many other circular elements of the church such Vicar’s Report, 2010/11 as the sanctuary, communion rail and our metal sculpture behind the altar, make quite an impact, It’s not easy, living a Christian life! Because adding sparkle by day and an (admittedly God became human, we have to take ourselves – patchy) illumination of the pews and sanctuary and all other human beings – seriously. It would by night. We hope to raise the money to complete have been so much easier if God had told us to the scheme over the next few months. In par- forget all that human stuff, and concentrate on ticular, the illumination of the ring sculpture has heaven. But as it is, we have to have our feet been most successful and much remarked upon, firmly on the earth, even when our head is in transforming the grey screen that protects the the clouds. organ pipes into an appropriate backdrop for the And so, running a parish is the most extraor- sacred mysteries that are celebrated just in front. dinary mixture of these two contradictory roles. In one sense, the shape of our church deter- On the one hand, one has to be a person of mines not only the style and particular, unique spirituality – able to celebrate the sacred myster- flavour (much commented on by visitors) of the ies, spend time in prayer, and bring healing and Sunday eucharist, but also our whole approach consolation to the sick and bereaved; and on the to expressing the Christian Gospel. Our ministry other, a vicar has to deal with complaints about here is mainly engaged with serving the local leaking urinals, damp flats, inadequate (or over- community. Just as our eucharist is participa- adequate) heating and chair endless committees tory, so our witness lies in participating in local worrying about nuts & bolts and financial dif- events and being available for local people. That ficulties. But it is perhaps no more than what any we run a large community centre almost exclu- Christian is required to do in the service of God. sively using volunteers from the congregation is And it is good still to be stretched. a remarkable achievement, and demonstration I celebrated twenty-one years in the parish of our commitment to the people of Catford. As last autumn – I have now officially come of well as the many events run by outside organisa- age! – and rather more terrifyingly, I have tions who use our space, we also runs a carer been in the parish for half the life of the present and toddler group, Sunbeam Tots, (that has just church. It has been interesting to observe how changed its meeting day from Friday to Thurs- the church building that we have inherited day), and a community choir for local schoolchil- from my predecessor but two, Mick Pinder, has dren; we provide meeting space for Lewisham seemed to change subtly over the years. When Churches for Asylum Seekers (LEWCAS), who I first arrived, it certainly felt dated even if still seek to provide basic necessities and support refreshingly modern when compared with many for migrants; we host the working party seek- other older churches built in traditional style. ing to transform the old Ladywell Playtower But now, that dated appearance has gone, and into a community resource, and provide free is becoming quite an impressive piece of archi- or cut-price accommodation to a number of tecture. All our visiting preachers, for example, other local groups including our caretaker’s Tai are quite stunned by the beauty of the space and Ch’i group. And our regular hirers range from the quality of the light. Old Time Dancing to Tai Kwondo, Badminton, It was no surprise, therefore, to discover in St John’s Ambulance, Scouts, Cubs & Beavers, Spring 2010 that we had been listed as a his- Keyboard classes for children, Weight-watchers, toric building by the Secretary of State for the the Stroke Association and Voluntary Action Department of Culture, Media and Sport of the Lewisham – a real cross-section of local people outgoing Labour government. Only 0.1% of the seeking to improve themselves and their com- country’s listed buildings have been built after munity. I suppose one might say it was the the war, and so we are now one of those few fashionable notion of David Cameron’s ‘Big (that also include the Post Office Tower and the Society’ put into practice – the difference being Abbey Road studios) – and I think deservedly so. that we have been quietly getting on with all this And our beautiful church is now complemented for forty years, and probably from before David by a new lighting scheme that at last enables Cameron was born! us to have evening services that are not either Now that St Laurence Daycentre are much in total darkness, or drowned by the glare of reduced in numbers, we have a great opportunity powerful industrial fluorescent lights. We’ve for getting the main hall better used during the only completed half the scheme so far; but the day; for the first time since it was built, the hall ring of lights in the ceiling, complementing the is now available to rent during the day Monday 1 – Thursday as well as on Saturdays. (On Fridays, are taught to sing and receive also music theory the Turkish elders group continue to serve lunch lessons; our new mini-choir (new this year) to their large number of members). We hope to has been formed as an after-school activity to make the most of this new chance to serve the encourage children too young to join the main people of Catford and Lewisham, and are busy choir to start musical training, and is proving upgrading our facilities with new blinds to keep popular. The annual choir trip is always a much- out the dazzling summer sun, which makes any looked-forward-to event, and this year the choir kind of meeting that needs Powerpoint projec- with other supporters from the congregation tion impossible, and expanding and improving joined with singers from All Saints, Blackheath, the lavatory facilities (“not before time”, I hear for a tour of Tuscany, staying at the Augustin- you say). This should be completed over the next ian Friary in San Gimignano, courtesy of their couple of months. A grant from the Borough via prior, Fr Brian Lowery; the choir sang a concert the Lewisham South Assembly has enabled us to in San Gimignano in tandem with a local youth fit wall-mounted hot water boilers to replace all choir, and a concert in Pienza cathedral, jointly the hot-water urns which kept leaking or being with an Italian adult choir, as well as the Sunday stolen in the main kitchen and Jubilee Room. mass at the Friary. By singing concerts with local Our own social events continue to be popular, choirs, we were guaranteed a decent audience, with parish lunches especially attracting ever- and it was good to be able to share the gift of larger numbers. Coffee after mass on a Sunday music with local Italians, even when there wasn’t morning is generally very full, the tables packed much spoken language in common. Thank you, with parishioners chatting away to their friends especially, to the Diocese, who provided a large and neighbours (a big thank you to Jean & John grant to enable our young people to have sub- Strange for co-ordinating the refreshments after sidised places on this trip, and but for which it mass Sunday by Sunday; this is a hugely impor- would not have been possible. tant task, and contributes greatly to the life of As well as singing in the choir, many young the parish, enjoyed by an unusually high propor- people here serve at the Sunday liturgy – we tion of the congregation;) the parish barbeque in have a large, well-trained team of servers, thanks August was much enjoyed. The autumn dance mainly to Sarah King’s iron discipline in the was down on numbers, but a good time was had sanctuary; Sarah and Fr Iain have regular serv- by all; and the New Year’s Eve social event lasted ers’ practices, which as well as being enjoyable well into the night. One private event, David social events also help our young servers to and Grace Blyth’s wedding anniversary celebra- learn the skills of serving well. And the annual tions in October, was full of parishioners who servers’ trip is also a great encouragement. This enjoyed a memorable evening, and the Advent year, everyone went to the amusement park at Fair was again well attended by young and old, Southend; it’s one way the congregation can who enjoyed the stalls and the good lunch, and say thank you to our servers for giving up their raised a good deal of money for charity in a very Friday evenings. short space of time. My personal highlight was Six of our young people were prepared for the parish lunch cooked and served by younger admittance to communion by Peter Charles, one members of the congregation. Thanks to a of the two readers here; Deontae, Demari, Ewan, grant from the Diocese, ten of our teenagers Akira, Celine and Malique attended a number were able to attend a food-hygiene study day at of Saturday sessions before their admittance to St Laurence’s, and most were successful in get- communion at a joyful service on the second ting not a Grade I but a Grade II Food Hygiene Sunday of Advent. Certificate at the end of the day. Thus qualified, Thank you also to Denine Nwajiobi, for under the watchful eye of Snoop Bissiney, they restarting our Sunday crèche in the coffee bar, produced a fantastic parish lunch, beautifully which enables parents to have somewhere just served by waiters in uniform red T-shirts and outside earshot, where they can play with their tops, and to the accompaniment of a steel band. children but still be part of the service; and to It was a great occasion which also raised £235. Helen for continuing the task of organising and Young people’s work has always been at the running our Junior Church every Sunday, and centre of things here. The continuing strength of to her team of teachers. It is a great responsibil- the choir is tribute to a long tradition of keep- ity, teaching the next generation of Christians, ing young people singing on the top line; we especially now that so little explicit Christianity still hold junior choir practices on Wednesday is taught in schools, and it is something in which evening, where the younger members of the choir all members of the congregation should consider 2 playing a part, so that our legacy may not be a local Diabetic Society. For the coming year, we total void of Christian language in our culture. are planning events for St George’s Day and for The Mothers Union continued to flourish, the Jamaican national day. Celebrating national with well-attended meetings both on the first days seems to be an excellent way of celebrat- Tuesday of the month and occasionally on ing our diversity, and allowing members of the Sunday mornings after mass to enable older congregation to share what is precious to them, members to attend. Their meetings are a mix of while encouraging the generosity of the rest of interesting talks and social events, and the group the congregation in accepting graciously what is open to all, whether men or women, parents they are offered: the perfect paradigm of unity or not, married or single people. The MU plays that celebrates diversity. an important role in co-ordinating the catering As well as Dr Mallett, other visiting preach- for parish lunches and running the parish dances ers over the year have included Philip Warner, and evening events such as the annual summer Rector of St Magnus the Martyr (just over the barbeque. To judge by the numbers coming to bridge from ) – who lives lunch, it is a role that is most appreciated by in Catford; and Christine Hardman, the only the rest of the congregation. A particular thank one of our three invited Advent preachers to you to Daphne Moore, Eula Nicholas, Margaret arrive. Michael Ipgrave, archdeacon of South- Greaves, Joan Broomes and their team for a wark, rang up before dawn on the day he was number of delicious meals over the year. due to preach to apologise for being stranded The congregation has continued to grow over in Leicester owing to heavy snow that had crip- the year. We reached a peak in the autumn, when pled the transport system; and our star preacher we were averaging 130 communicants a Sunday, for Advent, Colin Slee, of Southwark although these numbers have since fallen back a Cathedral, had by this time been diagnosed with little. The wonderful diversity of the congrega- pancreatic cancer, and died a few days later. His tion here continues to increase, and one innova- tragic loss is still keenly felt throughout the dio- tion this year has been to begin to celebrate the cese, and especially at the cathedral that he did National Days of members of the congregation. so much both to run effectively and also to put We started at Harvest Festival by celebrating on the map as a beacon of enlightened Anglican- Nigerian National Day. The Liturgy was planned ism. Our Lent preachers this year were Lindsay by Fr Andrew Grant, himself an Africa veteran, McKenna, the new vicar of St Andrew’s Catford, and involved members of the large Nigerian our neighbouring parish, successor to an old community here taking part in an extended St Laurence member, Fr Robert Jordan; Peter offertory procession which included members Barnett, warden of the Pillsdon Community at of the congregation (many of them in national West Malling; Jonathan Aitken, the ex-MP and dress) dancing or processing to the front of the cabinet minister; and Brian Lowery, prior of the church while singing an African hymn during Augustinian community at San Gimignano in the offertory. The event was much enjoyed by Italy, where parish groups from St Laurence’s all, and there were African refreshment avail- have been to stay on a number of occasions. able in the church hall afterwards. We also cel- For Holy Week, we look forward to another ebrated Barbados Day in November – a couple innovation, a priest-in-residence, Fr Graeme of weeks in advance – when we were pleased to Richardson, chaplain of Brasenose College be able to welcome the Barbadian deputy high Oxford, who preached here memorably in 2010. commissioner, Mr Donville Johnson, the Mayor Other major liturgical highlights included of Haringay, Cllr Eddie Griffith, and other dis- Ascension Day with a sung mass; the Dedication tinguished visitors. The preacher at this mass Festival with a mini-orchestra on July 25th; the was Dr Rosemarie Mallett, vicar of St John’s, ecumenical Advent carol service, at which we Angell Town in Brixton, originally herself from welcomed the new priest at Holy Cross Catford, Barbados. The ‘Barbados-style refreshments’ our Roman Catholic neighbours, Fr Doug Bull, we were promised afterwards turned out to be for the first time; the Christmas Carol service a full-scale parish lunch, and the highlight of and the Watchnight eucharist for New Year’s Eve, the afternoon was a very short speech by one of celebrated by Mthr Sue Charles, another priest our visitors, the London rep. for Cockspur Rum, who found their vocation at St Laurence’s. The announcing that he was writing out a cheque choir sang choral evensong two or three times that would double the amount we had just col- over the year – always much appreciated by lected for two charities, a church in Barbados those members of the congregation who attend. that had lost its roof in a recent hurricane and a I suppose one might hope that attendance at 3 evening services will improve; it was said to Cathedral, which was attended by a number have been the Forsyte Saga that killed off Sunday of people from St Laurence’s. We had a joint evensong across the country in 1967, when even concert in October with All Saints, Blackheath, devout Anglicans couldn’t bring themselves to prior to the choir trip. miss Eric Porter’s weekly appearances. Perhaps At a more nuts-and-bolts level, the Church in the age of the BBC iPlayer and other catch-up Council continued to meet thanks to the effi- services, people will find going to church just ciency of Fiona Tyrell-Jackson, PCC secretary; as satisfactory a way of spending early Sunday much of the year’s business was concerned with evening, especially as they don’t actually have to maintaining and improving the fabric of the miss anything on TV (if there is anything worth church, and, inevitably, with finance. A financial watching in the first place!) During Lent, we giving Sunday was planned and executed very have been using a new mass setting, based on smoothly, thanks to hard work by the church- two plainsong hymns, by our own Huw Morgan, wardens and our indefatigable treasurer, Peter specially written to exploit the excellent singing Louth. We survived our triennial ‘Fairer Shares’ of the congregation and good acoustic of the assessment, which determines how much money church. It is interesting how, in this year cel- we must give every year to the Diocese for clergy ebrating the four hundredth anniversary of the pay; inevitably, our assessment has gone up a Authorised Version of the Bible, some traditional great deal, thanks to our larger congregation, aspects of Anglicanism have been found still to money we will have to find as best we can. For- work – such as the Book of Common Prayer tunately, giving on the plate has also gone up, psalms that we enjoy every Sunday, choral BCP although it would be good if more people gave evensong, and the traditional English words of by standing order. A good deal of money was some mass settings. It is good to have an ancient raised by the congregation over the year for vari- tradition to fall back that is still in English. We ous causes: the Bishop’s Lent appeal, Christian also hosted the Mothers Union Deanery Service Aid Week, Guide Dogs for the Blind (who ben- in the summer, and two MU quiet days, one each efited from a fund-raising afternoon hosted by for Advent and Lent. Although we are one of the Mike Lee and the ever-faithful Wilson, and from few churches locally to enjoy a daily mass, it is the proceeds of the Advent Fair), Centrepoint a matter of regret that so few members of the received the proceeds of our parish Christmas congregation take advantage of these services – Greetings booklet and also the midnight mass often only one or two. Going to mass midweek, collection, and the PCC voted for five charities in the stillness of the Lady Chapel, is a totally from suggestions from members of the congrega- different experience from Sundays, and well tion and elsewhere to received £800 each from worth experiencing, joining your clergy as we parish general income: the Sickle Cell society, pray for the parish and the congregation. (We Ronald MacDonald House, Lewisham Church’s also offer morning prayer at 7.30am most morn- Care Farm Africa and Water Aid. ings, which is open to all). Pastorally, the welcome table team continues The stillness of the Lady Chapel also provided their excellent care of visitors and first-time the venue for Advent and Lent study groups, led worshippers at St Laurence’s; and we have by Fr Iain, Peter Charles and Veronica Atherton. increased the number of welcomers, so that there The rest of the year, the parish housegroup met in is someone permanently stationed at the back of its members homes, including occasional masses church every Sunday to greet latecomers, and and social events, as well as studying a number of ensure that they can find somewhere to sit. This interesting topics. This Lent, I have been running is a valuable service, given how many members a confirmation course for five adults, looking of the congregation (especially visitors) arrive to be confirmed this Eastertide at the cathedral; during the service. The ministry team try to keep again, meeting in each other’s homes, we have in contact with members of the church who have good discussions and lively debates. become housebound or unwell (though we do Musically, we have continued to enjoy Huw rely on being told who is absent, as with a large Morgan’s monthly series of organ recitals with and diverse congregation it is not always easy distinguished local and nationally known organ- to spot absences), taking Holy Communion out ists; it was good to welcome back Joe Ashmore, to between six and twelve people each month, last year’s organ scholar, and a previous Direc- and meeting monthly – my thanks to Fr Iain; our tor of Music here, Paul Dewhurst (now at readers: Grace & Peter; our Pastoral Auxiliary, Pontefract). Another former organist, Marcus Ijeoma; Fr Andrew and our parish administra- Wibberley, gave his debut recital at St Paul’s tor, Alison.

