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2023-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1130343

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2023

for

Altrincham Baptist Church

Allen Mills Howard & Co Chartered Accountants Lewis House 56 Manchester Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 4PJ

Altrincham Baptist Church

Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2023

Page
Chair's Report 1
Report of the Trustees 3
Independent Examiner's Report 12
Statement of Financial Activities 13
Balance Sheet 14
Notes to the Financial Statements 15

Altrincham Baptist Church

Chair's Report for the year ended 31st March 2023

Introduction

In September 2022 the church marked its 150[th] anniversary, a testimony to God’s blessing and faithfulness towards this Christian community. To celebrate the occasion, a weekend of activities was planned. Church member and former church secretary, Stephen Birchall, was invited to give a talk about the history of the church. The church also gathered for a family fun night where games based on the life and history of the church were enjoyed and selected minutes from the records of church and leaders’ meetings were read. On the Sunday, former minister of the church and principal of Spurgeon’s College, Reverend Dr Nigel G. Wright was invited to preach. In marking this occasion, we sensed gratitude for those who had gone before, recognised the responsibility we had as the current torchbearers and recognised our responsibility to pass on the church, as best we can, for future generations.

Church Life

The church (‘ABC’) continues to meet each Sunday for gathered worship. Having emerged from the restrictions of the pandemic the church has been dusting itself down, surveying the landscape and has sought to only reestablish those practices which are helpful and appropriate to post-pandemic life.

The appointment of Nicola Avery to be our mission and communities leader has been very significant. Nicola’s role has been to invite everybody at ABC to find a small group or community where they can find pastoral support, discipleship encouragement and also the possibility of some form of missional outreach. In addition, Nicola has met with people who are new to the church, making them feel welcome and signposting them to groups and communities. Importantly, this has grown the network of relationships and a sense of church-wide community and has made this stronger that it was before the pandemic.

Work with children and young people continues to be a strong theme in the life of the church. In May, we appointed a new Children and Families leader. Rachel has assessed the existing provision and has continued with some activities while also initiating new ones. This has included a new After School Club and a drop-in baby and toddler group for children with additional needs. The youth work continues well, with a strong relational and pastoral culture and it is hoped that a new mentoring project might be established with the young people.

We have been delighted to see increasing numbers of people being baptised, especially since the autumn. Many of these people have been Christians for a number for years, and yet, a new-found sense of commitment has led them to take this step of obedience.

We are grateful to those elders who have served the church through the past year who have now stepped down, namely Kathryn Roberts, Paul Rowley and Alvin Wilson.

Discerning Inclusion

The year 2022-23 saw just about the complete discernment process as the church considered its position on the welcome and inclusion of those from LGBTQ+ communities in the life and activity of the church. This process involved the church completing the Creating Sanctuary course, undertaking extensive bible studies together, reading books and other literature which presented both opinions, and considering together the likely implications for baptism, membership, leadership and marriage. In November 2022, the elders set a date for a final decision and then also determined the precise wording of the statements which were to be decided upon. In February, the church members gathered together at a special church meeting to determine together our shared view. The statements and the % in favour of each statement are as follows:

1. Altrincham Baptist Church believes that all people are loved by God. We welcome people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical and mental abilities, neuro-diversities, education, classes, economic status or political outlook. 97%

2. We welcome all people who are seeking to follow Jesus to participate in all areas of church life including baptism, communion, church membership, child dedication, leadership of mission and ministry and eldership. 93%

3. Some of us hold the view that while the biblical vision of marriage is cast as a male-female union, all the good of marriage can be pursued and enjoyed by same-sex couples and that such unions should be recognised and celebrated as marriages. Other members hold the conviction that the complementarity of one woman and one man is vital to what makes a marriage. Given our different views on this, we cannot in unity conduct a wedding for a same-sex couple, but we can warmly receive same sex couples into our community to participate in all areas of church life. 83%

Page 1

Altrincham Baptist Church

Chair's Report

for the year ended 31st March 2023

4. We commit ourselves to living graciously together in the community of Christ regardless of differences on these matters and call each of us to the love and grace which are fundamental aspects of the Christian community. 98%

The outcome was therefore overwhelmingly in favour of the move to become an affirming church. This has had significant implications for the church. In terms of numbers, the discerned outcome has resulted in a fall both in membership and income. There were a significant minority who either left the church during the process, or did so after the outcome was determined. We regret this deeply. This led to a commensurate drop in church income because these members stopped giving to the church, resulting in a deficit for the financial year.

However, since the decision, the church has experienced something of a renaissance. There are new levels of freedom, unity and joy, which I haven’t hitherto experienced in my twelve years leading the church. Our new openness to those from the LGBTQ+ communities has precipitated a new openness to other groups who might have previously found it difficult to be included in church life. Those with neuro diversity and many who are currently seeking asylum have found a new, warmer welcome at ABC. Old structures have been replaced by greater flexibility and our culture has shifted to be messier and more accommodating. We have also seen new people drawn to ABC who are not part of LGBTQ+ communities but are attending because of our new stance. Whilst the process has undoubtedly been difficult, we have now reached a new place of welcome and unity. Whilst this has yet to work its way through in terms of increased membership and income, we are hopeful that this will soon be the natural consequence.

