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2024-03-31-accounts

The

Grove Centre Church

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12 v 9-13

Registered as Charity No. 1129070. 2 Jews Walk, Sydenham, London SE26 6PL Website: www.thegrovecentre.org.uk

Inspired by the life, teaching, and example of Jesus, we aim to share God’s
transforming love with a wider community, where all can belong and flourish.
1.
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT........................................................................................ 3
1.1
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3
1.2
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES................................................................................... 3
PUBLICBENEFIT.......................................................................................................................... 3
OURPURPOSE ANDBELIEFS....................................................................................................... 3
CHURCHACTIVITIES................................................................................................................... 4
GROVECENTREACTIVITIES........................................................................................................ 5
BUILDING FOR THEFUTUREPROJECT......................................................................................... 5
EDUCATIONFUND....................................................................................................................... 7
AFFILIATION ANDRELATIONSHIPS............................................................................................. 7
1.3
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE................................................................... 8
REVIEW OF THEYEAR– GROVECENTRECHURCH...................................................................... 8
REVIEW OF THEYEAR– GROVECENTRE................................................................................... 10
ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THEYEAR.......................................................................................... 11
AGEINGWELL INLEWISHAMANNUALREPORT...................................................................... 12
FRIENDSHIPGROUP.................................................................................................................. 14
CHERISHNURSERYANNUALREPORT...................................................................................... 14
DULWICHDOGSCHOOLANNUALREPORT.............................................................................. 15
SYDENHAMPOLICEWARDPANEL........................................................................................... 15
GROVEBOARDGAMERS............................................................................................................. 16
FUNKYMONKEYKEYBOARDCLASSES...................................................................................... 16
JUNIORCHURCHANNUALREPORT......................................................................................... 17
GROVECENTRECHURCHMUSICGROUP.................................................................................. 18
GIGGLESAFTER-SCHOOLCLUBANNUALREPORT................................................................... 19
9TH SYDENHAMBEAVERS ANDCUBSANNUALREPORT.......................................................... 19
STEPTUESDAY.......................................................................................................................... 20
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.......................................................................................................... 20
1.4
FINANCIAL REVIEW.................................................................................................... 22
TREASURER’SREPORT.............................................................................................................. 22
GROVECENTREFINANCIALREPORT......................................................................................... 23
ACCOUNTINGSTANDARDS....................................................................................................... 24
RESERVESPOLICY...................................................................................................................... 24
1.5
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT........................................... 25
1.6
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS.................................................... 26
2.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31STMARCH
2024............................................................................................................................................. 27
3.
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31STMARCH 2024............................................................. 28

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4. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR
ENDED 31STMARCH 2024..................................................................................................... 29
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES................................................................................................ 29
2. INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS NOTES...................................................................... 30
3. EXPENDITURE NOTES.................................................................................................... 31
4. BALANCE SHEET NOTES................................................................................................ 32
5 DEBTORS........................................................................................................................... 33
6 INVESTMENTS(SHORT TERM) ............................................................................................. 33
7 BANK ANDCASH................................................................................................................ 33
8 CREDITORS........................................................................................................................ 33
9. ENDOWMENT FUNDS.................................................................................................... 34
10. RESTRICTED FUNDS.................................................................................................... 35
11. DESIGNATED FUNDS.................................................................................................. 37
12. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS............................................................................................. 40
13. DISCLOSURE OF TRUSTEE AND STAFF REMUNERATION, RELATED PARTY
AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS............................................................................................. 42
14. RELATED CHARITIES.................................................................................................. 42
15. PENSIONS...................................................................................................................... 43
TREASURER'S STATEMENT.................................................................................................. 44
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE GROVE
CENTRE CHURCH..................................................................................................................... 44

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1. TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

1.1 Introduction

The Grove Centre Church is a multi-ethnic congregation worshipping in the Baptist and United Reformed traditions and sustaining a broad range of community activities for all ages through the Grove Centre – “a place for people”. Inspired by the life, teaching, and example of Jesus, we aim to share God’s transforming love with a wider community, where all can belong and flourish.

Within this report you will find a summary of our objects and activities in meeting our charitable aims and our core focus in both the short and longer terms.

Alongside our trustee annual report and accounts, we present additional reports from our Minister, Grove Centre Management Committee, Administrator, Church groups and various community and user groups of the Grove Centre. We hope this gives a flavour of the wide variety of uses to which our buildings are put and of the community of which we are a part.

1.2 Objectives and Activities

Public Benefit

The activities conducted by the Church and through the Grove Centre as set out below are open to a wide public. Worship and some events are open to all. Other are aimed at specific groups or age ranges, with a wide variety of regular user groups and occasional bookings.

Collectively these activities contribute to the spiritual, moral, emotional, or physical wellbeing of children from babes in arms through nursery and school years, adults at all stages with a variety of health needs and interests, and elderly people receiving social opportunities, care and nourishing lunches. The Church and Minister provide and encourage pastoral care and inclusion in a dynamic and open community that aims to be a servant of all who visit us.

The trustees have reviewed the Charity Commission guidance and are satisfied that our activities clearly demonstrate the charity is providing a benefit to the public.

Our Purpose and Beliefs

The Constitution for the Grove Centre Church states that the principle purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist and URC denominations. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and /or other parts of the world.

In common with the United Reformed Church, we confess the catholic faith in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and believe that, in the ministry of the Word, through preaching and the study of scriptures, God makes known in each age God’s saving love, will for all people, and purpose for the world.

In common with the Baptist Union’s declaration of principle, we believe that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and by the Holy Spirit in our common life. Our beliefs are further expressed through our Values:

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Church Activities

We engage in a range of activities as a Church and through the work of The Grove Centre:

The church holds in-person worship services and provides a Zoom log in for those unable to attend in person to join the services.

A newsletter is produced each month to inform, occasionally challenge and encourage participation in the ministry and mission of the church.

Church summer outing to Hall Place, Bexleyheath.

A group from The Grove made our way to Hall Place after church on Sunday 6[th] August. It was a nice day and we enjoyed the lovely gardens, friendly owls, and even some railway rides.

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Grove Centre Activities

The Grove Centre also fulfils an overall goal of supporting and encouraging charitable social action, through sustaining a ‘place for people’ where all are welcomed. This includes:

Building for the Future Project

The Building for the Future project is aiming to transform The Grove Centre as a vibrant hub for community activities.

Our development will be:

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And will provide:

What a year! All best laid plans and expectations with the Building for the Future project.

We started the year with high hopes that the specification for the building works would go to tender and that we could get on with the work. Unfortunately, due to ongoing worldwide financial issues the tenders all came back as unaffordable. We did however have two contractors who were a lot closer and wanted to engage in finding cost reductions. This quickly reduced to one serious contractor. Alongside these discussions we realigned some of our priorities and asked the architects to revisit the plans. An alternative solution was agreed, retaining most of the component parts although direct cellar access was removed and the lift shaft retained in the current stairwell. A revised contract value within our affordability was proposed and accepted by a Special Church Meeting on 9[th] July 2023.

The revised scheme unfortunately required further listed building and planning approval and a “build over agreement” from Thames Water for the public sewer which runs between the buildings. This again pushed the timetable to commence all aspects back. We did, however, commence work with the elements that permission had already been granted for.

Before work started a number of

work parties took place clearing the house of furniture and redundant items, storing equipment in the cellar and attic and relocating the shed. The Church agreed for us to use the Main Hall on Sunday afternoons allowing Childrens birthday parties to continue.

The appalling weather during the first part of 2024 has seriously hampered the work, and additional issues between the buildings were uncovered requiring additional work to ensure the main buildings foundations remain intact.

While not fully finished yet it is anticipated that we will have full access back in the first week of June 2024. An official opening is planned for after the summer holiday season.

Further fund raising is still required to install the essential lift, although all the preparation work for this has been completed.

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Building funds raised and grants awarded/received

We are very grateful to the following organisations who graciously supported us with grants or other funds for the building project, most of which are payable against expenses actually incurred:

After the special appeal raising £59,424 (including gift aid recoveries) in the prior year, a further £31,955 was raised locally from donations and gift aid in the current year. We were also very grateful for a legacy gift of £13,000. Funds in our accounts earned £4,774 in interest. Local fund raising events brought in £2,641 during the year, bringing the total raised for the building fund to £52,370 for the year, excluding grants. Further details are provided in the Financial Review.

Education Fund

In 2023/24 the church used gifts received in prior years to continue to support a student with a bursary towards education costs. These were restricted gifts and could only be used for this specific purpose. The fund ceased to be active after June 2023.

Affiliation and Relationships

The Grove Centre Church is in membership with the Baptist Union of Great Britain (Baptist Union), the London Baptist Association and The United Reformed Church within the Southern Synod. We support and advance the work of our parent denominations through prayer, through financial contributions and through the participation of Church members.

We are also pleased to support local Baptist, URC and ecumenical gatherings including Churches Together.

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1.3 Achievements and Performance

Review of the Year – Grove Centre Church

This year we have been looking forward to our 50th Anniversary and reopening of the House after its major redevelopment, part of fulfilling our strapline of being ‘A Place for People’.

Following over 10 years of planning and fundraising, building work started on the House in September. In church meetings we became aware – in words and pictures – of the overlapping activities of architects, planners, quantity surveyors, and builders. Especial thanks to Ian Warren for managing this project

through frustrating and difficult times, often having to work around unforeseen snags.

One of our regular hall users - The Befrienders singing group – have adapted the song 'Held by the Hills ‘by Una McCann. These words capture something of what we set out to do:

I am held by my friends at Grove Centre,

by the love and the warmth and the care.

I am held by the joy of singing,

and the harmonies that we share.

So much of what enables us to function as a church in our community is done by faithful volunteers, to whom we are very grateful for their quiet, faithful service, and without whom we could not function.

Alison Cutts stood down as Church Secretary in July and Ian Bromley was elected to this role in September.

Our Sunday services throughout the year have offered guidance on how as a Church and Centre we can live up to our new Vision statement (adopted at the September Church Meeting):

Inspired by the life, teaching, and example of Jesus, we aim to share God’s transforming love with a wider community, where all can belong and flourish.

We have continued to offer varied and creative services, especially around seasonal events, and streaming them to those unable to join us in person via Zoom.

May’s Christian Aid Week service focussed on farmers in Malawi, raising £401. Our annual Harvest Service focussed on work supporting sustainable agriculture in Uganda, alongside raising £239 for BMS World Mission. Harvest offerings of goods were brought to be distributed by Lewisham Foodbank, likewise with the treats brought for our annual Christmas Gift service.

In November we held a successful launch of the new mural on the wall of the Nursery, overlooking our car park. The artwork depicting faces and group settings, representing people meeting in our spaces, was produced by young people from Sydenham School and inspired by photos of life at The Grove. We are thankful to their Head of Art, Mrs Henderson, who collaborated with Louise to cook-up the plan and bid for funding from Lewisham Borough of Culture 2022-23. The work is vibrant and will be a joy to admire from the Main Hall for many years to come.

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Advent saw us sharing a sung communion inthe-round, having fun together at Café Christmas, All-age Nativity, Carol Service and Christmas Day Celebration. Our evening of advent carolling around the pubs of Sydenham had record attendance and raised a whopping £610.29(!) for Lewisham Foodbank. In this year’s Christmas offering £357 was donated to Lewisham Churches for Asylum Seekers (LewCAS) and £35 to Lewisham Foodbank.

2023 concluded with our post-Christmas ‘Informal’ service, which this year took its theme from the historic Christian imagery in The Twelve Days of Christmas.

In February we welcomed Wendy Puccinini from the Leprosy Mission to preach, with Louise leading, in which we were educated and informed about leprosy and funds raised for the vital work of The Leprosy Mission.

