2024-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

SILKLIFE CHURCH

CHARITY REGISTRATION No:1110560

SILKLIFE CHURCH

CONTENTS

• Page 3 Legal and Administrative Information Page 4 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees Page 5 Trustees Report Page 7 Statement of Receipts and Payments Page 8 Statement of Assets and Liabilities Pages 9 to 11 Notes to the Accounts

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER 1110560 START OF FINANCIAL PERIOD 1[st] April 2023 END OF FINANCIAL PERIOD 31[st] March 2024 TRUSTEES AT 31ST MARCH 2024 Cliff Bradbrook Alain Kyd Chrissie Thompson Katy Nyman David Atkinson

The existing Trustees appoint any new Trustees following the provisions laid out in the organisation’s governing instrument.

LEGAL STATUS

Unincorporated Charity

GOVERNING INSTRUMENT Declaration of Trust Deed dated 28th June 2005

OBJECTIVES

1. The advancement of the Christian religion in accordance with the statement of beliefs set out in the annex to this document particularly but not exclusively in Macclesfield (Hereinafter known as the “Area of Benefit”)

2. The Relief of those in need in particular but not exclusively the elderly and those persons in condition of financial hardship in the area of benefit by the provision of grants, loans or any other such assistance given at the trustees’ absolute discretion

3. To advance public education in particular that of children and adults in the area of benefit.

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS Silklife Church The Silklife Centre George Street Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 6HS PRIMARY BANKERS The Co-operative Bank 12 Castle Street Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 6AF

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

C J Allies FCCA 171 Hurdsfield Road Macclesfield SK10 2QX

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

Report to the trustees/members of Macclesfield Family Church on the accounts for the period ended 31[st] March 2024 set out on pages 6 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts (under section 145 of the Charities Act);

• Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and

• State whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiners statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiners statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

• (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

• (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

C J Allies FCCA 171 Hurdsfield Road Macclesfield SK10 2QX

Date:

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024

Macclesfield Family Church has been meeting regularly in Macclesfield since April 2003 as a church plant of Burnage Family Church (N0. 1021798). With effect from 25[th] July 2005 it became registered as a charity in its own right with its own Trust Deed. In September 2009 it changed name from Macclesfield Family Church to Silklife Church.

Over the last year this is how we have endeavoured to fulfil our Trust Deed Objectives:

1. The advancement of the Christian religion in accordance with the statement of beliefs set out in the annex to this document particularly but not exclusively in Macclesfield (Hereinafter known as the “Area of Benefit”)

2. The Relief of those in need in particular but not exclusively the elderly and those persons in condition of financial hardship in the area of benefit by the provision of grants, loans or any other such assistance given at the trustees absolute discretion

3. To advance public education in particular that of children and adults in the area of benefit.

Objective 1.

1. Sunday morning services (including teaching of children referred to in Objective 3) during which the bible is preached and taught from.

2. The Church continued to run Sunday services and a range of mid-week meetings for 1:1s and small groups.

3. Midweek “Growth Groups” during which bible-based teaching is discussed and applied.

4. Publicity including the church website advertising the church and furthering the gospel and bible teaching.

5. Teaching from Sunday morning is available online through Youtube and Soundcloud.

6. Special events like Open Air services, bridge events and lessons in school.

7. Silklife have a thriving children’s work and youth ministry with approximately 70 under 18s.

8. In September 2023 Silklife ran a very successful weekend away with around 130 participants of all ages.

Objective 2.

1. Hope in North East Cheshire Initiatives - in partnership with over 30 other churches in Macclesfield and also in partnership with local agencies including the police, council and fire services. We have provided a practical and financial contribution to Hope In North East Cheshire.

2. In December 2010 we opened a Foodbank in Macclesfield relieving those in particular need with a shortterm food parcel. Demand for food parcels increased significantly with the onset of the COVID pandemic. During the COVID pandemic our referral rate escalated to over 200 referrals each month. Referrals have remained high due changes in the benefit system and the cost of living and fuel crisis.

3. In June 2020 we appointed a part time paid foodbank coordinator to lead our team of volunteers. In January 2022 the foodbank coordinator role became a full time post with additional support from a foodbank support worker two days a week.

4. During the pandemic we significantly enhanced our warehouse facilities and delivery procedures to meet the spiralling need.

5. Silklife launched a Community Support Programme in March 2022 to support vulnerable adults in the community.

6. Silklife offers a mid-week Community Hub where vulnerable members of the community can keep warm, enjoy a free meal and refreshments, play pool and table tennis, access professional services and befriending.

7. Silklife Foodbank offers a range of subsidiary services including feminine hygiene and baby products, shoes and clothes, varied food options for refugees, allergies and intolerances.

8. Silklife offers volunteering opportunities in a range of functions and settings. Our volunteer base is approximately 70 people. These volunteers are from Churches, businesses, third sector organisations and independent members of the community.

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024

Objective 3.

1. Silklife have a thriving children’s work and youth ministry with approximately 70 under 18s.

2. We offer various Sunday school clubs for children aged 0-11. This includes education in the Christian religion and general education is achieved simultaneously.

3. Our Youth Club meets midweek, weekends and Sunday mornings depending o the activity and setting. This includes education in the Christian Religion for 11-18 year olds.