4 Alison is responsible for much of the com- Celtic ideas on worship and spiritual care on munication that goes out from the parish. One his return (not to mention copious quantities of of the problems of a large, diverse and active Scottish shortbread, a talent for making which, congregation is that of keeping people in touch we understand, he has just discovered). Since with what’s going in; for this the parish magazine his retirement he has been working as hard as a (editor Peter Charles) and parish weekly sheet stipendiary priest, and we are all most grateful to are vital; I have also written letters to the entire him. As well as St Laurence’s, Fr Iain has also cel- congregation, advertising future events, and ebrated or preached at St Michael’s, Sydenham, this year we had our Lent preachers publicity St Dunstan’s, Bellingham and St Andrew’s, properly printed. Alison also keeps the website Catford. Grace Blyth was guest speaker at the and blog up t o date, and designs the attractive local Women’s World Day of Prayer Service, and Christmas cards that this year were distributed Fr Andrew spends the other half of his life at St to (almost) every home in the parish (many Barnabas, Downham. thanks to all those who participated in this). It is interesting how many of the local clergy Other suggestions of ways of getting the word have moved over the last year; Canon Michael out would be warmly welcomed. Over the year, Hart arrived as Team Rector of the Downham Mike Lee, who has looked after the church team; Lindsay McKenna has taken over at St notice boards, finally retired from a job he has Andrew’s; we are slowly getting to know Fr been doing magnificently for many years, and Scott, Fr Garlick’s replacement at St Mary’s; Fr we have not yet found a replacement for this David Gatliffe retired from St Margaret’s, Lee important aspect of our public face. in the summer; and Fr Douglas Bull has arrived Nurturing new Christians is always an impor- as the new parish priest at Holy Cross. Annie tant part of our life here – and so is nurturing Shaw has just retired from the chaplaincy at vocations. God calls all kinds of people to serve Lewisham Hospital after some twenty years, in him in many different ways; sometimes his call which she must have become known to almost takes a long time to come to fruition, but he every member of the parish, to be replaced by is nothing if not patient! This year, Matthew her assistant (himself recently retired from St Rushton, who did a parish placement here a George’s, Beckenham), Malcolm Hancock. And few years ago, was ordained deacon; and Chris finally, even our area bishop, Bishop Christopher Bunce, an ordinand in fact from London Diocese, – who celebrated our Easter eve vigil and confir- left us for Westcott House Theological College in mation service for us here at St Laurence’s last . Most unexpectedly, and a matter of year – has left us, but only to become Diocesan considerable celebration, the ranks of the clergy Bishop instead; all our prayers go with him. here have increased by two over the last year: Fr Over the year, I have become increasingly glad Andrew Grant, a very experienced parish priest still to be here, with so supportive and exciting from the Diocese who has also served many a congregation; on the rare occasions I have years in Ghana, and who a year ago moved to been tempted elsewhere, it has been only for the Bromley College, has agreed to join the clergy day! I have preached at the Royal Naval Col- team here at St Laurence’s at least two Sundays lege, Greenwich, St Magnus the Martyr, London a month; his support and quiet encouragement Bridge and Emmanuel College Cambridge; and have been enormously helpful over the year; given talks to Affirming Catholicism and Holy and Fr Anthony Atherton, whose wife Veronica Cross Church, Catford. I also had the chance for we all have come to know well over the last a couple of days in the idyllic setting of Salisbury few years, has just retired from his parish in Cathedral, when lecturing for the Visual Arts Bromley (first parish into Rochester Diocese) module of the Sarum College MA in Christian and found a new home in central Catford. We Spirituality. (And it was good to have another wish Veronica and Fr Anthony a long and happy article appear in the Anglican Theological maga- retirement, and look forward to working with zine, ‘Theology’, finally appear in January after them in the years to come. Fr Iain has – as a twenty month delay.) But it is always good to ever – been a highly valued colleague, tactfully come home, and to the support and friendship and discreetly making up for many of my own of everyone here. (And a huge thank you for shortcomings, and always there when needed; everyone who supported us through during the now that he has retired from paid employment, period of Helen’s recent operation). he has quite rightly taken three months off to Speaking of going home, a number of our go to Iona, as he prepares for the next phase of members went to their eternal home over the life. We look forward to all kinds of new-fangled last year: James Williams died tragically young

