GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Charity Number 1131159
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ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Charity Number 1131159
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| CONTENTS | Pages |
|---|---|
| Annual Report of the Trustees | 1 |
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Structure, Governance and Management | 2 |
| Objectives and Activities | 2-9 |
| From the Minister | 3 |
| Worship Services & Adult Ministries | 3-5 |
| Youth Ministries | 5 |
| Children's Ministries | 5-6 |
| Community | 6-7 |
| Mission & Outreach | 8 |
| Infrastructure & Support Functions | 8-9 |
| Public Benefit, Achievements and Performance | 10 |
| Financial Review and Reserves Policy | 10-12 |
| Reserves Policy | 10 |
| General Fund | 10-11 |
| Restricted Funds | 11 |
| Designated Funds | 12 |
| Global Mission Budget | 12 |
| Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements | 13 |
| Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Gorsley Baptist Church | 14 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 15 |
| Balance Sheet | 16 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 17 |
| Notes forming part of the financial statements | 18-32 |
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Annual Report of the Trustees
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 18 to 19 and comply with the charity's trust deed and applicable law.
Reference and Administrative Details
Gorsley Baptist Church is a charity registered with the Charity Commission in August 2009 (No. 1131159).
Administrative Office: Gorsley Baptist Church Gorsley Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 7SE
Management Trustees:
Steve Beard (re-elected September 2024) Robert Little (re-elected September 2024) Alison Caligari Diana Mattos (until March 2025) Andrew Gardner (until March 2025) Steve Potter Anthony Howard (re-elected March 2025) Cathryn Robinson Ted Kania (re-elected September 2024) Rev Thomas Vernon (from August 2024) Jonathan Lawrence (re-elected March 2025)
Robert Little holds Title to charity property
Senior management and administrative posts:
Minister: Rev Thomas Vernon (appointed August 2024) Youth Pastor: Vacancy Children’s Pastor: Chantal Poole Operations Manager: Leah Goulding OCH Manager: Ioana Jones Church Secretary: Anthony Howard Church Treasurer: Steve Potter Lloyds Bank plc Bankers: 19 Eastgate Street Gloucester GL1 1NU
Bankers:
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Independent Examiner: Joshua Kingston BSc. ACA Burton Sweet Limited Chartered Accountants The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
Structure, Governance and Management
Gorsley Baptist Church (also known as Gorsley Chapel, subsequently described simply as ‘the church’) is a charitable unincorporated association governed by a constitution adopted on 17 June 2009, as amended both on 30 November 2011 and 29 September 2021. The most recent amendments were made in response to pandemic restrictions and set out the arrangements necessary for the maintenance of online and hybrid business meetings of both members and trustees. These permit the trustees to exercise their judgement over what form (face to face, online or hybrid) of meeting is appropriate.
Gorsley Baptist Church is a member of Baptists Together (previously known as ‘The Baptist Union of Great Britain’) and is also affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance.
Trust property held in connection with the church is a linked charity (No. 1131159-1), its governing document being an indenture dated 13 June 1851.
Leadership of the church is the responsibility of the trustees, comprising the minister, church secretary, church treasurer, and up to 13 further trustees. The trustees meet at monthly intervals and are joined there by the children’s pastor (who is also covering the vacant youth pastor role) and the operations manager, collectively referred to as the Gorsley Baptist Church Leadership Team. All the trustees except for the minister are elected by the church members and must either retire by rotation after three years or stand for re-election.
The trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks to which the church might be exposed. These systems include a risk management policy and procedure and a register of strategic risks which are reviewed on a regular basis.
Objectives and Activities
The aims of the church are contained within its constitution, being modelled on one produced by the Baptist Union of Great Britain in consultation with the Charity Commission. The church rules govern some aspects of the way the church conducts its business in the light of its constitution.
The principal purpose of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
The church is concerned to reach out to the community in many different ways. The leadership strive to arrange services in such a way that members of the community are encouraged to join in worship, praise and prayer.
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
From the Minister
As we look back on 2024, we are grateful for all that God has done and all that God is doing. As a local church our desire is to be who God would have us be. We intend to be a
Real People
with Real Hope.
Because of what God has done for us in Jesus, and there is so much that we have in and through Jesus, we are inspired to serve our church fellowship, our local community, and the wider world.
In all that makes up the active ministry and life of the church, it is people who serve, volunteer and give their time. We are so grateful to the many people who are willing to do this. The faithfulness of the church and of others in our local community is testament to the value placed in our activities, groups, and services. From the Orchard Coffee House to Short Mat Bowls, to the Mission Action Group, to the Youth and Children’s work, to the Pastoral Team and so much more and all that lies in between, God’s love of us inspires us to love and serve those around us. It is what God has done for us that challenges us to be who we are, serve how we can, and continue to tell out the wonder of belonging to a local church, being saved from our sins, and being invited to belong to God. As you read through all that follows, I trust you get a sense of how God is leading us forward as a church, and of all that is on our heart for the church fellowship, the local community and the wider world.
Worship Services & Adult Ministries
Sundays
Sunday is a focal point in the life of the church across the whole world, and in our local church life too. That is because Sunday is the day we choose to join together to pray, sing, and glorify God together. Sunday morning services are times for us to meet one another and meet with God and to meet new people. Sunday services provide space for us to praise God in song, prayer and in listening to God’s word. Sundays offer us the opportunity to grow up in love and understanding in our faith. On Sunday we welcome people into our building, but also welcome God’s presence, his light and his life. On Sundays we have the doors to the play park open and a team ready to speak to anyone who comes along. On Sunday we have groups for little children and young people so they too can learn more about God and learn how to live out their faith.
Sunday is a day to gather and be refreshed and encouraged, equipped and challenged in our life for Jesus. Our times together on Sundays help prepare us and strengthen us for the week ahead.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Special Occasions
The church was delighted to welcome our new minister and his family into the life of the church, with an Induction Service being held at the end of August.
In this past year we celebrated Christmas in a number of ways, engaging with the community through our Let’s Explore Christmas and Community Carols events, and our Christmas Day Service. Additionally, the church held an AllTogether Service. We are encouraged by what God is doing among us, and very much trusting to God for His future leading.
Prayer Meetings
Both midweek (in person) and Sunday (online) prayer meetings have continued throughout 2024 with a core group gathering at both prayer meetings. There have also been quarterly churches together prayer meetings, taking place in a different church within the group each time.