This financial year was bookended with two Easters, in which we enjoyed ecumenical Palm Sunday services with St Bartholomew’s and St Philip’s Churches, and creative Good Friday services.

We have very much appreciated being led by the Beavers & Cubs for Parade Services in December and March, and give thanks for them and their dedicated Akela, Julia Anstey. We look forward to being able to welcome the Scouts back into our new, enlarged facilities after many years

We continue to share in all-age worship monthly, encouraging all to worship together in an accessible way, and relieving pressure on our hard-working Junior Church leaders.

Louise continues to run a monthly outreach via gathering to play board/card games – see separate report – which draws a good number of people, predominantly from beyond the church, and has encouraged a family into regular worship with us this year.

Seasonal Study Groups have been enjoyed, with a ‘Share the Light’ Advent Series and surprisingly uplifting series on ‘Failure’ for Lent, led by Louise via zoom, allowing those who do not like going out in the dark evenings to participate from home.

We have been greatly blessed by the creation of a twice-monthly Tuesday prayer meeting, which has offered the opportunity for fellowship, and to lift the life of our fellowship before God: especially our building project.

Overall, we have achieved a lot, despite building disruption and stretched resources, for much of the year. We continue to give glory to God, and look forward to making use of our redeveloped premises, anticipating the adventures in which God will lead us in the coming year.

Ian Bromley / Rev Louise Polhill Church Secretary / Minister 2023/24

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Review of the Year – Grove Centre

This has been a challenging and difficult year for the centre and me personally, not only coping with the impact of the building project but also having the retirement of our long-standing Manager/Administrator David Williams.

The planning for the impact of the building works and negotiating time and day changes for some of our user groups took time and care. In the main we retained most of our long standing user groups and look forward to welcoming them back into the new spaces.

The relocation of the office at exactly the same time as David’s retirement while smooth left access to files and information in different places and was stressful for all concerned.

The Deacons agreed an updated Job specification for a new Manager/Administrator and a recruitment process was undertaken. From this we managed to recruit a new manager and while handover and induction time was limited and collided with the office move was managed. The new person, who did not come with any catering experience, managed the Christmas lunch superbly involving the volunteers.

Our Finance Secretary unfortunately became unwell and was unable to complete the monthly reconciliations from her hospital bed! This has also added to the issues to be handled through the latter part of the year.

Alongside the Trustees we have a steering group made up of representatives from the Church, the Ageing Well activities and lunch service. This assist us in ensuring we are aware of local needs as well as ensuring the needs of our regular user groups are considered.

We continue to be very grateful to Lewisham Council for their support through the partnership grant and look forward to continuing to meet local needs were possible into the future.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to the employed team (Alexandra, Tyrone and Richard) all of the volunteers who open and close the buildings and help with covering our cooks annual leave. It has also been good to see the many helpers at work parties to prepare the House for its makeover.

As I look forward to this coming year I hope we will have put the foundations in place to allow the Centre to grow and meet its core objectives for our local community. Having been acting as either Vice Chair, Finance Secretary or Chair for well over 30 years we are on the lookout for someone to take on this role in the future. I will not disappear and will remain in a supporting capacity for as long as is needed but the time has come for fresh ideas to come in and take the Centre forward.

Ian Warren, Chair of Grove Centre Management 2023/24

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Achievements during the Year

The achievements both of the Church and Centre, with the community we support, are highlighted in the various reports provided in our annual report.

The principal achievements during 2023/24 were as follows:

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• We continued major fund raising to achieve the development project to improvement the accessibility of our facilities, in particular House Hall, and raised £52,370 towards the project.

Community Organisations

The Grove Centre continues to host a wide range of services and activities.

Ageing Well in Lewisham Annual Report

For well over a decade, the Grove Centre Church has generously provided Ageing Well in Lewisham with space to host our weekly social/ activity groups for people aged 60+. Our programmes aim to reduce isolation and enhance the mental and physical well-being of older people, regardless of faith or culture, through activities that encourage social interaction, mobility, and creativity.

A number of Ageing Well’s participants attend the Grove Centre’s lunches as well as other churchorganised groups at the Centre. The Grove is welcoming and supportive to all, and we look forward to being there every week. We are looking forward to having our new office space at The Grove from May!

All our groups have grown in attendance over the past year. Here's a recap of some of the past year’s highlights.

BEFRIENDERS (Tuesdays, 10 – 11:45 am)

No experience required to join this lively, creative singing group-- just a willingness to try new things and have fun. We are very lucky to have our amazing session leader,

Natasha, who has been with the group for about 13 years. We have continued to work with Trinity Laban alumni, who have taken more hands-on roles in leading the group. We enjoy working with students and young people looking to gain experience in working with a community group.

The Befrienders also have developed a rewarding relationship over the past year with the local Venner Road Dementia Café, a group for people living with dementia and their carers. The Befrienders have visited the Venner Road group several times for a joint session of singing,

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creativity, and friendship. The groups have celebrated together and collaborated on songs. One long-time Befrienders member, Avril, shared, “We are really thrilled that we have made this connection and long may it last.” The group has definite plans to continue their outreach sessions to different locales in the upcoming year, bringing joy and song out into the community.

CRAFTS PLUS (Tuesdays, 1 – 3 pm)

This relaxing and laid-back arts and crafts group offers fun, inspiring new projects every week. Participants have tried different painting and drawing techniques, collage, sculpture, and working with clay. We also enjoy upcycling materials such as used boxes

and bottles into new bespoke works of art. There is beauty all around us and everyone has their own unique, creative perspective to share.

“Now into my 2[nd] year of craft class and learning something new every time,” shared regular attendee, Sue. “Everyone can enjoy the afternoon at their own pace, with no stress. I am really happy to be part of this gathering and would say come along and join us!”

BODY & BINGO

(Wednesdays, 10 -11:45 am)

This popular group benefits from seated routines to music as well as varied exercises targeting specific, essential areas. “The sessions are beautiful,” says Margaret. “They touch on all the places I have pain.”

Our inspiring instructor, Ann Bagnall, joined us

about a year ago and is talented at delivering to a range of abilities. She also keeps attendees’ minds limber with fun word games. Body & Bingo members even used their weekly bingo games to do a little fundraising for The Grove Church’s building works.

“I am so glad I joined this group,” says Lindsey, who joined after the Covid pandemic. “And it wasn’t an easy thing for me to come along the first time. Now I never plan anything else for a Wednesday morning.”

Ageing Well in Lewisham hosted several concerts this past year at the Grove Centre to which we also invited Grove Centre Church members, Homewalk House residents from across the road, and neighbours in the area. We delighted in another fabulous Christmas sing-along from Albert’s Band of the Royal Albert Hall as well as young classical musicians performing as part of the SongEasel project.

Ageing Well would like to sincerely thank the Grove Centre Church and the Grove Centre’s staff and trustees for the space and assistance provided to us over the years. The welcoming space The Grove Centre Church provides us allows us to offer exciting projects, events, and opportunities for older people. We would not achieve what we do without this partnership.

Winnie Carlson

Project Coordinator, Ageing Well in Lewisham

*Funding for our groups over the year came from Lewisham Council’s Main Grants Small Partnership Fund, Trinity Laban

Conservatoire, the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy fund for the Sydenham ward, and Lewisham Local’s Warm Welcomes fund.

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Friendship Group

Is it a fact that time seems to go more quickly the older you get? It does not seem that a year has passed since I last wrote about the Friendship Group’s activities for the annual report.

Our numbers remain roughly the same but it’s always good to have other folk dropping in now and again. Members are now being asked to take a more proactive role in planning the program and to express their preferences. Quizzes, games, Scrabble and Beetle Drives remain very popular so they will continue to be included.

We are grateful to all who come to talk to us, thus this past year we learnt about the Russian Revolution, heard about of the work and the many duties of a former Bromley Mayoress. Memories of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and holidays in the Far East, Delft and Northumbria all have been entertaining and informative. An afternoon of music is always a joy, and we are indebted to Brian and Daniella who have become regular contributors. Also films on DVD have proved popular and St Andrew’s Day was celebrated in poetry and song. Birthdays are always remembered, news is shared, tea and biscuits enjoyed, and conversation always flows.

Christmas was celebrated with music, mince pies and the making of festive hats which caused much laughter. We continue to support various charities at Christmas which included a donation to the Sydenham Dementia Café.

Friendship is the key word, and much love and laughter are shared on Monday afternoons. So why not come and join us?

Hats! Not exactly Ascot but good fun!

Avril Sydee, on behalf of the members of Friendship Group

Cherish Nursery Annual Report

The Grove Centre Church continues to be a source of support and help. We’ve always felt that the church has been approachable and understanding. A firm favourite with the staff team are the lunches provided by the chefs. The staff team look forward to looking at the upcoming menu’s and waiting for their hot lunches! Much needed during their busy days!

The nursery continues to thrive and this year makes 10 years of Cherish Day Nursery. This wouldn’t have been achieved without the wonderful staff team, many of whom have been with the nursery through this timespan, and the support of the local community. The garden, well kept by the church, is a constant source of joy for the children and the staff team alike. It is full of nature and abundant with learning opportunities for our little ones. We were very grateful that the church kept us in mind when commencing the building works, they ensured that no matter what we were given safe access to the garden. We look forward to the completion of the building works and the benefits it will bring to the church but also our small community.

Bhavisha Tailor, Director Cherish Day Nursery & Heartwood Forest School Email: info@cherishdaynursery.com Website: www.cherishdaynursery.com

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Dulwich Dog School Annual Report

The Economic climate has affected all of us, times are very hard at the moment and attendance for the classes are slightly down , everyone is being understandably careful. Fingers crossed 2024 will start to improve for everyone.

The Dulwich dog school is for dogs of all ages , some are from breeders and many are now older dogs from rescues.

The courses are for nine weeks , the first night being a talk night without the dogs.

The course is called the foundation course because we are putting down the foundations for the dogs to continue to learn.

We teach owners how to teach their dogs , loose lead

walking, recall, wait / stay, leave, not jumping up, play, handling, and diet. Training is fun for owners and their dogs.

On the last course a lady contacted me after it finished to thank me for how well her puppy Jack Russell was doing, her vet had complemented her on how well behaved she was at having her ears looked at , he stated normally Jack Russells are a bit feisty and don't like to be examined.

It's so nice to know we are helping people and their dogs, we wouldn't be able to do this without the use of the lovely Grove Centre Church hall.

These pictures of the dogs and their humans are from the first class of the new course.

Di Karn ( The Dulwich Dog School ) www.dulwichdogschool.co.uk

Sydenham Police Ward Panel

The Sydenham Police Ward Panel consists of residents’ associations, tenants’ associations, neighbourhood watch groups, local councillors, and other agencies.

We meet 3 to 4 times a year with the Sydenham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) Police Officers to discuss any issues and current concerns relating to Sydenham. We also look crime/incidents statistics relevant to Sydenham, so that we can set Ward promises for the SNT to act on/investigate and report back to us at our next meeting.

The Ward Panel members are extremely grateful that The Grove Centre can host this very important community meeting.

Angela Hall – Chair Sydenham Ward Panel

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Grove Boardgamers

Our board game group meets monthly, usually on the first Friday evening, and is open to anyone to come along and join in.

We are a very inclusive group, with all ages from children to the elderly. We play a range of games, from classics to brand new games, from very simple to more complex strategy games. Louise brings a trolley full of board and card games each meeting, and others also bring along games they think the group might enjoy. Mike is especially good at introducing us to new games! We often start our evenings with games that work for everyone playing together, before splitting into smaller groups to play a variety of games.

Members of the group often bring drinks and snacks to share, and we often have around 15 people enjoying friendship and fun together. We have grown such that it’s getting a bit crowded and we are on the brink of moving to the bigger hall!

