Southgat¢ Church Bury St Edjnunds Suffolk (a coinpany limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period ended 31 March 2024 Charity Number.. 1115737 Company registration number.. 05815695
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Annual report and financial staten)ents for the perlod ended 31 March 2024 Contents Page: Reference and administrative dctails Report of the trustees Independent Examiner's report Statement of financial activities 10 Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Reference Ydnd adniinistrative details Trustees: Robert Jones - Chair Terry Ball Peter Maddock Helen Moore Susan Strachan David Gray- from September 2023 Philip Lloyd-Jones (St Mary's with St Peters) Secretary to the Trustees: Terry Ball Registered office: Southgate Community Centre, Caie Walk, Bury St Edinunds, Suffolk IP33 2PJ Tel: (01284) 703705 Registered Charity number: 1115737 Registered Company number: 05815695 Reporting Accountftnt The Laurel Partnership 16, Broad Street, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7DF Bankers HSBC, 333 Vauxhall Bridge Road, Victoria, London, SWIV IEJ Solicitors Ellisons, 83-84 Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1 LN
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 March 2024 The trustees present their report and accounts for the period ended 31 March 2024. Reviepv ofApril 2023 10 March 2024 Tlie year saw the Church returning to a full range of activities after the Covid pandemic restriction had all been lifted. A Leadersliip Team meeting weekly, directed by the Minister, was in place throughout the year, including three elected representatives. Fainily and Community Worker and supported by the Church Administrator, a half time appointment. The Team meet weekly for prayer and monthly for a business meeting. The Leadership Team and Minister promoted an extended semion series on prayer. Four meetings of church members were held. Thcre has been a special emphasis on safeguarding using the guidelines produce by the local Diocese as well as a volunteer recruitment procedure drawn up. Church membership has grown through 14 new peoplc joining. sadly offset by a number of deaths of long tenn members. Regular Sunday morning services were held with more encouragement to direct participation from attenders by the use of a testimony slot, and remote access made available via 'Zoom' for people unable to attend in person. Bring and Share lunches are organised regularly post Sunday morning service. There are six house groups meeting regularly with around 56 people attending which gives an opportunity for closer fellowship, bible study, and pastoral support. The Church providcs a wide range of activities for the communities it serves, standing groups include: SPOTS for younger children. Wednesday Gang for early primary ages. Youth Club for 8-12's' Liquid for 13-17's' Friendship Club for older people; Thursday Club for woinen of all ages. and Coffee Stop cach Monday for refreshment and socialising. Outreach family events have included.. Southgate's Got Christmas and Southgate's Got Easter. Light Station to coincide with Halloween. and Christmas Lights as part of the local annual community event. Other events have included carol singing at the local pub and a Christmas Eve crib service, as well as participation in the annual community fun day providing iEfreshments and activities for children. The Church continues to work in close partnership witl) the community centre and seeks to enhance the local community in many ways. The Church fully participates in thc work of Churchcs Together locally witli one of its members acting as Chair. A Community Fund has been established to provide grants to local people who are in particular need to which church members can separately contribute. There has been a particular ministry to Ukrainian refugees over the past year- one family has been housed by a member of the church. also provision of cooked meals to people in need both witliin and outside the fellowship. Trustees are confident that the church as both a registered charity and company limited by guarantee fulfils all of its legal and constitutional purposes, The Church is looking forward to celebrating its 50 Anniversary in 2024. Faniily aiid Comniunity ivork Southgate Church has a committed team of volunteers, led by a salaried Family and Community Worker, who work witli children, young people and families in the church, the local school and preschool and in the Community.