Life Groups
New Life Groups have formed in 2024 bringing the total number of Life Groups to 7 that meet in Gorsley and Newent and the surrounding areas. The groups continue to be a space for discussion, discipleship and growth through the building of relationships.
Pastoral Care
As a church we recognise the importance of being both proactive and inclusive in the way we care for each other and that this is everyone’s responsibility. However, we also recognise that at various times individuals may experience specific challenges which could benefit from a more focused approach. For this purpose, we have developed a dedicated Pastoral Care Team to work in partnership with our minister. The team comprises of a range of individuals who have both a calling and a gifting in this area of ministry.
There is a range of circumstances in which the team engages, many of which are related to health. This includes those experiencing shorter term illnesses, relating to either physical or mental health, as well as those experiencing longer term illnesses, including those who are unable to attend church as a result of limited mobility. The team also supports those with terminal illness or families experiencing bereavement. Additionally, support is available to individuals experiencing times of crisis in their lives.
During the last year, the team has supported approximately 20 individuals, with the nature of support varying according to individual needs. The frequency and duration of support has ranged from short term and intermittent to regular and ongoing. The team meet quarterly for mutual support, informal training and to consider future developments and training needs.
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Beehive
Beehive is a long-established ministry of the church with the aim of providing a regular time of fellowship for older adults within the church community. The group meets on Wednesday mornings and the current attendance varies between 15 and 20. Those attending are predominantly single or widowed, offering an opportunity for regular contact with others. Each Beehive session commences with an informal time of fellowship over coffee followed by a visiting speaker or planned activity and concludes with a time of prayer.
Youth Ministries
Sundays
Throughout 2024, the church continued to provide full programmes for children and youth on Sunday mornings, running alongside the main adult services. The programmes have Bible teaching as their foundation. Additionally, the church put on four Family Services. This year we have prayed for new families to come to church on a Sunday morning, and we give thanks that nine new families connected with us during the year and are now regularly worshipping with us.
Midweek
For youth who play instruments or are interested in worship, the church provides a weekly mentored practice time, where they can come together to nurture their talent. Whether instrumental or vocal, they are given an opportunity to learn more about sung worship and the technical running of a worship service.
Events
The church provided the opportunity for the youth group to attend a 5-day Christian Festival and an activity weekend during the summer months. Both of these events were enabled by the dedication of many church volunteers who work as part of the Youth Team. The events were well attended and helped the church’s young people to further explore worshipping God through studying the Bible, sung worship, prayer and community.
Children’s Ministries
Let’s Explore & Acorns
We connect with families in our community who have children aged 3 and under through Let’s Explore and our weekly baby and toddler group called Acorns Play and Stay. These groups, that are typically full, provide a range of activities to experience the Bible’s values and God’s message of Salvation.
Rooted
This year we have continued to serve our families in the community through Rooted Afterschool Club which is a friendly and welcoming space to come to on a Friday afternoon for both parents and their children of all ages; it provides refreshments, arts and crafts activities and games, and teaches the Bible’s values and God’s message of salvation. This group was well attended throughout the year, and some families expressed to us that it is a ‘highlight’ in their week and a ‘great community initiative.’
A new initiative in 2024 was to provide a coffee morning for reception class parents. It was very helpful to introduce new parents to us and to our afterschool club and many of them have continued to come to church and participate in the children’s programme.
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Rooted Plus
This year in the Autumn term we provided a programme for children in year 7 transitioning into secondary school, called Rooted Plus. It was a great blessing to them, as it provided a familiar space to meet with their friends who may have gone to other schools.
Other ministries
Other ways we have served our community this year is to provide school assemblies, Transforming Lives for Good Early Years Coaching, hope treat bags, a weekly football club and various fun social events that include scavenger trails, music, games, food, and films. These initiatives have helped us to show the love of Jesus to our community and school and were well received.
Community
Orchard Coffee House
2024 was very successful for the church’s Orchard Coffee House (OCH) ministry. OCH is now firmly established in the local community and has a regular and healthy number of customers. OCH has a reputation for high quality food and drinks, combined with great customer service provided by the dedicated team of paid and volunteer staff. Customers of OCH include parents and children from Gorsley school, visitors to the play park and field, and a number of groups who meet regularly.
The OCH ministry provides opportunities for both paid staff and volunteers to engage with customers in a meaningful way, including making time to listen, provide support, and pray when appropriate. We are keen to see how these opportunities, and friendships, develop through 2025 and beyond. The team continually seek to further grow the OCH ministry and recently introduced a prayer tree, to which people can attach tags with prayer requests. This has been warmly received, and the requests are now being regularly upheld in prayer by the church family.
Through careful management of cost increases, OCH was able to able to meet its financial goals with only limited price rises. The financial objective of OCH, as a ministry of the church, is to ensure that it covers its costs. It is not intended to provide income for the church.
Community Shop and Post Office
A community interest company (CIC) runs the on-site Gorsley Community Shop and Post Office which serves Gorsley and the surrounding area. The directors of the CIC are drawn from the church and the community, as are the staff and volunteers providing this important local facility, one which brings more people on site to the church’s community hub.
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Play Park & Field
The church Play Park and Field continues to not only be a great facility used by the wider community but has also become a great way to build stronger relationships with individuals and families, allowing them to be invited to participate in other ministries of the church. The Play Park attracts many visitors, who often take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Orchard Coffee House (OCH) and the Community Shop. The field also continues to host a range of church-led activities, including church picnics, Let’s Explore events, and Sunday morning children’s activities.
It is of note that the Play Park is often used as a meeting point for families as a result of the quality of the facilities, not only when OCH and the Community Shop are open. On Sundays, members of the church’s Welcome Team are available to provide families using the Play Park with refreshments and an opportunity to chat. This has resulted in a number of adults and children joining some of the church’s activities.
The football pitch has regularly been used on Saturday mornings by Newent & Gorsley FC U9’s, in addition to midweek training on the field in the summer months. Parents of both the local and visiting teams are regular customers of OCH and the Community Shop. On Monday evenings during the summer an outreach football activity has seen a number of local teenagers join members of the church youth to play less competitive football, a ministry that also includes a time of prayer and chat. This activity has now grown in popularity to the extent that it will continue throughout the year through use of facilities in Newent.
