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2023-12-31-accounts

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Headley Down Community Church

Eddey’s Lane, Headley Down, GU35 8HU

www.hdcc.uk

Registered Charity No. 1095819

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Headley Down Community Church Team HDCC ~ “The Church in HD”

Trustees

Rev Elizabeth Knifton– Chair of Trustees

Cathie Russell

Peter Knifton

Paul Whitley

Pastoral Leadership Team

John Russell – Lead Pastor

Rev Elizabeth Knifton

Cathie Russell

Julian Gilbertson

Treasurer

Allan Revers

Pastoral Care and Hall Bookings - Safeguarding Co ordinator - Junior Church Co ordinator Buildings Manager Health & Safety Officer - Food Bank Co ordinator

Cathie Russell

Rev. Elizabeth Knifton Eileen Matthews Paul Whitley Paul Whitley Pauline Firman

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ANNUAL REPORT - APRIL 2024

INTRODUCTION

The Annual Report for 2023-2024 has been collated by Paul Whitley.

Contained within each item in this report are the following elements:

A short factual report of an activity.

An appreciation of the contributions so many people make to church life ~ (Should you not see your name in print somewhere it is probably because you are one of the many unsung heroes in the church. Thank you for who you are, as much as for what you do.)

Questions and issues that may require consideration.

The report is presented under an Editorial and 6-headings and will be introduced at the AGM, when it takes place, as follows:

Editorial (Page 3) Practical (Page 4) Spiritual (Page 10) Community (Page 14) Children & Youth (Page 19) Administrative & Other Services (Page 20) Finance ( Page 21 and Appendix 1

In a year that consolidated the freedom from widespread infection and disease, Headley Down Community Church was able to move forward. Sadly, Ukraine is still oppressed into a second year of war that has also fallen from front page headlines. We as a church continue to support Ukraine through our links with Samaritans Purse. Sadly, the focus has now moved to another conflict in Israel and Gaza. We continue to pray for peace in those war-torn areas.

We are an active and busy church with activities happening four out of the seven days a week. This report is a snapshot of the past year, celebrating those activities and the people who organize and run them. It is also a witness to the many people who work behind the scenes to keep the church looking and running as well as it does. This is your report, written by you, collated by me.

Paul Whitley – Editor

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1 Practical

For any church to operate as Jesus intended, we need to take His instructions to His followers seriously. Often called the Great Commission, it is found in the gospel of Mathew

Mathew 28:18-20 ‘Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ Notice it is called The Great Commission and not The Great Suggestion and requires that for a church to be a church, by its founder’s definition, it must be outward looking or "missional".

There is further clarification in the Book of Acts, once again from the lips of Jesus:

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ’

What does this mean for us in Headley Down Community Church in these increasingly fragile times?

Whilst the Mathew passage gives the broad "why", the Acts passage gives the "how".

This gives us a much more understandable context for us to work out the Great Commission for us as a church. It gives a starting point and an end goal for us to take the Good News about Jesus to those we live among and to see what the power of the Holy Spirit will do in the midst of the "going".

John Russell – Pastor

March 2024

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Trustee Report.

The past year has been a consolidation of the freedom from illness and disease that gripped the world in recent years. In a world full of turmoil, with conflicts still raging in Ukraine, and atrocities happening between Gaza and Israel; we at HDCC try to keep our church an oasis of peace and tranquility. While these conflicts rage on, there seems to be little that affects us in our daily lives. Unfortunately, events far away do touch us in the supply of foodstuffs, energy, and fuel all of which go towards the crisis in the cost of living. It is getting increasingly difficult to make ends meet, even to those with steady jobs, and this is where our church meets the need.

We are at the centre of the community in which we serve. Jesus said, ‘Feed the poor’, and that is what we as a church continue to do at every opportunity, in physical, mental and spiritual senses.

The church has two teams working closely together – the Trustees, and the Pastoral Leadership Team (The PLT) who meet regularly to attend to the both the spiritual and practical matters relating to all church activities. The Trustees Meeting of course includes the attendance of Allan Revers, our excellent Treasurer, to cover the necessary financial matters.

The focus of the Trustees, in the past year, has been to convert the governance of the church from an ancient Trust Deed document to an up-to-date Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) structure, more suitable for modern charities such as ours. This is a long process, involving Land Registry and Charities Commission among other bodies to be consulted. A sub-committee has been formed including the Treasurer and two Trustees. Progress has been made in various areas which will be shown elsewhere in the report.

The Trustees have renewed the appointment of John Russell as Pastor of the church. We have seen spiritual growth in the church with a strong core in the congregational numbers. Prayer continues to be at the centre of our worship. With Rev Elizabeth Knifton and others on the Pastoral Leadership Team we are truly blessed in our leadership.

Sadly, Marc and Valentina Nuttall have decided to move on to pastures new after serving Headley Down Community for a number of years. Marc played a big part in our worship as a trustee, preacher, and valued band member. We will miss his input in all aspects of the church in which he was involved, but wish him well on his future spiritual journey.

Elizabeth Knifton - Chair of Trustees

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Health and Safety

Within my role as Buildings Manager, I have now also assumed the role of Health and Safety Officer. Health and Safety continues to be at the forefront of all our professional and practical work done at Headley Down Community Church.

The main aim, as before, is to try to use contractors who conform to current Health and Safety requirements especially as regards their documentation. This is more expensive than ‘doing it ourselves’ but with the new legislation such as CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations, and the requirement to be covered by professionals with standards and indemnities, means that we have to increasingly consider these issues whenever the trusteeship makes decisions. The church strives to adhere to and conform to H & S guidelines when dealing with contractors and our own volunteers alike. External contractors should have the appropriate insurance and safety measures in place. In February/March 2024, contractors working in the church included registered plumbers to clear a blockage and fit a liner to the drain in the small toilet; and, also refurbish the seals and fittings to the accessible toilet in the hall.

Any volunteer work in the church, such as work days, is preceded by an element of H&S awareness.

We have a Health and Safety Policy document, a copy of which is on the main noticeboard. It would be worth looking at this notice before anyone goes ahead to do work in or on the building. Please could anyone who notices something that is unsafe or hazardous bring it to the attention of a committee member or Paul Whitley so that it can be sorted. The policy makes it clear that we are all involved in making sure our church premises are safe.

