St George`s Church, Campden Hill 2013

St George’s
Church,
Campden Hill
Annual Report 2013
2013
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St George’s Church Campden Hill
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
Administrative Information
St George’s Church is situated on Campden Hill, Kensington, in a United Benefice with St
John the Baptist Church. It is part of the Church of England and is in the Diocese of
London. The correspondence address is St George’s Parish Office, Aubrey Walk, London
W8 7JG. The Parochial Church Council constitutes a charity; its registered charity number
is 1131866. The PCC members who have served from April 2013 until the date this report
was approved were:
The Rev’d Dr James Heard
Chair (from September 2013)
The Rev’d Robert Thompson
Associate Priest
Christopher Buckmaster
Vice-chair, Churchwarden and Deanery Synod Rep
Susanna Swallow
Churchwarden
Margaret Houston
Families Pastor
Martin Carr
Administrator and Electoral Roll Officer
Howard Evans
Lay Chair, Deanery Synod
Angela Lascelles
Deanery Synod Rep
Morar Stirling
Deanery Synod Rep
Struan Simpson
Deanery Synod Rep
Victoria Pikovsky
Hon. Treasurer
Becky Barrow
Hon. Secretary (until October 2013)
Helen Kass
Hon. Secretary (from October 2013)
Mary Ivens
Robert Chorley
William James
Steve Eggett
Janet Lloyd
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Structure, governance and management
The Churchwardens are as set out in the Churchwardens Measure 2001 and are ex officio
members of the PCC. The PCC members are elected as set out in the Church
Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral
Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC has the responsibility for co-operating with the Priest-in-Charge in promoting
within the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social
and ecumenical. The PCC also has maintenance responsibilities for St George’s Church, its
Vicarage and the surrounding land.
Worship & Sacramental Care
The Parish Eucharist is the principal act of worship offered by the parish. It is celebrated
week by week in accordance with the apostles' teaching and fellowship in the breaking of
bread and prayer (Acts 2:42).
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The PCC is grateful to the sidespeople, readers and to all who contribute in many other
ways to the life and worship offered to God by this parish.
Whilst weddings were not prolific during this year (1), baptisms continue to flourish (19).
Pastoral and social care
During the interregnum the pastoral and social care of the parish was shared by the ministry
team, and we were delighted to welcome the ministry of Fr James Heard from September
2013. Pastoral care is also exercised through such activities as the lunch and toddler groups.
Ministry with children and young people
The work of the parish with young people has been ably overseen by Margaret Houston;
special thanks are due to her and the other Sunday School and toddler group leaders.
Evangelisation
St George’s is committed to the Gospel imperative to 'make disciples of all the nations;
baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit' (Matthew
28:19), and to rising in future to the challenge of engagement in active evangelisation
amongst all the peoples of the parish it serves. The ‘United Tuesdays’ group continues with
a growing number discovering together some of the richness of our faith.
Ecumenical links
As a catholic parish of the Church of England, St George’s Church honours our Lord's High
Priestly prayer that all Christians may be one as He and the Father are one (John 17:21), and
seeks to foster its local relationship with Christians of the great communions of East and
West in furtherance of the full and organic unity of the Church. To this end we play our
part in the membership of the Kensington Council of Churches, and hosted the annual Unity
Service in January 2014.
Review of the year
The full PCC met 6 times during the year. A revised Electoral Roll was drawn up in advance
of this Annual Parochial Church Meeting (see Administrator’s report). The average weekly
attendance at services, during October 2013, was 123.
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Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the
state of the affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date, and to record its incoming
resources and the application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial
year. In preparing those financial statements, Trustees should follow best practice and:

