## **Annual Report**
A nativity made by a student at Cambridge Regional College for our silent auction at Christmas in 2023.
2023-2024
## **Contents**
||Page|
|---|---|
|Director’s Report|3|
|Accounts|4|
|Finance Report|5|
|Fundraising Report|6|
|Chair of the Trustee’s Report|8|
|IT Report|9|
|ExploRE Report|10|
|Supporters and Volunteers|14|
|The Team|16|
## **Many Thanks**
Benefact Trust, Broadwater Fair Trading, Bunyan Baptist Church, Cambridge Regional College, Churches Together In Stevenage, Grace Community Church, Hertfordshire County Council, Herts Police Choir, Holy Trinity, Prudhoe PCC, Royal British Legion, St. Hugh & St. John, St Ippolyts Church, St Martin’s Knebworth, St. Mary’s Graveley, St. Mary’s Shephall, St. Nicholas, St. Peter’s Church Tewin, St Peter’s Church Broadwater, Sirius Digital Solutions, Stevenage Borough Council, Stevenage Family History Society, Trinity Church Knebworth, United Reformed Church, Verulam House Trust, Welwyn Garden City Band and individual donors for your support.
## **Director’s Report**
We have enjoyed a more settled year at Bridge Builders. The new office is light, nice to work in, and in a great location. There have been a few ups and downs, as there always will be, but they have been navigated well!
In September 2023, we welcomed Angela Paterson to the team to lead our assembly provision. She worked hard and enjoyed engaging with the children. We were sad when she resigned in April 2024 but rejoice with her as she got a job in a local primary school. We have recruited two people, one to fill the gap that Angela left, and the other to run The Christmas and Easter Journeys. It was great to welcome Gemma Campbell in July as Assembly Manager, and she will also help with Journeys. Lynn Lee-Diep started in September 2024 as The Christmas and Easter Journey Manager and also helps with assemblies. We are so thankful to the Lord for providing for our needs.
The Christmas Journey was very successful, and we were also happy to provide various nativity costumes for local churches to use at Christmas. The Easter Journey saw over 1300 children access it – more than we have had before. The newer version of The Easter Journey, using the videos we recorded over lockdown, has been so successful that all churches will use it in 2025. It has a greater impact, and the children engage better.
We piloted the first Journey for the REach Project – The Harvest Journey for year 1. 210 children took part, from four different schools in the local area. It was well received, and we were pleased to receive positive feedback, as well as one or two things which could have gone better. Cathy has also written and recorded a Journey for year 6, focusing on the book of Acts, and thinking about change and transition as year 6 prepare for secondary school. One activity is to make a ‘memory box’, and one teacher wrote, ‘The children loved the memory box idea and signed each other's boxes. They also had great ideas about what they could keep in the box.’
Our thanks as always to the many churches, church ministers and volunteers who have been involved with Bridge Builders this year. Our projects only run because of you! A special thanks to The Verulam House Fund Trust who continue to financially support the REach project, as well as to all of you who give towards our work. We are involved in mission – the majority of children have never been in a church, and will never go into a church, and although Christianity is taught in schools, we have an opportunity to make Jesus real for all the children in Stevenage and the surrounding villages.
Steph Knell Director
## **Finance**
In the year to 31st August 2024 the Trust had income of £40,853 and expenditures of £34,621 leaving a surplus in the year of £6,231.
The income is derived mainly from personal giving including associated Gift Aid £22,237 & from local partnering churches, £11,532. Our REach Project was awarded a £3k grant from The Verulam House Fund Trust of which £2k was split between two financial years; £2k is accounted for in this Financial Year. Local councillors gave grants totaling £800 towards purchasing crafts for The Christmas Journey & The Easter Journey.
Local fundraising events contribute to the “Other Income” figure along with bank interest, printing income (from printing we do for other non-profits), Christmas card sales, resource loan income & online fundraising income e.g. Easyfundraising.org.uk
Expenditure in the year was mainly for payroll costs, £19,524; Office Expenses, £5,694; Rent for the office, £5,434; Insurance £1,082 & HR consultancy £72.
Reporting a surplus for the year is encouraging, especially as this was mainly due to our income being above budget and our expenditure being on budget. Payroll costs are always our highest single expense, but this year the overall cost was almost £12k less than the previous year. There are two main reasons for this. The first is due to staff changes; the Director came off the payroll in Feb and another staff member resigned in April. The second reason is that in financial year 2022/23, three staff members agreed to take a cut in hours (two by over half) in order to produce the balance budget for FY23/24 which would also include taking on someone to do the Assemblies role for ten hours per week.
Trustees agreed to a partial reinstatement of hours for one staff member from April 2024 and for the recruitment of staff to lead the Journeys projects and Assemblies starting in the next financial & academic year.
## **Accounts**
## **Income and Expenditure (£) for the Year Ended 31 August 2024**
## **Income**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Other
Personal
£4,284
£18,885
46%
11%
Grants
£2,800 7% £40,853
Total
8%
Tax Refunds
under Gift Aid
28%
£3,352
Church
£11,532
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Expenditure
L&P…
Rent
£5,434
16%
Office
0%
Expenses
£5,694
17% £34,621
56% Employment
Total £19,524
Insurance 3%
£1,082 3%
5%
Other
£953
Project costs
£1,862
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Fundraising**
Bridge Builders Christian Trust’s work in primary schools in Stevenage and surrounding area is completely free of charge, and we want to keep it that way.
The fundraising process at Bridge Builders is rather like a fork with four tines! There are four approaches to our fundraising strategy:
- online donations and purchases via different fundraising platforms
- local fundraising events hosted by churches and other supporting groups
- applications to grant funders
- regular monthly giving by individuals and our partner churches.
