Avery Hill Charitable Trust
Report and Accounts Year ended 28th February 2025
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
COMPANY INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Working Names
Avery Hill Christian Fellowship Bexley Foodbank
Trustees
Ms L Adewole Mr P Piper Mrs W Taylor Mrs A Walton
Company Secretary
Mr P Piper
Key Staff
Mr J Coates Mrs G Bates
Governing Document
Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 10th February 2004
Company Registration Number Charity Registration Number Principal Address
5039769
1103393
Southspring Sidcup Kent DA15 8EA
Registered Office
As above
Independent Examiner
Nick Spear ACCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB
Bankers
Santander 21 Prescot Street London E1 8TN
Barclay Bank plc 167 High Street Orpington Kent BR1 1NL
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Company Information | 1 |
| Trustees' Annual Report | 2-7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 |
| Cashflow Statement | 11 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 12-19 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities with Comparatives | 20 |
Page 1
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
The trustees, who are the charity's directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year.
Objects of the charity
The charity is a charitable company and is governed by its memorandum and articles of association. The objects of the charity, as set out in the governing document are:
a) To promote and advance the Christian faith throughout the world generally including the worship of God, the instruction and edification of Christians; and the care and Christian instruction of young people and children and the evangelisation of non-Christians.
b) To relieve poverty, hardship, sickness and distress among all peoples of the world
c) To promote education and training
d) To support such other charities and charitable purposes as the trustees shall decide.
The trustees note that the Church is not a building, but a gathering of ordinary people of different ages and backgrounds, whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The New Testament reveals the Church as a community of people, properly taught and cared for, who by loving and serving Jesus Christ, were also committed to love and care for each other and to bring a blessing to the area in which they lived. Avery Hill Christian Fellowship; its trustees, leadership team and members are committed to the restoration of those New Testament principles. It is not alone in this, it is one of many Churches in the area, country and all over the world that is re-discovering the excitement of knowing Jesus Christ. The vision is to see the people of Greenwich and Bexley come into this experience of knowing Jesus as their Lord, Saviour and friend.
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the above objects and vision, the charity's main activities and achievements were as follows:
The church is based at Southspring, on the Avery Hill estate in Southeast London.
Meetings include a Sunday morning worship service, Sunday school and youth in the shed. Midweek meetings include prayer and bible studies held twice on a Wednesday either in person or on Zoom. A group also meet in the church on a Tuesday for those seeking to explore the Christian faith and who would not normally attend a traditional church service on a Sunday. Other meetings held at the church include after school clubs, ladies and men's groups and a parent and toddler group - Springlets. The N40's group consisting of retirees and those not working during the week enjoy a programme of visits and activities in the area. In conjuntion with the foodbank at the church on a Thursday an informal cafe is available for people to come and socialise and through this people have attended the Tuesday group or attended church on a Sunday.
Two Baptisms were held over the course of the year in addition to the Christmas and Easter services. The Christmas service included participation from the children attending the after school clubs resulting in a full church. There were also teaching programmes and opportunites for the church to worship together and learn more about Jesus. In addition, a number of family services were held with the aim of making the Gospel available to those in the community. A 12 week recovery course was held in the Autumn at the church for those seeking to overcome addiction. This was run with the help of a local baptist minister. The church also hosted a 24 hour prayer vigil for Bexley and Greenwich churches to come together and pray for the youth of the area.
Page 2
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
The children's and youth work continues to grow from a small base with our youth and community worker returning from maternity leave in September. At the beginning of 2025, Jack McAlpine was employed on a sessional basis to help with the after school club. Some two youth attended a summer camp at North Cotes in Yorkshire led by the youth and community worker.
The Bexley Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust network, continued to operate from four distribution centres at the church premises, New Community Church in Sidcup, Queen Street Baptist church in Erith and Trinity Baptist Church in Bexleyheath. The charity is grateful to Bexley Council for their continued support in the provision of storage facilities and grants from the Household Support Fund.
Donations of food and household items to the foodbank reduced by 13% to 80,855 kg from the previous year. Grants of food and household items also reduced from the previous year, down 15% to 106,580 kg, In addition, grants of supermarket vouchers were also made equivilent to some 5,380 kg. Funding for the vouchers was provided by Bexley Council. Some 10,800 clients were provided with groceries, other household items or supermarket vouchers, a reduction of 3,950 over the previous year. The shortfall of items donated to those granted together with shortages of certain items required the purchase of 24,839 kg of goods from supermarkets. Overall, the value of grants of food, household items and supermarket vouchers reduced by 8% to £287,048 while donated and purchased goods increased by 14% to £296,590. The increase in the value of donated and purchased goods was due to higher grocery prices more than offsetting the reduced volume.
