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← Vineyard Christian Fellowship Of Stevenage

2024-09-30-accounts

Registered Charity Number 1072012 Company Registration Number 03627757 (England &Wales)

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

CONTENTS

_______________

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees' report 2 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance sheet 10
Notes to the financial statements 11 - 20

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

___________________

Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable company (” the charity”) are its trustees for the purpose of
charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees. The
charitable company is managed by its trustees. The trustees serving during the year and since
the year end were as follows:
D N S Barnes
J O D Pearson
R D’Souza
Resigned 6thMarch 2024
S A Windsor-Richards
D C Stokes
Appointed 6thMarch 2024
O Sangosanya
Appointed 8thJuly 2024
A Stewart-Darling
Appointed 8thJuly 2024
Secretary S A Windsor-Richards
Senior Pastor D S Barnes
Registered Charity number 1072012
Company number 03627757
Working name Stevenage Vineyard
Governing document Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 7 September 1998
Objects per governing document I The furtherance of religious or secular public education
II The advancement of the Christian faith including missionary activities in the United
Kingdom and overseas and also including but not limited to the planting of new churches
and organizations of congregations
III The relief of the poor and needy
IV The relief of the sick and elderly
V Such other charitable objects and for the benefit of such other charitable bodies and
institutions as the Committee shall in their absolute discretion see fit.
Registered office Unit 1, The Orbital Centre, Cockerell Close, SG1 2NB.
Vineyard Centre Unit 1, The Orbital Centre, Cockerell Close, SG1 2NB.
Independent Examiner Mark Hjertzen, H W Associates Limited, Portmill House, Portmill Lane
Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1DJ
Bankers Barclays Bank Plc
PO Box 2, 2 Town Square, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 1BB
CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
Solicitors David Barney & Company
Equity House, 31a Queensway, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 1DA

1

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

______________

The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2024.

Legal and administrative information set up on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with the current statutory requirements, the memorandum and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

Structure, Governance and Management

Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Stevenage is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed by its memorandum and articles of association. Trustees are nominated by the chairman of trustees and where possible Trustees serve for a period of three years. A board of trustees, currently comprising of 4 members, who meet three to four times a year, administers the charity. The senior pastor, manages the day-to-day operations of the charity.

Objective of Stevenage Vineyard

To establish a genuine faith in people, with a love for God and to see that faith actively demonstrated in the community.

Strategy of the Church

To create teams and leaders who pastor and lead people into a practical pursuit of our objectives.

The Vision of Stevenage Vineyard

To create a church where the presence of Jesus is experienced in words and deeds. As a faith community we reach out to the broken, the sick and the struggling members of our society with hope and actions of faith.

This can only be done: -

  1. As we become a strong worshipping church

  2. As we develop maturity and strength of character through the teaching and application of biblical truth

  3. As each person discovers who they are in God through spiritual discipline, learning by practice

  4. By creating a church full of servant-hearted people who want to impact their community through faith and actions; the sick, the lonely and struggling in our society.

  5. As every member discovers the gifts and talents God has given them.

2

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_______________

Regular Activities

  1. Congregational worship with a family atmosphere and personal ministry.

  2. Regular training events covering discipleship/praying for the sick/life skills and other subjects.

  3. Children’s expression of church in parallel with the adult version.

  4. Home groups and interest groups led by fully trained and pastorally equipped leaders; usually in homes.

  5. Focus groups, specific groups covering prayer, teaching, worship, music, women in ministry, young families.

  6. A bereavement support group open to the community throughout the year

  7. Seasonally focused events supporting vulnerable families with education, subsistence, working with locally placed educational pastoral teams and supportive organisations.

  8. Working alongside local charities and businesses in the area to specifically target and support the homeless, struggling families, the poor, the hungry, the disadvantaged.

  9. Actively financing other charities and providing them with assistance where possible, e.g., in money management, prayer for the sick, food donations and befriending.

Alternative Activities

To develop and encourage relationships both in the Church and the community, regularly running a range of events such as quiz evenings, socials, walks, music events, craft evening and toddler groups etc.

