Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dember 2023 Contents Page Charity Infonnation Report of the Trustees Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activities Slatement of Assets aThJ Liabilities Notes to the Finanual Statements 10 FRC Confidential
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 Reference and Admlnlstratlve Information Address of Princlpal Charlty Watw L United Refonn8d Churth Charity Water L8rE Bishop's Sttrtford Hertfordshire CM23 2JZ Mlnlstor (In vacancy) Church Offl¢ers Chwch Secretary- Gapsun RP Church Treagser- Anne Hunt Bankors Lloyds Bank F4c 20 North Str8et Bishop's Slortrord Hertrordshire CM23 2LN Veale WasExoh Viz¥ds Second Fl¢ 3 PL•ce Birmingham 812JB Indapondent Examlner Hayden Watson Bsc (Hons) FCCA The MHH Partwship Elslree House Watson's Yard, High Sireel, Cottenham CB24 8RX Corporats Trusteo and Ag¢nt Uniied Ref0M Church Easlem Prownee Trust 36 Duxffwd Road rttlesfc(d Cambridge CB22 4ND FRC ConfKJential
Water Lane United Reformed Churth Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 TRUSTEES REPORT The Trustees present their report and the independently examined finanaal ststements of the charity tor the year ended 31 Decernber 2023. These are produ1 on the Reoipts and Payments basis, taking •Jvantage of the provisions of Section 133(1) of the Charities Ad 2011. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Water Lane United Reforyned Church Charty is a kjcal church of the United Refomied Church in Great Brttain, and is a member church of Eastem Synod of the Church. ft was registered on 27 May 2009 as Charrty Number 1129836. Water Lane Church is situated at Water Lane. Btshop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2JZ, tel. 01279 755610. The members of the Elders, Meeling for the time being are recognised as the chanty trustees. Those who seprfed from 1 January 2023 until the date this report was approved are.. Mrs A Hunter Mrs J Pinnell TaSurer MrA Booth Ms G Rhee Mrs P Bayston Mrs A M Groves Mrs R Dickens Mr R Buss Mrs Michelle Czajkowski Church Secretary died January 2023 appointed June 2023 The church buildings are vested in the Synod Tmst having legal ownership of these premises as trustees and hekl for the benefft of Water Lane URC in aOrdanCe Vth the trusts applicable to URC properties. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The activities of Water Lane URC are overseen by the Eklers meeting of the church in accordan wtth the provisions of The Strucaure of the Untted Reformed Church determined by the General Assembly of the United Refomed Church and supplemented by the rules of Water Lane Church. The goveming document of the registered charity is a statement adopted by the Church Meeting on 1 March 2009. The Elders, Meeting is responsible for the finanaai administration of the church and the Care and maintenance of church premises and the manse. The Church Meeting (of all members wishing to attend) gives general gUIdan on the lrfe and work of the church. The members of the Elders. meeting and the minister in pastoral charge and ¢xmposed of up to 12 members of Water Lane URC nominated, and elected. by Church Meeting. Elders seNe tor 5 years, retired by rotation. their period of seDIKe may be extended by agreement of the Church Meeting. There is no limit on the number of consecutive periods of seNice. The members of the Elders, meeting are the trustees of the registered charty during therr per of service as Elders. The Elders. Meeting met 10 times during the year. It is assisted in the administratron of the Church and its property by Finance & Prq)ety Committee (currently 4 members)
Water Lane United Refom)ed Church Charlty Charity Number 1129836 The Church Meeting met 3 times during 2023. OBJECTIVES AND AcnvmES Year ended 31 Dernber 2023 As a local congregation of the Unrted Reformed Churth, Water Lane Church seeks to advan the Christian religion through its activities and the faiIrt$ offered to the (xjmmunrty by its building and described more speCifallY below." Object of the chaty PrlaIM the Goc¥J News of the Kingdom of God Teach, bapb'se and nurture new believers Respond to human need by loving service Seek to Iransfom unjust structures of etY Strive to safeguard the integnty of creation The Elders, Meeting is aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on the Publ benefit in 'The advanment of rel10n for the public benrt and has regard to it in the administration of the church. The Elders. Meeting betreves that the church preS benefft to the public by: 1. Providing resources arKI facilities for public Varrship, pastoral care and spiritual. moral and intellectual devebpment, both for the COngregatn and for anyone else who wishes to benefit from what the church offers. 2. Promoting Christian values and Seprfl by the members of the congregation to the communty for the benefft of indivKluals arKI s• as a whole. chUh Builthngs The church and hall are let oirt to benefft the loc4 communty and to provKle funds for the maintenance and upke8p of the burldings whilst providing funds for Outre&h. Use of Volunteers The dictionary definition of a volunteer is that of a person vtho offer5 service of their own free will and at Water Lane this means everyone who is a member or regular attender at *Drship. To be a Christian is to be a volunteer in the serfft of the Lord. To the extent that Christians offer their se1 beyorKI the local church at synod or national level they remain volunteers, but their seD4rce is in a more regional context. This indudes those who srt on committees, those preach. teach and in any way contribute towards the fiJrthefan of the kingdom of God in the Unrted Reformed Church. Most ministers of word and s&rament are paid diredly from the Finance offi of the United Reforned Church in London. Other than that, we are all volunteers. Organisational Stnictu The Unrted Refonrted Church is a conciliate organisation. The Govemment of the Church is exercised through Church Meetings of Members. All major decisions (as required by the constttution) are referred to the Church Meeting. Church Meetings take plao apprOrnately every hvo months and there is an Annual Meeting of Church and cOregation. Extraordinary
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 meetings are called as required. The body responsible for the overall executive and pastoral decisions is the Elders meeting which meets aPpr0MatelY On a month. The Finan & Property Committee, whh is responsible for administrative financial and property issues meets every tsvo months. The Eklers review and decide whether to act on the recommendations of the Finance & Property Committee. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The church continues to ¥tively welcome any persons wish to hear the Good News of the lQngdom of Gcrtl. In line with many other churches in the UK membership has been in gradual dedine. The Elders are aware of the changing profile of its congregation and are investigating likely causes and opportunities for encouraging more indNiduals, families and young people to worship wtth us. The church has been in ministerial vacary throughout 2022 and 2023 and lo the date of this report Wtth Rev. Nigel Uden appointed as our Interim M¢)derator. The church was part of the WEBS Pastorate together with )ngregatIonS in Stsnsted, Saffron Walden with Newport and Clavering. WEBS is no longer operational due to the retirement of both serving ministers in 2021 and Stansted joining the Meth¢)dist circuit. Options for a new Mission Partnership with a group of local URC churches are being explored at present time. Following lockd¢7trvn restraints on operations of church and hall lettings, several user groups dosed attogether or made attemative arrangements due lo the prospective dosure of the hall. Opportunities lor fundraising have been slow to retum to pre-lockdown levels. Our major fundraising effort is the bazaar in November. This was sutxessful and raised £636 for charitable Causes. Our OutaCh pro9raMffS also remain limited, particularly as our'in person, is on the more senior member of congregation and c4)mmunity. Our noal pattem of aclivrty indudes: Providing finanoal contributions to Spear Chrislian projects and through regular communion collections for worthy causes. Promoting 'Commttment for Lrfe. financial giving through Christian Aid partners Occasional campaigning towards the goal of eradication of Third World debt and poverty. Being active members of Church Together in Bishop's Stortford, supporting ts agreed activtties suth as the local street pastors. Providing regular Coffee momings that are availabl8 to the communty. Redevelopment of Chuth Estats The Synod Trustees completed the sale of the Church Hall with East Herts District Council (EHDC) at the end of September 2019. It is now leased back to the Churth at a peppercom rent until such time as the land is required ft)r the EHDC Old River Lane development, which in tum has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in scope. We nijw antiapate retaining use of the Church Hall until at least April 2025. Proceeds of the Hall sale are held by Synod Trustees with the intention of using the majority to fund the extension and reconfiguration of the Church building to facrlrtale a wider range of use, together with associated Sts. In 2023 Synod agreed to release some of thss funding towards costs atJSfKtated with the projed. Planning pemiission for an extension and reconfiguration of the church was granted in Autumn 2022. Our inrtial costings for the Church Extension prior to the hall being sold indicated the vrkS would be covered by the proceeds of the Hall sale. Htrwever, the more complex destgn