Hub Activity

The Hub, our community building, retains its vital place in the life and activity of the church. Each aspect of our vision, ‘be disciples, make disciples, reveal the kingdom of God’, finds evident expression in the work which The Hub undertakes. Once again, the availability of food, hospitality and welcome have combined to serve, feed, resource and bless the wider community. The Bread and Butter Thing continues to make cheap foods available to 80+ families p/w, Free Food Friday gives away food to a further 25 families p/w and the weekly community meal serves over 50 p/w. The Community Hub continues to be an outlet for the Income Support Fund and continues with Buddy-Walking and Wellbeing Calls .

We have also seen a local hotel used to house those seeking asylum and are beginning to work with other churches to serve these people. Our experience of working with people from Ukraine and also Hong Kong will hopefully help us to work effectively with those from the many different nationalities who live in the hotel.

Renew Wellbeing

Renew Wellbeing is a national charity which seeks to provide low-level mental health support through churches. We made an appointment to the funded role of coordinator of the Renew Wellbeing centre which we are hoping to open in the near future. It is hoped that this work will be based in two rooms in the Altrincham Interchange, and we are working with Northern Rail to secure this space and see them renovate it in advance of our occupation.

Buildings

We continue to ensure that the buildings we use on Hale Road and on Pownall Road remain in as good a state of repair as possible. The newly convened ‘Buildings Team’ ensure that all maintenance work is scheduled and carried out and that improvements are made to buildings as time and resource become available.

Summary

Given recent years of external change (the pandemic), the past year has been a time when we have begun to make the internal changes to reorder and reposition ourselves to be in the best possible place and shape to fulfil our vision in the world. This continues to demand courage, faithfulness, creativity and it is reported that murdered Archbishop Oscar Romero said, ‘A church that doesn’t provoke any crisis, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a Word of God that doesn’t get under your skin, what kind of Gospel is that? Preachers who avoid every thorny matter, so as not to be harassed, do not light up to the world.’ It is to such that we continue to aspire and work.

Reverend Ashley Hardingham - Lead Minister

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (issued October 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Altrincham Baptist Church was founded on 19[th] April 1882 and our Hale Road chapel was acquired on 27[th] August 1892. The church has worshipped in this building since then, apart from a temporary period of relocation due to building works from 2007-2012. The charity also leases the Hub building on Pownall Road (since 2008) from Trafford Council.

The principal purpose of the church, as set out in the constitution, is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the Baptist denomination principles. The church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom or other parts of the world. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord.

The mission statement accurately reflects the activities that encompass the fulfilment of the charity aims. The mission statement is: “be a disciple, make disciples and reveal the kingdom of God”. By encouraging the example set by Jesus Christ in the New Testament, the church seeks to enable its members and attendees to achieve the stated purpose set out above.

Significant Activities

2022-23 was in the most part the first full year of life ‘returning to normal’ after the pandemic. Sunday services, children’s activities and work in the Hub building and Community Hub were settling into a positive rhythm of stability with some growth. The year began with questions around “do we or don’t we wear face masks”; for which we are glad we did not have to return to those habits again.

The most significant activity in this year was the discussion, debate and learning that was conducted with the church body regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. This culminated in a significant decision made in February 2023 – more detail is included in the Lead Minister’s section of this report. One of the effects of exploring this topic was the decision of some members of the church choosing to leave, as this did not align with their theology and beliefs. We acknowledged at the time that this might happen and expected there to be a reduction in giving due to those leaving the church. The full impact of this is yet to be determined.

In April 2022, the church made space available in the Hale Road building for a “free shop”, run by volunteers from the local community, for Ukrainians to come and get clothing and toiletry items donated by te community. This was accessed by hundreds of people over the period it was open. In addition, the church hosted meetings of up to 60 Ukrainian refugees and their sponsors at Hale Road, to develop an informal support network for sponsors and their guests, as well as hosting a weekly time at the Hub to provide a safe, warm space for new refugees from Ukraine to meet other Ukrainians and get advice on settling in to life in the UK.

The refurbishment of elements of the Hub building has continued, making use of restricted funds previously designated for that purpose. This work has been led by an able project manager who is from the ABC congregation and a team of volunteers who coordinate and contribute to the works being undertaken.

The Community Hub, with majority funding from and in partnership with Trafford Council, has grown from strength to strength this year and continues to provide support for those in the local community. The Hub building also leases out its rooms for private hire and has a café which has re-opened for two days a week following the closure during the pandemic. The Home Office confirmed in February 2023 that 140 asylum seekers would be arriving in Hale (less than half a mile away), making the Community Hub the obvious on the ground, grassroots support that the Council turned to. It has been a steep learning curve navigating the system: the politics, Serco and hotel staff structure, Care UK, Migrant help etc., and all of which has been done with the support of Hale Churches Together and a fantastic staff and volunteer team.

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

Significant Activities (continued)

The church also arranges events at certain key times of the year and invites the community to attend or participate, for example a summer holiday club, Christmas nativity and carol service.

Measuring whether the church’s stated purpose and mission statement are being achieved is not always straightforward, but what remains the most significant factor is the number of individuals who accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour and regularly attend activities associated with the church. Also vital to measuring our impact in the local area is the number of people that interact with and gain support from the activities provided through the church in the Hub. It is the hope of the church that people accessing support through the Community Hub would come to know Jesus Christ and engage with the church through Sunday morning services or other groups organised throughout the week.

