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Annual Report and Accounts for year ended 31 December 2023 Charity Number 1191562
Statement of Purpose
Knowing God’s love: St. Paul’s exists to provide spiritual sustenance through the Lord Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit to all who come.
Sharing God’s love: We exist to provide pastoral care and support to church members and parishioners at every stage of life in the name of Christ, and to help alleviate poverty both spiritually and physically.
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THE PARISH OF ST PAUL’S FURZEDOWN
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023
Legal and administrative details
Charitable status
The Parish Church Council of ST PAUL’S FURZEDOWN was previously a charity exempted from registration with the Charity Commission. In 2020 as required by charity legislation, the Parish Church Council completed registration with the Charity Commission and gained its charity registration number: 1191562.
Location of the Church
St Paul’s Church address is: Welham Road, London SW17 9BT. The church is situated at the corner of Welham Road and Chillerton Road in a quiet residential area, with little passing traffic.
Incumbent
Reverend [Biobelemoye] Belemo Alagoa is Associate Vicar
Bankers
NatWest – Streatham Branch, 54 Streatham High Road, London SW16 1BZ
Independent Examiner:
Mrs Paula Thomas, Chartered Accountant, London SW16
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THE PARISH OF ST PAUL’S, FURZEDOWN
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023
The Parochial Church Council (PCC)
The PCC of St Paul’s Furzedown has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It is also responsible for maintaining and developing the building for the parish.
Trustees (being the members of the PCC)
Members of the PCC are either ex officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representational Rules. Those elected bring the skills required for the PCC and ensure the diversity reflects that of the parish.
PCC meetings
The PCC met six times during 2023 on 26 January, 23 March, 25 May, 20 July, 28 September and 23 November. During 2023, the members of the PCC were:
| Ex officio | |
|---|---|
| Reverend Belemo Alagoa | Associate Vicar |
| Mr Graham Connell | Reader;Church Warden[2023-Present] |
| Mrs Helen Long | Church Warden[2021-Present] |
| Mr Malcolm Baker | DeanerySynod[2023-2026] |
| Mrs Elspeth Greensmith | Asst Church Warden, Treasurer and StewardshipOfficer |
| Elected Members | |
| Ms Georgie Buckler[2023-2026] | |
| Ms Anita Codrington[2021-2024] | |
| Mrs Carol Nicholls[2017-2024] | STANDING DOWN MAY 2024 |
| Ms Claire Neil[2022-2025] | |
| Ms Lorna Nunn[2022-2025] | |
| Ms Joan Poole, PCC Secretary 2021-[2021-2024] |
All those listed are trustees at 31 December 2023 and at the date of this report.
Standing Committee
This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the PCC. It also prioritises and prepares the agenda for PCC meetings. The committee comprises the Incumbent, Churchwardens, Secretary, Treasurer, and one other member of the PCC appointed by the PCC.
Church attendance
There were 50 members on the Church Electoral Roll at the end of December 2023, some of whom attend regularly. Average Sunday attendance in October 2023 was 25. Five funerals were conducted in the church during 2023.There were no marriages. St Paul’s has still not recovered from the effect of the pandemic on a predominantly elderly and infirm congregation. The absence of many families and children is a matter of active concern, as is the fact that we have had no new members in 2023.
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Public benefit statement
The PCC has considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Working cooperatively with the clergy and other members of the congregation, it strives to enable all people to live out their faith as part of our parish community. This means facilitating opportunities for worship, prayer, and study, as well as encouraging service to and care for members of the wider community of which we are a part.
Risk Management
The PCC has appointed a Safeguarding officer (supported by the vicar) to ensure full attention is paid to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults whilst in the building and attending events and services.
All volunteers assisting at the Youth Café (see review of the year) are DBS checked.
PCC Review of the Year 2023
Worship
Our regular pattern of worship continued throughout 2023. Each first Sunday is designated Sunday4family with a more informal feel. On the fifth Sunday, where it occurs, we hold a healing service. There are also joint services at times during the year, with our sister churches, St Albans, St James and Mitcham Lane Baptist Church. The joint service held at St Paul’s in August 2023 was particularly appreciated.
This year we were able to return to giving communion in both forms whilst gathering around the altar as a church family.