Water Lane United Refomied Church Chanty Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 required to meet planning ncernS together with the recent rapid pri increases in building materials means this is no longer the case. The first phase of the vrkS incorporating the inlemal works to the Church buikling (per removal, kitchen extension. new screen I vestry, heating system, lighting system, sOundsual system, front doors of church) have now been estimated and work is about to commence in autumn 2024. The knsted Building and Advisory Commrttee have approved the MoVal of pews and the design ConPt$ but IMII still need to approve some of the finer detail before works can commence. Once these V•fJrks are in progress a review will be conduct&J regarding Phase 2 worf(s which relate to a side extension - due to increase in costs this may nJ to be reduca in scope and may be subjec to a new planning application. In late 2022 y SussfullY applied for grant towards the works from the Town Counal, who awarded us the MamuM available sum of £50,000 based on the gtheme that received anning consent. We are very grateful not only for the finance, but for the ctvic support for tho project that it represents as rt is very much our intention to make the enhanc&J Church building available for wider communty use. As we have moved away from building the entire scheme in one phase as envisag in our oTNJinal grant bid. we are liaising with the Council as our plans evofve. Currently the Council continues to await the start of the first phase of our project. FINANCIAL REVIEW The charity has opted to pr(NJU accounts on the Receipts and Payments basis for 2023, taking advantage of the provisions of Section 133(1) of the Charrties Act 2011. The accounts take the fomi of a Receipts and Payments a(Unt for 2023 and a Ststement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 De)ber 2023. These figures a divided in columns beeen the separate categories of trust as indrcated as best practice by the Charity Commission and show at the foot of the page the resulting changes in the tnjst totals. Subsequent notes give greater detail. The charrty finds rtself in something of a hiatus betsyeen the end of pandemic restrictions and prosFectiv& dOSu of the church hall, which has been deferred incrementally as the overal plan for the town centre is reconsidered by the council. Hall and Church lettings have increased over 2021 but have not truly retumed to pre-pandemic levels. It is not possible to attract many new regular hall users given its prospective dosure Sin the start of 2022 and some existing users have relocat&J in anticipation of dosure. We are grateful to our lettings secretsry for her stetling efforts in attracting new artd ad-hoc users. Local conservation party are looking at having another operator for the Hall once we vacate the premisses. We continued Io Work on our redevelopment project, paying out a further £6,000 on professional fees in relation to the Church extension. This expenditure covered specialisl architect and planning consuttant fees to help in deggning and presenting an extension that was uttimately acceptable to the local conservats'on offir and the planning authorrties. In 2023 Synod agreed to release some funds arising from the sale of the Church Hall towards the professional fees incurred to date on the overall estate redevelopment project. We lease an area of outdoor space to the owners of Water Lane Bar to accommodate their air conditioning units. Ownetship changed in 2020 and the bar reopened in 2022. The previous owners settled outstanding rent due in 2021. The lease has been renegottated bwth the new owners and temis agreed eady in 2023. fr(Kn which point regular payments of £200 per month have been made. The overall deficit for the year of £8,111 ¢xn largely be attributed to two factors, costs incurred towards the church devebpment of £6,000, and an increase in the energy costs for the hall and the church. In 2023 Synod agreed to drawd on funds originating from the sale of the
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 hall held in the Synod trust towards our costs ass(Kxated with the development. Separately we were in receipt of a Synod grarrt in 2023 towards energy costs lo maintain our activities going forward. On this basis the Elders are s*sfied that the ¢harty can continue with its CUTrent objectrves and &tivtties for the foreseeatrAe future. This report was approved by the Elders. Meeting on signed on its behalf by GAesuKI RhEC CiuLr&- £ecA-<
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2023 I report on the financial statetncnts of Water Lane United RefonneAI Churth Charity for the year ellded 31 De(xmber 2023, which are set out on pages 8 to 17. Respective respon8ibili¢ies The trustces are reS[M)81blc for the pr¢paration of the financial statement% and considers that the audit requirement of Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (th¢ Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to stat4 on the basis of prowlures specified in the G¢neTal Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Sectioo 145 (5) (b) of the Ac¢ wh¢ther particular matters bave wme to my attention. My exan)ination was caTried out iti accordartce with th¢ General Directions of the Charity Conmlissioners. An ¢xamination Includes a review of the accounting records kept by th¢ church and a comparison of the counts presented with those Torth. It also indudes consideration of any ullusual items or disclosur¢s in the fmancial stat¢ment& and seeking explanations CODcernin8 any such matters. The prLKthes undertaken do not provide all the ¢iryden¢e that would be rwuired in an audi¢ and CODwuendy I do not express an 8uth't opinion on the view given by the financial statements. Independent Examintr's ststemtnt In comiection with exa[nintho no matffiai matter5 in connection with the ¢xatniDthon came to my attention which gave me cause to believe that in any mtsiaj respect.. The aCUnting records were not kept in ¥cordaDce with section 130 of the Chariti¢s xt or The accounts do not acwrd with th¢ accounting records I have no concerns and have corn¢ across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn ij) order to ¢nable a propu undffstaDding of the )unt$ to be reached. Signed by the Ind¢[dent Examiner. Hayden Watson Bsc (Hons) FCCA The MHH Partnership E15tr¢e House Watson's Yard Hlgh Street Cottenham CB24 8RX
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dember 2023 Statement of Financial Activities General Desgnated st11Ct8d Fund Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Receipts Note 2 Donations Charitable a(ithtes FUndraing (other trading activity) Investments Other 17.766 14.451 355 19,989 16,433 2,389 22,381 19,402 1,753 47,235 47,235 7,CQ2 93,128 45.369 86,533 4,091 89,997 Paymenls URC Ministy and Missic Other Ministy, Missic, Worship & Fdlowship Chur¢h maintenan & RLtnning Costs Hall maintenan & Running Costs Church Estate Red8velopment Raising Fund$ Donations 27.792 27,792 32,952 15.957 15,957 15,761 18,725 18,725 15,453 29.243 29.243 25,838 10,8C4) 2,921 2.921 2,921 101.238 3,330 104,134 98,317 Net Receipts l(Payments) {11,7841 4,091 (4181 18,1111 114.138) Draw down from investsnenls 15.CKKI 15,ChJO Transfers beN¥een fLnds 4.(K17 14.0911 Bank and on call deposits at the start of the year 18.586 928 19,514 33,652 Bank and on call deposits at the end of the year £25,810 £594 £26,403 £19.514
Water Lane United Refomed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 Statement of Assets and Liabilities at Year End General tnated Restrict6d Funds Funds Funds Total Fr PeiicY Funds total funds Monetary As80ts Cash FuThJg Debtors Gift Recoverable COIF deposil held investment {Nole 61 Note 6 25.810 594 26,403 19,514 673 272 420 252 715 63,ClXJ 83,458 75.325 76,214 Uabllrti Creditors 1.SSS 1,763 £73,760 £44 £74.649 £81,695 Assets retained for churth use are desuited Notes 7 and 8 of t finala1 slatementg. Signed on bghaw of the Tnjstees.. Trustee Date..
