OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-12-31-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 2025

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 2025

Contents

Introduction and our Mission……………………………………………………………… 1 Welcome from the Priest in Charge……………………………………………………. 2 Churchwardens Report………………………………………………………………………. 3 Mission Activity………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 Report of the Deanery Synod Representatives.…………………………………… 9 Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.……………………………………. 12 Electoral Roll Report…………………………………………………………………………… 13 Treasurer’s Report……………………………………………………………………………… 13 Governance and Risk Management……………………………………………………. 15 Independent Examiner’s Report ............................................................ 17 Statement of Financial Activities ........................................................... 18 Balance Sheet ........................................................................................ 19 Notes to the Accounts ........................................................................... 20 Administrative Information……………………………………………………………….. 23

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 2025

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 2025.

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..

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.

1

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 2025

Welcome from the Priest in Charge

Dear Friends,

Joining the St Thomas Community has been the cause of so much joy for me.

To find somewhere, after a long and complicated few years, still full of love for God and the communities he has given you to serve; still so committed to the justice that characterises the Kingdom of God, looking outwards for the signs of the Holy Spirit and not retreating inwards, is remarkable and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole St Thomas’s family.

Most of this report relates to the activities of the church before my arrival in time to prepare for Advent and Christmas, and so my role is mostly to congratulation the St Thomas community on a wonderful year of witness to the love of God for the people of Finsbury Park.

I was drawn to the parish’s commitment to seeing and adoring the image of God in all – and doing so through a long-standing tradition, both prophetic and practical, of interfaith work, racial and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, work towards environmental justice, and a door wide open to all in the community.

The year has also seen a closer relationship with our brothers and sisters in St John’s Brownswood Park, not least in the celebration of a wonderful joint Holy Week, planned and executed by our lay volunteers in the absence of a parish priest. Since my arrival, both PCCs have reiterated their commitment to working together and exploring what that might look like in terms of a new Parish structure. Over the coming year, we will be communicating and consulting widely to ensure that what emerges serves all the people of Finsbury Park to the best of our capacity.

I find St Thomas’s in good heart and fine spiritual health, ready to receive what God has in store for us over the coming year.

Thank you to the whole community for making me so welcome; but particular thanks to the PCC and churchwardens for their unflagging work in the Kingdom of God.

Fr Stephen Hearn

2

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 2025

Churchwarden’s Report

Since the last APCM we have had two major changes at St Thomas’s, the first being the appointment of Fr Stephen Hearn as priest-in-charge following the interviews of several candidates in June, who was licensed on 24 September. The arrival of Fr Stephen and his wife Katie was very welcome, and they have been a wonderful boon after the previous five years of uncertainty and instability. Some previous church members have returned, a few new ones have joined, and Sunday services have been refreshed by new music and a different layout.

Since then, we have been joined by Fr Robert Titley, who, with Pauline and Chris Higgins, and supported by Andrew Bartlett and Kathryn Rose, is regularly covering the service at both St Thomas’s and St John’s along with Fr Stephen.

The second major change was the departure of the preschool (formerly playgroup) which closed permanently at the October half term. Although this means losing income, the preschool’s departure means that we have not only full use of the hall again, but also the back room, courtyard and all the gardens. This fuller access makes things a good deal easier, and we were able to instal a fridge and freezer in the back room, courtesy of the generosity of a regular church member.

We used the hall (suitably decorated) to serve refreshments at our Carols by Candlelight in December and have plans to clean and repaint both it and the kitchen, to make them more attractive not just to us and our regular users but future possible hirers.

In the summer we had more problems with rough sleepers in the porch and garden, who were leaving the whole area full of mess. This was largely solved by having a security gate fitted in the porch entrance in the small outer courtyard.

Heating has still not been resolved, as the installation of a heat pump proved more complicated than we realised, but various meetings we have had with Cloudesley have been reassuring that our applications for grants are still valid, including with the ongoing saga of the bell, the bell turret, and brickwork repairs (quite a large undertaking which has involved inspections over the last few years by our architect Daniel Benson, and builders Artemis and Fullers).

