Charity number: 1072981
WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 6 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 7 - 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 - 19 |
WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees Samuel Konadu, Treasurer Kenneth Golding, Chair Ebow Essel Robert Prakash, Secretary Barry Alan Darling Kim Austen
Charity registered number 1072981 Principal office Wessex Close Basingstoke Hampshire England RG21 3NP
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP for the year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.
Church attendance:
Over the past year, Wessex Christian Fellowship has seen a wonderful increase in church attendance, with new individuals and families joining our worship services and becoming members of our community. Currently, approximately 98 people actively participate in the activities and life of the church, contributing to its growth and vibrancy.
Trustee meetings:
Regular Trustee meetings have been held throughout the past year, alongside short-notice meetings convened as needed to address urgent matters that arose during the year.
Building Maintenance:
During this financial year, the church has continued its remedial efforts to safeguard our premises. Unfortunately, we have encountered additional challenges, including resurfacing the baptismal pool, cleaning and repairing the roof, and addressing water damage by resurfacing the exterior wall—all due to the aging condition of the building. These necessary works have resulted in a significant financial outlay, and maintaining the building continues to be our greatest expense as new issues frequently arise.
Evangelistic (Local /National) Missions:
Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of co-hosting “Through Faith Missions” alongside other local churches in Basingstoke. This initiative provided invaluable training and guidance on various ways to engage in a townwide evangelistic campaign, all with the goal of advancing the Christian faith in our community.
“Through Faith Missions” is a Christian evangelistic agency dedicated to helping local churches reach out to their communities with the message of faith, using diverse and effective methods of communication. These efforts align closely with one of our primary charitable objectives.
As part of this collaboration, members of our spiritual community participated in evangelistic work within our immediate local parish. This week-long mission, held in September 2024, brought together four other churches, and through this campaign, we were able to engage nearly 300 people within our designated area of operation.
Following the mission week, we hosted an 11-week evangelistic program called the “Alpha Course.” This initiative offered people the opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a welcoming environment. As a result, a number of individuals embraced faith, committing themselves as followers of Christ. These new members have since become regular attendees of our church.
Additionally, as a church community, we have continued to support the Christians against Poverty organisation, both financially and through prayer, to aid their critical work in addressing poverty across the UK.
Local Community work:
The church continues to provide space for BESOM, a dedicated community group that supplies essential items to vulnerable families and individuals. During the Christmas season, we were honored to take part in the distribution of Christmas hampers, spreading hope and joy to those in our local community during the festive period
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Additionally, we have been regular financial supporters of our local food bank this year. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to address the cost-of-living crisis and to support those in need within our community.
We are also proud to assist in the facilitation of a new food distribution hub, which recently opened in a local secondary school near Wessex. This partnership with the Basingstoke Community Food Bank has proven to be a meaningful way to extend support to even more families. The hub is doing outstanding work in distributing food across the town, and we are grateful to play a part in this vital effort.
Winter Night Shelter:
This year, we’ve had the privilege of using our church building to participate in the winter night shelter initiative here in Basingstoke. This ecumenical effort brings together churches across the area to provide a warm and safe space for homeless individuals to sleep during the coldest months of the year.
As part of this initiative, our church opens its doors twice a week, on Sunday and Monday nights, offering comfort and hospitality to those in need. The programme began in December 2024 and will run until the end of February 2025. It has been a blessing to be part of such a meaningful endeavour, demonstrating God’s love in action and supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Overseas mission:
As a local church, we remain committed to supporting overseas missions, sharing God’s love beyond our immediate community. Over the past year, we have financially supported the Star of Hope Foundation, an orphanage in Bulgaria, as well as an orphanage in Romania under the same organisation.
We have also contributed to the ongoing mission work in Lebanon, led by Magdy Tawfik, the International Mission Coordinator for AOG UK. Additionally, we have supported evangelistic efforts in Israel through the Christian organisation One for Israel.
In our efforts to stand with our brothers and sisters facing persecution worldwide, we have partnered with the UK charity Open Doors, providing much-needed support to persecuted Christians.
These partnerships reflect our heart for mission work and our desire to make a difference both locally and globally, embodying the Great Commission in practical and impactful ways
Working with the wider Church:
This year, we had the privilege of working alongside other churches in mission and community outreach. One highlight was hosting a meeting that brought together churches from across Basingstoke, alongside various community businesses and organisations. The purpose of this gathering was to collaborate on initiatives aimed at supporting the people of Basingstoke, focusing on critical areas such as housing needs, Food Banks, and general community support.
This collective effort exemplifies our shared commitment to demonstrating God’s love in practical ways and making a meaningful difference in our town
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Youth Work
Over the past year, we have been hosting a regular weekly youth meeting, providing a dedicated time for our youth and young adults to come together, connect with one another, and develop both personally and spiritually.
