St Michael's Cornerstone Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee)
Report and Accounts
31 December 2025
Company Registration Number 4029533
Registered Charity Number 1085991
## St Michael's Cornerstone Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee) Company Information
## Directors and Trustees
Tony Solomon (Chair) Revd Martin Turner (Vice Chair) Jane Thomas Revd James White Cllr Colin Hay Revd John Kime Steve Mitchell (appointed October 2025) Candace Plouffe Russell Johnston (resigned April 2025)
Company Number 4029533
Charity Number 1085991
## Registered Office
1 Severn Road Cheltenham Glos GL52 5QA
## Report of St Michael’s Cornerstone Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee)
The directors and trustees present their report and accounts for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2025.
St Michael’s Cornerstone Trust is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and is governed by a memorandum and articles of association dated May 16, 1984.
## The Cornerstone Community Centre - At the Heart of Our Community
The Cornerstone Community Centre sits at the heart of Whaddon, one of Gloucestershire's most deprived areas, providing a trusted, welcoming space where people connect, learn, and grow together.
Every week, hundreds of local residents walk through our doors to share meals, learn new skills, find friendship, and support. From early years playgroups to inclusive exercise, counselling, and community-led activities, Cornerstone helps to tackle the root causes of poor health and inequality.
Belong. Contribute. Thrive.
The key areas of our work include;
## Families and Foundations
Strong families , Bright Futures
Our early years sessions, Play Trail and Little Pebbles, support families from birth to school age, helping children learn and grow through exploring a large range of toys and activities which support children's social, cognitive, and language development.
Building on the success of our early years groups, we now offer music therapy for families in our community who need additional support.
Our After School Club provides a safe, creative and fun space for pupils year 2 to 7 with snacks, play, crafts, and homework support led by experienced ex-teachers and volunteers who provide positive time and encouragement.
I'm delighted that due to the generosity of funders, we have been able to appoint Jon Bull, our youth worker. Jon mentors students at Pittville School, supporting young people who struggle with focus and engagement. Jon also works alongside the Children’s Society delivering detached youth work in the local area, meeting, talking, and listening to dozens of young people each week.
## Inclusion and Movement
Moving together, Growing Stronger.
Inclusion is at the heart of everything Cornerstone does. Our activities are designed so that everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, can take part, feel welcome, and belong. From gentle exercise to a game of Boccia, each session is built around accessibility and connection. Many people who once felt isolated now describe Cornerstone as the one place they feel comfortable and accepted.
Get Moving Whaddon aims at building a community of strong, healthy, moving people who can support each other into better physical and mental health. Our classes include Moving Club, a men's group, and Women of Whaddon. The benefits extend beyond physical health. Regular movement supports mental well-being by improving mood, reducing stress, and easing feelings of anxiety or low mood.
## Outcomes
70% of people visiting the centre feel more in control of their health and well-being 82% of our visitors say they feel they have more confidence 235 hours of accessible exercise delivered in 2025
## Community and Involvement
Asset-Based Community Groups
The Cornerstone Centre is privileged to sit at the heart of a remarkable community. We are surrounded by people who look out for one another, show up for each other, and freely share their gifts, time and support. Many of our activities are community-led: we provide the space, but it's the people of Whaddon, Lynworth and Priors who bring them to life. Their generosity, resilience, and willingness to get involved are the foundation of all we do, and we are deeply thankful for their ongoing partnership.
Our volunteers play a vital role sharing their skills in teaching, caregiving, hospitality, and more across various activities such as our after-school club, food pantry, charity shop, soup lunch, community coffee mornings, and our Holiday at Home cultural programme. We also support our volunteers in developing new skills that can potentially open doors for them to further education, employment or wider contributions.
## Outcomes
70 active volunteers, 14 of whom identify as living with a disability.
## Sustainable Nourishment
Feeding Bodies, Minds and Hope
## Pantry
The Cornerstone Pantry is a lifeline for local households navigating financial hardship. For just £4, members can take home £15-£20 worth of food, including fresh produce grown in local allotments. Supported by generous donations from Waitrose, Morrisons, local schools, churches and community groups, the Pantry provides far more than groceries. It's a place to be heard, to seek advice, and to find a warm sense of community during difficult times.
## Charity Shop
Our charity shop extends that same care by offering low-cost, accessible essentials for everyone in our community. By recycling donated clothing, bric-a-brac, and bedding the shop gives thousands of items a second life, reducing waste and supporting more sustainable living. One third of all shop income funds our care shop grant, providing emergency support for local households. Over the past year, the small grants have helped people to top up energy metres, buy school uniforms, restock kitchens, and stay afloat during moments of crisis. We also have a team of amazing volunteers who look after an allotment for us to provide fresh veg and fruit to be used in the pantry.