Fitzgeralds Builders have undertaken several repairs and improvements, including replacing the small toilet with a normal sized one; and adjusting the guttering all around the baptistery wall with new brackets.

Thanks to another church member the old outside noticeboard has been taken down as it was rotting and becoming dangerous to use. In its place we are considering

3

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 2025

different ideas of improving our outside notices and information to be more attractive to those who pass by.

At time of writing, we are planning the repair of the brickwork both of the building and of the boundary walls (recommended in the last Quinquennial Inspection), all of which are part of the church’s Grade 2 listing.

We are very grateful for those who regularly volunteer their time in different ways – you know who you are! But we could always do with more (and younger?) volunteers.

Lastly our thanks and welcome go to our new caretaker, Rayner, who has already proved to be an asset in looking after our buildings.

Anne Rose & Lena Scantlebury

Mission Activity

Children’s Work

In 2025, during the interregnum, Pauline and Rowan continued to lead children’s activities through Messy Church with two sessions, welcoming families from our community and beyond. We held two joyful celebrations: Messy Easter in April and Messy Pentecost in June. We are grateful for support from many members of the Sunday morning congregation in hosting Messy Church: setting up, cooking, welcoming, engaging with the families, hosting craft tables, providing supplies, washing up and clearing up.

Following Father Stephen’s arrival, we decided to reset our focus by restarting Sunday School for the families attending our Sunday morning service. We started to meet again during the morning services in November 2025. We have a strong nucleus of volunteer leaders, with Susan having joined Pauline, Rowan and Cassie, and a small group of regular families. We use the Roots materials which focus on the lectionary readings, with discussion and activities including crafts, games and baking bread!

We held a very well attended Crib Service on Christmas Eve, with Father Stephen leading and Katie 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 a big pile of gifts for the Toy Project in Junction Road Archway.

Project were very grateful for the donated items and will distribute them to families in need across the year.

Rowan Howard and Pauline Nashashibi

4

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 2025

Interfaith Work

St Thomas’s interfaith work has continued throughout the year with a mix of activities.

The Conversation meetings of faith leaders in the Finsbury Park area continue about twice a term. Reflecting our local communities, the members are from the local churches and mosques, and our meetings are hosted in our various buildings.

The meetings keep us in touch and give us the opportunity to express our solidarity with communities which are affected by the tragic conflicts overseas and sometimes hostility within our own area. Members of other faiths occasionally join us. We also get together to celebrate important high days. This year Pauline was invited to speak at the Iftar on the Day of Arafah.

This year our work has been greatly enhanced by the addition of Three Faith Events hosted by the Muslim Welfare House. These bring Jewish friends from the Kehillah inclusive congregation which meets in Stoke Newington together with Muslims and Christians.

Each event has an input from a representative from each community and discussion. The wonderful hospitality of the Muslim Welfare House is greatly appreciated on these days. This year’s topics have been:

Who is God for you? Reverend Margaret from Islington United Reform Church gave the Christian talk at this on 6 July.

Who is Mary, Maryam and Miriam for you? Father Stephen gave the Christian talk on 18 January.

The group is currently planning a Three-faith event in May.

Other interfaith activities with which members of St Thomas’s are involved include Sisters’ events for women only where we gather to talk, socialise and learn about each other. Although this Sisters’ group between the local churches and mosques has not met frequently this year, various activities have come from friendships formed between members of the group. With sisters from the mosque, we made and sold chutney, cards etc to raise funds to send water trucks to remote, drought-hit villages in Sudan. We raised enough to send three trucks.

Following on from that success, the group is about to have an interfaith fund-raising women’s lunch to raise money for a project setting up a school and providing food for the children in a remote village In Sudan which is severely affected by the war.

Dorothy is involved with English conversation classes for women at Muslim Welfare House. The classes, which include women from various Muslim communities, have been awarded a grant as part of Islington’s Borough of Sanctuary programme to cover

5

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 2025

admission charges and fares for the group to take sisters together to a wide variety of activities and places in London, including museums, parks and gardens etc.

