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2024-12-31-accounts

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024

Supported by

Charity Commission Registration No: 1179777

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

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Contents
Administrative Information...................................................................... 3
Annual Report .......................................................................................... 4
Independent Examiner’s Report .............................................................20
Statement of Financial Activities ............................................................ 21
Balance Sheet ......................................................................................... 22
Notes to the Accounts ............................................................................ 23
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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Administrative Information

The incumbent is a member of the PCC ex‐officio, while all other members are elected by the Annual Parish Meeting. Churchwardens are elected annually for a one‐year term of office and can serve a maximum of 6 consecutive years. Deanery Synod representatives and all other PCC members are elected for a 3‐year term of office. In 2024, the following have served as members of the PCC:

Ex officio members

Incumbent

The Revd. Alice Smith (until May 2024) Interregnum (June 2024 until present)

Churchwardens

Anne Rose Lena Scantlebury

Deanery Synod Representatives

Heather Pascall Marcia Sinclair

Treasurer

Sandra Hall (co‐opted)

Ordinary PCC members

Christopher L I Higgins (to May 2025) Susan Ann Malcolm (to May 2025) Malcolm Patrick Marjoram (to May 2025) Helena Konneh Rose Fraser Briony Murray

Bankers Independent Examiner Quinquennial Inspector

Lloyds TSB, Archway, London Alex Sargent, ACA (ICAEW), Highbury, London Ablett Architects Ltd, Bromley.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Annual Report

The members of the Parochial Church Council have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the church for the year ended 31st December 2024.

About us

St Thomas is a vibrant community in the heart of Finsbury Park. We are a Church of England (Anglican) parish church. Our congregation is almost as diverse as you will find locally; from many parts of the world and from a wide range of backgrounds, regardless of age, race, or sexuality.

Our church was built was as successor church to St Matthew, Friday Street, in the City of London and was consecrated in 1889. We are a “back‐street” church with a spacious interior very sympathetic to the worship in the catholic tradition for which it was constructed.

We are committed to caring for our local area. We support many voluntary groups, as well as getting involved in neighbourhood festivals and campaigns. We believe in acting out God’s love in a lively and practical way in North London.

Children are at the heart of our congregation and are made welcome in our services. The church also hosts a playgroup. We have strong links with St John’s primary school, Highbury Vale.

Our life with one another is not just on Sundays. We hold regular discussion groups and mid‐week services, and we celebrate the great Christian festivals – whenever they fall. We are good at social events, to which all are welcome.

Our mission

We are a welcoming, inclusive church in Finsbury Park, seeking to follow Jesus Christ and to live out the good news of God’s love by:

The PCC has recently reviewed and affirmed our mission.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Clergy report

While we await the appointment of our new Priest‐in‐Charge we thank our cover clergy for the help and support they have given over the past few months: among others we especially thank Pauline, Toby, Nicholas, Irena, and Archdeacon Peter.

Thank you and God bless you for everything.

Secretary’s Report

The PCC met as agreed for 5 scheduled meetings for the year 2024/25

11th September

27th November

15th January

12th March

18th May Annual PCC

In addition to the scheduled meetings, meetings were called due to the announcement of the resignation of our Priest‐in Charge.

Two additional meetings were held to discuss the Interregnum in December 2024.

Two additional meetings were held with the Archdeacon Peter.

Four meetings were held with the Parish Representatives to write the Parish Profile.

A Section 11 Meeting was held to approve the Parish Profile.

Susan Malcolm, PCC Secretary

Electoral Roll report

Every six years a new roll is prepared and everyone who wishes to apply completes an Application for Enrolment Form. In 2024 the roll was 85.

The Electoral Roll is open to baptised, lay persons who are 16 or over and a member of the Church of England or a Church in communion with the Church of England who attend regularly.

Joining the Church Electoral Roll means you can vote on Church matters, attend the Annual Parish Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the PCC.

The renewal of the Electoral Roll took place between 23 March 2025 and 27th April 2025 with 61 people completing a form which were all accepted.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

The total number of people on the Electoral Roll 2025 is 61.

