1
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **CONTENTS**
**Report for 2025** ........................................................................................................................... 3 Full Name, Address, and Introduction of the Church ............................................................... 3 Objects ................................................................................................................................. 3 Aims ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Public benefit ........................................................................................................................ 4 Leadership ............................................................................................................................ 4 Independent Examiner and Bankers ....................................................................................... 4 Main Focus of Activities ...................................................................................................... 5-6 Principal Risks ....................................................................................................................... 6 Fellowship ............................................................................................................................. 6 Custodian Trustee ................................................................................................................. 7 Concluding Remarks .............................................................................................................. 7 **Leadership Team** ........................................................................................................................ 7 **Financial Review** Income .................................................................................................................................. 8 Expenditure …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8-10 Grant Making Policy (Mission Giving) ..................................................................................... 10 Accounts Overview .............................................................................................................. 10 Reserves.............................................................................................................................. 10 **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** .................................................................................. 12 **Report of Independent Examiner** ...................................................................................... …….13 **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)** .................................................................................. 14 **Balance Sheet** .......................................................................................................................... 15 **Notes to the Financial Statements** Note 1 – Basis of Accounts and Accounting Policies ....................................................... 16-18 Note 2 – Income ................................................................................................................. 19 Note 3 – Expenditure ........................................................................................................... 20 Note 4 – Net income/(expenditure) for the year ................................................................... 21 Note 5 – Staff Costs and Number ........................................................................................ 21 Note 6 – Taxation ............................................................................................................... 22 Note 7 – Statement of Financial Activities: Prior Year Comparatives ..................................... 22 Note 8 – Income: Prior Year Comparatives .......................................................................... 23 Note 9 – Expenditure: Prior Year Comparatives .................................................................... 24 Note 10 – Tangible Fixed Assets .......................................................................................... 25 Note 11 – Debtors ............................................................................................................... 25 Note 12 – Creditors ............................................................................................................. 25 Note 13 – Movements in Funds ...................................................................................... 26-27 Note 14 – Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds ................................................................. 28 Note 15 – Related Party Transactions .................................................................................. 28 Note 16 – Operating Leases ................................................................................................ 28 Note 17 – Prior Year Adjustments and Restatements ............................................................ 28
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**FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **REPORT FOR 2025**
## **Full Name, Address, and Introduction of the Church**
Fishponds Baptist Church, Downend Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 5AS, is incorporated under a Charitable Deed of Trust. The Church is registered as a charity (1131411) with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
The Church Office Telephone Number is 0117 965 3421.
The Church, which is affiliated with the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland and the West of England Baptist Association, aims to uphold the Declaration of Principle of the aforesaid Baptist Union, which is:
- That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that each Church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer His Laws.
- That Christian Baptism is the immersion in water in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried and rose again on the third day.
- Every disciple has to bear personal witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and take part in the evangelisation of the world.
## **Objects**
The Charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination, including the advancement of education, community service and other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine.
## **Aims**
The main aim and objective of Fishponds Baptist Church (FBC) is to know and share the good news of Jesus Christ in all that we do.
At the heart of the Church is its ministry to the membership, congregation, and the wider community at large, so that the messages contained in Scripture are shared and celebrated and the understanding and acceptance that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Saviour grows.
FBC is gifted in practical terms as the church has a range of resources and facilities that enable fellowship to be enjoyed, not just on Sunday but also on a continuous basis. The church is also organised into smaller networks for fellowship through fortnightly small group meetings and care/wellbeing through a care group structure, which encourages a sense of personal belonging within what is quite a large congregation.
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
To maintain and develop its ministry, premises, and facilities, FBC collects donations, predominantly from the congregation. These donations also provide the opportunity to contribute financially to a wide range of Faith-based organisations both within the UK and overseas, providing a variety of outreach and ministry programmes or practical projects.
## **Public Benefit**
We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.
FBC is committed to being a place of worship of God for the people who live in Fishponds and neighbouring communities. All are warmly welcomed when they enter the church.
In addition, FBC is committed to serving the community in many ways. Please see the Main Focus of Activities for more details about this.
## **Leadership**
The Deacons, who are the Managing Trustees of the charity, administer the Church. Charity Law requires trustees to prepare annual accounts which consist of a Balance Sheet and Statement of Financial Activities, together with accompanying notes, and which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its income and expenditure, in line with FRS102 SORP.
Deacons are voted onto the Diaconate by the membership at an Ordinary Church Members’ Meeting. Deacons are appointed for an initial three-year term with the opportunity to be nominated for reappointment at the end of each three-year term. Deacons fulfil their role voluntarily and are assisted by many other volunteers helping within all areas of the Church. The Minister and Associate Minister who are “Holders of Office” and are paid employees of the church, also sits on the Diaconate. Those who have served in the Diaconate are listed on page 7.
## **Independent Examiner and Bankers**
The appointed Independent Examiner of the Church is Joshua Kingston BSc FCA, Burton Sweet Limited, The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court, Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton, Bristol BS48 1UR.
The Church’s bankers are:
- CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling.
- NatWest Bank Plc, 778 Fishponds Rd, Fishponds, Bristol.
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **Main Focus of Activities**
This year, the church has continued to see growth in many areas of church life.
Sunday services have experienced further numerical growth with more adults and children attending each week. The stronger stewarding, hospitality, worship, prayer, children and youth teams continue to be a key element in both caring for and developing growth as a church. Behind the scenes, a new management tool, ChurchSuite, has been gradually introduced, which has greatly strengthened and streamlined systems and procedures on a Sunday and throughout the week.
Our Cantonese sermon stream, which happens twice a month, celebrated its second anniversary and, alongside a number of Cantonese-speaking small midweek groups, continues to be a strong and valued part of the church.
Beyond the Sunday morning service, many other activities happened in the building. During term time, two toddler groups met each week, and throughout the year, there was a monthly family Messy Church, and a Dads and Tods event – all enjoying growth and with a connection with people beyond the church family. Each week, the church hosted a luncheon club for seniors and a weekly foodbank that supports people with food, conversation, and advice via external partners. The church also continues to run two Hope into Action houses, which seek to help and support people vulnerable to homelessness.