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

make sound judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
assume that the charity will continue on that basis.
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure
that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. The Trustees are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm that they have complied with duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011
to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit “Charities
and public benefit”.
The report was approved by the Board of Trustees on
its behalf by:
Trustee
and signed on
Report of the Priest in Charge
by James Heard
I have been in the parish for six months now and my first
impressions have been that St George’s is a lively and vibrant
community, with a congregation that has an enquiring mind and
a desire to deepen in faith, as well as being a prayerful
community. Talking to a variety of people from the parish, some
who are new to church and others who have been around for
many years, I have been struck with how often they have
mentioned the importance of the warm welcome at St
George’s, no doubt a legacy of the hugely significant ministry of Fr Michael.
The welcome people receive is also due to everyone’s hard work and therefore I want to
thank our office staff and church officers, volunteers, musicians, and rota-members who
enable the worshipping life of our parish. That St George’s church didn’t suffer but actually
thrived during the interregnum is largely due to the commitment of Robert Thompson and
Ivo Morshead. A huge thanks to them. Particular thanks are also due to Christopher
Buckmaster, who has worked extraordinarily hard during his ten years as Church Warden
and now retires; and to Victoria Pikovsky, who has done a fantastic job as our Church
Treasurer for the past four years and is standing down
Looking back over the last few months, below are some of the highlights:
• We have just had a three week stewardship campaign as a way of addressing the £20,00030,000 annual deficit over the last three years. It’s too early to tell how that we have helped
reduce our annual deficit, but thanks to all involved in the process for taking seriously our
need to give generously of the goods and resources we have been given.
• We have started sending out a weekly email, currently to over 160 people, include St
George’s ‘Alumni’ from a variety of countries who have said how they have appreciate
remaining in contact.
• We have been working with a designer to improve our welcome notices – these have
included posters and soon a welcome card.
• We are in the process of updating the church’s sound system
• We have been enjoying a fresh organic and Fairtrade coffee system on Sundays, which is
rather important for the vicar!
• One highlight has included the hosting of the ecumenical Service of Christian Unity in
January.
One of the things that is written in the DNA of the Church of England is its vocation to be
seen as the church for the whole parish. A significant ministry of St George’s has been that
it is increasing becoming a place of hospitality for various groups in the community –
support groups for the elderly through our lunch club, Tai Chi classes and Open Age
meetings; various children’s groups throughout the week; a new church community meeting
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on Sunday evening; as well as a variety of groups for those who are struggling with
addictions. It seems to me that this is the very thing we ought to be doing as a church
community. This, of course, needs to be balanced with the central part of any church – our
worshipping life. And with 16 services held every week, St George’s retains its importance
as a sacred spiritual space for people to come throughout the week to worship - as many
indeed do.
We will shortly be thinking about our vision for this parish in the form of a Mission Action
Plan. But to begin our thinking, below are some of the themes that I have noticed and will
want to continue to nurture in the coming year. Our vision at St George’s Church is to
proclaim and live Christ’s message of compassionate and healing love by
• offering public worship daily to God
• growing deeper in faith in Christ
• providing inspirational music
• resourcing vibrant children's and youth work
• serving the community
• supporting the vulnerable and needy both at home and internationally through our links
with Christian Aid
• ensuring our beautiful church is kept in good condition, open and accessible to meet this
calling
We were reminded in a sermon earlier this year, by Martin Carr, that the number one
reason people start coming to church is because someone had invited them. All are invited
to participate in the divinely-inspired way of hospitality, welcome, generosity, compassion
and service. ‘Follow me’ says, Jesus. Let us indeed try again in the year to come, to be a
parish where people may whisper, God is here.
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Churchwardens’ Report
by Christopher Buckmaster and Susanna Swallow
2013 might have been a difficult year but in the event
passed surprisingly smoothly. For the first 9 months
we were in an interregnum. That St George’s
survived as successfully as it did was due to the hard work and devotion of very many
people - too numerous to mention – but above all to the dedication of Robert Thompson
our associate priest and Ivo Morshead our retired priest. Both put in hours of work, way
beyond the call of duty, and kept our services going not just on Sundays but throughout the
week.
No thanks of ours can be sufficient for all that they have done, ceaselessly and without
complaint. We shudder to think what might have happened without them. We were so
blessed to have them with us during the interregnum and give thanks that they are still with
us with their steady guidance and inspiring help.
In September the Revd Dr James Heard joined us, moving from St Luke’s Chelsea, and thus
no stranger to the Royal Borough. As our new incumbent he and Clare, with their two
children Eleanor and Charlie, joined us seamlessly and today it is difficult for us to think of St
George’s without them. Just as the congregation welcomed them, so they as a family have
welcomed us. We are so fortunate and we look forward to new leadership in our worship
and within our congregation.
Our management team otherwise has remained unaltered.
Our Sunday school, under the guidance of Margaret flourishes and regularly inspires us
when the children join our services and with their special events. Margaret also acts as our
Families Pastor visiting the sick.
Martin as our administrator steadily and quietly carries out all those tasks, which most of
the congregation take for granted but which require knowledge and hard work. He has
been both assiduous and successful in increasing our rental income.
Both Margaret and Martin have given us sermons during the year at our Sunday Eucharist.
Andrew Wells, as Music Director, inspires us with our small choir at the regular services
and at special concerts, in particular the Festival Concert in May which gives full rein to his
talents and raised £3000 in support of music teaching at Holland Park School.
Thank you Margaret, Martin and Andrew.
Becky Barrow has resigned as our Secretary due to pressures from work and her young
family. We thank her for all her hard work and welcome Helen Kass as our new Secretary.
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During the year our regular acts of Christian learning and fellowship have continued. The
Bible Study Group meets after the Wednesday midday Eucharist. United Tuesdays, where St
George’s and St John’s join together, successfully considered aspects of biblical study and
before Christmas we had a very well attended course over several weeks on The God
Enquiry led by the Revd Brendan McCarthy. The monthly lunch for elderly persons, ably
organised by Anne and Ivo Morshead, continues to flourish.
More and more the church is being used. We have 16 services a week. Over 300 persons
come regularly either to our services or to activities within the Community Space. In all 9
outside voluntary groups use St George’s on a regular basis. Perhaps special mention might
be made of Open Age which, funded by the Council, has two meetings a week aimed at
reducing isolation amongst the elderly in our community.
One excellent feature of the year has been the growing coming together of St George’s and
our sister church within the United Benefice of St John the Baptist. How delighted we are
that St John’s has now started spending nearly £750,000 to make their church watertight
and secure. However they still need more funds to complete their approved work.
At the end of the year we formed a Stewardship Committee to take a fresh look at our
finances. A casual look at our balance sheet might indicate a church with financial strength,
but the reality is that we are still failing to cover our cash outgoings with our cash income.
This is not sustainable. For the first time we had to withdraw some of our cash deposits to
meet our outgoings. We cannot continue to draw down our historic reserves to meet
today’s costs.
The Stewardship Committee has taken action to reduce costs but there is a limit as to how
much we can do within our existing structure. Realistically we have to increase our income.
Recently our regular giving has sadly been declining. As a congregation we have to face up
to our Christian Stewardship duty and increase our donations. Thus a campaign was
launched in March to raise our giving. We must pray that it will be successful.
Based in a prosperous part of London we should not only be covering our annual running
costs but be creating a surplus so that we can better discharge our Mission of the Church,
helping to fund churches in poorer areas. Where we make donations to voluntary
organisations, such as Christian Aid and the Broadway Centre for the Homeless, funds are
given from special events which do not pass through the church accounts.
Victoria Pikovsky has ably looked after our accounts as Treasurer for four years but now
feels she has to give up this task. We thank her and wish her well. Francesca Ticcozzelli has
agreed to take her place for which we are very grateful.
If 2012 was a quiet year in looking after our assets, alas 2013 more than made up for this.
Floods in our boiler room in June were significant, in that they were measured in feet and
not inches. It was only after Christmas that we could restore proper heating to the church
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and our congregation nobly supported us towards the end of the year, well wrapped up in
mufflers. We had three different reports from different experts, who provided us with three
different explanations. We still have no satisfactory long term solution as to where the
water is coming from. At present the situation is controlled with a temporary pump.
Thames Water has not been as assiduous as we might have expected, in spite of receiving a
report that the floods were caused by blockages not on our property.
The floods also managed to put our organ out of action. Spare parts for that part of the
organ which are based in the boiler room have now been installed, but have been raised so
that if we have further floods they might be protected.
At the back of the church the area has been tidied up with good fencing erected between
our property and that of our neighbours. The dangerous wall protecting the steps down to
the boiler room has been replaced with a new metal fence.
During the year we finally traced our missing stained glass windows. They have been
restored and are now safely stored within the church. We hope to install the St George
window during 2014.
2014 will be a major milestone for St George’s, being the 150th anniversary of its founding.
We will be celebrating this anniversary with a series of events between 8-11 May. Bishop
Paul of Kensington will join us at our Eucharist on 11May. On 23 November, the feast of
Christ the King, we will be honoured with a visit from Richard, Bishop of London. To have
both our Area and Diocesan Bishops in one year is a great privilege.
These Episcopal blessings and our new incumbent allow us to face the next 150 years with
prayerful confidence.
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The Associate Priest’s Report
by Robert Thompson
Come June this year I will mark my fifth anniversary of being licensed to
serve in our two parishes. In the United Benefice I function as a Self
Supporting Minister (SSM), whilst being in full-time employment as the
Lead Chaplain at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation
Trust.
This year has been one of real change both for our parishes and me personally. In the
United Benefice we have transitioned from our interregnum into James’s arrival as our
Priest-in-Charge in September. For myself that has meant a return to a focus on the two
main aspects of parish life for which my position was created:

Sharing in the full liturgical life of the parish by presidency and preaching

Facilitating Christian education
In terms of our Christian education programmes, which are called United Tuesdays, we
have completed two very successful courses, are in the midst of another and have three
future ones planned:

The God Enquiry: This was a 10 week course exploring how we might know if
God did or did not exist. It was led by the Revd Dr Brendan MacCarthy, who is the
Adviser to the Church of England on medical ethics. We had around 20 people most
evenings and we all had a stimulating, (and sometimes very intellectually stretching!)
time. But through learning together with Brendan, and sharing with one another in
discussion and supper we had a very tangible sense of deepening our relationships in
our communities.

Refreshing Prayer: A six week course exploring different ways of praying from
among the variety of Christian traditions. This was facilitated by a range of guest
speakers, as well as James and I, and included an experiential element of prayer as
part of each evening. Again we had supper and an average attendance of about 16.

Refreshing Jesus: This is our four week Lent course in which, again with guest
speakers and James and I, we are exploring the ways in which Jesus has impacted our
lives and also how our views of Jesus have changed over time.

Mindfulness Course: A very experiential 9 week course to be led by Nicholas
Pole. Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to, and seeing clearly whatever is
happening in our lives and being fully present to the present moment. It is based on
many insights from meditation, but does not rely on any particular religious tradition.
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
The Church: Mission Action Planning: A one-off session in which James and I
will be leading both our parishes in thinking though what it is to be the Church in
our area and what God may be calling us to in the years ahead.