5 in May, losing his battle with cancer – he is Jean and Eula, for running the catering in all its sadly missed by friends and family; Joyce Gates’ aspects; Ann, our safeguarding officer (a really husband, Stanley, May Witter’s son, Brian, Peter important task); Nick, our caretaker and his Howes’ mother, Rosina and Peter Cronin’s wife, colleagues; the Welcome Table team, Marva, Marilyn also died during the year; as did two Debbie, Fiona and Eleisea; Sue, who co-ordi- former members of the parish, Ray Trickey and nates the lesson readers; Kevin, who helps with David Sanger, two people who, over the years, all the sacristan’s duties; Joan, who takes care of gave a huge amount of their time and energy to all the business of sorting out giving envelopes; the parish and to the people of Catford; also Bylinda, who co-ordinates our Christian Aid Fr John Furness, who used to come on parish street collection; Hannah, who takes the phone pilgrimages, and Colin Slee, mentioned above. messages in the parish office twice a week; May, They will all be much missed. May they rest in who runs the mini-choir and community choir; peace and rise in glory. John, for his work on the grounds, and for run- It remains only to thank all those who have ning our cricket team (we hope!); Andrew, for contributed so much to the life of the church his support for the choir and elsewhere; Frank, and parish – you all know who you are – and a our church cleaner; Vickie, who runs Sunbeam special thank you to all those who quietly get on Tots; Kevin and Jennifer, who help out in the with volunteering with no expectation of a thank office with folding sheets and all manner of you or reward, but simply because you know it other work; for the Welcome team (Vitalis, Jose- is for the good of the community, and that we phine, Jeni and Michelle in addition to people couldn’t exist without you. To these unsung mentioned above); for chalice assistants, junior heroes, on whom the cohesion of St Laurence’s church leaders, house group leaders, members depends, a heart-felt thanks. But I do need to of the choir, servers and the many, many others mention, in addition to those mentioned in my who give freely of their time and energy to keep report, my churchwardens, Margaret and Mark, St Laurence’s running smoothly to the glory of for their loyal support over the year; Huw, an God (including all those I haven’t mentioned extraordinarily creative and co-operative Direc- here) – thank you everyone for combining spir- tor of Music; Kay, our most amazing Centre itual energy with material necessity in the best Manager; Peter, our PCC treasurer; Alison our tradition of Christian worship and service. parish administrator; Lorna, who does the centre bookings every Thursday evening (admirably Some parish statistics assisted by Sinclair and Steadman); Olive, Eula 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 and May, who take care of arranging the church baptisms 17 10 23 23 12 flowers (and, much valued, sending copies of funerals 26 40 47 44 62 the weekly sheet to those who cannot make it to church); Sarah, our chief sacristan and server weddings 66 44 74 25 15 trainer, ably assisted by Kofi; Sheila who says adult confirmtn 9 0 8 8 5 mass for me on Wednesdays from time to time; adm. to HC 6 2 6 8 10

