2024-12-31-accounts - Widcombe Baptist Church

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WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 DECEMBER 2024

Company Registration Number 05958521 Charity Number 1118796

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 DECEMBER 2024

Contents	Pages
Trustee Directors’ Annual Report	1 – 8
Reference and Administrative Information	9
Independent Examiner’s Report	10
Statement of Financial Activities	11
Balance Sheet	12
Cashflow Statement	13
Notes to the Financial Statements	14 – 26

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Objectives of Widcombe Baptist Church

To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Covenant of Membership, Declaration of Faith and Church Rules as set out in the Church Members’ Handbook,
to relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship, or who are aged or sick and
to advance education in accordance with Christian principles,

all as the Trustee Directors may consider appropriate, in Bath and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustee Directors see fit.

Structure, governance and management

Widcombe Baptist Church is a Registered Company No. 05958521 and a Registered Charity No. 1118796.

There have been no changes to the structure, governance or management in 2024.

The Trustee Directors of the charitable company are the Ministers, Elders, willing Deacons of Widcombe Baptist Church and other individuals recruited and appointed as defined in the Church Rules. For Ministers and Elders this involves support demonstrated by not less than 75% of the votes cast by ballot of Full Church Members and for Deacons it involves support demonstrated by not less than 66.6% of the votes cast by ballot of Full Church Members.

New Trustee Directors are provided with guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding the duties of Trustee Directors.

The Church is affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC).

Activities

1. To advance the Christian faith.

a) In Bath: The Church proclaims the Christian Gospel through regular Sunday services and other meetings during the week, a Sunday School and clubs and activities for children, young people, students and the elderly from the surrounding area.
b) In the United Kingdom: The Church has supported workers involved with the international communities in London, and with students at universities and colleges throughout the United Kingdom. The Church has also supported the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, which seeks to establish new churches, restore struggling churches and train people for Christian ministry across the United Kingdom.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

c) In the world: The Church has supported workers in Romania, Myanmar, France, Central and Eastern Europe, parts of Africa, and nomadic peoples in Northern Africa and in the Middle East.
d) The Church uses a variety of electronic communication methods to serve and promote its activities to both members, the wider community in Bath and further afield in the UK and beyond.

In 2024, use of the church's sermon podcast increased by over 50% compared to the previous year, reaching around 800 downloads per month in the second half of the year. Usage of the church's website reduced to around 8,400 unique visitors during 2024, which reflects that our core member group now tends to stay connected with church activity by using ChurchSuite, the podcast, YouTube and other social media as regular communication channels. Views on YouTube of both our live streams and access to historical content remain stable with roughly 50 people joining live for each morning service and around 37,000 downloads of previously streamed content, a slight increase compared with 2023.

2. To relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the distress caused thereby.

a) In Bath: The Church has supported the Genesis Trust which seeks to help people in need and hardship and has supported the Bridgemead residential home for elderly people. The Church operates a weekly coffee morning, 'Coffee Plus', for retired people, for companionship and as an introduction to church life. The Church operates a ‘Toddlers’ group to support carers of young children in the surrounding area.
b) In the world: The workers supported by the Church have been involved in helping people in need by providing funds supporting a foodbank and employment for gypsy communities in Romania. The church also supports specific requests for financial assistance when major disasters (such as floods, hurricanes and droughts) affect impoverished communities.

3. To advance education in accordance with Christian principles.

a) In Bath: The Church provided regular education and training through Sunday School and other activities for people of all ages. Three Ministry Trainees have been based and trained at the Church throughout the year. The Church has also supported a group which is invited to lead school assemblies and provide workshops as part of schools’ programmes of religious education. The Church has trained a number of individuals who preach the gospel at other churches in the area.
b) In the United Kingdom: Members of the Church have been involved in outreach projects in the summer and at other times including beach missions and youth camps.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

c) In the world: The workers supported by the Church have been involved in long running educational projects in Myanmar, Thailand and Central and Eastern Europe providing basic skills to people who would otherwise be uneducated, providing training for Christian leaders and the development of business and political leaders. The church has also supported various individuals going abroad on gap year and other short-term appointments.