Pau l Whitley

Safeguarding

Revd. Elizabeth Knifton is Safeguarding Coordinator with Cathie Russell as deputy. We are members of thirtyone:eight, the Safeguarding body that provides guidelines, policies and support.

Safeguarding is a necessary and important aspect of caring for all in our church community but especially children and vulnerable adults and so to this end, we continue to do all we can to provide a safe and suitable environment for the different activities and meetings that take place at and in the name of Headley Down Community Church.

The current Safeguarding Policy has been reviewed and will be approved and signed by the trustees for this coming year. This Policy includes the recommendation for safeguarding training as well as Code of Conduct forms and appropriate policies and procedures for workers and volunteers in the different activities of the church.

Revd. Elizabeth Knifton Cathie Russell Safeguarding Coordinator Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator

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DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

Disclosures are required for all the Trustees, Leaders and those working in any capacity with children and vulnerable adults. A process of updating and applying for new applications continue throughout the year as required.

As new individuals join the family of the church and volunteer for roles relating to any of the above, a DBS application is required as stipulated in our Safeguarding Policy alongside the appropriate recruitment procedure (depending on the role). Renewal of each DBS will usually be done every 5 years, or can be checked at any time if an individual has registered on the Government Update Service online. The frequency of DBS applications and checks may be adjusted by the Safeguarding Officers and Trustees depending on changing recommendations at any given time.

Cathie Russell

Buildings

There have been several events in building maintenance that have taken place in 2023, all to the benefit and safety of the church in which we worship. It is sometimes very difficult to get tradesmen to come and give quotes on work that needs doing. To that end, it may seem that some areas are being neglected. We are trying our best.

Work Days

There have been two dedicated work days this year in which great strides were made in clearing and cleaning areas of the church grounds. The first was held last October when we faced a mammoth task of clearing invasive ivy from the east side of the building. What had seemed impossible was completed to a degree with the help of a dedicated team of workers. Most of the ivy was cleared from the ground and the building in 36 sacks. Leaves were cleared and cleaning also took place inside the building. The second day was in February of this year. The remaining ivy was cleared from the roof. Windows were cleaned both inside and out and gutters were cleared. These days are not merely work days, but community days when the church comes together as one with a common interest. Refreshments were provided on both occasions including sandwiches and the ubiquitous cake! My thanks go to the wonderful teams on both occasions who worked tirelessly to achieve the goal.

New Kitchen

The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is our not-so-new kitchen was put in place in January. A new silver-grey fridge was installed to replace the tired old one which was taken away. On a recent hygiene inspection, the kitchen was awarded the maximum 5 rating . Well done Cathie!

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Storage Solutions

Linda Wickenden dedicates most of her year to collecting, wrapping, and filling shoe boxes ready for Samaritans Purse in November. She stored these in her house, causing some living space issues. A new lockable storage cupboard has been created in the vestry entrance area to store her boxes and materials. This improves the impression of the church entrance area making it tidy and respectful, while providing Linda with the space she needs.

The Food Bank is regularly short of space in the cabin when supplies are delivered and stored. A secure overflow cupboard has been created in the back room of the hall to address this problem. The doors, some timber, and some paint was donated.

Curtains

The arched window at the front of the church has long been a feature of our church. However, with change of use over some years it has been increasingly difficult to see those preaching and leading worship against the backdrop of the light pollution. People at the front were only seen in silhouette. To this end, donated curtains have been hung across the window making a more suitable backdrop from the congregational viewpoint.

Church Toilets

The small toilet, in the side entrance to the hall, had a constant problem of being continually blocked. This was caused by ingrowing roots into a cracked drainage pipe. This has been professionally repaired with a fiberglass liner insert to the affected drain outlet. This should solve the problem for the foreseeable future.

The church has had a problem with water usage, using more water than is usually consumed by our facilities. The accessible toilet was targeted as it leaked water from the cistern into the basin. To this end, the cistern has been professionally refurbished with new syphon, valves, and cistern seals. The water use will continue to be monitored through meter readings.

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Cabin to Hall Pathway .

Wednesdays are a busy day for all foodbank volunteers, and traffic between hall and cabin is a constant stream of ferrying supplies from backroom to cabin and vice versa. The area between the buildings was wet, muddy, and uneven to walk on. A paved pathway has been created between the buildings using donated paving slabs to make the transition much easier and safer. My thanks to Martin Firman for his help in obtaining the slabs.

Outstanding Issues

There are a number of outstanding issues with the building needing attention. We are aware of these and things are ‘in hand’.

Paul Whitley

CIO Update

A sub team of the trustees is going through the process of changing the Church from a Charitable Trust to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. (CIO) The team is Peter Knifton, Paul Whitley, and Allan Revers. A CIO is more in keeping with today’s modern charity status, giving more protection to trustees. The process will take up to 18 months to complete. Progress is as follows.

We have had a formal valuation of the property which can be used for land registry. Original trust documents are very old parchment documents that are somewhat fragile. Therefore, we have had certified copies of the trust documents made so we don’t have to send the originals off to the land registry.

The next step is for Allan Revers to make a formal application to the land registry and Charities Commission to convert to CIO status. This will take place later in the year.

Peter Knifton/Paul Whitley

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2 Spiritual

Pastoral Leadership Team

What follows is an overview of some of the various activities that make up a snapshot of the life of Headley Down Community Church. There are many things that are initiated and undertaken by others who may not get a mention but they are much valued "heroes".

The Gathering

If we look at the life of the church, we can see how this has been happening over the last year. One of the features of our Sunday gathering is the time of open prayer that we include in the worship service. It's a time when we get real about praying for those we love who are suffering ill health or other difficulties and we have seen many answers to prayer.

We also respond to the wider needs of the world outside of Headley Down seen during times we have not only prayed for international situations but given sacrificially to our mission partners, (Samaritans Purse) who are on the ground in Ukraine and other places of need around the world.

Leading the church

The Pastoral Leadership Team have met every month, in online meetings and face to face over the year and have overseen the many pastoral areas of the church, whether it be the services, special events, pastoral one-on-one meetings or whatever it might be.

We are all encouraged to see what God is doing among us and watch with delight as He grows His church among us. Currently, the PLT consists of John Russell, Rev. Elizabeth Knifton, Julian Gilbertson and Cathie Russell. It was with some sadness that we said "goodbye" to Marc Nuttall earlier in the year. Marc and Valentina are currently worshipping at a church in Haslemere.