The church gives away a proportion of its income to other individuals or organisations by way of gifts. These are overseen by the World Mission Team which reports to the Charity Trustees. Further gifts are made following specific opportunities to give towards for Harvest appeal in October and a Christmas appeal. The church also contributes to other community giving initiatives, for example Christmas and Easter Hampers for families accessing the food banks or the Christians Against Poverty debt service. Additionally, the church has provided a Contact Centre for 33 years in which children of separated families can spend quality time with the parent that they no longer live with in a relaxed and homely environment. Most applications to use the Centre come direct from one of the parents (usually the one seeking contact) but we also receive referrals from Solicitors, Social Services and CAFCASS (the Court service that represents the children's interests) . We are fully accredited by The National Assoc. of Child Contact Centres, of which there are over 300 throughout England, Wales and N. Ireland.

The church is fortunate to have so many people who give of their time to volunteer in various aspects of the running of the church. There is a paid staff team (mostly part time) who undertake the core ministry and administration of the church. The volunteers resource many aspects of running the Hub (e.g. café and reception) and Sunday gatherings (e.g. music, audio-visual, welcoming, children and youth activities), and the numerous activities provided by the Community Hub.

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have taken into account to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our mission, purpose and objectives and in carrying out the Church activities. We have concluded that the Church operates in compliance with these guidelines.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

We have mentioned elsewhere in this report that in October 2022 we celebrated the 150[th] anniversary of Baptists in Altrincham. We marked the occasion with a weekend of celebrations that included previous ministers and members attending and joining in the activities.

As a church it is not our practice or raison d'être to either set or focus on quantifiable expressions of performance. Instead, we might describe progress in terms of largely qualifiable expressions, such as the transformation of individuals' lives to be as Jesus was, and as described in the Bible. The extent of change in lives is perceptive and observable and any degree of change dependent on the viewpoint of the observer.

In the year covered by this report, activities of the church have almost returned to the level of activity enjoyed prior to the pandemic. In addition to the Sunday service and associated children’s provision, the activities in the Hub building have continued to embed and flourish. These include rooms for private hire for paid or free activities for the general public, with a view to providing support, friendship and community engagement. These include a toddler group twice a week, Little Stars group once a month for parents and carers of children under three and a half with additional needs, Paddingtons peer support group for families created through fostering and adoption that meets once per month. Additionally, the work done through the Community Hub in partnership with Trafford Council and charity groups has been substantial with the hosting of The Bread and Butter Thing food distribution charity, reaching its maximum capacity of eighty recipients, Community meal every Wednesday evening, emergency food bank and children and young people’s provision. Free Food Friday is supported with donations from Tesco and other giving, where residents can pick up a bag of food for free. There is a dedicated team of volunteers and a blossoming community that not only come for the food but a coffee and a chat.

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

Charitable activities (continued)

More new and exciting things include the reinvigoration of small fellowship groups, thanks to the excellent work of a volunteer member of the church. Newcomers to the church and those not currently in a small group of some kind have been invited to join groups or even create new groups and be part of a smaller community where discipleship can be lived out. Time has also been invested in working with the leaders of small groups, and anyone in a leadership role through three sessions to invest in leadership support and development.

With the re-establishment of the Sunday services, a Sunday offertory was reintroduced for those who prefer to give directly during the services. The uptake has been small, but we consider it a vital part of our commitment to attending a church and have continued with the collection of the offering.

The church had to agree a challenging budget at the start of 2022 and members agreed a budget with a shortfall of £56,000 between expected expenditure and income and agreed to use some of the healthy reserves the church had at the time to cover a shortfall for up to 2 years, whilst being prudent with our budgeting process and not compromising on our commitments.

Church membership in March 2022 was 216, reduced to 205 by March 2023. Whist these are the numbers of actual members who have formally agreed to become members of the church in accordance with the Baptist tradition, there remains a large number of regular and new church attendees who have not formalised their membership.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The church continued to have two main income streams: donations and income from activity at the Hub. Donations support charitable activity at the church, with the main overhead being salaries. Total income in the year was £465,233, 11.7% lower than the previous year (2022: £527,127). Donation, grant and legacy income for the year was £402,628, 17.5% lower than the previous year (2022: £488,273) because legacy income was significantly lower than the previous year, whilst income from donations and gift aid reduced by 9.6% and grant income increased by 19%.

Grant income received during the year was £112,920 (2022: £94,840), a large proportion of which, in both the current and previous financial years, relate to the Community Hub activities and running costs.

Operating costs were £481,819 (2022: £361,120), an increase of 33.4%, resulting in an operating deficit (before depreciation charges) of £16,586, compared to the previous year’s operating surplus of £166,007. Staff costs rose by 25% compared to the previous year with direct charitable expenditure relating to UK, local and overseas mission costs increasing by 45%.

Income from Hub space rental and café related income was £51,151 compared with £30,251 in the previous year. Operating expenditure on coffee lounge and toddler group was £3,459 compared with £4,374 in the previous year.

Total funds carried forward are £629,356 compared with £747,608 the previous year. Unrestricted general funds stood at £357,057 at the balance sheet date (2022: £400,591). The balances in other funds are detailed in note 15 to the financial statements.

