THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED A Company Limited by Guarantee
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Company No. 06587579 (England and Wales) Registered Charity No. 1124740
THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION Directors Dr J Muir - Leader Mr K Holland - Hon. Treasurer Mr D Seager Trustees Dr J Muir - Chair Mrs L Chapman Mr K Holland Ms R Rudder Mr D Seager Eldership Team Dr J Muir Mr K Holland Resigned 30th June 2025 Mr A Chapman Mr A Moore Appointed 28th September 2025 Company Number 06587579 (England and Wales) Charity Number 1124740 Registered Office 5 Watergate Street Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 1DW Office Location 5 Watergate Street Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 1DW Principal Meeting Place 5 Watergate Street Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 1DW Accountants James, Holyoak & Parker Limited 1 Knight’s Court Archers Way Battlefield Enterprise Park Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 3GA Bankers Lloyds Banking Group 1 Pride Hill Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1DG
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 4 - 9 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
| Balance Sheet | 12 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 13 - 19 |
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The directors and trustees of the charity present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026. The trustees confirm that the annual report and the financial statements of the charitable company comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Charity information
The Beacon Whitchurch Limited is a registered charity and private company with no issued share capital, incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 5 Watergate Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1DW. The registered company number is 06587579 (England & Wales), and the registered charity number is 1124740.
Trustees/Directors
The directors and trustees who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Directors: Dr J Muir - Leader Mr K Holland - Hon. Treasurer Mr D Seager Trustees: Dr J Muir - Chair Mrs L Chapman Mr K Holland Ms R Rudder Mr D Seager
Eldership Team
The initial Elders, Dr J Muir and Mr K Holland, were appointed on 3rd April, 2011 when the Beacon Church became a fully autonomous church having been ‘planted’ from Barnabas Community Church in Shrewsbury four years earlier. Mr K Holland stepped down from Eldership as at 30th June 2025. Mr Glyn Chapman was appointed on 15th September 2019 and Mr A Moore on 28th September 2025. Together they are responsible for the spiritual direction of the church, for its day to day running and for delegating responsibilities to others within the church with regard to areas of the church’s ministry.
Recruitment and Appointment of Leadership Team
Historically the Elders of the Beacon Church (The Beacon Whitchurch Ltd) were also the Directors of the limited company and Trustees of the Charity. The Trustees, some of whom are also the Directors of the company, now act more independently of the Elders although, clearly, they have a common aim to ensure the smooth running of the church and charity. The primary responsibilities of the Elders relate to the spiritual oversight of the church whereas the Trustees and Directors are engaged in the day to day oversight of the charity and its adherence to legal and statutory matters, and financial well-being. Delegated responsibilities were entrusted to a Leadership Team of eight people during the previous year: membership of this group has changed during the year under review but between them they lead various aspects of the church's work and ministry. Those responsibilities relate to children, youth, worship, small groups including our midweek fellowship groups, prayer ministry, pastoral care, publicity, catering and safeguarding. The Elders, Trustees and Directors recognise that the key ingredient is the personal strengths and skills of the individuals involved and the calling God has placed on their lives.
Trustees Appointment, Induction and Training
All of the trustees are aware of the literature and updates provided by the Charities Commission.
Governing document
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, and is therefore governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association, which was approved on 8th May 2008.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Aims and Purpose
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To delight in God and worship Him
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To become all that Christ wants us to be
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To bring hope and restoration to everyone in our community
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To fulfil the great commission and so hasten Christ's return
Our vision continues to be that ‘church’ should operate on three levels or ‘tiers’: firstly as a ‘cell’ in small Connect Groups meeting during the week for fellowship, teaching, prayer, encouragement and development of our God-given gifts; secondly as a ‘congregation’ meeting on Sundays to further develop gifting, to worship together and to reach out to the community; and thirdly, periodically, in a ‘celebration’ meeting together with other churches in our region to encourage each other, and also at festivals and conferences. All three ‘ingredients’ have, once again, been evident in the year under review.