I, John Russell, represent the team as pastoral leader and am responsible for the weekly news bulletin, worship team and special events like Alpha and The Chosen screenings.

Elizabeth is our spiritual advisor, safeguarding officer and chair of the trustees. Julian is responsible for oversight of the church website https://www.hdcc.uk

Cathie has responsibility for pastoral care, safeguarding, DBS procurement, hall bookings and fundraising initiatives for the building fund.

Each of the team take turns in preaching with assistance from others.

To conclude, it has been a joy to see what the Lord has done among us by His Spirit over the last year and we look forward to experiencing what He will do among us in the future.

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Prayer

The twice- weekly online prayer meetings are another place where we bring to the Lord, the many needs of others, and also a place where we have not only seen miraculous things take place, but a place where the Lord communicates with us, guiding our thoughts through His Word, the Bible and other means like "pictures" and spiritual revelation.

Music and Worship

Returning to our Sunday meetings and the other occasional evening gatherings for prayer, praise, and worship We use a combination of old and new songs, always in a contemporary style as best we can but also with a focus fixed on worshipping God, the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. The style is simply a reflection of who we are and what we are becoming. As the Lord continues to presence himself in the praises of His people, we can expect new things and new approaches to our worship to be a hallmark of where the Lord is taking us.

We continue to develop our worship team skills by meeting once a month to hone skills and learn songs. We have welcomed Paul Chiles over the last year to assist in worship leading for us.

Thank you to all those who, as always have gone the extra mile in serving in this ministry, particularly when they had to be at the church for 9:30 to setup and rehearse. Our thanks go to Paul C, Martin, Pauline, John and Fiona, Paul W, Maggie and Kieran.

Home Groups

We currently have two active home groups. The first meets on Monday afternoons and is run by Pauline Firman. The other meets on Monday evenings and is run by John and Cathie Russell. Home groups are the best environments for taking things a bit deeper and as a church we recommend that everyone consider be a part of one of these groups. We will happily expand the home group network if needs be.

The Food Bank

A large part of the week is taken up with the activities of the Food Bank, which has been going for some 16 years now and has never run out of resources to help those who are in food poverty. This is the goodness of God at work among us.

Social Gatherings

The Wednesday lunch, taking place during the Food Bank has grown into an amazing "deeper" point of contact with local people, with relationships being built continually. The same is true with the Friday Coffee Time.

It is sometimes said that the measure of a church's effectiveness in the community can be seen if that church was suddenly not there anymore. Would the community miss it?

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Special Love Offerings

As mentioned earlier, on occasion we have responded to the needs of the wider world by raising funds in our gatherings for the benefit of others.

Recently, on the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine we gave a significant sum to Samaritan's Purse in support of the people of Ukraine as the war continues.

These love offerings demonstrate the heart of Headley Down Community Church. We are not a wealthy church financially by any stretch but we do have a very big heart.

John Russell – Pastor Pastoral Leadership Team

A Congregational Voice

‘I am far from perfect…

It has been an interesting journey and I am sure the Way led me to HDCC last year. (Yes, it has been nearly a year ago now).

The pre-story is not important, though I had never regularly attended a congregation; that changed

last year…

HDCC for me is peaceful, humble, joyful and its members are a wonderful church family – I love the format… I love being able to sing out loud and feel the energy/spirit at HDCC.

I have enjoyed learning the messages from the Bible (Romans was particularly wonderful and that journey up the hill and down the other side was really fantastic. It definitely touched a chord).

So, from a healing soul thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for bending the Way for me to HDCC and thank you all at HDCC for making space for me….’

Stuart Tussler

The Weekly Bulletin

The weekly bulletin lists those who have indicated a desire to be remembered in prayer and is refreshed, largely on a monthly basis, in order to keep the list meaningful. It also contains the weekly prayer diary and a list of upcoming events. Included are other items of interest to the members and friends of Headley Down Community Church. The weekly bulletin is posted on the Headley Down Community Church website and is currently also emailed to some in the wider church family.

John Russell

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Pauline and Martin’s Home Group

Our Home Group, consisting of 9 people, continue to meet every Monday afternoon from 3-5pm. During the year, we have studied various subjects including a video called “I, Daniel Blake”, which encouraged us to think about how, as Christians we treat people who have fallen on hard times. We completed a Bible Study on both the Book of Daniel and the Book of Romans which fell in line with the 2023 sermon series on Romans. Just recently, we watched the film of the musical "Les Miserables", whilst following a 6 -week Bible Study course. We were all moved and amazed at the Christian content in the film and how the study highlighted how God can change a person, even in the hardest of times and the importance of forgiveness and grace.

Pauline Firman

Samaritans Purse (Shoe Box Appeal)

The Samaritans Purse Shoe box appeal continues to grow year on year. This year, Headley Down Community Church became a ‘Hub’ for the shoe box appeal. This means that other contributors brought their boxes to this church, from where they were collected directly, with our own donations, to be taken to the central warehouse for processing. It is a testament to the dedication of Linda and her team that the Shoe Box appeal has flourished as well as ever. Items, gifts of cash, and an army of knitters supplied hats, scarves, and gloves throughout the year, to fill the boxes stored in Linda’s newly created store room. Many people donated money, which enabled us to buy any extra items to complete boxes and pay towards delivery costs. We also sent out crocheted hearts which went in every box. A symbol of love, in any language!

This year Headley Down Community Church sent out 250 boxes which was truly amazing. Linda’s enthusiasm is boundless, being a year- round dedication.

Keep knitting and we look forward to sending as many, if not more boxes to children in 2024.

Linda Wickenden

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3.Community

Outreach

Over the last year we have continued to use The Chosen series on the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of the disciples.

The seasons one to three episodes were a great introduction to seeing the life of Jesus and the disciples in a different light and proved to be a very powerful medium, sparking a lot of lively discussion in the post screening discussions. Season four promises to take the story further. Each season of The Chosen runs to eight episodes and we spread them over an eight-week period.

Although the Alpha Course introduced many to a deeper reality in Christ, the showing of The Chosen has invited people to "look again" at the Jesus they thought they knew and discover fresh insight.