Short Mat Bowls
Gorsley Chapel Short Mat Bowls is a long-established ministry that’s enjoyed by both church members and the community. The aim of the club is to build engagement of the church with the local community, through participation and enjoyment of a sport available to all, irrespective of age, gender, status or faith.
The club committee comprises a mix of those who attend church and those from the community with no affiliation to the church. The club currently has a membership of 32, comprising individuals ranging from 14 to 85 in age, who meet on Monday afternoons and Thursday evenings. In addition to those who meet solely for enjoyment of the game and the social aspects of the club, many members also play competitively. The club fields two teams in the South Herefordshire League, and a number of club members play at county level. Hosting of visiting teams provides the opportunity to provide welcome and hospitality to those outside our immediate locality.
Community Lunch
Community lunch is an extension of the church’s Beehive ministry. On the first Wednesday of each month, those attending Beehive are joined by a number of others from the local community to enjoy a two-course meal offered at a nominal charge. The meal is prepared by members of the church family. Community Lunch provides a much-appreciated opportunity for friendship and fellowship for older adults, that bridges the gap between the church and the local community.
Hire of Facilities
In order to generate income for the church, and to increase the potential of the church premises to develop as a community hub, a renewed focus on offering various rooms and facilities for hire was undertaken in 2024. A number of functions and parties took place, resulting in an income of £1,900.
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Mission & Outreach
Local Mission
The local mission of the church is active in many different ways. Earlier in this report mention has been made of the various children’s ministries that take place regularly throughout the year, and the life of the church and its community activities including the Orchard Coffee House ministry. The Community Shop and Post Office housed on site, and the other facilities that make up the church’s community hub are key in furthering our community involvement and mission.
Local mission is the space and opportunity that we make and engage in that allows us to directly reveal God’s love and to speak about the good news of Jesus. Local mission is our ethical, community and faith-based outreach.
Mission Action Group
The global mission budget is allocated 10% of general giving to the Church in the prior year. That budget is administered by the Mission Action Group – a team of church members that includes a trustee. Details of the grants made during the year are shown on page 12 and page 24 (note 7) of the accounts.
Infrastructure & Support Functions
Facilities
During 2024, several projects were undertaken, some of which are still underway, in order to maintain and further develop the facilities of the church.
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Balcony: Following a successful gift day, redevelopment of the church balcony was completed, further to remedial work undertaken in 2023. This has restored the previous seating capacity of the church, with improved facilities.
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Haven: Further to funds raised from gift days in 2023 and 2024, redevelopment of the Haven section of the church premises was started and remains underway. Renovations to the existing structure, and inclusion of a new partition feature, will enable use of the facility in different configurations. This will enable enhanced use for both church and non-church events.
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Bathroom facilities: Following problems identified in 2024, remedial works to one set of men’s toilets was started in 2024 and is ongoing. Toilet facilities for men, women and disabled access were available throughout 2024 and remain in operation.
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Domestic Housing: In 2024, further to approval by church members, management of the domestic properties owned by the church, on church premises, was subcontracted to a commercial agency, Naylor Powell Estate Agents. Current tenants were informed, and the agency took on this responsibility in October 2024.
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CCTV Cameras: Further to an incident of theft, two CCTV cameras were installed to monitor the upper car park and Lighthouse building.
Following the departure of the church’s incumbent Maintenance Worker in September, a decision was taken to sub-contract this work for a limited period of time. Additionally, a number of Works Days were held, at which volunteers from the church community completed some routine maintenance work.
Operations & Administration
In May the decision was taken to appoint HR consultants, Quest, via membership with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. For the remainder of the year, we did an HR audit with them and have been re-writing staff contracts to get everyone's in line with the latest legal changes. We have also been working with them to compile a Staff Handbook, with all the relevant policies in there. Integrating new policies as laws and guidance changed, e.g. a sexual harassment policy.
The Risk Profile has continued to be reviewed throughout the year, with updates being made to reduce these areas of risk. Insurances have also been reviewed and renewed.
Safeguarding
The church regards safeguarding as a foundation stone of all that we do and a practical way to put God’s love for everyone into action. The church community has therefore been asked to remember that ‘Safeguarding is Everyone’s Business’. A Safeguarding Team of three church members is in place to ensure that the church’s safeguarding policy and procedures are well understood and effectively implemented. Accordingly, safeguarding training is provided at levels 1, 2 and 3, co-ordinated and monitored by the Safeguarding Team.
During 2024, there was continuing progress in a number of areas, including role descriptions for volunteers. Role descriptions are regarded as playing a vital part in recruiting and selecting new volunteers for every ministry in the church, as they enable clarity of expectations and responsibilities for volunteers.
Work is underway to further develop the storage and accessibility of records of safeguarding events. Members of the church community have been encouraged to raise any safeguarding concerns to the team as soon as they arise, and to request additional information as required, particularly if it relates to volunteering in the church’s work with children and youth.
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Public Benefit, Achievements and Performance
The trustees consider that the activities, achievements and performance of the church detailed in this trustees’ report demonstrate their compliance with the guidance issued by the Charity Commissioners regarding Public Benefit reporting as required by Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011.
Financial Review and Reserves Policy
The church manages its financial resources with the focus on delivery of its ministries and serving the membership and wider community. The trustees acknowledge the faithfulness of God in the provision for the church’s work made possible by the many donors and volunteers who support the church, and their responsibility to wisely steward the funds entrusted to them. The report that follows shows how these resources have been applied during the year under review, and the impact on reserves at the year end.
Regular financial reviews confirm that the church has sufficient financial resources to meet its contractual obligations as they fall due; and has in hand the costs of running the charitable activities of the church for a period of between three and six months; and that reserves remain healthy at the year-end; and at the date this report and accounts were signed.
The latest review also confirmed that it is appropriate for the trustees to report on the accounts to 31 December 2024 on a going concern basis (note 1.14).
The financial performance of the charity is set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 15 and in the subsequent pages of this report.
There are no restrictions on the charity's power to invest. The charity's prime concern with the investment of funds is to ensure that risk is kept to a minimum. The second priority is to ensure that funds are maintained with regard to inflation over the short term. The charity does not rely on investment income to meet its objectives. The trustees maintain interest-bearing deposit accounts for the church with the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd which offer a leading rate of return. Periodically the Treasurer reviews whether or not to vary the amounts on deposit there.
