Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 April 2024 To 31 March 2025
Charity name: Fords Lane Evangelical Church
Charity registration number:
1125658
Objectives and Activities
| Objectives and Activities | Objectives and Activities | Objectives and Activities |
|---|---|---|
| SORP reference | ||
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document Para 1.17 The advancement of the Christian Faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith in the UK and abroad but primarily in the area surrounding Bramhall, Stockport; and such other charitable purposes as shall in the opinion of the Elders further the work of the Church |
||
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. Para 1.17 and 1.19 The focus of our activities has been and continues to be the preaching and teaching of the Christian Faith, conducting weekly services of worship and prayer, our weekly clubs and activities for children and youth and the provision of facilities and secular activities all for the benefit of the community. |
||
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind at all Elders’ meetings the Charity Commission’s Guidance on Public Benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | |
|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 |
| Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by | |
| volunteers |
Other
Achievements and Performance
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SORP reference
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| Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance | Achievements and Performance |
|---|---|---|
| SORP reference | ||
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | 1. We set up a drop-in on a Thursday for teenagers who want a place to meet and chat informally. This was run by our church and supported by volunteers from other local churches. We installed a lift giving access to the youth area for young people with mobility issues. We continued links with the local High School and Primary Schools. We did this via a part-time youth leader, who ran two weekly lunchtime groups at the local high school. We continued to host children from two local primary schools for half-day sessions to learn what Christians believe about Christmas and Easter and began planning and recruiting volunteers for an Easter holiday club for primary-age children in the neighbourhood. 2. Our children’s groups have continued this year, including the club for primary-age children called Sparks and a weekly club for secondary age young people called Ignite. Children and young people from inside and outside the church membership have attended and benefited and both groups continue to grow numerically. Our weekly group for pre-school children and their parents/carers, which mainly serves families outside the church, continues to thrive with a lengthy waiting list. 3. One of our church members continues to serve as trustee for ‘Press Red’, a Manchester-based initiative to help women suffering from domestic violence and abuse, which extended its training reach across England. We also hosted in our church hall another regular community group for those suffering from or survivors of domestic abuse and a regular group for adults with learning disabilities. 4. Our monthly lunch club for the over 60’s across the area continues to offer a low-cost hot meal, friendship and transport if required. Numbers continued to grow. We continued to support the planning and running of a summer “Holiday at Home” week for elderly local residents less able to take holidays |
independently. We also resumed a craft club which enables attendees to develop their artistic talents and is a place for mutual support and encouragement. 5. Our previous pastor, Jonathan Dawson, continued to work in Ecuador alongside his wife Susan. Jonathan supports adults spiritually through leading a Bible school and Susan leads work to support poor children in the neighbourhood. The church continues to support all this work. 6. The elders of the church continued to provide pastoral support for the whole church membership. A number of them are vulnerable adults, whom we assist with transport, shopping and friendship. We have established a Pastoral Team to oversee this. 7. The flow of foreign nationals, including some of the Hong Kong diaspora, continues. We have carried on supporting these new arrivals practically by advising on and helping them integrate into British life and running a monthly group offering meals, friendship and teaching to help them become more proficient in English language and culture. This group has continued to grow in number. 8. We remain a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) partner with another church in the town. We offer debt advice and practical support to anyone in the area who contacts CAP and wants to become debt-free. This has included providing Christmas hampers of food and food vouchers. Our collections of food donations to the local food bank continued throughout the year. We also continued our annual support for children in the developing world by filling boxes with Christmas gifts and sending them to other countries through a Christian charity. 9. We also host a number of local events to strengthen a sense of community in the neighbourhood including a Remembrance Day brunch and community BBQ. 10. We have continued broadcasting and live-streaming our services over the Internet. For more vulnerable and housebound people, this continues to be a way of keeping in touch and contributing markedly to emotional well-being. 11. We continued to run a 6 weekly group for men both inside and outside the church. It meets over a meal with the opportunity for
men to discuss issues facing them. The group weekend away planned for spring 2024 ran successfully.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
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Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 The Charity was solvent at the end of the
financial position at the end financial year. Income showed a marked
of the period decrease on the previous year but this was
due to a gift from the legatees of one of our
deceased members in the previous year.
There was an decrease in expenditure,
again due to a one-off increase in the
previous year due to the installation of a lift
to allow disabled access to the first floor of
the church hall. The accounts show a
healthy reserve of funds but some of these
are ringfenced for improvements to the
church buildings as stipulated by the donors
of specific gifts. The planned improvements
to the buildings will commence in the next
financial year.