We’re a very friendly group and always keen to welcome new people. Why not come and join in? Revd Louise Polhill

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes

Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes have had a relatively quiet year in Sydenham with just 2 classes running on Tuesday afternoons, but the smaller classes have worked well in our temporary space in the coffee bar!

David, as usual, was super helpful ensuring all our kit was both safe and easily accessible just before he retired and it's great to have the loos so close by to where the children are learning.

Our previous teacher, Armand left to return to Indonesia and luckily we quickly managed to find an awesome replacement teacher in the form of local pianist and teacher Trevor Wensley (pictured).

He has taken up the Funky Monkey mantle with great ease and professionalism and the kids are now working towards their Trinity Initial Keyboard Exam, at which point they will graduate from our scheme.

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We also offer informal no fail progress exams held at the centre, and you can see the pride in the Frimpong boys from Thornton Heath as they proudly show off their certificates!

We are hoping that business will pick up again for September - it's been tricky financial times for so many in London, but hopefully our reputation and resilience will see us through as we have been in Sydenham for over 15 years now!'

Ali Edwards, Director and Founder www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457100

Junior Church Annual Report

Junior Church starts at 10.30am as part of the adult church service. We then break out for our own activities, aiming to finish at the same time as the adult service. Currently we have a single mixed age group ranging from about age 5 to 13 years.

We aim to explore and nurture Christian faith through participating in activities, stories, discussion, music, art, craftwork, and games. Along with the main church we practice a progressive Christian ethos. It is usual for parents to be attending the church service. We do need contact details and any relevant medical information first.

We aim to provide a safe environment, in a ground floor hall, close to the church morning service. As a church we take our responsibilities for safeguarding seriously. Our safeguarding policies can be viewed on the website.

We are currently staffed by regular, experienced, trained leaders with support from other church members. We can cater for a range of children’s abilities and ages ranging from crèche through to

secondary school ages. We use published resources including “Spill The Beans” which, like the main adult services, follows the Narrative Lectionary. Approximately once a month, instead of Junior Church, there is an “All Age” church service.

Changes during the year

For much of this year we have relocated to the Church vestibule during the building works. This has often allowed a joyful sharing with the attending adults of some of the creative work that Junior Church has been doing that morning.

Administration

Our administrator is Richard Neal, with support from Grace Harawa.

Example of a recent session

In a recent Junior Church session we took a healing story from early in the books of Acts. We explored what healing feels like when it happens to us. We then built some life size stick puppets from canes, coat hangers and clothes to tell the story. The stick puppets were shared with the adult service, displaying walking and leaping.

Teenagers

Teenagers, when present, are encouraged in discussion as well as the practical activities.

Achievements.

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Wider activities

We have a range of activities through the year outside of Sunday services – including seasonal parties, sessions in members’ houses and trips. Our most recent event was a much enjoyed 10 pin bowling outing.

Invitation

If you would like your children to join us then either, just come with them to a church service at the Grove Centre Church, or if you would prefer to chat

to our Minister first, she can be contacted at grove.rev@gmail.com or on 020 82443869

Richard Neal

Junior Church Leader for The Grove Centre Church

Grove Centre Church Music Group

Music plays an important part in the life of the Church.

We are a group of people who love to sing. Our aim is to enrich the life of the Church. Singing is good for body, mind and soul, we always leave our meetings feeling better than when we arrived. At the same time we share fellowship together and offer each other friendship and support. There is always laughter.

At our regular meetings we look at music that:

We are currently preparing for the 50th Anniversary of the Grove Centre, and have been looking back at music that has been meaningful in the past.

We will often discuss whether a piece of music would enhance our worship and how best to use it; however the choice of music for worship on a Sunday is made by the preacher.

We value the service of our instrumentalists, and appreciate the quality of the music provided on a weekly basis. We have recently successfully appealed for gifts to purchase a new piano, we are delighted that this will be in place for the anniversary.

You are welcome to come and join us and you do not have to be able to read music. Anne Neal

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Giggles After-School Club Annual Report

Giggles have been working with Lewisham Council’s Healthy Activities and Food programme (HAF) for 2 years now. Our aim is to provide children with physical activities, have discussions about healthy choices and healthy foods and also to help support parents with a little respite while their child is safe and having fun.

We apply for funding each year for Christmas, Easter and summer school holidays as well as funding for the February and May half terms. The funding is for all children who receive free school meals or those families that need support. We can offer up to 50 children this great opportunity to engage in fun activities like archery, multi-sport, football skills and fencing.

We also have applied for extra funding to take the group of children on our trips. So far children have been to the cinema, bowling and we even took 45 children to the theatre to watch Jack and the Beanstalk.

We provide all the children with a hot healthy lunch. To support the understanding of healthy food and what the benefits are we buy fresh food and cook from scratch. The children help prepare chicken, mince and fish, season it and peel and chop the vegetables. The children love this. They always eat it as they took part in the preparation.

Please visit our website at: www.giggleskidsclub.co.uk Email address: gigglesnews@hotmail.co.uk

9[th] Sydenham Beavers and Cubs Annual Report

Since the end of Covid restrictions, 9th Sydenham Scouting has grown back to full sections. Currently we have Beavers and Cubs who meet at the Grove Centre. We are looking forward to our Scouts meeting in the Grove Centre as well, as soon as the new House Hall becomes available.

We have 18 beavers, 25 cubs, 15 scouts and 2 young leaders (aged 14 – 17 years), both boys and girls. Also we have 4 adult leaders plus 4 regular helpers and good support from parents. We

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meet on Wednesdays in term time and follow the Scout Association graded programme of activities and learning.

This include being outdoors, being adventurous, enjoying the wider world, caring for others and ourselves and being creative and reflective. It is great to have the facilities of the Grove Centre in which to meet - a good size hall to run around in and, in summer, a garden to enjoy too. Apart from our regular weekly meetings, our beavers, cubs and scouts had weekends staying over at our local District campsite near Selsdon, which we are booked to replicate this coming year.

We have strong links with the Grove Centre. The Grove Centre

church has a formal sponsorship agreement with 9th Sydenham Scout group, which includes representation on our Trustee Board. We continue to be grateful for all their support. We held church parades service in December and March, where the children have made an active contribution to the service. Also, we have delivered Christmas bulbs to older members of the

congregation in December, on behalf of the church.

Julia Anstey

Group Scout Leader, 9th Sydenham Scout Group

Step Tuesday

We are the Tuesday evening step meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous and we meet it the grove centre from 8 - 9.30pm.

The meeting is open to anyone who thinks they may have a problem with alcohol and the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. We love to welcome new members and we also have a website and helpline that people can call.

The meeting has grown in attendance numbers this year and we are welcoming more newcomers including those at their first meeting.

Our group are very grateful for the use of the large space during the refurbishment, it was nice and warm during the winter and it’s a lovely hall. We are looking forward to the completion of the house hall and getting back into there in due course.

At over 40 years old ‘Jews walk Tuesday’ is one of the longest running meetings in south London. We regularly have sober visitors who say I haven’t been here for 20 years.

Additional comments

NHS Blood Transfusion Unit

The Centre always supports with our bookings where possible and helps to ensure the smooth running of our bookings. Even during your refurbishment, you always found a way to confirm the bookings we requested.

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I haven’t had any reported issues from our Mobile team regarding the centre when they attend. You are supporting us to allow donors in the area to donate blood to help save and improve patients’ lives.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Parents of Eliot Bank Primary School

Parents of Eliot Bank Primary School hired the Grove Centre Church hall for an end of year school disco for its Year 6 children in July 2023. We wanted to bring the two classes (60 children) together to celebrate and commemorate the end of their primary school education. We felt this was particularly important as since covid has impacted our children's education significantly over the past few years it gave us an opportunity to bring them together in a safe, accessible and appropriate space to mark this momentous occasion

All of my communication with the Grove Centre Church has been very friendly and helpful. David enabled our team of volunteer parents to access the hall for these two events and provided everything we needed e.g. kitchen access, electricity for DJ booth, chairs and tables etc..

We are lucky to have this wonderful community resource on our doorstep and hope there will be future occasions for the children of Eliot Bank school to utilise it further.

Philippa Barr

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1.4 Financial Review

Treasurer’s Report

The Grove Centre Church accounts consist of the Church General Fund (shown as the “Unrestricted Fund”), the Grove Centre Management Committee (“Grove Centre Designated Fund”), a number of smaller funds and appeals, and the valuation of the premises with which the church is endowed through the Baptist and URC trusts.

Regular donations to the Church, through standing orders, envelope giving, and the open plate totalled £48,967 (Prior year £46,395), a 5.5% increase.

Income was supported by £2,135 of one-off donations, £100 from the Friendship Group and a grant of £4,000 towards buildings maintenance from the United Reformed Church Southern Synod. We received £12,918 of gift aid recoveries (prior year £11,859), and £606 of interest earned on accounts, bringing overall General Fund income to £68,726, up 14% from £60,210 in 2022/23.

Church expenses excluding contributions to the Centre were £52,499 (prior year £56,629), a decrease of 7.3%, due to reduced pension and denominational contributions, and a one-off legal cost in the previous year. However a contribution of £12,300 was needed towards Grove Centre costs (prior year £6,000), to offset lower income from lettings during the building project. The General Fund also transferred £40,000 to Building for the Future (prior year £51,384).

The Grove Centre Financial report provides a commentary on the year for the Grove Centre (Designated Fund). The charts below provide an overview of the year.

Building Fund Report (Designed and Restricted Funds)

After the special appeal raising £59,424 (including gift aid recoveries) in the prior year, a further £31,955 was raised locally from donations and gift aid in the current year. We were also very grateful for a legacy gift of £13,000. Funds in our seven-day account with the Baptist Union Corporation and Nationwide Building Society earned £4,774, making £52,370 income for the year. The following grants totalling £141,305 were also received during the year:

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Additional grants were promised for the project and are expected to be received during 2024/25 as project expenditure is reclaimed from grant funders.

Local fund raising raised £2,641 during the year. This came from:

Coffee mornings & cakes - £43.02 David Williams fund raising - £30.00
Quiz Night April 2023 - £405.50 Quiz Night November 2023 - £1,067.64
Table Sale July 2023 - £780.05 Christmas Hamper raffle - £315.00

Thank you to everyone who led or participated in the fund raising initiatives over the year. Expenses were incurred for architect work, quantity surveyors and various professional and building fees, including additional insurance. About 30% of the main building contract was delivered, with the rest due to be completed before the end of May 2024.

Legal work to execute the new Sharing Agreement and make the Baptist capital contribution from former manse sale funds available was also completed in the year.

In total £283,466 was expended during the year, towards a total project budget of £730,000. The Restricted expenditure of £281,766 was capitalised as work in progress and then written down to £1 after transfer into the Endowment Fund which owns the premises.

Building Funds have a year-end surplus of £163,128 from prior and current year funds.

An additional £24,000 is available from General Funds, £190,680 from the former manse sale, plus grants of £73,109 from URC Southern Synod, £30,000 from Garfield Weston Trust and £10,000 from Hobson Trust. We have £327,789+£163,128 available or promised to complete Phase 1 .

Education Fund Report

Continuing from 2017 the church received gifts from members to be used to support students with a bursary towards education costs. These were restricted gifts that could only be used for this specific purpose. £750 was provided in bursary support during the financial year, completing the planned bursaries and bringing the scheme to an end.

Other Charitable Appeals

Charitable appeals raised £601 for Christian Aid Week, £401 for The Leprosy Mission and £239 towards the Baptist World Mission “Days of Plenty” Harvest Appeal supporting farmers in Uganda. £357 was donated to Lewisham Churches for Asylum Seekers and £35 to Lewisham Foodbank, both Christmas offerings, in addition to funds raised by carol singing for the Foodbank which was provided direct and not included in church accounts this year. The total donated was £1,633.