The trustees have adopted a ‘Purchasing & Payment Procedure’ which sets out the process for the authorisation and payment of invoices, and the responsibilities of those ordering goods and services.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the charity to maintain a sufficient balance of funds as free reserves within the general fund to enable it to meet all its financial obligations as they fall due. The trustees have decided that the present target range for these free reserves is between £107,500 and £215,000 equal to between 3 and 6 months’ reported expenditure from general funds. At the year end the actual free reserves were £155,471 (2023: £145,515) which is within the target range.
General Fund
There was a retained deficit of £21,294 in the general fund for 2024 (2023: deficit £73,551). The balance held on the general fund is reviewed as part of the setting of the annual budget, and proposed increases or decreases in spending are subject to approval by the church membership. At the year end, the balance on the general fund had increased to £155,471 (2023: £145,515), excluding the net
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
book value of fixed assets, £802,866 (2023: £834,116). The total balance on the general fund, £958,337 (2023: £979,631), includes the net book value of fixed assets.
The principal source of income for the charity is donations from members and friends of the church. The level of these donations is therefore a key indicator in appraising the charity’s financial position. During 2024 the average weekly amount of cash collections plus donations direct to the charity’s bank account for the year was £2,660 (2023: £2,325).
The policy of the church is to budget so that continuing revenue expenditure is made from current revenue income and not made out of the general fund reserve, and to retain that reserve for one-off items of expenditure and to meet the need to facilitate the repair and maintenance obligations and improvement requirements of their property assets. However, the budget agreed by members for 2024 anticipated a deficit for the year. During 2023, members agreed to commence work on two projects that were outside the agreed General Fund budget. These were the refurbishment of Hillview (see Designated Funds below), and essential safety and strengthening works to the balcony area in the church sanctuary. Both projects were ongoing at 31 December 2023. The completion cost of the Hillview works absorbed in 2024 is £3,484, and the completion cost of balcony works absorbed in 2024 is £1,368.
In 2024, capitalised expenditure on asset purchases amounted to £19,127 (2023: £18,399) (see note 10). Of this sum, £11,232 was in respect of Balcony Seating purchased using the Balcony Seating and Creche Refurbishment Fund, and the asset was transferred to the General Fund. All fixed assets are held within the General Fund.
The Orchard Coffee House ministry continues to develop. The average daily footfall has remained steady at around 120 (2023: 110), peaking above 150 (2023: 156). Sales of £169,553 (2023: £147,872) are included under Charitable Activities (note 3) and there was a net ministry surplus for the year of £11,540 (2023: £9,387). This ministry surplus is stated before depreciation or unanalysed shared costs such as electricity, water and insurance.
Restricted Funds
The church’s Foodbank Fund is in place to help relieve hardship among members and friends of the church and the Gorsley community. Donations to this fund in 2024 amounted to £NIL (2023: £370) and expenditure for the year is £100 (2023: £1,277). The unspent brought forward balance of £164 in the Specific Gifts Fund in respect of a 2023 community hardship fundraiser has been transferred to the Foodbank Fund which has been renamed the Foodbank/Hardship Fund. The balance on hand at the year-end is £1,512 (see note 14).
The John Lewis Memorial Fund has a balance on hand at the year-end of £454 (see note 14). There was no income or expenditure during the year. The trustees plan to complete the memorial by creating a memorial path and/or planting in the field/community orchard.
During the year, work began on updating the Creche. Expenditure incurred by the Creche Refurbishment Fund was £1,463. Plans are in place to continue/complete this work during 2025. A Gift Day was held in May 2024 to raise funds for replacement seating on the balcony, with any surplus to be added to the Creche Refurbishment Fund. This raised £28,031. After the acquisition of the balcony seating and other expenditure of £176, the balance of £16,623 was transferred to the Creche Refurbishment Fund which has a balance on hand at the year-end of £24,903 (see note 14 and note 16).
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Designated Funds
The Housing Fund is a designated fund for rental income and maintenance costs in respect of the bungalows, Suncrest and the Old Manse (see note 14).
During 2023, part of the Fund was re-designated to the extensive refurbishment of Hillview. The completion costs for that project incurred in 2024 came to £3,484.
Other than the above Fund, the remaining designated funds represent specific areas of the church's activities, and groups within the church. Sufficient balances are maintained in order to fund the activities of each group. Surplus funds within these groups may be donated to other areas of church activities or to other organisations which share the church's objectives.
Global Mission Budget
In 2024 the church provided support to the Baptist Missionary Society, The Peace and Hope Trust, and the Baptist Home Mission. Grants were made to support members of the church fellowship on a shortterm mission trip to the Philippines. It also supported (amongst others) Herefordshire Vennture, TIC+, Open Doors, The Ugly Duckling Charity, Samaritan’s Purse, and Scripture Union (see note 7).