Alpha is a long course at 10-12 weeks and is a massive undertaking for a small church. We may well look at doing Alpha again soon but I wonder if the model that we have developed for showing The Chosen might be a more manageable undertaking in the short term.

We could add the Alpha style food element to The Chosen showings which alongside the episodes themselves and the ensuing discussion would make it quite and event. Even the folk behind Alpha itself have recommended that churches look at these ideas as a possibility.

Of course, our outreach is not just about "courses", our whole orientation towards sharing our faith means that much of what we do is oriented towards a missional mindset. From the Food Bank lunches and Coffee Time events to the monthly Big Breakfast service, which has a specific "challenge" to encounter Christ within it, they all carry the desire to introduce people to the goodness of God in Christ.

John Russell - Pastor

Pastoral Co-Ordinator

As Pastoral Co-Ordinator I oversee any pastoral needs of the church. There is an informal structure of pastoral care in place within the home groups and various interest and friendship groups, and generally this works extremely well with people looking out and caring for one another. However, with the church continuing to develop and grow, it is important to have a point of contact, to ensure that no-one is missed.

The aim of pastoral care is to offer friendship and support to everyone within the fellowship and give assistance, where appropriate, to anyone who is struggling whether due to illness or isolation.

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Various groups and regular activities at the church have given the opportunity for both the church and village community to join in and enjoy socialising together. This has been appreciated and enjoyed by many, particularly those who may feel lonely or isolated at times.

'Listening Ear' is also available for individuals to talk confidentially at a deeper level and to receive prayer when requested.

It is good to be mindful of all those around us who would benefit from being welcomed into the friendship and social groups of the church each week.

For any pastoral concerns, please feel free to contact me on 07964764494.

Cathie Russell

Listening Ear

While this ministry is still in place, it has seen a hiatus in recent months while Reverend Elizabeth has undergone health treatment and Steve Cooper has been away on a long-term break.

Paul Whitley (Editor)

Food Bank

For this report, I am focusing on the communication the Food Bank is having within the community. Before Christmas, Martin attended a Food Bank and Pantry meeting (EHDC) in Petersfield, on the same day as I was attending a coffee morning at Woodlands Hall concerning local charities in the area, where I met with one of our local Councillors, a Social Prescriber from Badgerswood Surgery and various others. I attended 2 further meetings in January, both at Woodlands Hall – these meetings are held on a regular basis and sometimes I am asked to speak about the Food Bank. Last summer, we had two Social Prescribers for Grayshott Surgery come along to see what the Food Bank provided in the community. Subsequently, Martin and I were invited by Dr Akande to meet with him to discuss how we could further work together to help people in the area i.e doctors/Social Prescribers referring patients who need help with food or other concerns they may have.

During last year, we had various organisations wishing to visit the Food Bank. A representative from South East Water came to give advice about saving water and reducing water bills. Also, a representative of the Citizens Advice Bureau has visited a few times during the year to help with any queries people might have. Before Christmas Eileen and I were invited to Bordon Citizens Advice Bureau’s Open Morning, to represent the Food Bank and help anyone during the morning. In October, we had a representative from Stay Warm (HCC) come to give help and advice about keeping warm.

In February, I was invited to the first Collection Hub meeting in Grayshott, organised by Grayshott Surgery to speak about the Food Bank.

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Our aim in the Food Bank is to be able to give information to families on various charities/organisations that can help them with a particular problem, as well as provide bags of food - various organisations are very eager to come along to the Food Bank to help. Thanks go to a very supportive and caring team, who show dedication and freely give of their time.

Pauline Firman - Food Bank Co-ordinator

A Food Bank Voice

Always a warm welcome from the HDCC team on Wednesdays, and a chance to chat while Julie, Paul and Linda provide a delicious lunch, cake, and a cup of tea. Pauline and Martin’s support is also greatly appreciated. Eileen and Emma always have a cheery word when we collect our bag of food. We thank all those who help us in so many ways; community care at its best!

Malcolm and Family

Coffee Time

Coffee Time continues on Friday mornings at 10.30am until

| 12pm.Fresh coffee, tea and cakes, usually homemade, are on offer each week. We are open to the community and continue to encourage neighbours and friends to use the facilities and pop in for a cuppa and ; company. Donations only are requested for the refreshments. Numbers remain around 16-20 most weeks, but it is encouraging to see new faces and visitors coming through at different times. It is a lovely opportunity to meet with friends for a chat.

On a couple of occasions during the summer, we held Coffee-Time outside amongst the trees. Over the last couple of sessions, we have also introduced Board games and cards as an additional activity for anyone who fancies a game while they enjoy the refreshments.

Grateful thanks go to my Coffee Time team of volunteers who commit to helping in this very enjoyable and worthwhile venture.

Cathie Russell

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Food Bank Lunches

Food Bank Lunches have been a great success. We have approximately 30 regular customers who know they can come and get a hot meal, and have a chat. The atmosphere is amazing with lots of laughter, love and hugs, and prayer if needed. I would like to say a big thank you to all helpers who make this such a success. Thanks be to God for his wonderful provision.

Julie Standing

Chatterboxes

Chatterboxes is a craft and hobby group that runs every Tuesday from 10am till 12pm.and from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. The activity was extended this year into the afternoon for those who couldn’t make the morning session. Members of the community come along to the church hall and enjoy the company of others while doing their particular craft skill. We have dress makers, crochet and knitting ladies, dot bead pictures, drawing and doodlers.

On average, there is between 6 and 10 people each week, each person giving a £1 donation to cover refreshments provided. As the group has grown, more people are also supplying cakes to add to the friendly atmosphere. The group has been running for a year now and has been a great success.

Julie Cook

Mens Ministry

Prior to the Covid pandemic the church ran for many years, a Men’s Breakfast activity on a monthly basis, open to all men within or attached to the church in some way. These Men’s Breakfasts mostly took place at various café or hotel venues in the locality and were quite popular. At the beginning of 2024 it was agreed that we should recommence these Men’s Ministry meals again, but having approached the men with choices between breakfasts as before – or evening meals at local venues – the majority said they favoured evening meals midweek but home-cooked and held in the church hall.

Fortunately, Kieran Menon offered to be chef and as he had already completed his Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate, we were able to go ahead.

The first evening on 21[st] February was a “Pie and a Pint Night” attended by 8 men, and the second a “Curry Night” on the 27[th] March attended by 10 chaps – and both evenings were appreciated with thanks extended to Kieran for the wonderful food on offer. In fact, one attendee Tony, even made an additional curry in a different flavour!