Fundraising

In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) the Trustee Directors are required to report on certain aspects of fundraising. The requirements and comments are tabulated beneath

Issue requiring comment	Comment
The fundraising approach taken by the charity, or by anyone acting on its behalf, and whether a professional fundraiser or commercial participator carried out any fundraising activities.	Members and the congregation are invited to make gifts to support the work of the Church. A box for offerings is kept at the back of the church. There is no compulsion on members to give. No professional fundraiser or commercial participator is used.
Details of any fundraising standards or scheme for fundraising regulation that the charity has voluntarily subscribed to.	None
Details of any fundraising standards or scheme for fundraising regulation that any person acting on behalf of the charity has voluntarily subscribed to.	None
Details of any failure by the charity, or by any person acting on its behalf, to comply with fundraising standards or scheme for fundraising regulation that the charity or the person acting on its behalf has voluntarily subscribed to.	Not applicable.
Whether the charity monitored the fundraising activities of any person acting on its behalf and, if so, how it did so.	Not applicable.
The number of complaints received by the charity, or by a person acting on its behalf for the purposes of fundraising, about fundraising activity.	None
What the charity has done to protect vulnerable people and other members of the public from behaviour which: • is an unreasonable intrusion on a person’s privacy. • is unreasonably persistent. • places undue pressure on a person to give money or other property.	The financial needs of the church are periodically laid before members, but all fundraising is voluntary with no compulsion to give. Individuals are never approached separately to make gifts. No collection is taken in Services. Only the Treasurer and his team of 2 other people (neither of whom are Trustee Directors) are aware of what has beengiven byindividuals.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

Review of developments and achievements

During 2024 the membership increased from 257 to 288, an increase of 31. There has been significant growth in the Sunday congregation, with attendance exceeding 450 on a Sunday morning. 16 people were baptised.

In March 2024 the Trustees recommended that we support the revitalisation of Sladebrook Evangelical Church, a small fellowship with a declining congregation and no pastor in an area of Bath not well served by gospel centred churches. This was supported by Members.

We have agreed to cover 2/3[rd] salary costs of a Revitalisation Pastor for Sladebrook for up to one year, plus 1/3[rd] accommodation costs for one year and up to £5,000 relocation costs.

An individual was recruited in November 2024, to start in February 2025. All the costs associated with this support will be incurred in 2025, for which funds are already available due to the increase in gifts experienced in 2024. In addition, several members from Widcombe will relocate to Sladebrook from later 2025 to support the new Pastor and boost the congregation.

The Trustees meet three times a year, or more frequently if required to ensure the charity meets its statutory obligations and charitable objectives, to manage the affairs of the Church, review the financial position and track the progress of major projects. A full Church Members’ meeting is held quarterly.

Investment powers

There are no specific restrictions on the Trustee Directors’ investment powers.

Risk analysis

Major risks to which the Charity is exposed have been assessed and where necessary steps have been taken to minimise those risks. The Church Manager has specific responsibility for matters relating to Health and Safety and other regulatory issues. A GDPR Policy was adopted by the church in 2018.

Training in Child Protection, Health and Safety and Food handling is provided to appropriate personnel. The Church has a Safeguarding Policy which is reviewed annually and implemented with advice from Thirtyone:eight.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial Review

Key financial measures are tabulated beneath.

Key points to note:

The significant increase in gifts was driven by the growth in membership and congregation, plus a legacy of £6,000 and an unexpected one-off gift of £23,500.
Expenses reduced in 2024. This is mainly because 2023 included £32,483 legal costs and agent’s fees associated with the purchase of the new manse and £15,580 for the temporary rental of a property for the new Pastor pending completion of the new manse.
The increase in income, combined with the reduction in expenses, led to a large increase in Net Income and a very significant increase in Reserves.
Financial reports are presented to Trustee Directors quarterly and at each members meeting.