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 March 2024 All members of the team lake part in regular Safeguarding training. A Sunday Club is held eacli week alongside the church service for children aged 3-16 years, split into two age-related groups.. A crèclie area is also available for the under 3s. Tliree Messy Church events took place. These events are all planned to offer an environment whcre families can enjoy worshipping, playing and learning together. Tlie church plays host to a busy Pareni/Carei' and Toddler Group and two lively Youth Clubs. These groups run weekly in tenn time. Fortnightly assemblies are led by cliurch volunteers at the local primary school with dramatic presentation of Bible stories. Two lunchtime clubs are also orgaiiised by members of the children's work teain. The clubs help the children understand inore about the Christian faith througli teaching, games and craft. Tlie cl)urch enjoys being part of the local community and Community events also took place to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, Eastei., Light (an alternative to Halloween), Remembrance Day and Christmas. Community events also took place to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, Easter, Light (an alternative to Hallowc'en), Remembraiice Day and Christmas. During tlje suminer holidays the church ran children's Holiday Club over four morning sessions, with a family tea in the evening at the end. This saw children from the local community having a week of fun, games, craft, songs and bible teaching. Our children's ministry team were delighted to be part of a Churches Together Summer Celebration which took place in the town's historic Abbey Gardens. Objecls aitd Aclivities The Church is a registered charity and its objective is to advance the principles, teaching and practices of thc clAstian faith for tlie benefit of the public in paiticular, but not exclusively, iii the Southgate area of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Southgate Church affinns its mission: "to Glorify God in Church, Community and World, through worship, prayer, discipleship, fellowship, service and mission" The Church as a cliarity provided public benefit activities in the following ways: Regular and accessible opportunities for Christian worship for all: A wide range of social and educational activities for people of all ages. Pastoral and social support to individuals and fainilies. Activities in local scliools and contributions to the curriculum, Encouraging young people to help in activities and develop new skills such as using the sound system. The giving of tithes and other financial grants to charities and community groups at home and abroad; Promotion of leisure and educational opportunities for the wEiole community through events which are open to the community as well as the Cliurch's involvement in and help at events with tlie Southgate Community Partnership, Activities for youiig people, eldei'ly and other age ranges and interest groups.
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 March 2024 Use of the Church premises for activities including a regular weekly Coffee morning. Supporting local charities and needs in the local area and Bury St. Edmunds; Recognised as a 'Hoine for Good. Church via thc local partner charity, Transforn]ing Futures - Suffolk. The Chui'ch's premises are part of tlie Southgate Community Centre which is owned and run by the Soutligate Community Partnership (SCP), a charity, of whicli the Church is a part with the ability to nominate four tiustees. The Churcli shares an office and a number of back office services with the SCP. Southgate Church serves the area included in the Southgate ward of West Suffolk District Couiicil. Inforn]ation on activities is published in a monthly publication 'Bury St Edmunds Directory, which is delivered to every address in the catchment area. Financial Review There was a deficit of £IS,811 for tlie period as opposed to a deficit of £40,375 in the previous year. There was a drive to increase income during 2023124 and this was very successful as income rose from £109,000 in the prior year to £120,000 in 2023124. There were fewer appeals inade during the year meaning that both restricted income and expendituir were lower thali last year. Restricted llds include a Community Fund set up to cnable the church to respond to specific financial needs as and when they arise. Expenditure was lower by £13,000, due to the rerbIShMent of the Church Centre in the prior year, there were other increases due to inflation particularly on staffing costs. The regular and faithful ongoing financial support of the congregation has continued and this was at a significantly increased level Compared to last year, the majority of this through tax efficient n]eans. Expenditure was wcll controlled during the year though net expenditure aftei. removing the effect of the refurbishment was higher than the prior year due in the main to inflationary pressures. The charity's policy of keeping three month's running costs in reserves lias been more than maintained with net current assets at the end of the period being £89,275. Structure, Governance and Management Southgate Church is foremost a fellowship of individuals who believe that God is living and his son, the Lord Jesus Christ exeinplified God's life for us by dying in our place so that we may be restored to a real, living relationship with our God. In legal tenns, the Church is a company limited by guarantee incory)orated on 12th May 2006 and was registered as a charity on 9th August 2006. The governance principles of the Church are set out in the Articles which are registered with both Companies House and the Charity Commission. The Articles were ainended on 17th October 2018 and on I I th Septeinber 2019. The latter amendment provides for the Minister of the Church to be eligible to become a trustee if he opts to do so. Those amendments also included additional safeguards for the governance of the Church. In the event of the coinpany being wound up Church Members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10. That applies also to individuals who were past Members in the last 12 months prior to dissolution. Southgate Cljurch is a Local Ecumeiiical Partnership founded by Churches Together in Bury St. Edmunds and District 50 years ago. The founding denominations wliich signed the Sharing Agreement are the Church of England (Diocese of St Edinundsbury and Ipswich). the Baptist Church (Eastern Baptist Association). and the United Refornied Church (Eastern Region Synod). The Church has a Board of Trustees, the composition of which was amended by special resolution in October 2018 and allows the