The list of names is displayed in the Church Hall. No other personal data is made public.

Many thanks to everyone who helped in giving out and collecting forms.

Anne Lambourne, Electoral Roll Officer

Treasurer’s Report

The PCC’s main sources of income are from the generosity of St. Thomas’s congregation, visitors and regular rental income. This has again enabled the church to pay bills and fund our commitments. Total income is round £94,100. Expenses £79,900 which means we are in credit for the year

General Fund: Mother Alice has continued to be a source of inspiration. Since introducing Messy Church (once a month during term‐time) it has grown in the number of families attending. We have spent money setting up a baby and toddler area at the back of the church which will enable parents to stay in church while nursing their children. The kitchen electric hob was upgraded to an induction hob, which is safer and more energy efficient. We have to be grateful that our rental income is slowly increasing. The PCC will consider moving any excess money into an interest‐ bearing account.

Building Fund: Numerous building works have been undertaken in line with the Quinquennial Inspection report. We have to thank a small team of workers who keep on top of the small jobs which have been carried out. In 2025 we will look at increasing the amount of money in our building fund to cover the following:

Restricted Funds: (Collections for charities etc): The total amount collected and sent amounted to approximately £10,300 including: Medical Aid for Palestine, St. John’s Soup Kitchen, Elizabeth House Food Bank, British Legion, Brother Johannes, St. Paul's Cathedral embroiderers (St. Thomas's Banner), Richard Cloudesley Charity (audio/speaker system).

Reserves: Our general fund reserves are stable; the building fund reserve is around £2,500 and other restricted reserves approximately £22,400. We will also look into the use of the Organ Fund.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Conclusion: St. Thomas is a stable and outward looking church. We have continued to meet our Parish Share commitment to the Diocese of London (£35,304). This is our contribution towards the costs of a vicar and ministry.

I appeal to those who may not be doing so already to please consider making a commitment to regular giving by way of direct debit under the Parish Giving Scheme which enables the church to claim back an extra 25% from HMRC automatically.

I wish to thank Jono, Stav and Iain for their continued support in helping to prepare the accounts.

Thank you & God bless you.

Sandra Hall, Treasurer

Churchwardens Report

We have had quite a difficult year, which saw both the departure of Fr David in the summer, and the announcement of Mother Alice’s resignation in the autumn leading to her departure at Christmas.

The churchwardens and PCC have had to take on the bulk of work that clergy normally do, which has meant that much time has been spent on things like admin (including producing the Sunday orders of service), Banns enquiries, finding regular clergy cover for all the services, and looking again at urgent building repairs.

The insurance claim for the theft of lead from the hall porch roof in October 2023, which had lapsed, was resurrected and pursued, leading to Ecclesiastical’ s acceptance of our claim and repair work carried out by Fullers, who also painted Smart Water on vulnerable parts of the roof.

In the summer we had a problem with rough sleepers setting up a spot in the alcove leading from the inner courtyard to the outer one. Our architect Daniel suggested moving the red door from one side to the other, and so a faculty was put in hand for this. Unfortunately, this proved to be more difficult than planned, and at the time of writing a solution has not been found.

There is a Cloudesley grant in hand to replace the heaters in the hall, which is due to be carried out as soon as we have a quote accepted.

The ongoing saga of the bell turret continues, but we hope to apply for a Cloudesley grant in the autumn round and have a serious problem finally resolved.

Much routine maintenance has been done by a small band of volunteers, including regularly keeping the kitchen and its appliances clean; sorting out and tidying of the vestry and various storage areas in the church and the hall; and some gardening, weeding and pruning. These jobs are not very exciting but absolutely vital in order to

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

keep the church buildings in good order. It must be said that it’s the usual few good helpers who do all this work, and it would be much appreciated if some more volunteers could offer a hand – not necessarily always, but just now and again to help spread the load.

We had our third barbecue in the Courtyard on Easter Day, another successful occasion. We need to make use of our spaces more, partly to increase income, and partly to involve our church community and others more. This is one way to start getting more used to doing so, as well as being a good social activity.