4. Each Summer Silklife takes a youth group of around 25 young people to New Day Christina Festival. 5. In December 2023 the Church partnered with Saltmine Theatre Company to provide a Christmas theatre experience to the local community. In April 2024 Saltmine performed the Rhyming Bible to four schools in Macclesfield. Saltmine will return to Macclesfield in October 2024 to perform for nine more schools.

5. Silklife partners with Sowing Roots who offer education services to Primary schools in Macclesfield and the surrounding towns and villages.

Reserves Policy

An amount of £50,000 has been designated as a reserve fund to cover regular commitments which would be unavoidable if income were to suddenly cease.

Approved by the Trustees on

Signed on their behalf by Trustee

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31[st] MARCH 2024

	Notes	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Total
		Funds	Funds	2023/2024	2022/2023
RECEIPTS
Voluntary Receipts	2a	97,628	14,967	112,595	104,678
Investment Income	2b	0	0	0	0
Other Receipts	2c	6,346	112,833	119,179	92,489
TOTAL RECEIPTS		103,974	127,800	231,774	197,167
PAYMENTS
Cost of Generating Voluntary	3a	3,000	27,055	30,055	43,445
Receipts
Cost of Charitable Activities	3b	136,377	0	136,377	121,414
Governance Costs	3c	57,554	0	57,554	49,217
TOTAL PAYMENTS		196,931	27,055	223,986	214,076
NET				7,788	(16,909)
INCOMING/(OUTGOING)
RESOURCES
Balances Brought Forward				159,661	176,570
BALANCES CARRIED				167,449	159,661
FORWARD

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

AS AT 31[st] MARCH 2024

Notes ASSETS Cash Funds: Current Account Total Assets Represented by: General Fund Reserve fund Assets retained for the Charity’s own use: Equipment Motor vehicles Total Net Assets	31/3/2024 31/3/2023 £ £ 150,863 143,075
	150,863 143,075
	100,863 140,075 50,000 3,000
	150,863 143,075
	7,086 7,086 9,500 9,500
	16,586 16,586
	167,449 159,661

Approved by the Trustees on

Signed on their behalf by Trustee

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024

1. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The accounts have been prepared under the “Receipts and Payments” basis as prescribed by the Charity Commissioners, and they meet the appropriate legal requirements. The accounts are prepared on a “going concern” basis.

2. RECEIPTS

. RECEIPTS
	Note	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Total
		Funds	Funds	2023/24	2022/23
a) Voluntary Receipts
Tithes and collections		74,337	0	74,337	72,154
Special Collections and gifts		0	14,967	14,967	13,910
Community Support		1,576	0	1,576	0
reimbursement
Gift Aid Tax Reclaimed		21,715	0	21,715	18,614
		97,628	14,967	112,595	104,678
b) Investment Income
Bank Interest		0	0	0	0
		0	0	0	0
c) Other Receipts
Rental income		980	0	980	2,060
Noah’s Ark, youth and outreach		5,366	0	5,366	6,888
Food Bank – donations and grants		0	112,833	112,833	83,541
		6,346	112,833	119,179	92,489

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024

3. PAYMENTS Note a) Cost of Generating Voluntary Receipts Overseas and Mission Food Bank Christ Central Churches b) Costs of Charitable Activities Church Resources Noah’s Ark, Youth and Newday Outreach Retreat Staff Costs 5&6 Personal pension Training Child Protection Bureau Membership fees and subscriptions Visiting Guest Gifts and Expenses c) Governance Costs Accountancy Light, heat and water Insurance Cleaning and hygiene Other, including repairs and phone Rent Motor expenses	Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2023/24 Total 2022/23 0 0 9,000 18,055 9,000 18,055 14,355 23,090 3,000 0 3,000 6,000	Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2023/24 Total 2022/23 0 0 9,000 18,055 9,000 18,055 14,355 23,090 3,000 0 3,000 6,000
	3,000 27,055 30,055	43,445
	2,104 0 2,104 5,330 0 5,330 12,463 0 12,463 11,976 0 11,976 94,522 0 94,522 5,138 0 5,138 1,385 0 1,385 446 0 446 1,083 0 1,083 1,930 0 1,930	1,548 5,604 16,345 0 88,784 5,345 1,274 358 884 1,272
	136,377 0 136,377	121,414
	400 0 400 15,363 0 15,363 2,967 0 2,967 6,027 0 6,027 3,362 0 3,362 26,500 0 26,500 2,935 2,935	400 10,500 2,833 4,479 4,505 26,500 0
	57,554 0 57,554	49,217

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SILKLIFE CHURCH

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024

5. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES

During the financial year trustee Mr D Atkinson received £19,512 (2023: £18,240) in salary in furthering the charity’s objects.

No other payments were made to Trustees during this financial period. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee.

6. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

TAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
Gross Wages and Salaries Employees who were engaged in activities in furtherance of organisation’s objects at 31/3/2024	2023/24 94,522 5	2022/23 88,784
		5

No employees received emoluments in the range of over £50,000. The payroll is operated under the PAYE scheme with the Inland Revenue.

7. RISK ASSESSMENT

The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserve stated combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

8. RESERVES POLICY

The trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity’s needs. This is based on the charity’s size and the level of financial commitments held. The trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

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