2024-12-31-accounts - Headley Down Community Church

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HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT 2025

Headley Down Community Church

Eddey’s Lane, Headley Down, GU35 8HU

www.hdcc.uk

Registered Charity No. 1095819

Headley Down Community Church Team HDCC ~ “T he Church in HD ”

Trustees

– Rev Elizabeth Knifton Chair of Trustees

Cathie Russell Peter Knifton Paul Whitley Paul Chiles

Pastoral Leadership Team

– John Russell Lead Pastor Rev Elizabeth Knifton Cathie Russell Julian Gilbertson

Treasurer Pastoral Care and Hall Bookings - Safeguarding Co ordinator

Buildings Manager Health & Safety Officer - Food Bank Co ordinator

Allan Revers Cathie Russell

Rev. Elizabeth Knifton Paul Whitley Paul Whitley Pauline Firman

– ANNUAL REPORT May 2025

INTRODUCTION

The Annual Report for 2024-2025 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 21) Administrative & Other Services (Page 22) Finance ( Page 23 and Appendix 1

Hopes were raised this year in the opportunity to acquire Woodlands Hall as a new venue for

worship. Unfortunately, this was not God’s plan for us, and Woodlands Hall was offered to another operator. The focus must now settle firmly on what we do next in our present, cherished church building. That is for the Trustees and the Worship team to discuss in the coming months. Watch this space.

Sadly, war is still raging across many parts of the world and countries are being oppressed by greater powers. In a world where powerful leaders seem to make rash decisions, we pray for common sense to prevail in a democratic world. We pray for peace in a troubled world. We pray for God’s intervention in our Christian world.

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

1 Practical

Last year, I discussed Jesus’ instructions, known as ‘The Great Commission,’ found in Matthew 28:18-20. These were his final words before ascending to heaven. We concluded they were a command, not a suggestion, and that we should be a missional church.

We also looked at the power that would accompany us on this mission - the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us in Acts 1:8 that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.

Two critical things for any church that wishes to follow Jesus.

This year I want to go a little bit deeper

In Matthew 16:16-17, Jesus asks the disciples who they think he is. They give various answers, but Peter declares, “You are the Messiah (Christ), the son of the Living God!” Jesus replies, “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”

The key point is that this revelation came to Peter, it was not something he had heard or learned. It was a moment of pure certainty.

Christians often share their experience of the living Christ with this kind of certainty.

I would like to consider some fundamental aspects of following Christ in the coming year. Let us meditate on these things and gain new insights into our identity and purpose.

Things like:

What actually happened when we became born again?
What did Jesus actually achieve for us in His death, burial and resurrection?
What does it mean to be a new creation and no longer who you were?
What did your water baptism really mean? Did you just get wet, or do you know what happened?

We are going to start this off by taking a broad look at ourselves as a church starting in May with "Jesus' Vision for the Church", then Building a Firm Foundation", followed by "God's Vision for HDCC" and finally "A Blind Visionary" It will be a great adventure. Then we may move onto the above questions later in the year.

John Russell – Pastor

April 2025

Trustee Report.

The past year has seen a world full of turmoil, with conflicts still raging in Ukraine as well as Gaza and Israel; we continue to pray as a church for world events and respond financially were appropriate through Samaritans Purse.

The Foodbank continues to come alongside those in need locally with food, and additional help during the school holidays supplying Tesco vouchers as well as energy support. It has been very encouraging to see the Wednesday lunches so well attended.

As a Church Family we believe we are called to support those in need physically, spiritually, and emotionally and prayer is available at every event we organize.

– HDCC has two teams working closely together the Trustees, and the Pastoral Leadership Team who meet monthly to attend to spiritual and practical matters relating to all church activities. The Trustees meet four times a year with extra meetings as necessary.

We continue to be grateful for, and to Allan Revers, our Treasurer, who covers the church ’ s financial matters and ensures the Church remains solvent.

Much work was done on the proposal to take on Woodlands Hall; sadly, this was not successful but has focused our minds on Church governance and how to best use our resources.

Many of you will know that the church is governed by an ancient Trust Deed document and we are working hard to move from this to an up-to-date Community Incorporated Organization (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 continues to be made but it is a slow process.

We welcomed Paul Chiles as a new Trustee who proved invaluable in putting together our Woodlands Hall bid. Although we were unsuccessful nothing is wasted in God’s economy and we look forward to what God has for us next.

The Trustees have renewed the appointment of John Russell as Pastor of the church and Revd. Elizabeth Knifton as Spiritual Adviser.