We have now advertised for a new priest. Interviews will soon be arranged, and we hope the new person will be in post by the late autumn.

We plan to refresh the outside of the church with new PVC banners, which we hope will be attractive to passers‐by and encourage people to come in, part of an ongoing plan to make the church more accessible. Meanwhile new large correx posters are being put up. It’s good that Open Church – especially in the lighter evenings – brings in individuals and small groups of people who are walking past and who stop to come and look inside.

We thank the dedicated people who run groups, clean, and in many other ways keep St Thomas’s afloat. We all need to keep the momentum going and show that we are a viable and successful church dedicated to serving our local communities in the light of the Gospel.

Anne Rose and Lena Scantlebury, Churchwardens

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

Cassie Dummett acted as parish safeguarding officer until November 2024. After her resignation, the churchwardens and diocese handled safeguarding matters, until handing over to Cynthia Mapp, the new safeguarding officer in April 2025.

During the period April 2024 – November 2024 the following activities have been completed:

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

At this time of handovers in safeguarding and parish priest roles, it is a good time to share a reminder that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone. If anyone has a concern, however small, please report it. Concerns are kept confidential, and the diocese provides professional safeguarding support to the parish in handling of safeguarding concerns.

Helena Konneh and Marcia Sinclair have worked with PCC members and church leaders to do their DBS checks. All PCC members are now up to date.

Cassie Dummett, Safeguarding Officer & Helena Konneh, DBS Lead

Report of the Deanery Synod representatives

The Deanery Synod Discussions have focussed on the work role of the Church in the community. The Meetings have focussed on:

Mental Health Support: Outreach by Churches in various institution including Special Education Units. Looking very closely at how crafts can help with mental health. Primary example was Kintsugi. The practice emphasises the beauty of imperfection, highlighting the history of an object rather than concealing its flaws. It's a philosophy that embraces the idea that even broken things can be made beautiful and stronger. Repairing broken pottery with urushi lacquer and decorating the seams and cracks with gold (or silver or platinum.) At the meetings we attended, there were break out groups and discussions and ideas were exchanged

Youth Work: this seemed to overlap both groups. Due to personal reasons neither of us could attend that meeting. Youth work was discussed in the meeting based on mental health support.

Church Schools: There was a talk from the LDBS on the closure of schools in Camden, Islington and Hackney. This is due to changes in the areas due to various external

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

factors. The head of St John's Upper Holloway talked of the challenges faced. High turnover of teaching staff and falling numbers.

We looked at St Thomas's and our role in the community. We felt that the following highlighted our work in the community:

Marcia Sinclair and Heather Pascall: Deanery Synod Representatives

Work with Children and Young People

This year included a period of Mother Alice’s maternity leave, her return for the “Autumn Term” and then a period of interregnum from Christmas. Pauline and Rowan have therefore continued to be heavily involved in leading children’s activities, under Alice’s guidance up until her departure.

Over the summer of 2024 Alice created a welcoming children’s corner beside the altar that has traditionally hosted the Sacred Heart and Book of Remembrance. The children’s corner includes a playmat and storage for books and toys, a comfortable chair for feeding mothers and a worktable and stools. Alice refreshed the existing library of children’s books with more inclusive and age‐appropriate titles, with many members of the congregation funding individual titles. The corner has been popular both at regular morning services and at special services.

We decided to pause regular Sunday School during morning service from September 2024. We continue to have a small number of regular families attending, and the children have been encouraged to join in during the service by serving and carrying up the communion elements. With the focus of having children in the service, Alice created a children’s guide to the service, and also a new leaflet for families. During services, we provide work sheets from Roots that follow the Gospel of the day in the children’s corner. We will review these arrangements with the new incumbent once appointed.

