OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← Living Stones, Eastbourne

2023-03-31-accounts

=

‘CHAR ITY Conamissions!

, -

,

.

Charity registration number 1098281 Company registration number 04765158 (England and Wales)

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

| | , | |

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
N CHARITY COMMISSIO
—< GENMNsstS FIRST CONTACT.
GAARITY “Contac of
Fins! , 07 NOV 2023 > 4%
g7 won omen
| RECEIVED "|
yccOOnt6, RECORDED i:
----- End of picture text -----

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees T Jackson
M Relf
Mrs R Jones
Mrs C Fredriksson
R Kelly
Charity number -1098281
Company number 04765158
Registered office Community Wise
Ocklynge Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 1PY
Independent examiner Holland Harper LLP
26 High Street
Battle
East Sussex
TN33OEA

ir

a

;Be

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

CONTENTS

----- Start of picture text -----
Page
Trustees’ report 1-4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8-14
----- End of picture text -----

|

7LEE

SI

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of irefand (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Objectives and activities

The Charity’s objects are the advancement of the Christian faith in Eastbourne, the UK and the world. The charity also seeks to give relief to persons in need, to advance the Christian education of young people and also to play: an active role in social transformation.

Through worship and prayer, learning about the gospel and developing their knowledge and trust in Jesus, we try to help people to live out the good news of Jesus in the community, enabling them to see how our faith affects our relationship with God, other people and the environment. Our outreach work is part of our desire to bring holistic transformation to our communities.

Achievement and performance

: Charitable Activities

; The activities of the Charity continue to be expressed through our two congregations, each with their own character and leadership. The visible expression of these congregations is their regular Sunday worship. Old Town Community Church meet at Old Town Community Centre with Living Stones Community Church meeting at the Community Wise Centre on Sunday mornings. These gatherings are characterised by engaging worship, prayer and relevant bible teaching within an informal setting which encourages participation of all. Children and families play an important part in the life of one congregation and both congregations also seek to be safe places for marginalised and vulnerable people. The power of the gospel of Jesus to transform lives is at the heart of all we do and are. Community engagement is a key part of our vision and purpose.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake. The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity.

.

.

-1-

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Old Town Community Church

Numbers continue to be about 25/30 on an average Sunday morning.

The congregation has covered a range of studies. We completed a study on Nehemiah at the beginning of the year and are currently looking at Jesus' Parable in the Gospels.

We are also having speakers from various charities and groups that we support to bring us up to date with their current needs.

These services are interspersed with a week when we celebrate Communion and another week when we have an opportunity to share personal testimonies.

Attendance at the Tuesday Friendship Cafe and lunch has increased, and we get about 12-15 folk each week. It is a time of laughter and fun as well as an opportunity to support each other in serious discussion.

The four Home Groups continue to meet regularly for Bible study, prayer and fellowship.

.

The weekly time of "chaplaincy" on Albert Parade continues despite one member having been very poorly, other folk from OTCC or other churches have maintained the witness.

Martin and Ruth Jones have stood down from the leadership team because of Martin's health. A reformed team of five meet fortnightly to discuss and plan for the coming weeks. ;

The weekly Tuesday prayer gathering continues.

"No7”

7 Central Avenue was a house rented by the church for all sorts of uses. The cost of maintaining the property and reduced income have led the Leadership Team to return the property to the owners.

Living Stones Community Church

Sunday mornings

Our cafe style of meeting round tables is now a settled feature of our gatherings and proves to be a natural way to encourage the sense of church family, as do the “after church” lunches, which continue. Our teaching theme has been to follow a challenging and encouraging series through the book of Hebrews. Attendance varies between 35 to 45.

Children and youth

Little Stones Parent and Toddler group has continued to flourish often to capacity. The devotional focus with a kids’ level Bible story is well received.

Live Wires is still as popular for the local young people. 30-40 regularly attend and as well as the games and activities, there is always a 10 minute reflection sharing our Christian faith. The Easter Holiday Club attracted the most numbers ever.