Bible Study group and Prayer Group
A bible study group was held throughout the year in 2023. During Lent the group met weekly on a Wednesday evening. Thank you to our vicar Belemo and reader Graham for their leadership of these groups, and special thanks to Graham for the provision of refreshments.
The prayer group has continued to meet monthly on Thursday lunchtimes; thanks are due to Anita for her leadership of the group.
Communications
The weekly notice sheet was reintroduced at the start of 2023. We are grateful to Ben Aryeetey for all the work he puts in to ensure the sheet is available. It is a valuable resource. This year work was also carried out to launch a new website for St Paul’s. The website address is: stpaulsfurzedown.co.uk
Music
Throughout 2023 the choir continued to enhance morning worship. There was a choral evening service during Holy Week and at the start of Advent, both of which were very well received. The choir also introduced the singing of a psalm on a designated Sunday each month. Thanks are due to organists Martin Callingham and Peter Ramell, and also to Lorna Nunn our Director of Music.
Youth Café
A Youth Café was started at St Paul’s in September 2021 to provide a service to the many 6[th] formers from nearby Graveney School who gather in the vicinity at lunchtime and between lessons. Open from midday to 2.30pm, it has attracted a significant number of students (routinely around 150, on occasion over 200) who are invited to use the church to rest, work or play (chess or card games) as they see fit, whilst being treated to free drinks and biscuits (and homemade soup during the cold season).
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The café has continued to flourish throughout 2023. The Outreach worker from the Furzedown Youth Project, Paul Rook , helps to facilitate this venture, ably supported by a team of volunteers from St Paul’s and other Furzedown churches.
Children’s Day
A very successful Children’s Day was held once more at the beginning of September, to mark the end of the summer holiday with an opportunity for local children and parents to take part in activities and enjoy refreshments in the church grounds. There was a bouncy castle much to the delight of the children. Building on the success of the day we now plan to hold two Children’s Days in 2024, one in May and one in September.
Church Barbecue
In mid-July church members gathered in the garden of the Chillerton Road vicarage (by very kind invitation of Belemo) to enjoy a barbecue and time to socialise.
Looking forward
The church still faces many challenges, particularly in how to encourage new growth, to find ways to nurture the children and young people in our congregation, as well as to fundraise for improvements to the church and hall buildings.
June 2026 will mark 100 years of Christian worship at St Paul’s Furzedown. A special service is planned for that month as well as other activities to mark this very special occasion.
Joan Poole – Secretary of St Paul’s PCC
Church Wardens’ Fabric Report
This year has been dominated by the work needed on the Church Hall (Seely Hall). Following a severe storm in June, a leak developed in the porch roof. The temporary repairs carried out by the nursery were done incorrectly and remedial repairs were subsequently carried out by the church’s roofer, Barry Kerbey. Repairs and repainting of certain Seely Hall windows were still outstanding as at year end. An ongoing concern with Seely Hall has been the dislodging of tiles in high winds which, given the age of the roof, is a situation that can only deteriorate. On occasion, dust and light debris has fallen into the hall. Our church architect, Tim Gough, has nevertheless declared the roof structure safe and a solution has been agreed for stopping further penetration of dust, following consultation with a structural engineer. This work is scheduled for early May 2024.
However, it is now recognized that the Seely Hall roof (which is the original one) will need to be replaced in as short a time span as is practicable, given the financial implications for the church.
This year a quinquennial inspection of the church’s electrics was carried out by church specialists, CES Electrics. This revealed that comprehensive rewiring was required, and a substantial upgrading of the lighting was recommended. Much of this work has been completed at the time of writing this report, of especial note being repairs to the lighting in the church porch, the previous absence of which had presented a potential hazard to those entering the church after dark.
Helen Long and Graham Connell – Church Wardens
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Deanery Synod Report
We started out by discussing the 'Southwark Vision 2023 – 2035’ & Diocesan Investment Programme. Some of the points discussed were around lack of evidence to show learning from previous vision statements and experiences. The new Vision was felt to be too general and focused on values, rather than actual measurable points. The language used was questioned as it seemed to imply a “them and us” with little focus on prayer. A number of Discussion points were given for us to look at in depth.