Borough of Culture Report

The Church received a grant of £900 from London Borough of Lewisham as part of the Lewisham Borough of Culture programme in 2022. This was used to enable Sydenham School to purchase art material to renew the art displayed on the Youth Hall. The new art installation was completed and installed in November 2023.

Paul Treece,

Church Treasurer 2023/24

Grove Centre Financial Report

The detail for the Grove Centre Management accounts can be found within the main accounts under section 11.5 which are the areas administered by the Grove Centre.

Overall income grew by £2,717 over the previous year. Within this the Church has needed to support the centre with an additional £6,300 to ensure that the Grove had sufficient funds during

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the building works on House Hall, we managed to grow the income by squeezing most of our user groups into the Main Hall and by using the Church space on a Sunday afternoon for lettings. This would not be possible without the help of the volunteers and staff who open and closed the buildings on a regular basis. We are also grateful to the London Borough of Lewisham for their support via the partnership grant which commenced in April 2022. While the lunch service is valued by those who need it, the number of lunches being served continued to decline. We are trying to improve the menu options and meet the needs of those attending but numbers fluctuate up and down and make decisions on how to grow this quite a challenge.

Costs, excluding the major works grew overall compared to the prior year by £4,845. Increase in salaries, cost of electricity, gas, stationery, and telephone accounted for most of this. We know next year will be more challenging with the increase in the minimum wage and efforts to reach the London Living wage.

Taking this into account, the Centre made a small loss of £256 for the year. It is challenging looking forward to predict what next year has in store, as the building project completion is slightly delayed and we need to work to rebuild the revenue streams further.

Sadly, halfway through the year our Finance Secretary had to relinquish her role due to surgery leaving this role to be picked up by myself. I have been supported and am very grateful for the ongoing work of our Centre Managers/Administrators who inputs the data, and to Paul Treece who then checks and inputs the Centre accounts into the main Church/Charity accounts.

Ian Warren, on behalf of Carole Eaton, Finance Secretary 2023/24

Accounting Standards

The Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2024 have been produced as Accruals Accounts, with a Statement of Financial Activities and a full Balance Sheet. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 published in October 2019.

Though the threshold for mandatory accruals accounting is above the gross income of the charity, accruals accounting has been used, as is permitted by law, to provide a consistent basis for the presentation and assessment of the financial state of the Church.

Reserves Policy

As required by the Charities Act 2011 the deacons, as trustees of the church, have reviewed the Reserves Policy, taking guidance from the Baptist Union (F07 Charity Reserves, 2018). The Grove Centre Church needs to maintain adequate reserves in order to cover large unexpected bills or repairs, to contribute towards occasional substantial building projects (e.g. new windows or roof) and to allow time for adjustments to be made if there is a significant reduction in income or increase in expenditure.

The trustees consider that current assets (debtors, investments, bank and cash) of six months’ regular income provide an appropriate target level of working capital and reserves.

In view of the draw on funds for the building project, the trustees have decided that a minimum of three months’ reserves should be retained for contingencies.

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The net current assets of the Church, excluding Restricted and Endowment funds, were at £223,398 on 31[st] March 2024, equivalent to 17.5 months’ income (excluding special funds). This is £185,208 above the minimum three-month level of £38,190. This is in addition to the £190,680 available from the sale of the former Baptist manse.

After providing for three months’ reserves, the Church had £375,888 in funds that could be used towards Building for the Future. This has the agreement of both parent denominations and Church Meeting.

1.5 Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Grove Centre Church (including the Grove Centre) is constituted as a charitable trust registered with the Charity Commission on 8 April 2009 under the charity number 1129070. It is governed by the Constitution for the Grove Centre Church approved in January 2009.

Organisational Structure

The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees meet together as a body monthly (except in August) and are responsible for the decisions taken in relation to running the Church and community facilities and the activities provided by the charity. To assist in the smooth running of the charity the trustees have set up a management committee that oversees the running of the facilities and community activities.

The Grove Centre Management Committee oversees the day to day running of the buildings and works to fulfil the vision for the Centre from the Church.

Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees

The trustees are appointed in line with the Constitution, with nominations and elections from amongst the members of the Grove Centre Church. Long serving members of the Church who have been appointed as Life Deacons (where attending meetings), the Minister and the elected Deacons and Officers constitute the trustees.

The Grove Centre Management Committee is supported by a balance of nominated Church representatives, and representatives from the Centre’s various user groups. Consideration is given in appointing Church representatives to the Management Committee with relevant personal competence, specialist knowledge and skills.

Induction and Training of the Trustees

Following the election and appointment, new trustees are introduced to their role and the policies and procedures adopted by the charity along with a publication from the Charity Commission explaining the roles and obligations of a trustee. Trustees are also provided with an induction into the buildings to highlight issues connected to the operation of the Centre enabling them to be able to open up, lock up and operate the facilities as per the operational instructions. This assists in ensuring that the Trustees are aware of the scope of their responsibilities under the Charities Act and assists with the smooth running of the Centre.

Risk Management

The Trustees have assessed the risks the charity faces and have drawn up a risk matrix which identifies the major risks by area of activity, the nature of those risks and the likelihood of the risks happening and the measures taken to manage them. The Trustees review this risk matrix on an annual basis. The Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place, or arrangements are in hand to manage the risks that have been identified.

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In particular, insurance cover is in place and the finances of the Grove Centre Church and Grove Centre are kept under review. Financial controls were reviewed during the year.

Appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, supported by regular review of policies for those who work with children (Grove Centre Church) and vulnerable adults (Grove Centre) are undertaken in accordance with guidance from the Home Office.

1.6 Reference and Administrative Details

Legal Information

The Grove Centre Church is registered as Charity No. 1129070.

Church Address

2 Jews Walk, Sydenham, London SE26 6PL Website: www.thegrovecentre.org.uk

Trustees

The officers, life deacons and deacons of The Grove Centre Church, together with the Minister, are the Trustees. Those serving during the financial year were:

Minister: Revd Louise Polhill Church Secretary: Mr Ian Bromley (appointed 12 Nov 2023) Mrs Alison Cutts (resigned 9 July 2023) Church Treasurer: Mr Paul Treece Chair of Grove Centre Management: Mr Ian Warren Grove Centre Financial Secretary: Mrs Carole Eaton Deacons: Mr Ian Bromley (resigned 12 Nov 2023) Mrs Janet Clark-Gardiner (appointed 17 Sep 2023) Mrs Grace Harawa Dr Richard Neal Mrs Avril Sydee Mrs Judith Warren (retired 9 July 2023) Life Deacon: Mrs Elizabeth Noon

No trustees held the title to property belonging to the charity in the reporting period.

Bankers

Grove Centre Church: Co-operative Bank plc, Nationwide Building Society and Baptist Union Corporation. Grove Centre: HSBC plc, Beckenham Branch.

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2. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2a
Charitable activities
2b
Other trading activities
2c
Investment income
2d
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
3a
Charitable activities
Grant funding of
activities
3b
Church activities
undertaken directly
3c
Grove Centre Church
Restricted Grants
3d
Grove Centre
Management
3e
Building Project
3f
Total Expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
for the year
Transfers between funds
Other recognised
gains/(losses)
Net gains/(losses) on
revaluations of fixed assets
4
Actuarial gains/(losses) on
defined benefit pension
schemes
15
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total Funds brought forward
1stApril 2023
Total Funds carried
forward 31st March 2024		 Unrestricted Designated Restricted
Endowment Total 2024 Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£

68,020
55,932
152,042
275,994
146,107
65,490
65,490
61,729
2,654
2,654
3,211
606
5,012
12
5,141
10,771
7,437		 Unrestricted Designated Restricted
Endowment Total 2024 Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£

68,020
55,932
152,042
275,994
146,107
65,490
65,490
61,729
2,654
2,654
3,211
606
5,012
12
5,141
10,771
7,437
68,626
129,088
152,054
5,141
354,909
218,484
145
5,849
590
2,383
8,822
13,288
46,650
269
13,667
60,586
57,979
52,499
859
2,383
13,667
69,408
71,412
212
212
688
87,340
87,340
82,495
1,700
1,700
34,978
52,499
89,899
2,595
13,667
158,660
189,573
16,127
39,189
149,459
(8,526)
196,249
28,911
(52,200)
(88,261)
(141,305)
281,766
(667)
(667)
48,618
18,100
(36,073)
(49,072)
8,154
272,573
195,582
130,916
92,543
217,715
1,457
2,413,326 2,725,041 2,629,412
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899 2,920,623 2,725,041

Comparative figures for each fund are shown in the notes to the accounts

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3. BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Unrestricted Funds
Restricted
Endowment
Notes General
Designated Funds
Funds
Total 2024 Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
4
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Total fixed assets
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Current Assets
Debtors
5
12,598
7,039
1,870
21,507
23,167
Investments
6
46,742
190,680
237,422
377,507
Bank and Cash
7
42,157
118,348
7,741
168,246
98,308
Total current assets
54,755
172,129
9,611
190,680
427,175
498,982
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
8
3,486
3,486
(4,171)
Net Current Assets
Net current assets
54,755
168,643
9,611
190,680
423,689
494,811
Total assets less current
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
Net assets or (liabilities)
excluding pension liability
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Defined benefit pension
scheme (liability)
Total net assets or
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Charity Funds
Endowment funds
9
1,636,705
1,636,705
1,645,230
Revaluation reserve
4
1,049,194
1,049,194
768,096
Restricted funds
10
9,611
9,611
1,457
Total restricted funds
9,611
2,685,899
2,695,510
2,414,783
Designated funds
11
168,643
168,643
217,715
Unrestricted funds
12
56,470
56,470
92,543
Pension reserve
15
Total unrestricted funds
56,470
168,643
225,113
310,258
Total Charity Funds
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041		 Unrestricted Funds
Restricted
Endowment
Notes General
Designated Funds
Funds
Total 2024 Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
4
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Total fixed assets
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Current Assets
Debtors
5
12,598
7,039
1,870
21,507
23,167
Investments
6
46,742
190,680
237,422
377,507
Bank and Cash
7
42,157
118,348
7,741
168,246
98,308
Total current assets
54,755
172,129
9,611
190,680
427,175
498,982
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
8
3,486
3,486
(4,171)
Net Current Assets
Net current assets
54,755
168,643
9,611
190,680
423,689
494,811
Total assets less current
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
Net assets or (liabilities)
excluding pension liability
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Defined benefit pension
scheme (liability)
Total net assets or
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Charity Funds
Endowment funds
9
1,636,705
1,636,705
1,645,230
Revaluation reserve
4
1,049,194
1,049,194
768,096
Restricted funds
10
9,611
9,611
1,457
Total restricted funds
9,611
2,685,899
2,695,510
2,414,783
Designated funds
11
168,643
168,643
217,715
Unrestricted funds
12
56,470
56,470
92,543
Pension reserve
15
Total unrestricted funds
56,470
168,643
225,113
310,258
Total Charity Funds
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041		 Unrestricted Funds
Restricted
Endowment
Notes General
Designated Funds
Funds
Total 2024 Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
4
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Total fixed assets
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Current Assets
Debtors
5
12,598
7,039
1,870
21,507
23,167
Investments
6
46,742
190,680
237,422
377,507
Bank and Cash
7
42,157
118,348
7,741
168,246
98,308
Total current assets
54,755
172,129
9,611
190,680
427,175
498,982
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
8
3,486
3,486
(4,171)
Net Current Assets
Net current assets
54,755
168,643
9,611
190,680
423,689
494,811
Total assets less current
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
Net assets or (liabilities)
excluding pension liability
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Defined benefit pension
scheme (liability)
Total net assets or
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Charity Funds
Endowment funds
9
1,636,705
1,636,705
1,645,230
Revaluation reserve
4
1,049,194
1,049,194
768,096
Restricted funds
10
9,611
9,611
1,457
Total restricted funds
9,611
2,685,899
2,695,510
2,414,783
Designated funds
11
168,643
168,643
217,715
Unrestricted funds
12
56,470
56,470
92,543
Pension reserve
15
Total unrestricted funds
56,470
168,643
225,113
310,258
Total Charity Funds
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041		 Unrestricted Funds
Restricted
Endowment
Notes General
Designated Funds
Funds
Total 2024 Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
4
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Total fixed assets
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Current Assets
Debtors
5
12,598
7,039
1,870
21,507
23,167
Investments
6
46,742
190,680
237,422
377,507
Bank and Cash
7
42,157
118,348
7,741
168,246
98,308
Total current assets
54,755
172,129
9,611
190,680
427,175
498,982
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
8
3,486
3,486
(4,171)
Net Current Assets
Net current assets
54,755
168,643
9,611
190,680
423,689
494,811
Total assets less current
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
Net assets or (liabilities)
excluding pension liability
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Defined benefit pension
scheme (liability)
Total net assets or
liabilities
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
Charity Funds
Endowment funds
9
1,636,705
1,636,705
1,645,230
Revaluation reserve
4
1,049,194
1,049,194
768,096
Restricted funds
10
9,611
9,611
1,457
Total restricted funds
9,611
2,685,899
2,695,510
2,414,783
Designated funds
11
168,643
168,643
217,715
Unrestricted funds
12
56,470
56,470
92,543
Pension reserve
15
Total unrestricted funds
56,470
168,643
225,113
310,258
Total Charity Funds
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
12,598
7,039
1,870
21,507
23,167
46,742
190,680
237,422
377,507
42,157
118,348
7,741
168,246
98,308
54,755
172,129
9,611
190,680
427,175
498,982
3,486
3,486
(4,171)
54,755
168,643
9,611
190,680
423,689
494,811
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041
1,636,705
1,636,705
1,645,230
1,049,194
1,049,194
768,096
9,611
9,611
1,457
9,611
2,685,899
2,695,510
2,414,783
168,643
168,643
217,715
56,470
56,470
92,543
56,470
168,643
225,113
310,258
56,470
168,643
9,611
2,685,899
2,920,623
2,725,041