Elizabeth Knifton - Chair of Trustees

Health and Safety

Within my role as Buildings Manager, I also assume 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 need 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 2024, this included slates being replaced on the main church roof.

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

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 2024, all to the benefit and safety of the church in which we worship.

During negotiations and planning for our Woodlands Hall bid, several areas of work were put on hold until we knew more about our short -term future on this site. Following the decision by EHDC that we are not the preferred operator; these areas will have to be taken up again and resolved.

Church Roof

The main church roof was professionally repaired with some slates replaced. The internal ceiling was repaired, replastered and the walls repainted.

Vestry Roof

The vestry roof has continued to let in water following a poor repair work by a less than reputable contractor some years ago. As a result, the plaster board ceiling I fitted 3 years ago became damp and fell into the vestry space. This was temporarily repaired on the work day in March.

Work Days

Shortly after the roof repair, Paul Chiles and myself did a much- needed clearing of the gutters on the high eaves of the front of the church to assist drainage.

The work day in March of this year cleared ivy that had re-grown. Windows were cleaned both inside and out and gutters were cleared. The inside of the church was given a Spring Clean and various areas were cleared or tidied by those responsible for that particular area. Having an

excellent gardener that the church employs, there wasn’t much leaf clearing or branch trimming to do. The vestry roof remains a work in progress. The internal ceiling was temporarily repaired following the damp plasterwork falling into the vestry.

These days are not merely work days, but community days when the church comes together as one with a common interest. Refreshments were provided including sandwiches and the ubiquitous cake! My thanks go to the wonderful teams who worked tirelessly to achieve the goal.

Sound Desk

The sound desk, which balances the sounds from voices and musical instruments, was moved to the back of the church by Paul Chiles. In this position, the sound engineer can better judge the results coming from the front of the church. This also tidied up the spaghetti of cables that blighted the front area around the computer desk. A better computer desk was supplied by Paul Chiles, and after minor repairs by Paul Whitley, was installed in the computer corner.

Re-Organisation

The main church has always seemed divided by the table, supporting the old oak reredos, opposite the main entrance to the side of the church. With the movement of the sound desk system to the back of the church, this was an opportunity to hang the reredos on the wall as part of our church’s history. It also revealed a carved wooden panel dedicated to a carpenter who did a lot of work in the church long ago. The worship area is now one complete body of seating.

Paul Whitley

Woodlands Hall

In September 2024, East Hampshire District Council decided that they were going to seek a possible 'Community Asset Transfer' for Woodlands Hall, the community hall in Headley Down. HDCC was approached as one of the possible candidates to take over the running of the hall, either on a leasehold basis (where EHDC would retain ownership and we would just operate the building), or on a freehold basis (where the building ownership would transfer to HDCC). Having made an 'Expression of Interest' to EHDC in September 2024, HDCC was invited to develop a submission saying how we would run the building etc. That was due by the middle of January 2025.

In the last few months of 2024, an excellent team of HDCC members was brought together to develop the submission, which was discussed with the HDCC Trustees and Pastoral Leadership Team. The submission which was sent to EHDC demonstrated how HDCC could build on the over 100-year history of serving the local community, suggesting where we felt there were gaps that we could fill; this included activities covering the whole age range of people in Headley Down.

Sadly, in early April 2025, HDCC was informed that our submission, while very good, had not been

successful. The Team that developed the submission was always of the opinion that 'if this was

what God wanted for HDCC, then He would open doors and provide the resources to deliver on our submission'. We are working on the basis that God has other plans for us and the Trustees will not meet to consider what the next steps should be in developing HDCC and its existing building.

Paul Chiles

CIO Update

Following the opportunity to acquire Woodlands Hall as a new venue for worship, the CIO process was put on hold until the outcome of our bid was resolved. A positive result would have influenced our CIO position. The process has now resumed and the legal path to CIO status moves forward.

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 trustees have made the decision to engage the services of solicitors Russell Cooke to register the HDCC land and buildings with HM Land Registry.

Whilst this process is underway, HDCC will apply to the Charities Commission to create a new charity HDCC CIO.

The process will take some months to complete and updates will be given at general meetings.

Peter Knifton / Paul Whitley

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".

Leading the Church

The Pastoral Leadership Team meet every month, in both online meetings and face to face over the year. They 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.

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

Rev. Elizabeth is our spiritual advisor, Safeguarding Officer and chair of the trustees.

Julian has oversight of the church website https://www.hdcc.uk

Cathie has responsibility for pastoral care, safeguarding, DBS procurement (soon to be outsourced), hall bookings and fundraising initiatives for the building fund.

