REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1056821
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 FEBRUARY 2024
FOR
THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
Richard Kyte Associates Chartered Certified Accountant
126 Weyhill Road Andover Hampshire SP10 3BE
THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 7 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 13 |
THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 29 February 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The trustees when planning the activities for the year have considered the Commissions guidance on public benefit, and in particular the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. The activities undertaken in the year in furtherance of the principle objective, as stated in its Trust Deed dated 11 June 1996 are:
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To advance the Christian religion to proclaim and further the Gospel of God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and to preach and teach the Christian Faith.
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To relieve sickness, poverty and distress and persons in need by virtue of age, social or economic circumstances in particular but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing by the provision of accommodation or shelter.
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To advance education whether of children (above or below compulsory school age) or of adults.
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For such other charitable purposes as the trustees shall think fit.
Significant activities
The main activities during the year were as follows:
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Organizing services for the purpose of Christian worship and teaching as appropriate.
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Offering support to various groups of people within the community (e.g. homeless and disadvantaged). 3. Running a coffee shop as a means of outreach to promote the Christian faith.
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Providing facilities to enable a debt advice charity to provide its services in a timely and cost-efficient manner. (Andover branch of Frontline Debt Advice).
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Providing facilities for homeless persons and other individuals and families as requested.
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Linking with other local churches for combined activities where this is beneficial for church members and/or the community at large.
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Running an evening homeless drop in for December, January and February.
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A distribution point for the Andover Food Bank
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Running the Agape House in partnership with Hope into Action (HIA)
Volunteers
The charity has a significant number of volunteers who are involved within the charity to help it achieve its objectives. This includes the running of services and prayer groups for the purpose of Christian worship, work with the homeless, and working in the coffee shop.
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Café Bridge has continued to be run by the church through this financial year. Café Bridge was never intended to be a business for profit but rather a community resource which provides supported employment for a number of individuals who would not otherwise be able to work. Opening hours have been adjusted to facilitate employing 2 mothers with children in school.
We have provided training and volunteer positions for a variety of people including adults and teenagers with learning disabilities, autistic teenagers, adults with mental health issues and recovering addicts.
For part of the period, we continued operating a "Pay It Forward" scheme where regular customers and others donate towards another person's coffee, lunch or cake. We have a board at the counter with post-it notes which can be easily redeemed for food and drinks. Café Bridge was also used as a "warm space" facility during the winter.
We have provided washing and drying of clothes and shower facilities for a wide range of homeless and vulnerably housed people. Some of these people are referred to us by other agencies in town and some come in having heard of us by word of mouth. Through the catering facilities in the building we have also provided a hot drink and snack. The numbers coming in each day vary from 0 to 6. The Trust continues to enjoy a favourable reputation within the town with groups and individuals regularly making contribution of food or other useful provisions (e.g. sleeping bags, tents).
During the reporting period we were once again able to provide the winter drop-in facility in its usual format. Volunteers were recruited from within and outside the church membership to provide meals and a warm space for part of each evening, supporting the homeless and vulnerably housed community safely.
We continue to offer facilities in the Bridge building to other Charities, including offices for Impact Network and Frontline Debt Advice - Andover (a debt advice charity) as well as providing trading space for the Vine Trust charity.
The Bridge has been used by other charities and groups for meetings or training including the following regular users: Inclusion, START (previously Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre), Card Sharks and some Christian Counsellors, Impact Network, Frontline Debt Advice, Koala Club (who provide support to neuro-diverse people and their families), Polish School and a recovering addicts support group.
The Agape House project and the partnership with Hope Into Action has ceased during the reporting period. It involved working in partnership with another charity, Hope Into Action (Registered Charity Number 1137686). Investors were found to purchase a house which was used to support people in a vulnerable situation (e.g. ex-offenders or homeless) in suitable and quality accommodation. Although the Agape House had no financial dependency on the Valley Church, the church played a key role in supporting the project. The church provided oversight of the project finances and Human Resources regulation of the project as well as providing, from its membership, key personnel to support and befriend tenants. We had two tenants in the last 12 months. Both of them have now left and the house has been sold.
We were again able to help a number of individuals and families, with financial assistance when a pressing need was identified including purchasing shopping cards which were sent to a local school to give to needy families in the third week of January (Blue Monday).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
The Statement of Financial Activities shows a net outflow of unrestricted funds of £9,203 which compares with a net outflow of £13,018 in the previous year. The charity had free reserves (net current assets) of £4,820 relating to unrestricted funds at the year end compared with unrestricted funds of £7,658 at the end of the previous year.
Reserves policy
The trustees aim to have reserves of net current assets in the General Fund which at least equates to six weeks of regular expenditure based on the expenses incurred in the year - a figure of £8,386. The trustees consider that reserves at this level are sufficient to enable the Church to function effectively in the coming year. The total unrestricted net current assets at the year end were £4,820.
The trustees aim to have reserves of net current assets in the General Fund which equates to at least six weeks of regular expenditure based on the expenses incurred in the year - a figure of £8,386. The total unrestricted net current assets at the year end were £4,820. The trustees consider that reserves at this level are sufficient to enable the Church to function effectively in the coming year given the following:
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A reduced rate electricity supply contract has been secured for 2025 to 2026 saving approximately £1,000 annually.
