**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1081250** **Report of the Trustees and** **Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** **for** **The Synergy Christian Trust** Monahans Oakley House Tetbury Road Cirencester Glos GL7 1US **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 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|11| |**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**||12|| **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 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** The objectives of the trust are to: Advance the Christian faith in accordance with our statement of beliefs, in the United Kingdom and elsewhere as the trustees may from time to time think fit. Page 1 **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities** Introduction This year was the 23rd year of Synergy Christian Trust's work with schools and churches in helping children, young people and adults explore and consider the Christian faith. Today, it continues to employ Trevor and Ruth Ranger as Field Worker and Administrator respectively. The trustees met in person on three occasions this year. In addition, they communicated with one another at other times by telephone and by email. Mike Strathdee, the Synergy Chair also met with Trevor on two occasions to discuss the work generally and more specifically, Trevor's work in schools. The trustees continue to review and update various employment and safeguarding policies. Synergy continues to be a Local Mission Partner of Scripture Union (SU) and in the course of the year, Trevor met with SU's Regional team leader on three occasions. Along with Mike Strathdee, he also attended an SU regional conference in Bristol. Scripture Union ran a 'Mission Possible' event in Chippenham, which Trevor and Ruth hosted at their home church. The trust continues to operate its website, which analytics reveal that many people use for information about the work and to contact the Trust. This year, the Trust produced an updated publicity leaflet, which outlines the work that Trevor does and provides people with the opportunity to sign-up to the newsletter or support the work financially. The Synergy newsletter is produced three times a year and is sent to more than 250 people, mostly by email. ## Schools Trevor conducted a total of 135 assemblies in 15 primary schools, mostly in and around Chippenham where he lives. The theme for this year's series of assemblies was "Simon Peter & Jesus" in which Trevor told a story each month involving Jesus' disciple. The children were encouraged to consider what it means for Christians to be a friend of Jesus and how Simon Peter's friendship with him was marked by success and failure. He also conducted 2 RE lessons at the request of 2 schools. During the year and with Trevor's help, the trustees carried out a review of his work in schools and concluded that he should consider reducing the number of schools that he visits, while offering increased support to the remaining schools. Towards the end of the academic year, it was agreed that he should stop visiting three of the schools in which he has regularly conducted assemblies. They're schools located some distance from his home and where further work with the children is unlikely. Trevor wrote to a number of schools in Chippenham offering to support them with the RE curriculum. He has now been invited by three of these schools to regularly lead RE lessons and it is likely that there will be further opportunities to expand this area of ministry. Trevor again joined the team for the annual "Lifepath" schools' event at Malmesbury Abbey, which took place in June 2024 although on this occasion, he chose not to be on the organising committee. Trevor spoke at the Commissioning Service on the Sunday and over the next three days led 11 workshops and told the Bible story at each of the plenary sessions. ## Churches During the year, Trevor accepted invitations to lead 29 services in a total of 19 different churches across the West of England area. The churches are of a variety of denominations and traditions but are united by a desire to help people engage with the Bible. In many services, Trevor encourages the congregation to study the Bible text during the service and to discuss it before he concludes with his own thoughts. It is Synergy's hope that through these church services, Trevor can model good practice to church leaders in their work with children and adults. They also provide him with the opportunity to share and promote the ministry of Synergy. Trevor led two Holiday Clubs in the summer of 2024, using Scripture Union's "Deep Sea Divers" resources, in which children were encouraged to 'dive' into Matthew's gospel and discover the things that Jesus said and did. Having led the programme at his home church in Chippenham (Sheldon Road Church), he then repeated it for two churches in the Gloucestershire village of Marshfield. In both cases, the team worked well together and provided an exciting programme for the good number of children who attended. Marshfield's Club ran for 3 hours each morning and attracted children of working parents who could 'drop-off' their children for the entire morning. Trevor continues to work closely with Sheldon Road Church and each Wednesday during term time, he leads