Sue Clarke gave an update on the Syrian family which the deanery supports, and said that they continue to bridge the gap between housing benefit and rent.
We were given a talk about the work the Deanery has done the raise the 'Eco-church' issues.
A report was given to ask the deanery to nominate a deanery lay champion to raise awareness of Lay ministries across the deanery.
In January, we were given feedback on the Diocesan strategy which helped to shape the final document, and our work was appreciated by Bishop Martin.
It was reported that the Diocesan Synod had voted to disinvest from fossil fuels, a time limit for this to be confirmed. Other investments are being investigated. Southwark Diocese has committed to becoming an Eco-Diocese and asked all churches to pursue the Eco church awards.
Members exchanged what successes and challenges they have had in becoming more environmentally aware. This included things like changes lighting to LED's, Solar Panels being installed and changes made to heating. Some of the challenges were the time it took to secure faculty approval etc as well as cost, and getting everyone on board. It was said that significant financial resources would be needed in order to meet the 2030 target.
The Bishop arranged an Eco pilgrimage. Six walks were planned - Reigate to Tandridge, Kingston to Merton, Charlton to Deptford, Lambeth to Tooting, Battersea to Southwark Cathedral, as well as a schools and young people walk.
Malcolm Baker – Deanery Synod representative
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Financial Review for 2023
The activities of the parish insofar as they impinge upon the Statement of Financial Activities have been as follows:
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St Paul’s total income in 2023 amounted to £99,831 (a decrease from £103,201 in 2022) of which £1,726 was restricted. Total expenditure amounted to £79,709 (down from £110,967 in 2022). This represents a net movement in funds of £24,307. At the end of 2023 we had total net assets of £113,444 (£89,137 in 2022).
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Our principal source of income in 2023 remains the rent paid by the Eveline Day Nursery for the Seely Hall. They have again honoured the rent schedule agreed in 2018. The five yearly negotiations regarding a rent increase commenced in 2023, with professional assistance recommended by the Diocese. Arrangements regarding repairs to the Seely Hall roof have delayed the completion of these negotiations. It is anticipated that the increase in rent will be backdated to 2023. Additional income is generated by letting St Paul’s to another church and a choir, and the Seely Hall for children’s parties and a yoga class.
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The Parish’s contribution to the central fund of the Diocese of Southwark (the Parish Support Fund) remained a significant item of expenditure at £34,000 for 2023 and has been paid in full. In anticipation of major repairs to our buildings, we have been granted special dispensation by the Archdeacon to reduce our contribution in 2024.
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St Paul’s has maintained its regular contributions to the Furzedown Churches and the Furzedown Youth Centre of £100 each per month. In addition, we have donated £1,000 to each of the following – The Spires Centre in Streatham, Mercy Ships, Southwark Welcare and FYC Furzedown Youth Centre as our chosen charities for tithed giving in 2023. We also collected £175 for St Mark’s church, Robenkeh – Lungi in Sierre Leone whose church building was burnt down due to electrical fault.
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The cost of maintaining and repairing our ageing buildings has increased, and we anticipate major expenditure imminently. We now have a separate fund for roof repairs. We have been given estimates regarding the life expectancy of the current Seely Hall roof and are exploring strategies to pay for its eventual replacement. Similarly, the cost of utilities has increased. We completed payments on our Diocesan Loan for replacement heating in 2023.
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Monthly giving by bankers’ orders increased slightly over the year although the open collection decreased, as reflected by reduced Gift Aid. The PCC continues to encourage the congregation to give to the Church in a regular and committed way using one of the stewardship schemes. The generosity of the congregation of St Paul’s continues to be a source of both encouragement and humility, considering that they are so few.
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After many years of assisting with financial matters, St Paul’s nominal Treasurer will retire after the APCM. Whilst contingency arrangements are been made for continuation of business, we pray that someone with relevant expertise will soon emerge to take on this vital role.
Reserves Policy
The term ‘reserves’ in this document is used to describe the part of a PCC’s income fund that is freely available for its general purposes. ‘Reserves’ are therefore the resources the PCC has available to spend for the church’s purposes once it has met its commitments and covered its other planned expenditure. In 2022, based on Diocesan guidance and particular features of St Paul’s, it was proposed that initial reserves
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comprise two months running expenses and two months hall income to cover unforeseen emergencies. Our overall financial situation in 2023 is healthier, but it would seem prudent to retain the same arrangements as last year, in anticipation of the predicted expenditure on repairs.