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW - continued Reserves policy

The charity generates a regular income by way of gifts and donations, as well as the hiring of rooms at The Hub and the operation of a café, which is adequate to cover the projected expenditure. In addition, the charity seeks to maintain free reserves equivalent to three months' operating expenditure to enable it to meet any unforeseen costs or to cover any short term drop in income (approximately £120,500). Free reserves held at the balance sheet date were £214,871 (2022: £237,187).

Material restricted and designated funds.

The Christian Against Poverty ("CAP") fund was established in 2008 to account for the activities of the church working alongside the charity of the same name.

The Contact Centre Fund was established in 2007, to account for the activities associated with the Contact Centre operating in church premises on Saturday mornings.

The Turning the Tide Fund ("TTT") was launched in January 2007 in order to raise funds for a reconstruction of the Hale Road church buildings. The Millennium Fund was launched in December 1997. These funds are shown together although they are accounted for separately.

The Manses Fund relates to The Holborn Trust, which was set up in 2008 to account for the proceeds of the sale of 80 Hale Road, Altrincham. Holborn Trusts are the Model Trusts for Manses approved by the Union pursuant to the Baptist and Congregational Trusts Act 1951. A second manse, 43 Hale Road was sold in 2012, the proceeds of both these sales are held in a separate fund.

The Hub Development Fund is held to support the activities and renovation of The Hub Community Centre.

The Blessing Fund is available for the needs of individuals and families who have been referred to us in relation to the Altrincham Community Hub. Where livelihoods have ceased or have been impaired, the funds are used to give financial help for food, rent or utility bills.

Response Hub funds are used to support the operating costs of the Response Hub run in partnership with Trafford Council.

The legacy fund is used to ringfence the charity’s legacy income. Each year a decision is made as to the intended use of these funds with transfers made to other funds accordingly.

Fund transfers.

£14,821 was transferred from general funds to the Christian's Against Poverty (CAP) fund to cover the costs of a salaried worker and other expenses and this is accounted for in the CAP fund. In addition, £2,100 was transferred from general funds to the Blessing fund during the year and £50,000 was transferred from the Legacy fund to the Hub Development fund, as the intention is to spend this money on projects at the Hub.

Going concern

The Trustees have reviewed the circumstances of the charity and consider that adequate resources continue to be available to fund the activities of the Church for the foreseeable future. The Trustees are therefore of the opinion that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

FUTURE PLANS

The key aspects of future planning are as follows:

Our youth minister is currently exploring the possibility of training to become an accredited Baptist minister. If he is accepted for training he will be leaving us to gain broader church experience.

Given tightening finances we are seeking to become more effective in securing external grant funding in order to maintain the high level of projects the Community Hub current supports.

d. Budget balancing

We will continue to work to balance income and expenditure, encouraging financial giving by church members and exploring options to make our buildings available for external hirers.

We look forward to the mission opportunities we have over easter to share Christian faith in a local park and in the high street. A ‘graffiti wall’, prayer tree and clay modelling will all be ways by which we hope to prompt and encourage faith in the wider community of Altrincham.

It should be noted that our lead minister, Ashley Hardingham, will be taking a sabbatical June-August 2023. All necessary steps will be taken to ensure the continued and effective work of the church over this time.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

The current church constitution was adopted in 2009. This is enhanced by a practice and procedures document which sets out in more details how the general aims and proper governance of the church are to be achieved.

Recruitment, induction and training of new trustees

The constitution provides for the appointment and retirement (on rotation every three years) of the Charity Trustees, who are also either Ministers or Elders of the church. There must currently be no less than seven and no more than twelve trustees in addition to any Ministers, and whilst Trustees may also be employees there must always be a greater number of non-employed to employed Trustees. Any prospective Trustees are nominated by the Elders and elected at the AGM in accordance with the process set out in the Church Constitution. New trustees are introduced to the workings of the charity, their roles and responsibilities, and are kept updated through regular trustees’ meetings and communication throughout the year.

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - continued Organisational structure and decision making

During the 2022-23 financial year, the church was run on a day to day basis by the Core Team which consisted of: - Lead Minister

A new Children and Families Worker commenced in April 2022, replacing the previous incumbent who resigned their post. The post of the Operations Leader remained vacant for the year despite continued advertisement and requests to other local churches to advertise the vacancy. This has meant that the remaining core team have again carried significant additional work in this year, as well as the charity trustees taking on additional responsibilities to ensure the key requirements of the operation of the church were fulfilled.

In February 2022, the Church Meeting included the ratification of a number of decisions that were made in online meetings during the Covid period. The Baptist Union guidance did not make provisions for online decisions and/or voting and advised churches to ratify those decisions at the first available face to face opportunity.

In February 2023 the church members voted to amend the constitution to allow for online votes to be included. This is the first amendment made to the constitution since 2009.

Four new Trustees were elected at the AGM in July 2022, in accordance with the process set out in the Church Constitution. One of the new Trustees was nominated and appointed to the role of Treasurer, to replace the previous Treasurer who had faithfully served the church in this role for six years. Two Trustees completed their term of appointment and did not offer themselves for re-election. With the appointment of the four new Trustees, oversight roles to cover the breadth of the church were allocated to each Trustee to cover: pastoral oversight, the Community Hub, worship services, safeguarding, human resource management, world mission team, children and families, youth, contact centre and the CAP (Christians Against Poverty) work. Each Trustee will work with their associated team to provide a link between the Trustee/Eldership and the work of the team.