In conjunction with the Bexley Borough Citizens Advice foodbank clients continue to receive advice on benefits, debt, housing and other financial matters funded by a grant from The Trussell Trust. An employee of Bexley Borough Citizens Advice attends each of the distribution centres to meet with clients. The scheme has been in operation since November 2022. For the 12 months to 31st March 2025 some 1,325 clients have met the advisor resulting in increased benefits and debt written off totalling £68,000 with an expectation of a further £126,000 to be achieved in future . This service has contributed to a reduced usage of the foodbank.
With the reduction in food donations requiring the purchase of goods to meet client demand together with keeping the distribution centres stocked with adequate supplies this placed pressure on the warehouse opperations. As a result the need for a warehouse manager was identified. During the course of the year the charity applied for and was successful in obtaining a grant towards the costs of a warehouse manager. This position was filled from the 1st January 2025.
The church continued to support local charities whose operations meet the objects of the charity. Those supported comprised The Pioneer Network, Christian Resources in Bexley Schools (CRIBS) and Lark in The Park. The Pioneer Network is a group of evangelical churches in the UK and overseas whose values mirror those of the charity.
Cross cultural mission is supported by the church through iNet, a charity that provides financial and spiritual guidance, training and information to missionaries based overseas and those working cross culturally in the UK. Direct financial support was provided to three families working overseas in Bulgaria, the Lebanon and Malaysia. The church also supports the work of Open Doors mainly through prayer for those persecuted for their faith
Most the charity's activities are undertaken by volunteers and the charity could not operate effectively without their efforts.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Page 3
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Volunteers
The church makes significant use of volunteers for its operation. This includes people leading meetings, preaching, teaching in the Sunday school and youth shed, together with people who lead and help with events during week such as Springlets, after school clubs and youth events. In adition, many others help with the provision of refreshments after meetings which help to provide the friendly and welcoming nature of the church.
With only two employed people, the foodbank relies upon its volunteers for the collection, storing and distribution of food and other essential items. The volunteers seek to serve the clients of the foodbank in a welcoming and friendly manner. Over 100 people volunteer at the the various foodbank locations as well as those who help to transport food to and from the storage facility.
Structure, Governance and Management
Avery Hill Charitable Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 10th February 2004 and registered as a charity on 26th April 2004. Church activities are carried out under the name of Avery Hill Christian Fellowship while that of the foodbank under the name of Bexley Foodbank. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which set the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. Membership is open to those over 18 who subscribe to the Statement of Beliefs contained in the Memorandum and Articles of Association and are accepted by the Board of trustees. There are seven members (eight in 2022) of the Company, each of whom agrees to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up.
In accordance with the Articles of Association the minimum number of Trustees is three. Each year one third of the Trustees are to retire and be available for election at the AGM. No person may be appointed a Trustee unless over the age of eighteen years of age and subscribes to the Statement of Beliefs. It is expected that new Trustees will be appointed from within the church. Potential trustees are invited to attend a trustee meeting, meet with the chairman of trustees and the other trustees prior to being invited onto the board by a majority of trustees.
The board of trustees currently consist of four people who meet on a regular basis to administer and oversee the activities of the charity. They are responsible for all financial matters of the charity including setting budgets, approving expenditure above £500, reviewing policy and procedures and employmeny of staff. The pastor and foodbank manager join the meetings as required.
In addition to the trustees, a Leadership Team comprising three people (including one trustee) are responsible for the spiritual oversight of the church and Foodbank. Day to day activities are managed by paid staff, volunteers and members of the leadership team.
The salaries of key paid staff are set by the trustees with reference to salaries paid for similar roles in London and the Home Counties taking into account similar level of benefits.
Page 4
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Financial review
These accounts include some rounding errors but do not materially affect the accounts.
During the year income increased by £50,203, to £630,453 and expenditure increased by £6,443 to £533,336. As a result the surplus for the year increased by £43,760, to £96,818 and the charity's net assets increased by the same amount, to £751,808. Net current assets increased by £102,846, to £724,899.
