BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1013339
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 315" DECEMBER 2023
AND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023
BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 315 DECEMBER 2023
Registered Name Bicester Spiritualist Church
Registered Number 1013339
| Principal | Office | The Clifton Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Ashdene Road | ||
| Bicester | ||
| OX26 2BH | ||
| Trustees | RobertGooch (Custodial Trustee) | |
| Anthony Plowman (Custodial Trustee) | ||
| Lynn Beckett | ||
| Rita Clifton | ||
| JudithPlowman (General Secretary) | ||
| Derek Taylor | ||
| SueYoung (Treasurer) | ||
| Simon Bosher | ||
| SusanBosher |
Bankers
HSBC UK
Independent Examiner
Mrs H C Fanthome FCA, King Loose & Co St John's House, 5 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JL
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BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 315T DECEMBER 2023
The Trustees present their Report and Accounts for the period ended 31‘ December 2023. The accounts comply with the charity’s constitution, the Charities Act 2011, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland — Charities SORP (FRS 102); and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
The Charity’s Trusts
The Charity was registered on 4 August 1992 and is governed by model rules and constitution adopted 31 May 1992 and amended 24" October 2016.
Legal and Administrative Information
This information is given on page 1.
Objects
As set out in the Charity’s governing documents, the Charity’s objectives are:
- toadvance the Christian religion in particular the Christian Spiritualist church
Organisation of Services, Activities and Achievements during the Period
Incoming funds are generated principally from rentals, together with monies from collections, private donations, and from fundraising events. As well as raising funds for the ongoing costs of running a parish, these events aim to build community within the parish and to raise awareness of the Charity in the wider community of Bicester.
The main activities for the public benefit in relation to the objectives of Bicester Spiritualist Church during the period were:
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the organisation and running of Bicester Spiritualist Church to enable those who wish to use it to assist the development of their Christian and spiritualist faith.
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the organising of regular religious services with a recognised medium and, where practical, allowing the public to join in and worship.
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the organising of healing sessions and facilitating healing workshops and training for the development of healing techniques.
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the provision of workshops for the development of Christian Spiritualism.
More specifically the Trustees concluded the improvements to the security system and general maintenance was carried out.
2a.
BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONT’D)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 315T DECEMBER 2023
Future developments
There are currently no new major projects envisaged apart from building internal cupboards and the normal maintenance of the premises.
It is hoped that this continuing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the charity’s resources, in a cost effective manner, will attract additional user groups to the premises.
Public Benefit
In reviewing the Charity’s ongoing objectives and activities, the Trustees have considered the guidance set out in the Charity Commission’s guidelines on public benefit, and are of the opinion that the objectives and activities are in total compliance therewith.
Trustees
The Trustees named on page | served during the period and up to the date of signing this report. There are no other Trustees.
Appointment and Training of Trustees
Trustees are appointed following selection based on their professional skills and/or representational qualities.
Induction and training of new Trustees is informal, mainly covered by word of mouth and attendance at meetings where policy decisions are taken, and matters of concern discussed. There is no specific training policy.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees consider that free liquid reserves amounting to six month’s operating costs is prudent and advisable to cover the various uncertainties and risks in the current economic climate. These requirements are under constant review by the Trustees, who consider that the position at the period end date is in line with policy.
Trustees Remuneration/Expenses
No expenses are paid to Trustees other than to reimburse authorised disbursements incurred.
Risk Management
The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the Charity faces or may face, and confirm that systems are in place to enable regular reports to be produced, so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen any such risks.
The principal risks faced by the charity are:
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e sustainability of rental incomes
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e ability to maintain rental properties to a high standard, at reasonable cost
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e maintaining, or increasing, the number of Trustees.
The Trustees are aware of these risks and, together with their professional advisers, keep the issues under constant review.
2b.
BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONT’D
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31°" DECEMBER 2023
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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% select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; i observe the methods and principles of the applicable Charities SORP;
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a make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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= prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ascertain the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the applicable Charities SORP. They 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.
Approval
This report has been approved by the Trustees and is signed on their behalf by:
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BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 318T DECEMBER 2023
Bicester Spiritualist Church (BSC) and The Clifton Centre continue to be a successful charity, whilst still working fully and continuously in their aspirations to uphold the Objectives as set out in the Constitution in advancing the Christian religion and in particular the Christian Spiritualist Church established on 29th June, 1989. We continue to support the community by helping those wishing to develop their spiritual interests, and assisting others to share their services with the community at large.