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 3 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
ANTHONY HOWARD
Anthony C Howard Church Secretary
Date: 5 June 2025
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GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Gorsley Baptist Church
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Gorsley Baptist Church (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
JOSHUA KINGSTON
Date: 5 June 2025
Joshua Kingston BSc. ACA Burton Sweet Limited Chartered Accountants The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
14
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income from | |||||
| Donations and Legacies | 2 | 165,566 | 29,343 | 194,909 | 155,993 |
| Church Activities | 3 | 184,278 | - | 184,278 | 160,996 |
| Other trading activities | 4a | 65,257 | - | 65,257 | 60,391 |
| Investments | 12,048 | - | 12,048 | 11,813 | |
| Other income | 4b | 6,422 | - | 6,422 | 796 |
| Total income | 433,571 | 29,343 | 462,914 | 389,989 | |
| Expenditure on | |||||
| Raising funds | 5 | 21,041 | - | 21,041 | 16,253 |
| Church activities | 6 | 429,664 | 2,626 | 432,290 | 432,592 |
| Total expenditure | 450,705 | 2,626 | 453,331 | 448,845 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | (17,134) | 26,717 | 9,583 | (58,856) | |
| Transfers between funds | 14 | 11,232 | (11,232) | - | - |
| Net movement in funds | (5,902) | 15,485 | 9,583 | (58,856) | |
| Total funds at 1 January | 14 | 1,179,386 | 12,534 | 1,191,920 | 1,250,776 |
| Total funds at 31 December | 14 | 1,173,484 | 28,019 | 1,201,503 | 1,191,920 |
The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above. All activities are classed as continuing
Prior year Statement of Financial Activities is shown in note 19
The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements
15
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed Assets | |||||
| Tangible fixed assets | 10 | 802,866 | 834,116 | ||
| Current Assets | |||||
| Debtors | 11 | 15,499 | 14,499 | ||
| Stock | 12 | 1,892 | 2,382 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 400,477 | 364,762 | |||
| 417,868 | 381,643 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | |||||
| within one year | 13 | (19,231) | (17,890) | ||
| Net current assets | 398,637 | 363,753 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | |||||
| after more than one year | 13 | - | (5,949) | ||
| Net Assets | 1,201,503 | 1,191,920 | |||
| Funds | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 15 | 1,173,484 | 1,179,386 | ||
| Restricted funds | 15 | 28,019 | 12,534 | ||
| 1,201,503 | 1,191,920 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 3 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
STEVEN POTTER
Steven J Potter Treasurer Date: 5 June 2025
The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements
16
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
| ae | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOW STATEMENT | ae | ||
| GORSLEY | |||
| YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 | BAPTIST CHURCH | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities | 21 | 42,794 | (22,166) |
| Non-operational cash flows: | |||
| Investing activities | |||
| Payments for tangible fixed assets | (19,127) | (18,399) | |
| Investment income (Interest received) | 12,048 | 11,813 | |
| (7,079) | (6,586) | ||
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) for the year | 22 | 35,715 | (28,752) |
Cashflow Restrictions
Charity law prohibits the use of net cash inflows on any endowed or other restricted fund to offset net cash outflows on any fund outside its own objects, except on special authority. In practice, this restriction has not had any effect on cash flows for the year.
The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements
17
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting Policies
1.1 Accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except for investments which have been included at fair value) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following 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 in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The charity is a public benefit entity within the meaning of FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The presentation currency is £ Sterling.
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
1.2 Fund Accounting Funds held by the charity are either: Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees. Designated funds - these are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future prospects or projects. Restricted funds - these are fund that 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 a particular restricted purpose.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each restricted fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
1.3 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to that income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Interest is included when receivable by the charity. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised. Income from offerings and gifts is included as income when these are receivable, except as follows:
When donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.
When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and the settlement date. Funds raised by events are accounted for gross of expenses. Rental income from letting of church properties is recognised when the rental is due. The charity is registered for VAT and accordingly income is shown net of chargeable VAT where applicable.
1.4 Expenditure
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure. All costs have been directly attributed to one of the functional categories within expenditure on the Statement of Financial Activities. The charity is registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure is shown net of recoverable VAT where applicable.
18
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.5 Grants
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the Trustees. Government and Local Authority grants are accounted for on receipt.
1.6 Fixed Assets
Fixed assets, including freehold land and buildings, are included in the financial statements at cost, less depreciation provided using the straight line method. Amounts are capitalised where they exceed £1,000. The original cost of furniture and equipment, donated to the charity prior to 31st December 1997, is not available. The Trustees consider that the value of these assets is negligible. Depreciation rates, excluding freehold land (which is not depreciated), consistently applied are: Building, bungalows, Old Manse and Hillview 40 years straight line Play Park Equipment 10 years straight line Bespoke Fittings 5 years straight line Furniture and equipment 3 years straight line
1.7 Leasing
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on straight line basis over the lease term.
1.8 Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
1.9 Pensions
The charity makes contributions to a multi-employer defined contribution scheme on behalf of the Minister. The charity also makes contributions for the benefit of employees to a NEST Pensions auto enrolment scheme.
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
1.11 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.12 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash 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.
1.13 Creditors and Provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.14 Going concern
The trustees have reviewed the ongoing future of the charity and consider that there are plans in place to continue the charity's operation. There are no material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
1.15 Provisions
Provisions are set up only where it is probable that a present obligation exists as a result of an event prior to the balance sheet date and that a payment will be required in settlement that can be estimated reliably. Where material provisions are calculated on a discounted basis.
19
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| **2. ** | Donations and legacies | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Offerings and gifts | 137,781 | 26,512 | 164,293 | |||