Water Lane United RefomHI Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 Notes to the Accounts A¢countlng Pollci•s Recelpts and Payments Accountl Water Lane United Refomied Church has opted to prodLth a slatemerrt of Receipts Payments and a Statement of Assets and Liabilits"es in accordants with secb.on 133111 of the Charities Act 2011, giv that the dlaritys in¢))me, from all scyjrces, has not exoeded £250,CQO. Most income is rewved on a cash basis arvj il is the Lch,5 normal ryaclice to pay invoices on receipt Freehold property The trustees of the tyjildings ar#J the Guild Hse e the URC (Easlem Province) Tnjsl hold them upon trust for wrFoses connected with Water Lane Untied Refcfftied Church. The Guild Hse is let lo long te tenants. Rental receipts from this tenancy are received by Water LarÈ United Reforned Church and are disdosed in th8 receipts and paym1 account. Waier Lane United Reformed Churth is 8 registerod charity arvJ thus exempt from taxation in respect of income and capit81 gains received to the extent that such IrMe or gain$ are applied lo exclusively caritable purFrf)ses. No tax tharges have arisen in the chanty. Fund Structure Policy The charity maintains a general unrestn.txed fund vhich represents fvrKJs that arg available for use at the diseretion of the TnJsl8es in furtfwance of the objects of the ch8niy. The charity operalès on6 deSnated fund, the Administrats"v& Expense fund. Rastn'ct8d funds have been provided to the tharity fcf partIClar purFoses, and il is the policy of ts Trustees to monitor the applic2ts.on of those fijnds in acwdance with the restriclions placaj upon them. Analysi8 of Receipts General Designated Restncted Fund Funds Funds Total PiiorPe170d Funds Total Funds Receipts from Donations and Legacies Freewll (tsings Income from leg*es Communion collecb"cS Commitment for Other d¢xabons Income lax re[LS 14.930 14,930 15,542 927 453 311 178 3,013 1, 19.989 Income tax refijnds are daim&J urNJer Gift the Grfl Small Donation S¢h8me. 927 453 895 287 513 3,643 22,381 17.7e6 General Designakny Rest Total hior Period FuTrY Funds Funds Funds Total Funds R•¢olpts from Charitable Actfvities Hire of the Church Hir8 of the Church Hall Car P8th"ng Coffee Th)mings 1,519 9,327 1,519 9.327 1,896 11,410 3,570 2,526 19,402 269 14,451 1.983 2,252 16.433 10
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dernber 2023 The offering d fau'lttiés to thg 1xnMunIty falls vthin th8 c¥itat4e cknpctives and activities of the tharity. Coffee momir@s are held as a b.me of fefiowship for mmbers of the rar8gatIOn and otrws within the broader community. Receipts indLJJe the sale of bak&J goc¥Js provided by members of the churth, donated Val of which is 8Stimated at £600 {2022 £715). General Deggnated Restricted Fund Funds Funds Total Prior Period Funds Total Funds Money raising Bazaar Grft Stall Bric-a-brac stall 318 1,284 1.435 1,753 1,435 2,389 The brwthc stall and bazaar relate mal&rially to the orNRrd sale of items donated by members of the wigregation. Items are ty"CallY giv on or near to the day of sale and it is impractical to eth"me the fair value of suth ttems other than via sale sxoceeds. 1,5 2,784 636 Gen8rn1 tnated RestniY8d Fund Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Investments Guild Hwse R8nl Corf Dep)srt Intwe 44.750 2,345 140 47,235 44,750 2,345 44,750 612 47,235 45,369 Other Rocelpts Synod Energy Grant Rent of outdoor spxe Sundry incA)me 5,222 7,082 7,082 0ershiP of Wer La Bar, v#ho rent the ¢xJtdc4)r spa¢8, changed in 2020, al which point payments Ceased. The bar r8owed as Water Lane Lourtge in November 2022. The charrty conclL#Jed negoli"cffls for a lease the nv* ovmers in early 2023. Rent ha$ been received from that dale onwards. Analy8is of Payments General ksnated Restted Funds Funds Funds Total Prnr PeiKxI Funds total funds Ralsing Funds Legal fees re outdoor space 600 11
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 General Desgnated Restrtted Funds Funds Funds Total PriorPenod Funds Tot81 Funds Payments relating to Charitable Activi¢ie8 URC Ministy and Allssion Fund 27,792 27,792 32.952 The Chwch ¢ontrrbLrtes lo the central URC ts)stS ¢Jf trainiro and providing rninislers lilUdIng the centralised paymanl of sb"perxts. pensi¢)n eontribLrtions and other banofi1$ for ministers), runnir#J the dermyninatson the widor Missic of the natical chur(i. Other Alinisty, MISSK, Wornhlp & Felk>wship WEBS expenses Pulpjt Supply 1.257 Organist Administrators salary la) Licenc£s and subscriptions Other difecl costs Share of suFport costs (see belth¥l {70) 1,257 3,320 5,973 3.380 5.973 5,801 613 613 239 239 4.114 15.761 Total 15.957 15,957 Alaintenance and wnning costs- Church (b) Repairs and renewals &59 Utilities 8,814 CleanirwJ refuse collection {40%) Grounds maintenan¢e140%) Organ tuning ar¥J maintonance Other dire¢a costs Share of SUFPOrt o)sls (see be104V} 620 6,540 4,359 8.814 4,805 829 571 169 169 332 147 147 3,293 18,725 3,023 18,725 15,453 AlaInIene0 andwnnlng costs- Hall Ib) Rgpairs and renew81s 2,6 Utilities 14.545 Cleaning and refvse collecti16) 7.207 Grounds160%) maintenan Oiher (rect Costs Share of ¢ts (see telow) Total 2,6* 14.545 7,207 12,598 6,539 1.243 1.243 856 107 3,503 29,243 3.205 25.838 29.243 Church Estato 10,8C(J Lk)nath)ns 2,921 2,921 3,330 Total ExndIture on Charftable Activiti 97,717 2,921 1CiI,638 104,134 12
Water Lane United Reform&l Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 (8) The role of the paid &Jministrator is to supp)rt the Minister, Chw( Sec¥et8ry and Elders in thè Ministry, mion, Wtrship and Fdlowship activities of the church. Ibl The Lettings Secretary, Treas4Jrer and BcokkeeFr ¥e all unpaid volunteers. 2023 Support Costs Independent Accnts Examination 1."1..1 Office Costs 7..1.'2 Insurance 1..1'.1 Bank Charges 1:1."1 nisty ChUh H811 Total 1,620 2,103 7,385 243 11,351 1,472 2.462 81 210 2.462 81 421 2,462 81 3.503 2023 Church Estate Church Hall Total Professional costs 2022 Support Costs Indep8ndent A(xoJnts Examinatic 1.'1.'1 Office costs 7."1.2 Insurance 1.'1'.1 Bank Charges 1.'1-.1 Total Ministry 523 Church Hall Total 523 523 1.570 1,820 6,713 238 10,341 1,274 2,238 79 4,114 2,238 79 3,023 2,238 79 3,205 2022 Church Estste R•deve1opnn¢ Professional c¥Jsts Total ni&ry chUb Hall Total 10,8(KJ 10.8CQ 10,800 10,800 All costs ar& a11ced equally acn)ss the IPYe8 C8tegCes. wth th8 ex¢gplion crf office costs i¢h are split based C esbmated usage and professional fees re propety are allocatod across the thurch and hall where not direcuy attribLrt&X. Paymfrnts to TnMt•OS Phyllis BaystM received £ 3,320 (2022 £3.) in her role as church organist for vknich she invol5 the monthty. Trustees other Ihan the 98n1$t re1Vj no remuneration in the year (21J23- nil. 2022- ntl). During the year, trustees othw than the ministsr *ere MbUr53 £182.65 in aojregate in respect of expenses incurred on t)ehalf of the thurch12022- £220.70). £13.80 was $p8nl trust8e's behalf which was repaid within weeks. The churth has b88n in vacancy throughout 2022 and 2023. Hence tse have r ministerial expenses payable lo a tnjstee. 13