At the time of this report we have possible invitations to 20 men, and as time goes on we hope to

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build on this number so this ministry will not to be just an internal event but act as outreach also.

The next meal will be a “Sausage & Mash Night” on Thursday 25 April. If anyone knows of any men who could be invited to come along, please let me know.

Martin Firman

Community Communication

Whatsapp

The main church communication platform is our HDCC Community Chat on Whatsapp. If you wish to join the group, contact Pauline Firman.

Parish Magazine

The Headley Parish issues a monthly magazine in which both HDCC and the Food Bank always feature with a report. Reports for the church are written alternate months by Martin Firman and Paul Whitley. The Food Bank report is written by Pauline Firman.

Website:

The new website for Headley Down Community Church is www.hdcc.uk

Paul Whitley

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4 Children & Youth

Youth Church - Girls Together

'Girls Together' meet every third Sunday of the month in the Cabin. Caroline Berwick and I run the group together. Each session is based around our faith, our lives and characters and themes from the Bible and along with discussion, we include chatting, playing games and craft activities.

We are currently holding the group for girls between the ages of 10 -13 years and usually have 2-

4 girls participating each month. We would love to see more coming along regularly and continue

to cater for this age group as necessary.

Cathie Russell

Junior Church

Junior church has continued to thrive of late with a regular group of between six and ten children attending each session. Themes have been topical and based on popular bible stories. Teaching has been enhanced occasionally, with the use of technology, showing videos and pictures to keep young minds motivated. Thanks go to the Junior Church team, coordinated by Eileen Matthews, which include Eileen, Julie Cook, and Emma Bonner. Thank you for your hard work and dedication in this valuable ministry.

Eileen Matthews

Headley Down Chatterbox Children

Chatterbox Children has evolved into a monthly craft group where parents are invited to come with their children, bringing their own crafts and hobbies with them. They can sit and chat with other adults while their children can also play in safe environment, and indulge in a morning of crafts and smiles.

Julie Cook

5 Administrative & Other Services

Hall Bookings

Throughout the year, the hall can be booked out to members of the church and the wider community for both one-off functions or as a regular booking.

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We continue to have one regular outside booking alongside the different activities hosted by the church. Bookings are fitted in between the various church activities which utilise the hall regularly throughout the week. Hopefully the hall will be booked out more frequently this year as it all helps to bring in a small amount of income.

A simple Conditions of Hire and Booking Form is completed for each booking and payment is usually taken in cash.

Bookings can be made via me, the hall bookings manager on 07964764494 or email: cathierussell@headleydown.com

Cathie Russell

Church Cleaning

The church has been cleaned regularly each week for the past year. In February 2024 we held a Work Day when windows were cleaned inside and out. The Barrel heaters at the front of the church were also cleaned.

Eileen Matthews

Fundraising for The Building – Update

As Fundraising Co-Ordinator, my job is to work on a fundraising strategy to enable the church to raise funds for the planned building initiative. This involves organising and helping with fundraising activities which include events, grant applications, recruiting volunteers and coordinating their work, planning donation campaigns, and working towards targets.

The trustees are currently working on changing the church from a charitable trust to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). When this has been completed, we can move onto the next step of reviewing the building project.

Once we have an agreed building plan, we can begin our grant applications, which is where most of our finance is likely to come from. Meanwhile we continue to add to the fund through donations and fundraising events and we have recently reached the target of over £200,000. The final total of our fundraising this year is confirmed by our Treasurer's report.

My thanks go to all those who have donated to the building fund or have organised, participated and attended fundraising events.

Cathie Russell

20

6. Finance

6.1 General Fund

Thank you to all donors for your generous giving during 2023.

The chart below shows the breakdown of income received in the year.

Income £32,721

----- Start of picture text -----
Donations
Fundraising £858
Sundry
£929
Income £554
Bank Interest
£1,290
Gift Aid £4,681
Collections
e
and SO
£24,409
The next chart shows how the incoming resources were used.
Use of Resources
Outward Giving, Fundraising,
£3,000 £424
Surplus, £83
Professional
Fees, £3,592
Administration, Ministry Costs,
£1,914 £15,331
Property
Maintenance,
£2,492
e@
Utilities,
Cleaning and
Insurance,
£5,885
----- End of picture text -----

Expenditure £32,638

The next chart shows how the incoming resources were used.

21

Electricity costs rose sharply in 2023 when the two- year fixed contract ended and was replaced with a one-year fixed contract at double the previous prices.

Professional Fees included a £2,800 top up to the provision for the anticipated legal fees that will be incurred to support the transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The provision total was £6,300 at the end of 2023. Also included was a £792 fee for valuation of the HDCC land and buildings. This was needed for registration with HM Land & Registry as part of the transition requirements.

The Outward Giving schedule for 2023 comprised donations of £250 from the Church to each of 12 different registered charities, approved by the Trustees. The Trustees welcome any suggestions to be considered for inclusion in the outward giving schedule each year.

In addition to the outward giving from church funds, there were two special collections made to support Turkey, Syria, Morocco and Libya following earthquakes and flooding. The total amount collected was £1,539 and this was paid over to the Samaritan’s Purse appeal funds. Many thanks to those who donated so generously.

6.2 Food Bank Fund

Yet another record year for the Food Bank. Our thanks go to all donors for their kind and generous contributions and to our volunteers for their commitment to the cause. Total income was £77,950 as shown in the chart below.

----- Start of picture text -----
Income
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Cash Donations Bank Interest
at Food Bank £1,290
£7,316
Gift Aid £4,383
Corporate
Donations
Grants Received
£3,148
£40,355
Personal =
Donations
£21,458
----- End of picture text -----

Grants were received from the National Lottery £20,000, Hampshire County Council £10,000, The Hampshire and Isle of White Community Foundation £6,000, Headley Voluntary Care £1,800, Woolmer Lions Club £1,000, The Neighbourly £555 (Lidl) and Local Giving Ltd £500.

Corporate donations included amounts from The Counter at Grayshott.