Below, you will see opportunities for online platforms, direct giving (regular or one off) and monthly giving. There is also a report on local fundraising events for Bridge Builders in the last year, as well as our successful grant applications.
Shopping online, select Bridge Builders as your beneficiary and we will receive a donation for every £1 you spend
donation is worth 25% more.
## Grant Funding
DIOCESE OF We were successful in our applications to the Verulam ST ALBANS House Fund Trust who awarded us a grant of £3,000 and The Hockerill Foundation who also awarded us a grant of Living God's Love £3,000 towards our REach project in primary schools. As both of these awards are for the next academic year, they will not be shown in the accounts this year Following a grant award, we are obliged to provide a report about how we spent the money, and how the project is progressing. We provide detailed data including the number of schools/children who attended a pilot or launch, and how the project was monitored, resourced and delivered. We also give feedback from the school staff, children, and ministers or church leaders who attended.
## Local Fundraising
Welwyn Garden City Band Festive Concert at St Nicholas Church, Stevenage
We are so grateful for the many churches and individuals who host and attend local fundraising events for Bridge Builders. Throughout the year, there were a variety of events, including a quiz and cake evening, a range of concerts, a silent auction, a coffee morning, a tabletop sale, and we sold Christmas cards in local churches. Overall, £2327 was raised for Bridge Builders!
Amanda receiving the hand-made Nativity for our Silent Auction.
If you would like to host a fundraising event on behalf of Bridge Builders please get in touch admin@bridgebuilderstrust.org.uk we would love to hear from you!
## **Chair’s Report**
## **Psalm 46:1 (NIV)**
## **God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.**
Psalm 46 is a reminder that in whatever troubles we face, God never deserts us. God provided a new office in July 2023. He blessed us with the appointment of a new Assemblies Manager as Angela came on board in September. There was uncertainty as to what would happen if the vacancy had not filled.
At times there has been anxiety and fear. Is the work of Bridge Builders going to be well received by the local schools? Is there a happy balance between income and expenditure? Is the office coping with the demand that is required? We give thanks to the Lord for his faithfulness and provision. His guidance and protection when the outlook seems bleak. He is the calm in our storm.
New trustees joined the board this year. Andy Brown, headteacher of a primary school, joined us September 2023 and has been invaluable as he brings knowledge from a school perspective. Jon Woodrow, pastor of Grace Community Church has also joined the trustee board. It’s great having trustees from a range of churches within Stevenage. We are encouraged and look forward to sharing wisdom and knowledge as we lead Bridge Builders with God’s guidance.
Thank you to the office team and the Tuesday volunteers who have worked hard all year to provide resources for the schools in response to the increased uptake of The Christmas and Easter Journeys. Assemblies also continued through the year, and thanks to church ministers who stepped in to deliver assemblies in the summer term when we didn’t have an Assembly Manager - their tireless efforts have helped to bring the message of hope to children across Stevenage and beyond.
Summer term is a busy time in the school calendar and that was also the case in Bridge Builders too! Not only was there the need to fill managerial vacancies for Assemblies and The Journeys, the REach project was also expanding – The Adventure Journey was piloted. This online Journey is aimed at year 6 pupils.
It was exciting that the vacancy for a manager for Assembles and Journeys was filled and 2 new members of staff joined the Bridge Builders office. I applied for one of the roles, and as I was appointed, I am stepping down as a trustee. My time as a trustee has ended and I thank my fellow trustees for their support, help and guidance. I am excited to be working in the Bridge Builders office and look forward to ‘pushing up my shirt sleeves’ and getting stuck in!
The work of Bridge Builders is only possible through the generosity of our donors, supporters, partner churches, councillors and grant funders . We also thank all those who support us in pray and by volunteering. May God continue to bless and provide for the work of Bridge Builders. If you are able to support Bridge Builders in any way, your help would be most welcome. God bless.
Lynne Lee-Diep Acting Chair of Trustees
## **IT**
Although this small black box that sits in the corner of our office does not look very exciting, it serves a very useful purpose. This Network Attached Storage (NAS) provides file storage for all our data and can be accessed both within the office and if required, remotely, when we need to work from home.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
We are grateful to a supporter from one of the churches who spent time helping us source and install this solution along with the essential secure backups. Our previous
server was needing to be replaced and the Virtual Private Network (VPN) hadn’t been working for some while, so we couldn’t efficiently work from home.
Bridge Builders continues to be really blessed by volunteers who give up their time to support us in so many ways and we are thankful to the supporter who made a donation to cover the cost of the NAS.
Our printer is usually working hard every day that we are in the office. We printed around 1200 booklets for The Christmas Journey, 1400 for The Easter Journey, 600 for The Harvest Journey and 500 for The Adventure Journey this year, as well as printing for other non-profit organizations. In total we printed over 50,000 pages which is why we need a good quality reliable printer, so we replaced our old one which was needing constant maintenance with this brilliant Toshiba Printer with saddle stitch finisher unit Toshiba leased from Sirius Digital **Solutions** who are local here in Stevenage, provide excellent support to us by not only being there to help if we have a problem but also by delivering consumables to us by hand as we are only in the office two days a week during term time to take deliveries – Thank you Sirius!
Two new laptops were bought using the remaining grant from Benefact Trust. These replace eight & ten year old devices. During the summer months all the laptops were updated to Windows 11 and setup the same for ease of use and support.
DELL Inspiron laptops
## **ExploRE**
ExploRE is the umbrella term we use for our work in schools. The three core projects making up ExploRE are:
- Assemblies and Lessons
- The Christmas and The Easter Journeys
- The REach Project
All of our work in schools is tied to the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus of Religious Education and is available to schools free of charge.