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

31 DECEMBER 2024

Reserves policy

The Directors have reviewed the approach to Reserves and established a new policy (approved at the Trustee AGM in February 2025) whereby General Funds not designated for a specific purpose (“the Cash Reserves”) should be able to meet two months’ General Fund Core Expenditure. The calculation is on a cash basis.

Core Expenditure is defined as Unrestricted Fund Expenses less 25% of the costs of regular activities and routine repairs and maintenance (on the basis that these costs could be curtailed if necessary) less exceptional one-off expenditure all as tabulated beneath for 2023 and 2024, with a forward-looking estimate for 2025.

Based on these figures the Directors plan to increase minimum Cash Reserves from £60,000 at the end of 2024 to £65,000 at the end of 2025.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

Properties

The charity owns 2 residential properties as well as the main church premises.

The valuation of the residential properties has been adjusted by reference to HM Land registry House Price Index for Bath and North East Somerset.

7 Spring Garden’s Road, Bath is used specifically to further the objectives of the charity and is currently occupied by a retired missionary at below market rate rent. Income and expenditure in respect of this property is treated as a charitable activity. This property is valued at £345,000, which is an increase of £5,000 since 2023.
14 Derryman’s Close, Bath, used as the Manse and occupied at present by the pastor, Tom Heasman and his family. The purchase was completed in September 2023 for £774,995 and the current valuation is £760,000, an increase of £10,000 on 2023, but still £14,995 less than the purchase price, which is to be expected as there is always a premium for new houses.

The Church premises at Ebenezer Terrace, Pulteney Road, Bath is a Grade 2 listed property in central Bath. It was extended and improved in 2021/22, but the valuation remained at £600,000 due to the restriction on use as a place of worship and its Grade Listing 2 status. This is a very difficult property to value as it has no obvious alternative use and as there are biblical texts inscribed on the roof tiles with bright white paint which form part of the listing it would be an unattractive property for most secular uses. For balance sheet purposes the valuation stays at £600,000 for 2024 and is unlikely to change.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEE DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

Remuneration of Trustee Directors

The charity’s constitution allows for no more than one third of the Trustee Directors to be remunerated for day to day running of the charity. Please see note 19 for details. Remuneration for charity employees is recommended by the Treasurer and approved by a majority of non–salaried Trustee Directors.

Trustee Directors’ responsibilities

The Trustee Directors are responsible for preparing the Trustee Directors’ Report (incorporating the strategic report and directors’ report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustee Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustee Directors are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The Trustee Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 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.

The Trustee Directors have read and had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission and have considered this and reviewed it at Trustee Directors' meetings to ensure that the projects developed by the Charity are relevant and topical for the public benefit.

By order of the Trustee Directors

C P Hutchison, Treasurer and Trustee Director Date: 26 June 2025

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

31 DECEMBER 2024

Legal Status

Widcombe Baptist Church is a charitable company limited by guarantee, governed by memorandum and articles of association (dated 6 October 2006).

Trustee Directors

The trustee directors who have served during the year and since the year end are as follows:

A C Barnett A W Battle D M Bolton R L Evans D Halliday T Heasman R Henwood C P Hutchison J T Pollard A T J M Rose R E Thomas C R Todman S M Walker (appointed October 2024) N Willoughby K C W Wiltshire (Resigned March 2024)

Registered Office

Ebenezer Terrace, Pulteney Road, Bath, BA2 4JR

Independent Examiner

Solicitor

Joshua Kingston ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR

Edward Connor Solicitors 10 The Point Market Harborough LE16 7QU

Bankers

CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Registered company number: 05958521 Registered charity number: 1118796

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

31 DECEMBER 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Widcombe Baptist Church (‘the Company’) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