The increase in income was attributable to higher grants from local authorities (£44,303) and the Trussell Trust (£11,452). Bexley Council continued to support the foodbank with donations totalling £150,000 during the year. Support was also received from many individuals, churches, companies and other charities. Church income was down by £1,787 from the previous year due to a reduction in donations from those attending the church.
Despite the lower volume of donations to the foodbank and the need to purchase food and other items the Bexley Foodbank fund increased by £100,618. Church funds, including unrestricted reserves reduced by £3,800. With demand expected to continue to rise in the next few years the foodbank surplus will be utilised to meet the expected shortfall in donated goods over and above those granted to clients.
Investments
The charities investment policy is to hold surplus funds in current and deposit accounts at the bank as long term investments are not considered appropriate due to the expected usage of surplus reserves.
With the recent increases in interest rates it is planned to investigate increased usage of deposit accounts.
Fundraising
All major fundraising has been undertaken by the treasurer and foodbank manager. A budget is set each year for raising funds for the foodbank as well as donations for church activities. Church donations were close to budget with that for the foodbank significantly above budget due to donations from Bexley Council, companies and charities as well as grant income for the foodbank warehouse manager.
Pension liabilities
As the charity's pension arrangements for paid staff are all defined contributions there are no pension liabilities.
Funds in deficit
There are no funds in deficit.
Reserves policy
The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £68,500 (which equates to about 3 months' of unrestricted expenditure plus 2.5 years rent) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and/or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash in excess of £147,000 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.
Going concern
There are no going concern issues.
Page 5
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Key risks and uncertainties
The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial or reputational. The trustees review the charity's activities regularly to identify significant risks and, where possible, they take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.
The trustees have identified a significant shortfall in donations either from church members or to the foodbank as the most significant risk. This is mitigated by the reserving policy. Loss of key staff or volunteers is also a significant risk which is mitigated by annual reviews of performannce and salaries and by succession planning. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects.
Plans for the future
The church plans to continue to seek ways to serve the local community and thus introduce them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Activities planned for the coming year include the following:
Weekly worship services Family friendly services Midweek prayer and bible study meetings Seeker friendly discussion groups exploring the bible Chidren and youth meetings Ladies and Men's meetings Parent and Toddler group N40's activities Attendance at the Wildfires festival Growing the relationship with Pioneer
The foodbank plans to continue the provision of food and other essential supplies to those in need primarily in the London Boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich. In addition, the provision of advice to clients will continue in partnership with Bexley Borough Citizens Advice to reduce foodbank usage in the future.
Responsibilities of trustees under company law
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charity will continue in operation.
Page 6
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approval
This report, which has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
PJ Piper PJ Piper (Sep 4, 2025 15:13:09 GMT+1)
_______ Paul Piper
Date: Sep 4, 2025
Page 7
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 28 February 2025 on pages 9 to 19 following, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 12 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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.
Nick Spear
Nick Spear (Sep 5, 2025 08:57:20 GMT+1)
Nick Spear ACCA Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB
Date: Sep 5, 2025
Page 8
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other income 5 Total income and endowments EXPENDITURE ON: Cost of generating funds 6 Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 16 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 111,418 105 1 111,524 - 114,672 114,672 (3,148) 173,632 170,484 |
Restricted Funds £ 518,824 105 0 518,929 299 418,664 418,963 99,966 482,734 582,700 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 630,242 210 1 630,453 299 533,336 533,635 96,818 656,366 753,184 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 578,762 1,487 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 580,250 | ||||
| - 527,192 |
||||
| 527,192 | ||||
| 53,058 603,308 |
||||
| 656,366 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing operations.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account required by the Companies Act 2006.
The notes on page 10-19 form part of these accounts.