The Trustees meet as follows:

Decisions of the charity are made by the church members. The trustees have delegated authority from the church membership for most routine decisions, and in turn, some are delegated to staff (primarily the Core Team). The constitution sets out the circumstances in which the members meeting must decide issues and the basis for any vote. The church meeting is an important reporting and accountability mechanism for the trustees. There are at least six church meetings each year, including an AGM (usually in July) for which an annual report is produced. Minutes are kept of all Trustee and Church Member meetings.

The Trustees commissioned an Operational Effectiveness Review through the UK Church Administrators Network (UCAN). After months of staff vacancies, and the changing size and shape of the church, an external consultant was invited to spend some time with staff and trustees during 28th February 2023 – 2nd March 2023 to explore where we could improve how the church operates administratively and operationally. The report received from this review is expected imminently. We recognise it is not going to be a quick fix, but we are wholeheartedly committed to finding the best solutions to enable us as a church to operate more efficiently and effectively to continue to do the work in the local community and in the church.

Safeguarding Training has been undertaken with North West Baptist Association to ensure that all our volunteers and staff undergo up to date training to the appropriate level.

Key management remuneration

The Core Team are accountable to the Trustees. The Lead Minster and Assistant Minister are also Trustees. Pay for the Lead Minister is set taking into account guidance for UK based minister stipends set by the Baptist Union whilst being mindful of our budgeted income and other expenditure.

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

Related parties

The church is affiliated to the North West Baptist Association and also the Baptist Union. The church is not permitted to hold or own property and property is currently held on behalf of the church where necessary by the Baptist Union Corporation Limited (previously North West Baptist Association).

One of the charity's trustees, Rev. Ashley Hardingham, holds the title to property in which Altrincham Baptist Church has an interest.

The church agrees, from time-to-time, to partner with other bodies (with similar charitable aims) or charitable organisations by way of "Associated Ministries". These are primarily overseen by the World Mission Team, responsible to the Charity Trustees. These are referred to in the "Achievements and performance" section of this report.

Risk management

The Trustees confirm that they have been kept informed of the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, the potential impact of individual risk should they materialise and, what mitigating actions are taken or need to be taken, in order to reduce each risk to a level which the Trustees consider to be acceptable.

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - continued Trustees' indemnity arrangements

Individual indemnities have been provided to the trustees, under which the charity has agreed to indemnify the trustees to the extent permitted by law in respect of all liabilities to third parties arising out of, or in connection with, their execution of their powers, duties and responsibilities as trustees of the charity.

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Church is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1130343

Principal address

Hale Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 2EW

Trustees

Rev. A Hardingham – Chair Rev. A Hawksworth Mrs S Hickson – Secretary Mrs S Roberts (resigned 7[th] July 2023) Mr P Rowley – Treasurer to 7[th] July 2022 (resigned 6[th] July 2022) Mr A Wilson (resigned 7[th] July 2022) Mr M McKay-Smith (resigned 2[nd] May 2022) Mrs C Addis Mrs V Horner Dr I Ormshaw – Treasurer from 7[th] July 2022 (appointed 7[th] July 2022) Mrs C Booth (appointed 7[th] July 2022) Mrs K Holt (appointed 7[th] July 2022) Mrs H Rouse (appointed 7[th] July 2022) Mr N Breton (appointed 6[th] July 2023) Mrs H Hinds (appointed 6[th] July 2023)

Independent Examiner

Mr David Allen FCCA Allen Mills Howard & Co Chartered Accountants Lewis House 56 Manchester Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 4PJ

Solicitors

Fiona Bruce Solicitors, Justice House, 3 Grappenhall Road, Stockton Heath, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 2AH

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS - continued Bankers

Royal Bank of Scotland, 4 The Downs, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2PY

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 18[th] December 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

Rev. A Hardingham - Trustee

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Altrincham Baptist Church

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Altrincham Baptist Church

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Altrincham Baptist Church (the charity) for the year ended 31st March 2023, which are set out on pages 13 to 28.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees, 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 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

Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000, your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of ACCA which is one of the listed bodies.

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 charity, 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 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.

Mr David Allen FCCA Allen Mills Howard & Co Chartered Accountants Lewis House 56 Manchester Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 4PJ

19[th] December 2023

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Altrincham Baptist Church

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st March 2023

Notes
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
INCOME FROM:
Donations and legacies
2
269,079
133,549
402,628
Charitable activities
Church activities
3
8,776
275
9,051
Other trading activities
4
9,608
-
9,608
Investments
5
43,946
-
43,946
_
_
_
Total income
331,409
133,824
465,233
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
3,459
-
3,459
Charitable activities
Church activities
6
354,563
225,463
580,026
_
_
_
Total expenditure
358,022
225,463
583,485
_
_
_
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(26,613)
(91,639)
(118,252)
Transfers between funds
15
(16,921)
16,921
-
_
_
_
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
(43,534)
(74,718)
(118,252)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
400,591
347,017
747,608
_
_
_
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
357,057
272,299
629,356


2022
Total
£
488,273
5,434
7,521
25,899
_
527,127
4,374
530,379
_
534,753
_
(7,626)
-
_
(7,626)
755,234
_
747,608

All results relate to continuing operations and there are no gains or losses other than those shown above.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 13