The Purpose, Values and Vision statements are routinely communicated to new people joining Beacon Church in order that we might have a shared vision going forward. Furthermore, visitors are invited to a Meet & Greet following our morning service to talk with the elders about the ethos and vision of the church.
Objectives and Activities:
History
Beacon Church was launched on 27th April, 2008 following a period of several years during which a weekly ‘Cell Group’ had met in Whitchurch to bring together a sufficient number of like-minded Christian people to make the launch practically possible.
Worship, Study and Prayer
Weekly worship services have continued at our Watergate Street premises throughout the year under review.
During the year we have continued to welcome a number of new people to our Sunday services, some taking the opportunity to retire to our area of Shropshire and, again, people from other nations who are working in the area, primarily in the care sector. We are delighted to be a broad multi-ethnic congregation of God's people from all economic and educational backgrounds including some with mobility challenges who are easily able to access our premises. It has been a joy to welcome these new folk and to benefit from their Christian and cultural experiences. Congregations regularly exceed 80 representing all age ranges. Many of the talks given during our services are recorded and uploaded to our Facebook and You Tube channels where those who are unable to attend can listen.
Beacon Church has no formal membership on the basis that all Christians are part of One Body in Christ. We continue to encourage those who are new to the church to attend our 'Introduction to Beacon' course which sets out our beliefs, values and vision and then to decide whether or not to become part of the Family which is Beacon Church. We welcome all who wish to express their commitment to the life and work of Beacon Church. The Beacon Church family, as defined as those who have made a commitment to the church, currently exceeds 100. It was a particular joy to hold two baptism services during the course of the year at which 11 people of varying ages and cultures were baptised on profession of their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Alpha course has again been delivered during the year at our Watergate Centre including a simple meal for those participating. We have continued with the less formal format, making the initial commitment less daunting by providing the course material in two halves rather than in one block. As with previous courses run in this format most people wished to continue to the end of the second tranche of sessions. We seek to migrate these attendees into other groups and activities within the church. Further courses are planned for the coming twelve months.
Our mid-week Connect Groups - small groups meeting in individuals' homes - have thrived during the year. Groups meet within the town and three groups meet in outlying village settings. An additional Youth Connect Group has commenced during the year catering for our younger teens. The groups provide the opportunity to share in fellowship as well as worship, study and prayer. We are most grateful to those who offer hospitality in their own homes to facilitate these groups.
Powerhouse - our monthly evening meeting for worship, praise and prayer - has continued throughout the period under review. It provides an opportunity for people to worship God more freely than is sometimes possible within the structure of regular morning services which are designed to be more 'visitor friendly'.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The evening prayer initiative over Zoom - which began during Covid - has again continued throughout the year on Monday and Friday evenings. These meetings remain popular, especially with those who live a distance from the church centre and with 'carers' who can remain in contact without having to make alternative arrangements for their spouse. We continue to assert that we see prayer as the petrol that fuels the motor that is the church.
The Monday morning prayer initiative, focused largely on the needs of the worldwide Christian community - especially those subjected to persecution for their faith - has met at our Watergate Centre throughout the year under review.
Social Action
Warm (or Welcome) Space - set up in the autumn of 2022 which initially grew out of a scheme by Shropshire Council - has continued to provide a safe and warm place for people from our community to meet together over light refreshments, games, puzzles and social interaction. Many of those who regularly attend would describe themselves as being lonely and in need of company and although the group is not large it is seen as a valuable asset to those who come. Connect for You - designed for adults with educational or mobility challenges (and their carers if desired) has also continued throughout the year and is a place where great hilarity is experienced alongside fun, games, and refreshments! In the autumn of 2025, we began a new initiative to provide a safe space for those recovering from addictions of various kinds to meet with an experienced worker to talk and seek support and encouragement. Statistics suggest there a number of people in that category living locally and we seek to help them in their journey to full recovery.