The Gospel of Mark: Carolyn Rosen will lead us in 9 sessions exploring the gospel
of Mark in preparation for the new liturgical year in Advent 2014 when Mark
becomes the principal gospel for the Sunday readings.
Here is a summary of the highlights of my extra-parochial responsibilities:
A) Lead Chaplain at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust: I manage the
Chaplaincy Team across both our sites which comprises, 4.5 whole-time equivalent
colleagues, and 34 volunteers
B) Church of England Representative on the Multi-Faith Group for Healthcare
Chaplaincy (MFGHC): This is a national committee which sets standards and
policy for the regulation of Healthcare Chaplaincy in liaison with the Department of Health.
C) Tutor on the STETS programme: I finished a second 3 year cycle on the Southern
Theological Education and Training Scheme in the last year. This is a distance learning form
of training for those training for ministry. I facilitated a weekly tutorial for two ordinands to
discuss materials that they had accessed on-line and from books. Both were ordained in
June.
D) Chaplaincy Coordinator for the Bishop of London and Healthcare
Chaplaincy Advisor to the Bishops of Kensington and Willesden: In these
capacities I assist all 3 bishops:

Chair the Joint Areas’ Hospital Chaplains’ Meetings

Sit on appointment panels of new chaplains

Facilitate Chaplaincy reviews

Represent the Bishops at Directorate Level in the Trusts

Lead on the pastoral care of other Healthcare Chaplains
E) Ministerial Reviewer: In my role as a ministerial reviewer in the Kensington Episcopal
Area I have this year seen five other clergy to discuss their lives and ministry. This support
of colleagues is an activity that I very much enjoy.
F) Bishops' Advisory Panel Assessor: I annually attend a 4 day residential conference
and assist in recommending prospective ordinands for ministerial training in the Church of
England.
Since bits of the last year have included the interregnum I would like to pay special thanks to
Ivo, Margaret, and Martin, and the churchwardens of both parishes. To continue being able
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to do all the things that I did do during the interregnum meant that I relied very much on
them for their support and day to day work in the running of the parish. Although Ivo and I
were the ones that were most visible Sunday by Sunday, all of that only happened because of
the invisible work of the whole of the ministerial team. My special thanks to Ivo who was a
source of constant priestly wisdom to me and kept be on a level keel, and also to
Christopher, Susanna and Jenny, as churchwardens, who were all very conscious of my own
welfare and whose organisation and easy manner made the whole period much more
effortless and seamless than I think any of us thought it would be. Our weekly staff
meetings provided an encouraging, supportive and stimulating forum in which to think
through not just the mechanics of the interregnum but also what it is that we were called to
as Church, here in this place. Our vision was that ministry was not only collective to the
team but that it also belonged to all of us in our communities. I hope that our spirit of
shared ministry and cooperation will grow and develop under James as our new Priest-inCharge.
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Annual Report on Children’s
and Youth Ministries at St
George’s
by Margaret Houston, Families Pastor
Sunday School and Youth Group
Our Sunday School continues to prosper, with the help of our
wonderful volunteers. The Prophets Group (aged 0-5) finished Old
Testament stories in July of 2013 and began the New Testament in
September. The Apostles Group (aged 5-11) finished the New
Testament stories in July of 2013 and is spending the 2013-2014
academic year covering a variety of topics, including “The Kingdom of
God – what is it?” “Saints and
Sainthood,” “The Nicene Creed,”
and a unit on Pilgrim’s Progress,
using the BBC’s excellent
children’s adaptation.
Our Youth Group, which began in
2012, had an exciting year in 2013, including a trip to
the West End to see Les Miserables, and the subsequent
production of “Les Mini Mis” in November.
Congratulations are due to the young people, and thanks to the youth group helpers and
parents.
Rites of Passage
We celebrated 19 baptisms in 2013, and many of these families have now started attending
St George’s regularly. Baptism preparation sessions are now held regularly on the first
Wednesday of every month.
In 2013, we made the decision to begin admitting children to communion before
confirmation. This will begin at Pentecost 2014, with an All-Age Eucharist and first
admission to Holy Communion. All children aged 7 and up are invited to participate, and
there will be four preparation sessions during the 2014 Easter season.
The first of our Youth Group members will be participating in a ceremony called “Rite 13”
this year – this recognises, in the whole church community, their transition away from
childhood to adulthood and our commitment to support them as they journey to
adulthood. We will also promise, along with their friends and families, to learn from them
and celebrate the many gifts these young people bring to the church.
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Outreach
Our toddler groups had a slight setback when a
large number of our attendees all started nursery
at once – however, with some publicity, our
numbers have recovered and we’ve made many
new friends. We have a good mixture of parents
and nannies, which is something we’re particularly
proud of, as many other groups in the area tend to
cater exclusively to one or the other. These
groups also help to support our work with
children and young people, raising approximately £1500 a year from our £2-per-session fee.
Our toddler groups held a Coffee Morning for Macmillan in September, raising £90 for this
charity, and had wonderful Halloween and Christmas parties as well.
We’ve started a baby and toddler worship service before our Wednesday toddler group –
attendance is small but faithful and we hope to grow this over the next year.