Altrincham Baptist Church

Balance Sheet 31st March 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
Notes
Funds
Funds
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
11
42,728
184,621
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
12
15,193
3,979
Cash at bank and in hand
320,248
94,487
_
_
335,441
98,466
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
13
21,112
10,788
_
_
NET CURRENT ASSETS
314,329
87,678
_
_
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
357,057
272,299
_
_
NET ASSETS
357,057
272,299


FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
15
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
2023
2022
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
£
£
227,349
296,250
19,172
17,018
414,735
449,095
_
_
433,907
466,113
31,900
(14,755)
_
_
402,007
451,358
_
_
629,356
747,608
_
_
629,356
747,608


357,057
400,591
272,299
347,017
_
_
629,356
747,608

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 18[th] December 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

I Ormshaw - Trustee

A Hardingham - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 14

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2023

Altrincham Baptist Church

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) '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 (FRS102) (effective January 2019), 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 Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (the '2008 Regulations') requires charities to prepare their accounts in accordance with 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005' but this accounting standard has since been withdrawn and has been replaced by the Charities SORP mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The charity has prepared these financial statements in accordance with the new Chanties SQRP; this departure from the 2008 Regulations is believed to be necessary for these financial statements to give a 'true and fair view'.

The presentational currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

Going concern

The trustees are of the view that the future of the charity is secure due to the level of free reserves being more than sufficient to meet its short to medium term liabilities. As a result, the trustees are of the opinion that the charity continues to be a going concern and that it is therefore appropriate to prepare its financial statements on that basis.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the accounting policies, Trustees are required to make judgement estimates and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affected current and future periods.

The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below:

The annual depreciation charge for property, plant and equipment is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful lives and residual values. These estimates are reassessed annually and, when necessary, adjusted to reflect the current circumstances.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

Page 15

continued...

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Governance costs

Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Allocation and apportionment of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support church activities.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods which do not exceed their economic lives.

Tangible fixed assets (continued)

The periods used are as follows:

Land and buildings 10 years
Improvements to property 10 years
Fixtures and fittings 4 years
Office equipment 4 years

Residential property is used for private residential accommodation and is not depreciated. The value and condition of residential property is reviewed annually by the trustees for impairment.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Deposits for more than three months but less than one year are disclosed as short term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount paid in advance.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Page 16

continued...

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

Financial instruments

The charity only holds financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments in accordance with FRS102. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction price and subsequently measured at their settlement value, with the exception of loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Volunteers

The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into the financial statements. Further details of the contributions made by the volunteers can be found in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

continued...

Page 17

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31st March 2023

2. DONATIONS

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
Donations
218,326
18,388
Gift aid
47,753
2,241
Legacies
3,000
-
Grants
-
112,920
_
_
269,079
133,549


Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
All restricted funds
Altrincham Interchange
Buddy Walking
Children
Community Hub running costs
Contact Centre
Coronavirus grants
Courtyard improvements
Customer advice and relationship management
Food related projects
Holiday Activities and Food provision
Hong Kong Welcome Hub
Household support
Inclusive Neighbourhood
Living Room Project
Ukraine
Wellbeing grant
Xmas and Easter hampers
2023
Total
£
236,714
49,994
3,000
112,920
_
402,628

2023
Total
£
8,875
-
1,742
40,128
1,300
-
-
13,500
833
1,959
2,235
15,000
1,980
5,000
5,368
-
15,000
_
112,920
2022
Total
£
259,115
57,952
76,366
94,840
_
488,273

2022
Total
£
-
2,882
-
59,175
1,300
4,667
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,000
11,816
_
94,840

continued...

Page 18

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
Response Hub
3,999
275
Good companions
65
-
Youth trips and activities
1,875
-
Holiday Club
1,530
-
Other
1,307
-
_
_
8,776
275


4.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
All unrestricted funds
Coffee lounge
Toddler group
5.
INVESTMENTS
All unrestricted funds
Deposit account interest
Rental income
2023
Total
£
4,274
65
1,875
1,530
1,307
_
9,051

2023
Total
£
6,307
3,301
_
9,608

2023
Total
£
2,403
41,543
_
43,946
2022
Total
£
4,338
92
-
1,000
4
_
5,434
2022
Total
£
2,542
4,979
_
7,521
2022
Total
£
769
25,130
_
25,899

continued...

Page 19

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

6. CHURCH OPERATING EXPENSES

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
Youth, children and other ministries
9,173
2,873
Sunday worship
2,100
-
Local and UK mission
23,479
64,427
Overseas mission
28,617
4,464
Staff costs (note 9)
129,959
15,115
Conferences and literature
1,525
-
Hardship fund
-
1,483
Support and governance costs (note 7)
159,710
137,101
_
_
354,563
225,463


7.
SUPPORT AND GOVERANCE COSTS
Support
Governance
Costs
Costs
£
£
Staff costs (note 9)
85,677
-
Insurance
8,625
-
Heat and light
20,548
-
Telephone
4,395
-
Postage and stationery
8,148
-
Leasing and maintenance
1,278
-
Sundries
6,741
-
Repairs and renewals
31,454
-
Rent, rates and water
22,277
-
Professional fees
1,606
-
Travel and subsistence
1,370
-
Depreciation
101,666
-
Bank charges
140
-
Independent examiner’s fees:
Independent examination
-
1,341
Independent examiner’s fees:
Other services
-
1,545
_
_
293,925
2,886

2023
Total
£
12,046
2,100
87,906
33,081
145,074
1,525
1,483
296,811
_
580,026

2023
Total
£
85,677
8,625
20,548
4,395
8,148
1,278
6,741
31,454
22,277
1,606
1,370
101,666
140
1,341
1,545
_
296,811
2022
Total
£
11,518
1,710
52,641
27,422
118,775
1,785
1,795
314,733
_
530,379
2022
Total
£
65,819
8,023
11,075
3,697
5,706
1,368
5,063
17,917
17,797
1,337
661
173,633
93
1,347
1,197
_
314,733

continued...

