BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1013339 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31- DECEMBER2024 AND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 istered Name Bi¢ester Spiritualist Church istered Number 1013339 Princi al Office The Clifton Centre Ashdene Road Bicester OX26 2BH Trustees Robert Gooch (Custodial Trustee) Anthony Plowman (Custodial Trustee) Lynn Beckett Rita Clifton Judith Plowman (General Secretary) Derek Taylor Sue Young (Treasurer) Siinon Boslier (Resigned March 2024) Susan Bosher (Resigned Deceinber 2024) Bankers HSBC UK Inde endent Examiner Mrs H C Fanthome FCA, King Loose & Co St John's House, 5 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JL BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED31- DECEMBER2024 The Trustees present tlieir Report and Accounts for tlie period ended 3 Isr December 2024. The accounts ornply witli tlie charity's constitution. tlie Charities Act 2011, and Accountiiig and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recomtnended Practice applicable to charities preparing tlieir accounts in accordance with tlie 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 Chari gs Trusts The Charity was registered on 4 August 1992 and is governed by model rules and constitution adopted 31° May 1992 and amended 24th October 2016. al and Administrative Information This infomiation is given on page l. Ob ects As set out in the Charity's governing document5, the Charity's objectives are.. to advance tlie Christian religion in particular the Christian Spiritualist church anisation of Services Activities and Achievements durin the Period Incoining funds are generated principally from rentals. together with monies from collections, private donations, and from fundraising events. As well as raisino funds for the onooing 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: 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. the organising of regular religious services with a recognised medium and, where practical, allowing the public to join in and worship. the organising of healing sessions and facilitating healing workshops and training for the development of healing techniques. 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. BICESTERSPIRITUALIST CHURCH TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT CONT'D FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Future develo ments There are currently no new major projects envisaged apart from building internal cupboards and the norinal maintenance of the premises. It is hoped that this continuing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the charity's resources, in a cost effective manner, wtll 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 I served during the period and up to the date of signing this report. There are no other Trustees. ointment and Trainin of Trustees Trustees are appointed following selection based on their professional skills and/or representational qualities. Induction and training of new Trustees is infonnal, mainly covered by word of mouth and attendance at meetings where policy decisions are taken, and matters of concem discussed. Tliere is no specific training policy. Reserves Polic Tl)e Trustees consider tliat 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 cliinate. These requirernents are under constant review by tlie Trustees, who consider that the position at the period end date is in line with policy. Trustees RemunerationlEx enses No expenses are paid to Trustees other than to reimburse authorised disbursements incurred. Risk Mana ement The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks whicli the Cliarity faces or may face, and confirin tliat systems are in place to enable regular rep)rts to be produced, 50 that tlie necessary steps can be taken to lessen any such risks. The principal risks faced by the cliarity are: sustainability of rental incomes ability to maintain rental properties to a high standard, at reasonable cost 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 ENDED31" DECEMBER2024 Statement of Trustees, res onsibilities 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, wliich give a true and fair view of the Charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at tlie end of the year. In preparing those financial stateinents. the Trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the metliods and principles of the applicable Charities SORP- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable accounting standards aiid statements of recommended prnctice have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial stateinents- prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continu¢ in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accut7cy 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 201 l 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. roval This report has been approved by the Trustees and is signed on their behalf by.. Signed Date . (Trustee) BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH SECRETARY'S ANNUAL REPORT ST FOR THE PERIOD INDED31 DECEMBER2024 Bicester Spiritualist Church (BSC) and The Clifton Centre continue to be a successful charity, wliilst 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 Cliurch established on 29th June, 1989. We continue to support the community by helping those wishing to develop tlieir spiritual interests, and assisting others to share their services with the community at large. During 2024 we ¢¢lebrated 35 years of the founding of Bicester Spiritual Church by Rita Clifton, the founder and a small group of supporters and likeminded people. In the past 35 years BSC has grown quite substantially from meeting in sitting rooins, hotel lounges and bars to the Pop In Centre in the town centre for a few years, whereby establishing itself as a well known and firn)ly established spiritualist church, before purchasing the Kings End Association premises in 2011. We also took the opportunity to rename the premises The Clifton Centre. BSC and The Clifton Centre is a very special place which is used by many community groups.. U3A, BLHS, Creative Dance, Bicester Wl, Real Results, Oxfordshire MotorBike Club and Slimming World. BSC use the premises every Sunday, Monday, most