PCC Meetings
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Helen Taylor, Clerk to the meeting
It was wonderful to see the Crypt Room full as we gathered for our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) on Monday 18 May 2026.
This is the occasion when we look back at the parish’s activities of the previous year, as described in detail in the Annual Report which remains available on the church website. In receiving the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025, the increased income from hiring out the church and parish rooms was welcomed.
We also elected our churchwardens and deputy churchwardens for the next 12 months and renewed our membership of the PCC and Deanery Synod. The meeting re-elected Angela Gardner and Nick Walser as churchwardens for 2026/27, and Martin Evans and Helen Taylor as deputy churchwardens. At the PCC meeting which immediately followed the APCM, Helen Taylor was also re-appointed as PCC Secretary.
The meeting re-elected Angela Gardner, Rosemary Loyd and Inigo Woolf as lay representatives to the Deanery Synod for a new three-year term, with one casual vacancy remaining. Five candidates were re-elected as representatives of the PCC: Elizabeth Beesley, Sarah Cheriton-Jones, Jonathan Davey, Jules Lubbock and Jessica Mathur. Alice Reynolds was co-opted to the PCC, but given the increased number of people on the Electoral Roll (now standing at 213, up 27 from the start of the period), two casual vacancies remain.
In her closing remarks, Mthr Carol reflected on our joy and our duty as Christians to be salt and light in the world – powerful images about our mission at a time when both young and old are feeling the pressures of our troubled world. She thanked everyone for their contribution to the life of our church, especially the churchwardens and all officers, as well as Peter Ginnings for compiling the Annual Report.
PCC Report
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 2025 – BUDGET 2026 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY AUDIT – ALTAR FRONTAL REFURBISHMENT – ANNUAL REVIEW OF WELCOME POLICY
There was a meeting of the PCC on 23 February 2026.
As this was the first full meeting of the year, we formally approved the Annual Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2025 which reflect a small surplus in the General Fund. The PCC also approved the Financial Review prepared for purposes of our corporation tax return which we are required to submit every five years. The Budget for 2026 approved by the PCC, after detailed review by the Finance Committee, also indicates a small surplus. This takes into account increased revenue from the hire of the Church and Parish Rooms as well as a film contract in February 2026 which brought in additional fee income.
The PCC received a report summarising the key points from the Energy Efficiency Audit which was carried out in November 2025 as part of the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon project, at no cost to the parish. The PCC resolved to proceed with consideration of the auditor’s recommendations, starting with small, low-cost improvements in the short-term while exploring our longer-term options for more significant changes, such as replacing our gas boiler.
The Vicar updated the PCC on the announcement that our Curate, Fr Ben, was moving on to a new curacy by mutual agreement. It was agreed that the congregation would be given an opportunity to sign a card to express their appreciation of his time here and wish him well.
The PCC approved a proposal to commission conservation work on our very fine red altar frontal which is decorated with silk and gold embroidery. The frontal is over 100 years old and this specialist cleaning and conservation by Janie Lightfoot should preserve it for a further century. The PCC considered this significant work to be a fitting use of Doris Asher’s legacy, who was a server for many years and intended her legacy to be spent on maintaining the fabric of the church. It will be noted on the back side of the frontal that it has been restored in Doris Asher’s memory.
The PCC reviewed and approved our Welcome Policy and Code of Practice, which was first adopted in March 2025. This Policy aims to ensure St John-at-Hampstead is a place of hospitality, sanctuary, and a safe place for all who enter the church by clarifying expectations around adherence to certain standards of behaviour. A copy of the Policy has been circulated to groups who work or volunteer in the church, and it is also publicised on the noticeboard at the back of the church.
The PCC’s next scheduled meeting will follow the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Monday 18 May 2026.
HELEN TAYLOR (PCC Secretary)
PCC Report
CHURCH AND PARISH ROOMS HIRE – HYMN BOOKS – 100 FROGNAL REPAIRS – EXTENSION OF ANDREW PENNY’S LLM (READER) LICENCE
There was a meeting of the PCC on 10 November 2025.
Mthr Carol and Huw Robinson gave a presentation on the use of our parish rooms, reporting that overall income from the hire of the church and parish rooms has increased 96.3% since 2023. A variety of groups use the facilities on a regular basis, including around 280 people each week from support groups alone. While utilisation rates are high, there remains considerable availability for church and congregational use, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. The PCC welcomed these efforts to utilise our property to increase our long-term, predictable income while serving our community.
We approved a proposal to purchase new hymn books for the church using legacies from John Collins and Doris Asher, both of whom had a great interest in music. Mthr Carol noted that the Standing Committee has discussed the practicalities of using hymn books in our services.
Angela Gardner and Inigo Woolf provided an update on the legal advice received on our rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 in relation to 100 Frognal. Following this advice, the PCC will commission a new survey before proceeding with the proposed external repairs.
With unanimous support, the PCC approved the extension of Andrew Penny’s licence as a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister).
The PCC’s next scheduled meeting will be on Monday 23 February 2026.
HELEN TAYLOR (PCC Secretary)