22

Expenditure

The use of Food Bank resources is shown in the chart below,

----- Start of picture text -----
Use of Resources
Food
Vouchers,
£25,725
Funds Carried
Forward to Food
2024, £72,831 Purchases,
£22,509
Utility Top-
Ups, £3,120
: Admin Costs,
£299 Distribution
Costs, £3,893
----- End of picture text -----

Demand for support increased significantly in 2023 and expenditure on food and food vouchers rose to meet this.

The arrival of significant grants from the National Lottery and Hampshire County Council at the end of 2023 ensured that a healthy level of funds were carried forward to meet continuation of high demand in 2024.

6.3 Building Fund

The Building Fund advanced by £7,741 in 2023 to a milestone total of £200,122. Income comprised £5,231 bank interest, donations of £1,287, fundraising £992 and gift aid £231.

There was no expenditure.

6.4 Gift Aid

Gift Aid of £9,296 was recovered from HMRC for the tax year 2022-23, including the gift aid small donations scheme for individual cash donations up to £30.

The total was allocated to general, food bank and building funds in proportion to the underlying donations received. Thank you to all donors who gift aid their donations to HDCC.

23

6.5 Reserves

General Funds are unrestricted and represent the financial reserves of the church. The funds are available for all general expenses incurred by the Church. The total on 31[st] December 2023 was £41,628.

The Food Bank and Building Funds are restricted. The closing values carried forward were £72,831 and £200,122 respectively.

6.6 Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet

Accounts for the year ended 31[st] Dec 2023 are in the appendix to this report.

Allan Revers, Treasurer

24

Headley Down Community Church

Registered Charity No.1095819

Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

Page 2 Statement of Financial Activities
Page 3 Balance Sheet
Pages 4-7 Notes to the Accounts
Page 8 Examiner’s Report

Page 1 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Incoming Resources
Collections at Church/FB
Collections Direct to Bank
Sub Total
Donations
Grants (Note 2)
Event Donations & Fundraising
Gift Aid (Note 7)
Hall Lettings
Sundry Income
Interest received
Total Incoming Resources
Resources Used
Pastoral Assistant and
Expenses
Food Purchases
Food Distribution Costs
Administration Costs
Design and Planning Costs
Legal Fees
Media Costs
IT and HDCC Website
Electricity and Water
Insurance
Cleaning
Property Repairs &
Maintenance
Grounds Maintenance
Fixed Asset Depreciation
Events Cost
Youth Activities
Outward Giving (Note 3)
Total Resources Used
Net Movement In Funds		 General
Funds		 Food
Bank
Funds		 Building
Funds		 Total
2023		 Total
2022
£ £ £ £ £
579
23,830		 7,316 7,895
23,830		 2,916
22,341
24,409
858
929
4,681
320
234
1,290		 7,316
24,606
40,355
4,383
1,290		 1,287
992
232
5,230		 31,725
26,751
40,355
1,921
9,296
320
234
7,810		 25,257
29,107
31,453
3,077
9,171
370
302
2,577
32,721 77,950 7,741 118,412 101,314
14,979
352
632
3,592
389
893
3,013
976
1,896
1,197
420
875
424
3,000		 22,509
3,893
299
28,845		 14,979
22,861
3,893
931
3,592
389
893
3,013
976
1,896
1,197
420
875
424
31,845		 14,942
12,834
3,226
749
3,720
1,300
359
973
2,160
921
1,643
5,656
160
875
1,047
696
25,815
32,638 55,546 0 88,184 77,076
84 22,403 7,741 30,228 24,238

Page 2 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

BALANCE SHEET at 31[st] December 2023

Food
General Bank Building Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets(Note 4) 14,882 14,882 15,757
Current Assets
Bank Current Accounts 1,286 2 1,288 2,738
Cambridge & Counties Bank 83,500 83,500 83,500
Redwood Bank 69,769 69,769 82,566
Skipton Building Society 36,679 46,791 83,470 23,106
United Trust Bank 7,116 72,226 79,342 65,437
Charity Bank 26,020
Saffron Building Society 60 60 60
Beverley Building Society 1 1 56
Cash in Hand 106 605 0 711 1,005
Total Current Assets 45,188 72,831 200,122 318,141 284,488
Current Liabilities (Note 5) (16,721) (16,721) (14,097)
Deferred Income (Note 6) (1,721) (1,721) (1,796)
Total Assets 41,628 72,831 200,122 314,581 284,352
Reserves
Surplus for year 84 22,403 7,741 30,228 24,238
Brought forward 41,544 50,428 192,381 284,353 260,114
Total Reserves 41,628 72,831 200,122 314,581 284,352
Represented by Funds(Note 8)
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total		 41,628
41,628
41,544
72,831
200,122
272,953
242,308
41,628
72,831
200,122
314,581
283,852
~~LEE~~

1[st] March 2024

Rev G E Knifton Chair of Trustees

Page 3 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts

1) Accounting Policies

The financial statement has been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice

2) Grants Received
The National Lottery
Hampshire CC Community Grants
Hants and IOW Community Foundation
Headley Voluntary Care
Woolmer Lions Club
Local Giving Ltd
The Neighbourly
EHDC Defra
EDHC Councillor Grant
CALEB Trust
Deferred Grants
Total		 FB Funds
Total
2023
2022
£
£
20,000
10,000
15,000
6,000
7,450
1,800
300
1,000
1,600
500
500
555
4,000
1,532
1,000
71
40,355
31,453
3) Outward Giving
Charity
24-7 Prayer
Acorn Healing
Connect
Home-Start Hampshire
Hope For Justice
Mercy Ships
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice
Samaritan's Purse - Shoebox
Samaritan's Purse - Ukraine
Step By Step Aldershot
Street Angels Guildford
Tear Fund
Others
Food Bank Recipients:
Food Vouchers
Utility Cards
Total Outward Giving		 General
Funds		 Food Bank
Funds		 Total
2023		 Total
2022
£ £ £ £
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
200
250
250
300
250		 21,255
7,590		 250
250
250
250
250
250
250
200
250
250
300
250
21,255
7,590		 100
100
300
200
100
100
100
200
250
200
200
100
850
18,335
4,680
3,000 28,845 31,845 25,815

Page 4 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

3) Outward Giving (continued)

There were two special collections for charity appeals during the year. The amounts collected and paid over to the respective charities are shown below.