The notes on pages 29 to 43 form an integral part of these accounts

These accounts were approved by the Trustees on 18[th] June 2024 and are signed on their behalf by

Church Treasurer

Church Secretary

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4. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

1. Accounting Policies

1a

Basis of Accounting

The Grove Centre Church is a registered charity no 1129070 and meets the definition of a public benefit entity under 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 (Charities SORP 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, also noting guidance on church accounts provided by the United Reformed Church and the Baptist Union.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

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 and rounded to the nearest £. 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.

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

There are no material uncertainties regarding the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

1b

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the church in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

Designated funds are Unrestricted funds that have been designated for a specific purpose at the discretion of the church in furtherance of its charitable objectives, including grants for general Grove Centre running costs and subsidiary funds held within the groups and activities of the church.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor, or contained in the terms of a grant, including appeals for specific charitable causes.

Endowment funds are funds the capital of which must be maintained; normally only income arising from investment of the endowment may be used, either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending on the purpose and terms on which the endowment was established.

1c

Tangible Fixed Assets

The Church premises – Main Hall, House and Youth Hall – and the Manse were included in the balance sheet at insurance rebuilding valuation in 2007 and are adjusted annually in line with insurance renewals, net of depreciation of major works that are substantially part of the building structure and thus included in the insurance value. Rebuilding valuations were re-assessed by Bernard Pett Surveying (Chartered Surveyors) at the request of the trustees in October 2012 and updated in May 2022.

The cost valuation of buildings has been taken as the insurance valuation at 31[st] March 2014, updated from the 2012 values, for the opening position for FRS102. A revaluation reserve has been created for the movement in insurance valuation since 31[st] March 2014.

Furniture and equipment in the church premises and manse purchased before 1[st] April 2006 is considered fully depreciated to zero net book value. Building renewals and improvements, furniture and equipment over at least £1,000 purchased after 1[st] April 2006 are included at cost less depreciation charged.

1d

Depreciation

Depreciation has not been charged on the Church or Manse premises, because in the opinion of the Trustees, the residual value of the asset is not less than the original cost price.

Depreciation on other building renewals and improvements and other fixed assets is calculated to write of the cost on a straight-line basis over their expected useful life, at the following rates:

Building renewals and improvements 5% straight line (20 years) or 10% straight line (10 years) Furniture and long lasting fittings 5% straight line (20 years) or 10% straight line (10 years)

Boilers, long-life kitchen appliances, other plant and 10% straight line (10 years) musical instruments

Amplification, computer equipment and dishwasher 20% straight line (5 years)

1e Investment Assets

The charity has current asset investments which include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year held for investment purposes rather than to meet short-term cash commitments as they fall due.

Quoted investments are stated at market value. All other investment assets are shown at cost. Changes in valuation over the year are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

1f

Income

All voluntary giving is included in the financial statements for the period in which it is received.

Donations under Gift Aid plus the associated tax recovery are recognised as income when the donation is received. Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Cash donations of up to £30 are recognised under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme within its annual limits. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

The charity recognises Gift Aid recoveries due from HMRC as a debtor in the balance sheet until payment is received.

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS102 SORP).

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The charity has received government grants in the reporting period from the London Borough of Lewisham.

Legacies are included in the SOFA when receipt is probable, that is, when there has been grant of probate, the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the estate and any conditions attached to the legacy are either within the control of the charity or have been met.

All other income is generally recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

1g Expenses and Liabilities

The URC Ministry & Mission Fund contribution is paid regularly and is included in the financial statements for the year to which it relates. The church has a policy to contribute at the same level to the URC and to the Baptist Union, London Baptist Association, Baptist Home Mission Fund and Baptist Mission Society combined, thereby maintaining equal contributions to both parent denominations.

Resources expended are recognised in the period to which they are incurred and include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered. They are allocated to the particular activity to which they relate.

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty. An example is hall deposits held for future events.

No material stock items are held as assets either for charitable activities or for sale as other trading activities. Small purchases of Traidcraft and food for the Lunches service are accounted for as expenses when invoices are settled.

Governance and support costs are not material for the charity, so are not reported separately in the accounts.

As most of the management and activity of the church is carried out by volunteers, this intangible cost is not included in the financial statements as this voluntary contribution to the life of the church is incalculable.

1h Taxation

As part of the United Reformed Church and the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the church is an excepted charity within the meaning of the Taxes Acts. Accordingly, it is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income and capital gains received to the extent that such income or gains are applied to exclusively charitable purposes. No provision for taxation has been made in these financial statements.

2. Income and Endowments Notes

2a
Donations and Legacies
Charitable appeals
Standing order giving
Envelope scheme
Church collections
Sundry donations
Tax refunds under Gift Aid
Grants received
Grove Centre Church
Sundry donations
Tax refunds under Gift Aid
Organ (Piano) Fund
Sundry donations
Tax refunds under Gift Aid
Education Fund
Sundry donations
Tax refunds under Gift Aid
Legacies
Grants received
Building Project
Sundry donations
Grants received
Grove Centre Management
Total		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total 2024
Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£

1,582
1,582
2,348
41,847
60
41,907
40,860
5,848
5,848
4,625
1,272
1,272
970
2,135
917
3,052
1,789
12,918
51
12,969
11,977
4,000
4,000
250		 Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total 2024
Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£

1,582
1,582
2,348
41,847
60
41,907
40,860
5,848
5,848
4,625
1,272
1,272
970
2,135
917
3,052
1,789
12,918
51
12,969
11,977
4,000
4,000
250
68,020
977
1,633
70,630
62,819
7,285
7,285
1,819
1,819
9,104
9,104
1,040
260
1,040
260
1,300
25,600
25,600
47,879
6,355
6,355
11,545
13,000
13,000
10,000
141,305
141,305
10,000		 1,300
44,955
141,305
186,260
69,424
900
10,000
10,000
11,664
10,000
10,000
12,564
68,020
55,932
152,042
275,994
146,107

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Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
2b Charitable activities
Lunches service 6,935 6,935
9,239
Cherish nursery 28,310 28,310
25,934
Grove Centre user groups 16,218 16,218
9,905
Grove Centre lettings 14,027 14,027
16,651
Grove Centre Management 65,490 65,490
61,729
Total 65,490 65,490
61,729
2c Income from other
trading activities
Building fund events 2,641 2,641
2,924
Grove Centre Church 2,641 2,641
2,924
Traidcraft & Fair Trade 118
Office services 13 13
57
Lunches social 112
Grove Centre Management 13 13
287
Total 2,654 2,654
3,211
2d Investment Income
Bank interest 606
238
12		 856
202
Investment interest 4,774 4,774
2,918
BUC Manse Trust TS106 5,141
5,141
4,317
Total 606
5,012
12
5,141
10,771
7,437
3. Expenditure Notes
3a Raising Funds
Building project (book of grants) 145
Total 145
3b Grant funding of activities
Charitable appeals (10.4) 1,633 1,633
2,466
Friendship Group grants (11.6) 590 590
400
Church grants (12.4.2d) 5,849 5,849
8,172
Grants to institutions 5,849
590
1,633		 8,072
11,038
Education fund (10.7) 750 750
2,250
Grants to individuals 750 750
2,250
Total 5,849
590
2,383		 8,822
13,288
3c Church activities undertaken directly
Ministry costs (12.4.2a) 36,324 36,324
36,030
Manse costs (12.4.2b) 5,712 5,712
5,980
Church activities (12.4.2c) 4,614 4,614
6,447
Endowments depreciation 13,667
13,667
9,198
Friendship Group (Monday) 269 269
324
Total 46,650
269		 13,667
60,586
57,979
3d Restricted grant-funded activities undertaken directly
Borough of Culture grant 212 212
688
Total 212 212
688

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Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
3e Grove Centre Management activities undertaken directly
Staff costs (11.5.2a) 42,612 42,612
40,256
Food costs (11.5.2b) 6,806 6,806
7,338
Equipment costs (11.5.2c) 2,101 2,101
2,910
Premises costs (11.5.2d) 28,960 28,960
27,092
Other costs (11.5.2e) 6,861 6,861
4,899
Total 87,340 87,340
82,495
3f Building Project activities undertaken directly
Preparatory & minor works 343 343
2,712
Architects & professional fees 29,820
Legal fees & charges 1,357 1,357
2,446
Total 1,700 1,700
34,978

3g Support and Governance costs

The administration of The Grove Centre is a charitable activity included in staff costs under note 11.5.2a.