## Assemblies
Assemblies may quietly run along in the background of much of the work that Bridge Builders is most known for, but they are a vital part of our mission. Through regular contact with both staff and children in many primary schools throughout Stevenage and the local area, we are able to forge strong connections that help us to facilitate our other works such as The Christmas Journey and The Easter Journey.
We offer regular half termly assemblies, each one being a different theme to fit with the themes and ideas that the children will already be exploring in their regular lessons, whilst also bringing the messages of the Bible to life.
It’s always so exciting and encouraging to see the enthusiasm for our assemblies on the faces of the older children, as many begin to recognise us and look forward to what we’re going to teach them - we’ve even had a few cheers in a recent assembly when they discovered it was a Bridge Builders assembly.
It was sad to say goodbye to Angela in April of this year as she had already built quite a rapport with the schools that she visited. We wish her well. During the final term of the year we were unable to continue the assemblies due to lack of staff but we are delighted that Gemma was able to start with us for the last two weeks of the summer term where she got off to a flying start by booking assemblies for the Autumn term and setting out the themes. Welcome to the team Gemma.
## The REach Project
The REach project is an exciting opportunity to reach even more children throughout Stevenage and surrounding areas with the good news of the Gospel.
## **What is the REach Project?**
The REach Project offers online ‘Journeys’ to schools, so that there is one Journey available for each primary school year group.
Each Journey is a 90-minute workshop based on a Christian theme with links to the Hertfordshire Agreed R.E. syllabus. Teachers are provided with video clips and the resources needed to complete craft or classroom activities linked to the topics in the video.
The Christmas and Easter Journeys (for years two and five/six) are already available to schools in an online format.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
The Harvest Journey
**----- End of picture text -----**
… was piloted in Autumn 2023. Four primary schools were recruited to the pilot. 210 year one children (age 5/6) heard the story of Joseph and the famine, the feeding of the 5000 and about how Christians give thanks to God.
The Adventure Journey
… was filmed and edited during 2023-24. It was piloted by three schools in the summer of 2024. It is aimed at year six children (age 10/11), focusing on Pentecost and Paul with the core message of trusting in God in times of change. It links to the theme of transition to secondary school. Feedback was very encouraging, and we will launch in full in Summer 2025.
Further Journeys
… are planned for school years three and four on the themes of “Our World” and “Life of Jesus”.
## The Christmas Journey
The Christmas Journey is an interactive event for children in primary school year two. They travel back in time to meet the shepherds, wise men, Anna and Simeon, as well as Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.
Each child has a special Journey notebook in which they complete an activity after meeting each of the characters to remind them of what was said. They also get to decorate their very own crown. At the finale, they meet Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus before singing a lively song.
Schools have the option of attending a hosting church or accessing The Christmas Journey online, and we provide all the craft and resources which are required.
We are so thankful for the volunteers and hosting churches, as well as local councillors who donated to fund the craft activities. We cover the cost of £8 per child who attends The Christmas Journey, so rely on donations to be able to offer it year after year.
One teacher commented : ‘All the adults were fabulous with all the children – thank you so much for letting us partake in this fabulous morning.;’
## The Easter Journey
The Easter Journey is an interactive event for children in primary school years five or six.
29 schools signed up to take part in the event, so 1,307 children participated in the Easter Journey. This is MORE than we have ever had before!
The children hear about the teachings and miracles of Jesus and the events of Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday. They find out about Jesus’s life, teachings and death, and hear about his resurrection appearances to the disciples. The children are encouraged to think and ask questions, as well as consider and explore: ‘Why was Jesus a Saviour?' and ‘Why did He die? They are each given a notebook as a reminder of the Journey to take back school.
The majority of churches used our online videos rather than having four areas with narrators and it was very well received again. We found that the children engaged better with the video clips, and enjoyed going back to the same tables, with the same volunteers. This led to deeper conversations, with the children asking better questions.
One teacher said, ‘The activities kept the children engaged and the time for each was perfect for their attention span.’
If you wish to have a peek at our Journeys please visit our Bridge Builders YouTube channel.
## **Supporters**
## Friends of Bridge Builders …
… believe Bridge Builders Christian Trust has a significant role to play in Stevenage and the surrounding area and commit to supporting its ongoing work.
- Some Friends of Bridge Builders may choose to offer practical skills to support one off events such as cake baking, IT, carpentry, sewing or serving teas and coffees.
- Prayer supportfor all aspects of the Trust's work is vital. Regular updates will be circulated to those Friends who choose to receive them.
If you would like more information, or would like to attend the monthly prayer meetings, please contact the Bridge Builders office. Either phone us on 01438 314314 or email us at admin@bridgebuilderstrust.org.uk.
## Volunteers
At Bridge Builders our volunteers are a huge part of our ministry. Their time and skills are a valuable resource, helping us with a wide range of tasks throughout the year.
In particular, the Christmas and Easter Journeys have a lot of craft which needs preparing and counting into 30s to go into schools and churches. We have a group of volunteers who come to our office on Tuesday mornings to help.
The REach project also needs volunteers, including people willing to appear in one off roles in the videos, to regular weekly volunteering preparing craft materials and other resources for The Journeys.
Contact our office to find out more. We would love for you to be involved in our ministry work, helping to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with children across Stevenage.