| Income tax recoverable | 27,242 | 2,831 | 30,073 | |||
| Legacies and funeral donations | 543 | - | 543 | |||
| 165,566 | 29,343 | 194,909 | ||||
| Prior year comparatives | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2023 | |||
| funds | funds | Total | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Offerings and gifts | 120,886 | 9,664 | 130,550 | |||
| Income tax recoverable | 23,651 | 1,792 | 25,443 | |||
| Legacies and funeral donations | - | - | - | |||
| 144,537 | 11,456 | 155,993 | ||||
| **3. ** | Church activities | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | ||
| funds | funds | Total | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fellowship | 669 | - | 669 | |||
| Youth work | 3,923 | - | 3,923 | |||
| Children | 90 | - | 90 | |||
| Local Mission income | 7,966 | - | 7,966 | |||
| Orchard Coffee House | 169,553 | - | 169,553 | |||
| Miscellaneous | 2,077 | - | 2,077 | |||
| 184,278 | - | 184,278 | ||||
| Prior year comparatives | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2023 | |||
| funds | funds | Total | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fellowship | 1,497 | - | 1,497 | |||
| Youth work | 4,943 | - | 4,943 | |||
| Children | 295 | - | 295 | |||
| Local Mission income | 5,807 | - | 5,807 | |||
| Orchard Coffee House | 147,872 | - | 147,872 | |||
| Miscellaneous | 582 | - | 582 | |||
| 160,996 | - | 160,996 | ||||
| **4a. ** | Other trading activities | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | Total | Total | ||||
| £ | £ | |||||
| Rents received: | Other properties | 19,081 | 13,650 | |||
| Bungalows | 32,745 | 32,980 | ||||
| Other rent and similar income | 4,150 | 6,650 | ||||
| Use of premises | 2,588 | 1,503 | ||||
| Electricity + Utility charges | 6,693 | 5,608 | ||||
| 65,257 | 60,391 |
20
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4b. Other Income
| Other Income | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Unrestricted funds | Total | Total |
| £ | £ | |
| Insurance claims recovered | 6,422 | - |
| Gain on sale of assets | - | 796 |
| 6,422 | 796 |
5. Cost of raising funds
| Cost of raising funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | |
| funds | funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Insurance | 2,438 | - | 2,438 |
| Water rates | 1,662 | - | 1,662 |
| Electricity and oil | 3,056 | - | 3,056 |
| Maintenance and repairs | 8,103 | - | 8,103 |
| Other Housing Admin Costs | 809 | - | 809 |
| Depreciation | 5,011 | - | 5,011 |
| Bank charges | (38) | - | (38) |
| 21,041 | - | 21,041 |
| Prior year comparatives | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Insurance | 2,325 | - | 2,325 |
| Council tax | (1,717) | - | (1,717) |
| Water rates | 1,724 | - | 1,724 |
| Electricity and oil | 3,182 | - | 3,182 |
| Maintenance and repairs | 4,697 | - | 4,697 |
| Other Housing Admin Costs | 960 | - | 960 |
| Depreciation | 4,998 | - | 4,998 |
| Bank charges | 84 | - | 84 |
| 16,253 | - | 16,253 |
21
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. Church Activities
| Church Activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | |
| funds | funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| a) Work and ministry of the church | |||
| Staff costs | 228,918 | - | 228,918 |
| Global Mission (note 7) | 14,500 | - | 14,500 |
| Fellowship | 4,985 | 987 | 5,972 |
| Youth work | 3,498 | - | 3,498 |
| Children | 1,072 | - | 1,072 |
| Local Mission | 4,111 | - | 4,111 |
| Orchard Coffee House | 39,328 | - | 39,328 |
| Administration | 13,533 | 84 | 13,617 |
| Depreciation | 45,366 | - | 45,366 |
| Marketing | 1,399 | - | 1,399 |
| Governance (Note 8) | 2,034 | - | 2,034 |
| Compliance | 3,038 | - | 3,038 |
| 361,782 | 1,071 | 362,853 | |
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | |
| funds | funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| b) Operational costs | |||
| Insurance | 6,677 | - | 6,677 |
| Electricity and gas | 19,858 | - | 19,858 |
| Oil | 5,105 | - | 5,105 |
| Water | 1,373 | - | 1,373 |
| Equipment replacement and repairs | 5,958 | 92 | 6,050 |
| Building and site maintenance | 22,185 | 1,463 | 23,648 |
| Hygiene | 6,347 | - | 6,347 |
| Kitchen supplies | 194 | - | 194 |
| Other Miscellaneous | 185 | - | 185 |
| 67,882 | 1,555 | 69,437 | |
| Total | 429,664 | 2,626 | 432,290 |
22
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. Church Activities - Prior year comparatives
| Church Activities - Prior year comparatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2023 | |
| funds | funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| a) Work and ministry of the church | |||
| Staff costs | 198,040 | - | 198,040 |
| Global Mission (note 7) | 16,094 | - | 16,094 |
| Fellowship | 5,152 | 2,078 | 7,230 |
| Youth work | 5,806 | - | 5,806 |
| Children | 2,170 | - | 2,170 |
| Local Mission | 3,560 | 544 | 4,104 |
| Orchard Coffee House | 38,662 | - | 38,662 |
| Administration | 12,893 | - | 12,893 |
| Depreciation | 50,314 | - | 50,314 |
| Marketing | 820 | - | 820 |
| Governance (Note 8) | 4,068 | - | 4,068 |
| Compliance | 3,492 | - | 3,492 |
| 341,071 | 2,622 | 343,693 |
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| b) Operational costs | |||
| Insurance | 6,863 | - | 6,863 |
| Electricity and gas | 21,113 | - | 21,113 |
| Oil | 3,626 | - | 3,626 |
| Water | 1,530 | - | 1,530 |
| Equipment replacement and repairs | 4,151 | - | 4,151 |
| Building and site maintenance | 45,904 | 138 | 46,042 |
| Hygiene | 5,149 | - | 5,149 |
| Kitchen supplies | 340 | - | 340 |
| Other Miscellaneous | 85 | - | 85 |
| 88,761 | 138 | 88,899 | |
| Total | 429,832 | 2,760 | 432,592 |
Special Collections during the year amounting to £647 (2023: £1,247) were paid over to the nominated beneficiaries on whose behalf they had been collected. The amount of £NIL (2023: £293) is included in liabilities in respect of 2024 Special Collections not yet paid over as at 31 December 2024.
23
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| **7. ** | Global Mission | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | £ | £ | |
| Baptist Missionary Society | 2,900 | 3,100 | |
| Baptist Missionary Society - Bangladesh Appeal | 500 | - | |
| Home Mission (HEBA) | 1,640 | 1,750 | |
| Open Doors | 500 | - | |
| Open the Book | 60 | - | |
| Peace and Hope Trust | 2,900 | 3,100 | |
| Peace and Hope Trust re container to Philippines | 500 | - | |
| [Philippines Mission Trip] - Grants made to church members on short term mission | 2,000 | - | |
| Rob Newton - Care for the Family internship | - | 500 | |
| Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child | 500 | 200 | |
| Samaritan's Purse - DART Team Nepal | 350 | - | |
| Scripture Union | 250 | - | |
| [Smiles Foundation] - Short Term Mission Trip Grants | - | 2,250 | |
| Smiles Foundation - Luke Wathen | - | 1,135 | |
| TIC+ (Teens in Crisis) | 820 | 1,350 | |
| Ugly Duckling | 820 | - | |
| Vennture | 760 | 1,350 | |
| Total Mission Action Group grants made | 14,500 | 14,735 | |
| Short Term Mission Trip Expenses re Romania (Smiles) | - | 763 | |
| Peace and Hope Trust | - | 596 | |
| Total Global Mission Grants and Expenses | 14,500 | 16,094 |
| **8. ** | Governance costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | |||
| Independent examiner's fees: | - for independent examination | 2,034 | 1,914 | |
| Professional fees | - | 2,154 | ||
| 2,034 | 4,068 |
24
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9. Employees
Number of employees
The average number of full and part time staff employed during the year was:
| Number of employees The average number of full and part time staff employed during the year was: |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| No. | No. | |
| All were employed to further the work and ministry of the church | 16 | 15 |
| Estimate number of full time equivalent staff | 8 | 8 |
| Employment costs | 2024 | 2023 |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 211,300 | 177,023 |
| Social Security costs | 9,558 | 6,662 |
| Other pension costs | 4,947 | 3,120 |
| Adjustment re BU Pension Deficit (see note 20) | (5,949) | 5,949 |
| Other staff costs | 9,062 | 5,286 |
| 228,918 | 198,040 |
No employee earned £60,000 or more (2023 - nil) in the year.