Messy Church has continued on a monthly basis from September to December, and then with an Easter service in April, following a post‐Christmas break. We have engaged with many families from our area and beyond and hope that our Messy Congregation will continue to engage with faith and grow. We have had wonderful

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

support from many members of our Sunday morning congregation, setting up, cooking, welcoming, engaging with the families, hosting craft tables, providing supplies, washing up and clearing up. And excellent musical support from James! Our Christmas Messy Church was a joint event with the Playgroup, combining with a Christmas Fayre, and was very busy and joyful.

We held a very well attended Crib Service on Christmas Eve, with Mother Alice leading and Cassie Konneh narrating, and a dedicated team of volunteers, welcoming, handing out costumes, providing hot chocolate and clearing up after a festive and happy time. We gathered an enormous pile of gifts for the Toy Project in Junction Road Archway. The Project were very grateful for the donated items and will distribute them to families in need across the year.

Rowan Howard and Pauline Nashashibi

Friday Bible study in the Parish Hall

We have now been meeting in this format for about ten years, having evolved from a Friday morning study group that had been meeting on and off for some years previously. Rowan organises and facilitates along with Malcolm. Our core group is seven, plus occasional visitors.

We finished studying the Gospel of St Mark in May 2024, and then did a short course on the Parables of Jesus completing this in early October 2024. After some debating, we decided to return to the Old Testament and chose the Book of Exodus for our next journey. We began our study in late October 2024. As the course is in twenty‐four parts it will take us some time to complete, but hopefully not the 40 years that the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness! We are currently about one third of the way through.

Because of the interregnum there was no special Lent Course this year and we continued with our study of Exodus.

All our participants are encouraged to share the weekly reading.

We normally meet in the hall (with tea & cake) at 2pm on alternate Fridays, the relevant dates appear in the weekly notices.

We are always happy to welcome new members, either on a casual or more committed basis. Further information and proposed meeting dates can be obtained from either Rowan or Malcolm.

Malcolm Marjoram & Rowan Howard: Bible Study leaders

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Craft Group report

Many thanks to Anne, Lena, Mother Alice and Rowan for their support of the Craft Group. Very much appreciated.

Alice secured lottery funding for a tutor and workshops, however the tutor left in August 2024.

When Alice returned from maternity leave, we had meetings about the direction of the craft group. It was agreed to have workshops on a termly basis. The group was to meet Friday evenings. We are recognised in the community. Having had attendees from Camden and Hackney. We have members from the local community and not all members are part of the congregation. Currently there are only four members from the congregation that attend the Friday Group.

Our workshop places are dependent on how many people a tutor is willing to teach. We have had the following workshops:

We will be having and Embroidery and Applique Workshop for three Wednesday starting May. Some people attend the Workshops but not the Friday Group.

Our table at the open church was well attended and it resulted in the Craft Group being donated two sewing machines. These are the property of the Church and can be used on the premises. They have both been PAT tested.

I have now made links with Elizabeth House; they run a Women's Only Craft Group on Mondays during the day.

In addition to crafts, we also have book loaning system which I will be updating.

Heather Pascall, Craft Group Leader

Tea at St Thomas’s

On Thursday afternoons between 2 and 4pm, St Thomas’s offers an open door to anyone and everyone who would like a cup of tea, a piece of cake and some conversation. People who wouldn’t come on a Sunday, as well as those who do, feel welcome to join us, meet their neighbours and have conversations in a comfortable environment.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

It feels very important, in this difficult time of interregnum, to have the church open to visitors. The notice board which Alice organised has been a great help in raising visibility and encouraging people walking past to drop in.

Every Thursday afternoon there are between six and twelve of us sitting round the table in the hall enjoying each other’s company as well as tea, scones and cake.

Those who come to Tea are our neighbours of many different backgrounds and of various ages. Several are “older” and value a short walk to a regular friendly social activity, and some are “younger” – for instance, it has been very good to get to know Afsoon, a wonderful young artist from Iran, introduced to us by Br Johannes and who is living nearby.

Conversations are a vital part of Tea at St Thomas’s – both those between two or three people sitting near each other and those which develop into a round table conversation with everyone joining in. It would be great to have more hosts to help everyone to talk comfortably.