## **The Team**
## **Staff Team**
Mrs Stephanie Knell - Director
Mrs Janice Hawketts - Finance and IT Manager Mrs Cathy Beach – ExploRE Manager (REach)
Mrs Amanda Bryant - Communications Officer and Fundraiser Miss Angela Paterson – ExploRE Manager (left April 2024) Mrs Gemma Campbell – ExploRE Manager (started July 2024)
## **Trustees**
Mrs Lynne Lee-Diep (Acting Chair ) Mr Peter Gordon
Mrs Penny Paton Mrs Helen Gale Rev Margaret MacCarthy Mr Andrew Brown (started September 2023) Jon Woodrow (started March 2024)
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
REPORTS & ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
United Reformed Church
Cuttys Lane
Stevenage
Herts. SGI IUL
GOVERNING DOCUMENT
Declaration of Trust dated l March 2001
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1088885
TRUSTEES
Mrs Hock Lynn Lee-Diep (Acting chairl
Mrs Helen Gale
Mrs Penelope Paton
Mr Peter Gordon
Margaret Maccarthy
Mr Andrew Brown (joined September 20231
Mr Jon Woodrow (joined February 2024)
BANKERS
Barclays Bank
Unit 3, The Forum Centre
Stevenage, SGI IES
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mr William Anderson
INDEX
Page I
Legal & Administrative Details
Pages 2-6 Trustees, Report
Page 7
Independent Examiner's Report
Page 8
Income & Expenditure Account
Page 9
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
Page 10
Notes to the Accounts
l of 10 pages
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year.
Objects of the charltv
To advance the Christian faith
To advance education in accordance with Christian principles
To provide facilities in the interest of social welfare
The vision of the Trust is that all children will have opportunities to explore the values of the
Christian faith, and to look forward with hope as they experience Christian love in action,
The mission is to reach out to primary school children, and introduce them to Christian faith
and love through conducting Christian assemblies and teaching Christian religious education
in schools in conjunction with local churches, and by organising themed visits to churches.
Government
The policy and operating decisions of the charity rest wlth the Trustees who meet formally six
times each year to monitor the activities of the charity, to set policy and overall direction.
There are currently seven Trustees, New Trustees are appointed by the Trustees who seek
committed Christians with broad experience representing a wide range of denominations.
Day to day operations are run by a part time Director supported by a number of part-time
high ly motivated professiona Is working i n schools or su pporti ng the activities from the centra I
resource centre,
Revlew of Activitles
We have enjoyed a more settled year at Bridge Builders this year. Our new office is light,
warm and in a great location with parking for staff, volunteers and visitors, Our partnership
with the URC, our landlords, is working very well to the benefit of both parties.
In September 2023 we welcomed Angela Paterson to the team as Assembly Manager but also
helping with The Journeys projects. She was a great asset to the team, quickly learning to
write and deliver assemblies in schools,. she enjoyed engaging with the children and telling
them about Jesus. SO we were sad when she resigned in March 2024, but rejoiced with her as
she went on to take up a role within a local primary school.
In February 2024 we welcomed Amanda (Fundraisiser and Communications officerl back into
the office; she had been living in Chatteris and was working remotely for us but in January
moved back to live in Stevenage. It has been great having her in-person rather than on the
phone or meeting on Zoom.
2 of 10 pages
Also in February 2024 Steph stepped back from her paid role in the office, but continued as
Director and still led the Easter Journey in March 2024. With only 3 paid members of staff at
this point the future again looked uncertain. We looked to God for the answer and prayed for
guidance. Trustees agreed to the funding for a 16hr a week post which would be Assemblies
and Taking a lead on one of the Journey5. God was gracious to us and we had two candidate5
apply who were both capable of doing the job. This potential dilemma was easily resolved
when both candidates were more than happy to have 8hrs each and essentiallyjob share,
Gemma Campbell was able to start more or less straight away in July. Her role is to lead and
develop the assemblies provison and assist with the Journeys. With only two weeks remaining
of term she managed to agree dates to do assemblies in schools in the first half term, contact
schools that don't usually have assemblies and work out the theme for her first assemblyl
Lynn Lee-diep will start in September as ExploRE Manager- Journeys. Her role will be to lead
the Easter and Christmas Journeys and help Gemma with delivering assemblies.
New Trustees came on board this year; Andy Brown, headteacher of a primary school joined
in September 2023 and Jon Woodrow, pastor of Grace Community Church in Stevenage
joined in February 2024. It is good to have trustees from a variety of churches from in and
around Stevenage and we look forward to working with them and sharing of wisdom and
knowledge as we seek to lead Bridge Builders with God's 8uidance
The Christmos Journey
We offer The Christmas Journey to schools as an in-person event hosted by our partner
churches or as a series of video clips which can be accessed by schools online. The churches
give the staff and pupils a warm welcome and there is always a lot of chatter as the excited
children see the dedicated volunteers in their character dress and the wonderful setting.
Those that choose to stay in school for the event still have a lot of fun as we package up and
deliver all the craft supplies and teacher resources to them.
Whichever way the event 15 experienced, the children travel back in time to meet the
characters involved in that first Christmas event. They meet the shepherds who tell them
about the angels, the Wise Men who talk about the star, and Anna and Simeon who express
their joy at meeting Jesus. Each child has a special Journey notebook in which they complete
an activity after meeting each of the characters to remind them of what was said. They also
get to decorate their very own crown. At the finale, they meet Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus
before singing a lively song.
956 children took part in The Christmas Journey this academic year
We are once again so grateful to all the volunteers, the hosting churches, and also to the local
councillors who donated to fund the craft activities without whom we would not be able to
offer this amazing event.
3 of 10 pages
The Easterjourney
Like the Christmas Journey, schools were given the option to either attend the event hosted
by a local partner church or to remain in the classroom and use online video clips together
with craft materials and Teacher resources, all provided by Bridge Builders.