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 member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 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:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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
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 to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. osha Kingston Joshua Kingston ACA Date: …………………………. 26 June 2025 Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court, Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including Income and Expenditure Account)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted Funds £ 463,919 35,498 1,718	Restricted Funds £ 29,472 - -	Total Funds 2024 £ 493,391 35,498 1,718	Total Funds 2023 £ 410,678 38,148 11,410
501,135	29,472	530,607	460,236
- 376,427	- 22,980	- 399,407	850 465,982
376,427	22,980	399,407	466,832
124,708 31 15,000	6,492 (31) -	131,200 - 15,000	(6,596) - (9,995)
139,739 1,782,256	6,461 1,110	146,200 1,783,366	(16,591) 1,799,957
1,921,995	7,571	1,929,566	1,783,366

The charity has no recognised gains and losses other than the results for the period as set out above

All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing

The comparative Statement of Financial Activities is shown in note 10

The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these financial statements

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

		2024	2023
	Note	£	£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets	12	1,711,325	1,701,242
Current assets
Debtors	13	26,565	15,491
Cash at bank and in hand		194,016	70,994
		220,581	86,485
Creditors : Amounts falling
due within one year	14	(2,340)	(4,361)
Net current assets		218,241	82,124
Net assets		1,929,566	1,783,366
Funds
Restricted funds	16	7,571	1,110
Unrestricted General funds (includes	16	1,918,917	1,779,052
property revaluation reserve of
£1,551,005 (2023: £1,536,005)
Unrestricted Designated funds	16	3,078	3,204
		1,929,566	1,783,366

For the year ending 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors responsibilities:

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with sections 144(2) and 476 of the Charities Act 2011.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

These financial statements were approved by the trustees and are signed on their behalf by:

……………………………………… Chris Hutchison Church Treasurer and Trustee Company registration number: 05958521

Date: 26 June 2025

The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these financial statements

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH CASHFLOW STATEMENT

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024 Note £ Cashflows from operating activities A 126,579 Cashflows from non-operational activities Investing Activities Purchase of freehold property (14 Derrymans Close) - Purchase of tangible fixed assets (3,557) Sale of Freehold Property (4 Abbey View Gardens) - (3,557) Net Cash inflow (outflow) for the year B 123,022 NOTES TO CASHFLOW STATEMENT A. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash inflow from operating activities Statement of Financial Activities: Net movement in funds 146,200 (Gains) / losses on revaluation of fixed assets (15,000) Depreciation 8,474 Increase (Decrease) in creditors (2,021) (Increase) Decrease in Debtors (11,074) Cashflows from operating activities 126,579 B. Analysis of changes in cash during the year 2024 2023 Change £ £ £ Cash at Bank and in hand 194,016 70,994 123,022 194,016 70,994 123,022 Comparative changes in cash 2023 2023 2022 Change £ £ £ Cash at hand and in Bank 70,994 141,394 (70,400) 70,994 141,394 (70,400)	- (3,557) -	2024 £ 126,579 (3,557)	2023 £ 4,595 (74,995)

		123,022	(70,400)
			(16,591) 9,995 11,529 (218) (120)
		126,579	4,595
		Change £ 123,022
194,016	70,994	123,022
2023 £ 70,994	2022 £ 141,394	Change £ (70,400)
70,994	141,394	(70,400)

The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these financial statements

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except for investments which have been included at fair value) and 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) issued in Oct 2019 and the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice applicable from 1.1.2019.

The charity is a public benefit entity as defined under FRS 102.

The trustees believe that there are no material uncertainties affecting the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. Average gift per member has not been impacted by cost of living issues.

(b) Income

Income from donations are included when these are received, except as follows:

i) When donors specify that donations given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.

ii) When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred until the pre-conditions have been met.

Gift Aid tax refunds on unrestricted gifts are credited to the General Fund and Gift Aid tax refunds on restricted gifts are credited to the designated beneficiary, unless the donor specifies otherwise and asks for the Gift Aid tax to go to the General Fund.

Legacies are recognised when the charity is legally entitled to the legacy and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Entitlement is regarded as the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.

Investment income is included in the SOFA when receivable.

