**The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity Church Barnstaple Registered Charity Number: 1130331**
## Holy Trinity Barnstaple
**Trustees Annual Report and Accounts For the year ended 31[st] December 2023**
**HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
**CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31[st] December 2023**
||Page|
|---|---|
|Report of the Trustees|1 to 3|
|Independent Examiner's Report|4|
|Receipts and Payments|5|
|Statement of Assets and Liabilities|6|
|Notes to the Accounts|7|
**HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the year ended 31[st] December 2023**
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023. The trustees have opted, under section 133 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Charities Act’), to prepare receipts and payments accounts.
## **Objectives and Aims**
The primary object of the PCC is to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the doctrines and practices of The Church of England.
## **Public benefit**
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and consider that the activities of the charity meet its charitable objectives and provide a benefit to the public.
## **Achievement and Performance**
## **Charitable activities**
The past year has been a time of great blessing and encouragement at Trinity as we have continued to see growth and development of our worship services and an increase in the number of people attending. We have developed our worship patterns to include moments of quiet reflection, in order to offer people a ‘wider menu’ of worshipping opportunities. Over the past year we have hosted a number of newcomers’ lunches and have seen a significant number of new people joining us at Trinity for which we are very grateful.
Our 10:30am service has continued to develop with new people serving in various ways and in particular the development of our sung worship. This has included a few technical developments and the nurturing of new worship leaders and musicians. Our OASIS service has also continued on Sunday evenings fortnightly and allows for a different emphasis with longer periods of sung worship and the opportunity for people to share their testimony or perhaps give a talk at church for the first time.
We have seen some changes to the staff team as Linda Pinfold has joined us as our Childrens’ worker and Lynn Hopwood as out Schools’ Outreach worker. Our staff continues to meet together every Monday for a time of prayer, fellowship and to look forward and plan together for all the areas of ministry that we cover. We have had a very strong administrative base which has continued to utilise online tools such as ChurchSuite which has become part of our common vocabulary as a church for all things administrative and for use in good communication more widely in the life of our church.
In the Autumn we hosted three weeks of ‘Rekindled’ which was a chance to gather together for fun, food, fellowship and teaching from New Wine. It was a chance to gather as a church in the years ‘in between’ our church trips to Lee Abbey and was a great success with many people in attendance over the three weeks.
We have seen considerable growth in the number of Connect groups and these provide great opportunities for people to grow together in faith and fellowship as well as caring compassionately in prayer for one another. We have also continued to run courses that enrich our lives in discipleship and help those who have come through to faith through initiatives such as the Alpha Course.
We have had some excellent opportunities for people to get away together such as our summer trip to Creation Fest. These trips away have been a wonderful chance for people to growth deeper in friendship and fellowship with one another as well as experiencing great times of worship and teaching in a fresh context.
Our Christmas services have gone exceptionally well with the development of a new community Christmas choir and the recent introduction of the Carols round the Manger service. This new service has attracted a large number of families along who don’t usually attend our church services at Trinity, which has been a great encouragement.
We personally want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worships and serves at Trinity; we are so blessed by an incredible number of people serving, assisting and caring for one another.
## **Financial Review**
The Word tells us that God loves a cheerful giver and we have many of those at Trinity – our grateful thanks to all our members who support us with their regular giving and their donations plus their time and practical support. The Holy Trinity church family needs the involvement of every person in order for us to continue to be a welcoming light in the world.
We have been able to continue our outreach into the Barnstaple community as in previous years and have even added an additional outreach to young people in the form of Ten 10. Our mission giving has continued - a tithe of our income from your giving – and during the year we have supported Christians against Poverty, the Freedom Centre, Release International, Rhea Ministries and Tearfund.
Last year I mentioned our accommodation challenge as our church family continues to grow. In order to maximise use of the space we do have, we set up a Youth and Children’s Fund. Your generous giving to this need supplied £9,051 for renovations to the Revival Room and other vital expenditure for the benefit of our young people and those in the community. We have been able to repaint and recarpet the room and these improvements, together with bright curtains
Page 1
**HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
## **for the year ended 31[st] December 2023**
and colourful beanbags, have created a multi-purpose space that is being enjoyed by our young people and other small groups.
Building Fund expenditure covered the retention due regarding the garden door and the upgrading of the fire doors of the Revival Room and the Vicar’s office. Other maintenance included the replacement of a boiler, the installation of curtains in the Hall and the repair of the car park light. Our maintenance needs are ongoing and cause our church wardens much frustration.