An amazing total of 1307 children participated in the Easter Journey this academic year,, more
than we have ever had before. As part of the Easter Journey the children heard about the
teachings and miracles of Jesus and the events of Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday, They
found out about Jesus's life, teaching and death, and heard about Jesus's resurrection
appearance5 to his disciples. They were encouraged to think and ask questions, as well as
consider and explore,, 'Why was Jesus a Saviour?, and'why did He die7
Most of the churches this year opted to use the new presentation of The Easter Journey
which uses the videos that we recorded over lockdown. SO instead of having separate
'stations' set up across the church and the children moving from one area to the next in small
groups to hear from the characters the whole class watched each clip together and then the
children would go to their group to discuss what they had heard with a volunteer. This meant
that the children would see the same volunteer each time which helped even the shyest of
students to open up and discuss their thoughts. They each had a notebook as a reminder of
their Easterjourney to take away with them.
The feedback on this new presentation from schools has been so positive added to fact that
they see the events of Holy week in chronological order this way, all churches will be using it
in 2025.
REach project
Bridge Builder5 Christian Trust offers two in-person Journeys to primary schools in Stevenage;
the Christmas Journey for year two children and the EasterJourney for year five children.
During Covid these Journeys were filmed and offered online to schools. This online format
was very popular, and the REach Project aims to extend this offer so that there is one Journey
available for each primary school year group,
Each Journey is a 90 minute workshop based on a Christian theme with links to the
Hertfordshire Agreed R.E. syllabus. Teachers are provided with video clips and the resources
needed to complete craft or classroom activities linked to the topics in the video,
The Harvest Journey For Year One children. Children hear the story of Joseph and the
famine, the feeding of the 5000 and about how Christians give thanks to God.
This was piloted in three schools in Autumn 2023. Feedback was very positive and we are
preparing for a full launch in Autumn 2024. Like the previous online Journey event5, all the
required resources were delivered to the schools in a Bridge Builders, blue bag and links to
the online videos were sent directly to the teacher by email.
4 of 10 pages
The Adventure Journey- For Year Six children. Focussing on Pentecost and Paul with the core
message of trusting in God in times of change. Linking to transition to secondary school.
The Adventure Journey was filmed and edited during autumn 2023 and early 2024 and was
piloted in three schools in Summer 2024. Feedback again was very encouraging, and we will
launch in full in Summer 2025.
Further Journeys on the theme of "Our World" and 'Life of Jesus" are plarsned for school
years three and four.
Assemblies
Assemblies are a great way for us to spread the message of the Bible through fun, interactive
stories and games and they allow us to have regular contact every half term with over 1500
children. Each assembly is only 15 minutes long but we always
* Ask the children questions
Have children up front to help with anything from holding items for the story through to
playing a game
* Talk about Jesus
Assemblies may quietly run along in the background of much of the work that Bridge Builders
is most known for, but they are a vital part of our mission, Through regular contact with both
staff and children in many primary schools throughout Stevenage, and beyond, we are able to
forge strong connections that help us to facilitate our other works such as the Christmas and
Easter Journeys.
We offer regular half termly assemblies, each one being on a different theme to fit with the
themes and ideas that the children will already be exploring in their regular lessons, whilst
also bringing the messages of the Bible to life.
It's always so exciting and encouraging to see the enthusiasm for our assemblies on the faces
of the children, as many begin to recognise us, and look forward to what we're going to teach
them, we've even had a few cheers in a recent assembly when they discovered it was a Bridge
Builders assembly.
Flnanclal Review
In the year to 31st August 2024 the Trust had income of £40,853 and expenditures of
£34,621 leaving a surplus in the year of £6,231.
The income is derived mainly from personal giving including associated Gift Aid £22,237 &
from local partnering churches, £11,532. Our REach Project was awarded a £2k grant from
The Verularn Trust and local councillors gave grants totalling £800 towards purchasing crafts
for Christmas Journey & Easterjourney.
Expenditure in the year was mainly for payroll costs, £19,524; Office Expenses, £5,694,. Rent
of Resource Centre, £5,434; Insurance £1,082 & HR consultancy £72,
5 of 10 pages
Although this is an encouraging result with the increase in income over budget providing the
surplus, the almost on budget expense figure hides the real story.
The changes in the staff payroll has had a significant affect; The Director coming off payroll in
Feb and a staff member leaving in April. Also, in financial year 2022/23 three staff members
agreed to take a cut in hours12 by over half) in order to produce the balance budget for
FY23/24 which included taking on someone to do the Assemblies role for 10 hours per week.
Partial reinstatement of hours for one staff member was agreed by trustees from April 2024.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have decided that a reserve of cash and other current assets less current
liabilities is held, sufficient to fund an orderly wind down of the activities of the Charity,
should that ever become necessary. £IOk has been identified as being the amount currently
required for this and will be shown as Designated Funds, a separate component of the
reserves, starting in the next financial year FY24/25. At the end of this accounting year
FY23/24 unrestricted reserve5 Stood at £24,471 and restricted £4,849 which is committed to
the REach project.
Trustees, Responsibilitie5
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year
which record the income & expenditure of the charity for the year.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable
steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Peter Gordon (Trustee,)
date
Role of Chair is vacant at time of signing
6 of 10 pages
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bridge Builders Christian Trust
for the year ended 31 August 2024 on pages 8 to 10 following.
Responslbllitles and basls of report
As the charity's trustees, 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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145
of the Act and in carrying OLIt my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions
given by the Charity Commission under section 1451Sllbl of the Act.