No costs were incurred for Governance in the year

4. Balance Sheet Notes

4
Tangible fixed assets
Notes
Freehold
Land &
Buildings
Leasehold
Land &
Buildings
Motor
Vehicles
Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment
Total 2024
Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
4.1
Cost
Brought forward 1stApril 2023
2,259,356
62,826
2,322,182
2,260,050
Additions (major works)
281,766
281,766
13,514
Disposals
(13,338)
(1,613)
(14,951)
Revaluation of fixed assets
(667)
(667)
48,618
C/forward 31stMarch 2024
2,527,117
61,213
2,588,330
2,322,182
4.2
Accumulated Depreciation
Brought forward 1stApril 2023
51,302
40,650
91,952
81,706
Net charge for the year
10,371
4,024
14,395
10,246
Disposals
(13,361)
(1,590)
(14,951)
C/forward 31stMarch 2024
48,312
43,084
91,396
91,952
4.3
Net Book Value
Brought forward 1stApril 2023
2,208,054
22,176
2,230,230
2,178,344
C/forward 31stMarch 2024
2,478,805
18,129
2,496,934
2,230,230
See Note 1c for accounting policy and the basis of valuations and the revaluation reserve.
All of the fixed assets are used for charitable purposes.
Notes
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Total 2024
Total 2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
4.4
Tangible fixed assets by fund
Brought forward 1stApril 2023
2,443
2,227,787
2,230,230
2,178,344
Additions (major works)
281,766
281,766
13,514
Depreciation
(728)
(13,667)
(14,395)
(10,246)
Revaluation of fixed assets
(667)
(667)
48,618
C/forward 31stMarch 2024
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
Revaluation reserve
(1,049,194)
(1,049,194)
768,096
Book value before revaluation
1,715
1,446,025
1,447,740
1,462,134		 Freehold
Land &
Buildings
Leasehold
Land &
Buildings
£
£		 Motor
Vehicles
£		 Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment
Total 2024
Total 2023
£
£
£
62,826
2,322,182
2,260,050
281,766
13,514
(1,613)
(14,951)
(667)
48,618
61,213
2,588,330
2,322,182
2,259,356
281,766
(13,338)
(667)
2,527,117

51,302
10,371
(13,361)
48,312		 40,650
91,952
81,706
4,024
14,395
10,246
(1,590)
(14,951)
43,084
91,396
91,952
2,208,054 22,176
2,230,230
2,178,344
2,478,805 18,129
2,496,934
2,230,230
1,715
2,495,219
2,496,934
2,230,230
(1,049,194)
(1,049,194)
768,096
1,715
1,446,025
1,447,740
1,462,134

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Notes Unrestricted Designated Designated Restricted Endowment Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
5 Debtors
5.1 Debtors at 31st March 2024
HMRC – Gift Aid Receivable 12,598 6,355
1,870		 20,823
22,208
Cherish Nursery Receivable 684 684
959
Balance at 31stMarch 2024 12,598 7,039
1,870		 21,507
23,167
5.2 Movements on debtors in year
Brought forward 1stApril 2023 11,535
11,254
378		 23,167
19,142
Movement in year 1,063
(4,215)		 1,492 (1,660) 4,026
C/forward 31stMarch 2024 12,598 7,039
1,870		 21,507
23,167
6 Investments (short term)
6.1 Investments at 31st March 2024
BUC Manse Trust TS106 190,680
190,680
185,539
BUC GT022 7-Day A/c 46,742 46,742
191,968
Balance at 31stMarch 2024 46,742 190,680
237,422
377,507
6.2 Movements on investments (short term) in year
Brought forward 1stApril 2023 191,968 185,539
377,507
242,972
Additional deposits in year 190,000
Addition of interest in year 4,774 5,141
9,915
7,235
Disposals withdrawn in year (150,000) (150,000) (62,700)
C/forward 31stMarch 2024 46,742 190,680
237,422
377,507
7 Bank and Cash
7.1 Bank and cash at 31st March 2024
Co-operative Church A/c 32,080
110,271
7,741		 150,092
31,016
Nationwide Instant Saver A/c 10,077 5,179 15,256
64,400
HSBC Grove Centre A/c 2,505 2,505
2,395
Cash Grove Centre A/c 41 41
98
Cash Friendship Monday Group 352 352
399
Balance at 31stMarch 2024 42,157
118,348
7,741		 168,246
98,308
7.2 Movements on bank and cash in year
Brought forward 1stApril 2023 78,565
18,664
1,079		 98,308
214,231
Movement in year 15,186
187,707
(133,811)		 69,082
(116,125)
Addition of interest in year 606 238
12		 856
202
Transfers between funds (52,200) (88,261) 140,461
C/forward 31stMarch 2024 42,157
118,348
7,741		 168,246
98,308
8 Creditors
8.1 Creditors at 31st March 2024 (falling due within 12 months)
Hall hire deposits held 1,021 1,021
2,150
Utilities accrued costs 2,465 2,465
2,021
Balance at 31stMarch 2024 3,486 3,486
4,171
8.2 Movements on creditors in year
Brought forward 1stApril 2023 4,171 4,171
7,177
Movement in year (685) (685) (3,006)
C/forward 31stMarch 2024 3,486 3,486
4,171

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9. Endowment Funds

30B 9.1 Movement in Endowment Funds during year

1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
Grove Centre Church and
Youth Hall, Jews Walk
1,022,080
5,730
130,149
1,146,499
Grove Centre House,
2 Jews Walk
814,971
7,778
(177,686)
281,766
911,273
Baptist Manse
576,275
5,141
159
46,870
628,127
Movement in funds for year to
31stMarch 2024
2,413,326
5,141
(13,667)
(667)
281,766
2,685,899
Assets in Endowment Funds
Tangible
Investments
Net Current Assets
31stMarch
Fixed Assets
Gift Aid /
Receivable
Investments
(short term)
Bank / cash
2024
Grove Centre Church and
Youth Hall, Jews Walk
1,146,499
1,146,499
Grove Centre House,
2 Jews Walk
911,273
911,273
Baptist Manse
437,447
190,680
628,127
C/forward 31stMarch 2024
2,495,219
190,680
2,685,899
Revaluation reserve
(1,049,194)
(1,049,194)
Book value before revaluation
1,446,025
190,680
1,636,705
Transfers into and out of Endowment Funds in year
Transfers into
Fund
Transfers out
of Fund
Net Transfers
Description
Date of
Transfer
Building Fund (Restricted)
281,766
281,766 BuildingPhase 1 wip
31/3/24
Total transfers in / out
281,766
281,766
Movement in Endowment Funds (prior year)
1stApril 2022
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
Transfers
31stMarch
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Grove Centre Church and
Youth Hall, Jews Walk
1,193,622
5,743
(172,119)
6,320
1,022,080
Grove Centre House,
2 Jews Walk
632,184
3,296
178,889
7,194
814,971
Baptist Manse
530,269
4,317
159
41,848
576,275
Movement in funds for year to
31stMarch 2023
2,356,075
4,317
(9,198)
48,618
13,514
2,413,326		 1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
1,022,080
5,730
130,149
1,146,499
814,971
7,778
(177,686)
281,766
911,273
576,275
5,141
159
46,870
628,127		 1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
1,022,080
5,730
130,149
1,146,499
814,971
7,778
(177,686)
281,766
911,273
576,275
5,141
159
46,870
628,127		 1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
1,022,080
5,730
130,149
1,146,499
814,971
7,778
(177,686)
281,766
911,273
576,275
5,141
159
46,870
628,127
2,413,326
5,141
(13,667)
(667)
281,766
2,685,899
Net Current Assets
31stMarch
Gift Aid /
Receivable
Investments
(short term)
Bank / cash
2024
1,146,499
911,273
190,680
628,127
2,495,219 190,680
2,685,899
(1,049,194) (1,049,194)
1,446,025 190,680
1,636,705

Net Transfers
Description
Date of
Transfer
281,766 BuildingPhase 1 wip
31/3/24
281,766 281,766
2,356,075
4,317
(9,198)
48,618
13,514
2,413,326

31B 9.2 Assets in Endowment Funds

32B 9.3 Transfers into and out of Endowment Funds in year

30B 9.4 Movement in Endowment Funds (prior year)

33B 9.5 Grove Centre Church and Youth Hall, Jews Walk

The land and buildings of The Grove Centre Church and Youth Hall in Jews Walk are held in Trust by the London Congregational Union Incorporated (administered by the United Reformed Church (Southern Province) Trust Limited) and are subject to a Sharing Agreement with the Baptist Union Corporation Limited from 21[st] January 1972.

34B 9.6 Grove Centre House, 2 Jews Walk

The land and buildings of The Grove Centre Church House, 2 Jews Walk are held in Trust by the London Congregational Union Incorporated (administered by the United Reformed Church (Southern Province) Trust Limited) and is subject to a Sharing Agreement with the Baptist Union Corporation Limited from 21[st] January 1972.

The Building Fund Phase 1 asset under construction was transferred into the fund at 31/3/24 but written down to £1. When the building project is completed the asset will be re-valued based on the finished work.

35B 9.7 Baptist Manse

The land and buildings of the Baptist Manse, 41 Beaulieu Avenue, purchased on 1[st] August 2013, are held in Trust by the Baptist Union Corporation Limited and are subject to a Sharing Agreement with the London Congregational Union Incorporated (administered by the United Reformed Church Southern Synod) from 19[th] December 1972.

The previous manse at 17 Gaynesford Road was sold in 2013. The net proceeds are held in BUC Trust Fund TS106.

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10. Restricted Funds

36B 10.1 Movement in Restricted Funds during year

1stApril 2023 Income Expenses Gains and Transfers 31stMarch
Losses 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Church & Centre Appeals 1,633 1,633
Organ Fund (Restricted) 495
9,116		 9,611
Education Fund (Restricted) 750 750
Building Project (Restricted) 141,305 (141,305)
Borough of Culture (Restricted) 212 212
Movement in funds for year to 1,457
152,054		 (2,595) (141,305) 9,611
31stMarch 2024

37B 10.2 Assets in Restricted Funds

Assets in Restricted Funds
Tangible Debtors Net Current Assets 31stMarch
Fixed Assets Due within 12 Gift Aid Investments Bank / cash 2024
months Receivable (short term)
£ £ £ £ £ £
Church & Centre Appeals 51 (51)
Organ Fund (Restricted) 1,819 7,792 9,611
Education Fund (Restricted)
Building Project (Restricted)
Borough of Culture (Restricted)
Carried forward 31stMar 2024 1,870 7,741 9,611

36B 10.3 Movement in Restricted Funds (prior year)

1stApril 2022
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
£
Church & Centre Appeals
2,466
2,466
Organ Fund (Restricted)
487
8
Confidence in IT with Coffee
Education Fund (Restricted)
1,700
1,300
2,250
Building Project (Restricted)
Borough of Culture (Restricted)
900
688
Movement in funds for year to
31stMarch 2023
2,187
4,675
(5,405)		 1stApril 2022
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
£
Church & Centre Appeals
2,466
2,466
Organ Fund (Restricted)
487
8
Confidence in IT with Coffee
Education Fund (Restricted)
1,700
1,300
2,250
Building Project (Restricted)
Borough of Culture (Restricted)
900
688
Movement in funds for year to
31stMarch 2023
2,187
4,675
(5,405)
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£		 Transfers
£		 31stMarch
2023
£
2,466
2,466
495
750
900
688		 212
2,187
4,675
(5,405)		 1,457

38B 10.4 Church & Centre Appeals

The Appeals Fund is used to ring-fence donations made in response to specific charitable appeals and grants.

Christian Aid Week
The Leprosy Mission
BMS Harvest Uganda
LewCAS Christmas offering
Foodbank offering
Total for Church Appeals		 Offerings
collected
Gift Aid tax
recovery
Total Year
2024
Description
Prior Year
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
601
401
601
401
Christian Aid Week
DEC Turkey/Syria appeal
926
535
239
239
BMS Harvest Good Land
343
306
35
51
357
35
LewCAS Christmas offering
Foodbank carols & offering
242
420
1,582
51
1,633
2,466

Gift aid tax recovery is only made on cash offerings and payments made to The Grove Centre Church. Gift aided offerings made out to named charities are passed on for their own tax recovery in due course.

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Notes 1stApril 2023 Income Expenses Transfers 31stMarch Prior Year
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £

39B 10.5 Organ Fund (Restricted)

The Organ Fund was created by the legacy of Olive Carter and has been added to by the Church in prior years. It was given to repair the organ in the Grove Centre or replace it with a modern instrument. The organ has now been removed, as it was beyond repair. The future use of this fund is subject to the trustees’ decision.