During 2023 BSC held several events: Clairvoyant Afternoons with ten mediums who each gave five 1-2-1 readings, Clairvoyant Evenings with three mediums at each event and of course our very popular Clairvoyant Evening with Stephen Holbrook. The number of attendees at the functions is very good. BSC will continue to put on events and the trustees thank everyone who is involved in making these events a success.
Divine Services are held every Sunday except on bank holiday weekends. The services are well attended and we have a few new readers and chairpersons — we are very grateful to them. Also this past year has seen the introduction of an additional reading and piece of reflective music; which is generally the choice from the congregation. We also carried out a christening in August 2023.
BSC received several substantial donations from congregation members for which BSC has thanked them, and promised that the money will be put to good use.
In accordance with the Constitution, BSC held three management meetings throughout the year — all meeting minutes are available for the public to read. All legal documentation e.g. Accounts 2022 and Charity Commission returns, and appointment of an Independent Examiner were all returned in a very timely manner and the terms of the Constitution were complied with.
On The Clifton Centre business, Slimming World, Real Results Fitness, U3A, BLHS, Creative Dance and Bicester WI Foxy Ladies, have returned to their weekly and monthly meetings. The Viridor Room is used once a month by the Oxfordshire Motorbike Club on the first Sunday of the month.
The usage of The Clifton Centre is currently approximately 40% of availability (25% unavailable llpm to 9am!). It is generally used six days a week at different times during the day and most evenings. BSC uses the premises every Sunday from 2-6pm and three Mondays in the month for 2 hours approx. each event, with Open Circle and occasional Saturday clairvoyant evenings. Fridays are generally being for used for trustee/management meetings.
As advised in our 2022 Secretary’s Report, BSC’s tenant KEA were due a rent and tenure review in February 2021. It was agreed by the trustees that due to the current situation at that time; rental should remain the same until February 2024 whena rent review will take place. Discussion took place during the year regarding Bure Park Football Club joining forces with the KEA Club. There will be no changes to the lease terms as Bure Park do not become parties to the lease.
Tony Plowman and Robert Gooch (both Custodial Trustees) ensure that the value of the property is not diminished, and continued to maintain the buildings and computer systems - keeping the costs to the minimum by carrying out the repairs themselves where legally permitted. During 2023 Virgin media wifi was installed, also a new boiler fitted and new kitchen units and worktop — again Tony and Robert installed the new units in the kitchen to save costs. Tony is to be thanked for always being available to keep the maintenance costs to a minimum and being on hand when inspections etc are planned. It is also intended that a large cupboard at the far end of the hall be built to store further items of furniture such as chairs and tables.
3a.
BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT (CONT’D)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 315T DECEMBER 2023
There were many discussions with different departments within Oxfordshire and Cherwell councils regarding who was/is responsible for the upkeep of the car park — originally none of the departments we spoke to would take responsibility. To cut a very long story short, Oxfordshire Highways are the owners of the car park and as such are responsible for the upkeep of same. Some of the repairs have now been carried out.
BSC hopes to continue its journey and promises to allow all visitors to enjoy the ambience of the Church and hall. Going forward, it is hoped to put on many more events in 2024. All suggestions are considered. Healing Group 2024 commences in January 2024 under the tutoring of Judith and Tony Plowman, the Development Group run by Brenda Manning concluded in December 2023.
To all the trustees, our employee, and our volunteers, who all willingly set up the church, make the tea, chair, read and generally welcome all the congregation - Thank you, and thanks must also go to our congregation, associates and the CCSI. In particular, we thank Vice President Adrian Denney from MK; he is always available if we have any problems or need to discuss matters. Everyone has contributed to the on-going success of Bicester Spiritualist Church and The Clifton Centre through attendance, discussions, organising, planning, and being able to participate and provide support when able to do so. It is appropriate that your personal and collective efforts are acknowledged, and we hope to continue with our full services and community usage, and perhaps add even more users to the Centre. Thank you.
Minister Judith A Plowman General Secretary Bicester Spiritualist Church March 2024
4,
BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 3158T DECEMBER 2023
REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1013339
I report on the accounts of the charity, for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 5 to 7.
Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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e examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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e follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act; and
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e state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity, and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
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.