Reporting Accountants
Ms Paula Thomas has indicated her willingness to serve as Independent Examiner next year, for which we are very grateful, and a resolution re-appointing her will be proposed at the APCM.
Elspeth Greensmith Church Treasurer
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THE PARISH OF ST PAUL’S CHURCH FURZEDOWN
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023
Statement of PCC members’ responsibilities
The law requires PCC members to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial activities of the Parochial Church Council of St Paul’s Furzedown during the year and its financial position at the end of the year.
In preparing those financial statements, we are required to:
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1 Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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2 Make judgements that are reasonable and prudent;
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3 State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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4 Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Parochial Church Council of St Paul’s Furzedown will continue in operation.
The PCC members are responsible for keeping accounting records, for safeguarding the assets of the organization, and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities, should they exist.
These accounts were approved by the PCC at its meeting on 21 March 2024. For and on behalf of the PCC:
Belemo Alagoa Associate Vicar
Elspeth Greensmith Treasurer Date: 21 March 2024
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE PCC OF ST PAUL’S FURZEDOWN
This report is on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on Pages 11 to 16.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the Independent Examiner
As trustees of the charity, the members of the PCC are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They 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:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts 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 a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination no material matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; or - the accounts did not accord with the accounting records.
I have come across no other matters in connection with my examination to which attention should be drawn, in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Paula Thomas BSc FCA CTA 25 Westcote Road, London SW16 6BN Date: 12 April 2024
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ST PAUL'S CHURCH FURZEDOWN
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023
| Notes INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Incoming resources Voluntary income 2(a) Activities for generating funds 2(b) Investment Income 2(c) Church activities 2(d) Total incoming resources Resources expended Church activities 3(a) Costs of generating funds 3(b) Total resources expended Net incoming resources before other recognised gains/(losses) Revaluation (losses)/gains on investments Net movement in funds Balances b/fwd 1 January Balances c/fwd 31 December |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 21,663 1,726 70,098 - 1,326 - 5,018 - 98,105 1,726 62,531 1,726 15,452 - 77,983 1,726 20,122 - 4,185 - 24,307 - 89,137 - 113,444 - |
Total 2023 £ 2022 £ 23,389 27,450 70,098 71,634 1,326 1,281 5,018 2,836 99,831 103,201 64,257 78,949 15,452 32,018 79,709 110,967 20,122 (7,766) 4,185 (5,739) |
|---|---|---|
| 24,307 (13,505) |
||
| 89,137 102,642 113,444 89,137 |
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ST PAUL'S CHURCH FURZEDOWN BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[st] DECEMBER 2023
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ |
£ | ||
| Current Assets | |||
| Cash at Bank : NatWest Current | 58,911 | 37,594 | |
| Account | |||
| Central Board of Finance Deposit | 4 | 49,361 | 43,850 |
| Accounts | |||
| Debtors and Prepayments | 5 | 7,201 | 12,205 |
| Total Current Assets | 115,473 | 93,649 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors - amounts falling due within one | 6 | 2,029 | 1,712 |
| year | |||
| Net Current Assets | 113,444 | 91,937 | |
| Loan | - | 2,800 | |
| Total Net Assets | 113,444 | 89,137 | |
| Total Parish Funds | |||
| Unrestricted | 113,444 | 89,137 |
Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 21 March 2024
Signed:
Belemo Alagoa Chair
Elspeth Greensmith Treasurer
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ST PAUL'S CHURCH FURZEDOWN
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTFOR YEAR ENDING 31[st] DECEMBER 2023
1 . ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.1 Basis of preparation
The PCC is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 governing the individual accounts of the PCCs, and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions, together with FRS 102 (2017) as the applicable accounting standards and the 2017 version of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities, (SORP (FRS 102)). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
1.2 Going concern
The Trustees have considered income and expenditure for 2024 and set a budget for the year which reflects a net surplus of approximately £10K. The PCC is confident that this indicates that the charity is a going concern.