The church also ran activities to engage with young people, both independently and in partnership with other local churches. The team running the youth work benefited from training and support from the Mullers Trust Youth Partnership, and in September we welcomed a young leader serving with us through a partnership with South West Youth Ministries (SWYM).
Over the year, the church ran three Alpha courses, welcoming many guests and volunteers to eat together and explore the Christian faith. Throughout the year, several social events were also held to build community both within the existing church and beyond.
Throughout the year, the building saw a range of upgrades and improvements, with the most significant focused on the main sanctuary as part of the wider redevelopment project. The space was redecorated, re-carpeted, with new chairs and a complete refit of technology, lights, speakers and visuals. This upgrade has brought flexibility for the church’s regular use, has already enabled the church to host a regional technical training seminar and will enable the church to be a greater asset to our local area.
Further development of the overall building has been set out in phases and will be pursued as finances and resources allow.
Several significant changes in personnel happened during the year. Due to the growth in so many areas of church life, it was agreed to seek to employ a part-time Associate Minister to work with the Senior Minister in all aspects of church leadership, and to specifically focus on integrating the many new people who are joining the church. This new minister joined the church in January 2025 and has proven to be a real asset to all church activities throughout the year. During 2025, the church’s Children and Family Team Lead was on maternity leave, whose role was generously and skilfully managed by the team and volunteers during her absence. During this time, new teams were invested in and developed, new processes were put in place, and further growth was seen. The team and church are all very much looking forward to the return of our Children and Families Team Lead.
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
All that the church does is made possible by a significant commitment from volunteers, supported by a small staff team, whose dedication enables the church to operate safely, effectively, and at scale. We are hugely grateful to everyone - both volunteers and paid staff for their unstinting involvement, which enables the work of FBC to be carried out in such a committed, positive and effective manner.
The church community is open and committed to being a “Beacon on a hill” and to “shine brighter” with the love of God as we seek to serve God and the local community. We thank God for how He has blessed the church during 2025, and we look forward to all that He will do in 2026.
## **Principal Risks**
The leadership recognise a range of principal risks and uncertainties that could affect the church’s ability to pursue its mission. The most significant relates to financial sustainability, as the church depends heavily on voluntary giving, which can fluctuate with household income pressures, demographic changes, and the movement of key givers.
Alongside this, the church’s ministries and operational activity rely substantially on the commitment and availability of volunteers, meaning that changes in capacity or recruitment challenges could limit ‑ the range or quality of activities offered. The leadership also monitor property related risks, given the age and scale of the church’s buildings and manses; unexpected repairs, rising energy costs, or compliance requirements—such as fire safety, accessibility, safeguarding, and environmental standards—could create financial and operational pressures.
A further area of focus is safeguarding and regulatory compliance, where any failure to maintain robust systems would expose the church to serious reputational and legal consequences.
‑ Growing dependence on digital platforms introduces IT and data protection risks, including the potential for cyber incidents, data breaches, or service outages that might disrupt communication, ‑ financial processes, or compliance with data protection legislation.
Finally, the trustees remain attentive to missional and community engagement risks, recognising that changes in the local population, community needs, or cultural trends could affect attendance, the effectiveness of ministries, and the level of financial support. Together, these risks are managed through ongoing monitoring, appropriate policies, internal controls, and regular review by the leadership.
## **Fellowship**
Two people attested to their faith by going through the waters of baptism in obedience to scripture.
Our Fellowship now has a membership of 144 (2024: 152). The changes to our membership were as follows:
- New Members – 10
- Transfer In – 0
- Transfer Out to Another Church – 1
- Resignations – 10
- Removed due to loss of contact – 3
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
- Deceased – 2 were called to be with the Lord
## **Custodian Trustee**
The Custodian Trustee for the Church is Webnet (registered as the West of England Baptist Association). Webnet holds in trust the title deeds of the Church properties.
## **Concluding Remarks**
We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the work at FBC throughout this past year. A church is dependent on the commitment of its membership, and here at Fishponds, we have many who work tirelessly and without recognition. To these, we give our heartfelt thanks and pray that God will bless them in the days that lie ahead. Finally, we record on behalf of the fellowship our gratitude to the diaconate for their work in leading and guiding us under God’s headship.
## **LEADERSHIP TEAM**
## **Senior Minister:**
Reverend Mark Madavan
## **Associate Minister:**
Reverend Kathleen Jinadu (appointed January 2025)
## **Diaconate:**
Senior Minister, and Associate Minister plus
Deacons: Mr Graeme Betts Mr Peter Keenan (re-elected June 2025) Mrs Catherine Madavan (re-elected September 2025) Mr Jason Tinley Mr Adam Mitchell-Baker
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **INCOME**
## **GIFT AID**
The amount shown in the accounts for gift aid reclaimed in 2025 is £45,251 (2024 - £42,200). By the end of the year, 65 active supporters had signed Gift Aid Declarations and had given during 2025.
## **DONATIONS**
Donations include one-off gifts, donations at church events, during church services, and those towards the building project (restricted fund). In 2024, a large gift of £40,000 was received. In 2025, a large gift of £10,000 was also received. Donations to the building project (restricted) grew from £7k to £42k in the year, primarily due to a ‘buy a chair’ fundraising appeal to furnish the sanctuary with new chairs as planned within the project.
## **REGULAR GIVING**
The regular giving (general fund), which includes giving by members and worshippers, via in-person offerings and bank transfers, reduced from £173,821 to £168,315 (-3.2%). Whilst the congregation is in steady increase, those giving larger amounts each month declined during the year. The regular giving to the HIA Support and Enrichment Fund (designated) stayed steady.
## **GRANTS**
We benefited from an Access to Work Grant from DWP to fund the post of Ministerial Assistant to support the Senior Minister.
## **INVESTMENT INCOME**
The church follows a ‘low risk’ policy when investing its surplus cash, which is normally placed on deposit (short notice or instant access) with the Bank. Whilst the interest yield is not substantial, the deacons consider that the overriding requirement is to protect the sum invested.
