managed by the Churchwardens, assisted by a Fabric Team, and the PCC – the PCC has control of the responses to the issues which arise, but not of the maintenance requirements that may occur. The PCC is continually undertaking initiatives to maintain and improve the fabric of the building.
Strength of the church’s finances
This will depend on satisfactory progress in raising income, together with tight control of expenditure. The level of donations will depend partly on economic factors affecting those approached and partly on the success of the church in achieving growth and inspiring those approached to contribute. The former is not under the PCC’s control.
Income from lettings depends on market factors including the level of competition from other venues. These aspects are not under the control of the PCC. However, the income also depends on the level of the utilisation of the halls, the effectiveness of the marketing, and the quality of the facilities and service offered. These matters are under the control of the PCC. Other sources of income may need to be sought – these would be partly under the control of the PCC and partly under control of the bodies or people providing that income.
Expenditure is largely under the control of the PCC, though it is influenced also by factors such as market salary levels, energy prices and the emergence of necessary maintenance tasks, that are outside the PCC’s control.
Financial risk
There is a risk that St Philip’s could have insufficient finance to pay the targeted Diocesan Common Fund contributions together with the operating costs of the church. The PCC, advised by the Treasurer, is responsible for monitoring and managing financial risk. Our major source of income is from lettings and the Treasurer and PCC closely monitor progress and any issues which might adversely affect lettings income, in conjunction with the Church Managers.
42 St Philip’s Annual Report 2023
In addition, we receive significant income from donations, mainly regular planned giving with Gift Aid as well as specific appeals for projects. The Treasurer and PCC monitor receipts from this source and periodically organise initiatives to increase this.
There are a number of risks relating to damage to the building or disruption of activities from fire or other disasters. Adequate insurance is maintained and our insurance policy is regularly reviewed to ensure that it properly covers all areas of our operation.
Pandemic risk
The events of March 2020 revealed that the PCC’s ability to continue its ministry and its finances are susceptible to risk from a major disease outbreak such as the Covid pandemic, especially if there are restrictions on activities in order to prevent disease spreading. During that year, the PCC developed effective mitigations to deal with the impact on the church’s ministry with the development of online and hybrid worship. Technology was installed in the church to facilitate this and these mitigations remain available to the PCC.
Although the sources of rental income are well diversified, and the building insured, the pandemic revealed that there is a residual risk of hall rental income disappearing entirely for a period of months from these very rare events. It will therefore be important to ensure that the PCC has sufficient financial resilience to be able to weather such events.
Reputational risk
There is a risk that failure to maintain a good standard of worship could lead to a possible reduction in the congregation. The standard of worship has not to date been a problem, with congregation numbers broadly steady (taking account of online and inperson participants), but we are continually aiming for improvement. The clergy team meet regularly to review worship. Guest preachers are invited to attend services from time to time throughout the year.
Risks emanating from statutory and legal requirements
There are risks relating to health and safety legislation, child and vulnerable adult protection and employment legislation. A comprehensive health and safety set of guidelines have been drawn up and are regularly reviewed. Training is provided to Stewards and others to ensure that proper procedures are carried out. A Children’s Champion and a Safeguarding Officer have been appointed. The Safeguarding Officer or the Churchwardens arrange for relevant staff to attend Diocesan safeguarding seminars. The PCC has adopted the Diocesan model safeguarding policy and appropriate procedures are in place.
St Philip’s Annual Report 2023 43
The ecclesiastical parish of St Philip, Earl’s Court Road Registered Charity number 1172886 Email info@specr.org 020 7938 1367 www.specr.org Images by Sue Foll, Laura Sylvester, Philippa Turner and members of the congregation. Thank you!