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The church membership has grown slightly generating new givers and some members have increased their giving.
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New room bookings have been secured during the year and some hirers have increased their booking days.
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Room rates have been increased slightly and café prices increased.
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Some licences and subscriptions have been terminated as they are no longer required.
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Additionally a gift day is being held to pay for building maintenance with fund matching being sourced from the local council.
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Going concern
The trustees have reviewed the ongoing financial position of the charity and have identified areas of potential material uncertainty. However the trustees are satisfied that they understand the trust's liabilities; they continue to monitor the financial situation closely to ensure the charity remains solvent. Several different scenarios have been considered should a serious financial challenge arise. The trustees believe that, given the circumstances listed in the Reserves policy above, the trust has sufficient working capital to enable it to continue operating for a period exceeding 12 months after the date of this report.
FUTURE PLANS
Various ongoing building maintenance issues have been identified which will be paid for by a gift day from members and a fund matching application. The gift day pledges and gifts have to date reached over £2,500 which along with a relevant gift aid claim will achieve the required amount.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Valley Church Andover was established in 1996 under a trust deed. This Trust owns and maintains the building known as 'The Bridge' at 31/33 Bridge Street, Andover. Trustees shall so far as practicable be persons resident in the neighbourhood of Andover in the county of Hampshire and each Trustee is expected to declare their adherence to the doctrinal basis as set out in the Trustees' Minute Book and amended from time to time by the Trustees.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed by the elders who have spiritual oversight of the church. The trust deed provides for a minimum of 5 and no maximum number of trustees. Currently there are only 4 trustees; the elders have approached a potential new trustee who declined to volunteer. The elders will consider other candidates.
Risk management
The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. During the reporting period, the Trustees again discussed the best practice for spending controls. The Trustees updated the Financial Controls Policy along with a Spending Authorisation document which detailed who is authorised to spend money on behalf of the trust, to reflect changes in authorised personnel.
The Trust reported that the trading conditions for the Café have proved more challenging this year and the Treasurer continues to monitor this closely.
Procedures and policy for grant making and charitable distribution of general funds
During the year the Church Leadership will meet regularly to discuss where they have identified a need to provide financial support to individuals and organisations (locally, nationally & internationally). As far as grant making is concerned, grants are normally, as a matter of policy, made from restricted funds held by the charity.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity number
1056821
Principal address
31/33 Bridge Street Andover Hampshire SP10 1BW
Trustees
M Barlow Mrs C Carter A Carter Treasurer N McNally
Independent Examiner
Richard Kyte Associates Chartered Certified Accountant 126 Weyhill Road Andover Hampshire SP10 3BE
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Bankers HSBC 28 - 30 High Street Andover Hampshire SP10 1NU
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 15 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
M Barlow - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Valley Church Andover Trust
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Valley Church Andover Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 29 February 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Richard Kyte
Richard Kyte Associates Chartered Certified Accountant 126 Weyhill Road Andover Hampshire SP10 3BE
15 December 2024
Page 5
THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 28,607 Charitable activities 3 Coffee shop 21,146 Charitable Activities 26,932 Investment income 2 76 Total 76,761 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 38,792 Charitable activities Administrative expenses 45,848 Independent Examination fees 1,716 Charitable Activities - Total 86,356 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (9,595) Transfers between funds 12 392 Net movement in funds (9,203) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 281,013 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 271,810 |
Restricted funds £ 5,096 - - - 5,096 - - - 5,518 5,518 (422) (392) (814) 1,164 350 |
29.2.24 28.2.23 Total Total funds funds £ £ 33,703 27,115 21,146 16,840 26,932 28,190 76 13 81,857 72,158 38,792 34,608 45,848 45,001 1,716 1,716 5,518 3,709 91,874 85,034 (10,017) (12,876) - - (10,017) (12,876) 282,177 295,053 272,160 282,177 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
BALANCE SHEET 29 February 2024
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 266,990 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 1,127 Cash at bank 7,325 8,452 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 11 (3,632) NET CURRENT ASSETS 4,820 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 271,810 NET ASSETS 271,810 FUNDS 12 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ - - 357 357 (7) 350 350 350 |
29.2.24 Total funds £ 266,990 1,127 7,682 8,809 (3,639) 5,170 272,160 272,160 271,810 350 272,160 |
28.2.23 Total funds £ 273,355 3,558 9,719 13,277 (4,455) 8,822 282,177 282,177 281,013 1,164 282,177 |
|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 15 December 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
A Carter - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 7
THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Freehold property - 2% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 20% on reducing balance
Equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less is written off when the asset is acquired.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Going concern
The Financial Statements have been prepared on a Going Concern basis.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
| 29.2.24 | 28.2.23 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
| 76 | 13 |
continued...