## **RENTAL INCOME**
Rental income from the church building and manse stayed steady at £53.5k.
## **EXPENDITURE**
Total expenditure in 2025 rose to £347k (2024: £291k). The primary source of this increase was noncapital expenditure related to the building project (sanctuary refurbishment) of £24k. This relates to redecoration and preparatory works that did not meet capitalisation criteria. Secondly, the recruitment of an Associate Minister increased the Ministry Staff Costs, as well as other ministry-related costs.
## **STAFFING COSTS**
Ministerial Staffing: Increased by 11% to £84,909 (2024: £76,458), with annual salary increases and the recruitment of an Associate Minister.
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
Administrative Salaries: Fell by 7% to £39,146 (2024: £41,927), partly due to the Employment ‑ Allowance increasing from £5,000 to £10,500, with a part year effect from April 2025. Aside from this, costs increased with the annual salary increase.
## **MINISTRY**
Ministry costs (non-staff) increased by 21%, with the biggest increase occurring within Children, Youth and Families. This is partly related to a young leader working on placement at the church in partnership with South West Youth Ministries (SWYM). The costs are those associated with her training and lodgings. The number of children attending has increased substantially, and so costs have increased to invest in the opportunity of bringing Jesus to these young people.
## **MISSION GIVING**
Regardless of the decrease in regular giving received, we remained consistent with our commitment to allocate at least 10% of our unrestricted (general) income to mission giving. In 2025, mission giving totalled £29,122, representing 10.6% of general unrestricted income.
## **PROPERTY, INFRASTRUCTURE & CAPITAL PROJECTS**
Additions total: £214k across Church Building Improvements (£101.1k), Fixtures & Fittings (£22.1k), and Equipment & Systems (£90.9k). No material proceeds on £8.1k of equipment disposals were noted.
The building project - the refurbishment of the sanctuary – was responsible for most of these additions, including:
- A 4.5m x 2.5m LED screen
- A new sound system
- Acoustic panelling
- A lighting system
- New chairs and carpet
The depreciation of £38.5k reflects these new additions partway through the year, plus the first full year on earlier phases; movements reconcile to the additions noted above and the transfer into the Designated Fixed Asset Fund.
Maintenance and Repair: Whilst general maintenance costs reduced, there was an expected cost of £24,830 from restricted reserves related to the non-capital expenditure related to the building project (sanctuary refurbishment), e.g. redecoration throughout.
Utilities: Increased by 35% to £26,400 (2024: £19,613). This reflects higher gas consumption following the installation of new energy‑efficient boilers in late 2023. While the new boilers are more efficient and have improved heating reliability, the previous system had not been operating at full capacity, resulting in increased usage once reliable heating was restored.
## **HOPE INTO ACTION HOUSES**
The expenditure for the Hope into Action houses has increased by 16% in the year. One of the houses has been refurbished with new carpet and redecoration throughout, as well as replacement of some furnishings. Other costs have stayed steady or increased in line with staff salary increases and inflation.
## **ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT COSTS**
IT & Telecoms has increased by £1,822, primarily due to an upgrade of software for the Minister’s laptop (£1,348) funded through the Access to Work Grant, as well as increased spend for the church
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
management CRM ChurchSuite. The introduction of this tool has streamlined processes, increased operational efficiency and solidifying our GDPR compliance.
No other items are of note, and overall, these costs have decreased by 15%.
## **CONCLUSION**
Our 2025 expenditure supported vibrant growth and service: nurturing Cantonese ministries, expanding youth partnerships, and welcoming newcomers through Alpha courses. Investments in building upgrades - like the refurbishment of the sanctuary along with upgrades to the audio, visual and lighting systems - ensure the sanctuary remains welcoming, modern and increases the versatility of the space.
Every pound spent echoes the generosity and dedication of our congregation, united in purpose. Together, we aim to _**Draw Closer**_ to God; _**Love Deeper**_ - serving, supporting and strengthening one another; and **S** _**hine Brighter**_ — equipping Fishponds Baptist Church to be a beacon of hope in 2026 and beyond.
## **GRANT MAKING POLICY (MISSION GIVING)**
Fishponds Baptist Church entrusts grant allocation to the Mission Task Force, a dedicated group of members delegated by the Charity Trustees to manage the annual mission budget and recommend partnerships. Final grant decisions are approved by the Trustees to ensure alignment with our charitable purposes and vision, while the total mission budget, including grant allocations, is ratified by the Church Members’ Meeting as part of the annual budget.
The Mission Task Force ensures faithful stewardship of resources in line with our vision to “shine brighter” as a beacon of God’s love, prioritising initiatives that advance evangelism, community development, and crisis relief, with a focus on Baptist partners such as Webnet and BMS World Mission.
## **ACCOUNTS OVERVIEW**
Total net assets increased by £48,895 during the year. This reflects significant investment in fixed assets (increase of £175,648), funded in part by a planned reduction in current and liquid assets. The increase in fixed assets reflects capital investment of £214,177 and £38,529 of depreciation. Unrestricted funds have decreased by £37,969 with an £80,000 transfer to the Designated Building Fund during the year. The restricted funds associated with the Hope into Action houses are in deficit (£3,522). In early 2026, the trustees formulated plans to return this to a breakeven position.
## **RESERVES**
As a church, we are committed to being good stewards of both income and assets. We are also committed to the vision and values of this church to be a healthy, growing community. This requires strategic planning, budgeting, and monitoring of all income and assets.
It is the practice of this church to hold a cash reserve equivalent of at least three months of general running costs to cover unforeseen circumstances. General running costs include all liabilities (salaries, contracts, and financial commitments). For 2025, the reserves target is £66,466.
At the year-end, the free reserves are £115,363 (2024 - £153,332), being the total general unrestricted funds. The fixed assets are held in a designated fund, as these are not readily available. Depreciation is charged to the Designated Fixed Asset Fund in line with the designation of funds used to acquire those assets.