Independent examlner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my
attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in any
material respect..
l. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act;
or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
11: knirf
William Anderson
Address:
6 The Green
Park Lane
Old Knebworth
Herts. SG3 6QN
date
7 of 10 pages
Brldge Builder5 Christlan Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Notes
Restrlcted Unrestrlcted
Funds
General
2024
2023
Income
Voluntory income
Grant5 and gifts received
Tax refunds under Gift Aid
3,906
38
29,312
3,314
33,217
3,352
32,498
3,106
3,943
32,626
36,569
35,604
Other income
Interest received
Other
255
2,675
255
4,029
63
4,473
1,354
Total Income
5,297
35,555
40,853
40,140
Empendlture
Payment infuriherance of the Trust's objectives
Direct costs
18,495
16,126
34,621
44,313
Total Empendlture
18,495
16,126
34,621
44,313
Net IncomellExpendlturel
113,1971 £
19,429
6,231 £
14,1741
Transfers between funds
8,964 £
18,9641
Net Movement In Funds
14,2331 E
10,464
6,231 E
14,1741
8alances brought forward
9,082 E
14,007
23,089 £
27,263
Balances carrled Forward
4,849 £
24,471
29,320 £
23,089
8 of 10 page5
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
l. Bank & Cash Balances
2024
2023
Held at Bank
Cash float
27,971
27
27,998
23,563
23,570
2. Other Assets & Liabilities
Assets
Debtors
Other monetary assets
2,053
2,053
2,334
2,342
Liabilities
Creditors & Accruals
731
731
2,824
2,824
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
11 FCF.) 2D21
by
date
Peter Gordon {Trustee')
Role of Chair is vacant at time of signing
9 of 10 pages
Brldge Bullders Chrlstlan Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
NOTESTOTHE ACCOUNTS
l Accounllng Polltles
The account5 have been prepared on an accruals basis with a statement ol assets and liabililies
2. Dlrect costs
General
Funds
Restrlcted
Fund5
Total
2024
Total
2023
Employment costs INote 31
Rent
Insurance
Ollice Expense5
Legal & Professional
Materials and Resource5
Independent examlnalion
Olher costs
4,874
5,434
1,082
4,244
72
14,650
19,524
5,434
1.082
5.694
72
1,862
31,432
4,994
1,244
4,069
455
1,108
1,450
1,862
420
16,126
533
18,495
953
34,621
I,oii
44,313
The grants to institutions amountln8 to morÈ than El,000 In the yèar were nll,
3, Employees
Employment costs relate to part-timÈ employees, ol which the char5ty had 5 up to l Fèbruary 2024, 4 up to 12 Aprll, 3 up to 9 july and at 31
Au8USt 2024 Ihere were 4 part-time employees,
£200 w35 paid to Peter Gordon ITru5leel In respect ol expenses Ineurred on behalf ol the chaflty, No amounts were pald or are payable to
any other trustee or to any person connected to any trustee.
4. Movement ol Funds
Balance at
31st Au6 23
Balance at
31st Au8 24
Income
Expendlture
Transleis
Restrlcted Funds
ExploRE
IT Project
Reath Project
Total Restrlcted
3,056
112,0211
11,2201
5,254
118,495
8,964
1,220
7,862
9,082
2,241
5,297
4,849
4,849
8,964
Unrestrlcted Funds
General Regerves
I4,(7
35,555
116,1261
18,9641
24,471
Total All Funds
23,089
40,853
134,621
29,320
10 of 10 pèges
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
REPORTS & ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
United Reformed Church
Cuttys Lane
Stevenage
Herts. SGI IUL
GOVERNING DOCUMENT
Declaration of Trust dated l March 2001
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1088885
TRUSTEES
Mrs Hock Lynn Lee-Diep (Acting chairl
Mrs Helen Gale
Mrs Penelope Paton
Mr Peter Gordon
Margaret Maccarthy
Mr Andrew Brown (joined September 20231
Mr Jon Woodrow (joined February 2024)
BANKERS
Barclays Bank
Unit 3, The Forum Centre
Stevenage, SGI IES
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mr William Anderson
INDEX
Page I
Legal & Administrative Details
Pages 2-6 Trustees, Report
Page 7
Independent Examiner's Report
Page 8
Income & Expenditure Account
Page 9
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
Page 10
Notes to the Accounts
l of 10 pages
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year.
Objects of the charltv
To advance the Christian faith
To advance education in accordance with Christian principles
To provide facilities in the interest of social welfare
The vision of the Trust is that all children will have opportunities to explore the values of the
Christian faith, and to look forward with hope as they experience Christian love in action,
The mission is to reach out to primary school children, and introduce them to Christian faith
and love through conducting Christian assemblies and teaching Christian religious education
in schools in conjunction with local churches, and by organising themed visits to churches.
Government
The policy and operating decisions of the charity rest wlth the Trustees who meet formally six
times each year to monitor the activities of the charity, to set policy and overall direction.
There are currently seven Trustees, New Trustees are appointed by the Trustees who seek
committed Christians with broad experience representing a wide range of denominations.
Day to day operations are run by a part time Director supported by a number of part-time
high ly motivated professiona Is working i n schools or su pporti ng the activities from the centra I
resource centre,
Revlew of Activitles
We have enjoyed a more settled year at Bridge Builders this year. Our new office is light,
warm and in a great location with parking for staff, volunteers and visitors, Our partnership
with the URC, our landlords, is working very well to the benefit of both parties.
In September 2023 we welcomed Angela Paterson to the team as Assembly Manager but also
helping with The Journeys projects. She was a great asset to the team, quickly learning to
write and deliver assemblies in schools,. she enjoyed engaging with the children and telling
them about Jesus. SO we were sad when she resigned in March 2024, but rejoiced with her as
she went on to take up a role within a local primary school.
In February 2024 we welcomed Amanda (Fundraisiser and Communications officerl back into
the office; she had been living in Chatteris and was working remotely for us but in January
moved back to live in Stevenage. It has been great having her in-person rather than on the
phone or meeting on Zoom.