Page 9
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 29 FEBRUARY 2025
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 CURRENT ASSETS Stock 10 Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand 12 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets / (liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Provisions for liabilities 14 Net assets / (liabilities) excluding pension asset / (liability) TOTAL NET ASSETS FUND BALANCES 16 Unrestricted Funds General funds Restricted Funds |
Unrestricted Funds £ 27,036 27,036 - 4,241 147,469 151,710 (8,262) 143,448 170,484 - 170,484 170,484 170,484 170,484 - 170,484 |
Restricted Funds £ 7,873 7,873 110,976 2,666 463,965 577,607 (2,780) 574,827 582,700 - 582,700 582,700 - - 582,700 582,700 |
Total Funds 2025 £ 34,909 34,909 110,976 6,907 611,434 729,317 (11,042) 718,275 753,184 - 753,184 753,184 170,484 170,484 582,700 753,184 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 42,313 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42,313 | ||||
| 86,401 8,792 529,589 |
||||
| 624,782 (2,729) |
||||
| 622,053 | ||||
| 664,366 (8,000) |
||||
| 656,366 | ||||
| 656,366 | ||||
| 173,632 | ||||
| 173,632 482,734 |
||||
| 656,366 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 28 February 2023.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 however, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, the accounts have been examined by an independent examiner and their report has been included in these financial statements.
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The directors (who are the charitable company's trustees for the purposes of charity law) acknowledge their responsibilities (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its net income or expenditure for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and were signed on its behalf by:
PJ Piper PJ Piper (Sep 4, 2025 15:13:09 GMT+1) --------------------------------------Paul Piper
Date: Sep 4, 2025
Company number: 5039769
The notes on page 10-19 form part of these accounts.
Charity number: 1103393
Page 10
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
| Note 2025 £ Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities a 87,472 Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment - Purchase of property, plant and equipment (5,628) Proceeds from sale of investments Purchase of investments Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities (5,628) 81,844 b 529,589 - b 611,434 Analysis of changes in net debt: At start of At end of year Cash-flows year £ £ £ Cash 529,589 81,844 611,434 Total net funds / (debt) 529,589 81,844 611,434 Note a: Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities 2025 £ 96,818 Adjustments for: Depreciation charges and provisions for impairment 13,032 Loss/(profit) on the sale of fixed assets - (Increase)/decrease in stocks (24,575) (Increase)/decrease in debtors 1,885 Increase/(decrease) in creditors 8,312 Other (8,000) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 87,472 Note b: Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2025 £ Cash at bank with immediate access 611,434 Notice deposits (with a term of three months or less) - Petty cash - Total cash and cash equivalents 611,434 Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial activities) Cash and equivalents at the beginning of the year Change in cash and equivalents due to exchange rate movements Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Change in cash and equivalents in the reporting period |
2024 £ 70,550 |
|---|---|
| - (4,368) |
|
| (4,368) | |
| 66,182 463,407 - |
|
| 529,589 | |
| 2024 £ 53,058 11,533 - 7,313 (1,732) 379 (1) |
|
| 70,550 | |
| 2024 £ 529,589 - - |
|
| 529,589 |
Page 11
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
1 Statutory Information
The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the Company Information page.
2 Accounting Policies
These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the "Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) ("the Charities SORP"), with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102"), with the Companies Act 2006 and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.
As income exceeded £500,000 in the reported year, the charity's expenditure has been analysed by business activity in note 6. The previous year's expenditure has been recategorised into the same cost items. There was no impact on resrves.
The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.
a) Going concern
The trustees (who are the charitable company's directors for the purposes of company law) have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the trustees have considered the charity's forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. The trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
b) Income Income including investment income is recognised in the period in which the charity becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured with reasonable certainty, and receipt is probable. For the most part, income is generally recognised when it is received. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.
Income from donations and legacies includes:
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i) Recoverable gift aid. This is recognised when the related donation is received. Gift aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor.
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ii) Donated facilities, services and goods. Goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries are recognised as income when receivable at fair value. These comprise donations to the Bexley Foodbank on the basis of the value of average donation per kilogramme multiplied by the total number of kilogrammes received.
The charity relies on volunteers to carry out many of its activities, particularly the Bexley Foodbank activities. However, in accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably measured.
When donated goods, services and facilities are distributed or consumed, an expense in respect of those items is included in the Statement of Financial Activities. At the year end any goods that have not been distributed or consumed are recognised as stock; donated fixed assets are capitalised.
Income from charitable activities represents income receivable from goods, services and facilities supplied in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects. It includes income from grants and church retreats and other events.
Other income comprises gains arising from the disposal of tangible fixed assets.
c) Expenditure
Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is recognised when it is incurred or, if earlier, when a legal or constructive obligation for a payment arises provided that it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
The charity makes grants to other institutions and individuals to further its charitable objectives. Grants payable are recognised as constructive obligations arise, which is generally when the charity expresses a commitment to the recipient that can be measured reliably and then only to the extent that any conditions associated with the grant are outside of the control of the charity.