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
The trustees agreed that it is prudent that the church’s reserves are currently higher than our reserves policy for the following reasons:
- Although the church has grown in numbers, there has been a decrease in regular giving. There may be a delay while newer church members feel able to contribute to the work of the church.
- There is an increase in staffing costs in 2026. In 2025, the Children’s & Families Lead was on maternity leave, so the salary costs were offset by SMP reclaims.
- The building needs further investment, and reserves will be allocated towards this as the building project continues into future phases. During 2025, the Trustees designated £80,000 from General Funds to support the ongoing building redevelopment project. During the year, £147,852 of designated resources were applied to capital additions and £140 to related expenditure. After these movements, the Designated Building Fund closed the year with a balance of £17,008 (see Note 13).
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**FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES**
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:
- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
- Make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company 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/constitution. 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.
Signed by order of the Trustees.
Reverend Mark Madavan Jason Tinley - Treasurer
14th May Approved by the Trustees ………………………….…………………...... 2026.
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Fishponds Baptist Church (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
## **Responsibilities and basis of the 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:
1. The 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.
Signed: Dated: 14th May 2026
Joshua Kingston BSc FCA Burton Sweet Limited, Chartered Accountants, The Clock Tower, Farleigh Court, Flax Bourton, Bristol. BS48 1UR
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH**
**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
**YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**||
|---|---|
|**Income from:**
**Notes**
Donations and legacies
**2**
Charitable activities
**2**
Other trading activities
**2**
Investments
**2**
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable Activities
**3**
**Total expenditure**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**Transfers between funds**
**13**
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of Funds**
**Fund balance brought forward**
**13**
**Fund balances carried forward**
**13**|**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Total Funds**
**Total Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
215,527
6,259
82,463
-
304,249
296,010
120
-
33,539
-
33,659
40,838
53,509
-
-
-
53,509
53,835
4,584
-
242
-
4,826
5,428
**Unrestricted**|
||273,740
6,259
116,244
-
396,243
396,111|
||213,899
41,431
92,018
-
347,348
291,191|
||213,899
41,431
92,018
-
347,348
291,191|
||59,841
(35,172)
24,226
-
48,895
104,920|
||(97,810)
141,656
(43,846)
-
-
-|
|||
||(37,969)
106,484
(19,620)
-
48,895
104,920|
||153,332
445,744
16,098
268,950
884,124
779,204|
||115,363
552,228
(3,522)
268,950
933,019
884,124|
The Charity has no gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above. All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form part of these accounts.
See note 7 for fund-accounting comparative figures.
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**Notes**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
**10**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
**11**
Cash at bank and in hand
**CURRENT LIABILITIES**
within one year
**12**
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
**Unrestricted Funds**
General Funds
**14**
Designated Funds
**14**
**Restricted Funds**
**14**
**Endowment Funds**
**14**
**TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS**|**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
754,322
578,674
754,322
578,674
27,416
21,110
163,049
295,825
190,465
316,935
(11,768)
(11,485)
178,697
305,450
933,019
884,124
933,019
884,124
115,363
153,332
552,228
445,744
667,591
599,076
(3,522)
16,098
268,950
268,950
933,019
884,124|**2024**
**£**
578,674|
|---|---|---|
|||578,674|
||||
|||305,450|
||||
|||884,124|
||||
|||884,124|
|||153,332
445,744|
|||599,076|
|||16,098
268,950|
||||
|||884,124|
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form part of these accounts. The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 14th May 2026 and were signed on its behalf by :
Jason Tinley Church Treasurer
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## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **1. Accounting Policies**
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.
## **Basis of Preparation**
The financial statements have been prepared:
- In accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (including the 2023 amendments), the Charities SORP (FRS 102, July 2014, updated May 2019), and the Charities Act 2011;
- Under the historical cost convention (unless otherwise stated in the accounting policies);
- To give a true and fair view, departing from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended) only where necessary to achieve this, as permitted by the SORP.
The Charity qualifies as a smaller entity under FRS 102 Section 1A and has adopted the reduced disclosure exemptions permitted under the SORP. As a public benefit entity (PBE), the accounts reflect PBE-specific requirements, including fund accounting and treatment of grants.
## **Preparation of accounts on a going concern basis**
The Trustees have assessed going concern for at least 12 months from approval. The assessment considered cost‑of‑living pressures on giving, forecast income, approved budgets, available reserves and flexible cost controls. Despite a modest decline in regular giving in 2025, overall income streams remain diversified (including rental and deposit interest), and free reserves of £115,363 at year‑end comfortably exceed the Church’s three‑month target of £66,466. The Trustees therefore consider it appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.
## **Income recognition policies**
The Charity recognises income when all the following criteria are met:
- Entitlement: the Charity has established rights to the income and any conditions are within its control to meet.
- Probability: receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably.
- Measurement: where applicable (e.g., Gift Aid on eligible donations), income is accrued when entitlement exists and receipt is probable.
- Performance Conditions: Any attached conditions are either fulfilled or within the Charity’s control.
Specific Income Types
- (a) Donations (Including Gift Aid) are recognised when receivable, unless:
- Donor Restrictions: Income is deferred if designated for future periods or subject to unfulfilled conditions.
- Gift Aid: Treated as part of the original donation and allocated to the same fund. Valid declarations must exist.
- (b) Legacies are recognised when:
- The Charity is entitled (e.g., probate granted, executors confirm distribution);
- The amount is reliably measurable; and
- Receipt is probable.
If criteria are unmet but notification exists, legacies are disclosed as a contingent asset (if material).
- (c) Grants (Government or Other) are classified as:
- Unconditional: Recognised when receivable.
- Conditional: Deferred until performance obligations are met.
- (d) Investment Income is recognised on a receivable basis (e.g., dividends declared, interest accrued).
- (e) Endowment Income
- Permanent Endowments: Income (e.g., dividends, interest) is recognised when receivable; capital gains are added to the endowment fund.
- Expendable Endowments: Income and capital (if permitted by terms) are recognised when receivable.