Schools Out mornings took place during summer holidays, in half terms and at Christmas. These holiday craft events have been especially popular with opportunities to meet loads of kids and parents/grandparents.

3-2-1 Course

An innovation was the introduction of this "Just Looking" course. Shorter than Alpha, 12 participants stayed the course and some continued to meet with a follow up programme.

-2-

Oo

a"

||

----- Start of picture text -----
On
----- End of picture text -----

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Camp

We had a most successful church camp again at Dalesdown. We were again blessed with good weather.Dan Fairhead brought two excellent keynote messages on Romans 8. It was a relaxed time of fellowship and strengthening relationships.

Leadership Team

Martyn and Sue Relf stood down from the Leadership Team in June 2022. This coincided with a joyful celebration of the Church's 40th anniversary when Rob and Caz Kelly were recognised into their new leadership role. We continue to seek the Lord and ask for his provision of additional people to join the team. In the meantime, several people in the church have stepped up to take on various responsibilities and we are shortly looking to appoint aa administrator one day a week. The SAGE group continue to provide a wise and prayerful 'sounding board’.

Events and groups

Our five Life Groups continue to meet regularly, providing teaching, reflection and pastoral care. The groups are not following a specific theme, with some focusing more on prayer and support while others focus on Bible study.

The men of the church have met occasionally for meals together including two breakfasts with speakers..

.

We again supported the Winter Night Shelter helping to supply meals for folk housed by the council.

Our alternative Hallowe'en evening was again a very popular occasion with more and more local families joining. We are glad to be able to co-ordinate with other churches in Old Town for this. Leadership prayer lunches with other churches in Old Town have been welcome chances to share information, discuss issues of common concern and to plan events when we can work together.

Several folk still support and volunteer with Community Wise, our sister charity, which is going from strength to strength. A great development has been our provision of Food and Friendship parties for the students and staff of the weekly school of English.

Financial review

.

It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to two month's expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and is therefore governed by a memorandum and articles of association.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

.

T Jackson

M Relf

Mrs R Jones

Mrs C Fredriksson R Kelly

-3-

ee

RE

CO me

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The board has the power to appoint new trustees who can only be appointed if they are familiar with the affairs of the charity. The existing trustees provide informal training in that respect.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The work of the charity is delivered primarily through its two congregations. Separate leadership teams are responsible for the oversight of these congregations with founding leader, Martyn Relf, maintaining a close link . with both of them. The congregations are separately represented at trustee level and reports are received from them at trustee meetings.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

----- Start of picture text -----
i
M Relf
Trustee
----- End of picture text -----

Dated: 18 October 2023

-4-

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

| report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Living Stones, Eastbourne (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, | report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement | have completed my examination. | confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

| 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 financial statements to be reached.

Holland Harper LLP

26 High Street

Battle

East Sussex TN33 OEA

Dated: 18 October 2023

-5-

; ;

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from: ;
Donations and
legacies 3 67,652 18,723 86,375 71,538 17,860 89,398
Investments 4 70 20 90 4 - 4
Total income 67,722 18,743 86,465 71,542 17,860 89,402
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 5 85,243 860 86,103 76,194 4,938 81,132
Net (expenditure)/income
forthe year/
Net movement in funds (17,521) 17,883 362 (4,652) 12,922 8,270
Fund balances at 1 April
2022 126,278 25,835 152,113 130,930 12,913 143,843
Fund balances at 31
March2023 108,757 43,718 152,475 126,278 25,835 152,113

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. :

.

|,

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

!

2023 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 9 70 90
Current assets
Debtors 10 - 45,000
Cash at bank and in hand 153,473 138,019
153,473 153,019
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 11 (1,068) (996)
Net current assets 152,405 152,023
Total assets less current liabilities 152,475 162,113
Income funds
Restricted funds 43,718 25,835
Unrestricted funds 108,757 126,278
152,475 152,113

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

----- Start of picture text -----
TheMobo) financial statements jal] by the Trustees on 18 October 2023
Trustee
----- End of picture text -----

Company registration number 04765158

-7-

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Charity information

Living Stones, Eastbourne is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Community Wise, Ocklynge Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1PY.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2. Going concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.5 Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer or economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under relevant headings.