Statement explaining the Para 1.22 Our policy is to accumulate income to set
policy for holding reserves aside for special purposes or as reserves
stating why they are held against future expenditure including
unforeseen expenditure that may occur, for
example repairs or extensions to buildings,
for such period not exceeding that permitted
by law. We aim to hold at least £70,000 in
reserves for the year end.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £219,538
Reasons for holding zero Para 1.22 n/a
reserves
Details of fund materially in Para 1.24 n/a
deficit
Explanation of any Para 1.23 n/a
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern
----- End of picture text -----
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Trust Deed |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Unicorporated Association |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Each elder acts as trustee and elders are appointed by the elders for the time being |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
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Charity name Fords Lane Evangelical Church
Other name the charity uses n/a
Registered charity number 1125658
Charity’s principal address Fords Lane
Bramhall
Stockport
SK7 1DQ
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
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----- Start of picture text -----
Dates acted if not for whole Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any)
year to appoint trustee (if any)
1 C T Thornton Pastor The Elders
2 N Wilson The Elders
3 P E Harper MBE The Elders
4 D R Webb The Elders
5 T K Ayebare The Elders
6 P Parsons The Elders
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
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Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
n/a |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
n/a |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
n/a |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
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Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
(sgnd) (sgnd) |
|---|---|
| Paul Harper Chris Thornton |
|
Trustee Pastor |
|
| 24/01/2026 | |
| 24/01/2026 |
Fords Lane Evangelical Church (1125658)
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE South Brae 6 Ogden Road Branhall Stockport SK7 1HJ GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 05 August 2008 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1125658 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Philip Parsons MANAGING THE CHARITY Christopher Thornton Terence Ayebare Donald Webb Paul Harper Neil Wilson INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-3 Trustees' Report Page 4 Independent Examiner's Report Page 5 Receipts and Payments Account Page 6 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 7-8 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
Fords Lane Evangelical Church
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
31-Mar-25
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Objects of the charity
The charity which is a church is governed by a constitution and is constituted as a trust. The charity's principal objects, as set out in its governing document, are:
a) the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith in the United Kingdom and abroad but primarily in the area surrounding Stockport and Bramhall.
b) such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the Elders, further the work of the Church
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the above objects and vision, the charity's main activities and achievements were as follows:
The focus of our activities has been and continues to be the preaching and teaching of the Christian Faith. Conducting weekly services of worship and prayer, our weekly clubs and activities for children and youth and provision of facilities and secular activities all for the benefit of the community.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Financial review
During the year income decreased by £130,002 to £152,379 (due to a special gift in the previous year), and expenditure decreased by £51,070, to £141,841. As a result the cash held by the charity increased by £10,538, to £219,538, of which £91,008 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.
Reserves policy
The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £70,000 (which equates to about 6 months' of unrestricted expenditure) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and / or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £91,008 so the charity is complying with its reserves policy. Restricted funds were given specifically for improvements to the building that are at the planning stage.
Funds in deficit
The church funds are not in deficit
Governance
Responsibility for setting policy and for making operating decisions rest with the trustees who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity and plan future activities. New trustees are recruited and appointed by the existing trustees using the biblical criteria for Eldership.
Organisational structure
The charity is managed by 6 trustees one of whom is the Pastor who is an employee of the charity.
There are approximately 50 volunteers who are active in supporting the charity's activities.
Page 2
Relationships with other charities and related parties
The charity is related to The Mossfield Trust, the charity set up to purchase 11a Fords Lane currently used as the Pastor’s residence. All the trustees of Mossfield Trust are also trustees of Fords Lane Evangelical Church.
The charity does not have any formal relationship with other charities but works with a number of charities that share similar aims e.g. other local churches, The Message Trust etc.