16
**FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **1. Accounting Policies (Continued)**
## **Expenditure recognition**
Expenditure is recognised in the period in which it is incurred, including any irrecoverable VAT.
Liabilities are recorded when there is a legal or constructive obligation (e.g., approved grants, contracts signed).
Classification of expenditure
## (a) Charitable Activities
Direct costs of delivering the Charity’s mission (e.g., programme materials, staff costs). Grants payable:
- Recognised as expenditure when the obligation arises (legally or constructively).
- Multi-year grants are fully recognised upfront unless subject to future performance conditions by recipients.
## (b) Governance Costs
Costs of meeting constitutional/statutory duties, including:
- Audit/independent examination fees.
- Trustee training, strategic planning, and compliance.
Classified as support costs (allocated to charitable activities).
## **Support Costs**
Support costs include administrative staff costs, office expenses, IT, governance costs, premises‑related costs and other overheads. As the Church undertakes a single overarching charitable activity — the advancement of the Christian faith — support costs are not allocated between separate charitable activities. Instead, support costs are allocated between unrestricted, designated and restricted funds on a consistent and appropriate basis, reflecting the purpose of each fund and the projects or ministries they support. This ensures that each fund bears a fair proportion of the costs associated with delivering the activities it finances. The allocation basis is reviewed annually by the Trustees.
## **Pension Costs and Other Post-Retirement Benefits**
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for eligible employees, complying with FRS 102 (Section 28) and Pensions Act 2008 requirements.
## Accounting Treatment
- Contributions: Recognised as an expense in the period they become payable.
- Unpaid amounts: Disclosed as an accrual in the balance sheet.
- No further obligations: The Charity has no legal or constructive liability beyond the agreed contributions.
- Scheme Governance
- Contributions are paid to a separately administered fund, independent of the Charity’s assets.
- ● Employees bear all investment and longevity risks.
- Disclosures
- The total pension expense for the period is disclosed in the notes to the accounts.
- Any material unpaid contributions at the reporting date are included in creditors.
Auto-Enrolment
> ● The Charity complies with auto-enrolment obligations under the Pensions Act 2008.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Fixed assets are held at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets costing less than £100 are not capitalised. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the asset's useful life. Typically useful lives are:
Church Building Improvements: 10-30 years, straight-line Fixtures & Fittings: 5-15 years, straight-line Equipment & Systems: 3-10 years, straight-line Land & Buildings: The two manses in Bristol are included in these accounts at their respective purchase prices (i.e. £94,000 and £174,950). The accounts are not charged with depreciation in respect of the manses, as it is felt that the amount that would be charged would be immaterial as an amount on its own and in the context of the balance sheet as a whole.
Depreciation is charged against the Designated Fixed Assets Fund to reflect prior designation of funds for capital expenditure.
17
**FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **1. Accounting Policies (Continued)**
## **Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discounts due.
## **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.
## **Creditors**
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 discounts due.
## **Fund Accounting**
Endowment funds represent the two manses in Bristol.
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.
Designated funds form part of unrestricted funds and have been identified as being for particular purposes by the Trustees. They are not restricted and can be transferred to general funds at any time at the discretion of the Trustees.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes of the financial statements.
18
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **2. Income**
|**e**||
|---|---|
|Donations
Regular giving
Gift aid
Legacies
Grants - Access to Work
**Donations, Legacies and Grants**
Tenant rent
Tenant charges
Sundry receipts
**Charitable activities**
Rental income
**Other trading activities**
Investments
**Investment income**
**Total income**|**Total**
**Total**
**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Restated**
12,015
500
42,363
-
54,878
47,229
168,315
3,720
-
-
172,035
177,611
35,119
2,039
8,093
-
45,251
42,200
78
-
-
-
78
-
-
-
32,007
-
32,007
28,970
**Unrestricted**|
||215,527
6,259
82,463
-
304,249
296,010|
||-
-
30,910
-
30,910
36,086
-
-
2,629
-
2,629
4,038
120
-
-
-
120
714|
||120
-
33,539
-
33,659
40,838|
||53,509
-
-
-
53,509
53,835|
||53,509
-
-
-
53,509
53,835|
||4,584
-
242
-
4,826
5,428|
||4,584
-
242
-
4,826
5,428|
|||
||273,740
6,259
116,244
-
396,243
396,111|
Donations represent irregular/one-off giving or donations toward particular projects (e.g. Building project). Regular giving represents Sunday cash offerings and offerings received via bank transfer.
Prior year income comparatives are on note 8.