Rowan, Dorothy, Christine and Sui are regular hosts, often joined by Chris and Br. Johannes. Thank you to them all ‐ and to everyone who contributes to making Tea at St Thomas such a friendly place.

During this year we have, sadly, lost regular helper Nancy. We all miss her so much. A previous regular guest, Ray, is now bed bound so is not able to join us – we miss him (Rowan kindly often takes him cake at the end of the session).

We are thinking of developing our listening skills by having a training session. If you would be interested in joining that session, please talk with Rowan or Dorothy.

Tea at St Thomas’s is not a club – some people come frequently, others occasionally. Please do come to Tea one Thursday and see for yourself – and, of course, you are welcome to bring neighbours and friends who you feel would enjoy tea and company.

Dorothy, Rowan, Sui, and Christine: Tea at St Thomas’s Team.

Technology report

Most significantly in this last year we have been very pleased to have speakers installed in the church which greatly enhances the accessibility of the worship for those who are hard of hearing and everyone else.

This is the culmination of hard work over 5 years from Revd Pauline, Revd Caroline, Father David and Mother Alice, and also thanks to Novum for their ongoing support in advice and installation.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

We are continuing to work on improving our broadband service in the building and require a further piece of work in determining how to achieve this. We’re hoping to be able to obtain funding for the feasibility investigation required. It hasn’t been a simple process, but our aim is to get broadband in and be able to resume our live streaming services as this is a developing part of worship and making our worship more accessible for all.

Briony Murray

Music report

Music is continuing well at St Thomas’s. We are singing a full mass each Sunday with an added hymn for the recession. We’re accustomed to the varying musical contributions from the visiting priests each Sunday and are thankful for musical support from both Chris and Anne, where needed.

Christmas saw the second Carol Service where guest musicians have joined us. Rachel Stott’s youth string group (The Amazing ACE Girls) really added to proceedings, accompanying the organ on all of the hymns as well as performing. The joint choirs from St Thomas’s and St John’s also led an anthem and soprano soloist Emilie Cavallo performed.

Easter saw both choirs coming together again for an anthem on Maundy Thursday and a musical offering during the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. The joint anthems are helpful for both churches, but repertoire and rehearsal location are things that we should keep in mind for the future.

Currently Kathryn and I are meeting monthly to choose hymns for both churches, which saves the making of two separate booklets. This mostly works but there are instances where hymns don’t work for both churches. There are other musical differences, the psalms are no longer sung in St Thomas’s like in St John’s, but we will continue to work together.

Going forward, the first Sunday of every month will be “new hymn Sunday” where we learn new hymns before the service. This will begin officially in September, where we will encourage the congregation to arrive for 10:45am to learn one or two new hymns before the service begins at 11am.

I am keen to look at repairs for the organ again and investigate whether any of the money raised could be used in the interim, save using all of it for the major repairs mooted. I’d be happy to have support in the form of a small organ committee again.

Andrew Greer, Organist

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Monday Night Movies

Our Monday film night continues to thrive and over the year we have seen some new faces who quickly became regulars. We now have a mailing list of around 20+ people, not all of whom come every session although we still have a core of enthusiastic moviegoers who turn up most weeks, and our average attendance since January is 11.2!

From a Hitchcock season last September through chillers and true‐life stories to our return in January with two musical films, we continue to show a wide range of movies. In Lent we had Woman in Gold, Whistle Down the Wind, and a surprisingly good fictional what‐if story of Barabbas.

To mark the death of David Lynch earlier in the year we showed The Elephant Man in April, based on the life of Joseph (John Merrick), followed by another true‐life story One Life for VE Day’s 80th anniversary, and we will have a feel‐good film Blinded by the Light to end the season – yet another movie based on real life!

The lighter evenings in summer mean that we cannot show films easily and so following the summer break we will return in September with an autumn season ending with a Christmas film in December.

Our programmes of films include comedies, dramas, musicals, old and new films, black & white and colour. We aim to have something for everyone to enjoy.