We continue to have a positive relationship with Hawkesdown House School, where
Margaret and James do weekly assemblies. We also work with Hawkesdown House on
their Harvest and Christmas celebrations, which are held in the church. Two classes from
Hawkesdown House visited the church to learn about Christianity, as part of their Religious
Education lessons.
Our relationship with Fox Primary School is growing – they’ve come for sessions on
Christmas as part of their Religious Education curriculum, and are now planning to come for
a session on Easter as well. We also sent champagne to the Year 6 teachers when they
finished exams, which was
received with gratitude!
In December, a large group of
children and adults together
went carolling around the
parish, visiting three pubs and
two outdoor spaces before
returning to the church for
hot chocolate and mince pies.
Thanks are due to all the
adults who helped with this –
leading the singing, serving
food, counting money, and
more! We raised £225 for
our Christian Aid partnership
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project, had a great time singing carols, and were present in the neighbourhood outside the
church walls.
Another outreach project was our Ashes to Go, which we continued in 2014. On Ash
Wednesday, we took to the streets outside Notting Hill Gate Tube Station, with ashes and
prayers for commuters and passers-by.
In consultation with Infertility Network UK, we’ve begun holding an Infertility and
Miscarriage Support Group, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month, with
prayer and meditation beforehand. Numbers have been small, but we hope to continue to
grow this ministry during 2014.
Special Events
Our summer holiday club in 2013 was on the topic of
“Princess, Prophet, Priest: heroines of the Bible.” With
drama, art, music, games, cooking, and worship, we explored
the stories of Miriam, Esther, Mary, Mary Magdalene, and
Lydia.
We had two Family Days, one for Lent and Easter, and one
for All Saints’ Day, as well as All-Age Eucharists at Mothering
Sunday, Harvest Festival, and All Saints’ Day. It was
wonderful for the children to take leadership roles in our
worship, writing the prayers, telling the stories, carrying up
the bread and wine, greeting parishioners as they arrive, and
more.
Our Children’s Stations of the Cross was extremely well-attended, with approximately 20
children. In 2014, we’ll be expanding our Holy Week programming for children, including
art activities after this service and adding a Family Service for Maundy Thursday.
The Christmas Pageant was
a lovely occasion, with 19
children participating –
including a real live baby for
Jesus! Thanks to all the
adults who helped out,
particularly Emma Chorley,
Pippa James, Fr Robert, and
Fr James.
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Administrator’s Report
by Martin Carr
2013 was a busy year due to the increased demands of the
interregnum, and I was delighted to welcome Fr James as a colleague
from September. Fabric issues seem to have dominated a lot of my
time (see churchwardens’ report) but I think we have a building with excellent facilities
which we should be proud to invite the community to use. Much of my work remains
unseen by the congregation, but all our bookings are now managed using an online calendar,
and income from community groups and other bookings has increased. It has also been my
privilege to occasionally join the church’s worship in my lay minister capacity (which I
exercise most weeks at All Hallows by the Tower). My role in the Benefice is hugely varied,
at times too busy, but also very rewarding as I work with a wide variety of people within
and beyond the parishes.
Electoral Roll
In my duties as Electoral Roll Officer I have revised the current roll, which was compiled
afresh in early 2013. The new roll lists 169 members (up from 136 at the last APCM) who
are active worshippers. Of these 67 live within the parish and 102 further afield.
St George’s as a Community Space
We have made steps forward in this past year to use our building to its full potential. In
addition to Narcotics Anonymous and AB Anonymous, who continue to use the building
weekly, we have two Open Age groups meeting at St George’s, and two children’s music
classes. The number of children’s parties is steady, and the building has hosted recitals, an
opera, a health fayre, instrumental rehearsals, a divorce support group, flower arranging
classes, private tuition, and speaker events. From November 2013 we have hosted the
London Lights Church, a dynamic new congregation who use the building on Sunday
evenings and are now renting an office. A children’s craft group, a local choir, and a
Russian/English maths class are all about to start with us. There is still a way to go to make
the most of our resources, but it is wonderful to be putting St George’s on the map as a
desirable venue and community centre. Increased use means increased wear and tear, and in
the coming year I would like to upgrade some of the furnishings in the community space.
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Deanery Synod Report
by Howard Evans (Lay Chair, Kensington Deanery)
St George’s Kensington Deanery Synod Representatives in the House of
Laity for the triennium, which ends on 31 May 2014, have been
Christopher Buckmaster, Angela Lascelles, Struan Simpson and Morar
Stirling. I am a member of Deanery Synod because I am also a member of the Diocesan
Synod. St George’s Priest-in-Charge, the Revd Dr James Heard is ex officio a member of
the House of Clergy. (The Revd Robert Thompson, as Lead Chaplain at the Royal
Brompton hospital, elects to serve in Chelsea Deanery Synod.) The Area Dean is the Revd
David Walsh, Associate Vicar of St Philip’s, Earl’s Court Road.
On 12 June 2013 at St Barnabas, Addison Road, there was the annual meeting of deanery
PCC treasurers and incumbents with the archdeacon, Ven Stephan Welch, and the area
finance adviser, the Revd Mary Spredbury in preparation for Common Fund contribution
proposals for 2014 from parishes. This meeting was followed shortly afterwards by letters
of invitation to commit by PCCs which were sent out by the Area Dean and the Lay Chair