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the Minister and Children's Pastor. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £49,570 (2023 - £27,589).
10. Tangible fixed assets
| Tangible fixed assets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and | Play Park | Bespoke | Furniture and | ||
| Buildings | Equipment | Fittings | Equipment | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | |||||
| At 1 January 2024 | 1,328,924 | 58,782 | 12,909 | 291,552 | 1,692,167 |
| Additions | - | - | - | 19,127 | 19,127 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 1,328,924 | 58,782 | 12,909 | 310,679 | 1,711,294 |
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 January 2024 | 563,121 | 18,613 | 8,177 | 268,140 | 858,051 |
| Charge for the year | 30,225 | 5,892 | 2,589 | 11,671 | 50,377 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 593,346 | 24,505 | 10,766 | 279,811 | 908,428 |
| Net book values | |||||
| At 31 December 2024 | 735,578 | 34,277 | 2,143 | 30,868 | 802,866 |
| Net book values | |||||
| At 31 December 2023 | 765,803 | 40,169 | 4,732 | 23,412 | 834,116 |
25
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
| GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH | és a. 7B &= |
és a. 7B &= |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 7B &= 79,8* |
||
| YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 | GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH |
||
| 11. Debtors | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Accounts Receivable | 1,675 | 1,869 | |
| Other debtors | 4,422 | 5,313 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 9,402 | 7,317 | |
| 15,499 | 14,499 | ||
| 12. Stock | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Orchard Coffee House - Ingredients and Items for resale | 1,892 | 2,382 | |
| 1,892 | 2,382 | ||
| 13. a) Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Accounts Payable | 7,011 | 6,619 | |
| Other Creditors | 237 | 313 | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 5,411 | 6,070 | |
| HMRC VAT | 6,572 | 4,888 | |
| 19,231 | 17,890 | ||
| b) Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| BU Pension Deficit Liability re Deferred Debt Arrangement | Note 20 | - | 5,949 |
26
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
14. Movement in Funds
| Current year | At | At | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Jan | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 31-Dec | |
| 2024 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| WASPS | 699 | 1,312 | (887) | - | 1,124 |
| European Workers Fellowship | 26 | - | - | - | 26 |
| Foodbank/Hardship Fund | 1,448 | - | (100) | 164 | 1,512 |
| Specific Gifts | 164 | - | - | (164) | - |
| Creche Refurb | 9,743 | - | (1,463) | 16,623 | 24,903 |
| Balcony Seating + Creche [2024] | - | 28,031 | (176) | (27,855) | - |
| John Lewis Memorial | 454 | - | - | - | 454 |
| 12,534 | 29,343 | (2,626) | (11,232) | 28,019 | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General funds | 979,631 | 363,521 | (424,874) | 40,059 | 958,337 |
| Designated Funds | 199,755 | 70,050 | (25,831) | (28,827) | 215,147 |
| 1,179,386 | 433,571 | (450,705) | 11,232 | 1,173,484 | |
| 1,191,920 | 462,914 | (453,331) | - | 1,201,503 |
| Previous year | At | At | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Jan | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 31-Dec | |
| 2023 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| WASPS | 1,457 | - | (758) | - | 699 |
| European Workers Fellowship | 26 | - | - | - | 26 |
| Foodbank | 2,355 | 370 | (1,277) | - | 1,448 |
| Specific Gifts | - | 708 | (544) | - | 164 |
| Creche Refurb | - | 9,743 | - | - | 9,743 |
| John Lewis Memorial | - | 635 | (181) | - | 454 |
| 3,838 | 11,456 | (2,760) | - | 12,534 | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General funds | 1,053,182 | 316,903 | (392,033) | 1,579 | 979,631 |
| Designated Funds | 193,756 | 61,630 | (54,052) | (1,579) | 199,755 |
| 1,246,938 | 378,533 | (446,085) | - | 1,179,386 | |
| 1,250,776 | 389,989 | (448,845) | - | 1,191,920 |
27
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
14. Movement in Funds (continued)
Purposes of restricted funds
Creche Refurbishment
This Fund has been established to facilitate needed improvement work in the Creche area.
Balcony Seating and Creche Refurbishment 2024
A Gift Day was held in 2024 to raise funds for the provision of new seating in the balcony, with any surplus nominated for the Creche Refurbishment Fund. The surplus has been transferred to the Creche Refurbishment Fund and the Fund closed to further donations.
John Lewis Memorial
Donations were invited for the provision of a bench and other items in recognition of the vision and ideas of Rev John Lewis (a former pastor of the church) for the orchard and community space on the church field.
Foodbank/Hardship
This Fund was established to provide food or food vouchers in cases of hardship in the local and church community.
Widowed and Single People (WASPS)
The group was started as an opportunity for people on their own to meet socially. The funds are used to cover the costs of meetings.
European Workers Fellowship
Volunteers continue to engage socially with European workers on an ad hoc basis to help their English conversation skills. In 2018, £1,000 was donated by HSBC Voluntary Partnership Scheme to support the project and placed in this restricted fund.
Specific gifts
During 2023 donations were received to enable a hardship grant for household equipment to be made within the community. In 2024, the remaining balance (£164) was transferred to the Foodbank/Hardship Fund.
Purposes of designated funds
Housing
The Housing Fund is a designated fund for rental income and maintenance costs in respect of the bungalows, Suncrest and the Old Manse. The balance on this fund at 31 December 2024 was £212,059 (2023: £196,553).
Church Members Groups
These funds report on the income, expenditure and balances relating to several member organised groups each of which hold small money balances to support their activities. The balance on these funds at 31 December 2024 was £2,845 (2023: £2,959).
Legacy Activity funds
Legacy designated funds are being run down rather than closed and transferred to general fund. The balance on the remaining fund at 31 December 2024 was £243 (2023: £243).