their 'Game Changers' children's club for Primary school-aged children. This year, he led the programme on 33 occasions. This was the third year of the club's work, which attracts a number of children who have no other contact with the church, but who attend schools that Trevor visits. Page 2 **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** The leadership of Malmesbury Abbey invited Trevor to advise them on their work with children and families. Trevor met with them on three occasions throughout the year and plans are now being made to introduce a new family-friendly event to their weekly timetable. If as planned, the event begins early in 2025, Trevor will make himself available to the team for the first month or so. ## Music Trevor's YouTube channel, featuring videos of his songs continues to provide online resources to churches and schools. He continues to hear encouraging stories of how the songs are being used. One teacher at a school that he visits wrote to Trevor and explained how one of his songs had been a major factor in her coming to faith. Trevor has been visiting St Peter's School in Chippenham for many years and when they celebrated their 50th anniversary, he was invited to the special service at which the children sang two of his songs. Lacock School in Wiltshire celebrated its' 200th anniversary this year and approached Trevor to write a school song for the occasion. The school's strong Christian ethos provided the inspiration for the lyrics and the children sang the song beautifully at the service of celebration. A few weeks later, they performed the song again, this time in front of Her Majesty the Queen who met Trevor and congratulated him on the song. The school has invited Trevor to conduct assemblies in the next academic year. ## Training Every three years, Trevor undertakes a Paediatric First Aid course so that he can be the designated First Aider at any event where children are present. This year, Trevor took a 'Hybrid' course provided by St John Ambulance in which he completed an on-line module before attending an 'in person' event. This second module included the more practical elements of the course such as CPR and Choking. As Local Mission Partners of Scripture Union, Synergy requires Trevor to complete a safeguarding course every three years. In June, he undertook the advanced module of the Methodist Church course, 'Creating Safer Spaces'. Synergy's electrical equipment was again PAT tested by Steve Hutchinson, a former SU member of staff and personal friend who is qualified to carry out such tests. ## Future Plans Although he has reduced the number of schools that he will regularly visit, Trevor will conduct assemblies in 13 schools on the subject of 'God's Big Story', which will consider the mega-narrative of the Bible. Trevor will begin working with local Primary schools on the Christian elements of their RE curriculum, taking lessons when invited. Trevor will again join the 'Lifepath' team at Malmesbury Abbey, leading workshops about the life of Jesus and telling the story in the plenary sessions. Trevor will continue to lead the Game Changers (children's club) team at Sheldon Road Church, as it begins its 4th year. He has encouraged the church to find someone who can share the leadership responsibility with him. Trevor will speak at or lead numerous church services and events. He will also lead two Holiday Clubs in the summer of 2025 and possibly a third one earlier in the year. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** Results for the year are acceptable. The Trust reserves policy is to hold approximately six months income, this has now been achieved. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The Trust is managed by a team of volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration for their work. Trustees meeting are held as and when required. On such occasions as new trustees are required, they are recruited from churches and educational establishments, within the North Wiltshire area. ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number** 1081250 Page 3 **The Synergy Christian Trust Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** ## **Principal address** 11 Sandes Close Chippenham Wilts SN15 2NH ## **Trustees** Mr M Strathdee Mrs R Read Mrs L Townend Mr A Paddock Mrs M Hardy Ms H Rhodes ## **Independent Examiner** S G Nuttall Monahans Oakley House Tetbury Road Cirencester Glos GL7 1US Approved by order of the board of trustees on 28 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Trustee Page 4 **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Synergy Christian Trust** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Synergy Christian Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 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: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. 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. S G Nuttall Monahans Oakley House Tetbury Road Cirencester Glos GL7 1US Date: ............................................. Page 5 **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** |2024
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
41,289
Investment income
2
144
**Total**
41,433
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
Children and Youth Work
38,985
**NET INCOME**
2,448