6 Church Wardens’ Report

It has been a great year for St Laurence which seems to have whizzed by yet again, but leaving many wonderful memories in its wake. Some personal highlights include: • The Easter confirmation service with Bishop Christopher • The barbecue which had a massive turnout and was a great success • The new lighting system which has made it so much easier to manage the candle light services, and really lifted the church atmosphere • The celebration of Nigerian national day with the dancing and energy • Then the church went blue and yellow for Barbados national day celebration • The congregation is steadily increasing

The Dean’s inspection - every year our Dean, Richard Bainbridge comes to check that we are doing everything we need to do. He checks that the various electrical, gas, risk assessment and fire safety work has been done, that the various registers, for example, weddings and baptisms are up to date, and that the building is well maintained and the church well run. He was very pleased with what he saw in March. We couldn’t have met these standards without the help so many of you put into carrying out this work, so a big thank you, without your efforts we wouldn’t come up to scratch.

Fairer shares – at the beginning of the year we asked you to complete an anonymous form to indicate how much you earned, (the Diocese asks all churches to carry out this task every three years), so that they can work out a fair amount for each Church to contribute to the Diocese, largely to fund the salaries of our priests. Thanks to all of you who did this. As our congregation has been steadily increasing we will in the near future have to pay more money to the Diocese. However, we are still contributing at the level you would expect from an inner city church.

Giving - more recently in January we asked you to consider giving money to the Church in a planned way, either by standing order, or through our envelope system. Thanks so much to all of you who have done this, as we are able to claim back the tax on all your gifts. It is a little early to give figures yet, but once we have a better idea of the changes we will let you know. We are very grateful for the way so many of you give so generously of your money and your time. Without the voluntary work so many of you do for St Laurence, and the money you give, we wouldn’t be able to run the Church so effectively.

The new welcome team - we also set up a welcome team to make people feel at home as they enter our Church, and to help latecomers enter with the minimum of fuss. Thanks to all of you on this rota, it makes our job so much easier.

Side persons and offertory - we’d also like to thank the sides’ persons who do the collection, and those of you we volunteer to do the offertory - thank you so much.

Cleaning the church – around Christmas time a number of parishioners volunteered to give the Church a thorough clean on Saturday mornings for a short period of time. Your help was very much appreciated.

We would also like to say thank you to Kevin who cleaned St Laurence for many years but had to recently give this up. We’ve now replaced Kevin with Frank Omatte, so welcome aboard Frank and thanks for your good work.

The flats – we’ve also spent quite a lot of time checking the flats that we own and keeping them well maintained. A big thank you to Alison the Parish Administrator and Kay Lanston the Centre Manager for the work they do to organise quotes and workmen, not just for the flats but for the Church and the centre as well.

To all the parishioners we say a big thank you, for without you, our temple would not be so full of spiritual joy and fulfilment each week, there is so much more work done behind the scenes and it is rewarding to see that it is all worthwhile.

So we would also like to say a big thank you to Fr Charles, Fr Iain and Fr Andrew for all their hard work over the past year, as we know it has not been easy. May God Bless us all and help us to continue the good work as we look forward to the year ahead.

Church Wardens April 2011

PCC Secretary’s Report The PCC The Parochial Church Council meets to discuss matters relating to the day to day running of the church, receiving and discussing reports from various individuals, such as the Director of Music, the Centre Manager and the Treasurer. Issues arising from the church’s role as a landlord and employer are also dealt with during the meetings. Resolutions voted on by the PCC included concessions on church hall hire fees, plans for the lighting scheme and church hall improvements.

Current members of the PCC are listed below: Fr Charles Pickstone, Fr Iain Farquhar, Huw Morgan, Marva Phillips, Erskine Alleyne, Debbie Watson, Jeni Griffith, Kay Lanston, Peter Louth, Steadman Francis, Beverley Lashley, John Lashley, Fiona Tyrell-Jackson, Joan Broomes, Bob Knight, Michelle Miller-Cox, Alice Muchanyuka, Grace Blyth, Peter Charles, Margaret Greaves, Mark Thomson.

Stewardship Campaign and Fairer Shares The increase in the congregation at St Laurence has led to an increase in the level of contribution to the Diocese, which funds the work of the Diocese and the salaries of priests . In addition there is a great deal of work that is undertaken by various volunteers, and there is always a need for extra help. The PCC has devoted a lot of time planning a Stewardship Campaign to encourage members of the congregation to consider how much of their money and time can be spared to assist in running the church. Jackie Pontin, the Diocese Stewardship Resources Officer attended a PCC meeting to lead a discussion on the steps that can be taken to encourage giving. The AGM is an opportunity for members of the congregation to put themselves forward to take up some of the posts that will be vacant this year.

Charities The church is committed to donating a percentage of its income to charity. One of the important decisions the PCC has to make is which charities to support each year. Suggestions were received from members of the congregation, and various charities contacted the church requesting funding. This year the PCC voted to donate to five charities this year, three UK based and two overseas, each receiving £800 each: Sickle Cell Society – Greenwich & Bexley Provides information, counselling and care for suffers of sickle cell and their families. It funds the education of health carers and other professionals about the condition. Ronald MacDonald House, Tooting Ronald MacDonald House provides free support and accommodation in eight en-suite bedrooms to the families of seriously ill children who are receiving in patient treatment at St.Georges Hospital in Tooting. Lewisham Churches Care Lewisham Churches Care addresses the problems of isolation and loneliness affecting older people in the southern half of Lewisham. Farm Africa Farm Africa assists some of the poorest families in eastern Africa, giving support to enable them to farm their way out of poverty, showing them to get the most out of their land, providing livestock and animal healthcare training. Water Aid Provides access to safe water hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities

Fiona Tyrell-Jackson PCC Secretary DIRECTOR OF MUSIC’S ANNUAL REPORT 2010/11

This has been another year of challenges and triumphs – preparing to write this report, I read last year’s carefully and it is striking how the themes recur again this year.