A cursory glance at the Receipts and Payments for the year to 31 December 2023 would suggest that there has been a more than fourfold increase in the surplus. In effect, the creation of the Youth and Children’s Fund accounts for much of this increase. Another factor influencing our net income was the drop in expenditure. Last year we spent £13,604 from the building fund as opposed to £4,199 this year. Your PCC has been very cautious with the church funds, as evidenced by the £7,000 fall in overall spending, despite the general increase in the cost of living. The total surplus for 2023 was £27,684 as compared to £5,992 in 2022. Income increased by 0.05% to £280,004 (2022: £265,882) and expenditure decreased by 0.03% to £252,320 (2022: £259,890). Unrestricted cash reserves at year-end totalled £54,854.
Malachi 3:10 in the Message version says: “Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams”. God is faithful and His word is true. You can give via the Parish Giving Scheme, the ‘Give a Little’ machine at the Welcome Desk, the offering bag, the Trinity website or by direct deposit into the church bank account.
## **Reserves policy**
The trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets ('the free reserves') held by the Charity should be approximately three months of the resources expended. At this level the trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the Charity in the event of a significant drop in income.
## **Structure, Governance and Management Governing document**
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure. Holy Trinity Barnstaple is Mission community known as the Barnstaple Group.
## **Trustee selection**
The method of appointment to the PCC is set out in the Church Representation Rules.
Nominations for membership to the PCC are invited prior to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Membership of the PCC is open to all members on Holy Trinity's Electoral Roll. The PCC has ultimate responsibility for a wide range of matters affecting the parish, including such matters as compliance with health and safety, General Data Protection Regulations, disability discrimination legislation and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. We have no formal induction process although new members are briefed on issues as they arise. Members of the PCC have attended training in Safeguarding and all members have been made aware of current Safeguarding legislation and good practice recommendations. The incumbent, church wardens and church administrator ensure that all decisions made by the PCC comply with current legislation. The PCC meets every second month. Other matters are delegated to the Standing Committee which meets when necessary. Standing Committee can authorise expenditure up to £1,000. Day to day management of the parish is by the minister and church wardens. Two part-time administrators are employed in the church office.
## **Organisational structure**
The PCC (Powers) Measure 1956 states the PCC is to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.
**Members of the PCC** are either ex-officio, elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting or co-opted by the PCC in accordance with the Church Representation Rules..
**The Standing Committee:** As agreed by the PCC consists of the Vicar, Church Wardens, Associate Minister, PCC Treasurer, PCC Secretary and Administrator or Assistant Administrator. The Standing Committee has the power to transact business on behalf of the PCC. This committee meets in between the bi-monthly PCC meetings when needed and has the authority to call extra-ordinary meetings of the PCC if necessary. It has the responsibility to bring to the attention of the full PCC the financial position of the church and can authorise urgent expenditure up to the limit set by the PCC.
Page 2
**HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
## **for the year ended 31[st] December 2023**
## **Reference and Administration Details**
## **Registered name**
The full name of the charity is The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity, Barnstaple. The charity is also known by the name Holy Trinity Church Barnstaple
## **Registered Charity number**
1130331
## **Principal address**
Holy Trinity Church Hall Barbican Terrace Barnstaple EX32 0HQ
## **Vicar**
Revd Paul Taylor **Associate Minister** Revd Shirley Paterson **Secretary** Peter Nott
## **Trustees**
|**rustees**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Name**|**Position**|**Appointments/Resignations**|
|**Ex Officio members:**|||
|Revd Paul Taylor|Vicar/Chair||
|Revd Shirley Paterson|Associate Minister||
|Revd Robin Smith|Curate||
|Andrew Keenan|Churchwarden/Vice-chair||
|Steve Bunce|Churchwarden||
|Rachel Keenan|Deanery Synod Representative|Until 2026|
|**Members:**|||
|Suzanne Pentney-Tighe||Until 2026|
|Sarah Tanton||Until 2026|
|Louise Kevan||Until 2026|
|Margie Nobbs|Treasurer|Until 2025|
|Christopher Oldham||Until 2026|
|David Archer||Until 2026|
|Helen Corfe||Until 2024|
**During the year:** Many thanks to Sharon Blyth, Lee Hurrell and Tony Shields who ended their terms on the PCC and David Elliot who ended his term on Deanery Synod.