Expenditure on raising funds comprises the costs incurred on commercial trading activities fundraising and managing investments.
Page 12
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
The Charities SORP requires charities with income over £500,000 to allocate costs to the various activities undertaken by the charity. The nature of the work of the church is considered to be so integrated that the core charitable activity costs are considered to be for the one activity.
Governance costs, which are included in expenditure on charitable activities but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, includes costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred on the strategic management of the charity.
d) Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
e) Tangible fixed assets
Items purchased or donated for the charity's own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items, or the fair value of donated items, is more than £2,500 and the item is expected to benefit the charity over more than one accounting period. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis so as to write down the value of each asset to its estimated residual value (if any) over its expected useful economic life. To achieve this objective the following rates of depreciation are charged:
Freehold land Is not depreciated (because it is not consumed by use) Freehold buildings Over 50 years after taking account of the building's residual value Leasehold improvements 5 years Equipment & vehicles 5 years
The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment in periods when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
f) Stocks
Stocks of donated items held for distribution to beneficiaries are measured at fair value.
g) Leased assets Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the charity are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term (unless another systematic basis is more representative of use).
h) Pension scheme arrangements The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Obligations for contributions to these schemes are recognised as an expense when the liability arises. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.
i) Taxation The company is a registered charity; it has taken advantage of the various reliefs from taxation available to charities and no tax is payable on the charity's income.
j) Financial instruments The charity's financial assets and financial liabilities all qualify as basic financial instruments, as defined by FRS102. Except for loans, creditors and debtors are measured at their expected settlement value (normally the amount of cash that the charity expects to pay or receive). The charity recognises liabilities for the principal of those loans that remains outstanding at the year end (i.e. the liabilities exclude any interest chargeable on the loans in future years).
k) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement ln preparing financial statements certain judgements, estimates and assumptions have to be made that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The trustees consider the following to be significant:
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i) The annual depreciation charge for property, plant and equipment is sensitive to changes in the estimates for useful economic life and residual value. These estimates are reassessed annually and, when necessary, adjusted to reflect current circumstances.
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ii) The value of donated food and food grants are based upon the estimated value of weighed goods. If the valuation of the price per KG changed it would have a material impact on the accounts and value of stock.
Page 13
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
3 Donations and legacies
| ations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Donations of cash and similar Donations in kind Grants from London Borough of Bexley Grants from London Borough of Greenwich Grants from Trussell Trust Income tax recoverable |
2025 £ 159,209 223,970 150,000 - 83,080 13,983 630,242 |
2024 £ 166,375 221,105 100,000 5,697 71,578 14,007 |
| 578,762 |
Donations in kind comprise items donated to the Bexley Foodbank for distribution to clients.
4 Income from charitable activities
| Church retreats and events First Aid Course Fees Youth Camp Fees Sale of Cakes for Youth Camp Community outreach programs Use of Hall by Third Parties Other income Interest Cost of generating funds Cost of Wingwalk sponsorship |
2025 £ 105 105 - - - - 210 2025 £ 1 1 2025 £ 299 299 |
2024 £ 145 - 450 387 5 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,487 | ||
| 2024 £ 1 |
||
| 1 | ||
| 2024 £ - |
||
| - |
5 Other income
6 Cost of generating funds
7 Charitable expenditure
| People Cost of Activities Property Equipment & Software Grants made Governance People Cost of Activities Property Equipment & Software Grants made Governance |
Church activities 55,028 10,091 29,797 1,907 20,772 1,080 118,675 Church activities 54,378 7,989 32,051 810 16,717 1,050 112,995 |
Bexley Foodbank 103,593 5,428 6,815 416 297,329 1,080 414,661 Bexley Foodbank 84,482 8,230 6,262 2,130 312,043 1,050 414,197 |
Total Charitable Expenditure 2025 158,621 15,519 36,612 2,323 318,101 2,160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 533,336 | |||
| Total Charitable Expenditure 2024 138,860 16,219 38,313 2,940 328,760 2,100 |
|||
| 112,995 | 414,197 | 527,192 |
Page 14
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
The fee payable to the independent examiner for examining the accounts was £2,160 (2024: £2,100); in addition the charity paid £843 (2024: £949) to Stewardship for payroll bureau services.