If you would like to know more or, indeed, to be involved in interfaith activities, please ask us!

Revd Pauline Nashashibi, Dorothy Newton

Craft Group

There have been two workshops this year:

We continue to work on our own craft projects. Support each other and learn new skills. I am waiting to hear from an Art Tutor, Martine at Pomegranart. There is a possibility that she can provide some art classes.

This brings to an end the lottery funding we had secured, and so, in conjunction with the PCC’s new fundraising group, we are looking for new sources of funding in 2026.

Heather Pascall

Folklore & Festivals

Our new monthly group started in September 2025, the overall theme being ‘Why do we do what we do?’ in church, the history and culture behind it, and anything else that comes up in discussion. We have the view that no question is silly, and all questions are valid, so that people are not hesitant about asking the ‘wrong’ thing.

We have tea & cake usually to start the ball rolling in a sociable way, and then we look at that week’s topic or question. We have about half a dozen regulars, and everyone contributes to some very lively discussions!

The first meeting concerned my irritation over the widespread myth of Christmas and Easter being ‘just pagan festivals stolen by the church’, and so we looked at the Passover, spring festivals, Easter eggs as symbols of rebirth, and so on. For Christmas we considered the early written tradition (4th century) of 25 December being the date of the Nativity, various pagan midwinter festivals including Roman ones, and the Roman new year celebrations.

6

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 2025

Since then, we have discovered the beauty and history of ecclesiastical vestments, incense and bells; different traditions around Halloween and All Souls’ Day; we looked at the various Rosary beads used by Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Christians, and prayed some of the prayers; we considered Jesus’s family and 1st century daily life; the ‘missing years’ stories about Jesus’s travels, and the various unorthodox, rejected Gospels.

After the Easter break, we return on 8 May, and plan to continue looking at the history of Glastonbury, and the gospel of Judas.

If you’re interested in joining us just let me know and I’ll be pleased to welcome you.

Anne Rose

Bible Study

We have now been meeting in this format for about twelve 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 Old Testament book of Exodus in March 2026 which turned out to be a long journey (although not 40 years). We decided to stay in the Old Testament and chose Kings I & II for our next journey. We began our study in April and will not in this case be reading the complete books but following the study guide and concentrating on specific Kings.

All our participants are encouraged to share the weekly reading. All personal views discussed in the meeting are treated as confidential and are not repeated outside the meeting.

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

7

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 2025

Monday Night Movies

Since the last report we have shown the comedy Blinded by the Light followed by The Good Liar with Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren, both in September; Don’t Worry Darling with Harry Styles in October, followed by A Quiet Place 2 in November. The final film in December was the rom-com Last Christmas.

We kicked off the New Year with 1993’s biopic of Tina Turner, What’s Love Got to Do with It, starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, followed by a film for Valentine’s Day, 50 First Dates, a rom-com with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

For Lent, we showed Breathe, a true-life story about overcoming tragedy starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, followed by Brendan Gleeson’s priest facing the ultimate threat in 2014’s Calvary.

In April we end the season with a classic 1960s sci-fi, The Fantastic Voyage, with Stephen Boyd and Raquel Welch.

We have shown slightly fewer films in the first half of this year, for various reasons including fitting in with other bookings, meetings and so on, as well as a slightly earlier Holy Week and Easter – and because of lighter evenings we can’t show films properly from around May onwards. But numbers are still good, and we have welcomed one or two new moviegoers. The average attendance for the four films so far has risen to 12.25!

Over the summer break we are hoping to purchase a new, pull-down wall mounted screen, which will make it easier for us, rather than scrambling onto a table to open up the current screen. We have enough from previous ‘donations in the basket’ to pay for this, so we are very grateful to everyone who donates cash as well as nibbles and drinks. It’s good to know that we can all support movie night like this.

All being well we return on Monday 7 September for the autumn season. As usual 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.

Do have a look at the leaflets available on the table, and the posters that go up regularly with details of the current movie. We look forward to seeing you there.