(c) Expenditure

Expenses are recognised when incurred and are apportioned where possible exactly to the category to which they relate. In circumstances where this is not possible the trustees apportion the amounts on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the independent examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. Governance costs are included within support costs.

(d) Fixed Assets

All tangible fixed assets costing £750 or more are capitalised.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Equipment: 20% straight line.

Whatever the date of acquisition, a full year's depreciation charge is made in the year of acquisition.

No depreciation is charged on freehold properties, which instead are revalued each year and are subject to a regular program of inspection and maintenance. The Trustees revalue the residential properties on the basis of a recognised House Price Index. The effective date of the most recent revaluation was 31.12.24.

(e) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

(f) Cash at bank and cash in hand

This includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

(g) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Accounting policies (continued)

(h) Pension Scheme

The charity operates defined contribution pension scheme arrangements. Contributions payable to the schemes are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. These contributions are invested separately from the charity's assets.

(i) Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees. Designated funds are unrestricted funds held by the treasurers of church auxiliaries for use in auxiliary activities. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

2 Income from Donations and legacies

2024

Donations and gifts Legacies Income tax refunds	Unrestricted Funds £ 376,591 6,000 81,328	Restricted Funds £ 25,216 - 4,256	Total Funds 2024 £ 401,807 6,000 85,584
	463,919	29,472	493,391

Comparative donations and legacies for the year ended 31 December 2023

Donations and gifts Income tax refunds	Unrestricted Funds £ 304,591 60,366	Restricted Funds £ 38,102 7,619	Total Funds 2023 £ 342,693 67,985
	364,957	45,721	410,678

3 Income from: charitable activities

Auxiliary activities Event Fees Hire of rooms Insurance Claims Christmas Mission Sales Other General Fund Income Spring Gardens Road Property Rent	Total Funds 2024 £ 3,275 7,128 8,341 - 261 11,693 4,800	Total Funds 2023 £ 6,484 3,449 5,810 5,000 4,204 8,401 4,800
	35,498	38,148

All income from Charitable and other trading activities for both current and prior year were unrestricted

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4 Income from Investments

Interest on bank and building society deposits	Total Funds 2024 £ 1,718	Total Funds 2023 £ 11,410
	1,718	11,410

All income from Investments for the current and prior year was unrestricted.

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

Activities in Bath Activities elsewhere in the UK Activities outside the UK	£ 20,128 16,394 50,491 Grants made (Note 6)	£ 151,916 - - Direct costs	£ 157,268 1,605 1,605 Support costs	Total Funds 2024 £ 329,312 17,999 52,096
	87,013	151,916	160,478	399,407

Comparative charitable activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Activities in Bath Activities elsewhere in the UK Activities outside the UK	£ 45,355 18,147 74,025 Grants made (Note 6)	£ 110,766 - - Direct costs	£ 213,335 2,177 2,177 Support costs	Total Funds 2023 £ 369,456 20,324 76,202
	137,527	110,766	217,689	465,982

Direct costs Staff costs (Pastors & Pastoral Care) Core Activities (Youth work, Guest speakers, special events) International Café Auxiliary Accounts	Total Funds 2024 £ 127,739 16,990 3,786 3,401	Total Funds 2023 £ 90,317 12,165 2,729 5,555
	151,916	110,766

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Expenditure on: charitable activities continued Support costs Staff Costs (Manager and Administrator) Office and Miscellaneous Costs Insurance Legal fees Professional Services Fuel Cleaning expenses and materials Church Flat Maintenance of premises and equipment and equipment purchases < £750 Rent of Temporary Manse Manse Expenses (Council Tax and other expenses) 7 Spring Gardens Road expenses Governance costs (see note 7) Equipment depreciation	Total Funds 2024 £ 49,540 29,742 11,257 72 - 11,086 12,772 2,341 23,764 - 3,832 5,258 2,340 8,474	Total Funds 2023 £ 57,286 28,872 9,735 23,519 8,964 11,912 8,947 1,630 31,025 15,580 5,479 991 2,220 11,529
	160,478	217,689