Grants payable
| Grants payable | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grants for UK and overseas mission Grants for the relief of poverty Grants for education, including ministry training The comparatives for the previous year are as follows: Grants for UK and overseas mission Grants for the relief of poverty Grants for education, including ministry training The charity's principal grants to institutions comprised: Pioneer Trust iNet Trust Christian Resources in Bexley Schools Grants to institutions for less than £1,000 each |
Institutions £ 3,585 42 5,440 9,067 Institutions £ 4,650 100 1,200 5,950 |
Individuals £ 9,250 299,784 - 309,034 Individuals £ 10,713 312,097 - 322,810 2025 £ 4,240 2,635 1,200 992 9,067 |
2025 £ 12,835 299,826 5,440 |
| 318,101 | |||
| 2024 £ 15,363 312,197 1,200 |
|||
| 328,760 | |||
| 2024 £ - 2,400 1,200 2,350 |
|||
| 5,950 |
The charity has taken advantage of an exemption conferred by the Charities SORP and has not disclosed the names of some grant receiving institutions as they operate in territories where Christians are persecuted; the disclosure of this information would be prejudicial.
8 Analysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration
| ysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gross wages and salaries Social security Pension costs |
2025 £ 105,582 4,774 8,217 118,573 |
2024 £ 90,272 2,148 6,817 |
| 99,237 |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was 5.2 (2024: 6.3). Most of the charity's activities are carried out by volunteers.
No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.
The charity's key management comprise the trustees and the key staff named on the Company Information page. Total employment benefits payable to key management for the year were as follows:
During the year key management received employment benefits totalling £76,799 (2024: £62,032).
No trustees received employment benefits in either the current or preceding year.
Page 15
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
9 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 March 2024 Additions Disposals At 29 February 2025 Accumulated depreciation At 1 March 2024 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposal At 29 February 2025 Net book value At 29 February 2025 At 28 February 2024 |
Leasehold Improvements £ 96,515 5,628 - 102,143 68,438 8,978 - 77,416 24,727 28,077 |
Fixtures, fittings and equipment £ 9,905 - - 9,905 2,971 1,981 - 4,952 4,953 6,934 |
Vehicles £ 10,413 - - 10,413 3,110 2,073 - 5,184 5,229 7,303 |
Total 2025 £ 116,833 5,628 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 122,461 | ||||
| 74,519 13,032 - |
||||
| 87,552 | ||||
| 34,909 | ||||
| 42,313 |
The above net book value for vehicles includes £0 (2024: £0) for assets held under finance leases.
10 Stock
| Donated goods 11 Debtors Falling due within one year: Tax recoverable Prepayments and accrued income Total debtors 12 Cash at Bank and in Hand Cash at bank with immediate access 13 Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals 14 Provisions Provisions brought forward Movement in year: Release of Provision Provisions carried forward Stock comprises donated goods to the Bexley Foodbank held at the end of the year. |
2025 £ 110,976 110,976 2025 £ 4,127 2,780 6,907 2025 £ 611,434 611,434 2025 £ 4,168 6,874 11,042 2025 £ 8,000 (8,000) - |
2024 £ 86,401 |
|---|---|---|
| 86,401 | ||
| 2024 £ 5,215 3,577 |
||
| 8,792 | ||
| 2024 £ 529,589 |
||
| 529,589 | ||
| 2024 £ 2,454 275 |
||
| 2,729 | ||
| 2024 £ 8,000 - |
||
| 8,000 |
A provision was established when the electricity provider for the church building at Southspring stopped sending invoices. Recent contact with the supplier has resulted in the release of the provision with estimated costs accrued in creditors.
15 Pension commitments
During the year employer’s pension contributions totalling £8,216 (2024: £6,817) were payable to defined contribution personal pension schemes.
