I am very grateful for all of you who gave so generously in 2005. Following the completion of the audit of our books I am pleased to report that we managed to breakeven for the year before the receipt of legacies. A considerable achievement when my budget for the year had forecast a need to raise £19,000 in additional income.
In 2006 The Marie Curie Hospice has decided not to share the cost of a curate with us as they plan to link in to the Royal Free Hospital Chaplaincy following Fr Terrance’s departure. We hope that we can find a replacement for Fr Terrance but the Parish will need to find an extra £8,000 p.a. With other increases in our expenses we shall need to raise £12,000 in new income this year. We are fortunate to be in the second year of a 3 year fixed price contract so there is some good news – especially with the cold spring.
Can you help?
We know that there are several readers of this magazine who attend services but do not make regular contributions through your banks to Hampstead Parish Church. With the end of the tax year approaching please consider making a lump sum donation that can reduce your tax bill.
The Church has also benefitted from parishioners donating stock market investments to the Church. With the strong rise in stock prices in recent months you can get tax relief at your top rate of tax and avoid paying any capital gains tax. Something to think about if you want to take profits on investments and have used up your tax free gains allowance of £8,500.
If you want to know more about our finances please contact me or Robert Welsford, our Stewardship Secretary.
Inigo Woolf, Hon. Treasurer