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
31,737
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
34,185|2023
Total
funds
£
40,550
69| |---|---| ||40,619| ||37,862| ||2,757
28,980| ||31,737| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 6 ## **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Balance Sheet** ## **31 August 2024** |2024
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
6
503
Cash at bank
34,209
34,712
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
7
(527)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
34,185
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
34,185
**NET ASSETS**
34,185
**FUNDS**
8
Unrestricted funds
34,185
**TOTAL FUNDS**
34,185|2023
Total
funds
£
589
31,769| |---|---| ||32,358
(621)| ||31,737| ||31,737| ||31,737| ||31,737| ||31,737| The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 28 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 7 **The Synergy Christian Trust** **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets, liabilities and investment properties measured at their fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. ## **Income** Incoming resources are treated as income upon receipt with the exemption of Gift Aid receipts which are dealt with on an accruals basis. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. ## **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 entitycharity. 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. ## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund. When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises. ## **2. INVESTMENT INCOME** |**INVESTMENT INCOME**||| |---|---|---| ||2024|2023| ||£|£| |Deposit account interest|144|69| ## **3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor for the year ended 31 August 2023. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor for the year ended 31 August 2023. Page 8 continued... **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** ## **4. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
Investment income
**Total**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
Children and Youth Work
**NET INCOME**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
**5.**
**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
**COST**
At 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31 August 2024
At 31 August 2023
**6.**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income|Unrestricted
fund
£
40,550
69
40,619
37,862
2,757
28,980
31,737
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
1,896
1,896
-
-
2024
2023
£
£
274
366
229
223
503
589| |---|---| Page 9 continued... **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** ## **7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** |**7.**|**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**|||| |---|---|---|---|---| ||||2024|2023| ||||£|£| ||Taxation and social security||527|621| |**8.**|**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**|||| ||||Net|| ||||movement|At| |||At 1.9.23|in funds|31.8.24| |||£|£|£| ||**Unrestricted funds**|||| ||General fund|31,737|2,448|34,185| ||**TOTAL FUNDS**|31,737|2,448|34,185| ||Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:|||| |||Incoming|Resources|Movement| |||resources|expended|in funds| |||£|£|£| ||**Unrestricted funds**|||| ||General fund|41,433|(38,985)|2,448| ||**TOTAL FUNDS**|41,433|(38,985)|2,448| ||**Comparatives for movement in funds**|||| ||||Net|| ||||movement|At| |||At 1.9.22|in funds|31.8.23| |||£|£|£| ||**Unrestricted funds**|||| ||General fund|28,980|2,757|31,737| ||**TOTAL FUNDS**|28,980|2,757|31,737| ||Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:|||| |||Incoming|Resources|Movement| |||resources|expended|in funds| |||£|£|£| ||**Unrestricted funds**|||| ||General fund|40,619|(37,862)|2,757| ||**TOTAL FUNDS**|40,619|(37,862)|2,757| Page 10 continued... **The Synergy Christian Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** ## **8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |||Net|| |---|---|---|---| |||movement|At| ||At 1.9.22|in funds|31.8.24| ||£|£|£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||| |General fund|28,980|5,205|34,185| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|28,980|5,205|34,185| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: ||Incoming|Resources|Movement| |---|---|---|---| ||resources|expended|in funds| ||£|£|£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||| |General fund|82,052|(76,847)|5,205| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|82,052|(76,847)|5,205| ## **9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2024. Page 11 **The Synergy Christian Trust** **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2024** ||2024|2023| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**||| |**Donations and legacies**||| |Gifts|37,821|37,363| |Gift aid|3,468|3,187| ||41,289|40,550| |**Investment income**||| |Deposit account interest|144|69| |**Total incoming resources**|41,433|40,619| |**EXPENDITURE**||| |**Charitable activities**||| |Wages|32,321|31,085| |Pensions|3,660|3,704| |Insurance|452|444| |Postage and stationery|897|632| |Sundries|520|628| |Travel|1,135|1,369| ||38,985|37,862| |Total resources expended|38,985|37,862| |**Net income**|2,448|2,757| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 12