Page 16
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
16 Funds
During the year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
| General Unrestricted Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Bexley Foodbank Humanitarian Missionary Parent & Toddler Group Property Youth Aggregate of funds |
Opening balance 2025 £ 173,632 173,632 476,277 628 - 860 4,964 5 482,734 656,366 |
Incoming resources 2025 £ 111,524 111,524 515,578 2,336 195 - - 820 518,929 630,453 |
Outgoing resources 2025 £ (114,672) (114,672) (414,960) (2,475) - (51) (657) (820) (418,963) (533,635) |
Closing balance 2025 £ 170,484 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170,484 | ||||
| 576,895 489 195 809 4,307 5 |
||||
| 582,700 | ||||
| 753,184 |
Analysis of net assets by fund
The assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
| Tangible fixed assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors falling due within one year Provisions for liabilities |
General Restricted funds funds £ £ 27,036 7,873 - 110,976 4,241 2,666 147,469 463,965 (8,262) (2,780) - - 170,484 582,700 Unrestricted Funds |
2025 £ 34,909 110,976 6,907 611,434 (11,042) - |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 27,036 - 4,241 147,469 (8,262) - 170,484 |
|||
| 753,184 |
Page 17
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
| General Unrestricted Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Bexley Foodbank Humanitarian Missionary Parent & Toddler Group Property Youth Aggregate of funds |
Opening balance 2024 £ 169,190 169,190 426,885 686 700 856 4,983 8 434,118 603,308 |
Incoming resources 2024 £ 116,506 116,506 463,588 95 - 5 - 56 463,744 580,250 |
Outgoing resources 2024 £ (112,064) (112,064) (414,197) (153) (700) - (19) (59) (415,128) (527,192) |
Closing balance 2024 £ 173,632 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173,632 | ||||
| 476,277 628 - 860 4,964 5 |
||||
| 482,734 | ||||
| 656,366 |
Analysis of net assets by fund
In the previous year, the assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
| Tangible fixed assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors falling due within one year Provisions for liabilities |
General Restricted funds funds £ £ 31,709 10,604 (0) 86,401 6,205 2,587 145,206 384,383 (1,488) (1,241) (8,000) - 173,632 482,734 Unrestricted Funds |
2024 £ 42,313 86,401 8,792 529,589 (2,729) (8,000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 31,709 (0) 6,205 145,206 (1,488) (8,000) 173,632 |
|||
| 656,366 |
Bexley Foodbank : A Trussell Trust foodbank which ibcludes donations received and grants made in kind of food and other items. Humanitarian: Donations received and grants made for the relief of poverty.
Missionaries: A fund for the support of three missionary families
Parent & Toddlers : A fund in relation to the Springlets group run by the church. Property & Equipment: A fund to meet the costs of improving the church building and the purchase of equipment.
Youth: A fund to provide equipment and to subsidise events for the youth meeting at the church.
Page 18
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
17 Operating lease commitments
The charity has an operating lease for its church building. The minimum amount payable (until the next break clause and ignoring the potential effect of future rent reviews) in respect of this lease is as follows:
potential effect of future rent reviews) in respect of this lease is as follows: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Within one year Between one and five years After five years Payments falling due: |
2025 £ 4,710 - - 4,710 |
2024 £ 14,130 4,710 - |
| 18,840 |
During the year the charity was charged £14,130 (2024: £14,130) for its operating lease.
18 Transactions with related parties
During the year the charity:
-
a) received donations totalling £66,886 (2024: £62,032) from related parties (which includes trustees, any other members of key management and anyone closely connected to them).
-
b) No expenses (2024: £0) were paid to, or for, the trustees.
One of the trustees, Paul Piper is also a trustee of iNet Trust Limited a missions agency. During the year the charity made donations totalling £2,635 (2024: £2,400).
19 Members
Each member of the company commits to contribute if the charity is wound up an amount of £1.
Page 19
AVERY HILL CHARITABLE TRUST
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES WITH COMPARATIVES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2025
| Note INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other income 5 Total income and endowments EXPENDITURE ON: Cost of generating funds Charitable activities: 7 Total Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 16 |
General Restricted 2025 2025 £ £ 111,418 518,824 105 105 1 0 111,524 518,929 - 299 114,672 418,664 114,672 418,963 (3,148) 99,966 173,632 482,734 170,484 582,700 Unrestricted funds |
Total 2025 £ 630,242 210 1 630,453 299 533,336 533,635 96,818 656,366 753,184 |
General Restricted 2024 2024 £ £ 115,023 463,739 1,482 5 1 - 116,506 463,744 - - 112,064 415,128 112,064 415,128 4,442 48,616 169,190 434,118 173,632 482,734 Unrestricted funds |
Total 2024 £ 578,762 1,487 1 580,250 - 527,192 527,192 53,058 603,308 656,366 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General 2025 £ 111,418 105 1 111,524 - 114,672 114,672 (3,148) 173,632 170,484 |
General 2024 £ 115,023 1,482 1 116,506 - 112,064 112,064 4,442 169,190 173,632 |
Page 20