efonned Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 EnWoynnt Emoluments Total FuTrs Part timo administrator total funds Emplty8es - part time administrat 5,973 5,801 General Dewnated Restncted Fund Fund Fund Bank and Cash Exp8nsg AccoLtnt Dewsil AccoLt Petty Cash Total Pnor Peiiod Funds TotalFunds 12, 13, 594 12,e62 13.563 178 594 26,403 178 25.810 3,874 15,368 273 19,514 Debtors Hall Lattings Grft Ard R8coverat4• Creditor¥ Creditors Payroll taxes ¢ 420 252 673 272 715 1,643 120 1,763 A88ets for Church Purpos88 For reasons explained in the ac¢ountin9 poiicies tho chch bLrilrfings are not tangible fixed assets of the churth. FLY F%wpos8s Churth is insured for¥W £5.1million. Other asws that the Church ¢Mis ara ¢cxnMenrata with the running of the cur¢h and ie the gan, one ejettrrc piarKS, church fittings (ineludiw pulpit, lecem, communion table and chairs, pews), chairs and lablos, kitchen ffttings and equipment and Offi equipment including a basic computer and a seCCrf4nd photocopier. As a non4)Jnformisl church, the ¢harity does rt own assets of intn'nsr¢ hith Ydlue as ittrns made of silvar or gd c¥ works Invo8tmgnts For reasons explained in the a¢(XJunting poiieitis the Guild Hse is a tangible fixed asset of the churth. Fcr inswanct wrF4)ses t ¢ik1 HO is insur8d for £1.3milli¢x. The Guild House is held as an investment propty arKI generates a cash fl¢Av for the th"ty as shown in the receipts and payment accourt 14
Water Lane United Refornied Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dernber 2023 The remaining inv05tmenl is COIF d8P)srt accourrt, trld on a long term basis, although some drawd¢)wn$ are (Kujrring to fund the wofesSnal fees on churth redevelopment project. COIF Total 2023 Total 2022 At 1 January 2023 DravoWn in the year At 31 Dernber 2023 63,OCQ 15,C 63,Ixo 15.CrfXI 63,CKJO 63,C4JO Do¥lgnated Funds The thch OFerates one monetary de&gnat&J fund, the Admlnistratlve Expense Fund, with the encouragement of Churth Meeliry. This ftjnd 1$ used lo ring fence the proceeds of sp8cific fundraising activities undertaken pnncipally in der to defray local &Jministralive expens*s. Such funds are not laken into account in th8 lCulatiOn of our Contribution to the wide URC Ministry and Mission fund. 11 was agreed tw this dec4'si¢Jn could be reversed by consensus in Church Meeting henc£ the fijnd is denated ralhw than $triCted. The surplus on this fund is transferred at the end of each accowrting year {other in the unlikely event of sums raised excÉeding lttal expenses). Admlnistralib• E¥wse Fund 2023 2022 At l January 2023 Lknnations 355 Coffee Charitablo Momiros Pknngy Raising 1.983 2,403 318 Stall 1,435 Total rncelpts 4,091 3,9)3 Payments Transfer to Gerwal Fund Transfer lo Communion Fund Total translofS 3.818 4.091 3,9)3 As at 31 Decembor 2022 15
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 10 Rostrlctod Fd8 Cha17table Fundra{ This fund recdS monies raised specrfically fcf charities (outside of the Communion Fund described below). funds arise as thè result of donab"ons, tax rewvered is also paid over to the chanty. We hekl our annual bazw in November 2023. Commilny8nt for Life There is an annual aN)eal for Commitment for Life. a fd within th8 wder United Refcffii&J Church. Donations collected in November aThJ Decmber and are rgmitted when the appeal is complete. CommunK)n FUTr At every communion 8 tlectiOn is made for a speofic trrity and t(th th8 donation and the applioble lax recovered is PaKI to th8 tharity o)ncem&a. The church aims to Pay over thnats.ons lo o11 charities indLJing rel8vant gift aid as soon as praclicable after the donab.ons e reVed. This may lead to a negats.ve balanc on a fund at a point in ts.me when grft has been paid over Kyior to 'ng daimed and received by the Church. Charltablo CommItht Communlon Total Fundralslng forLlle Fund 2023 At l January 2023 Donatlons Donations Gift Aid reVed 125) 928 311 927 1.6 178 Fundrnislng Bazaar stalls Total Receipts Paid over 1,041 Paymènts 1,703 125 2,921 Transfer frtyn administrative expense fuThJ As at 31 Decembèr 2023 Glft •ld reeovgrable 291 594 252 91 chatable Commitment Communion Fundrniwng ft•rLi1o Fund Tot 2022 At 1 January 2022 -25 31 Donatlons Donations Grft 313 18 287 69 1,496 215 Fundrnlslng Bazaar Stalls Gfft Stall Total Receipts Paid ov 1.284 1,676 1,110 1.195 3,142 Payments 779 2,330 adrninislrab.ve expense fund As at 31 December 2022 Glft akl recovwab 85 953 73 -25 928 83 10. 16
Water Lane United Refomied Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 RepIentS of drMi$ from Water Lane URC dLwing the year 2023 Donakn o Charftable CommitnMnt Fundraislng for Lrf• Fund Fund Communion General Fund Fund Total 2023 Herts & Essex Ar Ambulanc MND ASS£110n The Bible Soaety British Red Cross Cancer Research Christian Aid Shelter Grove Cottagg Mind Isabel Hospice Holy Trinity Night stter Refugee Council YMCA URC Commitment for Lrfe 350 318 323 211 49 113 21 51 259 113 21 51 657 318 657 318 125 125 Total 1,703 125 1,093 2,921 2022 Donations out Charltable CommltnRnt Fundraising for Life Fund Fund Communlon Genernl Total Fund Fund 2022 Holiday Bible Week Bible Society Brrtish Red Cross The Woodland Trust Mission Aviation Fell(ywshp Mind Shelter Christian Aid Bishop's Slortford FC Bank Isabel Hospice Holy Trinity Nigm Shgmer URC Commitment for Lrfe Totsl 1,C(wJ 1,C 138 1.288 49 29 138 631 49 29 657 63 135 131 71 45 45 779 3* 1,195 1,C(Q 3,330 17
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dember 2023 Contents Page Charity Infonnation Report of the Trustees Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activities Slatement of Assets aThJ Liabilities Notes to the Finanual Statements 10 FRC Confidential
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 Reference and Admlnlstratlve Information Address of Princlpal Charlty Watw L United Refonn8d Churth Charity Water L8rE Bishop's Sttrtford Hertfordshire CM23 2JZ Mlnlstor (In vacancy) Church Offl¢ers Chwch Secretary- Gapsun RP Church Treagser- Anne Hunt Bankors Lloyds Bank F4c 20 North Str8et Bishop's Slortrord Hertrordshire CM23 2LN Veale WasExoh Viz¥ds Second Fl¢ 3 PL•ce Birmingham 812JB Indapondent Examlner Hayden Watson Bsc (Hons) FCCA The MHH Partwship Elslree House Watson's Yard, High Sireel, Cottenham CB24 8RX Corporats Trusteo and Ag¢nt Uniied Ref0M Church Easlem Prownee Trust 36 Duxffwd Road rttlesfc(d Cambridge CB22 4ND FRC ConfKJential
Water Lane United Reformed Churth Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 TRUSTEES REPORT The Trustees present their report and the independently examined finanaal ststements of the charity tor the year ended 31 Decernber 2023. These are produ1 on the Reoipts and Payments basis, taking •Jvantage of the provisions of Section 133(1) of the Charities Ad 2011. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Water Lane United Reforyned Church Charty is a kjcal church of the United Refomied Church in Great Brttain, and is a member church of Eastem Synod of the Church. ft was registered on 27 May 2009 as Charrty Number 1129836. Water Lane Church is situated at Water Lane. Btshop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2JZ, tel. 01279 755610. The members of the Elders, Meeling for the time being are recognised as the chanty trustees. Those who seprfed from 1 January 2023 until the date this report was approved are.. Mrs A Hunter Mrs J Pinnell TaSurer MrA Booth Ms G Rhee Mrs P Bayston Mrs A M Groves Mrs R Dickens Mr R Buss Mrs Michelle Czajkowski Church Secretary died January 2023 appointed June 2023 The church buildings are vested in the Synod Tmst having legal ownership of these premises as trustees and hekl for the benefft of Water Lane URC in aOrdanCe Vth the trusts applicable to URC properties. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The activities of Water Lane URC are overseen by the Eklers meeting of the church in accordan wtth the provisions of The Strucaure of the Untted Reformed Church determined by the General Assembly of the United Refomed Church and supplemented by the rules of Water Lane Church. The goveming document of the registered charity is a statement adopted by the Church Meeting on 1 March 2009. The Elders, Meeting is responsible for the finanaai administration of the church and the Care and maintenance of church premises and the manse. The Church Meeting (of all members wishing to attend) gives general gUIdan on the lrfe and work of the church. The members of the Elders. meeting and the minister in pastoral charge and ¢xmposed of up to 12 members of Water Lane URC nominated, and elected. by Church Meeting. Elders seNe tor 5 years, retired by rotation. their period of seDIKe may be extended by agreement of the Church Meeting. There is no limit on the number of consecutive periods of seNice. The members of the Elders, meeting are the trustees of the registered charty during therr per of service as Elders. The Elders. Meeting met 10 times during the year. It is assisted in the administratron of the Church and its property by Finance & Prq)ety Committee (currently 4 members)