Buzzy Beas - our group for parents and toddlers - has now celebrated its second birthday and is invariably very busy. The group is providing opportunities to parents/carers (both female and male) to meet together with others experiencing similar challenges and 'growing pains'. It has been a pleasure and privilege to get to know both the adults and the children as we have fun together and to welcome some to Sunday services.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Andy Kind, a Christian comedian and speaker, to a special evening event during the autumn. This highly successful occasion included a light meal for all who attended. The evening was entertaining yet included a serious Christian message.
Young People’s Activities
‘Bea Club’ – our after-school activity for children aged between 7 and 11 years has been very well attended during the current year. We have been able to cater for some additional children in response to demand. The Club provides youngsters with craft activities, games, a Bible story and prayer.
Sadly, we have had to suspend BYG (Beacon Youth Group). Our small volunteer team was stretched in meeting the demands of a large increase of less respectful young people from the community and, for safety reasons, the decision was made to close this activity until such time as we can provide adequate adult supervision. A group for teenagers does still meet on alternate Sunday mornings as part of our regular service.
Two Easter Extravaganza events fell in this twelve month period because of the way in which Easter dates are calculated. Our 2025 event was slightly less well attended than in previous years but the 2026 Extravaganza was extremely busy with many visitors. Both were happy and successful occasions where members of the community were able to join us for children's craft activities and refreshments.
Shropshire Council use our premises for a number of their groups most of which appear to meet their intended needs. Their outreach to local homeless people (reported last year) did not get off the ground despite the best efforts of their project leader.
SYA (Shropshire Youth Association) have continued to use our premises one evening a week (in school term time) to run separate groups for two age ranges of children / young people.
Mission and Evangelism
Beacon Church remains active outside of our own premises at events not necessarily organised by us:
1. Representation at activities organised by other groups:
- Beacon Church has joined with the congregations of the other three churches in the town in events such as the annual March of Witness through the town centre on Good Friday, the annual town-wide Christmas card/greeting distributed around the town, the series of Lent Lunches (mainly held at our Watergate Centre) and joint services to recognise special occasions such as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Bible Sunday and the annual Christian Aid Week activities culminating in Christian Aid Sunday.
2. Outreach activities organised and run by our own people:
- We have again been able to use our premises as a base to support community activities such as the monthly Artisan Market and the annual Blackberry Fair and Christmas Light Switch-on celebrations.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
3. Social and general interest events:
- In addition to running a monthly Blood Pressure service for the general public at our Centre, it has again been our privilege to welcome the Hearing Loss volunteers and Social Service activities for both individuals and groups such as family group meetings, contact arrangements and dementia care training.
4. Alpha and ‘Special’ Services:
- The Town Band played at our Carol Service once again. It was heartening to see so many people, many of them first time visitors, to join us for this special occasion when children from our BEA Club contributed to the proceedings. The previous week was also a 'special' service designed to be an inter-active style of worship to a mainly younger congregation. Alpha has been an on-going feature as reported elsewhere.
5. Watergate Street - also known as Watergate Centre:
The Beacon Church took ownership of 5 Watergate Street in the heart of Whitchurch in December 2020 during the Covid lockdown. In the year under review, further considerable work on those premises is gradually bringing them up to a high standard facility both for our own church activities and for the wider community. We are seeing the benefits of the improved heating and lighting systems in our energy bills and our reduced carbon footprint . Work on the ground floor is almost complete as we contemplate developing the first floor into useful • facilities.
Whitchurch Men in Sheds have continued using rooms on our mezzanine floor as a base for their equipment and workshop meeting at least twice a week. Whitchurch Singers provide for those with limited musical ability who yet find great enjoyment and companionship in meeting weekly in school term time . Shropshire Youth also meet weekly during term time (as previously mentioned) and we continue to host a nationally recognised holiday club.
Our sole full-time employee is responsible for opening/closing/welcoming at the Centre, maintenance, repairs and cleaning, and also undertaking work in connection with the ongoing alterations. We also employ a part-time worker to lead our Buzzy Beas pre-school club and have, this year, engaged the services of a part-time administrator.