Anne Rose

Teas

Tea at St Thomas’s is now in its fifteenth year – we have been meeting since St David’s Day in 2012.

8

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 2025

Every Thursday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm, 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” – mums with little ones in arms….

Tea at St Thomas’s is not a club – some people come frequently, others occasionally – we are always pleased and happy to welcome them.

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. We want people who wouldn’t come on a Sunday, as well as those who do, to feel welcome to join us, meet their neighbours and have conversations in a comfortable environment.

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, and it would be great to have more hosts to help everyone to talk comfortably.

Please come to Tea one Thursday and see for yourself – and, of course, please encourage neighbours and friends who you feel would enjoy tea and company to join us….

Rowan, Dorothy, Christine, Sui and Br. Johannes are regular hosts, and this year Justice has sometimes been able to join us too. Thank you to them all, and to everyone who contributes to making Tea at St Thomas so welcoming and friendly.

Dorothy and Rowan

Deanery Synod

A shared life of stewardship, mission, and hope.

Across 2025, the life of Islington Deanery Synod has reflected a shared commitment to prayer, discernment, and participation in God’s mission. Bringing together clergy and lay representatives, Synod connects parishes with one another and the wider Church—offering space to share learning, engage common challenges, contribute to diocesan conversations, and discern how best to steward our resources for mission.

In a context where many churches face pressures around finance, buildings, and capacity, there has also been a growing sense of opportunity: to deepen engagement with our communities and to learn from one another.

9

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 2025

Throughout the year, a consistent rhythm has shaped our meetings—gathering for worship, receiving input, and engaging in conversation—holding together the spiritual and practical dimensions of our shared calling.

Synod Meetings in Summary

March 2025 – Schools and Shared Leadership

The March Deanery Synod, hosted at St Mary’s Islington, focused on the relationship between churches and schools. Contributions from local and diocesan leaders, including input from St John’s Upper Holloway and the London Diocesan Board for Schools, were followed by small-group discussions that enabled deeper engagement. In synod business, nominations were approved for school governors and for a Deanery Synod-nominated Trustee to the Cloudesley Charity. These appointments reflected the deanery’s ongoing commitment to shared leadership, governance, and the strengthening of our links with local schools.

June 2025 – Mission Across the Deanery

The June Synod, held at Hope Church (St Mary Magdalene), focused on mission across Islington, particularly engagement with estates, young people, and church planting. Presentations from those leading work in these areas were followed by discussion groups, enabling members to reflect on emerging initiatives and consider opportunities for collaboration. The meeting highlighted a growing emphasis on outward-facing ministry, alongside a recognition of both the opportunities and challenges of mission in this context.

November 2025 – Stewardship, Giving, and Sustainability

The November Synod, held at Christ Church Highbury, focused on giving, grants, and sustaining the finances of our churches. Input from Joe Allen (Area Finance Advisor, London Diocesan Fund) and representatives from the Cloudesley Charity, including Catherine Sorrell (Grants Manager), provided practical support for churches. A key highlight was guidance on grant writing—identifying funders, articulating outcomes and what funders are looking for, and building realistic budgets—alongside signposting to resources such as the Cornerstone grants database. Members were encouraged to share their own experiences of fundraising and stewardship, fostering mutual learning across the deanery. The meeting also included reflection on initiatives such as Rewild the Church, connecting financial stewardship with care for creation and the Church’s wider mission.

Emerging Themes Across the Deanery

Deepening engagement with school

The strong focus on schools reflects their continuing importance as places of mission, relationship, and presence within local communities. Governance, leadership, and partnership with schools remain a significant part of the deanery’s shared life. Sadly, one of our church schools closed due to falling roll.

10

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 2025

A renewed focus on mission

Across the year, there has been a growing emphasis on outward-facing ministry— particularly among young people, on local estates, and through new expressions of church. This signals a desire not simply to sustain existing structures, but to engage afresh with the communities we are called to serve.