Water Lane United Refom)ed Church Charlty Charity Number 1129836 The Church Meeting met 3 times during 2023. OBJECTIVES AND AcnvmES Year ended 31 Dernber 2023 As a local congregation of the Unrted Reformed Churth, Water Lane Church seeks to advan the Christian religion through its activities and the faiIrt$ offered to the (xjmmunrty by its building and described more speCifallY below." Object of the chaty PrlaIM the Goc¥J News of the Kingdom of God Teach, bapb'se and nurture new believers Respond to human need by loving service Seek to Iransfom unjust structures of etY Strive to safeguard the integnty of creation The Elders, Meeting is aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on the Publ benefit in 'The advanment of rel10n for the public benrt and has regard to it in the administration of the church. The Elders. Meeting betreves that the church preS benefft to the public by: 1. Providing resources arKI facilities for public Varrship, pastoral care and spiritual. moral and intellectual devebpment, both for the COngregatn and for anyone else who wishes to benefit from what the church offers. 2. Promoting Christian values and Seprfl by the members of the congregation to the communty for the benefft of indivKluals arKI s• as a whole. chUh Builthngs The church and hall are let oirt to benefft the loc4 communty and to provKle funds for the maintenance and upke8p of the burldings whilst providing funds for Outre&h. Use of Volunteers The dictionary definition of a volunteer is that of a person vtho offer5 service of their own free will and at Water Lane this means everyone who is a member or regular attender at *Drship. To be a Christian is to be a volunteer in the serfft of the Lord. To the extent that Christians offer their se1 beyorKI the local church at synod or national level they remain volunteers, but their seD4rce is in a more regional context. This indudes those who srt on committees, those preach. teach and in any way contribute towards the fiJrthefan of the kingdom of God in the Unrted Reformed Church. Most ministers of word and s&rament are paid diredly from the Finance offi of the United Reforned Church in London. Other than that, we are all volunteers. Organisational Stnictu The Unrted Refonrted Church is a conciliate organisation. The Govemment of the Church is exercised through Church Meetings of Members. All major decisions (as required by the constttution) are referred to the Church Meeting. Church Meetings take plao apprOrnately every hvo months and there is an Annual Meeting of Church and cOregation. Extraordinary
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 meetings are called as required. The body responsible for the overall executive and pastoral decisions is the Elders meeting which meets aPpr0MatelY On a month. The Finan & Property Committee, whh is responsible for administrative financial and property issues meets every tsvo months. The Eklers review and decide whether to act on the recommendations of the Finance & Property Committee. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The church continues to ¥tively welcome any persons wish to hear the Good News of the lQngdom of Gcrtl. In line with many other churches in the UK membership has been in gradual dedine. The Elders are aware of the changing profile of its congregation and are investigating likely causes and opportunities for encouraging more indNiduals, families and young people to worship wtth us. The church has been in ministerial vacary throughout 2022 and 2023 and lo the date of this report Wtth Rev. Nigel Uden appointed as our Interim M¢)derator. The church was part of the WEBS Pastorate together with )ngregatIonS in Stsnsted, Saffron Walden with Newport and Clavering. WEBS is no longer operational due to the retirement of both serving ministers in 2021 and Stansted joining the Meth¢)dist circuit. Options for a new Mission Partnership with a group of local URC churches are being explored at present time. Following lockd¢7trvn restraints on operations of church and hall lettings, several user groups dosed attogether or made attemative arrangements due lo the prospective dosure of the hall. Opportunities lor fundraising have been slow to retum to pre-lockdown levels. Our major fundraising effort is the bazaar in November. This was sutxessful and raised £636 for charitable Causes. Our OutaCh pro9raMffS also remain limited, particularly as our'in person, is on the more senior member of congregation and c4)mmunity. Our noal pattem of aclivrty indudes: Providing finanoal contributions to Spear Chrislian projects and through regular communion collections for worthy causes. Promoting 'Commttment for Lrfe. financial giving through Christian Aid partners Occasional campaigning towards the goal of eradication of Third World debt and poverty. Being active members of Church Together in Bishop's Stortford, supporting ts agreed activtties suth as the local street pastors. Providing regular Coffee momings that are availabl8 to the communty. Redevelopment of Chuth Estats The Synod Trustees completed the sale of the Church Hall with East Herts District Council (EHDC) at the end of September 2019. It is now leased back to the Churth at a peppercom rent until such time as the land is required ft)r the EHDC Old River Lane development, which in tum has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in scope. We nijw antiapate retaining use of the Church Hall until at least April 2025. Proceeds of the Hall sale are held by Synod Trustees with the intention of using the majority to fund the extension and reconfiguration of the Church building to facrlrtale a wider range of use, together with associated Sts. In 2023 Synod agreed to release some of thss funding towards costs atJSfKtated with the projed. Planning pemiission for an extension and reconfiguration of the church was granted in Autumn 2022. Our inrtial costings for the Church Extension prior to the hall being sold indicated the vrkS would be covered by the proceeds of the Hall sale. Htrwever, the more complex destgn