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6 Analysis of grants

2024 *To Organisations* £ Activities in Bath Genesis Trust 3,000 Carols at the Rec 2,770 Bridgecare & Ray King Memorial Fund 1,500 Bath Youth for Christ 1,000 University of Bath CU 250 Bath Spa Uni - CU 250 UCCF Worker in Bath 2,496 Activities elsewhere in the UK Friends International 6,300 UCCF 500 FIEC 8,844 Contagious - Leftwich Church - Activities outside the UK UFM Worldwide 1,500 South Asia Concern (NVS) - Tear Fund - Mission to Romania 11,594 Open Doors - Barnabus - Innovista 4,200 *Sub Total to Organisations* To individuals	2023 £ 3,000 299 1,500 1,008 250 250 832 11,266 6,154 500 8,193 300 2,000 15,644 1,500 700 475 13,781 8,785 500 3,860 17,294 44,204 42,809 87,013
		7,139
		17,147
		29,601
		51,887 85,640
		137,527

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7	Governance costs Independent examiner's fees Current year	2024 £ 2,340	2023 £ 2,220
		2,340	2,220

8 Net income/(expenditure)

This is stated after charging:

Remuneration of trustees and related parties (see note 18) Trustees' expenses reimbursed (4 trustees; 2023 - 4 trustees) for travel, use of phone for work, training and conferences) Depreciation Independent Examiner's fee Staff costs and numbers The aggregate staff costs were Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Staff numbers Based on average headcount of employees Pastoral Administrative Staff numbers Full time equivalent Pastoral Administrative	2024 £ 126,117 4,883 8,474 2,340 2024 £ 148,067 8,840 15,506	2023 £ 132,404 4,195 11,529 2,220 2023 £ 122,081 6,408 15,049
	172,413	143,538
	No. 4.0 2.0	No. 3.0 2.0
	6.0	5.0
	3.6 1.5	2.6 1.5
	5.1	4.1

9 Staff costs and numbers

No staff received employment benefits of more than £60,000 (excluding employer's national insurance and pension contributions) in 2024 or 2023.

The Trustees consider the key management personnel of the charity to be themselves and L Battle. Total benefits

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted Funds £ 364,957 38,148 11,410	Restricted Funds £ 45,721 - -	Total Funds 2023 £ 410,678 38,148 11,410
414,515	45,721	460,236
850 420,799	- 45,183	850 465,982
421,649	45,183	466,832
(7,134) (2) (9,995)	538 2 -	(6,596) - (9,995)
(17,131) 1,799,387	540 570	(16,591) 1,799,957
1,782,256	1,110	1,783,366

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Freehold Property £ 1,690,000 - 15,000	Equipment £ 245,970 3,557 -	Total £ 1,935,970 3,557 15,000
1,705,000	249,527	1,954,527
- -	234,728 8,474	234,728 8,474
-	243,202	243,202

1,705,000	6,325	1,711,325

1,690,000	11,242	1,701,242

The residential properties were revalued at 31 December 2024 using the HM Land Registry House Price Index. The church premises was professionally valued in December 2021 and updated by an experienced agent in December 2023. On an existing use basis the Trustees' opinion is that the market value remains £600,000.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 Debtors

13 Debtors
Income tax recoverable 14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accrued expenses	2024 £ 26,565	2023 £ 15,491
	26,565	15,491
	2024 £ 2,340	2023 £ 4,361
	2,340	4,361

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 Movements in funds

For the year ended 31 December 2024

At 1 January 2024 £ 618 - - - - 35 457	Income and Gains £ 8,155 50 1,871 2,500 731 - 16,165	Expenditure and Losses £ (3,657) - (312) (2,500) (735) - (15,776)	Transfers £ - - - - 4 (35) -	At 31 December 2024 £ 5,116 50 1,559 - - - 846
1,110	29,472	(22,980)	(31)	7,571
3,204	3,275	(3,401)	-	3,078
3,204	3,275	(3,401)	-	3,078
1,536,005 243,047	15,000 497,860	- (373,026)	- 31	1,551,005 367,912
1,779,052	512,860	(373,026)	31	1,918,917