One of those themes is our choir’s foreign adventures. Following our wonderful trip to Berlin in 2009, in October 2010 we visited Tuscany for a five day trip, on which we were joined by some singers and congregation from our friends at All Saints’ in Blackheath, including Fr Nicholas and Richard Harker, their then director of music.

Several of our congregation will be familiar with the Augustinian Monastery in San Gimignano, and many of you will have heard their Abbott, Fr Brian Lowery, preach last Sunday – it was to this enchanting and spiritually moving place that we headed. We sang a concert in the wonderful church at the monastery, sharing our programme with a local community choir Clara Harmonia directed with aplomb by Tanja Kustrin. We then went to Pienza, a renaissance town designed by Pope Pius II in the 15th Century – here after eating some lovely pecorino cheese and some excellent sightseeing, we sang in the beautiful cathedral perched on the edge of the hillside. Again, we shared our programme with an Italian choir, this time an adult chamber choir Ensemble Flos Vocalis di Sinalunga directed by Gianni Bagnoli. Saturday was a free day, which we spent visiting the glorious city of Siena, then on Sunday we sang for the Mass at the Monastery before heading back home, grabbing one last ice-cream from their world-famous shop (Tony Blair has his photo there!) before getting on the coach.

Throughout this trip we were welcomed warmly and shown great hospitality – to eat alongside the monks every morning and evening in the Monastery was a particular pleasure and gave a good structure and rhythm to the trip. Everyone sang brilliantly, but special mention must be made of our young singers, who acquitted themselves with great dignity on and off the stage and were terrific and charming ambassadors for our church.

Our Advent and Christmas carol services were a particular highlight of a long and dreary winter, enlivening the dark hours with some old favourites and new music alike, along with some lusty congregational singing. We were very pleased to welcome back our former organ scholar Joe Ashmore for the 9 Lessons and for Midnight Mass – it’s great to see both Joe doing well at Cambridge and also James Perkins flourishing at the Royal College of Music. We hope to have a new young organ scholar soon. Midnight Mass was another highlight, when we were joined by Louisa Duggan on the harp, adding a certain mystery to the atmosphere.

In January, we were thrilled to be invited by Southwark Cathedral to sing at the Diocesan Servers’ Festival. We sang at the midday mass to a packed cathedral - and it was nice to see some of our own congregation in the nave supporting us. Tamsin, Helena, Andrew, Tony and Jeremy all contributed excellent solos and we gave stirring performances of Andrew’s arrangements of Steal Away and Deep River. Peter Wright, the cathedral’s Director of Music, and , the acting Dean, were most complimentary about the standard of our choir’s performance.

Hot on the heels of this excursion, we were invited to sing at the Broadway Theatre for Holocaust Memorial Day at the end of January. While some aspects of the organization of this day were not ideal, and the event was over-long, this was a particularly important performance for us, the more so given that we were joined by members of the Community Choir and Mini Choir, under May’s direction, who also played trumpet in Geoffrey Burgon’s Nunc Dimittis. Again the choir sang with great aplomb and got the whole 800-strong audience clapping and singing along in a stirring finale.

We are deep into Lent now and looking forward to Easter – Fr Charles and I hope that you have enjoyed the new mass setting written especially for this season. I must say that I have been very impressed with how quickly you as the congregation have picked this up! As ever, the congregational hymn singing is moving, dynamic, and a great credit to our community.

We continue to struggle for choir members, despite varied and ongoing attempts at recruitment. May Thompson has done a wonderful job with our Mini Choir, and we hope that these youngsters, and some from the Community Choir, will go on to form the core of our treble line in years to come. Amongst the adults, we are sorry to lose Maria, who has left to concentrate on work and study, but welcome Madeleine and Paul.

Finally, I must thank all our singers, young and old, for all your efforts, commitment, and skill – you bring so much to our community and are and always will be a vital part of life at St Laurence.

Sant’ Agostino – San Gimignano Pienza Cathedral

Centre Manager’s Report

This year has seen many changes at the Centre with several new regular hirers and many new enquiries – I still often wish there were another six rooms to let!

Our Hall is now available for hire from Monday to Friday for business meetings, parties, funerals, etc. and it is hoped that many new people will take advantage of this in the coming months, especially those working in our local Town Hall, hospitals, offices and others. We are currently producing a leaflet, showing our Centre and its facilities. Also in the near future, we are having new toilets fitted, blinds for the Hall windows (which can be unbearably hot in summer) and new electric water heaters.

We have managed to accomplish quite a lot in the way of improvements during the past year, having lovely new curtains behind the stage, which sets it off so much better, several rooms have been painted and new cupboards fitted – so many people ask for storage space. There is, of course, the usual business of ordering new urns, glazing broken windows, fixing new door locks, renewing smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and I can’t omit to mention the wonderful job John Lashley made of removing all weeds from our paths round the entire complex! We are very grateful to him.

My gratitude also goes to Lorna, who continues to come down every Thursday to take bookings, to Alison who gets quotes for me and arranges appointments, and to Hannah who comes in every week to deal with the endless stream of telephone messages. So many people have told me how kind she has been to them and how helpful. I am extremely grateful to these and several others who have helped with the running of the Centre this year – a year when I have not been in the best of health, so it has been of tremendous value to me personally.

Nick, Jimmy, Rafe and Joe, our caretaker and deputies, continue to set up rooms in readiness for hirers and to endeavour to keep the place clean and tidy. I also frequently hear that they have been extra helpful, especially with getting out toys for the toddler group, folding pushchairs and helping to unload for various groups. We also thank them for their hard work.

Of course, as always, my thanks go to all the Management Committee who have worked hard and supported me throughout the year. I look forward to an exciting year at the Centre in 2011!

Sacristy Report

It is good to report that we are able to provide a full team of servers for the Sunday Masses and for the major mid-week services. There are however some areas where we still need new members, most notably in adults to lead teams on Sunday morning and as thurifer (the one with the incense). Fr Iain has been running regular servers meetings and activities. Sarah King is charge of server training and can often be seen putting the new servers (or those learning new roles) through their paces after Sunday morning Mass.

We would like to thank all the servers for their hard work and effort during the year. The team leaders and the Church really do appreciate the time and effort you all put in. Although it is good to note the number of volunteers have come forward during the year to join the team, we could still do with more. Some of our servers are still having to be called on more often than we would like. If you would like to volunteer then please do not hesitate to talk to me, Fr Iain or Sarah for more details.