Water Lane United Refomied Church Chanty Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 required to meet planning ncernS together with the recent rapid pri increases in building materials means this is no longer the case. The first phase of the vrkS incorporating the inlemal works to the Church buikling (per removal, kitchen extension. new screen I vestry, heating system, lighting system, sOundsual system, front doors of church) have now been estimated and work is about to commence in autumn 2024. The knsted Building and Advisory Commrttee have approved the MoVal of pews and the design ConPt$ but IMII still need to approve some of the finer detail before works can commence. Once these V•fJrks are in progress a review will be conduct&J regarding Phase 2 worf(s which relate to a side extension - due to increase in costs this may nJ to be reduca in scope and may be subjec to a new planning application. In late 2022 y SussfullY applied for grant towards the works from the Town Counal, who awarded us the MamuM available sum of £50,000 based on the gtheme that received anning consent. We are very grateful not only for the finance, but for the ctvic support for tho project that it represents as rt is very much our intention to make the enhanc&J Church building available for wider communty use. As we have moved away from building the entire scheme in one phase as envisag in our oTNJinal grant bid. we are liaising with the Council as our plans evofve. Currently the Council continues to await the start of the first phase of our project. FINANCIAL REVIEW The charity has opted to pr(NJU accounts on the Receipts and Payments basis for 2023, taking advantage of the provisions of Section 133(1) of the Charrties Act 2011. The accounts take the fomi of a Receipts and Payments a(Unt for 2023 and a Ststement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 De)ber 2023. These figures a divided in columns beeen the separate categories of trust as indrcated as best practice by the Charity Commission and show at the foot of the page the resulting changes in the tnjst totals. Subsequent notes give greater detail. The charrty finds rtself in something of a hiatus betsyeen the end of pandemic restrictions and prosFectiv& dOSu of the church hall, which has been deferred incrementally as the overal plan for the town centre is reconsidered by the council. Hall and Church lettings have increased over 2021 but have not truly retumed to pre-pandemic levels. It is not possible to attract many new regular hall users given its prospective dosure Sin the start of 2022 and some existing users have relocat&J in anticipation of dosure. We are grateful to our lettings secretsry for her stetling efforts in attracting new artd ad-hoc users. Local conservation party are looking at having another operator for the Hall once we vacate the premisses. We continued Io Work on our redevelopment project, paying out a further £6,000 on professional fees in relation to the Church extension. This expenditure covered specialisl architect and planning consuttant fees to help in deggning and presenting an extension that was uttimately acceptable to the local conservats'on offir and the planning authorrties. In 2023 Synod agreed to release some funds arising from the sale of the Church Hall towards the professional fees incurred to date on the overall estate redevelopment project. We lease an area of outdoor space to the owners of Water Lane Bar to accommodate their air conditioning units. Ownetship changed in 2020 and the bar reopened in 2022. The previous owners settled outstanding rent due in 2021. The lease has been renegottated bwth the new owners and temis agreed eady in 2023. fr(Kn which point regular payments of £200 per month have been made. The overall deficit for the year of £8,111 ¢xn largely be attributed to two factors, costs incurred towards the church devebpment of £6,000, and an increase in the energy costs for the hall and the church. In 2023 Synod agreed to drawd on funds originating from the sale of the
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 hall held in the Synod trust towards our costs ass(Kxated with the development. Separately we were in receipt of a Synod grarrt in 2023 towards energy costs lo maintain our activities going forward. On this basis the Elders are s*sfied that the ¢harty can continue with its CUTrent objectrves and &tivtties for the foreseeatrAe future. This report was approved by the Elders. Meeting on signed on its behalf by GAesuKI RhEC CiuLr&- £ecA-<
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2023 I report on the financial statetncnts of Water Lane United RefonneAI Churth Charity for the year ellded 31 De(xmber 2023, which are set out on pages 8 to 17. Respective respon8ibili¢ies The trustces are reS[M)81blc for the pr¢paration of the financial statement% and considers that the audit requirement of Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (th¢ Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to stat4 on the basis of prowlures specified in the G¢neTal Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Sectioo 145 (5) (b) of the Ac¢ wh¢ther particular matters bave wme to my attention. My exan)ination was caTried out iti accordartce with th¢ General Directions of the Charity Conmlissioners. An ¢xamination Includes a review of the accounting records kept by th¢ church and a comparison of the counts presented with those Torth. It also indudes consideration of any ullusual items or disclosur¢s in the fmancial stat¢ment& and seeking explanations CODcernin8 any such matters. The prLKthes undertaken do not provide all the ¢iryden¢e that would be rwuired in an audi¢ and CODwuendy I do not express an 8uth't opinion on the view given by the financial statements. Independent Examintr's ststemtnt In comiection with exa[nintho no matffiai matter5 in connection with the ¢xatniDthon came to my attention which gave me cause to believe that in any mtsiaj respect.. The aCUnting records were not kept in ¥cordaDce with section 130 of the Chariti¢s xt or The accounts do not acwrd with th¢ accounting records I have no concerns and have corn¢ across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn ij) order to ¢nable a propu undffstaDding of the )unt$ to be reached. Signed by the Ind¢[dent Examiner. Hayden Watson Bsc (Hons) FCCA The MHH Partnership E15tr¢e House Watson's Yard Hlgh Street Cottenham CB24 8RX
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dember 2023 Statement of Financial Activities General Desgnated st11Ct8d Fund Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Receipts Note 2 Donations Charitable a(ithtes FUndraing (other trading activity) Investments Other 17.766 14.451 355 19,989 16,433 2,389 22,381 19,402 1,753 47,235 47,235 7,CQ2 93,128 45.369 86,533 4,091 89,997 Paymenls URC Ministy and Missic Other Ministy, Missic, Worship & Fdlowship Chur¢h maintenan & RLtnning Costs Hall maintenan & Running Costs Church Estate Red8velopment Raising Fund$ Donations 27.792 27,792 32,952 15.957 15,957 15,761 18,725 18,725 15,453 29.243 29.243 25,838 10,8C4) 2,921 2.921 2,921 101.238 3,330 104,134 98,317 Net Receipts l(Payments) {11,7841 4,091 (4181 18,1111 114.138) Draw down from investsnenls 15.CKKI 15,ChJO Transfers beN¥een fLnds 4.(K17 14.0911 Bank and on call deposits at the start of the year 18.586 928 19,514 33,652 Bank and on call deposits at the end of the year £25,810 £594 £26,403 £19.514
Water Lane United Refomed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 Statement of Assets and Liabilities at Year End General tnated Restrict6d Funds Funds Funds Total Fr PeiicY Funds total funds Monetary As80ts Cash FuThJg Debtors Gift Recoverable COIF deposil held investment {Nole 61 Note 6 25.810 594 26,403 19,514 673 272 420 252 715 63,ClXJ 83,458 75.325 76,214 Uabllrti Creditors 1.SSS 1,763 £73,760 £44 £74.649 £81,695 Assets retained for churth use are desuited Notes 7 and 8 of t finala1 slatementg. Signed on bghaw of the Tnjstees.. Trustee Date..