Ecumenical Relationships
Beacon Church remains part of Churches Together in Whitchurch and we have continued to take a full part in local multichurch activities including the annual Christian Aid Week collection and the Easter March of Witness as reported above. We see our partnership with the established churches in the town as important to witness to our community.
With regard to Whitchurch Foodbank, the church continues to be represented both on the voluntary Management Committee and the band of helpers who operate the Foodbank week by week. Foodbank services continue to be in considerable demand in our locality. The Foodbank has continued to provide access to Citizens Advice Bureau services and their appointments are held on our premises.
How our activities deliver public benefit
Services at The Beacon Church are open to all members of the public who are welcome to attend any of our services and activities. It remains our aim that Christians should not transfer from other churches to join us but rather that we reach out to the ‘un-churched’ in Whitchurch and the surrounding areas. Our premises are available at reasonable cost for use by not-for-profit groups within the community.
All our outreach activities are organised with the non-church-going general public in mind: we try to reflect this in our advertising for these events. We are seeking to develop further programmes that will be of benefit to our local community as a whole in addition to the Drop-In for recovering addicts previously referred to.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Transactions and Financial Position
The Church’s financial results and state of affairs for the period ended 31st March 2026 are summarised in the accounts. At that date we had accumulated funds of £461,122 of which £4,772 is money held for our upcoming church weekend away at Cefn Lea, £56,161 held in our First Floor Building Fund, £100 for our Ladies Only activities and £404 remaining from a grant for Warm/Welcome Space which will be utilised during the current year. Additionally £4,533 designated for Mission and Relief has not paid away during the year under review, Together this leaves £395,152 by way of general reserves. The Elders and Trustees consider this to be a satisfactory result for the Church at the end of its eighteenth accounting period, and provides a basis to launch into a further year of growth and development. The Elders and Trustees however, continue to be very aware that much of our income is vested in a relatively small number of principle donors, as a result of which income can fluctuate swiftly as members move away (or their circumstances change) and others join the church. They are also very aware that the current financial challenges that many of our congregation face may impact their ability to maintain giving at present levels. Whilst no specific actions are considered necessary the Elders and Trustees are especially aware that the uncertainties surrounding the church’s income could quickly impact our ability to meet our commitments to staff and the repayment of our mortgage.
Reserves Policy
As reported in previous years, our Reserves Policy has been updated with a view to saving money for the transformation of the first floor of our building to provide additional facilities for ourselves and the community of Whitchurch. The initial cost of providing access to the first floor is considerable and may take several years to achieve. We are seeking to balance the need to hold this finance with paying down our mortgage debt thus saving money in the longer term.
Volunteers
The three Elders and the Trustees operate wholly in a voluntary capacity. Anything up to 20 people are involved in almost all of our Sunday services working in varying capacities such as children/youth, refreshments, welcoming, leading sung worship, speaking, reading and so on. All of our activities (apart from Buzzy Beas), our mid-week Connect Groups, our youth activates and outreach events are totally reliant on the giving of voluntary time and energy by the church family. We are so grateful to each and every one of them.
Plans for future periods
Work on alterations to our Watergate property will continue in as quick a time frame as possible. Some of this work will be undertaken by our own volunteers but more extensive projects will continue to be undertaken by professionals. The speed of that work will be dictated by our ability to attract grants and other giving streams. Architects have been engaged to advise on the possible development of our first floor space which would greatly enhance the facilities we have and provide
It is now eighteen years since Beacon Church was established in Whitchurch. We want to continue to build the church and to reach out into the town and surrounding areas and to have a greater impact for Jesus Christ in the community of Whitchurch. As more work is done on our premises and they appear more 'attractive' we want to introduce further groups and programmes to help in our community, to provide space for others to work and offer services, and to encourage yet more professionals to meet with their clients at Watergate.
Risk Management
The Elders and Trustees continue to monitor and revise risk assessments with regard to our activities.