acting as Deanery Treasurer, while there is (it would seem) an interminable vacancy. In
London diocese, the encouragement of generous Common Fund contributions and their
timely collection is one of the important, yet unseen, responsibilities of each deanery.
Kensington Deanery, as a deanery largely populated by the most prosperous in London, is
seeking to grow giving to ensure that the total deanery contributions from parishes exceed
the total of diocesan-computed full parish costs. A Deanery Common Fund strategy to
achieve this end over the next two or three years was approved and commended to all
deanery churches at the synod on 6 March 2013.
The seventh Deanery Garden Party was held on 18 June 2013 in the St Mary Abbots’
vicarage garden, courtesy of the Revd Gillean Craig, as the weather was benign again. Its
main intention is to promote fellowship among deanery parishes in a relaxed informal
setting. Invitations are extended to all synod representatives, clergy and principal PCC
officers, deanery church governors and principals. The Deanery will continue this event
annually until it is well known and becomes an important ‘fixture’ in the local church
calendar – this year, Tuesday 17 June 2014.
The meeting of synod of 17 October 2013 at All Saints, Clydesdale Road, W11, explored in
open discussion how and in what way to take forward the deanery. The outcome provided
a dose of realism to the Standing Committee (which is itself much in need of fresh active
membership). There is a clear divide between many Synod members who seek to be
informed and stimulated at Synod (whether that leads or affirms renewal in the church is
doubtful) and a narrower group keen to promote or facilitate intra-parish activity, where
appropriate. The solution may be to continue with two or three Synod meetings per year
17 | P a g e
with the Garden Party to serve the first group and have a renewed Standing Committee
helping coordinate action in parallel but always keeping Synod informed.
On 4 December 2013, synod again met at St Barnabas, Addison Road, for addresses from
four local causes deanery parishes support: RAHAB, Your Credit Union, Kensington &
Chelsea Foodbank and Earls Court Community Project. The variety of activity and need in
this well-heeled neighbourhood was extraordinary. It is likely that several parishes will
extend their support in consequence.
On 25 February 2014, Synod met at St Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church, Lancaster Road,
W11, at the invitation of Fr Dragan and that community for an informed and fascinating talk
on the Orthodox Churches from the Revd Dr William Taylor, Ecumenical Adviser in
Kensington Episcopal Area and Vicar of St John’s, Ladbroke Grove. Kensington Episcopal
Area contains more Orthodox churches than any other part of England, one of which is the
Eritrean Orthodox church, which worships at St John the Baptist, Holland Road.
The Standing Committee is much diminished from resignations and is in need of new,
informed, lively, competent, lay members, in order to ensure relevant and interesting synod
meetings but, more importantly, to help galvanise, where appropriate, the combined
‘clustered’ ministry of the parishes across the deanery. In particular, we are looking for a
Secretary and a Treasurer who would be the deanery’s common fund representative.
The next Deanery Synod engagement is the Garden Party, on Tuesday 17 June 2014, at
which both representatives who have served this triennium as well as those who have been
elected for the new triennium will be welcome together with all the principal officers of the
parishes.
18 | P a g e
Director of Music’s Report
by Andrew Wells
Firstly, I would like to thank our Parish Choir for their loyal support
throughout the year. They are indeed an indispensable force within
the service in the leading of the music.
The Festival Concert in May again proved a great success musically
and financially. Music for soloists, choir and orchestra by Vivaldi and Bach was enjoyed by a
capacity audience. Thanks go to all those who helped to promote it. We made over £3,000
thanks to Savills’ generous and enthusiastic sponsorship which again went to support music
outreach at Holland Park School whose students benefit from singing in our concerts and
working closely with students from the Royal College of Music.
We had a special augmented choir to help lead the worship on the occasion of the licensing
of Fr James on 5 September. Thanks to all those who joined us on that magnificent
occasion.
Later that month, the organ was out of action after the flood in the boiler room which
damaged the organ blower. Our Boston grand piano came into its own during this period
of over three months and was played for some 20 services. Music for violin and piano was
especially appreciated thanks to Jennifer Thorn’s wonderful violin playing. The organ blower
has now been replaced by Watkins & Watson. The organ continues to be maintained by
David Wintle under the auspices of Mander Organs and is again in good shape.
Musical events from outside included a piano recital by Alexander Karpeyev playing our fine
piano to great effect in music which included Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird Suite’, and a performance
of ‘Dido and Aeneas’ presented by Opera Alumnus. These events help put the church on
the musical map. We wish to encourage more recitals and the use of the church for more
musical activities.
Thanks to all who contribute to the music at St George’s to the glory of God.
19 | P a g e
St George’s Church Luncheon (Club) Group
by the Rev’d Ivo Morshead
Our first Luncheon was on 21 January 2005 and we are pleased to report
on yet another successful year. During 2013 we met on 10 occasions on
the third Thursday in the church community area for lunch and once for
our Annual Christmas Tea Party. The strong link established and
maintained by Mary Spain with Holland Park School has been continued
and we look forward to our May 2014 lunch at the school as guests of the students who are
so valuable in helping the infirm from cars and then acting as waiters at table. Their
conversation during the meals with the guests, many of whom do not have contact with