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

The Gathering

During our Sunday gathering, we include an open prayer time in our worship service. We pray for those we love who are ill or facing difficulties, and we’ve seen many answers to prayer over the years.

We also respond to global needs outside Headley Down. We’ve prayed for international situations and given to our mission partners, like Samaritans Purse, who are in Ukraine and other places of need. Recently, we raised over £400 for the Myanmar earthquake victims, which Samaritans Purse likely used to support their field hospitals.

Paul Chiles, our second worship leader, has been injecting new and old songs into our worship team over the past year. We’re always looking for new singers and instrumentalists to join us. Recently, some of the worship team and others led carol singing at Shannon Court Care Home, and it’s been great to see some of the residents attending our Sunday service and Coffee Time on Fridays.

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

We return 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 worshiping 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. I would also like to thank the support team, Cathie, Monica and Fritzi who assist with the church computer on a Sunday and other times. They make sure you can follow things on the big screen. Also, those who help out on the mixing desk, which has been relocated to the back of the church. We're still troubleshooting some issues with the hearing aid loop but are gradually getting there.

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, Paul W, and Maggie.

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, supported by Paul and Monica Chiles. 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 would love to 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 17 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.

I will say it again, 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?

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.

We continue to raise funds for the work of Samaritan's Purse in support of the people affected by famine and earthquakes, as well as war-torn areas.

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

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, 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

Pauline and Martin’s Home Group

Our Home Group, consisting of 7 people, continue to meet every Monday afternoon from 3-5pm. During the year, we studied Romans, using the Bible Society’s Romans Course video. We used this in conjunction with various weekly Sunday preachings in the church.

We also watched the film The Shack and followed an 8- week study guide. This proved to be very moving and brought out hidden feelings and emotions in many of the group members.

Having enjoyed the Romans study very much, we went on to study The Bible Course, again from the Bible Society. This was a very comprehensive 8- week inter-active study course looking at every book in the Bible.

In our last session before Easter, we looked at Holy Week, the events leading up to the Crucifixion. We read various passages from the Bible and also watched a video showing the actual places where these events took place.

Pauline Firman

Samaritans Purse (Shoe Box Appeal)

The Samaritans Purse Shoe box appeal continues to grow year on year Again, this year, Headley Down Community Church became a ‘Hub’ for local businesses, schools, and individuals to drop their box off at our collection point. These were then 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 251 boxes. In all, over 300 boxes were sent from HDCC 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 2025.

Linda Wickenden

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.

All four seasons are a great introduction to seeing the life of Jesus and the disciples in a different light and they have proven to be a very powerful medium, sparking a lot of lively discussion in the post screening discussions. Season five promises to take the story further and all series of The Chosen will be available on Amazon Prime Video in the summer of 2025.

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 in 2026 but I wonder if the model that we have developed for showing The Chosen might be a more manageable undertaking in the meantime

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.

Of course, our outreach is not just about "courses", our whole orientation towards sharing our faith means that much of what we do is geared towards a missional mindset. From the Food Bank lunches and Coffee Time events to the monthly Cafe Church 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.

To conclude, as always 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 through the rest of the year and into 2026.

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.

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.

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

Food Bank

During this past year, the Food Bank has continued to give help to families in this area who are in need. For most of the year, numbers have stayed steady at 80 families (120 adults + 110 children approx.). During the last 3 months we have seen a decline in numbers and now we are regularly helping approx. 65 families each week. Sadly, with the increased cost of most household bills, we may see an increase again over the next year.

At Christmas time, we gave every family a Christmas hamper, as well as their usual bags of food. We also had a visit from Father Christmas (and The Grinch!) which is very popular with the children.

Lunches, every Wednesday lunchtime, continues to be as popular as ever.

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. To this end, we are pleased to say that a member of the CAB team is now starting to visit us once a month to give up to date help and advice.

God has continued to provide for the Food Bank, both with new helpers and continued funds to be able to buy in the food we need. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes with shopping, organising etc as well as packing the bags and giving them out on Wednesdays. My thanks go to a very supportive and caring team, who show dedication and freely give of their time.

Pauline Firman – Headley Down Food Bank Co-ordinator

Food Bank Lunches

The Food Bank Lunch provision isn ’t just a place to come for lunch on a Wednesday. It is so much more. You can meet up with people for a chat, find help with any problems you need solving, find a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, and a prayer if need one. There will always be somebody there to help you.

This lunchtime initiative has gone from strength to strength with around 30 people attending on a

regular basis each week. We even celebrate birthdays when appropriate.

Come for a chat, food, and laughter. You will be very welcome. Thanks be to God for his wonderful

provision.