Overseas Projects

Supporting charities and NGO (Non-Governmental Organisations) overseas. For over 10 years we have supported an NGO in Cambodia, called Care for Cambodia (CFC) that is similar to the aims and objectives of Stevenage Vineyard. In the past we have sent ministry teams, provided finance and practical support. Up to 7.5% of the Church’s income annually is contributed to them.

3

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_________________

Achievements and Performance during the 2023-24 Term

1. Sunday Services and Church Life

Our Sunday services have continued to be a place of worship, community, and growth. The church continues to grow steadily, with an increase in attendance, especially among families. Livestreams remain a popular resource, reaching those who are unable to attend in person. This year, we’ve also begun offering transport for local refugees who have expressed a desire to join us on Sundays, enabling more people to be part of our church community.

2. Giving and Growth

As our church has grown, so too has the generosity of our community. We’ve seen a significant increase in financial donations, a reflection of both our growth and the increasing trust in the work we’re doing. Our compassion work remains in high demand, and we’re grateful to be able to respond to that need. Work also continues on refurbishing the FoodShed and BabyShed areas to improve both access and functionality.

3. Compassion Projects

Our compassion work has continued to run smoothly, providing essential support through BabyShed, FoodShed, Stevenage Bereavement Support Group (SBSG), and more.

This year BabyShed received extra publicity thanks to Heart FM, who generously offered airtime to help raise awareness and support. BabyShed has also received support from GSK, who have volunteered days to support the refurbishment. Stevenage Community Trust have also been a support during the refurbishment period.

FoodShed continues to collaborate with St Peters Church, Stevenage to offer another drop in during the week. Over 15,000 bags of food were given away during the year, all provided by donations from the local community and businesses. Fresh food from Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Flamingo and Allied Bakers remain a vital addition.

We continue to provide support to the refugees living in local hotels with English support sessions, homework clubs and essential baby equipment.

ToyShed continued this year gaining momentum within the community, receiving donations of brand-new toys from many local businesses including Autolus, Sodexo, and Stevenage Borough Football club. This year we were able to provide bags of gifts to over 500 children at Christmas.

SBSG continues to serve people in our town and surrounding area with a warm and safe space to process loss. A faithful group of attendees come each month, and there’s growing demand for this to happen more frequently—a sign of both its value and the need it meets in our community.

4. Children’s Work and Safeguarding

Children’s work continues to thrive. A new group for children in year 7+ has been developed based on the growing numbers of teenagers - an encouraging sign of more young families joining us. We’ve also welcomed a new volunteer into the safeguarding officer role. With extensive experience in this area, they are reviewing our already strong safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure we remain compliant and vigilant as our church grows.

5. Staffing

There have been changes to our staff team during the year. A new Church Administrator role was created, which has in turn freed up capacity for our Office & Compassion Manager to spend more time supporting Foodshed staff and volunteers, in turn a new Foodshed administrator has been hired to replace staff that left during the year.

6. Trustees, Governance and Facilities

Our trustee board has seen the appointment of three new trustees this year, while one stepped down. Governance remains strong, with ongoing reviews of our policies and procedures. The search for a permanent church property is still ongoing. Although we’ve looked at several potential sites, none have yet proved to be the right fit or timing. We continue to prayerfully explore all opportunities as and when they arise.

We continue where possible to finance overseas activities and local needs; this year came to £18,575 (2023: £16,382).

4

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_________________

Plans for the future

The church continues to experience steady growth, which brings ongoing challenges in terms of space and resources. The need for a permanent building remains a key priority, particularly as a way to bring together our Sunday services, compassion ministries, and midweek activities under one roof.

Although cost remains a challenge, we continue to grow our reserves and are encouraged by the increase in giving this year.

Towards the end of the 2023-2024 year, our Senior Pastor announced he would be undergoing a heart transplant, which took place after the year-end. We are thankful to report that he is recovering well, although he remains off for the time being. The leadership team has stepped up admirably during this time, sharing key responsibilities and ensuring continuity across all areas of church life. Additional support has also been brought in when needed, including guest speakers for Sundays.