Southgate Chui'ch Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 March 2024 Church to draw upon the experience and guidance of other denominations. The Trustees met regularly during the year. The Board may comprise up to 12 trustees. Southgate Church up to 8 members inclusive of the Minister and the Leadership Team, the Honorary Treasurer and the Secretary. St Mary's witli St Peter's, the Parish Church I noininated from the Parochial Church Council. The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich I nomination. The Eastern Baptist Association - I nomination. The Eastern Synod of the United Refom)ed Church - I nomination There is to recruit further trustees from the categories listed above. To retain its Christian ecumenical character, tlie Articles allow certain vacancies to be filled by drawing upon nominations from Churches Together in Bury St Edmunds & District and in other ways. The ccumenical nature of the Church is overseen by a Local Advisory Group (LAG) comprised of a representative from each of the three last Iksted denominations above. The LAG may provide advice to the Minister and the Trustees/Church. The LAG has agreed that should the denominations above not be able lo find a nominee to be a Trnstee then the Trustees of Southgate Chui'ch could fill such a vacancy by electing a Trustee from the members of Southgate Church andlor from Churches Together in Bury St Edmunds. This is reflected in the amended governance documents. The Church Leadersliip Team consists of the Minister, Family and Community Worker and up to three members elected to the Team. Thc Annual General Meeting is usually held in September. The Trustees regularly review tlie potential major risks to which the charity may be exposed and, if appropriate, establish policies, systems or procedurcs to manage those risks, For example, the Safeguarding Policy and Procedui'e is reviewed annually and training is kept under review. One Trustee is designated to keep a watching brief over safeguarding practices, checks and training. SÉgned by: Date.. 2024 Robert Joncs-chair of Trustees of Southgate Church, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Report of the trustees for the period ended 31 MArch 2024 Trustees, Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each fmancial period which give a truc and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the tNstees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial stateinents. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the flnancial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companics Act 1985. 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. pp ved by the Trustees on 2-8obb 2024 and signed on their behalf by bert Jo es ie Trustecs of Southgate Church, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Independent Examiner'5 Report to the Trustees of Sovthgate Church I report on the accounts of the Southgate Church for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 9tol7. Respective responsibilities of trustees And exAminer As the charity's trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company 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 ('tthe 2006 Act"). Having satisfied myself ihat the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my exainination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the 2011 Act"). In catTying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Cliarity Coinmission (under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Basis of independent examiner's statement My examination was Caled out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Cominission, 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 considei?tion of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undcrtaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether thc accounts present a 'trne and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters sct out in the statement below. Independent examiner'5 Statement In connectioi) with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention whicli gives ine cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance witli section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or the accounts do not comply with relcvartt accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 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 the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRSI 02). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention sliould be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of tlie accounts to be re ched. MAtthew Aldous The Laurel Partnership
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total rlunds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Note Income from: Donations 106,671 4.515 111,186 101,257 Charitable activities 6,126 6,126 6,478 Investment income 2,920 2,920 995 Total incoming resources Resources expended Charitable activities Cliaritablc activities 115,717 4,515 120,232 108,730 129,554 5,594 135,148 148,236 Governance costs 895 895 869 Total resources expended 130,449 5,594 136,043 149,105 Net incomingl(outgoing) resources before transfers (14,732) (1,079) (15,811) (40,375) Trv4nsfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out 500 (500) Iyet incomingl(outgoiJ)g) resources for the year (14,232) (1,579) (15,811) (40,375) Fund balances at IApril 2023 327,479 2,988 330,467 370,842 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 313,247 1,409 314.656 330,467 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All incoine and expenditure deiives from continuing activities. An analysis by fund of the comparative figures for 2023 is shown in note 2.
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Balance sheet at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 225,381 229,911 Current assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand 4,382 95,632 2,163 101,571 100,014 103.734 Creditors amounts falling due within one year 10 (10,739) (3,178) Net current assets 89,275 100,556 Net assets 314,656 330,467 Funds Unrestrlcted Restricted 313,247 1,409 327,479 2, 988 Total R¢serve5 11 314,656 330,467 In approving these financial statements as trustees of the charitable company we hereby confinn: (a) the company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. (b) the members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006, (c) the directors acknowledgc their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with the respect to accounting records and preparation of accounts, (d) these accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance witlj FRS102 SORP. The financial stAtements were approved by the Board on 2024 and signed on its behalf by rt Jones Trustee Tlie notes on pages I I to 16 fonn part of these financial statements. 10
Southgate Chui'ch Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Notes forming part of the financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2024 l Accounting policies These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recoinmended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts iii accordance with tlie Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015) and the Charities Act 2011. Assels and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unlcss othenvise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. Incoine Income is recognised in the period in which the charity is cntitled to receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoining entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period. Expendilui"e All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay. Expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Costs of activities in rtherancc of the charity's objectives include staff costs. Support costs are those costs incurred indirectly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include the costs of running the office and administration. Governancc costs are those incurred in connection with compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. TangibIefed assets The cost of tangible fixed assets is written off over their expected useful economic lives, on a straight line basis, as follows: Freehold buildings Church Centre ramp Kitchen Office and computer equipment - over 50 years - over 20 years over l O years over 5 years Taralion The charity is not liable to tax on its activities for thc period. Fuitd accountiiig Funds held by tlie charity are: (a) Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. (b) Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that liave bccn set aside by the trustees for particular puoses.