Peter Charles (On Behalf of Sacristy team)

East Lewisham Deanery Synod Reps Report

Representatives from Anglican churches within the Deanery of East Lewisham meet to discuss issues relevant to the parishes they serve and the church in general. Deanery Synods also have responsibilities to elect members to the Diocesan Synod During the past year the East Lewisham Synod has met on four occasions. In addition to the day to day concerns within parishes Deanery Meetings focus on specific topics. In April 2010 St. Peter’s Lee hosted the meeting and Rev. Nigel Stone gave a talk on ‘Integrating Faith into the Olympic Games’. The evening also included the appointment of Foundation Governors for Northbrook School. In July St. Barnabas Downham hosted the meeting and Rev. Malcolm Torry gave a presentation on ‘Building the Life and Witness of the Church in the Greenwich Peninsula. October’s meeting was hosted by St. Swithun’s, Hither Green Lane and Fr. Richard Peers, Headmaster of Trinity School Lee – previously called Northbrook gave an inspiring presentation entitled ‘From Northbrook to Trinity – a Journey’. Trinity School with its new name has now moved into its beautiful new home in Taunton Rd. built on the site of their previous building. In February this year St. Johns, Catford welcomed the deanery meeting and the agenda included the item ‘‘Women in the Episcopate’ the Role of Deanery Synod in the decision making process’. The next Deanery Synod meeting will be here at St. Laurence, 7.45pm on the 5th April 2011. This will be an open meeting and the main agenda item will be ‘Women in the Episcopate’.

The 3 year term for representatives from parishes to the Deanery Synod comes to an end this April. It is now time for St. Laurence to elect new representatives. It is good to meet with people from neighbouring parishes and to have the opportunity to participate in discussions that influence our local ministry and the wider church.

Christmas Party Report 2010

Sincere thanks to everyone who helped financially and by giving their time to the St. Laurence Christmas Day Party for 2010. Contributions from St Laurence Mother’s Union activities, various raffles during the year, the cake stall, generous contributions from individuals in the congregation and a contribution again this year from St. Mary’s Church in Lewisham meant that we were able to cover the cost of the day.

Our largest single outlay for the day was for the hire of a Lewisham Council Coach with driver. We also hired a Community Transport Minibus with tail lift for those unable to travel in a car, while other guests were brought to St. Laurence’s by a number of volunteers who shared their own cars to provide transport for our guests to attend the morning service and party and to get home safely at the end of the day

Bob Knight helped with the shopping and organized the transport rotas. Sarah and her amazing helpers in the kitchen worked their magic and provided a wonderful Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings. Dave compeered the afternoon’s entertainment, and our wonderful song and dance girls and their friends provided a great show for our guests. Guests were treated to Teatime refreshments and presented with Goody bags to take home.

To organize the Christmas Day Party at St Laurence’s takes dedicated effort from a lot of people. Fundraising during the year, organizing the invitations and bookings, shopping for the food and drinks, setting up and decorating the hall to give our guests a good welcome, Providing transport, cooking, serving and washing up, and clearing away at the end of the day, It is such a worthwhile event. A really good and enjoyable way to spend a Christmas Day, making a difference to people who would otherwise be on their own for the whole day. Many people on the Christmas Day Party team have been involved for over 30 years and we are encouraging younger people to get involved and share the fun.

Interested? Talk to Grace or Dave Blyth or Sarah King. Mothers’ Union Report

The Mothers’ Union continue to meet in the Jubilee Room on the 1st Tuesday of each month, but to allow members who wish to attend the Healing Mass in the Lady Chapel at 7.30 pm, our meeting usually start at 8.15 pm.

Membership to the Mothers’ Union is also open to male members; so far we have had four male members. We are hoping to have an enrolment service on 19th June and look forward to new members joining us. Information leaflets about the Mother’s Union are on the Welcome Table in the Church.

We had a Speaker give a very interesting talk on sickle cells lately, and an arrangement is now in place for Speakers to attend alternate meetings. If any member of the congregation would like to be invited to speak to us on any topics such as their work, their faith, any fund raising events, or anything that they think would be of interest to us please contact Daphne Moore who would arrange a date with them.

We wish to thank all the members who have helped and supported us during the year and especially Fr Iain who we hold in our prayers, is now away on sabbatical, has been a tower of strength especially in leading us at our regular Quiet Mornings and also supporting us at our meetings. We wish him well and hope it will not be too long before he returns to us.

Special thanks to Margaret our Secretary for taking the minutes, to Joan our Treasurer for collecting our fees and subscriptions, to Ijeoma for arranging birthday flowers for our members, and last but by no means a special thank you to John Lashley for taking on the responsibility of arranging Speakers for our meetings.

On the social side, we continue to have our Social Evening in the Jubilee Room in December to which everyone is invited. Also, we all went out for a meal at the Mekan Restaurant in Catford in January which was very enjoyable.

As we continue to hold everyone in our prayers, we in return also ask for your prayers.

God Bless you all,

Daphne Moore MU Chair

House Group Report

House group continues to thrive, and as we look back we can, as a group be pleased, with what we have achieved. Numbers at meetings have ranged from 6 to 10, which makes for good discussions. Over the past year we have completed our look at the Gospel of Luke (which was the source of our Sunday morning gospel readings for most of the year). We have begun a series on the book of Genesis looking at how God’s people developed after the Exile from the Garden. Despite the fact that we know many of these stories well, I think we have all learnt things that have surprised us. This series will continue until we break for the summer.We have also had separate Lent and Advent topics with topics which reflect those seasons.

The house group meets on alternate Wednesdays, except in Advent and Lent, when we meet weekly. If you want to broaden your knowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith then house group is an excellent way to do so in a safe and friendly environment.

If you would be interested in joining us, please talk to Fr, Iain or myself for further details.

Peter Charles

Junior Church Report April 2010-April 2011

Junior Church caters for children aged five to eleven. It’s aims are to help in the understanding of the readings of the day having first heard them during the service, and to teach the children what it means to be a Christian. The children leave the service after the Gospel and go to the hall where they are divided into two groups: 5- 7 year olds and 8-11 year olds. Lessons are interactive and usually involve some creative activity.The children return to church at the offertory. Approximately once a month there is a family service when they remain in church.

The number of children attending fluctuates considerably and can vary from just a few to about sixteen, but it is always very rewarding sharing the Christian Gospel with them. We welcome anyone from the congregation who would like to join our excellent team of teachers. I would like to thank those teachers for all their hard work and dedication over the past year namely; Lynda, Michelle, Maria, Natasha, Elaine and Judith.

Helen Pickstone April 2011

Treasurers Report for the year 2010

Financially 2010 was another good year for St. Laurence, Catford.

Overall the Net Income after expenditure was £17,716, after spending some £5,000 on improvements to the flats. £35,946 was spent on the improving the lighting within the Church.

The costs of the lighting scheme were drawn from the Lighting Fund which at the end of December 2010 stood at £11,743.

Our unrestricted General Fund now stands at £89,728 comprising £44,258 representing the net funds deposited with the South London Church Fund (SLCF) and the Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance (SDBF) and £45,471 held in the three maintenance funds for Church, Centre and Flats.

At 31 December 2010 £64,976 was invested in funds with the SLCF & SDBF. (These funds arose from the sale of property in 1987 and two bequests received in 1989.) Secured on this amount, monies were borrowed in 1992 to help with Roof Repairs at that time. The balance of those loans, still owing to SLCF & SDBF, was £20,720 at 31 December 2010. The net Funds deposited with SLCF & SDBF is therefore £64,976 - £20,720 = £44,257. The money borrowed is interest free and is being repaid by the income received on the funds held by SLCF & SDBF.

Our prime source of income - your giving through the Sunday collections together with the fees charged for weddings and funerals was £57,969 around 4% greater than in 2009 (£55,710). Wedding Fees were nearly £3,000 higher than in 2009 at £8,600. Core giving by the congregation decreased by around £1,800. Pledged and Gift aided donations and the income tax recoverable were down £2,920 (around 10%) at £23,877 – 2009 - £26,797.