The Church has many volunteers including several who oversee various areas in the church including:

The Church employs five staff: -

Intermittent meetings occur in various venues in the course of the year, to cover: -

Public benefit

The trustees acknowledge the requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes that are for the public benefit. Details of activities for the public benefit are described in the above paragraphs. The trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

5

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_________________

Financial review

Reserves and Investment policies

General Fund £143,663 (2023: £138,473)

This fund is available as a resource for new community initiatives, adding staff, short term property needs and as a resource for new volunteer initiatives. Once the initiative is approved as a financial request to the Trustees, it is budgeted for and funds are released from those reserves. For example, extended debt relief, overseas orphanage relief and anything that amounts to the relief of the poor in the community. The fund is available for any potential project that fulfils our charitable objectives.

Ministry Fund £Nil (2023: £Nil)

The Stevenage Vineyard actively supports other charities with similar values and goals. This fund devotes finance to projects that do not benefit the Charity financially. To that end we put aside at least 10% of our unrestricted general income to achieve this goal. For most years outgoings are in excess of 10%, but very occasionally it is less than 10%, which means we carry it forward as a reserve for the following financial year.

SDMA (Stevenage Debt and Money Advice) £ Nil (2023: £NIL)

This fund is a restricted financial reserve created from donations received to be spent on supporting those within the community living with debt. The SMDA Centre closed in July 2023 and any funds left at this date have been transferred to another restricted fund with donor approval.

Foodshed £23,690 (2023: £25,223)

This fund is a restricted financial reserve created from donations received to be spent on our compassion work within the community where we offer support to the homeless, struggling families, the poor, and the disadvantaged.

Pastoral Support £ Nil (2023: £Nil)

This fund is a restricted financial reserve created from donations received to be spent for a specific purpose. These donations arise from members wishing to support a certain individual or institute in the church or community and Stevenage Vineyard acts as the facilitator between donor and reciprocate. Stevenage Vineyard ensures money donated to this fund is used for the purpose it was intended for.

Property Fund £168,528 (2023: £135,993)

This fund is a restricted financial reserve devoted solely to the Charity’s future building needs. It is there primarily to fund initial deposits, to renovate buildings whether purchased or leased and on-going dilapidation, restructuring and maintenance costs. We review this fund continually in the light of local leasing or purchase property opportunities.

The trustees believe that the current reserves provide adequate contingency for the ongoing increase of spending that we anticipate in 2024-2025. This arises from maintaining salaries, staffing levels, and leasing rates.

6

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR EIVDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2U24 Risk assessment The Trustees do not believe that Stevenage Vineyard is subject to any substantial risks beyond the liabilitie5 disclosed in the financial statements. It holds employers, liability insurance and public indeinnity insurance. A risk assessnient policy and risk assessment register have been prepared and are reviewed on a regular basis. Aeeountants A resolulion will be proposed at the AGM that Mark Hjertzen ot. HW Associates Limit¢d b¢ re-appointed as Independent Examiner for the ensuing year. StAtement of Trustees, Responslbllltle5 Company and charity law requir¢ the trusiees to prepare financial stalenieiits that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year. In doingy so the trustees are required to.. select suitable ac¢ountinb policies and then apply them consistently. Observe the Inethods and principles in the Charities SORP: make judgements and eslimales ihal are reasonable und prudent. state whether applicable UK Accountin&, Standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and prepare the financial statements on the goin&y Concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume ihat the charity will continue in operation, The Irustees are responsible for keeping proper a¢counlingi records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Lharity and whi¢h ellc1ble theiii lo eiisLire that Ihe tinanLial staiemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguardingi the assets of Ihe charity and for their proper application a5 required by harity law. and hence for laking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Tlie above report has been prepa￿d in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies enliiled to the small coiiipanies, exemption and with the Stalemenl of Recommended Practi¢¢ (SORPI.. Accountinb? and Reporting by Choriti¢s. Approved igned their behalf by: S A Windsor-Richards Secr¢tary and Director Date: 26, June 2025