19
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**3. Expenditure**
**Direct Costs**
Ministry Staff Costs
MSC
Minister Housing Costs
MHC
Children, Youth & Families
CYF
Creative
CTV
Discipleship & Outreach
D&O
Fellowship & Hospitality
F&H
Hong Kongers Ministry
HKM
**Ministry**
Baptist Missionary Society
BMS
Webnet Partnership in Mission
WBN
Claire Hodgson (Go MAD UK)
MAD
Hong Kong Network Minister
HKN
Other Mission Giving
OMG
**Mission Giving**
Empowerment Worker Staff Costs EPW
Annual Franchise Fee
FRA
Furnishings & Household Goods
FHG
Property Maintenance & Repair
PMR
Property Rental & Insurance
PRI
Tenant Support
SUP
**Hope Into Action Houses**
**Total Direct Costs**
**Support Costs**
Administration Staff Costs
ASC
Accounts & Audit Fees
AUD
Bank & Merchant Fees
FEE
Consultants
CLT
Equipment Expensed
EQU
IT & Telecoms
ITT
Office Costs & Sundries
OFF
Subscriptions
SUB
Training & Staff Development
TSD
Travel Costs
TRA
**Administration**
Council Tax
CTX
Depreciation
DEP
Insurances
INS
Landlord Costs
LAN
Maintenance & Repair
M&R
Service Contracts
CON
Utilities
UTL
**Property**
**Total Support Costs**
**Total Expenditure**|**Total**
**Total**
**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**Restated**
84,909
-
-
-
84,909
76,458
11,928
-
-
-
11,928
11,512
10,728
-
-
-
10,728
8,010
5,629
-
-
-
5,629
4,813
1,351
-
-
-
1,351
1,254
4,330
-
-
-
4,330
4,267
234
-
-
-
234
-
**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|
||119,109
-
-
-
119,109
106,314|
||8,770
-
-
-
8,770
10,000
11,693
-
-
-
11,693
12,000
4,800
-
-
-
4,800
4,956
1,200
-
-
-
1,200
600
2,659
-
-
-
2,659
4,548|
||29,122
-
-
-
29,122
32,104|
||-
-
10,578
-
10,578
9,270
-
-
1,335
-
1,335
1,200
-
214
415
-
629
225
-
2,178
2,130
-
4,308
2,777
-
-
10,700
-
10,700
10,392
-
263
-
-
263
102|
||-
2,655
25,158
-
27,813
23,966|
|||
||148,231
2,655
25,158
-
176,044
162,384|
||8,487
-
30,659
-
39,146
41,927
1,800
-
-
-
1,800
3,835
274
-
120
-
394
357
-
-
-
-
-
5,194
(387)
-
109
-
(278)
156
2,214
-
2,312
-
4,526
2,704
1,925
107
329
-
2,361
2,709
1,001
-
349
-
1,350
1,406
1,080
-
210
-
1,290
1,260
130
-
68
-
198
381|
||16,524
107
34,156
-
50,787
59,929|
||-
-
4,256
-
4,256
4,038
-
38,529
-
-
38,529
9,035
8,337
-
-
-
8,337
7,815
3,198
-
-
-
3,198
3,440
942
140
24,830
-
25,912
11,508
13,745
-
140
-
13,885
13,429
22,922
-
3,478
-
26,400
19,613|
||49,144
38,669
32,704
-
120,517
68,878|
|||
||65,668
38,776
66,860
-
171,304
128,807|
|||
||213,899
41,431
92,018
-
347,348
291,191|
Prior year income comparatives are on note 9.
20
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **4. Net Income / (Expenditure) for the year**
|This is stated after charging :
Depreciation
Independent Examiners Fees
- For independent examination
- For accounts preparation
Trustees' travel, meeting and training expenses
**5. Staff Cost and Numbers**
**Trustees' costs**
Minister(s) Stipend
Employer National Insurance contributions
Employer pension contributions
Total payroll costs
Housing costs
Council tax, water & broadband
Total Trustees' costs
**Other Staff costs**
Staff Salaries
Employer National Insurance contributions
Employer pension contributions
Total Other Staff costs|2025
£
38,529
1,800
-
-
2025
£
60,070
1,464
5,224
66,758
7,934
3,934
78,626
2025
£
73,110
1,246
2,802
77,158|2024
£
9,035
2,370
1,170
-|
|---|---|---|
|||2024
£
36,850
1,591
4,446|
|||42,887|
|||7,653
3,929|
|||54,469|
|||2024
£
79,995
1,963
2,801|
|||84,759|
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 in 2025 or for 2024.
## **Staff numbers and Key Management Personnel**
The average number of employees (including part-time staff) and full-time equivalents during the year as follows:
|Ministers
Ministry Staff
Administration|**2025**
**2024**
**Number**
**Number**
2
1
4
4
2
2
8
7|**2025**
**2024**
**FTE**
**FTE**
1.6
1.0
2.0
2.3
0.5
0.5|
|---|---|---|
|||4.1
3.8|
Key management personnel of the charity are defined as the Minister(s) and the Deacons. The total employment benefits paid to this group during the year amounted to £78,626 (2024 restated: £54,469). These benefits include gross salaries, employer’s pension contributions, housing costs, and lease agreements.
In accordance with the charity’s Memorandum of Association, which has been approved by the Charity Commission, remuneration and benefits may be paid to individuals appointed as Ministers of the charity.
During the year Rev Mark Madavan (trustee) received remuneration and benefits of £54,250 comprising stipend £37,825, employer pension £4,557, housing costs £7,934, and council tax/water/broadband £3,934, under the authority of the charity’s governing document. Rev Kathleen Jinadu (trustee) received remuneration and benefits of £22,912 comprising stipend £22,245 and employer pension £667, under the authority of the charity’s governing document.
No trustee expenses were reimbursed (2024: £nil)
21
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **6. Taxation**
No liability to UK Corporation Tax arose during 2025 or for 2024.