Gift aided donations give us the opportunity of claiming from the Government the basic rate income tax borne by the donors before they made their gifts. The Tax recovered in 2010 was £5,127.

Donations to the church gift aided by standing order, envelopes or through the Charities Aid Foundation are very tax efficient and we encourage this form of giving by UK taxpayers to whom these regulations apply. Rental Income from the Centre, Flats and Garages and car parking fees was £116,250, an increase of just over £3,000.

Fund raising events produced £2,879.

The PCC increased the annual giving from £3,500 to £4,000, 5 charities at home and abroad receiving £800 each. Other charitable donations in the year totalled £4,540 and these are listed in Note 9 to the Financial Statements.

Some of the funds invested through the SLCF & SDBF were previously held on cash deposit. These were substantially switched during the year and are now invested in the Church Board of Finance Investment Fund. The income from the funds rose from £1,215 in 2009 to £2,244 in 2010. This income is used to repay our interest-free loans, borrowed from the diocese. The value of the Funds invested with the Church Board of Finance was £78,736 at 31 December 2010 up slightly by £1,660 from their value at 31 December 2009 (£77,076)

The diocesan quota was £48,115 slightly increased from £47,145 for 2009.

Church running expenses includes Light and Heat, Water and Insurance, Sacristy costs covering the basic weekly service sheets, candles, incense and altar breads and communion wine, the flowers, and maintaining the robes and service books.

Music costs were £14,534.

Church Hall running costs include the utilities and the costs of repair and maintenance of boilers, fire extinguishers, electrical equipment and lighting, refuse collection and the maintenance of the grounds.

The Church management and administration costs include printing, postage and stationery plus the costs of running the computer and the photocopier and payment of our Parish Administrator.

Finally, I offer thanks; to Kay and Lorna for running the Centre, and to Alison for running the Parish Office, and to all the people of St Laurence for their continuing financial support.

Peter Louth FCA Hon. Treasurer 16 March 2011

Annual report for Charity Commission St Laurence’s Church, Catford, South East London Registered Charity No. 1131092

Annual Report of the Parochial Church Council For the year ended 31 December 2010

St Laurence’s Church is situated in Bromley Road, Catford, in south east London. It is a part of the Diocese of Southwark within the .

Parochial Church Council (PCC) members who have served from 1 January 2010 until the date this report was approved are:

Incumbent: The Revd Charles Pickstone Chairman

Honorary Curate The Revd Iain Farquhar

Readers Mrs Grace Blyth Mr Peter Charles

Wardens Mrs Margaret Greaves Mr Mark Thomson

Representatives on Mr Erskine Alleyne The Deanery Synod Ms Michelle Miller-Cox

Elected members Ms Joan Broomes Mr Steadman Francis Ms Jeni Griffith Mr Bob Knight Mrs Beverley Lashley Mr John Lashley (from APCM 18 April 2010) Mrs Daphne Moore Ms Alice Muchanyuka (from APCM 18 April 2010) Ms Eula Nicholas Ms Marva Phillips Mrs Debbie Watson

Ex-officio members Mrs Kay Lanston Centre manager Mr Peter Louth PCC Treasurer Mr Huw Morgan Director of Music Mrs Fiona Tyrell-Jackson PCC Secretary

Administrative information The correspondence address is 37 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2TS. Our website is www.stlaurencecatford.org.uk Emails to [email protected] Our Parish Administrator is Alison Brewster.

Registration as a Charity

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Laurence, Catford was formally registered as a Charity with The Charity Commission in the England and Wales on 12th August 2009, registered no. 1131092. This Parochial Church Council (PCC) is governed by the Parochial Church Council Powers measure (1956), as amended and the Church Representation Rules.

Structure, governance and management

The method of appointment of PCC members is 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.

Objects and activities

The St Laurence, Catford PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent, the Revd Charles Pickstone, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has maintenance responsibilities for the Church Centre complex of St Laurence’s.

Achievements and performance

Church attendance

There are 159 parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, 102 of whom are not resident within the parish. The average weekly attendance was around 180, but this number increased at festivals.

Review of the year

The full PCC met six times during the year, with an average attendance of 67 per cent. Committees met between meetings and minutes of their deliberations were received by the full PCC and discussed where necessary.

Financial review

Congregational giving - our prime source of income - and fees for weddings and funerals decreased by around £1,800 to £47,707. Gift-aided giving accounts for around 50% of total giving.

Rental income from the Centre, Flats and Garages and car parking fees amounted to £116,250 an increase of £3,000 on the previous year.

Work on improving our lighting was commenced during the year. Phase I was completed at a cost of £35,946.

Fund raising events gained for us and other charities £2,634.

Dividends and interest on funds invested with the CBF Church of England Deposit and Investment Funds was £2,244.

Reserves policy

Our Unrestricted Reserves at 31 December 2010 totalled £89,728. £44,257 equalled the net amount of the funds invested through the South London Church Fund and the Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance less the balance of monies borrowed from them in 1992 to help fund extensive roof repairs. The remaining £45,471 is held in maintenance funds relating to the Church, Centre and Flats. Restricted Funds at 31 December 2010 totalled £12,463, the majority of which is held in and for our Lighting Fund.

Approved by the PCC on 16 March 2011 and signed on their behalf by Revd Charles Pickstone (PCC Chairman).

Parochial Church Council of St. Laurence, Catford Registered Charity No. 1131092 Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2010 Notes Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL FUNDS Code Funds Funds 2010 2009 £ £ £ £ INCOMING RESOURCES 1. Incoming resources from donors Planned Giving Gift Aid donations 101 18751 - 18751 20815 Income tax recoverable 102 5127 - 5127 5982 Other planned giving 103 4011 - 4011 2732 Collections at services 104 18816 338 19154 17630 Sundry donations and fees 103 9901 - 9901 8002 56605 338 56943 55161 Other voluntary incoming resources Legacies 201b - - 0 - Grants/Loans 202 - - 0 - Appeals - 1026 1026 549 0 1026 1026 549 Income from operating activities: to further the Council's objects Church Hall lettings 401-403 90510 - 90510 88236 Rental income from flats 301-302 24540 - 24540 23670 Garage rents 401-403 840 - 840 793 Car parking fees 401-403 360 - 360 480 Miscellaneous income - - - 116250 0 116250 113179 to generate funds Socials, fetes and fairs 203a 245 2634 2879 2235 245 2634 2879 2235 Income from deposits and investments Bank accounts 301-302 0 - 0 329 Funds deposited with SLCF & SDBF 301-302 2244 - 2244 1215 2244 0 2244 1544 Other ordinary incoming resources HMR&C Internet Filing Incentive 0 - 0 75 Other recoveries 0 - 0 703 0 0 0 778

TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 175345 3998 179343 173446

RESOURCES EXPENDED 1. Grants Missionary and charitable giving: Churches overseas missionary societies 1001-1004 0 387 relief and development agencies 1001-1004 1600 1735 3335 2397 Home missions and other Church Societies 1001-1004 2400 2805 5205 2972 4000 4540 8540 5756 Activities directly relation to the work of the Church Ministry: diocesan parish share 2001 48115 - 48115 47145 clergy expenses 2002-2004 4489 - 4489 4514 other clergy costs 2002-2004 732 - 732 519 readers and Spa costs 2002-2004 70 - 70 110 Church running expenses 2005-2008 11052 - 11052 9451 Church maintenance 2005-2008 4404 - 4404 11667 Director of Music's fees & choir costs 2016-2017 14534 - 14534 13785 Church Hall running costs 2009-2016 35241 - 35241 31630 Caretaking costs 2009-2016 14841 - 14841 13701 Flats running costs 2009-2016 7572 - 7572 2454 Lighting Scheme - 35946 35,946 18,770 141050 35946 176996 153746 Church management and administration Printing, stationery & computer costs 1597 - 1597 1418 Photocopier costs 4000 1550 - 1550 1316 Parish administrator 9218 - 9218 9342 Independent Examiners fee 215 215 250 12580 0 12580 12326 Costs of generating funds Fetes and fairs 3000 0 - Other - - - - 0 0 0 0

TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 157629 40486 198115 171828

NET INCOME/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES 17716 -36488 -18772 1618 BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD 1 JANUARY 2010 42012 48951 90963 90025 Maintenance funds transfers -15472 - -15472 -680 Legacies transferred to Sculture Fund 0 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD 0 31 DECEMBER 2010 44256 12463 56719 90963

The attached Notes to the Financial Statements form part of these accounts. Parochial Church Council of St. Laurence, Catford Registered Charity No. 1131092 Balance Sheet at 31 December 2010 Notes 2010 2009 £ £ £ FIXED ASSETS 1. Tangible fixed assets - Amount deposited with SLCF & SDBF 2. 64976 64976 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Income tax recoverable 4630 4806 Prepayments 2370 2164 Other debtors 3. 1943 1870 8943 8840 Cash at bank and in hand 86899 102816 95842 111656

CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year Creditors for goods and services 10280 13909 Other creditors 18159 9970 Amounts held on behalf of others 4. 9468 8826 37907 32705

NET CURRENT ASSETS 78951

LOANS 5. -22964

120963

FUNDS Reserve Funds matching net funds with SLCF & SDBF 42012 Maintenance Funds 6. 30000 72012

Restricted Funds 7. 48951

120963

Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 16 March 2011 and signed its behalf by:

The Revd Charles Pickstone(Chairman)

Independent examiner's report to the PCC of St Laurence, Catford

This report on the accounts of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2010, which comprise the above Balance Sheet at that date, the Statement of Financial Activities for the year then ended and the notes thereon, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (the Regulations) and s43 of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act)

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner

As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 3(3) and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those accounts in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.

Basis of this report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church guidance, 2006 edition. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC 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 trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act: and - 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 (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Gavin Ellis FCCA 26 Bargery Road Catford London SE6 2LN Dated : 16 March 2011

The attached Notes to the Financial Statements form part of these accounts. Parochial Church Council of St. Laurence, Catford Registered Charity No. 1131092 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2010

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income and capital sources Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC. Planned giving received under Gift Aid is recognised only when received. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. 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 its ultimate receipt by the PCC us reasonably certain. Funds raised by fetes, fairs and similar events are accounted for net of expenses. Other income Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due. Income from deposits Interest entitlements are accounted for when received.

RESOURCES USED Grants Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Provision is also made in the accounts for the annual PCC charitable donations given from the income received in the year. Activities directly relating to the work of the Church The diocesan parish share (quota) is accounted for when paid.

FIXED ASSETS Consecrated property and movable furnishings Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993. Movable church furnishings held by the Vicar and Churchwardens on special trust for the PCC, and which require a faculty for disposal, are accounted as inalienable property unless consecrated. They are listed in the church's Inventory which can be inspected at any reasonable time. For inalienable property acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the accounts. Items acquired since 1 January 2000 and considered by the PCC as being a fixed asset have been capitalised and depreciated in the accounts over their currently anticipated useful economic life on a straight-line basis. All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings, or on the repair of movable church furnishings acquired before 1 January 2000 is written off. Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over 4 years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less are written off when the asset is acquired. Investments Investments held on behalf of the PCC by The South London Church Fund and Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance are accounted at the value when the deposit was made. Current assets Amounts owing to the PCC at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.

2. FIXED ASSETS 2010 2009 £ £ Amount deposited with SLCF & SDBF The amounts held in trust by The South London Church Fund and Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance are in respect of monies in connection with: Sale of 34 Canadian Avenue (1987) 54942 54942 Miss Hilda May Augusta Marsh & Miss Pansie Beatrice Edney bequests (1989) 10034 10034 64976 64976

The market value at 31 December as valued by the Southwark Board of Finance 78736 77076

3. Other debtors

Charities Aid Foundation 186 272 Lettings and rental debtors 1114 1435 Other monies due or prepaid 643 163 Per Balance Sheet 1943 1870

4. Amounts held on behalf of others

Vicar's discretionary fund 3000 3000 St. Laurence Women's Fellowship 2038 1202 Choir Funds 517 1050 Congregation Benevolent Fund 3300 3300 New Vestments Fund 275 274 Other 339 0 Per Balance Sheet 9468 8826 Parochial Church Council of St. Laurence, Catford Registered Charity No. 1131092 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2010

2010 2009 £ £ 5. LOANS

The loan is secured by the amount deposited with The South London Church Fund and Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance and is repayable by the income receivable from those deposits Balance 1 January 22964 24179 Repaid during the year 2244 1215 Balance 31 December 20720 22964

6. MAINTENANCE FUNDS

Church maintenance fund Balance 1 January 17430 16750 Transfers during the year 2042 680 Balance 31 December 19472 17430

Centre maintenance fund Balance 1 January 7000 7000 Transfers during the year 13000 0 Balance 31 December 20000 7000

Flats maintenance fund Balance 1 January 5570 5570 Transfers during the year 430 0 Balance 31 December 6000 5570

Total per Balance Sheet 45472 30000

7. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Lighting Fund 11743 47689 The Manna Society 266 Other 720 996

Per Balance Sheet 12463 48951

8. Services provided by members of the PCC

Two members of the PCC were paid for the services that they provided during the year. John Lashley for grounds maintneance 378 0 Huw Morgan for music services 7945 7930

The Reverend Charles Pickstone received expenses for travelling and administration 3642 3688

No other member of the PCC received any remuneration or expenses during the year.

9. Missionary and charitable giving Charitable donations given during the year through the PCC were paid to: Bishop's Lent Fund 163 162 Carers Lewisham 1140 Centre Point (giving homeless young people a future) 339 Christian Aid 322 387 Christian Aid - Haiti Earthquake Relief 424 Demelza House Children's Hospice 700 Diabetes UK 264 Excellent Development (supprting farmers in Africa) 700 Farm Africa 800 Godwin Memorial Fund Sri Lanka (providing money for basic needs) 700 Guide Dogs for the Blind 670 Lewisham Churches Care 800 Mary's meals 700 MIND 50 Muslim Aid - Pakistan Flooding Appeal 117 Ravensbourne Project 700 Ronald MacDonald House - Tooting 800 Sickle Cell Society - Greenwich & Bexley 800 St Christopher's Hospice 100 St Laurence Christmas Day Party 154 48 St Laurence Women's Fellowship 1112 St Leonards, Barbados - Hurricane Appeal 264 The Manna Society 266 234 Water Aid 800 World Vision 170 135 Other 275 0 8540 5756