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE UNAiJDITED Accoifff4TS OF VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE I report lo the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Vineyard Chtistian F¢llowship of Stevenage (the Charity) for the year eaded 30 September 2024. which are set out on pages 9 to 20. This report is made solely to the Charitsble company's ttustees. as a body. in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and the charitable company's t￿￿te¢S as a body in ac¢ordan¢e with section 154 of the Charities A¢t 2011. My Indep￿dent ¢xaminer's work been undertaken so that I might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and forno otherpurpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility lo anyon¢ oth¢r than the clwitable company, the clwitable ¢otnpany's tnembers as a body alld the cbaritsble company's trustees as a body for my independent examiner's worL for this report, or for the opillions I have forn￿¢1 Re$ponsiblllrfes alld basls ol report As the charity's trnstees of Vineyard ChTisti2n Fellowship of Stevenage (and also its directors for the PUTposes of company law) you are responsible for the prcparation of the accounts in acwrdanc¢ with the requirements of the Cornpallies Act 2006 Ithe 2006 Act}. Havlng Satisfied myself that the accounts of the cbarity are not required to be audited Ullder Part 16 of tbe 2006 Act and are ell￿ble for independent examination, I report in respect of myexaminatiollof yout ¢lthrity's ￿Oll￿ts as cattied out under section 145 of th¢ Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In ca￿1n8 Out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Cbarity Conmiission under sectton 145(5Xb) of the 2011 ACL Independent exanthier's statemeDt I have completed my exaMi￿tIon. I conf]Trn that no matters have come to my ati¢ntion in CODnectioll witb th¢ exaJllination giving me cause to believ¢ that in any material respect- accounting records w¢re not kept in rwecl of the charity &8 required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or Ibe accounts do not accord with ihose records. OT the a¢¢ounts do not comply with the accounting iequit¢r(Lents of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that Ihe accounts give a trueand fair Mew whicb is not a matter considered as part of an illdependent examination; or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and Principles of the Statement of Reconnnended Practice for accounting and reporting by chaTities app]icabl¢ to cLwAtics preparing their accoullts tn accordance wilh th¢ Finaneial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irelalld (FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come acTOSS no other matters in connection with the examination to whi¢b attention should be dravm in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of th¢ accounts io be reached. Mark Hjertzen BA FCA H W Associates Limited Chartered Accountants 2Q June 2025 Portmill House Portmill Lane Hitcbin Herts SG5 IDJ

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

________________

Unrestricted Designated
Ministry		 Restricted Total Total
Funds Fund Funds 2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £ £
Note 20
Income from:
Donations 2 165,230 - 60,721 225,951 153,697
Use of facilities - - - - -
Fundraising events 2 - - - - -
Grants - - 29,500 29,500 9,884
Other Income 2 - - - - 30
Investment income
– interest receivable 2 3,482 - - 3,482 1,042
────── ────── ───── ───── ─────
Total 168,712 - 90,221 258,933 164.653
────── ────── ───── ───── ─────
Expenditure on:
Staff costs and expenses 3 74,566 - 16,449 91,015 84,810
Premises costs 4 49,721 - 29,595 79,316 59,216
Other worship and outreach costs 5 10,757 - 11,229 21,986 18,297
Stevenage Money & Debt Advice 6 386 - - 386 1,308
Donations outside the church 7 - 18,575 1,593 20,168 15,798
Administration 8 8,522 - 353 8,875 10,099
Governance costs 9 996 - - 996 1,006
──────
──────		 ────── ───── ─────
Total 144,948 18,575 59,219 222,742 190,534
──────
──────		 ────── ───── ─────
Net income/(expenditure) 10 23,764 (18,575) 31,002 36,192 (25,881)
Transfers between funds (18,575) 18,575 - - -
───────
───────		 ────── ───── ─────
Net movement in funds 5,190 - 31,002 36,192 (25,881)
Total funds brought forward 138,473 - 161,216 299,689 325,570
─────── ─────── ────── ────── ──────
Total funds carried forward 143,663 - 192,218 335,881 299,689
═══════
═══════		 ══════ ══════ ══════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognized in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from ongoing activities.

