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 cl￿Astian 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 re￿rbIShMent 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 Ca￿led 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.
TangibIef￿ed 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 pu￿oses.

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 pU￿oseS witliin
the objects of the charity. Restrictions apply when specified by the donor or wlien funds are
raised for particular restricted pu￿Oses.
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