King Loose & Co St John's House 5 South Parade Summertown Oxford OX2 7JL
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BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
| RECEIPTSANDPAYMENTSACCOUNT | RECEIPTSANDPAYMENTSACCOUNT | ACCOUNTFORTHE | PERIOD | ENDED | 31STDECEMBER 2023 (CHARITY | NO. 1013339) | NO. 1013339) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 2023 | £ | £ | 2022 | £ | ||
| RECEIPTS | |||||||
| Collection | 3,782.24 | 1,723.32 | |||||
| Raffle | 416.00 | 39.00 | |||||
| Tickets | 5,211.15 | 3,947.00 | |||||
| Refreshments & donations | 487.96 | 378.53 | |||||
| Open circle | 495.00 | 291.00 | |||||
| Psychic PR& library | 150.00 | - | |||||
| Xmas Draw | - | - | |||||
| Rent | 31,708.05 | 26,013.51 | |||||
| Book/DVD sales | 177.27 | - | |||||
| CJRS (furlough) money | - | - | |||||
| Government Grants | - | 2,667.00 | |||||
| Grant for roofrepairs (2021 | chairs) | - | 22,441.00 | ||||
| Donation for defribulator | - | 400.00 | |||||
| Interest Received | 909.84 | 296.17 | |||||
| 43,337.51 | 58,196.53 | ||||||
| PAYMENTS | : | ||||||
| Roofrepairs | 52,441.05 | ||||||
| Building repairs & maintenance | 6,770.06 | 5,447.08 | |||||
| Heat/light/water | 13,511.58 | 9,076.60 | |||||
| Affiliation fee | 70.00 | 833.97 | |||||
| Insurance (inc PLI) | 1,425.94 | 472.65 | |||||
| Accountant | 300.00 | 300.00 | |||||
| Other (flowers, milk, stationery etc) | 1,398.25 | 1,103.90 | |||||
| Other expenses | 275.85 | 116.00 | |||||
| Medium expenses | 4,661.00 | 2,911.00 | |||||
| Wages | 2,860.44 | 2,394.67 | |||||
| Small Equipment& chairs purchased | 1,026.18 | - | |||||
| Bank Charges | 91.82 | 79.79 | |||||
| Donations | 235.01 | 129.08 | |||||
| Costs ofobtaining grant | 2,244.10 | ||||||
| (32,626.13) | (77,549.89) | ||||||
| NetSurplus/(Deficit) | 10,711.38 | (19,353.36) |
BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 (CHARITY NO. 1013339)
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 2 | 247,153.10 | 247,153.10 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Cash and Bank | |||||
| Community Account | 29,238.99 | 19,420.25 | |||
| Business Saver Account | 31,306.01 | 30,396.17 | |||
| 60,545.00 | 49,816.42 | ||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||
| Creditors | 17.20 | - | |||
| Net Current Assets | 60,527.80 | 49,816.42 | |||
| NETASSETS | 307,680.90 | 296,969.52 | |||
| FUNDS | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds B/Fwd | 296,969.52 | 316,322.88 | |||
| Surplus/(Deficit) for the period | 10,711.38 | (19,353.36) | |||
| UNRESTRICTEDFUNDSC/FWD | 307,680.90 | 296,969.52 |
Approved by the Trustees
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BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 315" DECEMBER 2023
1. Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of preparation
- The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
(b) Tangible Assets and Depreciation Tangible fixed assets held for the charity's own use are stated at cost.
2.
Tangible Fixed Assets
| Tangible Fixed Assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Building | Equipment | Total | |
| Cost | £ | £ | £ |
| Brought forward 01.01.23 | 246,768 | 385 | 247,153 |
| Additions Disposals |
- E |
- > |
- z |
| Carried forward 31.12.23 | 246,768 | 385 | 247,153 |
| Depreciation | |||
| Brought forward 01.01.23 | - | - | - |
| Charge forthe period | - | - | - |
| Depreciation on disposals | - | - | - |
| Carried forward 31.12.23 | - | - | - |
| Net Book Value | |||
| at31.12.23 | 246,768 | 385 | 247,153 |
| Net Book Value | |||
| at31.12.22 | 246,768 | 385 | 247,153 |
All tangible fixed assets are used directly for charitable purposes.
3. Trustees Remuneration/Expenses
None of the Trustees receive a salary from the charity. No expenses are paid to Trustees other than to reimburse occasional, low-value authorised disbursements incurred.