9

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE BALANCE SHEET ASA T30 SEPTEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets Tangible assets 13 14 317 7.174 641 6.593 7,491 7,234 CURRENT ASSL7,￿) Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 103.328 241.098 65,221 246.184 344,426 311.605 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year 16 116.0361 119,150) NET CURRENT ASSETS 328,390 292.455 'I'O'I'AL ASSE"I'S LLSS CIIRRbN'I' LIABILITILS 335,881 299,689 FUNDS Unreslricled Funds General Designated Ministry Fund 143.663 138,473 143.663 192.218 138,473 161.216 Restricted Funds 22 TOTAL FUIYDS 17 335,881 299,689 'I'he charitable company is entitled to the exemption trom the audit requirement contained in seciion 477 ot. the Companies Aci 2006, for the year ended 30 September 2024. No member of the company has deposited a notice. pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these accounts. The trustees (icknowledbje their responsibi lities for ensuringi ihat the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparingy accounls which gTive a true and fair view of the slale of affairs of the coinpany as at the end ot. the financial year and ot its incoining resources and application of resoiirces, including 115 income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance wilh the requireinent5 of sections 394 and 395 and which othenyise comply with the requirement5 of the Companies Act 2006 relatingF to accounts, so far as applicable to the cornpany. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, r¢¥ime. The financial state its behalf Iwer y the trustees and authorised for issue on 26, June 2025 and are signed on S A Windsor-Richards Trustee Company Registration No 3627757 10

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

______________

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Company status and information

Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Stevenage is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 1, The Orbital Centre, Cockerell Close, SG1 2NB. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member.

1.2 Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with 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 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these accounts are rounded to the nearest £.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at cost value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. The charity has taken advantage of the concession available to smaller charities in the Statement of Recommended Practice which permits the analysis of incoming resources and resources expended by natural categories rather than by activity.

1.3 Going concern

The trustees are confident that the charity is able to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future and that the accounts should be prepared on a going concern basis.

1.4 Income

Donations

Donations represent the total offerings received at worship services and church events or direct to the bank account during the year, including any associated Gift Aid reclaims.

Interest receivable

Interest receivable is included in the financial statements on an accruals basis.

Donated services and facilities

Donated services and facilities are included in the Statement of Financial Activities where the benefit is reasonably quantifiable and measurable.

Grant income

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.

1.5 Expenditure

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be recovered.

Governance costs

Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

11

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_______________

1.6 Intangible fixed assets and amortisation

Intangible fixed assets are capitalised and is being amortised over its useful life of 10 years

1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £150 are capitalised. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset, on a straight-line basis, over its expected useful life, as follows: Church equipment 3 years

1.8 Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds These are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds These are unrestricted funds which have been earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. It is the church’s policy and practice to set aside at least 10% of its incoming resources into a designated Ministry Fund to donate outside the church at the trustees’ discretion. Any balance carried forward on this fund represents income so earmarked which has not yet been paid out.

Restricted funds These are funds that 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.

The Property restricted fund relates to donations received towards the cost of the Charity’s future building needs. Primarily to fund initial deposits, and the costs involved in repairing and renovating buildings, whether purchased or leased. Trustees ensure that money donated is held for stated purpose.

The Foodshed restricted fund relates to donations and grants received towards the cost of providing support to the homeless, struggling families, the poor, and the disadvantaged through our compassion work within the community. Trustees ensure that money donated is used for stated purpose.

The Stevenage Money & Debt Advice (SMDA) restricted fund relates to donations received towards the cost of running the debt centre. The SMDA centre closed in July 2023 and any funds left at this date have been transferred to another restricted fund with donor approval.

The Pastoral support fund relates to donations received to be spent for a specific purpose. These donations arise from members wishing to support a certain individual or institute in the church or community and Stevenage Vineyard acts as the facilitator between donor and reciprocate. Stevenage Vineyard ensures money donated to this fund is used for the purpose it was intended for.

1.9 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.10 Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to expenditure on a straight-line basis.