----- Start of picture text -----
|
----- End of picture text -----

-8-

Pr

Be Bn

a Bn

OO

_

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

(Continued)

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

20% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.8 Financial instruments

The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the {iability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are measured at transaction price.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are also recognised at transaction price.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

-9-

i”

;

;

.

a
°
od		 g§¢
2
N		 8
o
oO
foe)		 $318
NO]
Se
en
fe))
[oe]
wo		 $318
NO]
Se
en
fe))
[oe]
wo
eoa)
s2
se		 N Gl
oO
8"
g/
“8		 Qo
!
Oo
8
(8
rif
3
aw
bo
2)
ot
3§
&=		 N Gi
N
8		 foe]
oO
a
é		 Tw
ow
oO
@
fwc
5
we
BLY
o
e		 ow
N
S
N		 w
N
en
o
[ve]		 or
oo
—N
or
™		 wo
~~
er
o
foe)
SH
owt
Sec		 OW
N
o		 OO
N
~		 oO!
N
~n		 o
N
N
BD
o		 -
wd
co
ot		 Om a
N		 N
w		 oOo rt
oo		 N
wo
ge 5 8-15
oa
=
c
°
Qa
lw
a z
=
z
oOO
—
2ZA
wu
Ys
=> N
za
wr
~
eEOG
>
£c&
Oo
wns
a
2:
qt
”
Oo?
<q
29
Lu
<a
~
z
(vp)
=_-
2
Wi
uw
Wy
zw«ea
oO
x
<x		 ¥
2
rd
Po]
2
o		 2)
£
Lo)
3
5		 2
))
z
&
”
©
>
=
=>
al		 >
oO
a
oz
OR
—
oso
a2
Ww		 c
3
g
c
°
fas)
”		 c
Ss
ow
c
S
fas)		 fee
29s
6 OO
ec xy
66x
aaFr

2‘

----- Start of picture text -----
i
----- End of picture text -----

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Investments

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted
funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Interest receivable 70 20 90 4

-W-

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

5 Charitable activities

2023 2022,
£ £
Staff costs 12,256 16,354
Depreciation and impairment 20 20
Rent 20,849 19,504
Insurance 625 592
Speakers/musicians 580 345
Food/events 1,838 948
Equipment/resources 2,353 2,981
Mission/ministry 36,481 30,562
Support 1,885 1,313
Children/youth 1,139 460
Subscriptions 539 478
Church camp 2,363 2,665
7 Central Avenue expenses 2,325 1,730
By the way (100) -
Telephone 1,280 1,233
Accountancy 1,068 996
Post, stationery, publicity and adverts 59 108
Administration (87) 266
Professional fees 304 577
Away days 326 -
86,103 81,132
86,103 81,132
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds : 85,243
Restricted funds 860
86,103
For the year ended 31 March 2022
; Unrestricted funds 76,194
Restricted funds 4,938
81,132

6 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.

| |

-12-

.

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7 Employees

The average monthly number employees during the year was:

2023 2022
Number Number
Charitable work 1 1
,
Employment costs 2023 2022
£ £
Wagesandsalaries 12,256 16,354

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

8 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

9 Tangible fixed assets

9 Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022 5,860
At 31 March 2023 5,860
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022 5,770
Depreciation charged in the year 20
At 31 March 2023 5,790
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023 70
At 31 March 2022 90
10 Debtors
2023 2022
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Otherdebtors - 15,000

y

-13-

»

:

LIVING STONES, EASTBOURNE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

11. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

11. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Other creditors 1,068 996
12 Analysisofnetassetsbetweenfunds
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds
Total
£ £ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by:
Tangible assets 70 - 70
Current assets/(liabilities) 108,687 43,718 152,405
108,757 43,718 152,475
Old Town 64,296
Living Stones 44,461
108,757

13 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).

-14-