Julie Standing

Food Bank Voices

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. Those in the cabin 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

I like coming here because I enjoy your food, also the people and the church.

Lily- May (9)

I like coming here because of the Grinch, (James Palmer) and seeing Paul.

Charlie (4)

I like coming here because I like seeing all the people and it ’ s a great help to single mums. I love all the people who are so friendly and, also a lovely atmosphere.

Sophie (Mum)

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. Board games and cards have been introduced as an additional activity for anyone who enjoys a game with their refreshments, and this will continue to be on offer although not usually taken up.

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

Cathie Russel

Chatterboxes

Chatterboxes is a craft and hobby group that runs every Tuesday from 9.30am till 2.30pm. You can bring your lunch and stay if you wish. 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. All "4 my an

monies raised go to the church funds for future opportunities. As the group has grown, more people are also supplying cakes to add to the friendly atmosphere. The group is in it ’ s third year and continues to be a great success. As an extension to the group, Chatterboxes craft circle runs every 2[nd] Friday from Woodlands Community Hall, 4.30 till 7.30pm.

Julie Cook

Events

The November Craft Fair

In November, HDCC held a craft fair based on the many crafts that are present within our community. Being near Christmas, it was heavily focused in this direction.

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Food Bank Christmas Hamper Day

The food bank held its annual Christmas party day for the children of food bank recipients, when we also gave out our Christmas Hampers.

Community Communication

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

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.

Over the last few months, numbers have dwindled and so any children of differing ages who are present on this Sunday can attend and the activities will be adapted to their age group. We then

become an 'Altogether' group on that day! It has been very disappointing to see less children coming along, but we look to the future as we consider how to develop this important area of church life.

Cathie Russell

Junior Church

Following changes in staffing, the Junior church is suspended for the time being. Children continue to attend the church services and are catered for with suitable materials available at the back of the church. Parents are encouraged to sit with their children to use the materials. Further instruction and suitable, focused materials are provided on Café Church Sundays.

Paul Whitley

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.

Bookings are fitted in between the various church activities which utilise the hall regularly throughout the week. There have only been a few one-off bookings this year, but we are grateful for the additional income whenever they come along and it is always good to see the hall being used by the community.

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 over the past year. In March 2025 we held a Work Day when windows were cleaned inside and out.

– 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 organized, helped and attended fundraising events.

Cathie Russell

6. Finance

Financial Report for 2024

General Church Funds

Income £32,730 , Expenditure £32,265 , Surplus £105 Funds carried forward £41,733 . Details are in the Appendix to this report. Current liabilities include provisions of £8,700 for general building repairs and £6,300 for Legal Fees to restructure the HDCC Charity to a CIO. The remainder is specific cost accruals and deferred income from grants for the cabin and youth activity.

INCOME

Buildings Fund

Funds advanced by £8,942 in 2024 to £209,064 . Details are in the appendix.

The main income was bank interest of £8,179. There was no expenditure.

Food Bank

Income £58,302 , Expenditure £53,202 , Addition to Funds £5,100 Funds carried forward £77,931 . Details are in the appendix to this report.

Grants were received from Hampshire County Council £10,000, The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation £4,000, Headley Voluntary Care £2,250, The Neighbourly £1,510, Woolmer Lions Club £1,000 and East Hants District Council £1,000.

INCOME

Registered Charity No.1095819

Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Page 2 Statement of Financial Activities Page 3 Balance Sheet

Pages 4-7 Notes to the Accounts Page 8 Examiner’s Report

Notes to the Accounts

Page 1 of 8

HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

General Fund	Food Bank Fund	Building Fund	Total 2024	Total 2023
£	£	£	£	£
594 22,045	6,101		6,695 22,045	7,895 23,830
22,639 1,107 2,038 4,272 265 260 1,789	6,101 23,262 19,760 6,381 2,798	305 145 313 8,179	28,740 24,674 19,760 2,183 10,966 265 260 12,766	31,725 26,750 40,355 1,922 9,296 320 234 7,810
32,370	58,302	8,942	99,614	118,412
15,048 304 801 0 290 1,228 2,980 1,016 2,001 3,642 605 875 675 2,800	22,152 4,609 361 460 25,620		15,048 22,456 4,609 1,162 0 290 1,228 3,440 1,016 2,001 3,642 605 875 675 28,420	14,979 22,861 3,893 931 3,592 389 893 3,013 976 1,896 1,197 420 875 424 31,845
32,265	53,202	0	85,467	88,184