New moviegoers are always welcome, and if you haven’t been before, please come along to enjoy a social evening with friends and a movie. Drinks and (often substantial) nibbles are provided at no charge, although a basket is available for donations. As well as the chance to see a film that may be new to you – or perhaps an old favourite – there is time to chat with others, relax in a sociable atmosphere and then sit back and get absorbed in a story, whether drama, comedy, musical…or something a little scary!

Posters with details of each current film are displayed in the church and hall. Or you can find out more info by joining the mailing list.

We look forward to seeing you!

Anne Rose, Film Night Co-ordinator

Reserves Policy

The PCCs reviewed the Reserves Policy in January 2025 and discussed the following factors in arriving at their policy:

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

The following policy was agreed:

It is the policy of this parish to hold in reserves the equivalent of three months general running costs and an additional one month for any salary costs. This equates to £19,000 based on budgeted expenditure for 2025. It is also our policy to hold an amount for likely ongoing building works in accordance with last quinquennial report. In view of the forthcoming mission next year, we have allocated £15,000 to the building reserves to cover these costs. This policy will be reviewed in twelve months’ time, apart from the mission project element which will be reviewed in six months’ time when the situation is clearer.

Risks and uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties as identified by the trustees, are in three areas:

Mitigation: activities to manage these risks have been reported above and the Safeguarding Officer reports at Trustee meetings on any safeguarding issues and any matters that arise.

Mitigation: through Diocesan resources, the trustees are updated on Church of England regulatory and governance requirements, which are then assessed and actioned accordingly.

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

• Financial risks

Mitigation: day to day risks and uncertainties are managed by the Treasurer who reports regularly to the Trustees and provides advice as appropriate. If it is apparent that levels of donations do not match expenditure commitments over a sustained period, then the Trustees will reassess those commitments.

Interregnum

Following the retiral of the Incumbent in May 2024, the church has entered a period of Interregnum. The PCC has been meeting frequently since then to manage the challenges of the Interregnum.

Structure and governance

The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. It is a registered charity, governed under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure (1956), as amended, and the Church Representation Rules.

The method of appointment to the PCC is set out in the Church Representation Rules. The incumbent and wardens are ex officio members, with the remaining members elected from members of the congregation who are on the electoral roll.

The PCC is responsible for making decisions on all matters of general concern and importance to the parish, including how funds are spent. In practice, responsibility for specific matters may be delegated to PCC sub‐committees.

In exercising its duties, the PCC has due regard to and complies with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

The PCC met six times during the year. In April 2020 an Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) was due to be held, however due the impact of Covid‐19, this meeting has been postponed and will be reconvened before the end of October 2020. PCC members due to retire at the APCM in April 2020 have agreed to remain in post until the next APCM.

This report and accounts were approved by the PCC on 18 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Anne Rosel, Churchwarden

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

ST THOMAS'S CHURCH: INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act), and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

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 presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees 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.

Independent examiner's statement

Having completed my examination, no matter has come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:

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.

ALEX SARGENT

Alex Sargent ACA (ICAEW), DChA 16 October 2025

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

St Thomas the Apostle, Finsbury Park Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 December 2024

Total Total
Year Ended Year Ended
Unrestricted Restricted Dec-24 Dec‐23
Note £k £k £k £k
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and Legacies 2 50,755 8,906 59,661 63,247
Income From Other Trading Activities 3 33,403 ‐ 33,403 27,262
Other Income 4 1,043 ‐ 1,043 1,073
Total income 85,201 8,906 94,107 91,582
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 69,586 10,311 79,897 78,352
Total expenditure 69,586 10,311 79,897 78,352
Net income/(expenditure) 15,615 (1,405) 14,210 13,230
Total funds brought forward at 1st Jan 27,843 23,825 51,668 38,438
Movement between reserves (15,000) 15,000 - ‐
Total funds carried forward at 31st Dec 28,458 37,420 65,878 51,668

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2024

Note
Current assets:
5
Liabilities:
6
7
8
Total charity funds
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds
Unrestricted general funds
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
Total net assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand		 Dec-24
£k
3,000
62,878
65,878
-
65,878
37,420
28,458
65,878		 Dec‐23
£k
8,800
43,037
51,837
(169)
51,668
23,825
27,843
51,668

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The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention, under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102).