A rigorous Safeguarding Policy is in force, and all personnel working with children and vulnerable adults are approved subject to DBS checks. The Trustees are continuing to update all our policies to ensure they are robust and meet our legal responsibilities adequately. There have been no significant incidents requiring to be reported in the year under review.
Related Parties
The Beacon Church is an autonomous body. It is a member of ChristCentral Midlands (made up of Newfrontiers churches in Shropshire and neighbouring counties) which itself is part of ChristCentral uniting the Newfrontiers churches situated from the Midlands to Scotland and some overseas countries. These links are particularly useful in terms of the support and encouragement they offer the Eldership team. There are, however, no legal or financial commitments either way.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The Directors are responsible for The Beacon Whitchurch Limited for the purposes of company law.
Company law requires the Trustees 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 incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP:
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The Trustees 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.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
there is no relevant accounting information of which the charitable company’s independent examiner is
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unaware; and
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the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant accounting information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 5 June 2026, and signed on its behalf by:
D Seager Director and Trustee
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS/TRUSTEES OF THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2026 which are set out on pages 11 to 19.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity 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 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
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 that in any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Robert Humphreys BEng FCA
James, Holyoak and Parker Limited 1 Knights Court Archers Way Battlefield Enterprise Park Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 3GA
Dated: 5 June 2026
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Summary Income and Expenditure Account
| Notes Income from: Donations & legacies 2 Income from charitable activities 3 Other income 4 Total incoming resources Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 Transfers between funds 20 Reconciliation of funds: Transfer between funds Total funds brought forward 20 Total funds carried forward 20 Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds |
Restricted £ 59,971 4,956 - 64,927 (41,648) - 23,279 14,071 24,087 61,437 |
Unrestricted £ 98,365 6,475 13,669 118,509 (100,262) - 18,247 (14,071) 395,509 399,685 |
Total 2026 £ 158,336 11,431 13,669 183,436 (141,910) - 41,526 419,596 461,122 |
Total 2025 £ 192,033 5,124 9,814 206,971 (113,145) - 93,826 325,770 419,596 |
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The Statement of Financial Activities includes details of all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2026
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 15 Current assets Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand 17 18 Net current assets Net assets Charity funds Unrestricted funds 20 Restricted funds 20 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Creditors: amounts falling due after one year |
11,746 133,294 145,040 (4,857) (69,553) |
2026 £ 390,492 70,630 461,122 399,685 61,437 461,122 |
7,795 105,568 113,363 (6,593) (76,496) |
2025 £ 389,322 (30,274) 419,596 395,509 24,087 419,596 |
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For the year ending 31 March 2026 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors’ responsibilities:
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The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
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The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 5 June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
………………………………………… ………………………………………… J Muir K Holland Director and Trustee Director and Trustee
The notes on pages 13 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Company Registration Number: 06587579 (England & Wales)
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1. Summary of significant accounting policies
1.1 General information and basis of preparation
The Beacon Whitchurch Limited is a private company limited by guarantee, and a registered charity in England and Wales. The company number is 06587579 (England & Wales), and the registered charity number is 1124750. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is 5 Watergate Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1DW. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are that of the advancement of the Christian Faith.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
1.2 Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund.
1.3 Income recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts, and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Affairs when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Investment income is included as it becomes receivable.
1.4 Expenditure recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1.5 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:
Freehold property Not depreciated Equipment 25% on a straight line basis
Freehold property is not depreciated as the directors consider the market value of the property to be no less than the historic cost, and that to depreciate the property would not be appropriate.
1.6 Tax
The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.