Special Collections Amount
£
Samaritan’s Purse - Earthquake Appeal Turkey and Syria 947
Samaritan’s Purse-Morocco and Libya Appeal 592
Total 1,539

4) Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets represents the expenditure on a wooden cabin erected in the church grounds for use by the Food Bank and for Youth Activities. It has an estimated useful life of 20 years and is depreciated on a straight line basis with zero residual value.

Fixed Assets Cost Accumulated
Depreciation b/fwd		 Depreciation
Charge in Year		 Net Value
£ £ £ £
Cabin 17,508 (1,751) (875) 14,882

The original church buildings date back to 1921 and there was an extension built in 1983. The conveyance of land and buildings in 1921 was for a value of £200.

Historically the charity accounts have not recorded any value for land and buildings. Any historic value for buildings would be fully written down to zero in the 2023 accounts if they had been included on the balance sheet.

The church governing document in 1921 restricts the use of land to use for religious purposes only. The Trustees intend to create a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and transfer all current Charity assets and liabilities to the new CIO, subject to Charity Commission approval.

As a first step in this process the Trustees have obtained a professional valuation of the land and buildings on a Discounted Replacement Cost (DRC) asset valuation basis. A DRC valuation is defined as:

The current cost of replacing an asset with its modern equivalent asset less deductions for physical deterioration and all relevant forms of obsolescence and optimisation.

Its purpose is to provide an asset value for a property that is specialised in nature and has no recognisable Open Market use.

The valuation was carried out on 16[th] October 2023. The valuation amount was £340,000 including the cabin.

Page 5 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

5) Current Liabilities

Property Repairs &
Maintenance Provision
Legal Fees Provision
Overpaid Grant from
HIWCF
Accruals
Total		 General
Funds		 Food Bank
Funds		 Building
Funds		 Total
2023		 Total
2022
£ £ £ £ £
(7,000) (7,000) (7,000)
(6,300) (6,300) (3,500)
(1,200)
(3,421) (3,421) (2,397)
(16,721) (16,721) (14,097)

Property Repairs and Maintenance Provision

The church and hall buildings are old and require a significant level of ongoing repairs and maintenance. Until they are rebuilt a general provision of £7,000 is held to help mitigate the financial impact of any substantial repairs and maintenance in any one year.

Legal Fees Provision

The Church Trustees intend to restructure the church entity from an Unincorporated Charity to a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation, subject to Charity Commission approval.

The provision of £3,500 brought forward from 2022 towards the anticipated cost of legal advice was topped up by £2,800 in 2023 to a total of £6,300.

The Trustees expect that the current provision will now be sufficient.

The professional valuation fee of £792 incurred in 2023 was charged in full to expenditure in the 2023 accounts (see note 4).

Accruals

Page 6 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

6) Deferred Income

6) Deferred Income
Deferred Income Cabin
Grants
£		 K-Kids
Grants
£		 Total
£
Balance b/fwd 01/01/23 (1,350) (446) (1,796)
Amortised to income in 2023:
From prior years 75 75
Balance c/fwd 31/12/23 (1,275) (446) (1,721)

Grants received from East Hampshire District Council and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation for the Cabin in 2020 are accounted for as deferred income and amortised to income over 20 years in line with the estimated life of the Cabin.

Prior year grants received from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation for Youth Activities are included in income in line with expenditure incurred. The remaining balance of grants is deferred.

7) Gift Aid

Income includes gift aid received for the tax year ended 5[th] April 2023.

Current Assets do not include a debtor amount for the gift aid recoverable on eligible donations from 6[th] April to 31[st] December 2023. This amount will be claimed for the tax year ended 5[th] April 2024 and included within income in the 2024 accounts.

8) Funds

Page 7 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Independent examiner’s report on the accounts

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Headley Down Community Church (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2023

Responsibilities and basis 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

K P Menon

13[th] March 2024

Chartered Certified Accountant Coppice Wood 30 Fairview Road Headley Down Hants GU35 8HG

Page 8 of 8

Headley Down Community Church

Registered Charity No.1095819

Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

Page 2 Statement of Financial Activities
Page 3 Balance Sheet
Pages 4-7 Notes to the Accounts
Page 8 Examiner’s Report

Page 1 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31[st] December 2023

Incoming Resources
Collections at Church/FB
Collections Direct to Bank
Sub Total
Donations
Grants (Note 2)
Event Donations & Fundraising
Gift Aid (Note 7)
Hall Lettings
Sundry Income
Interest received
Total Incoming Resources
Resources Used
Pastoral Assistant and
Expenses
Food Purchases
Food Distribution Costs
Administration Costs
Design and Planning Costs
Legal Fees
Media Costs
IT and HDCC Website
Electricity and Water
Insurance
Cleaning
Property Repairs &
Maintenance
Grounds Maintenance
Fixed Asset Depreciation
Events Cost
Youth Activities
Outward Giving (Note 3)
Total Resources Used
Net Movement In Funds		 General
Funds		 Food
Bank
Funds		 Building
Funds		 Total
2023		 Total
2022
£ £ £ £ £
579
23,830		 7,316 7,895
23,830		 2,916
22,341
24,409
858
929
4,681
320
234
1,290		 7,316
24,606
40,355
4,383
1,290		 1,287
992
232
5,230		 31,725
26,751
40,355
1,921
9,296
320
234
7,810		 25,257
29,107
31,453
3,077
9,171
370
302
2,577
32,721 77,950 7,741 118,412 101,314
14,979
352
632
3,592
389
893
3,013
976
1,896
1,197
420
875
424
3,000		 22,509
3,893
299
28,845		 14,979
22,861
3,893
931
3,592
389
893
3,013
976
1,896
1,197
420
875
424
31,845		 14,942
12,834
3,226
749
3,720
1,300
359
973
2,160
921
1,643
5,656
160
875
1,047
696
25,815
32,638 55,546 0 88,184 77,076
84 22,403 7,741 30,228 24,238