Page 20

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

8. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Gross Employer Employer Total Total
Salary NI pension 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Rev. Ashley Hardingham 33,053 2,229 5,247 40,529 40,110
Rev. Andrew Hawksworth 25,642 1,536 769 27,947 27,199
Mrs Claire Addis 10,006 84 300 10,390 7,418
_ _ _ _ _
68,701 3,849 6,316 78,866 74,727

Trustees are paid in accordance with their contract of employment for the work they do on behalf of the church. The number of trustees to whom retirement benefits were accruing was three (2022: three).

Trustees' expenses

Two (2022: one) trustees were reimbursed £1,834 (2022: £511) for travel and subsistence expenses during the year.

9. STAFF COSTS

2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 211,383 169,337
Social security costs 9,026 5,975
Other pension costs 10,342 9,282
_ _
230,751 184,594

The Key Management Personnel of the charity is comprised of the Trustees and the Core Team. The total employee benefits of Key Management Personnel in the year were £130,352 (2022: £100,969).

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
Religious activities 6 5
Administrative 7 7
_ _
13 12

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

continued...

Page 21

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME FROM
Donations
Charitable activities
Church activities
Other trading activities
Investment income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Church activities
Other - support costs
Total
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
Unrestricted
funds
£
387,207
5,434
30,251
3,169
426,061
4,374
172,359
125,016
301,749
124,312
(10,439)
113,873
286,718
400,591
Restricted
funds
£
101,066
-
-
-
101,066
-
43,287
189,717
233,004
(131,938)
10,439
(121,499)
468,516
347,017
Total
funds
£
488,273
5,434
30,251
3,169
527,127
4,374
215,646
314,733
534,753
(7,626)
-
(7,626)
755,234
747,608

continued...

Page 22

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Improvements
Freehold Residential
to leasehold
property property
property
£ £
£
COST
At 1stApril 2022 1,610,342 140,000 102,827
Additions - -
-
Disposals (11,525) -
-
_ _ _
At 31stMarch 2023 1,598,817 140,000 102,827
_ _ _
DEPRECIATION
At 1stApril 2022 1,521,332 - 53,539
Charge for year 80,050 - 10,282
Eliminated on disposal (11,525) - -
_ _ _
At 31stMarch 2023 1,589,857 -
63,821
_ _ _
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31stMarch 2023 8,960
140,000
39,006
At 31stMarch 2022 89,010
140,000

49,288
Fixtures
and Computer
fittings equipment
Totals
£ £
£
COST
At 1stApril 2022 153,851 29,375 2,036,395
Additions 32,765 - 32,765
Disposals (669) - (12,194)
_ _ _
At 31stMarch 2023 185,947 29,375 2,056,966
_ _ _
DEPRECIATION
At 1stApril 2022 137,906 27,368 1,740,145
Charge for year 10,480 854 101,666
Eliminated on disposal (669) - (12,194)
_ _ _
At 31stMarch 2023 147,717 28,222
1,829,617
_ _ _
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31stMarch 2023 38,230
1,153
227,349
At 31stMarch 2022 15,945
2,007

296,250

At the balance sheet date, The Baptist Union Corporation Ltd held the title to the church building on Hale Road, Altrincham on trust for the current and future congregations of the church. They recognise that, whilst they hold legal title to the property, the local church should recognise the asset, as well as any liabilities. In May 2012, the church contributed £140,000 to the purchase price of a property for Reverend Ashley and Mrs Sandra Hardingham. By virtue of a Declaration of Trust dated May 2012, this equitable interest is held by North Western Baptist Association as custodian trustee. The charity's buildings have an insured value of £4,792,558.

continued...

Page 23

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

13.

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Trustees’ loan
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
2023
£
4,014
2,007
13,151
-
_
19,172

2023
£
16,531
2,850
324
12,195
_
31,900
2022
£
2,912
575
10,285
3,246
_
17,018
2022
£
3,498
2,523
2
8,732
_
14,755

Deposits for room hire at The Hub that are received prior to the balance sheet date for an event occurring in the next financial period are included in deferred income. The value of deposits held at the balance sheet date was £2,238 (2022: £1,400). Room hire income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the event occurs.

14. LEASING AGREEMENTS

2023 2022
£ £
Within one year 1,195 1,368
Between one and five years 4,781 -
_ _
5,976 1,368

Operating lease payments recognised within the Statement of Financial Activities during the year totalled £1,368 (2022: £1,368).

continued...