105	5,100	8,942	14,147	30,228

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HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819 BALANCE SHEET at 31[st] December 2024 Food General Bank Building Total Total Fund Fund Fund 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ Fixed Assets (note 4) 14,007 14,007 14,882 Current Assets Bank Current Accounts 522 6 528 1,288 Cambridge & Counties Bank 83,500 83,500 83,500 Hampshire Trust Bank 32,571 43,135 75,706 Redwood Bank 76,209 76,209 69,769 Saffron BS 10,135 6,208 16,343 61 United Trust Bank 3,569 77,931 81,500 79,342 Other Deposit Accounts 3 6 9 83,471 Cash in Hand 710 Total Current Assets 46,800 77,931 209,064 333,795 318,141 Current Liabilities (note 5) (17,428) (17,428) (16,721) Deferred Income (note 6) (1,646) (1,646) (1,721) Total Assets 41,733 77,931 209,064 328,728 314,581 Reserves Surplus for year 105 5,100 8,942 14,147 30,228 Brought forward 41,628 72,831 200,122 314,581 284,353 Total Reserves 41,733 77,931 209,064 328,728 314,581 Represented by Funds (note 8) Unrestricted 41,733 41,733 41,628 Restricted 77,931 209,064 286,995 272,953 Total 41,733 77,931 209,064 328,728 314,581 Rev G E Knifton Chair of Trustees 3rd March 2025 ~~i:~~ 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 on an accruals basis and in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP).

2) Grants Received The National Lottery Hampshire CC Community Grant Hants and IOW Community Foundation Headley Voluntary Care The Neighbourly Woolmer Lions Club EDHC Councillor Grant Local Giving Ltd Total	FB Fund Total 2024 2023 £ £ 20,000 10,000 10,000 4,000 6,000 2,250 1,800 1,510 1,055 1,000 1,000 1,000 500
	19,760 40,355

General Fund	Food Bank Fund	Total 2024	Total 2023
£	£		£
200 200 250 250 250 200 250 250 250 250 200 250	22,260 3,360	200 200 250 250 250 200 250 250 250 250 200 250 22,260 3,360	0 0 250 250 250 200 250 250 300 250 0 250 750 25,725 3,120
2,800	25,620		31,845

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HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

3) Outward Giving (continued)

There were three 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 - Ukraine	380
Samaritan’s Purse - Gaza Appeal	586
Samaritan’s Purse–Christmas Shoebox Appeal	260
Total	1,226

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	(2,626)	(875)	14,007

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 2024 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.

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.

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HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

5) Current Liabilities

General Fund	Food Bank Fund	Building Fund	Total 2024	Total 2023
£	£	£	£	£
(8,700)			(8,700)	(7,000)
(6,300)			(6,300)	(6,300)
(2,428)			(2,428)	(3,421)

(17,428)			(17,428)	(16,721)

Property Repairs and Maintenance Provision

The church and hall buildings are old and require a significant level of ongoing repairs and maintenance. A general provision of £8,700 is held to help mitigate the financial impact of any substantial repairs and maintenance in any one year. The provision was increased by £1,300 in 2024 plus £400 from a balance of donations received in 2024 for this purpose.

Legal Fees Provision

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

A provision of £6,300 is held for the anticipated cost of legal advice for this process and the Trustees expect that the current provision will be sufficient.

Accruals

£900 for unbilled electricity consumption to the year end ● £700 provision for tree survey and maintenance
£828 in total for sundry specific cost accruals

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HEADLEY DOWN COMMUNITY CHURCH – Registered Charity No.1095819

Notes to the Accounts - continued

6) Deferred Income

6) Deferred Income
Deferred Income	Cabin Grants £	Youth Grants £	Total £
Balance b/fwd 01/01/24	(1,275)	(446)	(1,721)
Amortised to income in 2024:	75		75
Balance c/fwd 31/12/24	(1,200)	(446)	(1,646)

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.

The balance of grants received from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation for Youth Activities in prior years is included in income in line with expenditure incurred. The remaining balance of grants is deferred. There was no associated expenditure in 2024.

7) Gift Aid

Income includes gift aid received for the tax year ended 5[th] April 2024.

Current Assets do not include a debtor amount for the gift aid recoverable on eligible donations from 6[th] April to 31[st] December 2024. This amount will be claimed for the tax year ended 5[th] April 2025 and included within income in the 2025 accounts.

8) Funds

The General Fund is unrestricted.
The Food Bank Fund is restricted to Food Bank activity.
The Building Fund is restricted to expenditure on a new building for the existing Church and Hall.

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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 2024

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:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

K P Menon 2 0[th] March 2025

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

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