## **7. Statement of Financial Activities Prior Year Comparatives**
|**For the year ended 31st December 2024**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investments
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable Activities
**Total expenditure**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**Transfers between funds**
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of Funds**
**Fund balance brought forward**
**Fund balances carried forward**|**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Total Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
254,822
3,790
37,398
-
296,010
714
-
40,124
-
40,838
53,835
-
-
-
53,835
5,334
-
94
-
5,428
314,705
3,790
77,616
-
396,111
213,064
9,155
68,972
-
291,191
213,064
9,155
68,972
-
291,191
101,641
(5,365)
8,644
-
104,920
(94,094)
104,594
(10,500)
-
-
7,547
99,229
(1,856)
-
104,920
145,785
346,515
17,954
268,950
779,204
153,332
445,744
16,098
268,950
884,124
**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|
22
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **8. Income Prior Year Comparatives**
|**e Prior Year Comparatives**||
|---|---|
|**For the year ended 31st December 2024**
**(Restated)**
Donations
Regular giving
Gift aid
Grants - Access to Work
**Donations, Legacies and Grants**
Tenant rent
Tenant charges
Sundry receipts
**Charitable activities**
Rental income
**Other trading activities**
Investments
**Investment income**
**Total income**|**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
40,280
-
6,949
-
47,229
173,821
3,790
-
-
177,611
40,721
-
1,479
-
42,200
-
-
28,970
-
28,970
**Unrestricted**|
||254,822
3,790
37,398
-
296,010|
||-
-
36,086
-
36,086
-
-
4,038
-
4,038
714
-
-
-
714|
||714
-
40,124
-
40,838|
||53,835
-
-
-
53,835|
||53,835
-
-
-
53,835|
||5,334
-
94
-
5,428|
||5,334
-
94
-
5,428|
|||
||314,705
3,790
77,616
-
396,111|
23
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **9. Expenditure Prior Year Comparatives**
|**For the year ended 31st December 2024**
**(Restated)**
**Direct Costs**
Ministry Staff Costs
Minister Housing Costs
Children, Youth & Families
Creative
Discipleship & Outreach
Fellowship & Hospitality
**Ministry**
Baptist Missionary Society
Webnet Partnership in Mission
Claire Hodgson (Go MAD UK)
Hong Kong Network Minister
Other Mission Giving
**Mission Giving**
Empowerment Worker Staff Costs
Annual Franchise Fee
Furnishings & Household Goods
Property Maintenance & Repair
Property Rental & Insurance
Tenant Support
**Hope Into Action Houses**
**Total Direct Costs**
**Support Costs**
Administration Staff Costs
Accounts & Audit Fees
Bank & Merchant Fees
Consultants
Equipment Expensed
IT & Telecoms
Office Costs & Sundries
Subscriptions
Training & Staff Development
Travel Costs
**Administration**
Council Tax
Depreciation
Insurances
Landlord Costs
Maintenance & Repair
Service Contracts
Utilities
**Property**
**Total Support Costs**
**Total Expenditure**|**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
76,458
-
-
-
76,458
11,512
-
-
-
11,512
8,010
-
-
-
8,010
4,813
-
-
-
4,813
1,254
-
-
-
1,254
4,267
-
-
-
4,267
**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|
||106,314
-
-
-
106,314|
||10,000
-
-
-
10,000
12,000
-
-
-
12,000
4,956
-
-
-
4,956
600
-
-
-
600
4,548
-
-
-
4,548|
||32,104
-
-
-
32,104|
||-
-
9,270
-
9,270
-
-
1,200
-
1,200
-
-
225
-
225
-
-
2,777
-
2,777
-
-
10,392
-
10,392
-
102
-
-
102|
||-
102
23,864
-
23,966|
|||
||138,418
102
23,864
-
162,384|
||12,957
-
28,970
-
41,927
3,835
-
-
-
3,835
227
-
130
-
357
-
-
5,194
-
5,194
16
-
140
-
156
1,875
-
829
-
2,704
2,148
18
543
-
2,709
1,076
-
330
-
1,406
1,080
-
180
-
1,260
205
-
176
-
381|
||23,419
18
36,492
-
59,929|
||338
-
3,700
-
4,038
-
9,035
-
-
9,035
7,815
-
-
-
7,815
3,440
-
-
-
3,440
10,860
-
648
-
11,508
13,429
-
-
-
13,429
15,345
-
4,268
-
19,613|
||51,227
9,035
8,616
-
68,878|
|||
||74,646
9,053
45,108
-
128,807|
|||
||213,064
9,155
68,972
-
291,191|
24
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **10. Tangible Fixed Assets**
|**Asset under**
**construction **
**Cost or valuation**
£
At 1st January 2025
-
Additions
-
Disposals
-
At 31st December 2025
-
**Depreciation/Amortisation**
At 1st January 2025
-
Charge for the year
-
Eliminated on disposal
-
At 31st December 2025
-
**Net Book Values**
At 31st December 2025
-
At 31st December 2024
-|**Church**
**Building**
**Land &**
**Fixtures &**
**Equipment &**
**Improvements**
**Buildings**
**fittings**
**Systems**
**Total**
£
£
£
£
£
327,698
268,950
4,247
34,118
635,013
101,103
-
22,134
90,940
214,177
-
-
-
(8,097)
(8,097)|
|---|---|
||
428,801
268,950
26,381
116,961
841,093|
||
26,318
-
3,179
26,842
56,339
31,864
-
349
6,316
38,529
-
-
-
(8,097)
(8,097)|
||
58,182
-
3,528
25,061
86,771|
|||
||
370,619
268,950
22,853
91,900
754,322|
|||
||
301,380
268,950
1,068
7,276
578,674|
The disposal relates to the replacement and removal of obsolete audiovisual equipment during the year.
## **11. Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year**
|Other debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Trade debtors
**12. Creditors : Amounts falling due within one year**
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
Trade creditors
**Deferred income reconciliation**
Balance brought forward
Amounts released to the statement of financial activities
Amounts deferred in the year
Balance carried forward|2025
£
5,647
9,411
8,501
3,857
27,416
2025
£
3,802
6,077
1,302
587
11,768
989
(989)
1,302
1,302|2024
£
2,577
8,822
9,711
-|
|---|---|---|
|||21,110|
|||2024
£
1,132
9,086
989
278|
|||11,485|
|||1,348
(1,348)
989|
|||989|
25
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **13. Movement in Funds**
|||**At 1st January**|**Income and**|**Expenditure**|**At**|**31st December**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**2025**|**gains**|**and losses**|**Transfers**|**2025**|
|||£|£|£|£|£|
|**Endowment Funds**|||||||
|Capital Fund|E*|268,950|-|-|-|268,950|
|**Restricted Funds**|||||||
|Building Project Fund|R-Building F|3,279|50,670|(24,131)|(29,818)|-|
|HIA House 1|R-HIA Dodi|(4,067)|17,852|(21,621)|-|(7,836)|
|HIA House 2|R-HIA Vass|16,886|15,715|(14,259)|(14,028)|4,314|
|Access to Work Grant Fund|R-Access to|-|32,007|(32,007)|-|-|
|**Total Restricted Funds**||16,098|116,244|(92,018)|(43,846)|(3,522)|
|**Unrestricted Designated Funds**|||||||
|Missionary Fund|D-Missiona|47,350|-|-|-|47,350|
|Building Project Fund|D-Building|85,000|-|(140)|(67,852)|17,008|
|Fixed Assets|D-Fixed Ass|309,724|-|(38,529)|209,508|480,703|
|HIA Support & Enrichment Fund|D-HIA Supp|3,670|6,259|(2,762)|-|7,167|
|**Total Unrestricted Designated Funds**||445,744|6,259|(41,431)|141,656|552,228|
|**Unrestricted Funds**|||||||
|General Funds|G*|153,332|273,740|(213,899)|(97,810)|115,363|
||||||||
|**Total Funds**||884,124|396,243|(347,348)|-|933,019|
|**Notes on Fund Transfers**|||||||
## **Transfer from Restricted Building Fund & Designated Building Fund to Designated Fixed Assets Fund**
Transfers were made from the Restricted Building Fund and the Designated Building Fund to the Designated Fixed Assets Fund to reflect the capital expenditure incurred during the year in connection with the building project. These transfers represent the cost of fixed assets added to the fixed asset register that were funded from both restricted income and trustee‑designated funds.