1.11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

12

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_______________

2 Incoming resources - Donations 2024 2023
£ £
Donations, gifts and offerings – Unrestricted funds 134,483 104,842
Donations, gifts and offerings – Restricted Property fund 32,535 9,774
Donations, gifts and offerings – Restricted Foodshed fund 26,328 15,022
Donations, gifts and offerings – Restricted SMDA fund - 150
Donations, gifts and offerings – Restricted Pastoral support fund 1,858 334
Gift Aid reclaims 30,747 23,575
─────── ───────
225,951 153,697
═══════ ═══════
Other income
Grants 29,500 9,984
Miscellaneous receipts - 30
Fundraising events - -
Interest receivable 3,482 1,042
─────── ───────
32,982 10,956
═══════ ═══════
3 Staff costs and expenses
Salaries, including NI 87,494 79,754
Other Staff costs - 1,500
Travel, accommodation and subsistence 1,468 3,556
Accountancy services 2,053 -
─────── ───────
91,015 84,810
═══════ ═══════
4 Premises costs
Building hire, rental and service charges 69,096 48,141
Heat, light and insurance 9,907 9,327
Other 313 1,748
─────── ───────
79,316 59,216
═══════ ═══════
5 Other worship and outreach costs
Membership and subscriptions 895 848
Music equipment, books and CD’s 291 81
Social and youth events 499 131
Catering food and drink 5,469 4,024
Conferences and training 1,502 1,779
Compassion vehicle running costs 821 1,305
Other 12.509 10,129
─────── ───────
21,986 18,297
═══════ ═══════

13

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_______________ _______________ _______________ _______________
2024 2023
6 Stevenage Money and Debt Advice support
Partnership contribution - -
Expenses 386 1,308
─────── ───────
386 1,308
═══════ ═══════
7 Donations outside the church
Gifts/grants to institutions 20,168 15,648
Gifts/grants to individuals - 150
─────── ───────
20,168 15,798
═══════ ═══════
8 Administration
Telephone, email and website costs 287 561
Printing, postage and stationery 1,470 932
Office and computer equipment expenses and support 2,328 2,523
Depreciation charges 3,501 5,561
Other 1,289 522
────── ──────
8,875 10,099
═══════ ═══════
9 Governance Costs
Independent examination 996 1,006
Trustee meeting expenses - -
─────── ───────
996 1,006
═══════ ═══════

14

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

________________ ________________ ________________ ________________
2024 2023
10 Net income/expenditure £ £
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation 3,501 5,561
Pension contributions to defined contribution schemes 1,593 1,441
─────── ───────
5,094 7,002
═══════ ═══════
Independent examiner’s remuneration for:
Independent examination 996 1,006
Other accountancy services 253 293
─────── ───────
1,249 1,299
═══════ ═══════
11 Staff costs and numbers £ £
Gross wages and salaries 84,743 77,670
Employer’s National Insurance Contributions 1,158 643
Pension contributions 1,593 1,441
─────── ───────
87,494 79,754
═══════ ═══════

On a monthly average basis there were 5 (2023: 5) employees during the year.

No employee had employment benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: Nil)

The total employment benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £54,007 (2023: £52,040)

12 Trustee remuneration and expenses

As permitted by the company’s Memorandum of Association, during the year Mr D N S Barnes received a salary in his capacity as Senior Pastor and also served as a director and trustee. His remuneration during the year ended 30 September 2024 comprised of salary £47,477 (2023: £45,758) and pension contributions of £1,234 (2023: £1,186).

No other trustee received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses.

15

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_______________

13 Intangible fixed assets
Website
i
£
Cost
At 1 October 2023 965
Additions -
───────
At 30 September 2024 965
───────
Amortisation
At 1 October 2023 324
Charge for the year 324
───────
At 30 September 2024 648
───────
Net book value
At 30 September 2024 317
═══════
At 30 September 2023 641
═══════
14 Tangible fixed assets
Church
equipment
£
Cost
At 1 October 2024 22,222
Additions 3,755
Disposals -
───────
At 30 September 2023 25,977
───────
Depreciation
At 1 October 20223 15,629
Charge for the year 3,174
Eliminated on disposal -
──────
At 30 September 2024 15,629
───────
Net book value
At 30 September 2024 7,174
═══════
At 30 September 2023 6,593
═══════