Water Lane United RefomHI Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 Notes to the Accounts A¢countlng Pollci•s Recelpts and Payments Accountl Water Lane United Refomied Church has opted to prodLth a slatemerrt of Receipts Payments and a Statement of Assets and Liabilits"es in accordants with secb.on 133111 of the Charities Act 2011, giv that the dlaritys in¢))me, from all scyjrces, has not exoeded £250,CQO. Most income is rewved on a cash basis arvj il is the Lch,5 normal ryaclice to pay invoices on receipt Freehold property The trustees of the tyjildings ar#J the Guild Hse e the URC (Easlem Province) Tnjsl hold them upon trust for wrFoses connected with Water Lane Untied Refcfftied Church. The Guild Hse is let lo long te tenants. Rental receipts from this tenancy are received by Water LarÈ United Reforned Church and are disdosed in th8 receipts and paym1 account. Waier Lane United Reformed Churth is 8 registerod charity arvJ thus exempt from taxation in respect of income and capit81 gains received to the extent that such IrMe or gain$ are applied lo exclusively caritable purFrf)ses. No tax tharges have arisen in the chanty. Fund Structure Policy The charity maintains a general unrestn.txed fund vhich represents fvrKJs that arg available for use at the diseretion of the TnJsl8es in furtfwance of the objects of the ch8niy. The charity operalès on6 deSnated fund, the Administrats"v& Expense fund. Rastn'ct8d funds have been provided to the tharity fcf partIClar purFoses, and il is the policy of ts Trustees to monitor the applic2ts.on of those fijnds in acwdance with the restriclions placaj upon them. Analysi8 of Receipts General Designated Restncted Fund Funds Funds Total PiiorPe170d Funds Total Funds Receipts from Donations and Legacies Freewll (tsings Income from leg*es Communion collecb"cS Commitment for Other d¢xabons Income lax re[LS 14.930 14,930 15,542 927 453 311 178 3,013 1, 19.989 Income tax refijnds are daim&J urNJer Gift the Grfl Small Donation S¢h8me. 927 453 895 287 513 3,643 22,381 17.7e6 General Designakny Rest Total hior Period FuTrY Funds Funds Funds Total Funds R•¢olpts from Charitable Actfvities Hire of the Church Hir8 of the Church Hall Car P8th"ng Coffee Th)mings 1,519 9,327 1,519 9.327 1,896 11,410 3,570 2,526 19,402 269 14,451 1.983 2,252 16.433 10
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dernber 2023 The offering d fau'lttiés to thg 1xnMunIty falls vthin th8 c¥itat4e cknpctives and activities of the tharity. Coffee momir@s are held as a b.me of fefiowship for mmbers of the rar8gatIOn and otrws within the broader community. Receipts indLJJe the sale of bak&J goc¥Js provided by members of the churth, donated Val of which is 8Stimated at £600 {2022 £715). General Deggnated Restricted Fund Funds Funds Total Prior Period Funds Total Funds Money raising Bazaar Grft Stall Bric-a-brac stall 318 1,284 1.435 1,753 1,435 2,389 The brwthc stall and bazaar relate mal&rially to the orNRrd sale of items donated by members of the wigregation. Items are ty"CallY giv on or near to the day of sale and it is impractical to eth"me the fair value of suth ttems other than via sale sxoceeds. 1,5 2,784 636 Gen8rn1 tnated RestniY8d Fund Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds Investments Guild Hwse R8nl Corf Dep)srt Intwe 44.750 2,345 140 47,235 44,750 2,345 44,750 612 47,235 45,369 Other Rocelpts Synod Energy Grant Rent of outdoor spxe Sundry incA)me 5,222 7,082 7,082 0ershiP of Wer La Bar, v#ho rent the ¢xJtdc4)r spa¢8, changed in 2020, al which point payments Ceased. The bar r8owed as Water Lane Lourtge in November 2022. The charrty conclL#Jed negoli"cffls for a lease the nv* ovmers in early 2023. Rent ha$ been received from that dale onwards. Analy8is of Payments General ksnated Restted Funds Funds Funds Total Prnr PeiKxI Funds total funds Ralsing Funds Legal fees re outdoor space 600 11
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 General Desgnated Restrtted Funds Funds Funds Total PriorPenod Funds Tot81 Funds Payments relating to Charitable Activi¢ie8 URC Ministy and Allssion Fund 27,792 27,792 32.952 The Chwch ¢ontrrbLrtes lo the central URC ts)stS ¢Jf trainiro and providing rninislers lilUdIng the centralised paymanl of sb"perxts. pensi¢)n eontribLrtions and other banofi1$ for ministers), runnir#J the dermyninatson the widor Missic of the natical chur(i. Other Alinisty, MISSK, Wornhlp & Felk>wship WEBS expenses Pulpjt Supply 1.257 Organist Administrators salary la) Licenc£s and subscriptions Other difecl costs Share of suFport costs (see belth¥l {70) 1,257 3,320 5,973 3.380 5.973 5,801 613 613 239 239 4.114 15.761 Total 15.957 15,957 Alaintenance and wnning costs- Church (b) Repairs and renewals &59 Utilities 8,814 CleanirwJ refuse collection {40%) Grounds maintenan¢e140%) Organ tuning ar¥J maintonance Other dire¢a costs Share of SUFPOrt o)sls (see be104V} 620 6,540 4,359 8.814 4,805 829 571 169 169 332 147 147 3,293 18,725 3,023 18,725 15,453 AlaInIene0 andwnnlng costs- Hall Ib) Rgpairs and renew81s 2,6 Utilities 14.545 Cleaning and refvse collecti16) 7.207 Grounds160%) maintenan Oiher (rect Costs Share of ¢ts (see telow) Total 2,6* 14.545 7,207 12,598 6,539 1.243 1.243 856 107 3,503 29,243 3.205 25.838 29.243 Church Estato 10,8C(J Lk)nath)ns 2,921 2,921 3,330 Total ExndIture on Charftable Activiti 97,717 2,921 1CiI,638 104,134 12
Water Lane United Reform&l Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 (8) The role of the paid &Jministrator is to supp)rt the Minister, Chw( Sec¥et8ry and Elders in thè Ministry, mion, Wtrship and Fdlowship activities of the church. Ibl The Lettings Secretary, Treas4Jrer and BcokkeeFr ¥e all unpaid volunteers. 2023 Support Costs Independent Accnts Examination 1."1..1 Office Costs 7..1.'2 Insurance 1..1'.1 Bank Charges 1:1."1 nisty ChUh H811 Total 1,620 2,103 7,385 243 11,351 1,472 2.462 81 210 2.462 81 421 2,462 81 3.503 2023 Church Estate Church Hall Total Professional costs 2022 Support Costs Indep8ndent A(xoJnts Examinatic 1.'1.'1 Office costs 7."1.2 Insurance 1.'1'.1 Bank Charges 1.'1-.1 Total Ministry 523 Church Hall Total 523 523 1.570 1,820 6,713 238 10,341 1,274 2,238 79 4,114 2,238 79 3,023 2,238 79 3,205 2022 Church Estste R•deve1opnn¢ Professional c¥Jsts Total ni&ry chUb Hall Total 10,8(KJ 10.8CQ 10,800 10,800 All costs ar& a11ced equally acn)ss the IPYe8 C8tegCes. wth th8 ex¢gplion crf office costs i¢h are split based C esbmated usage and professional fees re propety are allocatod across the thurch and hall where not direcuy attribLrt&X. Paymfrnts to TnMt•OS Phyllis BaystM received £ 3,320 (2022 £3.) in her role as church organist for vknich she invol5 the monthty. Trustees other Ihan the 98n1$t re1Vj no remuneration in the year (21J23- nil. 2022- ntl). During the year, trustees othw than the ministsr *ere MbUr53 £182.65 in aojregate in respect of expenses incurred on t)ehalf of the thurch12022- £220.70). £13.80 was $p8nl trust8e's behalf which was repaid within weeks. The churth has b88n in vacancy throughout 2022 and 2023. Hence tse have r ministerial expenses payable lo a tnjstee. 13