1,783,366	545,607	(399,407)	-	1,929,566
	Income and Gains £ 6,718 8,782 475 - 29,746	Expenditure and Losses £ (6,100) (8,785) (475) (350) (29,473)	Transfers £ - 3 - - (1)	At 31 December 2023 £ 618 - - 35 457
570	45,721	(45,183)	2	1,110
2,053	6,484	(5,555)	222	3,204
2,053	6,484	(5,555)	222	3,204
1,546,000 251,334	- 408,031	(9,995) (416,094)	- (224)	1,536,005 243,047
1,797,334	408,031	(426,089)	(224)	1,779,052

1,799,957	460,236	(476,827)	-	1,783,366

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 Movements in funds - notes

Restricted Funds

Restricted funds are principally where the church collects gifts for specific purposes.

Such gifts and offerings are normally passed on to the nominated beneficiaries soon after receipt.

Mission to Europe

Gifts to support work in Romania, in addition to gifts made by the Church from the General Fund.

Innovista

Provides practical support and training to Christian leaders in the Ukraine and other parts of eastern Europe.

Africa Inland Mission (AIM) Rendile People

AIM serves and partners with churches to advance the gospel among Africans who have the least opportunity to hear about Jesus. Our support is directed to ministry amongst the Rendille who are a semi-nomadic unreached people group living in northern Kenya.

Wycliffe Bible Translators

The purpose of the organisation is to provide the Bible in every known language so that in every community worldwide people have access to God's Word in their own language.

Tear Fund

Tearfund is a Christian Charity that partners with churches in the world's poorest countries, tackling poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters and challenging injustice.

May Culver Funeral Offering

The widow of a former pastor. Funds have been distributed in accordance with the family's instructions.

Open Doors

Support to persecuted Christians, by supplying Bibles, providing emergency relief and helping persecuted believers stand strong for the long-term.

Gifts to Individuals

Gifts to missionaries and the needy, in addition to gifts made by the Church from the General Fund.

Unrestricted Designated funds

For Junior Church, Youth Groups, Men's' Breakfast, Ladies Brunch, Toddlers and Coffee Plus.

Property Revaluation Reserve

The total of property value adjustments up to the current year.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible Fixed Assets £ - - 1,711,325	Other Net Assets £ 7,571 3,078 207,592	Total £ 7,571 3,078 1,918,917
1,711,325	218,241	1,929,566
Tangible Fixed Assets £ - - 1,701,242	Other Net Assets £ 1,110 3,204 77,810	Total £ 1,110 3,204 1,779,052
1,701,242	82,124	1,783,366

17 Company limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee and as such has no issued share capital. In the event of the company being wound up the liability of the members is limited to £1 each.

WIDCOMBE BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

18 Related party transactions

Trustee remuneration (excluding expenses). In 2024 Trustee expenses were £4,883 (2023: £4,195). Under the Articles of Association, article 5, not more than 1/3 of the Trustees may be remunerated for services provided under a contract of employment.

The minimum number of Trustees that held office in the year was 14 (2023: 14).

Salary & Employer NI £ 47,198 28,054 9,826 29,540	Employer pension £ 4,099 4,099 855 2,446	Total 2024 £ 51,297 32,153 10,681 31,986
114,618	11,499	126,117

		60,974

Comparative Trustee Remuneration 2023

Salary & Employer NI £ 40,810 26,428 9,278 18,991 23,000	Employer pension £ 4,501 4,500 929 1,746 2,221	Total 2023 £ 45,311 30,928 10,207 20,737 25,221
118,507	13,897	132,404

		52,807

Audit Trail

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Title WBC - Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 - For signing.pdf File Name WBC - Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 - For signing.pdf Document ID a5a5b92115d64211b4fe605502a8b612 Fingerprint 8b785dcebf05ef92594f424cf6581b16 Status Completed Ld

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