Risk statement
The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial or reputational. The trustees review the charity's activities regularly to identify significant risks and, where possible, they take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks
Responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011_
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities_
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Neil Wilson
Neil Wilson (Oct 29, 2025 13:29:07 GMT)
Neil Wilson Oct 29, 2025 Date:
_
Page 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Fords Lane Evangelical Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 on pages 5 to 8 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (Nov 19, 2025 07:50:09 GMT)
Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Nov 19, 2025
Page 4
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | Funds | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | |||||||||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Income receipts | |||||||||||
| Donations | 113,047 | 5,412 | 10,572 | 129,031 | 245,370 | ||||||
| Gift aid receipts | 13,648 | - | - | 13,648 | 20,555 | ||||||
| Income from letting of facilities | 465 | - | - | 465 | 875 | ||||||
| Bank Interest | 5,038 | - | - | 5,038 | 4,530 | ||||||
| Other | 4,197 | - | - | 4,197 | 11,050 | ||||||
| 136,395 | 5,412 | 10,572 | 152,379 | 282,381 | |||||||
| Total receipts | 136,395 | 5,412 | 10,572 | 152,379 | 282,381 | ||||||
| Payments | |||||||||||
| Payments in relation to activities undertaken directly |
charitable | 2 | 84,926 | 5,267 | 6,800 | 96,993 | 145,429 | ||||
| Grants paid in relation to activities undertaken by others |
charitable | 3 | - | - | 44,847 | 44,847 | 47,481 | ||||
| 84,926 | 5,267 | 51,647 | 141,841 | 192,910 | |||||||
| Total payments | 84,926 | 5,267 | 51,647 | 141,841 | 192,910 | ||||||
| Net of receipts | / (payments) before | 51,469 | 145 | (41,076) | 10,538 | 89,471 | |||||
| Transfers between funds | 5 | (54,210) | 15,424 | 38,786 | - | - | |||||
| Net movement in funds | (2,741) | 15,569 | (2,290) | 10,538 | 89,471 | ||||||
| Cash funds as | at | last year end | 48,580 | 29,602 | 130,819 | 209,000 | 119,530 | ||||
| Cash funds at | this year end | A | 45,838 | 45,170 | 128,529 | 219,538 | 209,000 |
The notes on pages 7 - 8 form part of these accounts.
Page 5
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Cash held by collection providers Petty cash B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity Legacy debtor Other debtors C Liabilities Falling due within one year Loans Trade creditors Taxes due Fee for Independent Examination Accrued expenses Total |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 45,695 45,170 144 - - - 45,838 45,170 12,456 - 65,223 - - - 77,679 - - - - - - - 1,380 - 991 - 2,371 - - - 2,371 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 128,529 - - 128,529 275 - - 275 - - - - - - - - |
2024 £ 219,394 144 - 219,538 12,731 65,223 - 77,954 - - - 1,380 991 2,371 - 2,371 |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 45,695 144 - 45,838 12,456 65,223 - 77,679 - - - 1,380 991 2,371 - 2,371 |
|||||
| 209,000 - - |
|||||
| 209,000 | |||||
| - - - |
|||||
| - | |||||
| - - - - - |
|||||
| - | |||||
| - | |||||
| - |
D Assets retained for charity's own use
The charity owns their church building and church hall. Mossfield Trust owns an adjacent residential property which is used by the pastor and family. All the trustees of the Mossfield Trust are also Trustees of Fords Lane Evangelical Church The charity is responsible for the up-keep of all three properties.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Neil Wilson
Neil Wilson (Oct 29, 2025 13:29:07 GMT) _____Neil Wilson
Oct 29, 2025 Date:_____
The notes on pages 7 - 8 form part of these accounts.
Page 6
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Staff Costs Premises Event Costs Gifts Given Activities Admin Insurance Bank charges Other Expenditure 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Grants to institutions for: Mission Relief of poverty Grant to individuals for: Mission |
Unrestrict | Designated funds £ - 1,130 4,137 - - - - - - 5,267 - - - - ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - 5,780 - 620 400 - - - - 6,800 2,790 6,837 35,220 44,847 |
2024 £ 52,869 18,203 9,901 2,500 939 6,214 4,263 445 1,658 96,993 2,790 6,837 35,220 44,847 |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 52,869 11,293 5,764 1,880 539 6,214 4,263 445 1,658 84,926 - - - - |
||||||
| 43,937 61,365 16,498 9,980 2,183 3,552 3,862 200 3,852 |
||||||
| 145,429 | ||||||
| 47,481 |
4 Transactions with related parties
Christopher Thornton served as the church leader and was paid £30,874 for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
Page 7
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Movement of funds
| vement of funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds Designated funds Events Lift Project Maintenance Fund Missionary and Mission Organisations Restricted funds Church Building Project Church Hall Building Project Church Weekend Fund Raising & Projects Missionary and Mission Organisations Youth Worker Support Total funds |
Opening balance £ 48,579 (219) 421 29,400 - 29,602 122,815 10,000 (300) - (1,696) - 130,819 209,000 |
Receipts £ 136,395 5,412 - - - 5,412 1,360 - - 4,572 4,020 620 10,572 152,379 |
Payments £ (84,926) (4,137) (1,130) - - (5,267) (5,780) - - (4,437) (40,810) (620) (51,647) (141,841) |
Transfers £ (54,210) - 710 - 14,714 15,424 - - 300 - 38,486 - 38,786 - |
Closing balance £ 45,838 1,056 - 29,400 14,714 |
| 45,170 | |||||
| 118,395 10,000 - 135 - - |
|||||
| 128,529 | |||||
| 219,537 |
Events Fund is used for activities run by the church that are intended to be self-funded The Lift Fund was for the installation of a disabled lift in the church hall. This project is now complete The maintenance fund is to fund major maintenance and repair projects as required The restricted and designated Missionary funds both support those Missionaries and Mission Organisations that we are associated with.