Page 2 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

BALANCE SHEET at 31[st] December 2023

Food
General Bank Building Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets(Note 4) 14,882 14,882 15,757
Current Assets
Bank Current Accounts 1,286 2 1,288 2,738
Cambridge & Counties Bank 83,500 83,500 83,500
Redwood Bank 69,769 69,769 82,566
Skipton Building Society 36,679 46,791 83,470 23,106
United Trust Bank 7,116 72,226 79,342 65,437
Charity Bank 26,020
Saffron Building Society 60 60 60
Beverley Building Society 1 1 56
Cash in Hand 106 605 0 711 1,005
Total Current Assets 45,188 72,831 200,122 318,141 284,488
Current Liabilities (Note 5) (16,721) (16,721) (14,097)
Deferred Income (Note 6) (1,721) (1,721) (1,796)
Total Assets 41,628 72,831 200,122 314,581 284,352
Reserves
Surplus for year 84 22,403 7,741 30,228 24,238
Brought forward 41,544 50,428 192,381 284,353 260,114
Total Reserves 41,628 72,831 200,122 314,581 284,352
Represented by Funds(Note 8)
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total		 41,628
41,628
41,544
72,831
200,122
272,953
242,308
41,628
72,831
200,122
314,581
283,852
~~LEE~~

1[st] March 2024

Rev G E Knifton Chair of Trustees

Page 3 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts

1) Accounting Policies

The financial statement has been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice

2) Grants Received
The National Lottery
Hampshire CC Community Grants
Hants and IOW Community Foundation
Headley Voluntary Care
Woolmer Lions Club
Local Giving Ltd
The Neighbourly
EHDC Defra
EDHC Councillor Grant
CALEB Trust
Deferred Grants
Total		 FB Funds
Total
2023
2022
£
£
20,000
10,000
15,000
6,000
7,450
1,800
300
1,000
1,600
500
500
555
4,000
1,532
1,000
71
40,355
31,453
3) Outward Giving
Charity
24-7 Prayer
Acorn Healing
Connect
Home-Start Hampshire
Hope For Justice
Mercy Ships
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice
Samaritan's Purse - Shoebox
Samaritan's Purse - Ukraine
Step By Step Aldershot
Street Angels Guildford
Tear Fund
Others
Food Bank Recipients:
Food Vouchers
Utility Cards
Total Outward Giving		 General
Funds		 Food Bank
Funds		 Total
2023		 Total
2022
£ £ £ £
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
200
250
250
300
250		 21,255
7,590		 250
250
250
250
250
250
250
200
250
250
300
250
21,255
7,590		 100
100
300
200
100
100
100
200
250
200
200
100
850
18,335
4,680
3,000 28,845 31,845 25,815

Page 4 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

3) Outward Giving (continued)

There were two special collections for charity appeals during the year. The amounts collected and paid over to the respective charities are shown below.

Special Collections Amount
£
Samaritan’s Purse - Earthquake Appeal Turkey and Syria 947
Samaritan’s Purse-Morocco and Libya Appeal 592
Total 1,539

4) Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets represents the expenditure on a wooden cabin erected in the church grounds for use by the Food Bank and for Youth Activities. It has an estimated useful life of 20 years and is depreciated on a straight line basis with zero residual value.

Fixed Assets Cost Accumulated
Depreciation b/fwd		 Depreciation
Charge in Year		 Net Value
£ £ £ £
Cabin 17,508 (1,751) (875) 14,882

The original church buildings date back to 1921 and there was an extension built in 1983. The conveyance of land and buildings in 1921 was for a value of £200.

Historically the charity accounts have not recorded any value for land and buildings. Any historic value for buildings would be fully written down to zero in the 2023 accounts if they had been included on the balance sheet.

The church governing document in 1921 restricts the use of land to use for religious purposes only. The Trustees intend to create a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and transfer all current Charity assets and liabilities to the new CIO, subject to Charity Commission approval.

As a first step in this process the Trustees have obtained a professional valuation of the land and buildings on a Discounted Replacement Cost (DRC) asset valuation basis. A DRC valuation is defined as:

The current cost of replacing an asset with its modern equivalent asset less deductions for physical deterioration and all relevant forms of obsolescence and optimisation.

Its purpose is to provide an asset value for a property that is specialised in nature and has no recognisable Open Market use.

The valuation was carried out on 16[th] October 2023. The valuation amount was £340,000 including the cabin.

Page 5 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

5) Current Liabilities

Property Repairs &
Maintenance Provision
Legal Fees Provision
Overpaid Grant from
HIWCF
Accruals
Total		 General
Funds		 Food Bank
Funds		 Building
Funds		 Total
2023		 Total
2022
£ £ £ £ £
(7,000) (7,000) (7,000)
(6,300) (6,300) (3,500)
(1,200)
(3,421) (3,421) (2,397)
(16,721) (16,721) (14,097)

Property Repairs and Maintenance Provision

The church and hall buildings are old and require a significant level of ongoing repairs and maintenance. Until they are rebuilt a general provision of £7,000 is held to help mitigate the financial impact of any substantial repairs and maintenance in any one year.

Legal Fees Provision

The Church Trustees intend to restructure the church entity from an Unincorporated Charity to a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation, subject to Charity Commission approval.

The provision of £3,500 brought forward from 2022 towards the anticipated cost of legal advice was topped up by £2,800 in 2023 to a total of £6,300.

The Trustees expect that the current provision will now be sufficient.

The professional valuation fee of £792 incurred in 2023 was charged in full to expenditure in the 2023 accounts (see note 4).

Accruals

Page 6 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

6) Deferred Income

6) Deferred Income
Deferred Income Cabin
Grants
£		 K-Kids
Grants
£		 Total
£
Balance b/fwd 01/01/23 (1,350) (446) (1,796)
Amortised to income in 2023:
From prior years 75 75
Balance c/fwd 31/12/23 (1,275) (446) (1,721)

Grants received from East Hampshire District Council and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation for the Cabin in 2020 are accounted for as deferred income and amortised to income over 20 years in line with the estimated life of the Cabin.

Prior year grants received from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation for Youth Activities are included in income in line with expenditure incurred. The remaining balance of grants is deferred.

7) Gift Aid

Income includes gift aid received for the tax year ended 5[th] April 2023.

Current Assets do not include a debtor amount for the gift aid recoverable on eligible donations from 6[th] April to 31[st] December 2023. This amount will be claimed for the tax year ended 5[th] April 2024 and included within income in the 2024 accounts.

8) Funds

Page 7 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Independent examiner’s report on the accounts

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Headley Down Community Church (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2023

Responsibilities and basis 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

K P Menon

13[th] March 2024

Chartered Certified Accountant Coppice Wood 30 Fairview Road Headley Down Hants GU35 8HG

Page 8 of 8