2 of 10 pages
Also in February 2024 Steph stepped back from her paid role in the office, but continued as
Director and still led the Easter Journey in March 2024. With only 3 paid members of staff at
this point the future again looked uncertain. We looked to God for the answer and prayed for
guidance. Trustees agreed to the funding for a 16hr a week post which would be Assemblies
and Taking a lead on one of the Journey5. God was gracious to us and we had two candidate5
apply who were both capable of doing the job. This potential dilemma was easily resolved
when both candidates were more than happy to have 8hrs each and essentiallyjob share,
Gemma Campbell was able to start more or less straight away in July. Her role is to lead and
develop the assemblies provison and assist with the Journeys. With only two weeks remaining
of term she managed to agree dates to do assemblies in schools in the first half term, contact
schools that don't usually have assemblies and work out the theme for her first assemblyl
Lynn Lee-diep will start in September as ExploRE Manager- Journeys. Her role will be to lead
the Easter and Christmas Journeys and help Gemma with delivering assemblies.
New Trustees came on board this year; Andy Brown, headteacher of a primary school joined
in September 2023 and Jon Woodrow, pastor of Grace Community Church in Stevenage
joined in February 2024. It is good to have trustees from a variety of churches from in and
around Stevenage and we look forward to working with them and sharing of wisdom and
knowledge as we seek to lead Bridge Builders with God's 8uidance
The Christmos Journey
We offer The Christmas Journey to schools as an in-person event hosted by our partner
churches or as a series of video clips which can be accessed by schools online. The churches
give the staff and pupils a warm welcome and there is always a lot of chatter as the excited
children see the dedicated volunteers in their character dress and the wonderful setting.
Those that choose to stay in school for the event still have a lot of fun as we package up and
deliver all the craft supplies and teacher resources to them.
Whichever way the event 15 experienced, the children travel back in time to meet the
characters involved in that first Christmas event. They meet the shepherds who tell them
about the angels, the Wise Men who talk about the star, and Anna and Simeon who express
their joy at meeting Jesus. Each child has a special Journey notebook in which they complete
an activity after meeting each of the characters to remind them of what was said. They also
get to decorate their very own crown. At the finale, they meet Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus
before singing a lively song.
956 children took part in The Christmas Journey this academic year
We are once again so grateful to all the volunteers, the hosting churches, and also to the local
councillors who donated to fund the craft activities without whom we would not be able to
offer this amazing event.
3 of 10 pages
The Easterjourney
Like the Christmas Journey, schools were given the option to either attend the event hosted
by a local partner church or to remain in the classroom and use online video clips together
with craft materials and Teacher resources, all provided by Bridge Builders.
An amazing total of 1307 children participated in the Easter Journey this academic year,, more
than we have ever had before. As part of the Easter Journey the children heard about the
teachings and miracles of Jesus and the events of Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday, They
found out about Jesus's life, teaching and death, and heard about Jesus's resurrection
appearance5 to his disciples. They were encouraged to think and ask questions, as well as
consider and explore,, 'Why was Jesus a Saviour?, and'why did He die7
Most of the churches this year opted to use the new presentation of The Easter Journey
which uses the videos that we recorded over lockdown. SO instead of having separate
'stations' set up across the church and the children moving from one area to the next in small
groups to hear from the characters the whole class watched each clip together and then the
children would go to their group to discuss what they had heard with a volunteer. This meant
that the children would see the same volunteer each time which helped even the shyest of
students to open up and discuss their thoughts. They each had a notebook as a reminder of
their Easterjourney to take away with them.
The feedback on this new presentation from schools has been so positive added to fact that
they see the events of Holy week in chronological order this way, all churches will be using it
in 2025.
REach project
Bridge Builder5 Christian Trust offers two in-person Journeys to primary schools in Stevenage;
the Christmas Journey for year two children and the EasterJourney for year five children.
During Covid these Journeys were filmed and offered online to schools. This online format
was very popular, and the REach Project aims to extend this offer so that there is one Journey
available for each primary school year group,
Each Journey is a 90 minute workshop based on a Christian theme with links to the
Hertfordshire Agreed R.E. syllabus. Teachers are provided with video clips and the resources
needed to complete craft or classroom activities linked to the topics in the video,
The Harvest Journey For Year One children. Children hear the story of Joseph and the
famine, the feeding of the 5000 and about how Christians give thanks to God.
This was piloted in three schools in Autumn 2023. Feedback was very positive and we are
preparing for a full launch in Autumn 2024. Like the previous online Journey event5, all the
required resources were delivered to the schools in a Bridge Builders, blue bag and links to
the online videos were sent directly to the teacher by email.
4 of 10 pages
The Adventure Journey- For Year Six children. Focussing on Pentecost and Paul with the core
message of trusting in God in times of change. Linking to transition to secondary school.
The Adventure Journey was filmed and edited during autumn 2023 and early 2024 and was
piloted in three schools in Summer 2024. Feedback again was very encouraging, and we will
launch in full in Summer 2025.
Further Journeys on the theme of "Our World" and 'Life of Jesus" are plarsned for school
years three and four.
Assemblies
Assemblies are a great way for us to spread the message of the Bible through fun, interactive
stories and games and they allow us to have regular contact every half term with over 1500
children. Each assembly is only 15 minutes long but we always
* Ask the children questions
Have children up front to help with anything from holding items for the story through to
playing a game
* Talk about Jesus
Assemblies may quietly run along in the background of much of the work that Bridge Builders
is most known for, but they are a vital part of our mission, Through regular contact with both
staff and children in many primary schools throughout Stevenage, and beyond, we are able to
forge strong connections that help us to facilitate our other works such as the Christmas and
Easter Journeys.
We offer regular half termly assemblies, each one being on a different theme to fit with the
themes and ideas that the children will already be exploring in their regular lessons, whilst
also bringing the messages of the Bible to life.