Stewardship under pressure—and opportunity

Financial sustainability, buildings, and giving remain significant challenges. At the same time, there is evidence of creativity, shared learning, and a willingness to develop new approaches to stewardship and fundraising.

The distinctive role of the Cloudesley Charity

A distinctive feature of Islington Deanery is the support of Cloudesley, whose grants enable not only the maintenance of buildings but their development for mission and community use. This relationship is strengthened through deanery representation among trustees and through the Deanery/Cloudesley link role, which provides ongoing connection, oversight, and support. Together, this reflects both provision and responsibility: an opportunity to steward resources wisely for the sake of God’s mission. A common liturgical refrain at synod is: “where would we be without Cloudesley!”

Collaboration and shared learning

A consistent pattern across synod meetings has been the use of discussion groups and shared conversation. This reflects a growing culture of collaboration, where parishes learn from one another and discern together best practice. This is not stealing or nicking from other churches but working together!

Care for creation as mission

The inclusion of initiatives such as Rewild the Church highlights an increasing awareness of environmental stewardship as integral to Christian mission, particularly in engaging younger generations and responding to the wider ecological crisis. Working with farmers will be crucial to its success.

Spiritual and Strategic Significance

Taken together, these themes suggest a deanery that is being invited to hold together faithfulness and imagination. There is a call not only to sustain what we have inherited, but to reimagine how our churches, buildings, and resources serve God’s mission in this place. The provision available through the Cloudesley Charity, alongside diocesan support, creates space for creativity and development. At the same time, it raises important questions about stewardship: how we use these resources well, how we learn from one another, and whether there are opportunities for deeper collaboration across the deanery. The year also points to a growing integration of the spiritual and the practical. Conversations about finance, buildings, and governance are not separate

11

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 2025

from mission, but part of our response to God’s call —rooted in prayer, expressed in service, and directed towards the flourishing of our communities.

Looking Ahead

As we look to 2026, several priorities emerge:

Above all, there is an invitation to continue walking together as a deanery—sharing resources, wisdom, and encouragement—as we seek to follow Christ in this place.

James Hill

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

Training: some training remains overdue, and we are actively encouraging those with outstanding courses to complete them as soon as possible.

DBS Checks: all individuals in roles requiring a DBS check have a valid certificate in place.

Policies and procedures: we have reviewed and agreed our safeguarding policy and action plan. Procedures will be kept under rolling review by the PCC safeguarding subgroup

Church activities: the parish activity list has been updated to include Sunday School.

Data protection/Record Keeping: we are committed to centralising record keeping and ‑ have encouraged all volunteers and role holders to upload their training certificates directly to the training portal which will help us to maintain clear and up to date records.

Our priorities for the coming year include:

Jacintha Mapp (Cynthia)

12

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 2025

Electoral Roll report

Every six years a new roll is prepared and everyone who wishes to apply completes an Application for Enrolment Form. In May 2025 the roll was 61.

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 during March and April.

The total number of people on the Electoral Roll in May 2026 was 61, with no overall change from 2025.

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

Another challenging year including an interregnum which lasted a further nine months into 2025 and the sudden closure of St. Thomas Pre-School after over 20 years.

Income

The main source of income was from the generosity of the congregation of St. Thomas’s, visitors, and income from the hiring of the church hall. Despite reduced income, the church was able to pay bills, fund our utilities, cover repair expenses and support local charities. The source of income is derived from plate collections, specific donations (envelopes), standing orders, the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), Gift Aid and taxes reclaimed. However, the church interregnum, the loss of income from hall hire and the death of long-standing church members had an impact on funds received.

Expenditure

Steeply rising cost of living has impacted on domestic as well as our church utility bills, including water rates, gas and electricity. We had unforeseen expenditure listed under the following headings:

: Ministry – Clergy cover had increased whilst the Mission reduced due to less Messy church services. This was all owing to the interregnum.

13

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 2025

: Minor repairs including tree maintenance, a new arch gate, replacement of roof lead from church porch, toilet repairs, replacement of hall cooker to an induction hub and fire alarm /extinguishers.

: Services – pay increases to both cleaner and organist.