young people, is much appreciated. Overall attendance varies between 45 and 55. We are
most grateful to all who give their time and strength in setting up and taking down tables
and chairs, chauffeuring guests and working in the kitchen. Such is the popularity of the
occasion we find it difficult to bring the luncheons to a close. Many thanks for the support of
the PCC in allowing the use of the Community Area.
20 | P a g e
Treasurer's Report for the year ending 31/12/2013
by Victoria Pikovsky
Present accounts detail the incoming resources and resources used during the year,
together with a balance sheet showing assets and liabilities. They have been examined by
GMAK (Chartered accountants).
Total incoming resources were £186,723 compared with £204,192 in 2012 a drop of almost
10%. Gift aid collections and donations were £102,168 compared to the previous year’s
voluntary donations of £133,741 a reduction of almost 25%.
Investment income has risen by almost 11K to £68,478 mainly due to the increase in use of
church by third parties. No legacy was received in 2013 as well as in 4 the previous years.
Resources used were £ 209,668 compared to £ 212,887 in 2012 – showing a slight decrease
in spending.
The operating loss for the year was £22,944 compared with loss of £8,969 in the previous
year.
However, there was overall funds gain £30,552 this year compared to gain of £15,831 in the
previous year.
This is due to positive movement of M&G Charifund share price. Unrealised gains during
this year were £53,497 on the year-end valuation of our investment in M&G Charifund.
Budget deficit for this year of £22,944 together with unrealised gains resulted in positive
net movement in funds during this year, which when added to the balance brought forward
from 2012 gave a year-end balance of £698,856 compared to a balance of £668,604 at the
end of 2012.
Our investments of £604,303 are in M&G Charifund (53%) and an investment property, 16
Barlow House (45%) and a Steinway piano. £60,000 is held in CFB Deposit Fund as cash.
These investments are expected to contribute around £60,000 in interest and rental income
in 2014. If much of the capital were spent, it would be essential to make up shortfall in other
ways.
We have a designated Fund from the sale of Edge Street of £450,000 together with a
Reserve Policy of £100,000. Restricted funds amount to £4,106 which leaves us with
unrestricted funds of £244,750. This is not a large amount to maintain our church and assist
with our Mission.
The Reserve Policy is to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds which equates to six
months unrestricted payments to cover emergency situations that may arise from time to
time.
21 | P a g e
Our total assets are £698,856.
The allocation of our funds is as follows:
39% - real estate
46%- equities
14% – cash
1% - piano
This allocation has slightly changed from the last year reflecting weight increase equities and
reduction of cash.
The dynamic of our income has changed slightly in the last year. Income is roughly 46% from
investment and rent (30% in 2012) and 54% from congregational giving (70% in 2012).
22 | P a g e
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, CAMPDEN HILL
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 December 2013
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS
OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH CAMPDEN HILL
This report on the accounts of the Church Council for the year ended 31 December 2013 which are set
out on pages 2 to 8, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting
Regulations 2006 ("the Regulations") and section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").
Respective responsibilites of Council Members and Examiner
As the members of the Council you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that
the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 144 (2) of the Act do not apply. It is our
responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of Regulations.
Basis of this report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity
Commissioners under section 144 (7) (b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition,
issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops' Council. That examination includes a review of the
accounting records kept by the Council and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes
considering any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as Council
members concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that
would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given
by the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
a)
which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
(i)
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and
(ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met; or
(b)
to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Angela Ktistakis
GMAK Services Ltd
Flat 1, 26 Lansdowne Road
London W11 3LL
Date:
1
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, CAMPDEN HILL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended 31 December 2013
INCOMING RESOURCES
Note Unrestricted
905
Total
2013
£
102,168
£
133,741
16,077
-
16,077
13,121
68,478
-
68,478
57,329
185,818
905
186,723
204,192
3 b)
3,922
-
3,922
20,154
Activities directly relating to the
work of the Church
3 b)
135,562
33,185
168,746
162,619
35,599
1,400
-
35,599
1,400
29,114
1,000
176,483
33,185
209,668
212,887
9,335
(32,280)
(22,944)
(8,696)
GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENT ASSETS
unrealised
realised
53,497
-
-
53,497
-
24,527
-
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
62,832
(32,280)
30,552
15,831
BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT
01 January 2013
631,918
36,386
668,304
652,773
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT
31 December 2013
694,750
4,106
698,856
668,604
Incoming resources from generated activities
Voluntary income
£
101,263
2/3 a)
Activities for generating funds3 a)
Income from investments
3 a)
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES USED
Charitable activities
Grants
Church Management and Administration