Saturdays and for the odd day event and evenings. During 2024 we celebrated our 35 years anniversary at our annual Carol Service with a live perfornier, Pete Mccray, who sang and entertained the congregation for a CO￿pIe of hours before and after the Carol Service. BSC also put on Clairvoyant evenings, with international and local mediurns, 1-2-1 Coffee and Cake afternoons and of course every Sunday our Divine Service with mediums frorn England. BSC also run liealing and development groups, Open Circles in accordance with our constitution. Tony Plowman and Robert Gooch (botli Custodial Trustees) ensure that the value of the property is not diminished. They have continued to maintain tlie buildings and computer systerns by keeping the costs to tlie ininimuim, carrying out tlie repairs themselves where legally p¢nnitted. During 2024 Tony and Robert installed the new large cupboard at the far end of the hall to store further pieces of furniture such as chairs and tables. BSC are very grateful for all the help they are given to ensure that the BSC and The Clifton Centre jobs are covered, and that all the events are run efficiently and smoothly. BSC hopes to continue its jouniey and promises to allow all visitors to enjoy tlie ambience of the Church and hall, and, going forward hopes to put on many more events in 2025. All suggestions are coiisidered. Healing Group 2024 continues under the tutoring of Judith and Tony Plowman. To all the trustees, our employee, volunteers, who all wtllingly set up the church. make the tea, cliair, read and generally welcome all the congregation thank you, aiid thanks also rnust go to our congregation, associates and tlie CCSI. In particular, we thank President Danny Pinto and Vice President Adrian Denney who are always available if we have any problems or require advice. Everyone has contributed to the on-going success of Bicester Spiritualist Churcli and The Clifton Centre through attendance, discussions, organising. planning and beiiig able to participate and provide support when able to do so. It is appropriate tliat your personal and collective effort5 are acknowledged, and we hope to continue witli our full services and community usag¢, and perhap5 add even more users to the Centre in 2025. Thank you. Minister Judith A Plowrnan General Secretary Bicester Spiritualist Church January 2025 BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH INDEPEINDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1013339 I report on the accounts of the charity, for the year ended 31, December 2024, whicli are set out on pages 5 to 7. ective res onsibilities 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 iiidependent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act. follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. and state whetlier particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of inde endent examiner's re ort My exainination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by tlie Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accouiiting records kept by the charity, and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes coiisideration of any unusual iteins 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 whetlier the accounts present a 'true and fair view,, and the report is limited to tliose matters set out in tlie statement below. Inde endent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter h&$ come to my attention: (i) whicli gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with tlie accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or (2) to which. in my opinioii, 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 H C FANTHOME FCA Dated... BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH RECEIPTSAh'D PAYIIIENTS ACCOUNT FOR T14E PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECE￿IBER 2024 CHARITY NO. 1013339 2024 2023 RECEIPTS Colleclioii Raffle Tickets Refreshments & donation5 Open circle Psychic PR & library Xmas Draw Rent BooklDVD sales Interest Received 2.257.68 2.127.15 4.098.00 450.64 1.267.03 40.00 3,782.24 416.00 5.211.15 487.96 495.00 150.00 34.874.85 76.60 1.240.88 31,708.05 177.27 909.84 46,432.83 43.337.51 PA Y￿TENTs Roof iepairs Building repairs & maintenance HeaViighLlwater Affiliation fee Insuiance (inc PLII Accountant Other {flowers. milk, stationery elc) Other expenses Medium expeiises Wages Sinall Equipment & chair5 purchased Bank Charges Donations Defibrillator Grant R¢turn¢d 3.513.75 18.497.13 6,770.06 13,511.58 70.00 1.425.94 300.00 1.398.25 275.85 4.661.00 2.860.44 1,026.18 91.82 235.01 1.611.58 312.00 1,803.52 765.65 3.904.00 3.020.29 38195 106.54 400.00 li4,316.41} (32,626.131 Net Surplusl(D¢ficit) 12,116.42 10,711.38 BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 CHARITY NO. 1013339 Notes 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tangible Fixed Assets 247,153.10 247,153.10 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Bank Community Account Business Saver Account 22,663.13 50,046.89 29,238.99 31,306.01 72,710.02 60,545.00 CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors 65.80 17.20 Net Current Assets 72,644.22 60,527.80 NET ASSETS 319,797.32 307,680.90 FUNDS Unrestricted Funds B/Fwd Surplus/(Deficit) for the period 307,680.90 12,116.42 296,969.52 10,711.38 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS CIFWD 319,797.32 307,680.90 Approved by the Trustees Dated BICESTER SPIRITUALIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31sf DECEMBER 2024 Accountin Policies (a) Basis of preparation The accouiits (financial statements) have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis. (b) Tangible Assets and Depreciation Tangible fixed assets lield for the charity's own use are stated at cost. Tan ible Fixed Assets Buildin ui Total Cost Brought forward O 1.01.24 Additions Disposals 246,768 385 247,153 Carried forward 31.12.24 246,768 385 247,153 Depreeiation Brought forward O 1.01.24 Charge for the period Depreciation on disposals Carrted fon¥ard 31.12.24 Net Book Value at31.12.24 246,768 385 247,153 Net Book Value at31.12.23 246,768 385 247,153 All tangible fixed assets are used directly for charitable purposes. Trustees Remuneration/Ex enses 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.