: Payments outside of Parish - with the loss of income from the hall hire it was too late/sudden in the year to arrange for a reduction in contribution to Diocese of London.

Restricted Fund

I wish to highlight the Quinquennial, an exterior structural inspection of the church building carried out every 5 years, the most recent being the 1[st] September 2022. The amount £15,000 is available to be used solely to contribute towards all building aspects of conservation and repair.

Commitment to the Diocese of London

St. Thomas continues to meet our Parish Share commitment to the Diocese of London, money which is held centrally to support the running costs of the Church of England. This year we contributed £38,700; in 2024 it was £35,310.

Regular donations

I appeal to those who may not be doing so already, to please consider making a commitment to regular donations by way of a direct debit under the PGS, which will enable the church to claim back an extra 25% from HMRC automatically. Forms are available from Stav.

I wish to thank all those who support me in my role as treasurer, Iain, Stav, Jono and auditor Alex.

Please continue to give generously regardless of the amount. Every little bit helps!

Reserves Policy

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

14

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 2025

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 £15,000 based on budgeted expenditure for 2026. It is also our policy to hold an amount for likely ongoing building works in accordance with last quinquennial report.

Sandra Hall, Treasurer

Governance and Risk management

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.

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.

15

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 2025

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

 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.

This report and accounts were approved by the PCC on 10 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Anne Rose, Churchwarden

16

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 2025

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

I report on the accounts of St Thomas the Apostle, Finsbury Park for the year ended 31 December 2025.

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 and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition, issued from the Finance Division of the Archbishops' Council. 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 18 May 2026

17

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 2025

St Thomas the Apostle, Finsbury Park Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 December 2025

St Thomas the Apostle, Finsbury Park
Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 December 2025
Total Total
Year Ended Year Ended
UnrestrictedRestricted
Dec-25		 Dec-24
Note £k £k
£k		 £k
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and Legacies 2 45,434 3,206
48,640		 59,661
Income From Other Trading Activities 3 29,494 -
29,494		 33,403
Other Income 4 1,134 -
1,134		 1,043
Total income 76,062 3,206
79,268		 94,107
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 84,104 2,375
86,479		 79,897
Total expenditure 84,104 2,375
86,479		 79,897
Net (expenditure)/income (8,042) 831
(7,211)		 14,210
Total funds brought forward at 1st January 28,457 37,421
65,878		 51,668
Total funds carried forward at 31st December 20,415 38,252
58,667		 65,878

18

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 2025

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2025

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-25
£k
8,800
49,867
58,667
-
58,667
38,252
20,415
58,667		 Dec-24
£k
3,000
62,878
65,878
-
65,878
37,420
28,458
65,878

19

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 2025

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

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

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).