## Outcomes
Our pantry clients also access wider services with referrals to CAP, CAP P3 and housing support. 143 local families registered with the pantry 2201 pantry visits in 2025
Over £1,300 in Charity Shop grants distributed to families in need
## Connection and partnership
Our staff team plays a vital role in supporting people through both practical challenges and personal moments of need. Our café sits at the heart of the Centre, providing a warm, accessible hub where anyone can drop in for a cuppa, a chat, or support whenever they need it. We offer time, patience, and a listening ear so that everyone who comes through our doors feels heard, respected, and understood. By building trust and genuine friendships, we create a safe environment where people can speak openly about their situation and explore possible next steps.
## Partnerships
Much of our work involves connecting people to the wider help available across the community. We act as a bridge, introducing individuals to local services, attending appointments with them when needed, or simply offering encouragement when something feels overwhelming. Whether supporting someone to access healthcare, benefit advice, housing support, education, or specialist organisations, we ensure no one has to take these steps alone. Through strong partnerships and shared purpose, we help people to move forward with confidence, knowing that they have someone walking alongside them.
## Outcomes
96% of visitors know they can come to the Cornerstone for support 98% of visitors have met new people and strengthened relationships Recognised by police and the local council as a trusted place for well-being and referral
## Our Team
I would like to pay tribute to our amazing staff team that go the extra mile to make sure that every visitor to the Cornerstone Centre is made to feel welcome and part of the family. Our Centre Manager, Alison, leads by example, offering unconditional love and compassion to our guests. Alison oversees daily operations with the invaluable support of Fran and Luci, our administrators; Sue, our Pantry Coordinator; Mel, our PlayTrail Coordinator and music therapist, and Jon, our Youth and Support worker. Additionally, James, the Vicar and Area Dean; Taz, the Curate; and Martin, the Methodist Minister from St. Michael’s Church, actively contribute in so many wonderful ways to the Centre’s vibrant life and activities.
Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our trustees for their wisdom, unwavering commitment, and encouraging guidance throughout the year.
## SNAPSHOT
10,700 volunteer hours annually, £6.45 of social value for every £1 invested, 94%of visitors come weekly or more.
## Vision, Mission and Values
Founded on Christian principles, our Vision at St. Michael’s Cornerstone Trust is:
## To see God's Love Transforming our Community.
Our Mission is:
To Love and Serve our Community as Jesus Would.
## Our Values
At the Cornerstone Centre, we aspire to live out our values:
- Integrity: Acting honestly and openly, treating each other with dignity and respect.
- Inclusivity: Being open to all, accepting individuals as they are, and providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
- Reliability: To be dependable, always seeking to do what we say we will do.
- Compassionate: Caring, paying attention, listening with an open mind, and offering empathetic support.
- Joy in Service: Being warm, generous, friendly, and cheerful.
- Impactful: Making a positive difference through our work alongside individuals and our community.
## Financial Stability
The Cornerstone Centre relies on the goodwill and generosity of a broad range of individuals, grant funders, and local organisations who support us so generously and open-heartedly. We have been blessed and are grateful to so many organisations and individuals.
## Our Funders include:
- National Lottery Community Fund
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Sylvanus Lysons
- Cadbury Trust
- Albert Hunt Trust
- The Forrester Family Trust
- Cheltenham Health and Wellbeing Community Grant
- Lidl Community Fund
- Asda Foundation
- Build Back Better Youth Fund
- Reaching Communities – NTCF
- Gold Cup 100 Community Fund
- Honorary Company of Gloucestershire
- NHS - Community Health and Wellbeing Grant
Our grateful thanks to Anthony Oliver Consulting for effectively managing our fundraising programme.
We have been profoundly touched by the generosity of individuals who have financially supported our endeavours and dedicated their time throughout the year. We express our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of them.
## Accountants
The Trust expresses its gratitude for the unwavering financial services and professional guidance provided by Brian Gibb and the terrific team at SkyBridge Accounting Limited.
All directors of the company are also trustees of the charity, and there are no other trustees. The Board retains the authority to appoint additional trustees as deemed necessary.
This report was approved by the Board on 28 April 2026.
Martin Turner
Chair of Trustees
St Michael's Cornerstone Trust Independent Examiner's Report
Independent Examiner's report to the trustees of St Michael's Cornerstone Trust
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of St Michael's Cornerstone Trust for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.
## Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees (and also directors for the purposes of company law) you are respnsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having established that the accounts of the charity are not required to be auditied under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for Independent Examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Acharities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believie that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 396 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements under section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
the accounts have not been prepared in accourdance with the Charities Sorp (FRS 102)
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Brian Gibb CA Chartered Accountant 21 Whitethorn Drive Cheltenham GL52 5LL
28 April 2026
St Michael's Cornerstone Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025
|Notes
Current assets
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
8
Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Designated Funds
9|2025
£
804
212,607
213,411
(1,059)
212,352
212,352
68,588
143,764
-
212,352|2024
£
2,589
134,190
136,779
(1,056)
135,723
135,723
33,524
44,539
57,660
135,723|2024
£
2,589
134,190
136,779
(1,056)
135,723
135,723
33,524
44,539
57,660
135,723|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
||||135,723
33,524
44,539
57,660|
||||135,723|
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. Members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
M Turner Director
28 April 2026
## St Michael's Cornerstone Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee) Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2025
|Notes
INCOME & ENDOWMENTS
Grants, donations and legacies
4
5
Income from investments
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
6
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
FUND BALANCES AT 1 January 2024
TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS
FUND BALANCES AT 31 Dec 2025
9
Income from charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities|Unrestricted
Restricted
Designated
2025
2024
£
£
120,826
113,540
-
234,366
135,080
26,180
-
-
26,180
24,718
1,516
874
-
2,390
1,994|
|---|---|
||148,522
114,414
-
262,936
161,792
113,458
72,849
-
186,307
143,584|
||113,458
72,849
-
186,307
143,584
35,064
41,565
-
76,629
18,208
33,524
44,539
57,660
135,723
117,515
-
57,660
(57,660)
-
-|
||68,588
143,764
-
212,352
135,723|
Income resources and resulting net movement in funds each year arise from continuing operations.
## St Michael's Cornerstone Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
- 1 Accounting policies
## Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis, under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (effective 1 January 2016) and FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015 (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016) published by the Charities Commission in England & Wales (CCEW), effective January 2016. (The SORP).
## Turnover
Voluntary income and donations are accounted for as received. Project and fundraising income is accounted for on an accruals basis.
## Expenditure on management and administration of the charity
Administration expenditure includes all expenditure not directly related to the charitable activity or fundraising.
## 2 Development Fund
£76,332 has been allocated by the Trustees to a Development Fund to be held for the refurbishment project. This project is in the early stages of consideration
## 3 Legal status of charity
St Michael's Cornerstone Trust is a company limited by guarantee and, as such has no share capital.
- 4 Grants, Donations and Legacies
|||||
|---|---|---|---|
|4
Grants, Donations and Legacies
Donations and other income
Care Shop income
Grants
5
Income from charitable
activities
Coffee bar
Activities
Rent of Hall|Unrestricted
23,122
7,233
90,471
120,826
Unrestricted
6,515
10,085
9,580
26,180|2025
Restricted
Designated
£
38,475
-
61,597
-
-
7,233
75,065
-
165,536
113,540
-
234,366
Restricted
Designated
2025
-
-
6,515
-
-
10,085
-
-
9,580
-
-
26,180|2024
£
48,552
10,293
76,235|
||||135,080
2024
5,578
10,357
8,783|
||||24,718|
St Michael's Cornerstone Trust (Company Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2025
|6
Expenditure on charitable
activites
Unrestricted
Coffee bar
2,922
Activity/Program costs
5,235
Salaries
68,112
Light and heat
9,002
Telephone
1,274
Water rates
531
Rent
200
Repairs
6,778
General admin - Software
1,107
Insurance
2,021
Licence
814
Printing,postage and stationary
1,276
Care Shop distributions
-
Refuse collection
411
Staff Training & Welfare
542
Cleaning
2,272
Fundraising costs
8,775
Sundries
2,186
113,458
7
Debtors
Other Debtors
8
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Unrestricted
9
Analysis of fund balances
£
At 1 January
33,524
Profit/ (Loss) for the year
35,064
Transfer between funds
-
At 31 December
68,588|Restricted
Designated
2025
-
-
2,922
34,233
-
39,468
37,538
-
105,650
-
-
9,002
85
-
1,359
-
-
531
-
-
200
-
-
6,778
-
-
1,107
-
-
2,021
-
-
814
-
-
1,276
675
-
675
-
-
411
-
-
542
-
-
2,272
-
-
8,775
318
-
2,504
72,849
-
186,307
£
804
£
1,059
Restricted Designated
2025
£
£
44,539
57,660
135,723
41,565
-
76,629
57,660
(57,660)
-
143,764
-
212,352|2024
2,709
33,654
75,042
10,943
1,245
526
200
4,300
928
1,998
707
1,227
693
1,058
450
974
4,900
2,030
143,584
£
2,589
£
1,056
2024
£
117,515
18,208
-|
|---|---|---|
|||135,723|
The charity aims to retain a reserve in unrestricted funds of up to six months of overhead expenses. At 31 December 2025 this equated to £52,617 which compares with the actual balance of £68,654.
## 10 Staff Costs
Salaries
|£|£|
|---|---|
|104,541|75,042|
During the year St Michael's Conerstone Trust employed a manager, two centre assistants, two project coordinators, a youth worker and a cleaner.
No Trustees received either remuneration or expenses, other than direct reimbursement of money paid out, during the year (2024 £nil)
The Trust relies substantially on the time of volunteers to run its activities. It is not possible to quantify the value of these services to the Trust