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Activity Coffee Shop Coffee shop Grants Coffee shop Premises hire & sundry income Charitable Activities Grants Charitable Activities Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Government grants GRANTS PAYABLE Charitable Activities |
29.2.24 £ 19,646 1,500 26,932 - 48,078 29.2.24 £ 1,500 29.2.24 £ 4,572 |
29.2.24 £ 19,646 1,500 26,932 - 48,078 29.2.24 £ 1,500 29.2.24 £ 4,572 |
29.2.24 £ 19,646 1,500 26,932 - 48,078 29.2.24 £ 1,500 29.2.24 £ 4,572 |
28.2.23 £ 15,840 1,000 22,690 5,500 45,030 28.2.23 £ 6,500 28.2.23 £ 3,709 |
28.2.23 £ 15,840 1,000 22,690 5,500 45,030 28.2.23 £ 6,500 28.2.23 £ 3,709 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charitable organisations/activities | ||||||
| Restricted | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Provision for Homeless | 2,159 | 2,159 | 1,395 | |||
| Agape House | 868 | 868 | 1,214 | |||
| Blue Monday - gift to school for needy families | 1,310 | 1,310 | 1,100 | |||
| ------------ | -- | ---------- | ---- | -------- | ||
| 4,337 | 4,337 | 4,381 | ||||
| ------------ | -- | ---------- | ---- | -------- | ||
| Individuals | ||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| £ | £ | |||||
| Other donations | 240 | - | ||||
| ----------- | --- | -------- | ||||
| SUPPORT COSTS | ||||||
| 29.02.24 | 28.02.23 | |||||
| £ | £ | |||||
| Fees payable for the Independent Examination | 800 | 800 | ||||
| ------------ | ------------ |
4. GRANTS PAYABLE
5. SUPPORT COSTS
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 29 February 2024 nor for the year ended 28 February 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 29 February 2024 nor for the year ended 28 February 2023.
continued...
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
7. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
8.
| 29.2.24 | 28.2.23 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Shop | 4 | 4 | |
| Administration | 1 | 1 | |
| 5 | 5 | ||
| No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. | |||
| COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL | ACTIVITIES | ||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
| fund | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |||
| Donations and legacies | 22,826 | 4,289 | 27,115 |
| Charitable activities | |||
| Coffee shop | 16,840 | - | 16,840 |
| Charitable Activities | 28,190 | - | 28,190 |
| Investment income | 13 | - | 13 |
| Total | 67,869 | 4,289 | 72,158 |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |||
| Raising funds | 34,608 | - | 34,608 |
| Charitable activities | |||
| Administrative expenses | 45,001 | - | 45,001 |
| Independent Examination fees | 1,716 | - | 1,716 |
| Charitable Activities | - | 3,709 | 3,709 |
| Total | 81,325 | 3,709 | 85,034 |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | (13,456) | 580 | (12,876) |
| Transfers between funds | 438 | (438) | - |
| Net movement in funds | (13,018) | 142 | (12,876) |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 294,031 | 1,022 | 295,053 |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 281,013 | 1,164 | 282,177 |
continued...
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024 DEPRECIATION At 1 March 2023 Charge for year At 29 February 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 29 February 2024 At 28 February 2023 10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Tax refunds Prepayments 11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Other creditors 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 1.3.23 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 281,013 Restricted funds Agape Fund 1,164 Projects Fund - 1,164 TOTAL FUNDS 282,177 |
Freehold property £ 405,000 133,400 5,800 139,200 265,800 271,600 Net movement in funds £ (9,595) (814) 392 (422) (10,017) |
Fixtures and fittings £ 60,989 59,234 565 59,799 1,190 1,755 29.2.24 £ 865 47 215 1,127 29.2.24 £ 1,923 1,716 3,639 Transfers between funds £ 392 - (392) (392) - |
Totals £ 465,989 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192,634 6,365 |
|||
| 198,999 | |||
| 266,990 | |||
| 273,355 | |||
| 28.2.23 £ 2,348 125 1,085 3,558 28.2.23 £ 2,739 1,716 4,455 At 29.2.24 £ 271,810 350 - |
|||
| 350 | |||
| 272,160 |
continued...
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 76,761 | (86,356) | (9,595) |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Agape Fund | 1,001 | (1,815) | (814) |
| Projects Fund | 4,095 | (3,703) | 392 |
| 5,096 | (5,518) | (422) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 81,857 | (91,874) | (10,017) |
Comparatives for movement in funds
| At 1.3.22 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 294,031 Restricted funds Agape Fund 1,022 Projects Fund - 1,022 TOTAL FUNDS 295,053 Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Agape Fund Projects Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Net movement in funds £ (13,456) 142 438 580 (12,876) Incoming resources £ 67,869 1,795 2,494 4,289 72,158 |
Transfers between At funds 28.2.23 £ £ 438 281,013 - 1,164 (438) - (438) 1,164 - 282,177 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (81,325) (13,456) (1,653) 142 (2,056) 438 (3,709) 580 (85,034) (12,876) |
|---|---|---|
Transfers between funds
During the year an amount of £392 was transferred from the restricted Homeless Fund to the General Fund. This normally relates to 8.33% of utility costs incurred in the year, but was restricted to 4.36% to ensure that total homeless costs matched the funds received.
continued...
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THE VALLEY CHURCH ANDOVER TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 29 February 2024
13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 29 February 2024.
Page 13