20

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 2025

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

Income
2. Income from donations and legacies
Planned giving
Income tax reclaimed
Collections at services
Grants: Cloudesley Charitable Trust
3. Income from charitable activities
Hire of church property
3. Other income
PCC fees
Other income
Total income
Expenditure
4(a) The Ministry
Clergy Expenses
Mission
4(b) The Church
Gas & Electricity
Facilities (water rates,towels etc)
Cleaner
Church Insurance
Minor Repairs
Audio System
Building Works
4(c) Services
Vestry, Altar & Candles
Organist, Choir & Music
Other Ordinary Expenditure
4(d) Payments Outside the Parish
Diocese Fair Shares
Charities
Total expenditure
5. Debtors
Gift Aid recoverable
Eritrean Church
Total debtors
6. Creditors: falling due within one year
Accrued expenditure
Total creditors falling due within one year		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2025 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
31,221
-
31,221
36,461
-
36,461
9,548
-
9,548
8,313
-
8,313
4,665
3,206
7,871
5,981
2,108
8,089
-
-
0
-
6,798
6,798		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2025 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
31,221
-
31,221
36,461
-
36,461
9,548
-
9,548
8,313
-
8,313
4,665
3,206
7,871
5,981
2,108
8,089
-
-
0
-
6,798
6,798
45,434
3,206
48,640
50,755
8,906
59,661
29,494
-
29,494
33,403
-
33,403
652
-
652
719
-
719
482
-
482
324
-
324
1,134
-
1,134
1,043
-
1,043
76,062
3,206
79,268
85,201
8,906
94,107
Unrestricted
Restricted
2025 Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
Funds (£)
Funds (£)
Total (£)
1,310
-
1,310
691
-
691
1,703
-
1,703
2,879
1,286
4,165
3,013
0
3,013
3,570
1,286
4,856
7,045
-
7,045
5,822
-
5,822
4,146
-
4,146
5,554
-
5,554
3,650
-
3,650
4,630
-
4,630
6,126
-
6,126
5,980
-
5,980
7,783
-
7,783
3,092
-
3,092
6,900
-
6,900
-
-
-
-
2,375
2,375
-
7,446
7,446
35,650
2,375
38,025
25,078
7,446
32,524
1,524
-
1,524
1,538
650
2,188
5,217
-
5,217
4,065
-
4,065
-
-
0
25
-
25
6,741
0
6,741
5,628
-
6,278
38,700
-
38,700
35,310
-
35,310
-
-
0
-
929
929
38,700
0
38,700
35,310
929
36,239
84,104
2,375
86,479
69,586
9,661
79,897
7,900
3,000
900
8,800
3,000
-
-
0
0
3,000
-
0

21

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 2025

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025

Funds
Fund movements during the year were as follows:
7. Restricted
Collections for charitable giving
Organ repair fund
Craft Group
Minor repairs
Quinquennial
8. Unrestricted
Analysis of net assets between funds
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Net assets at the end of the year
Fund balances at 31 December 2025 are represented by:		 Brought
Carried
Forward
Income Expenditure
Forward
(£)
(£)
(£)
(£)
697
1,295
(1,065)
927
16,805
-
-
16,805
1,389
-
(1,310)
79
3,529
1,912
-
5,441
15,000
-
-
15,000
37,420
3,207
(2,375)
38,252
28,458
76,061
(84,104)
20,415
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
(£)
(£)
(£)
8,800
8,800
11,615
38,252
49,867
20,415
38,252
58,667		 Brought
Carried
Forward
Income Expenditure
Forward
(£)
(£)
(£)
(£)
697
1,295
(1,065)
927
16,805
-
-
16,805
1,389
-
(1,310)
79
3,529
1,912
-
5,441
15,000
-
-
15,000
37,420
3,207
(2,375)
38,252
28,458
76,061
(84,104)
20,415
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
(£)
(£)
(£)
8,800
8,800
11,615
38,252
49,867
20,415
38,252
58,667		 Carried
Forward
(£)
927
16,805
79
5,441
15,000
38,252
20,415
38,252
58,667

Payments to trustees

No payments were made to trustees during the year.

Related Party Transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year.

22

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 2025

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. The following have served as members of the PCC:

Ex officio members

Incumbent

Interregnum (30 June 2024 until 23 September 2025) The Revd. Stephen Hearn (from 24 September 2025)

Clergy

Fr. Robert Titley (from 10 May 2026) Fr. Christopher L I Higgins (from 27 July 2026)

Churchwardens

Anne Rose Lena Scantlebury

Deanery Synod Representatives

Heather Pascall Marcia Sinclair Vacant

(to 10 May 2026) (from 10 May 2026)

Treasurer

Sandra Hall (co-opted)

Safeguarding Officer

Cynthia Mapp (co-opted)

Ordinary PCC members

Christopher L I Higgins (Vice Chair) Susan Ann Malcolm (Secretary) Malcolm Patrick Marjoram Helena Konneh Briony Murray Maria Gaitani Patricia Crocker Stav Stavrou Johannes Maertens Ella Reid Joanna Collins Rose Fraser

(to 26 July 2026) (from 10 May 2026)

(from 10 May 2026) (from 10 May 2026) (from 10 May 2026) (to 10 May 2026)

Bankers Independent Examiner Quinquennial Inspector

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

23