1.7 Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| 2. Income from donations and legacies Gifts under Gift Aid Tax reclaimed under Gift Aid Sunday Offerings Sunday Offerings under GADS Sunday Offerings reclaimed under GADS Donations not subject to Gift Aid Hope Church (North Shrewsbury) Legacies Grants received 3. Income from charitable activities Refreshment income from events Silver Diners Easter Extravaganza Quiz Nights / Supper Quiz Buzzy Beas Cefn Lea Away Weekend Saltmine Christmas production Ladies Only Blackberry Fair Christmas Lights Switch-on international supper Andy Kind outreach evening 4. Other income Rents for Centre use Sundry items Interest received on cash deposits 5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Costs directly allocated to activities Note Property expenses 6 Services expenses 7 Outreach expenses 8 General expenses 9 Giving expenses 10 Renovations 5 Watergate Street 11 First Floor Development 11 Depreciation 12 |
Restricted £ 25,534 6,384 - 27 7 3,042 1 23,976 1,000 59,971 Restricted £ - - - - - 4,506 350 100 - - - - 4,956 Restricted £ - - - - Restricted £ 500 - 798 4,722 2,250 24,109 9,269 - 41,648 |
Unrestricted £ 59,998 14,906 190 1,741 435 18,431 - 2,664 - 98,365 Unrestricted £ 50 1,356 342 115 1,387 - 2,226 - 309 321 - 369 6,475 Unrestricted £ 12,374 135 1,160 13,669 Unrestricted £ 54,197 3,034 8,480 10,854 22,875 - - 822 100,262 |
Total 2026 £ 85,532 21,290 190 1,768 442 21,473 1 26,640 1,000 158,336 Total 2026 £ 50 1,356 342 115 1,387 4,506 2,576 100 309 321 - 369 - 11,431 Total 2026 £ 12,374 135 1,160 13,669 Total 2026 £ 54,697 3,034 9,278 15,576 25,125 24,109 9,269 822 141,910 |
Total 2025 £ 95,055 23,077 90 1,705 426 56,468 4,662 - 10,550 192,033 Total 2025 £ 22 1,562 - 306 1,220 - 620 - 856 313 225 - 5,124 Total 2025 £ 8,403 382 1,029 9,814 Total 2025 £ 49,959 889 4,740 8,382 17,132 31,174 - 869 113,145 |
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| 6. Analysis of property expenses Note Mortgage interest Repairs and equipment Maintenance and servicing Rates and services Salary costs 14 Cleaning Stationery etc. Sundries 7. Analysis of services expenses Speaker expenses / aids to worship Training costs Training resources 8. Analysis of outreach expenses Publicity and advertising Youth and childrens' work Easter activity events Connect for You Buzzy Beas' Ladies and Men's Groups Activities Welcome / Warm Space Theatre production expenses Alpha expenses Quiz Nights Church Weekend Away / Cefn Lea Churches Together and Christian Aid Blackberry Fair Christmas Lights Switch-on Missions Evening - Andy Kind Television Licence Silver Diners Prayer Event Women's Conference Meet & Greet Into The Word Christmas Decoration & Lunch |
Restricted £ - - - 500 - - - - 500 Restricted £ - - - - Restricted £ - - - - - 92 36 350 - - 320 - - - - - - - - - - - 798 |
Unrestricted £ 4,955 895 1,620 8,183 36,078 1,348 945 173 54,197 Unrestricted £ 657 2,233 144 3,034 Unrestricted £ 1,423 321 316 22 290 190 24 2,505 189 33 - 213 12 11 577 174 1,045 82 706 223 15 109 8,480 |
Total 2026 £ 4,955 895 1,620 8,683 36,078 1,348 945 173 54,697 Total 2026 £ 657 2,233 144 3,034 Total 2026 £ 1,423 321 316 22 290 282 60 2,855 189 33 320 213 12 11 577 174 1,045 82 706 223 15 109 9,278 |
Total 2025 £ 7,890 318 1,916 10,500 26,783 1,345 1,017 190 49,959 Total 2025 £ 470 238 181 889 Total 2025 308 177 93 11 78 442 53 1,250 219 56 400 150 - 17 66 169 1,162 - - - - 89 4,740 |
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| 9. Analysis of general expenses Restricted £ Refreshments 60 Equipment etc. - Legal costs / insurance / music licences - Safeguarding costs - Accountancy costs - Church Fleeces and polos - Evangelical Alliance - Hope Church, Shrewsbury - holding fund 4,662 Bank Charges - Sundry expenses - 4,722 10. Analysis of giving expenses Restricted £ Church tithes paid to missions 2,250 2,250 11. Watergate Street Restricted £ Renovations and improvements 33,378 33,378 12. Net deficit for the year Net deficit is stated after charging: Depreciation of tangible fixed assets owned by the charity |
Unrestricted £ 1,087 2,455 4,586 519 840 - 100 - 26 1,241 10,854 Unrestricted £ 22,875 22,875 Unrestricted £ - - |
Total 2026 £ 1,147 2,455 4,586 519 840 - 100 4,662 26 1,241 15,576 Total 2026 £ 25,125 25,125 Total 2026 £ 33,378 33,378 2026 £ 822 |
Total 2025 £ 676 2,069 4,164 307 360 378 - - - 428 8,382 Total 2025 £ 17,132 17,132 Total 2025 £ 31,174 31,174 2025 £ 869 |
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13. Trustees' and key management personnel remuneration and expenses
No remuneration was paid to trustees or key management personnel during the year.