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

b) Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees' continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

c) Income

Planned giving, collections and similar donations are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Interest is accounted for when received. Grants and legacies to the PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable and receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.

d) Fund accounting

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund.

Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received/generated for the charitable purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.

e) Expenditure

Common Fund contributions are accounted for when payable. Any amount pledged but unpaid at 31 December is shown as a creditor in the balance sheet.Grants and donations are accounted for when paid, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation. All other expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis and accounted for gross.

f) Fixed assets

Consecrated Property and Moveable Church Furnishings: consecrated land and benefice property such as the church building and vicarage is excluded the accounts in accordance with s10 of the Charities Act 2011. Moveable church contents are held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and require a faculty for disposal are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. All expenditure incurred on consecrated or benefice buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is expensed within the Statement of Financial Activities.

g) Funds

Restricted funds comprise revenue donations and grants intended for a specific purpose by the donor or funds set aside from general funds by the trustees for a dedicated purpose.

Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the PCC’s general purposes.

h) Cash flow statement

19 The financial statements do not include a Cash Flow Statement because the charity, as a small re‐ porting entity, is exempt from the requirement to prepare such a statement under the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102).

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Thomas's, Finsbury Park, London Annual Report and Accounts for the Year to 31st December 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Income
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
2. Income from donations and legacies
Planned giving
36,461
‐
36,461
40,077
‐
40,077
Income tax reclaimed
8,313
‐
8,313
11,722
‐
11,722
Collections at services
5,981
2,108
8,089
4,329
2,619
6,948
Grants: Cloudesley Charitable Trust
‐
6,798
6,798
‐
4,500
4,500
50,755
8,906
59,661
56,128
7,119
63,247
3. Income from charitable activities
Hire of church property
33,403
-
33,403
27,262
-
27,262
3. Other income
PCC fees
719
‐
719
701
‐
701
Other income
324
‐
324
372
‐
372
1,043
-
1,043
1,073
0
1,073
Total income
85,201
8,906
94,107
84,463
7,119
91,582
Expenditure
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
5(a) The Ministry
Clergy Expenses
691
‐
691
339
‐
339
Mission
2,879
1,286
4,165
2,433
2,743
5,176
3,570
1,286
4,856
2,772
2,743
5,515
5(b) The Church
Gas & Electricity
5,822
‐
5,822
5,661
‐
5,661
Facilities (water rates,towels etc)
5,554
‐
5,554
6,824
‐
6,824
Cleaner
4,630
‐
4,630
4,361
‐
4,361
Church Insurance
5,980
‐
5,980
5,785
‐
5,785
Minor Repairs
3,092
‐
3,092
8,224
500
8,724
Building Works
‐
7,446
7,446
‐
‐
0
25,078
7,446
32,524
30,855
500
31,355
5(c) Services
Vestry, Altar & Candles
1,538
650
2,188
1,217
1,217
Organist, Choir & Music
4,065
‐
4,065
4,671
4,671
Other Ordinary Expenditure
25
‐
25
614
614
5,628
650
6,278
6,502
-
6,502
5(d) Payments Outside the Parish
Diocese Fair Shares
35,310
‐
35,310
33,000
33,000
Charities
‐
929
929
250
1,730
1,980
35,310
929
36,239
33,250
1,730
34,980
Total expenditure
69,586
10,311
79,897
73,379
4,973
78,352
6. Debtors
Gift Aid recoverable
3,000
8,800
Total debtors
3,000
8,800
7. Creditors: falling due within one year
Accrued expenditure
‐
169
Total creditors falling due within one year
0
169
Funds
Brought
Carried
Forward
Income Expenditure
Transfer
Forward
Fund movements during the year were as follows:
(£)
(£)
(£)
(£)
(£)
8. Restricted
Collections for charitable giving
884
434
(621)
‐
697
Organ repair fund
16,805
‐
‐
‐
16,805
Craft Group
2,563
‐
(1,174)
‐
1,389
Minor repairs
3,423
1,404
(1,298)
‐
3,529
Audio Equipment
-
6,798
(6,798)
‐
-
Quinquennial
-
‐
‐
15,000
15,000
Other
150
270
(420)
‐
-
23,825
8,906
(10,311)
15,000
37,420
9. Unrestricted
27,843
85,201
(69,586)
(15,000)
28,458
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
(£)
(£)
(£)
Debtors
3,000
3,000
Cash at bank and in hand
40,458
22,420
62,878
Net assets at the end of the year
43,458
22,420
65,878
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are represented by:		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
36,461
‐
36,461
40,077
‐
40,077
8,313
‐
8,313
11,722
‐
11,722
5,981
2,108
8,089
4,329
2,619
6,948
‐
6,798
6,798
‐
4,500
4,500		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
36,461
‐
36,461
40,077
‐
40,077
8,313
‐
8,313
11,722
‐
11,722
5,981
2,108
8,089
4,329
2,619
6,948
‐
6,798
6,798
‐
4,500
4,500		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
36,461
‐
36,461
40,077
‐
40,077
8,313
‐
8,313
11,722
‐
11,722
5,981
2,108
8,089
4,329
2,619
6,948
‐
6,798
6,798
‐
4,500
4,500		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
36,461
‐
36,461
40,077
‐
40,077
8,313
‐
8,313
11,722
‐
11,722
5,981
2,108
8,089
4,329
2,619
6,948
‐
6,798
6,798
‐
4,500
4,500		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
36,461
‐
36,461
40,077
‐
40,077
8,313
‐
8,313
11,722
‐
11,722
5,981
2,108
8,089
4,329
2,619
6,948
‐
6,798
6,798
‐
4,500
4,500
50,755
8,906
59,661
56,128
7,119
63,247
33,403
-
33,403
27,262
-
27,262
719
‐
719
701
‐
701
324
‐
324
372
‐
372
1,043
-
1,043
1,073
0
1,073
85,201
8,906
94,107
84,463
7,119
91,582
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
691
‐
691
339
‐
339
2,879
1,286
4,165
2,433
2,743
5,176
3,570 1,286 4,856
2,772
2,743		 5,515
5,822
5,554
4,630
5,980
3,092
 ‐
7,446		 ‐
5,822
5,661