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Notes forming part of the financial stY4tements for the period ended 31 My4rch 2024 (Coiiliiiued) (c) Restricted funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted pUoseS witliin the objects of the charity. Restrictions apply when specified by the donor or wlien funds are raised for particular restricted puOses. 2 Income Resources Unrestrlcted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Gift Aid- General Legacy Gift Aid - Envelopes Gift Aid- Youth Otlier Collections Incoine Tax Recovered Donations Restl'ACted Gifts 73,718 73,718 58,163 8,470 8,470 8,302 3,951 20,362 170 3,951 20,362 170 4,515 3,679 16,847 600 13,666 4,515 106,671 4,515 111,186 101,257 3 Income Resources Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Totfdl Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Fellowship Activities Events Cliurcli Groups Miscellaneous 1,747 1,747 1,796 4,079 60 240 4,079 60 240 4,050 392 240 scp Church House rental income 6,126 6,126 6,478 12
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Notes forming part of the financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2024(Conliniied) 4 Charitable Activities 2024 2023 Aclivilies relaliiig direclly lo ihe work of the Chiirch Restated Ministry Youth worker Sunday School & Youth work Flowers, Libraries & Gifts Church & Community Centre Occupancy costs Church Centre Maintenance Churcli House costs Church House Maintenance Fellowship activities Depreciation of Fixed Assets Mission & Training Ttthes Events Communications Specific Gifts 42,596 29,969 4,793 1,026 8,346 1,357 3,579 1,646 3,319 6,598 41,925 28,691 4,594 848 7,733 14,438 3,488 577 2,426 6,287 17 8,200 10,400 1,563 5,594 2,009 13,123 120,786 134,356 Siipporl cosls allocated io acilvilies Staff costs Telephone & Internet Insurance Postage & Stationery Photocopier Subscriptions Mileage Payroll Administration Bank charges 11,697 11,248 528 210 848 504 355 270 695 1,114 73 220 96 220 164 14J62 13,880 Total cost of Charitable Activities 135,148 148,236 13
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk 14
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Notes forming part of the financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2024(Conliiiued) 5 Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 38,571 37,087 1,929 1,855 40,500 38,942 The charity employed 2 staff during the period, No cmployee received emoluments of over £60,000. 6 Governance costs 2024 2023 Reportlllg accountant's & independent examiner fees Lcgal and professional fees 882 13 856 13 895 869 7 Trustees remuneration and related party transactions The trustees did not receive any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses from the charity during the period. 15
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Notes forming part of the financifil stfttements for the period ended 31 March 2024 (Conliiiiied) 8 Tangible fixed assets Freehold Property Office and computer equipment Total Cosl At l April 2023 Additions Disposals 288,649 33,956 2,068 563 322,605 2,068 563 At 31 Marcb 2024 288,649 35,461 324,110 Depreciatioii At l April 2023 Charge for tlie period Disposals 68,546 3,869 24,148 2,391 225 92,694 6,260 225 At 31 March 2024 72,415 26,314 98,729 Nei book value At 31 March 2024 216,234 9,147 225,381 At 31 March 2023 220,103 9,808 229,911 9 Debtors 2024 2023 Gift Aid debtor Other debtor 3,793 589 1,758 405 4,382 2,163 16
Southgate Church Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Notes forming part of the financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2024 (Coiiiliiiied) 10 Creditors: anjounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Tax, National Insurance and Pension Expense creditors and accruals 1,416 9,323 1,434 1,744 10,739 3,178 11 Statement of Funds Fund balances at 31 March 2023 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 Incoming resources Resource5 expended Trfdnsfers Reslricled Fuiids Gifts 2,988 4,515 5,593 500 1,409 2,988 4,515 5,593 500 1,409 Purposes ofReslrieled Fuiids.. Gift Fund represents donations received to bc passed on to other organisations or for particular church projects. 12 Limited liability The charitable company has no share capital but is limited by guarantee. Tjie members under the memorandum and articles of association each undertake to contribute to the assets of the charitable coinpany, in the event of it being wound up, with eacli members liability limited to £ l O. 17