Governance costs
3 b)
3 b)
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
2
Restricted
£
Total
2012
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, CAMPDEN HILL
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2013
FIXED ASSETS
Note
2013
£
604,303
2012
£
550,807
60,000
16,042
19,711
95,753
80,000
24,645
13,852
118,497
1,200
1,000
94,553
117,497
698,856
668,304
Unrestricted
Restricted
694,750
4,106
631,918
36,386
Total
698,856
668,304
Investments
5
CURRENT ASSETS
CBF Deposits
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Total
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING
DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
6
7
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
8
Approved by the Church Council on
and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs Victoria Pikovsky (Treasurer)
Date:
3
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, CAMPDEN HILL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Funds
General funds represent the funds of St. George's Church that are not subject to any special
restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of
St.George's Church. These include funds designated for a particular purpose by St George's
Church.
The accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which St. George's Church
can be held responsible. They do not include the accounts of other Church groups that owe an
affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of Church members.
Subject to the above, the accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
The following assets are recognised at their historic value
but not revalued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:
Moveable church furnishings held by the church wardens on special trust for
St. George's Church and which require a faculty for disposal.
-
Land and buildings held on behalf of St. George's Church.
-
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment where St. George's Church is free to
dispose of such assets without faculty and where the original cost exceeded £1,000.
-
Amounts owing from the Inland Revenue where a formal claim has been made.
-
Any other amounts owing to St. George's Church, including church lettings and
insurance claims.
-
Closing bank balance as shown in the balance sheet.
The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:
-
Any loans or overdrafts advanced to St George's Church.
Creditors for goods or services where the supply has been received
by 31 December 2013
Basis of accounting.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the statement of Recommended
Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005, the Charities Act 2011
and applicable UK Accounting Standards.
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, CAMPDEN HILL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
2
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Balance
01/01/2013
£
Incoming
Resources
£
Resources
Used
£
Balance
31/12/2013
£
18,354
-
14,598
3,756
-
905
905
-
350
-
-
350
Young people account
17,682
-
17,682
-
Totals
36,386
905
33,185
4,106
Christian Education
Flowers
Pews
5
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, CAMPDEN HILL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
3
2013
£
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
2012
£
3 a) Total incoming resources
Incoming resources from donors
Gift aid donations
Income tax recoverable
Income tax recovered
Collections at all services
Sundry donations
80,211
16,042
1,648
606
2,757
98,582
24,645
923
2,102
6,279
101,263
132,531
7,870
6,547
1,660
1,685
10,624
812
Total
16,077
13,121
Income from investments
Investment income
Rent
Use of church
35,431
17,250
15,797
34,561
19,845
2,923
Total
68,478
57,329
Total
185,818
202,982
905
1,210
186,723
204,192
Total
Other voluntary incoming resources
Events
Misc
Youth groups
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Incoming resources from donors
Gift aid and sundry donations
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
6
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH,CAMPDEN HILL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
3 b) Total resources used
2013
Unrestricted
Grants
Missionary and charitable giving
Activities directly relating to the work
of the church
Ministry: diocesan common fund
clergy expenses & accommodation
Church repairs and maintenance
Church running expenses
Services/Sunday School/Events
Music
Flowers
Insurance of property
Church management and administration
Office
Bank charges
Misc
Investment expenses
Church governance
Independent examination
Professional fees
TOTAL RESOURCES USED
7
2012
Total
Restricted Total
3922
-
3,922
20,154
3,922
-
3,922
20,154
70,948
1,841
25,829
10,633
12,060
6,588
3,432
4,232
32,280
905
-
70,948
1,841
25,829
10,633
44,339
6,588
4,337
4,232
68,506
8,657
15,751
4,951
45,691
7,249
7,619
4,195
135,562
33,185
168,746
162,619
29,712
606
3,359
1,923
35,599
-
29,712
606
3,359
1,923
35,599
23,675
589
3,105
1,745
29,114
1,400
1,400
-
1,400
1,400
1,000
1,000
176,483
33,185
209,668
212,887
ST GEORGE'S CHURCH, CAMPDEN HILL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2013
4
5
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
Unrestricted
Restricted
Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
604,303
91,647
(1,200)
4,106
-
604,303
95,753
(1,200)
Fund balance 31/12/13
694,750
4,106
698,856
INVESTMENTS
2013
Investment Property, 16 Barlow House
M & G Charifund (22,351.7 units)
Steinway Piano
6
DEBTORS
2012
273,626
321,677
9,000
273,626
268,180
9,000
604,303
550,807
2013
Income tax recoverable
Other debtors
7
2012
16,042
24,645
16,042
24,645
LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2013
Other creditors
8
Total
2012
1,200
1,000
1,200
1,000
FUND DETAILS AND RESERVE POLICY
The restricted funds comprise Christian Education, Flowers, Music, Pews, Seat,
Vestments and Associate Priest. The designated fund is set aside for future property purchases.
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Designated Undesignated
Balance at start of year
450,000
181,918
36,386
668,304
-
62,832
(32,280)
30,553
450,000
244,750
4,106
698,856
Surplus
Balance at end of year
8