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Year ended 31 December 2024 | Unrestricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | |
| Fund balances at 31 December 2024 | £ | £ | £ |
| as represented by: | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 802,866 | - | 802,866 |
| Current assets | 389,849 | 28,019 | 417,868 |
| Current liabilities | (19,231) | - | (19,231) |
| 1,173,484 | 28,019 | 1,201,503 |
28
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
15. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
| Year ended 31 December 2023 | Unrestricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | |
| Fund balances at 31 December 2023 | £ | £ | £ |
| as represented by: | |||
| Tangible fixed assets | 834,116 | - | 834,116 |
| Current assets | 369,109 | 12,534 | 381,643 |
| Current liabilities | (17,890) | - | (17,890) |
| Long Term Liabilities | (5,949) | - | (5,949) |
| 1,179,386 | 12,534 | 1,191,920 |
16. Transfers between funds
£11,232 was transferred between the Balcony Seating & Creche Refurb Fund (Restricted) and the General Fund (Unrestricted) in respect of capital expenditure on new Balcony Seating. The balance of the Fund (£16,623) was transferred to the Creche Refurbishment Fund (Restricted).
17. Related party disclosures
| Related party disclosures | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Salary | Employers NI | Pension | Total | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Management Trustee | |||||
| Minister - appointed August 2024 | 13,823 | 1,385 | 1,493 | 16,701 | - |
The approved constitution of the charity contains the legal authority in its clause 23 upon which this remuneration is paid.
Other than disclosed above, no trustee received any payment during the year. There were no trustee expenses paid or waived.
Expenses accrued for and owed to the management trustee or to the senior manager amounted to £27 (2023 - £nil).
Janet Beacon, Marissa Dowding, Richard Geary and Zena Geary are all members or connected parties of the Mission Action Group committee (MAG). MAG meet to consider, approve and suggest how the Global Mission budget is granted. Short-term mission grants in 2024 (note 7) included a £500 grant to each these individuals which was authorised by the trustees.
Gorsley Community Shop CIC - see details on Page 6.
Aggregate donations received from the charity's trustees and their related parties amounted to £28,205 (2023 - £25,620).
Income recorded under Other trading activities includes £4,150 (2023 - £6,650) received from a charity trustee.
18. Obligations under operating leases
At 31 December 2024 the charity had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Expiry date | £ | £ |
| Within 1 year | 1,373 | 1,737 |
| Between 2-5 years | 2,059 | 868 |
29
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
19. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities
| Comparative Statement of Financial Activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Income from | |||
| Donations and Legacies | 144,537 | 11,456 | 155,993 |
| Church Activities | 160,996 | - | 160,996 |
| Other trading activities | 53,741 | - | 53,741 |
| Investments | 11,813 | - | 11,813 |
| Other income | 7,446 | - | 7,446 |
| Total income | 378,533 | 11,456 | 389,989 |
| Expenditure on | |||
| Raising funds | 16,253 | - | 16,253 |
| Church activities | 429,832 | 2,760 | 432,592 |
| Total expenditure | 446,085 | 2,760 | 448,845 |
| Net income/(expenditure) | (67,552) | 8,696 | (58,856) |
| Net movement in funds | (67,552) | 8,696 | (58,856) |
| Total funds at 1 January | 1,246,938 | 3,838 | 1,250,776 |
| Total funds at 31 December | 1,179,386 | 12,534 | 1,191,920 |
30
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
20. FRS 102 Pensions Disclosure
Background to the disclosure
The Church is an employer participating in a pension scheme known as the Baptist Pension Scheme ("the Scheme"), which is administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The Scheme is a separate legal entity and the assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.
For any month, each participating employer in the Scheme pays contributions as set out in the Schedule of Contributions in force at that time.
The Scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Scheme's assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pension costs charged to the SoFA in the year are contributions payable towards benefits and expenses accrued in that year, plus any impact of deficiency contributions (see below).
From January 2012, pension provision is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan within the Scheme. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Limited. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members in the event that they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva plc. The further 4% contribution rate is reduced to 3% for Employer contributions made to the Segregated DC Arrangement.
Benefits in respect of service prior to 1 January 2012 are provided through the Defined Benefit (DB) Plan within the Scheme. The main benefits for pre-2012 service were a defined benefit pension of one eightieth of Final Minimum Pensionable Income for each year of Pensionable Service, together with additional pension in respect of premiums paid on Pensionable Income in excess of Minimum Pensionable Income. The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers' Pension Fund, started in 1925, but was closed to future accrual of defined benefits on 31 December 2011.
Recovery Plan
On 30 June 2022 the Baptist Pension Scheme signed an agreement with the insurance company Just Group ("Just") to secure DB Plan members' pension benefits. Just is now providing financial backing for all pensions provided through the Scheme's DB Plan and following this transaction, the Scheme no longer has a shortfall.
The Scheme Trustees discharged all remaining participating employers from the Recovery Plan in November 2024 at the point of buyout by Just, ending the church's liability to the Plan.
Deferred Debt Arrangement
Consequent upon the resignation of the previous Minister from the Church effective May 2022, the Church entered a 'period of grace' (POG) such that the effect of a Cessation Event under Section 75 of the Pensions Act 1995 (Section 75) was initially to be deferred for a period of 3 years ending 9 May 2025.
The POG for Gorsley Baptist Church was brought to an end by the Trustees entering into a Deferred Debt Arrangement (DDA) dated 20 February 2024 (under the terms of The Occupational Pension Schemes (Employer Debt) Regulations 2005) with the Pension Scheme Trustee.
The DDA fell away on appointment of a new Minister in August 2024. The church ceased to have any remaining financial liability for the funding of the DB Plan within the Pension Scheme.
The church's liability in connection with the DDA is £ NIL (2023: £5,949) (note 9 and note 13(b)).
31
GORSLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
21. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash inflow from operating activities
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities: Net movement in funds | 9,583 | (58,856) | |
| Investment income (Interest Received) | (12,048) | (11,813) | |
| Depreciation | 50,377 | 55,312 | |
| (Decrease)/Increase in creditors: current liabilities | 1,341 | (9,120) | |
| (Decrease)/increase in creditors: non-current liabilities | (5,949) | 5,949 | |
| Decrease / (increase) in debtors | (1,000) | (3,404) | |
| (Increase) / decrease in stock | 490 | (234) | |
| Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities | 42,794 | (22,166) | |
| Analysis of changes in cash during the year | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 400,477 | 364,762 | 35,715 |
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 364,762 | 393,514 | (28,752) |
22. Analysis of changes in cash during the year
32