During the period, re-imbursement of expenses to the trustees totalled £19,972 (2025: £10,375). These expenses related to items purchased by individuals on behalf of the Charity primarily for building materials and equipment for the new Watergate Centre. The Company has a number of trade accounts for regular suppliers but many items remain 'one-off' purchases.
| 14. Staff costs and employee benefits Basic salary payments Pension costs |
2026 2025 £ £ 35,254 26,055 824 728 36,078 26,783 |
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
15. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation: At 31 March 2025 Additions At 31 March 2026 Depreciation: At 31 March 2025 Charge for year At 31 March 2026 Net book value: At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2026 16. Debtors Gift Aid Other debtors 17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Mortgage 18. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Mortgage 19. Analysis of net assets between the funds Fixed assets Net current assets |
Unrestricted funds £ 390,492 4,660 395,152 |
Freehold Property £ 388,872 - 388,872 - - - 388,872 388,872 Designated funds £ - 4,533 4,533 |
Equipment £ 9,313 1,992 11,305 8,863 822 9,685 450 1,620 2026 £ 10,124 1,622 11,746 2026 £ 1,928 2,929 4,857 2026 £ 69,553 69,553 Restricted fund £ - 61,437 61,437 |
Total £ 398,185 1,992 400,177 8,863 822 9,685 389,322 390,492 2025 £ 6,703 1,092 7,795 2025 £ 3,502 3,091 6,593 2025 76,496 76,496 Total £ 390,492 70,630 461,122 |
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THE BEACON WHITCHURCH LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
20. Fund reconciliation
| Unrestricted: General reserve Designated funds: Mission and relief Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds: Warm/Welcome Space Project Building fund First Floor Development Fund 10,000 Devoted conference bursary 586 Ladies Only / Pieced Together Fund Saltmine Production - Hope Church, North Shrewsbury 4,661 Abigail & Davey Calko Total restricted funds Total funds 395,509 As at 1 April 2025 £ 388,699 6,498 2,250 24,087 - 419,596 92 6,810 |
Income £ 95,661 22,848 118,509 1,000 3,540 55,430 4,506 100 350 1 - 64,927 183,436 |
Expenditure & gains/(losses) Transfers £ £ (75,137) (14,071) (25,125) - (100,262) (14,071) (596) - (24,109) 14,071 (9,269) - (320) - (92) - (350) - (4,662) - (2,250) - (41,648) 14,071 (141,910) - |
As at 31 March 2026 £ 395,152 4,533 399,685 404 - 56,161 4,772 100 - - - 61,437 461,122 |
|---|---|---|---|
The balance maintained on the Designated Fund represents the amount set aside by the charity specifically for the support of ongoing projects.
21. Related party transactions
No material transactions with related parties occurred during the year, other than the re-imbursement of trustees' expenses detailed in note 13.
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