1.3 Fixed assets
Purchases are written off in the year of purchase.
1.4 The Church building
The activities of the PCC take place at which is owned by the Church of England (Southwark Diocese). The PCC is responsible for the repair of the Church building and for safeguarding the Church building and assets. All repairs and development expenditure is charged to the income and expenditure account.
1.5 Funds
General Funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use, and are available for application on the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted.
Restricted Funds are those funds which must be spent on specific purposes.
The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law.
1.6 Incoming Resources
Planned giving, collections and donations are recognised when received. Tax recoverable under Gift Aid is recognized when the incoming resource to which it relates is received.
Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is notified of its legal entitlement, the amount due is quantifiable, and its ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain.
Interest entitlements are accounted for as they accrue.
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Rental income from the letting of the church premises is recognised when the rental is due.
1.7 Resources Expended
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid, or when awarded if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan contribution or parish share is accounted for when due.
| 2. Incoming resources (a) Voluntary income Monthly giving by bankers orders Open collection Gift aid Grants (b) Activities for generating funds Seely hall rentals Calendars Bible notes Notice board Fun day Lent collection (c) Investment Income Dividends on CCLA funds (d) Church activities Wedding/funerals/baptism fees Contribution for use of church Total income |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2023 £ 2022 £ 8,590 - 8,590 8,690 8,616 1,726 10,342 7,914 4,377 - 4,377 9,446 80 - 80 1,400 |
|---|---|
| 21,663 1,726 23,389 27,450 |
|
| 69,721 - 69,721 71,087 254 - 254 292 - - 5 - - - 157 - - - 22 123 - 123 71 |
|
| 70,098 - 70,098 71,634 |
|
| 1,326 - 1,326 1,281 |
|
| 1,326 - 1,326 1,281 |
|
| 1,558 - 1,558 886 3,460 - 3,460 1,950 |
|
| 5,018 - 5,018 2,836 |
|
| 98,105 1,726 99,831 103,201 |
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| 3. Expenditure (a) Church activities Mission giving and donations Furzedown Churches Furzedown Youth Centre Mercy Ships Welcare Wateraid Spires Centre Sierra Leone Church St. Mungos Amnesty International Diocesan parish contribution Maintenance and repairs Lighting and heating Water Insurance Choir and organ expenses Printing and stationery Grounds /memorial garden General expenses Weddings/funeral/baptism fees Professional fees Administration/ caretaker costs Cleaning Rubbish collection Funeral collection Tooting area dean fund Parish pilgrimage (b) Costs of generating funds Seely hall expenses Total expenditure |
Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ Total 2023 £ 2022 £ 1,200 - 1,200 1,200 1,100 - 1,100 1,200 1,000 - 1,000 2,333 1,000 - 1,000 - - - - 2,333 1,000 - 1,000 2,333 - 175 175 - - - - 160 - - - 160 |
|---|---|
| 5,300 175 5,475 9,719 34,000 - 34,000 34,000 8,843 1,000 9,843 12,597 4,094 - 4,094 5,234 208 - 208 127 4,459 - 4,459 4,031 386 - 386 740 337 - 337 629 730 - 730 3,403 1,060 - 1,060 1,128 - - - - 675 - 675 1,278 320 - 320 1,421 381 - 381 1,080 1,378 - 1,378 1,197 - 551 551 - 360 - 360 360 - - - 2,005 |
|
| 62,531 1,726 64,257 78,949 |
|
| 15,452 - 15,452 32,018 |
|
| 15,452 - 15,452 32,018 |
|
| 77,983 1,726 79,709 110,967 |
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4. Investments
Investments are stated in the Balance Sheet at Market Value. The Central Board of Finance of Church of England shares, and the 4% Consolidated Stocks are valued at bid market price on the nearest valuation dated 31st December 2023.
5. Debtors |
2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| £ |
£ | |
| Seely Hall - Light/Heat etc | 2,832 |
7,180 |
| Gift aid | 4,369 |
5,025 |
| **7,201 ** |
12,205 | |
| 6. Creditors | 2023 | 2022 |
| £ |
£ | |
| Accruals | 2,029 | 1,712 |
| 2,029 | 1,712 |
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