Donations to fund
Income tax recovery
Interest on investments
Total for Organ Fund (Rest)		 7,285
7,285
1,040
1,819
1,819
260
12
12
8
495
9,116
9,611
495

40B 10.6 Education Fund (Restricted)

Education Fund (Restricted)
The Education Fund is used to provide bursaries to students supported by Restricted gifts to the Grove Centre Church.
Donations to fund 1,040
Income tax recovery 260
Education bursaries & grants 750 (2,250)
Movement in fund for year to 31st 750 (750) 750
March 2024

41B 10.7 Building Project (Restricted)

The Building Project fund was created in 2012 to manage funds raised and expended on planning and surveys for the possible redevelopment of the Grove Centre House and passage between the House and the Main Hall.

Transfers in from other funds 140,461 140,461
Grant – URC Southern Synod 112,430
Grant – Benefact Trust 23,000
Grant – M&G Trust 3,000
Grant – Squire Patton Trust 250
Grant – City Bridge Trust (for 2,625
access audit)
Total incoming resources 141,305 140,461 281,766
Insurance for building works 1,895 1,895
Main building contract 234,035 234,035
H.Goodsell & Son Ltd.
Architect & other professional 45,836 45,836
advice & fees
Total resources expended 281,766 281,766
Movement in fund for year to 31st 141,305 (141,305)
March 2024

10.7a Transfers into and out of Building Fund (Restricted) in year

Building Fub (Designated)
BU/URC Trusts (Endowment)
Total transfers in / out		 Transfers into
Fund
Transfers out
of Fund
Net Transfers
Description
Date of
Transfer
£
£
£
140,461
140,461 Funds for building project
31/03/24
281,766
(281,766)BuildingPhase 1 wip
31/03/24
140,461
(281,766)
(141,305)

41B 10.8 Borough of Culture (Restricted)

The Borough of Culture fund was created in 2022 to manage a grant awarded by London Borough of Lewisham for a project with Sydenham School to replace artwork displayed on the exterior of the Youth Hall building.

Grant from LB Lewisham
Art materials & sundries
Movement in fund for year to 31st
March 2024		 900
212
212
(688)
212
(212)
212

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11. Designated Funds

42B 11.1 Movement in Designated Funds during year

1stApril 2023 Income Expenses Gains and Transfers 31stMarch
Losses 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Building Project (Designated) 202,263
52,370
1,700		 (89,805) 163,128
Grove Centre Management (719)
75,503
87,340		 12,300 (256)
Friendship Group (Monday) 399
917
859		 (105) 352
Organ Fund (Designated) 635
16		 (651) -
Youth Project 15,137
282		 (10,000) 5,419
Movement in funds for year to 217,715
129,088
(89,899)		 (88,261) 168,643
31stMarch 2024
Tangible Creditors Net Current Assets 31stMarch
Fixed Assets Due within 12 Rent/Gift Aid Investments Bank / cash 2024
months Receivable (short term)
£ £ £ £ £ £
43B11.2 Assets in Designated Funds
Building Project (Designated) 6,355 46,742 110,031 163,128
Grove Centre Management (3,486)
684		 2,546 (256)
Fellowship Group (Monday) 352 352
Organ Fund (Designated) - -
Youth Project 5,419 5,419
C/forward 31stMarch 2024 (3,486) 7,039 46,742 118,348 168,643

42B 11.3 Movement in Designated Funds (prior year)

Building Project (Designated)
Grove Centre Management
Luncheon Social Club
Friendship Group (Monday)
Organ Fund (Designated)
Sarham Carers Group
Youth Project
Movement in funds for year to
31stMarch 2023		 1stApril 2022
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
£
118,569
74,427
35,123
7,372
73,680
82,495
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£		 Transfers
31stMarch
2023
£
£		 Transfers
31stMarch
2023
£
£
44,390
202,263
724
(719)
1,044 (1,044)
384
1,039
724
625
10
60
14,850
287		 (300)
399
635
(60)
15,137
142,904
149,443
(118,342)		 43,710
217,715

44B 11.4 Building Project (Designated)

Building Project (Designated)
1stApril 2023 Income Expenses Transfers 31stMarch Prior Year
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
The Building Project fund was created in 2012 to manage funds raised and expended on planning and surveys for the
possible redevelopment of the Grove Centre House and passage between the House and the Main Hall.
Donations to Building fund 25,600 50,656 76,256 99,463
Social and fund raising events 2,641 2,641 2,924
Legacies received 13,000 13,000 10,000
Income tax recovery 6,355 6,355 11,545
Interest received 4,774 4,774 2,079
Total incoming resources 52,370 50,656 103,026 126,011

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1stApril 2023 Income Expenses Transfers 31stMarch Prior Year
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fund raising costs 145
Preparatory & minor works 343 343 2,712
Bank charges 25 25
Architects & professional fees 29,820
Legal advice & fees 1,332 1,332 2,446
Total resources expended 1,700 1,700 35,123
Major Works (GC House Boiler) 7,194
Major Works (Building Project) 140,461 140,461
Total resources expended 1,700
140,461		 142,161 42,317
Movement in fund for year to 31st 202,263 52,370
(1,700)
(89,805)		 163,128 202,263
March 2024
Transfers into and out of Building Fund (Designated) in year
Transfers into Transfers out Net Transfers
Description		 Date of
Fund of Fund Transfer
£ £ £
General Fund 40,000 40,000 Funds for building project 27/11/23
Friendship Group (Monday) 5 5 Funds for building project 03/12/23
Organ Fund (Designated) 651 651 Funds for building project 31/03/24
Youth Fund 10,000 10,000 Funds for building project 27/11/23
Building Fund (Restricted) 140,461
(140,461)		 Funds for building project 31/03/24
Total transfers in / out 50,656 (140,461) (89,805)
1stApril 2023 Income Expenses Transfers 31stMarch Prior Year
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £

11.4a Transfers into and out of Building Fund (Designated) in year

;45B 11.5 Grove Centre Management

The Grove Centre Management Fund is used to maintain the premises at Jews Walk and to run the community activities of The Grove Centre. It is administered by The Grove Centre Management Committee.

11.5.1 Grove Centre Income

Grove Centre Income
Donations and legacies
Sundry donations
Grove Centre Church
Grants received (LBL)
Charitable activities
Lunches service
Cherish nursery
Grove Centre user groups
Grove Centre lettings
Other trading activities
Traidcraft & Fair Trade
Office services
Lunches social
Total incoming resources		 900
12,300
12,300
6,000
10,000
10,000
10,764
10,000
12,300
22,300
17,664
6,935
6,935
9,239
28,310
28,310
25,934
16,218
16,218
10,949
14,027
14,027
16,651
65,490
65,490
62,773
118
13
13
57
112
13
13
287
75,503
12,300
87,803
80,724

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1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
Prior Year
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
11.5.2 Grove Centre Expenditure
11.5.2a Staff Costs
Centre staff salaries
41,359
41,359
39,339
Employer pension contribution
1,253
1,253
917
42,612
42,612
40,256
11.5.2b Food Costs
Lunches service food
6,806
6,806
7,205
Traidcraft & fair trade food
133
6,806
6,806
7,338
11.5.2c Equipment Costs
Equipment purchases
299
Equipment maintenance
702
702
1,212
Equipment leasing
1,399
1,399
1,399
2,101
2,101
2,910
11.5.2d Premises Costs
Minor works / maintenance
4,829
4,829
8,828
Centre Electricity
6,594
6,594
4,846
Centre Gas
9,956
9,956
6,549
Waste Collection
1,051
1,051
1,147
Water and Sewerage
1,923
1,923
1,908
Cleaning materials/services
2,332
2,332
1,766
Insurance
2,275
2,275
2,048
28,960
28,960
27,092
11.5.2e Other Costs
Licences
551
551
231
Centre sundries & postage
751
751
1,073
Recruitment, training &
volunteer expenses
250
250
53
Stationery & print / copies
1,073
1,073
583
Telephone / Internet
4,114
4,114
2,828
Bank charges
122
122
131
6,861
6,861
4,899
Total resources exc Major Wks
87,340
87,340
82,495
Major Work (GC car park doors)
6,320
Total resources expended
87,340
87,340
88,815
Movement in fund for year to 31st
March 2024
(719)
75,503
(87,340)
12,300
(256)
(719)
11.5.3 Transfers into and out of Grove Centre Fund in year
Transfers into
Fund
Transfers out
of Fund
Net Transfers
Description
Date of
Transfer
£
£
£
General Fund
12,300
12,300 Church contribution to
Grove Centre costs
Monthly to
31/03/24
Total transfers in / out
12,300
12,300		 1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
Prior Year
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
11.5.2 Grove Centre Expenditure
11.5.2a Staff Costs
Centre staff salaries
41,359
41,359
39,339
Employer pension contribution
1,253
1,253
917
42,612
42,612
40,256
11.5.2b Food Costs
Lunches service food
6,806
6,806
7,205
Traidcraft & fair trade food
133
6,806
6,806
7,338
11.5.2c Equipment Costs
Equipment purchases
299
Equipment maintenance
702
702
1,212
Equipment leasing
1,399
1,399
1,399
2,101
2,101
2,910
11.5.2d Premises Costs
Minor works / maintenance
4,829
4,829
8,828
Centre Electricity
6,594
6,594
4,846
Centre Gas
9,956
9,956
6,549
Waste Collection
1,051
1,051
1,147
Water and Sewerage
1,923
1,923
1,908
Cleaning materials/services
2,332
2,332
1,766
Insurance
2,275
2,275
2,048
28,960
28,960
27,092
11.5.2e Other Costs
Licences
551
551
231
Centre sundries & postage
751
751
1,073
Recruitment, training &
volunteer expenses
250
250
53
Stationery & print / copies
1,073
1,073
583
Telephone / Internet
4,114
4,114
2,828
Bank charges
122
122
131
6,861
6,861
4,899
Total resources exc Major Wks
87,340
87,340
82,495
Major Work (GC car park doors)
6,320
Total resources expended
87,340
87,340
88,815
Movement in fund for year to 31st
March 2024
(719)
75,503
(87,340)
12,300
(256)
(719)
11.5.3 Transfers into and out of Grove Centre Fund in year
Transfers into
Fund
Transfers out
of Fund
Net Transfers
Description
Date of
Transfer
£
£
£
General Fund
12,300
12,300 Church contribution to
Grove Centre costs
Monthly to
31/03/24
Total transfers in / out
12,300
12,300		 1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
Prior Year
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
41,359
41,359
39,339
1,253
1,253
917
42,612
42,612
40,256
6,806
6,806
7,205
133
6,806
6,806
7,338
299
702
702
1,212
1,399
1,399
1,399
2,101
2,101
2,910
4,829
4,829
8,828
6,594
6,594
4,846
9,956
9,956
6,549
1,051
1,051
1,147
1,923
1,923
1,908
2,332
2,332
1,766
2,275
2,275
2,048
28,960
28,960
27,092
551
551
231
751
751
1,073
250
250
53
1,073
1,073
583
4,114
4,114
2,828
122
122
131
6,861
6,861
4,899
87,340
87,340
82,495
6,320
87,340
87,340
88,815
(719)
75,503
(87,340)
12,300
(256)
(719)
General Fund
Total transfers in / out 12,300
12,300

39 of 44

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1stApril 2023 Income Expenses Transfers 31stMarch Prior Year
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £

47B 11.6 Friendship Group (Monday)

The Friendship Group meets each Monday afternoon, providing general charitable and social activities funded by weekly offerings. It is administered by Mrs A.Sydee.

Weekly offerings
Total incoming resources
Sundries & refreshments
Donation to Building Fund
Donation to GC Church
Other donations (Leukaemia
UK, Mercy Ships, St. Mungos,
Leprosy Mission, Action for
Children, Dementia cafe)
Total resources expended
Movement to 31stMarch 2024		 917
917
1,039
917
917
1,039
269
269
324
5
5
200
100
100
100
590
590
400
859
105
964
1024
399
917
(859)
(105)
352
399

48B 11.7 Organ Fund (Designated)

The Organ Fund (Designated) is money originally set aside by the church for the replacement of the organ. The final balance was transferred into the Building Fund (Designated) at 31 March 2024.