**Independent Examiner** Magnus Proctor FFA Lindisfarne Landkey Road Barnstaple EX32 9BW
Approved by the board of trustees on 11[th] April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Chair
Page 3
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Trinity Church Barnstaple**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Trinity Church Barnstaple (the Trust) for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do 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 confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Magnus Proctor FFA Fellow of the Institute of Financial Accountants Lindisfarne Landkey Road Barnstaple EX32 9BW
Date: 7[th] March 2024
Page 4
**HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS for the Year ended 31[st] December 2023**
|**RECEIPTS**
Donations and legacies
Gift aid
Cash collections
Diocesan fees
Church weekend
Church hire and car park rent
Climbing wall and other sundry receipts
**Investments**
Interest received
**Total receipts**
**PAYMENTS**
**Charitable activities**
Common fund
Clergy expenses
Ministry resources
Altar, music and coffee supplies
Mission gifts
Christians Against Poverty
Church weekend
Youth and children
Climbing wall
**Premises costs**
Insurance
Light and heat
Cleaning
Maintenance
Church hall - maintenance
Church hall - light and heat
Security
**Administration costs**
Salaries
Telephone
Stationery and printing
Sundry office costs
Independent examination
**Total payments**
**Net receipts / payments**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Transfer between funds
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Designated**
**2023**
**2022**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**Total**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**_£_**
161,101
40,146
10,267
211,514
200,125
33,761
1,745
795
36,301
32,107
14,838
14,838
13,679
2,046
2,046
1,781
6,443
6,443
10,946
7,025
7,025
5,086
484
484
850|
|---|---|
||225,698
41,891
11,062
278,651
264,574
1,309
44
1,353
1,308|
||227,007
41,935
11,062
280,004
265,882|
||88,273
88,273
86,120
2,143
2,143
639
1,470
1,470
2,622
3,283
3,283
3,189
18,361
4,510
22,871
21,744
0
31,568
31,568
33,694
3,027
3,027
16,714
2,701
2,880
5,581
4,738
40
40
0
5,880
5,880
5,471
8,232
8,232
6,296
1,208
1,208
976
1,733
4,199
5,932
15,618
6,852
6,852
1,863
6,437
6,437
3,350
2,114
2,114
5,096
49,940
49,940
43,424
1,143
1,143
1,159
2,409
2,409
2,649
3,417
3,417
4,028
500
500
500|
||209,163
35,767
7,390
252,320
259,890
17,844
6,168
3,672
27,684
5,992
0
0
0
0
0
37,010
11,926
6,513
55,449
49,457|
||**54,854**
**18,094**
**10,185**
**83,133**
**55,449**|
Page 5
**HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES At 31[st] December 2023**
|**Fixed Assets**
**Investment Assets**
CBF Investment Fund
**Current Assets**
Debtors
Cash at Bank
**Current Liabilities**
Creditors
**Total Assets less Liabilities**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Designated**
**2023**
**2022**
**funds**
**funds**
**funds**
**Total**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**_£_**
0
0
0
0
0
42,814
1,628
0
44,442
40,590
4,178
910
108
5,196
3,518
54,854
18,094
10,185
83,133
55,449
(2,025)
0
0
(2,025)
(2,672)|
|---|---|
||99,821
20,632
10,293
130,746
96,885|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 11[th] April 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Chair
Page 6
**HOLY TRINITY CHURCH BARNSTAPLE**
## **1. Accounting Policies**
## **Basis of preparing the financial statements and assessment of going concern**
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
## **2. Movement in Funds**
|General Fund
Youth and Children
Hardship Fund
**Restricted:**
Building fund
Christians Against Poverty
**Endowment:**
CBF Churchyard fund
**Total Funds**|**Balance**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**1st Jan 2023**
**31st Dec 2023**
37,010
227,007
(209,163)
0
54,854
0
9,051
(2,880)
0
6,171
6,513
2,011
(4,510)
0
4,014
4,956
693
(4,155)
0
1,494
6,970
41,198
(31,568)
0
16,600
0
44
(44)
0
0|
|---|---|
||55,449
280,004
(252,320)
0
83,133|
|General Fund
Hardship Fund
**Restricted:**
Building fund
Christians Against Poverty
**Endowment:**
CBF Churchyard fund
**Total Funds**|**Balance**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**1st Jan 2022**
**31st Dec 2022**
29,376
216,774
(209,140)
0
37,010
0
9,965
(3,452)
0
6,513
11,661
6,855
(13,560)
0
4,956
8,420
32,244
(33,694)
0
6,970
0
44
(44)
0
0|
|---|---|
||49,457
265,882
(259,890)
0
55,449|
The Building Fund was commenced in September 2016 to provide for the Chancel roof repair, a new doorway, garden and wall refurbishment and window repairs, all of which have been completed. The expenditure of £4,155 has been for the payment of retention on the project as well as a fire door, per fire regulation requirements.
## **3. Trustee remuneration and benefits**
Rachel Keenan (Church Administrator) is employed by the charity.
No other of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity.
Page 7