Page 24

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General
Toddlers
Good Companions
Hub Development
Legacy
Response Hub
Art Club
Restricted funds
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Christmas/Harvest
Contact
TTT/Millennium
Manses
Hub Development and grants
Seniors
Blessing
Response Hub
Children
TOTAL FUNDS
Net
Transfers
At
movement
between
01.04.22
in funds
funds
£
£
£
263,850
(13,693)
(16,890)
621
100
-
76
-
-
36,520
(529)
50,000
99,073
(12,658)
(50,000)
451
80
(31)
-
87
-
_
_
_
400,591
(26,613)
(16,921)
4,926
(14,821)
14,821
-
-
-
3,263
(848)
-
59,931
(54,540)
-
173,990
(25,510)
-
46,249
(3,138)
-
4,030
(476)
-
7,823
(1,234)
2,100
46,805
6,410
-
-
2,518
-
_
_
_
347,017
(91,639)
16,921
_
_
_
747,608
(118,252)
-

At
31.03.23
£
233,267
721
76
85,991
36,415
500
87
_
357,057
4,926
-
2,415
5,391
148,480
43,111
3,554
8,689
53,215
2,518
_
272,299
_
629,356

The purpose of individual funds are described in more detail on page six.

Page 25

continued...

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included on the previous page, are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General
Toddlers
Good Companions
Hub Development
Legacy
Response Hub
Art Club
Restricted funds
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Christmas/Harvest
Contact
TTT/Millennium
Manses
The Hub
Seniors
Blessing
Response Hub
Children
TOTAL FUNDS
Movement
Income Expenditure
in funds
£
£
£
323,145
(336,838)
(13,693)
100
-
100
-
-
-
1,000
(1,529)
(529)
3,000
(15,658)
(12,658)
3,999
(3,919)
80
165
(78)
87
_
_
_
331,409
(358,022)
(26,613)


6,067
(20,888)
(14,821)
8,461
(8,461)
-
1,300
(2,148)
(848)
-
(54,540)
(54,540)
-
(25,510)
(25,510)
1,626
(4,764)
(3,138)
-
(476)
(476)
249
(1,483)
(1,234)
112,879
(106,469)
6,410
3,242
(724)
2,518
_
_
_
133,824
(225,463)
(91,639)


465,233
(583,485)
(118,252)

Page 26

continued...

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Comparatives for movement in funds
Net Transfers
movement between At
At 1.4.21 in funds funds 31.3.22
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 226,431 47,858 (10,439) 263,850
Toddlers 485 136 - 621
Good Companions 76 - - 76
Hub Development 36,520 - - 36,520
Legacy 23,206 75,867 - 99,073
Response Hub - 451 - 451
286,718 124,312 (10,439) 400,591
Restricted funds
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) 4,926 (8,900) 8,900 4,926
Contact 3,747 (484) - 3,263
TTT/Millennium 166,569 (106,638) - 59,931
Manses 227,309 (53,319) - 173,990
The Hub 48,652 (2,542) 139 46,249
Seniors 4,506 (476) - 4,030
Blessing 8,203 (1,780) 1,400 7,823
Response Hub 4,604 42,201 - 46,805
468,516 (131,938) 10,439 347,017
TOTAL FUNDS 755,234 (7,626) - 747,608
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Movement
Income Expenditure in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Toddlers 349,108 (301,250) 47,858
Good Companions 136 - 136
Legacy 76,366 (499) 75,867
Response Hub 451 - 451
426,061 (301,749) 124,312
Restricted funds
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) 3,680 (12,580) (8,900)
Christmas/Harvest 9,901 (9,901) -
Contact 1,300 (1,784) (484)
TTT/Millennium - (106,638) (106,638)
Manses - (53,319) (53,319)
The Hub 2,250 (4,792) (2,542)
Seniors - (476) (476)
Blessing 75 (1,855) (1,780)
Response Hub 82,610 (40,409) 42,201
Inclusion 1,250 (1,250) -
101,066 (233,004) (131,938)
TOTAL FUNDS 527,127 (534,753) (7,626)

continued...

Page 27

Altrincham Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the year ended 31st March 2023

16. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The church operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund. Contributions payable for the year are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities.

During the year, the total pension charged to the Statement of Financial Activities was £10,531 (2022: £9,273) and there was £nil (2022: £661) outstanding in respect of unpaid contributions at the year end.

17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

For details of trustees' remuneration and expenses see note 8.

The church has an equitable interest in a property for which the title is held jointly by trustee Reverend Ashley Hardingham and his wife, Sandra Hardingham. See note 11 for further details. The charity made payments during the year totalling £18,166 (2022: £14,907) relating to this property.

During the year, the charity received £2,400 (2022: £2,400) from Mr Rob Peirson, a member of the charity’s Key Management Personnel, in respect of the rental of premises and contributed £2,000 (2022: £2,000) towards Mr Peirson’s college fees.

During the year, Altrincham Baptist Church received donations from the trustees and their close family members, without conditions, totalling £37,680 (2022: £25,335).

During the year, Reverend Ashley Hardingham repaid loans to the charity of £3,246 in full.

18. FUNDS RECEIVED AS AGENT

During the year, the charity acted as agent in the transfer of £56,000 (2022: £nil) from two individuals to Macedonian Vision Africa, a Ugandan based Christian NGO (Non-Government Organisation). There were no balances held as agent at the balance sheet date.

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