Investment income
Total incoming resources
Transfer to
Building Fund (Designated)
Movement to 31stMarch 2024		 16
16
10
16
16
10
651
635
16
(651)
635

51B 11.8 Youth Project

The Youth Project Fund is used to support activities for children and young people, funded in part by contributions towards events. It is administered with other church funds, but was not used during the year. £10,000 was transferred into the Building Fund (Designated) at 31 March 2024.

Building Fund (Designated) at 31 March 2024.
Donations to Youth Fund
Interest on investments
Total incoming resources
Transfer to
Building Fund (Designated)
Movement to 31stMarch 2024		 60
60
60
222
222
227
282
282
287
10,000
15,137
282
(10,000)
5,419
15,137

12. Unrestricted Funds

52B 12.1 Movement in Unrestricted Funds during year

Church General Fund
Movement in funds for year to
31stMarch 2024		 1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
£
92,543
68,626
52,499
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£		 Transfers
£		 31stMarch
2024
£
(52,200) 56,470
92,543
68,626
(52,499)		 (52,200)
56,470

53B 12.2 Assets in Unrestricted Funds

Church General Fund
C/forward 31stMarch 2024		 Tangible
Creditors
Net Current Assets
31stMarch
Fixed Assets Due within 12
months
Gift Aid
Receivable
Investments
(short term)
Bank / cash
2024		 Tangible
Creditors
Net Current Assets
31stMarch
Fixed Assets Due within 12
months
Gift Aid
Receivable
Investments
(short term)
Bank / cash
2024		 Tangible
Creditors
Net Current Assets
31stMarch
Fixed Assets Due within 12
months
Gift Aid
Receivable
Investments
(short term)
Bank / cash
2024
1,715 12,598 42,157
56,470
1,715 12,598 42,157
56,470

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52B 12.3 Movement in Unrestricted Funds (prior year)

1stApril 2022
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
Transfers
31stMarch
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Church General Fund
146,346
60,050
56,629
(57,224)
92,543
Movement in funds for year to
31stMarch 2023
146,346
60,050
(56,629)
(57,224)
92,543
1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
Prior Year
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
54B12.4 Church General Fund
The Church General Fund is used to run the general charitable activities of The Grove Centre Church.
12.4.1 Church Income
Standing order giving
41,847
41,847
40,800
Envelope scheme
5,848
5,848
4,625
Church collections
1,272
1,272
970
Sundry Donations
2,135
100
2,235
910
Tax refunds under Gift Aid
12,918
12,918
11,859
Grants received
4,000
4,000
250
Investment income
606
606
796
Total incoming resources
68,626
100
68,726
60,210
12.4.2 Church Expenditure
12.4.2a Ministry Expenses
Stipend
30,840
30,840
28,938
Employers pension contrib.
3,821
3,821
4,952
Ministry expenses
229
229
167
Training and events
819
819
1,253
Travel costs
315
315
280
Visiting preachers
300
300
440
36,324
36,324
36,030
12.4.2b Manse Expenses
Manse works & maintenance
799
799
1,441
Manse council and water
3,107
3,107
2,910
Manse telephone / internet
897
897
819
Manse building insurance
909
909
810
5,712
5,712
5,980
12.4.2c Church Activities
Worship expenses
7
7
78
Junior church
13
13
96
Licences
587
587
557
Church sundries & posters
961
961
872
Platinum Jubilee celebration
353
Equipment and maintenance
834
834
275
Minor works – new carpet
1,484
1,484
Depreciation of assets
728
728
1,048
Legal advice & fees
3,168
4,614
4,614
6,447
12.4.2d Church Grants payable
URC Ministry & Mission
2,609
2,609
3,926
Baptist Ministry & Mission
2,810
2,810
3,926
Baptist Northern College
150
150
150
Other grants and donations
280
280
170
5,849
5,849
8,172		 1stApril 2022
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
£
146,346
60,050
56,629
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£
Income
Expenses
Gains and
Losses
£
£
£		 Transfers
£		 31stMarch
2023
£
(57,224) 92,543
146,346
60,050
(56,629)		 (57,224)
92,543
41,847
5,848
1,272
2,135 100
12,918
4,000
606
68,626 100
68,726
60,210
30,840
28,938
3,821
4,952
229
167
819
1,253
315
280
300
440
30,840
3,821
229
819
315
300
36,324 36,324
36,030
799
1,441
3,107
2,910
897
819
909
810
799
3,107
897
909
5,712 5,712
5,980
7
78
13
96
587
557
961
872
353
834
275
1,484
728
1,048
3,168
7
13
587
961
834
1,484
728
4,614 4,614
6,447
2,609
3,926
2,810
3,926
150
150
280
170
2,609
2,810
150
280
5,849 5,849
8,172

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1stApril 2023
Income
Expenses
Transfers
31stMarch
2024
£
£
£
£
£
Church contributions to Centre
12,300
12,300
Transfer to Building Fund
40,000
40,000
Total resources expended
52,499
52,300
104,799
Movement in fund for year to 31st
March 2024
92,543
68,626
(52,499)
(52,200)
56,470
Transfers into and out of General Fund in year
Transfers into
Fund
Transfers out
of Fund
Net Transfers
Description
£
£
£		 1stApril 2023
£
Income
£		 Expenses
£		 Transfers
£		 31stMarch
2024
£		 Prior Year
2023
£

6,000

51,384
12,300
12,300
40,000
40,000
52,499
52,300
104,799
114,013
92,543
68,626
(52,499)
(52,200)
56,470
92,543
Date of
Transfer
£
Grove Centre (Designated) 12,300
(12,300)
Church contribution to		 Monthly to
Grove Centre costs 31/03/24
Building Fund (Designated) 40,000
(40,000)
Nationwide balance transfer
27/11/23
into BuildingFunds
FriendshipGroup (Monday) 100 100
Donation to Church		 03/12/23
Total transfers in / out 100
52,300
(52,200)

55B 12.5 Transfers into and out of General Fund in year

13. Disclosure of trustee and staff remuneration, related party and other transactions

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Endowment 31stMarch 31stMarch
2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Stipend & Salaries 30,840
41,359		 72,199 68,277
Employer’s national insurance
Employer’s pension contribution 3,821
1,253		 5,074 5,869
Manse costs 5,712 5,712 5,980
Total 40,373
42,612		 82,985 80,126
Average number of employees during year 4 (3.2 FTE) 5 (3.3 FTE)
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 during the year (2023 none)
One Trustee, who is also an employee, lived in housing wholly owned by the church.
Aggregate donations received from Trustees during year: 78,816 62,435
No sums were reimbursed to the Trustees for their work as Trustees (2023 none).

No sums were reimbursed to Saleemi Associates for their work as independent examiners (2023 none).

The Church pays pension contributions for its Minister to the Baptist Ministers Pension Trust Limited, which is a final salary defined benefit scheme, which is not contracted out of the State second pension. The scheme is a multi-employer scheme and it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme which are attributable to the church. Therefore, in accordance with FRS102 Section 28, the scheme is accounted for as a defined contribution scheme.

14. Related Charities

It is a policy of the church to make an equal contribution to the official schemes of the URC and the Baptist denominations in recognition of the shared heritage of The Grove Centre Church.

56B 14.1 United Reformed Church

A custodian Trustee of the church is the United Reformed Church (Southern Province) Trust Limited which is charity number 282270.

The church made donations from General Funds to the URC Ministry & Mission Fund as set out under Grants payable.

57B 14.2 Baptist Union Corporation

A custodian Trustee of the church is the Baptist Union Corporation Limited which is charity number 249635, and which is controlled by the Baptist Union Council. The church is also a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and of the London Baptist Association.

The church made donations from General Funds to Baptist Ministry & Missions as set out under Grants payable.

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15. Pensions

58B 15.1 Baptist Pension Scheme

The Church is a participating employer the Baptist Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”), which is a separate legal entity administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.

The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers’ Pension Fund, started in 1925, but was closed to future accrual of defined benefits on 31 December 2011. Prior to this date the main benefit provided through the Defined Benefit (DB) Plan was a pension of one eightieth of final minimum pensionable income for each year of pensionable service together with additional pension in respect of premiums paid on Pensionable Income in excess of Minimum Pensionable Income.

From January 2012, pension provision is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan within the Scheme. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members if they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva Limited.

The Scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. Because it is not possible to attribute the Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers, the scheme is accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The Minister is eligible to join the Scheme.

The total pension cost for the Church for DC Plan contributions is £3,809 (Prior year £3,558).

59B 15.2 Actuarial valuation as at 31 December 2019

A formal valuation of the DB Plan as at 31 December 2019 was carried out by a professionally qualified Actuary using the Projected Unit Method. At the valuation date the market value of the DB Plan assets was £298 million, whilst the level of assets needed to pay benefits was £316m, giving a deficit of £18m (equivalent to a past service funding level of 94%). The Church and the other participating employers in the DB Plan are collectively responsible for funding this deficit.

The key assumptions underlying the valuation were as follows:

, giving a deficit of £18m (equivalent to a past service funding level of 94%). The
an are collectively responsible for funding this deficit.
umptions underlying the valuation were as follows:		 Church an
Type of financial assumption % p.a.
RPI price inflation assumption 3.20
CPI price inflation assumption 2.70
Minimum Pensionable Income Increase Adjustment (above CPI) 0.50
Pre-retirement assumed investment returns (gilt yield plus 1.75% pa) 2.95
Post retirement assumed investment returns (including benefits matched by 1.70
the insurance policy) (gilt yield plus 0.5% pa)
Minimum Pensionable Income increases (CPI plus 0.5%) 3.20
Deferred pension increases (based on RPI)
- Pre April 2009 3.20
- Post April 2009 2.50
Pension increases
- Based on CPI with an annual floor of 0% and annual cap of 5% 2.70

Mortality is assumed in accordance with 80% of the S3NA standard mortality table. Future improvements projected from 2013 in line with the “CMI 2019” projection with a long-term rate of improvement of 1.75% p.a. for males and 1.5% p.a. for females with the core smoothing parameter and with additional initial mortality improvement factor A=0.5%.

The next actuarial valuation of the DB Plan within the Scheme commenced in 2023 to reflect the position as at 31 December 2022

The total pension cost for the Church for DB Plan deficiency contributions is £12 (Prior year £1,393).

60B 15.3 Recovery Plan

In addition to the contributions to the DC Plan set out above, where a valuation of the DB Plan reveals a deficit the Trustee and the Council agree to a rate of deficiency contributions from churches and other employers involved in the DB Plan. Following the 2019 valuation a Recovery Plan was signed in September 2020 under which deficiency contributions are payable until June 2026. These contributions were broadly based on each employer's membership at 31 December 2014 and increase annually in line with increases to Minimum Pensionable Income as defined in the Rules.

On 30th June 2022 the Baptist Pension Scheme signed an agreement with the insurance company Just Group (“Just”) to secure DB Plan members’ pension benefits. Just are now providing financial backing for all pensions provided through the Scheme’s DB Plan and following this transaction, the Scheme no longer has a shortfall. An updated Recovery plan was then signed in August 2022 under which recovery contributions from each participating employer in the DB Plan reduced to £1 per month from August 2022.

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Treasurer's Statement

I have prepared the financial statements on pages 27 to 43 for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

Mr Paul Treece, Church Treasurer 10[th] May 2024

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of The Grove Centre Church

Year ended 31[st] March 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Grove Centre Church (Charity No. 1129070) for the year ended 31[st] March 2024 set out on pages 27 to 43.

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 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 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 Act; or

  2. the accounts did not accord with the accounting 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.

Mohammad Saleemi-FCA 792 Wickham Road Croydon Surrey CR0 8EA Tel: 0208 777 3055

Date :

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