It's always so exciting and encouraging to see the enthusiasm for our assemblies on the faces
of the children, as many begin to recognise us, and look forward to what we're going to teach
them, we've even had a few cheers in a recent assembly when they discovered it was a Bridge
Builders assembly.
Flnanclal Review
In the year to 31st August 2024 the Trust had income of £40,853 and expenditures of
£34,621 leaving a surplus in the year of £6,231.
The income is derived mainly from personal giving including associated Gift Aid £22,237 &
from local partnering churches, £11,532. Our REach Project was awarded a £2k grant from
The Verularn Trust and local councillors gave grants totalling £800 towards purchasing crafts
for Christmas Journey & Easterjourney.
Expenditure in the year was mainly for payroll costs, £19,524; Office Expenses, £5,694,. Rent
of Resource Centre, £5,434; Insurance £1,082 & HR consultancy £72,
5 of 10 pages
Although this is an encouraging result with the increase in income over budget providing the
surplus, the almost on budget expense figure hides the real story.
The changes in the staff payroll has had a significant affect; The Director coming off payroll in
Feb and a staff member leaving in April. Also, in financial year 2022/23 three staff members
agreed to take a cut in hours12 by over half) in order to produce the balance budget for
FY23/24 which included taking on someone to do the Assemblies role for 10 hours per week.
Partial reinstatement of hours for one staff member was agreed by trustees from April 2024.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have decided that a reserve of cash and other current assets less current
liabilities is held, sufficient to fund an orderly wind down of the activities of the Charity,
should that ever become necessary. £IOk has been identified as being the amount currently
required for this and will be shown as Designated Funds, a separate component of the
reserves, starting in the next financial year FY24/25. At the end of this accounting year
FY23/24 unrestricted reserve5 Stood at £24,471 and restricted £4,849 which is committed to
the REach project.
Trustees, Responsibilitie5
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year
which record the income & expenditure of the charity for the year.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable
steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Peter Gordon (Trustee,)
date
Role of Chair is vacant at time of signing
6 of 10 pages
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bridge Builders Christian Trust
for the year ended 31 August 2024 on pages 8 to 10 following.
Responslbllitles and basls of report
As the charity's trustees, 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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145
of the Act and in carrying OLIt my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions
given by the Charity Commission under section 1451Sllbl of the Act.
Independent examlner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my
attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in any
material respect..
l. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act;
or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
11: knirf
William Anderson
Address:
6 The Green
Park Lane
Old Knebworth
Herts. SG3 6QN
date
7 of 10 pages
Brldge Builder5 Christlan Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Notes
Restrlcted Unrestrlcted
Funds
General
2024
2023
Income
Voluntory income
Grant5 and gifts received
Tax refunds under Gift Aid
3,906
38
29,312
3,314
33,217
3,352
32,498
3,106
3,943
32,626
36,569
35,604
Other income
Interest received
Other
255
2,675
255
4,029
63
4,473
1,354
Total Income
5,297
35,555
40,853
40,140
Empendlture
Payment infuriherance of the Trust's objectives
Direct costs
18,495
16,126
34,621
44,313
Total Empendlture
18,495
16,126
34,621
44,313
Net IncomellExpendlturel
113,1971 £
19,429
6,231 £
14,1741
Transfers between funds
8,964 £
18,9641
Net Movement In Funds
14,2331 E
10,464
6,231 E
14,1741
8alances brought forward
9,082 E
14,007
23,089 £
27,263
Balances carrled Forward
4,849 £
24,471
29,320 £
23,089
8 of 10 page5
Bridge Builders Christian Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
l. Bank & Cash Balances
2024
2023
Held at Bank
Cash float
27,971
27
27,998
23,563
23,570
2. Other Assets & Liabilities
Assets
Debtors
Other monetary assets
2,053
2,053
2,334
2,342
Liabilities
Creditors & Accruals
731
731
2,824
2,824
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
11 FCF.) 2D21
by
date
Peter Gordon {Trustee')
Role of Chair is vacant at time of signing
9 of 10 pages
Brldge Bullders Chrlstlan Trust
For the Year Ended 31st August 2024
NOTESTOTHE ACCOUNTS
l Accounllng Polltles
The account5 have been prepared on an accruals basis with a statement ol assets and liabililies
2. Dlrect costs
General
Funds
Restrlcted
Fund5
Total
2024
Total
2023
Employment costs INote 31
Rent
Insurance
Ollice Expense5
Legal & Professional
Materials and Resource5
Independent examlnalion
Olher costs
4,874
5,434
1,082
4,244
72
14,650
19,524
5,434
1.082
5.694
72
1,862
31,432
4,994
1,244
4,069
455
1,108
1,450
1,862
420
16,126
533
18,495
953
34,621
I,oii
44,313
The grants to institutions amountln8 to morÈ than El,000 In the yèar were nll,
3, Employees
Employment costs relate to part-timÈ employees, ol which the char5ty had 5 up to l Fèbruary 2024, 4 up to 12 Aprll, 3 up to 9 july and at 31
Au8USt 2024 Ihere were 4 part-time employees,
£200 w35 paid to Peter Gordon ITru5leel In respect ol expenses Ineurred on behalf ol the chaflty, No amounts were pald or are payable to
any other trustee or to any person connected to any trustee.
4. Movement ol Funds
Balance at
31st Au6 23
Balance at
31st Au8 24
Income
Expendlture
Transleis
Restrlcted Funds
ExploRE
IT Project
Reath Project
Total Restrlcted
3,056
112,0211
11,2201
5,254
118,495
8,964
1,220
7,862
9,082
2,241
5,297
4,849
4,849
8,964
Unrestrlcted Funds
General Regerves
I4,(7
35,555
116,1261
18,9641
24,471
Total All Funds
23,089
40,853
134,621
29,320
10 of 10 pèges