These sessions have created a supportive environment where participants can grow in faith and confidence. Additionally, we have continued our partnership with Melrose Church to organise a retreat for the youth, which has
been a valuable opportunity for reflection and community-building. We also arranged a trip to Thorpe Park, aimed
at fostering teamwork, strengthening friendships, and building character among the group.
In setting objectives and planning these activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to the general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, ensuring our efforts align with these principles.
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP is a registered charity, number 1072981, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
c. Financial risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Members' liability
The Members of the Charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the Charity in the event of winding up.
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. 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.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 31 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Kenneth Golding
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Independent Examiner's Statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed:
Dated: 31 January 2025
Kolade Andrew Alli ACMA
The ARK Financial Management Consultants Ltd 10 Gatcombe Gardens West End, Hampshire SO18 3NA
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note Income from: Charitable activities 2 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 3 Total expenditure Net movement in funds before other recognised gains Other recognised gains: Gains on revaluation of fixed assets Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 82,951 82,951 78,070 78,070 4,881 547,000 551,881 1,067,335 551,881 1,619,216 |
Total funds 2024 £ 82,951 82,951 78,070 78,070 4,881 547,000 551,881 1,067,335 551,881 1,619,216 |
Total funds 2023 £ 84,985 84,985 105,667 105,667 (20,682) - (20,682) 1,088,017 (20,682) 1,067,335 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 11 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Fixed assets Note Tangible assets 6 Current assets Debtors 7 Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 8 Unrestricted funds 8 Total funds |
4,746 112,954 117,700 |
2024 £ 1,501,516 1,501,516 117,700 1,619,216 1,619,216 1,619,216 - 1,619,216 1,619,216 |
4,347 107,967 112,314 |
2023 £ 955,021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 955,021 112,314 |
||||
| 1,067,335 | ||||
| 1,067,335 | ||||
| 1,067,335 | ||||
| - 1,067,335 |
||||
| 1,067,335 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 31 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Kenneth Golding
The notes on pages 11 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
1.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Freehold property - Office equipment - 25%
1.5 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.6 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.7 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds Total |
Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| General 2024 |
2023 | ||
| £ £ |
£ | ||
| General Offering and Gifts | 68,223 68,223 |
65,897 | |
| Gift Aid tax reclaimed | 12,632 12,632 |
12,171 | |
| Bank interest receivable | 2,096 2,096 |
2,000 | |
| Church Hall Hire | 0 0 |
250 | |
| Other Income | 0 0 |
4,667 | |
| 82,951 82,951 |
84,985 |
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3. Expenditure on charitable activities
| 3. Expenditure on charitable activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds |
Total Total |
||
| General | 2024 2023 |
||
| £ | £ £ |
||
| Administration and Overheads | 768 | 768 0 |
|
| Depreciation | 0 | 0 0 |
|
| Independent examiner's fee | 1,140 | 1,140 950 |
|
| Legal and professional fees | 1,551 | 1,551 796 |
|
| Missions | 13,004 | 13,004 14,264 |
|
| Payroll costs | 38,383 | 38,383 37,339 |
|
| Premises cost and utilities | 21,794 | 21,794 48,600 |
|
| Software, website and licenses | 1,238 | 1,238 1,120 |
|
| Training | 132 | 132 2,534 |
|
| Bank charges | 60 | 60 64 |
|
| 78,070 | 78,070 105,667 |
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Charity's annual accounts | 1,140 | 1,140 |
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, Pastor Ebow Essel has been paid remuneration from an employment with the Charity. This relates to work done and expenses incurred as Pastor of the church. The value of Trustees' remuneration and other benefits was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Ebow Essel | Remuneration | 35,009 | 34,524 |
6. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 Revaluations At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Freehold property £ 953,000 547,000 1,500,000 - - - 1,500,000 953,000 |
Office equipment £ 6,466 - 6,466 4,445 505 4,950 1,516 2,021 |
Total £ 959,466 547,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,506,466 | |||
| 4,445 505 |
|||
| 4,950 1,501,516 |
|||
| 955,021 |
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
7. Debtors
| Due within one year Other debtors |
2024 £ 4,746 4,746 |
2023 £ 4,347 4,347 |
|---|---|---|
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | 31 | ||||
| January | Gains/ | December | |||
| 2024 | **Income ** | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General Funds | 1,067,335 | 82,951 | (78,070) | 547,000 | 1,619,216 |
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WESSEX CLOSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8. Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds - prior year
| Balance at | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | 31 | |||
| 1 January | December | |||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General Funds | 1,088,017 | 84,985 | (105,667) | 1,067,335 |
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