16

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_______________

15 Debtors

Debtors 2024 2023
£ £
Other debtors 92,625 59,302
Prepayments and accrued income 9,703 5,919
─────── ───────
103,328 65,221
═══════ ═══════
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other Creditors 321 2,364
Accruals 14,443 15.678
Taxation and social security 1,272 1,108
─────── ───────
16,036 19,150
═══════ ═══════
Analysis of Net Assets between Funds
Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2024
fund fund Fund Total
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 7,491 - - 7,491
Debtors 103,328 - - 103,328
Cash at bank and in hand 48,880 - 192,218 241,098
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year (16,036) - - (16,036)
──────
─────── ─────── ──────
143,663 - 192,218 335,881
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2023
fund fund Fund Total
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 7,234 - - 7,234
Debtors 65,221 - - 65,221
Cash at bank and in hand 85,168 - 161,216 246,384
Creditors: (19,150) - - (19,150)
────── ──────
─────── ──────
138,473 - 161,216 299,689
═══════ ══════ ═══════ ══════

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

17 Analysis of Net Assets between Funds

17

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

_______________

18 Related parties

Mr D N S Barnes, a trustee is also a trustee of Care for Cambodia, a charity to which £10,000 was donated during the year (2023: £10,000).

19 Financial commitments

At 30 September 2024 the charity was committed to making the following payments under non-cancellable operating leases:

2024 2023
£ £
Within one year 49,291 32,861
Within one and two years 32,861 -
─────── ───────
82,152 32,861
═══════ ══════

20 Volunteers

The charity benefits from the unpaid time of around 120 volunteers who assist with its many activities. Areas of volunteer involvement include set-up and other preparations for services and events, serving of refreshments, Prayer Ministry, Worship Team, Sunday School and Youth work, and Food Shed.

18

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

____________________

21 Statement of Financial Activities

The comparative figures for the year ended 30 September 2023 are shown below:

Unrestricted Designated
Ministry		 Restricted
Property		 Total
Funds Fund Fund 2023
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations 128,417 - 25,280 153,697
Use of facilities - - - -
Fundraising events - - - -
Grants - - 9,884 9,884
Other Income 30 - - 30
Investment income – interest receivable 1,042 - - 1,042
────── ────── ───── ─────
Total 129,489 - 35,164 164,653
────── ────── ───── ─────
Expenditure on:
Staff costs and expenses 72,327 - 12,483 84,810
Premises costs 51,826 - 7,390 59,216
Other worship and outreach costs 8,878 - 9,419 18,297
Stevenage Money & Debt Advice 1,308 - - 1,308
Donations outside the church - 15,464 334 15,798
Administration 9,620 - 479 10,099
Governance costs 1,006 - - 1,006
────── ────── ────── ─────
Total 144,965 15,464 30,105 190,534
────── ────── ────── ─────
Net income/(expenditure) (15,476) (15,464) 5,059 (25,881)
Transfers between funds (10,464) 15,464 (5,000) -
────── ────── ────── ─────
Net movement in funds (25,940) - 59 (25,881)
Total funds brought forward 164,413 - 161,157 325,570
────── ────── ────── ─────
Total funds carried forward 138,473 - 161,216 299,689
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

19

VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP OF STEVENAGE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

22 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Property Fund
Foodshed Fund
Pastoral Support
Property Fund
Foodshed Fund
Stevenage Money & Debt Advice Fund
Pastoral Support		 Balance at
1 October
2023
£
135,993
25,223
-
161,216
Balance at
1 October
2022
£
125,546
34,463
1,148
161,157		 Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
32,535
-
55,828
(57,361)
1,858
(1,858)
90,221
(59,219)

Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
9,774
-
24,906
(29,771)
150
-
334
(334)
35,1645
(30,105)		 Transfers
30
£
-
-
-
-
Transfers
30
£
673
(4.376)
(1,297)
-
(5,000)		 Balance at
September
2024
£
168,528
23,690
-
192,218
Balance at
September
2023
£
135,993
25,223
-
-
161,216

20