‐
5,554
6,824

‐
4,630
4,361

‐
5,980
5,785

‐
3,092
8,224
500

7,446
‐
 ‐
5,661
‐
6,824
‐
4,361
‐
5,785

8,724
‐
0
25,078 7,446 32,524
30,855
500		 31,355
1,538
4,065
25		 650



 2,188
1,217
‐
4,065
4,671
‐
25
614		 1,217
4,671
614
5,628 650 6,278
6,502
 -
6,502
35,310
 ‐
929		 ‐
35,310
33,000

929
250
1,730		 33,000

1,980
35,310 929 36,239
33,250
1,730		 34,980
69,586 10,311 79,897
73,379
4,973		 78,352
3,000
8,800
3,000
8,800
‐
169
0
169
Brought
Carried
Forward
Income Expenditure
Transfer
Forward
(£)
(£)
(£)
(£)
(£)
884
434
(621)
‐
697
16,805
‐
‐
‐
16,805
2,563
‐
(1,174)
‐
1,389
3,423
1,404
(1,298)
‐
3,529
-
6,798
(6,798)
‐
-
-
‐
‐
15,000
15,000
150
270
(420)
‐
-		 8,800
8,800
169
169
23,825
8,906		 (10,311)
15,000
37,420
27,843
85,201		 (69,586)
(15,000)
28,458
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
(£)
(£)
(£)
3,000
3,000
40,458
22,420
62,878
43,458
22,420
65,878

Payments to trustees

No payments were made to trustees during the year.

Related Party Transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year.

20