Church Building Project is to improve the entrance to the church building. Church Hall Building Fund is to extend and improve the church hall. Church Weekend Fund is for the church weekend away which happens every two years. Fund Raising & Projects is use when funds are raised for specific outreach causes. Youth Worker Support are donations given to help the church fund the costs of their youth worker
Page 8
Fords Lane Evangelical Church (1125658)
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE South Brae 6 Ogden Road Branhall Stockport SK7 1HJ GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 05 August 2008 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1125658 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Philip Parsons MANAGING THE CHARITY Christopher Thornton Terence Ayebare Donald Webb Paul Harper Neil Wilson INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-3 Trustees' Report Page 4 Independent Examiner's Report Page 5 Receipts and Payments Account Page 6 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 7-8 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
Fords Lane Evangelical Church
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
31-Mar-25
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025
Objects of the charity
The charity which is a church is governed by a constitution and is constituted as a trust. The charity's principal objects, as set out in its governing document, are:
a) the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith in the United Kingdom and abroad but primarily in the area surrounding Stockport and Bramhall.
b) such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the Elders, further the work of the Church
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the above objects and vision, the charity's main activities and achievements were as follows:
The focus of our activities has been and continues to be the preaching and teaching of the Christian Faith. Conducting weekly services of worship and prayer, our weekly clubs and activities for children and youth and provision of facilities and secular activities all for the benefit of the community.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Financial review
During the year income decreased by £130,002 to £152,379 (due to a special gift in the previous year), and expenditure decreased by £51,070, to £141,841. As a result the cash held by the charity increased by £10,538, to £219,538, of which £91,008 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.
Reserves policy
The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £70,000 (which equates to about 6 months' of unrestricted expenditure) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and / or expenditure vary adversely. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £91,008 so the charity is complying with its reserves policy. Restricted funds were given specifically for improvements to the building that are at the planning stage.
Funds in deficit
The church funds are not in deficit
Governance
Responsibility for setting policy and for making operating decisions rest with the trustees who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity and plan future activities. New trustees are recruited and appointed by the existing trustees using the biblical criteria for Eldership.
Organisational structure
The charity is managed by 6 trustees one of whom is the Pastor who is an employee of the charity.
There are approximately 50 volunteers who are active in supporting the charity's activities.
Page 2
Relationships with other charities and related parties
The charity is related to The Mossfield Trust, the charity set up to purchase 11a Fords Lane currently used as the Pastor’s residence. All the trustees of Mossfield Trust are also trustees of Fords Lane Evangelical Church.
The charity does not have any formal relationship with other charities but works with a number of charities that share similar aims e.g. other local churches, The Message Trust etc.
Risk statement
The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial or reputational. The trustees review the charity's activities regularly to identify significant risks and, where possible, they take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks
Responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011_
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities_
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Neil Wilson
Neil Wilson (Oct 29, 2025 13:29:07 GMT)
Neil Wilson Oct 29, 2025 Date:
_
Page 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Fords Lane Evangelical Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 on pages 5 to 8 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (Nov 19, 2025 07:50:09 GMT)
Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Nov 19, 2025
Page 4
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | Funds | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | Restricted | |||||||||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Income receipts | |||||||||||
| Donations | 113,047 | 5,412 | 10,572 | 129,031 | 245,370 | ||||||
| Gift aid receipts | 13,648 | - | - | 13,648 | 20,555 | ||||||
| Income from letting of facilities | 465 | - | - | 465 | 875 | ||||||
| Bank Interest | 5,038 | - | - | 5,038 | 4,530 | ||||||
| Other | 4,197 | - | - | 4,197 | 11,050 | ||||||
| 136,395 | 5,412 | 10,572 | 152,379 | 282,381 | |||||||
| Total receipts | 136,395 | 5,412 | 10,572 | 152,379 | 282,381 | ||||||
| Payments | |||||||||||
| Payments in relation to activities undertaken directly |
charitable | 2 | 84,926 | 5,267 | 6,800 | 96,993 | 145,429 | ||||
| Grants paid in relation to activities undertaken by others |
charitable | 3 | - | - | 44,847 | 44,847 | 47,481 | ||||
| 84,926 | 5,267 | 51,647 | 141,841 | 192,910 | |||||||
| Total payments | 84,926 | 5,267 | 51,647 | 141,841 | 192,910 | ||||||
| Net of receipts | / (payments) before | 51,469 | 145 | (41,076) | 10,538 | 89,471 | |||||
| Transfers between funds | 5 | (54,210) | 15,424 | 38,786 | - | - | |||||
| Net movement in funds | (2,741) | 15,569 | (2,290) | 10,538 | 89,471 | ||||||
| Cash funds as | at | last year end | 48,580 | 29,602 | 130,819 | 209,000 | 119,530 | ||||
| Cash funds at | this year end | A | 45,838 | 45,170 | 128,529 | 219,538 | 209,000 |
The notes on pages 7 - 8 form part of these accounts.