efonned Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 EnWoynnt Emoluments Total FuTrs Part timo administrator total funds Emplty8es - part time administrat 5,973 5,801 General Dewnated Restncted Fund Fund Fund Bank and Cash Exp8nsg AccoLtnt Dewsil AccoLt Petty Cash Total Pnor Peiiod Funds TotalFunds 12, 13, 594 12,e62 13.563 178 594 26,403 178 25.810 3,874 15,368 273 19,514 Debtors Hall Lattings Grft Ard R8coverat4• Creditor¥ Creditors Payroll taxes ¢ 420 252 673 272 715 1,643 120 1,763 A88ets for Church Purpos88 For reasons explained in the ac¢ountin9 poiicies tho chch bLrilrfings are not tangible fixed assets of the churth. FLY F%wpos8s Churth is insured for¥W £5.1million. Other asws that the Church ¢Mis ara ¢cxnMenrata with the running of the cur¢h and ie the gan, one ejettrrc piarKS, church fittings (ineludiw pulpit, lecem, communion table and chairs, pews), chairs and lablos, kitchen ffttings and equipment and Offi equipment including a basic computer and a seCCrf4nd photocopier. As a non4)Jnformisl church, the ¢harity does rt own assets of intn'nsr¢ hith Ydlue as ittrns made of silvar or gd c¥ works Invo8tmgnts For reasons explained in the a¢(XJunting poiieitis the Guild Hse is a tangible fixed asset of the churth. Fcr inswanct wrF4)ses t ¢ik1 HO is insur8d for £1.3milli¢x. The Guild House is held as an investment propty arKI generates a cash fl¢Av for the th"ty as shown in the receipts and payment accourt 14
Water Lane United Refornied Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dernber 2023 The remaining inv05tmenl is COIF d8P)srt accourrt, trld on a long term basis, although some drawd¢)wn$ are (Kujrring to fund the wofesSnal fees on churth redevelopment project. COIF Total 2023 Total 2022 At 1 January 2023 DravoWn in the year At 31 Dernber 2023 63,OCQ 15,C 63,Ixo 15.CrfXI 63,CKJO 63,C4JO Do¥lgnated Funds The thch OFerates one monetary de&gnat&J fund, the Admlnistratlve Expense Fund, with the encouragement of Churth Meeliry. This ftjnd 1$ used lo ring fence the proceeds of sp8cific fundraising activities undertaken pnncipally in der to defray local &Jministralive expens*s. Such funds are not laken into account in th8 lCulatiOn of our Contribution to the wide URC Ministry and Mission fund. 11 was agreed tw this dec4'si¢Jn could be reversed by consensus in Church Meeting henc£ the fijnd is denated ralhw than $triCted. The surplus on this fund is transferred at the end of each accowrting year {other in the unlikely event of sums raised excÉeding lttal expenses). Admlnistralib• E¥wse Fund 2023 2022 At l January 2023 Lknnations 355 Coffee Charitablo Momiros Pknngy Raising 1.983 2,403 318 Stall 1,435 Total rncelpts 4,091 3,9)3 Payments Transfer to Gerwal Fund Transfer lo Communion Fund Total translofS 3.818 4.091 3,9)3 As at 31 Decembor 2022 15
Water Lane United Reformed Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 10 Rostrlctod Fd8 Cha17table Fundra{ This fund recdS monies raised specrfically fcf charities (outside of the Communion Fund described below). funds arise as thè result of donab"ons, tax rewvered is also paid over to the chanty. We hekl our annual bazw in November 2023. Commilny8nt for Life There is an annual aN)eal for Commitment for Life. a fd within th8 wder United Refcffii&J Church. Donations collected in November aThJ Decmber and are rgmitted when the appeal is complete. CommunK)n FUTr At every communion 8 tlectiOn is made for a speofic trrity and t(th th8 donation and the applioble lax recovered is PaKI to th8 tharity o)ncem&a. The church aims to Pay over thnats.ons lo o11 charities indLJing rel8vant gift aid as soon as praclicable after the donab.ons e reVed. This may lead to a negats.ve balanc on a fund at a point in ts.me when grft has been paid over Kyior to 'ng daimed and received by the Church. Charltablo CommItht Communlon Total Fundralslng forLlle Fund 2023 At l January 2023 Donatlons Donations Gift Aid reVed 125) 928 311 927 1.6 178 Fundrnislng Bazaar stalls Total Receipts Paid over 1,041 Paymènts 1,703 125 2,921 Transfer frtyn administrative expense fuThJ As at 31 Decembèr 2023 Glft •ld reeovgrable 291 594 252 91 chatable Commitment Communion Fundrniwng ft•rLi1o Fund Tot 2022 At 1 January 2022 -25 31 Donatlons Donations Grft 313 18 287 69 1,496 215 Fundrnlslng Bazaar Stalls Gfft Stall Total Receipts Paid ov 1.284 1,676 1,110 1.195 3,142 Payments 779 2,330 adrninislrab.ve expense fund As at 31 December 2022 Glft akl recovwab 85 953 73 -25 928 83 10. 16
Water Lane United Refomied Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 December 2023 RepIentS of drMi$ from Water Lane URC dLwing the year 2023 Donakn o Charftable CommitnMnt Fundraislng for Lrf• Fund Fund Communion General Fund Fund Total 2023 Herts & Essex Ar Ambulanc MND ASS£110n The Bible Soaety British Red Cross Cancer Research Christian Aid Shelter Grove Cottagg Mind Isabel Hospice Holy Trinity Night stter Refugee Council YMCA URC Commitment for Lrfe 350 318 323 211 49 113 21 51 259 113 21 51 657 318 657 318 125 125 Total 1,703 125 1,093 2,921 2022 Donations out Charltable CommltnRnt Fundraising for Life Fund Fund Communlon Genernl Total Fund Fund 2022 Holiday Bible Week Bible Society Brrtish Red Cross The Woodland Trust Mission Aviation Fell(ywshp Mind Shelter Christian Aid Bishop's Slortford FC Bank Isabel Hospice Holy Trinity Nigm Shgmer URC Commitment for Lrfe Totsl 1,C(wJ 1,C 138 1.288 49 29 138 631 49 29 657 63 135 131 71 45 45 779 3* 1,195 1,C(Q 3,330 17
Water Lane United Refomied Church Charity Charity Number 1129836 Year ended 31 Dember 2023 INDEPENDENf EXAMINER'S REPORT ANNUAL RF.PORT 2023 I report on the f]Dancial statettLents of Water tane United RefoTmed Church Clwity forthe year ell(kd 31 DeLember 2023. wbich are set out on pages 8 to 17. Respeclive respon8ibilitses Th¢ tsUSte are responsible for the prqwthon of the financial statements. and consitss that the audit requirement of Section 144(2) of the CILarities Act 201 L (the Act) (kKs not apply. It is ]ny wnsibility to statc, i)n th¢ b&sis of pr(K&au specified in the Genernl DirectAOllS given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 145 (5) (b) of th¢ AGL wIL¢ttr particular mattU8 have come to my attention. My examinthon was Garried out in accothct with the General Directions of tEe Charity Commissioners. An eLnItiatiOn includes a rcview of the accounting kept by th¢ ¢buh and a comparison of the accounts presented with those rOrdS. It also includes c4)nsideration of any items or disclosure undertaken do not provide all the evidenct that would be required in an audiL and con8equcntly I do not express an audit opinion on th¢ vi¢w giv¢nby the financial statements. Independent Examiner's statsment Ill connection with my exam1th0 no matffi matth in connection with tILe exami c4me to my attention wknch gave me Gause to believe that in any materid respe4X: The accounting reeords w¢[¢ not kept in accord with section 130 of the Chatities act or Th¢ aw)unts do not acco with the accounkng reix)rds I have no concerns and have come acr0&8 no other matters in ¢onne¢tiott with the examinatson to which attcntion should be drawn in Ord to cJ]abl¢ a pro ullder8tsnding of th¢ wwunts to be Teac1L Si8ned by the Independellt Exami. date: 18 >4 Hayden Watson Bsc (Hons) FCCA Elstree House Watson's Yard High Street CB24 8R