Page 5
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Cash held by collection providers Petty cash B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity Legacy debtor Other debtors C Liabilities Falling due within one year Loans Trade creditors Taxes due Fee for Independent Examination Accrued expenses Total |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 45,695 45,170 144 - - - 45,838 45,170 12,456 - 65,223 - - - 77,679 - - - - - - - 1,380 - 991 - 2,371 - - - 2,371 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 128,529 - - 128,529 275 - - 275 - - - - - - - - |
2024 £ 219,394 144 - 219,538 12,731 65,223 - 77,954 - - - 1,380 991 2,371 - 2,371 |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 45,695 144 - 45,838 12,456 65,223 - 77,679 - - - 1,380 991 2,371 - 2,371 |
|||||
| 209,000 - - |
|||||
| 209,000 | |||||
| - - - |
|||||
| - | |||||
| - - - - - |
|||||
| - | |||||
| - | |||||
| - |
D Assets retained for charity's own use
The charity owns their church building and church hall. Mossfield Trust owns an adjacent residential property which is used by the pastor and family. All the trustees of the Mossfield Trust are also Trustees of Fords Lane Evangelical Church The charity is responsible for the up-keep of all three properties.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Neil Wilson
Neil Wilson (Oct 29, 2025 13:29:07 GMT) _____Neil Wilson
Oct 29, 2025 Date:_____
The notes on pages 7 - 8 form part of these accounts.
Page 6
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Staff Costs Premises Event Costs Gifts Given Activities Admin Insurance Bank charges Other Expenditure 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Grants to institutions for: Mission Relief of poverty Grant to individuals for: Mission |
Unrestrict | Designated funds £ - 1,130 4,137 - - - - - - 5,267 - - - - ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - 5,780 - 620 400 - - - - 6,800 2,790 6,837 35,220 44,847 |
2024 £ 52,869 18,203 9,901 2,500 939 6,214 4,263 445 1,658 96,993 2,790 6,837 35,220 44,847 |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 52,869 11,293 5,764 1,880 539 6,214 4,263 445 1,658 84,926 - - - - |
||||||
| 43,937 61,365 16,498 9,980 2,183 3,552 3,862 200 3,852 |
||||||
| 145,429 | ||||||
| 47,481 |
4 Transactions with related parties
Christopher Thornton served as the church leader and was paid £30,874 for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
Page 7
FORDS LANE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Movement of funds
| vement of funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds Designated funds Events Lift Project Maintenance Fund Missionary and Mission Organisations Restricted funds Church Building Project Church Hall Building Project Church Weekend Fund Raising & Projects Missionary and Mission Organisations Youth Worker Support Total funds |
Opening balance £ 48,579 (219) 421 29,400 - 29,602 122,815 10,000 (300) - (1,696) - 130,819 209,000 |
Receipts £ 136,395 5,412 - - - 5,412 1,360 - - 4,572 4,020 620 10,572 152,379 |
Payments £ (84,926) (4,137) (1,130) - - (5,267) (5,780) - - (4,437) (40,810) (620) (51,647) (141,841) |
Transfers £ (54,210) - 710 - 14,714 15,424 - - 300 - 38,486 - 38,786 - |
Closing balance £ 45,838 1,056 - 29,400 14,714 |
| 45,170 | |||||
| 118,395 10,000 - 135 - - |
|||||
| 128,529 | |||||
| 219,537 |
Events Fund is used for activities run by the church that are intended to be self-funded The Lift Fund was for the installation of a disabled lift in the church hall. This project is now complete The maintenance fund is to fund major maintenance and repair projects as required The restricted and designated Missionary funds both support those Missionaries and Mission Organisations that we are associated with.
Church Building Project is to improve the entrance to the church building. Church Hall Building Fund is to extend and improve the church hall. Church Weekend Fund is for the church weekend away which happens every two years. Fund Raising & Projects is use when funds are raised for specific outreach causes. Youth Worker Support are donations given to help the church fund the costs of their youth worker
Page 8