## **Transfer from General Funds to Designated Fixed Assets Fund**
A transfer was made from General Funds to the Designated Fixed Assets Fund to reflect the cost of fixed asset additions during the year that were funded from unrestricted resources. The designated fund, plus the endowment funds, represents the net book value of the charity’s tangible fixed assets.
## **Transfer from Restricted HIA House 2 Funds to Designated Fixed Assets Fund**
A transfer was made from Restricted HIA House 2 Funds to the Designated Fixed Assets Fund to reflect capital expenditure incurred during the year on the HIA House 2 property. As this expenditure fulfilled the restricted purposes of the fund, the corresponding amount was transferred to the Designated Fixed Assets Fund, which represents the net book value of the charity’s tangible fixed assets.
## **Transfer from Restricted HIA House 2 to General Funds (£10,500)**
A transfer of £10,500 was made from Restricted HIA House 2 to General Funds to reflect the agreed annual rental charge for the use of the manse by the HIA project. As the restricted purpose had been fulfilled through occupation of the property, the restricted funds were released to unrestricted income in line with the agreed rate set by the trustees.
26
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **13. Movement in Funds (Continued) - Prior Year**
|**Endowment Funds**
Capital Fund
**Restricted Funds**
Building Project Fund
HIA House 1
HIA House 2
Access to Work Grant Fund
**Total Restricted Funds**
**Unrestricted Designated Funds**
Missionary Fund
Building Project Fund
Fixed Assets
HIA Support & Enrichment Fund
**Total Unrestricted Designated Funds**
**Unrestricted Funds**
General Funds
**Total Funds**|**At 1st January**
**Income and**
**Expenditure**
**At 31st December**
**2024**
**gains**
**and losses**
**Transfers**
**2024**
£
£
£
£
£
268,950
-
-
-
268,950
-
8,473
(5,194)
-
3,279
415
17,130
(21,612)
-
(4,067)
17,539
23,043
(13,196)
(10,500)
16,886
-
28,970
(28,970)
-
-
17,954
77,616
(68,972)
(10,500)
16,098
47,350
-
-
-
47,350
-
-
-
85,000
85,000
299,165
-
(9,035)
19,594
309,724
-
3,790
(120)
-
3,670
346,515
3,790
(9,155)
104,594
445,744
145,785
314,705
(213,064)
(94,094)
153,332
779,204
396,111
(291,191)
-
884,124|
|---|---|
## **Purpose of Funds**
## **Endowment Funds**
**Capital Fund**
This relates to the two church manses.
**Restricted Funds**
**Building Project Fund**
This has been set-up as the source of income for the redevelopment of the Fishponds Baptist Church buildings. This will include changes to the building such as new heating system, sanctuary refurbishment, etc.
## **HIA House 1**
This fund has been established to support the setup and ongoing work of empowering individuals as they transition from homelessness, providing them with stable housing and a supportive community in our first Hope into Action house. The tenants are individuals who have overcome addictions and are now rebuilding their lives within the community, supported by stable housing and meaningful relationships. The trustees acknowledge that the fund is in deficit, however there is future anticipated income to cover the deficit.
## **HIA House 2**
As above - our second Hope into Action house. A transfer of £10,500 was made from this fund in lieu of rent paid to the church, who own the building.
## **Access to Work Grant Fund**
This fund was set-up to support the post of Ministerial Assistant, funded by an Access to Work Grant from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
## **Designated Funds**
## **Missionary Fund**
A large (unrestricted) gift was received by the church some years ago. The trustees resolved that these funds be designated for missionary work.
## **Fixed Assets**
This fund represents the value of fixed assets, apart from the manses which are held in Endowment Funds. The fund is not available for general expenditure as it represents the book value of non‑liquid assets which have been transferred into this fund.
## **Building Project Fund**
This represents commitment of free reserves against the cost of redevelopment of the Fishponds Baptist Church buildings, alongside that of the restricted fund.
**HIA Support & Enrichment Fund** This fund is for the support and enrichment of tenants in the Hope into Action houses. It is funded through donations to the project (designated by trustees) and expenditure is managed through the Project Lead and Steering Group.
27
## **FISHPONDS BAPTIST CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## **14. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds**
|**As at 31st December 2025**
Fixed Assets
Other Net Assets
Total Funds
**As at 31st December 2024**
Fixed Assets
Other Net Assets
Total Funds|**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2025**
£
£
£
£
£
-
480,703
-
268,950
749,653
115,363
71,525
(3,522)
-
183,366
**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|
||115,363
552,228
(3,522)
268,950
933,019|
||**General**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024**
£
£
£
£
£
-
309,724
-
268,950
578,674
153,332
136,020
16,098
-
305,450
**Unrestricted**|
||153,332
445,744
16,098
268,950
884,124|
Total free reserves for the year are considered to be £115,363 - the total of unrestricted funds not committed to fixed assets, or other designated purposes. The trustees’ target free reserves level is £66,466 (based on 3 months of operating costs).
## **15. Related Parties**
There are no transactions with trustees or other related parties other than those disclosed as required by SORP elsewhere in the financial statements for 2025 nor 2024.
The Trustees, key management and related parties made donations to the charity during the year of £31,350 (2024 - £25,478).
## **16. Operating Leases**
The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases :
|Payable within one year
Payable after one year
Total payable|2025
£
10,000
25,000
35,000|2024
Restated
£
10,000
35,000|
|---|---|---|
|||45,000|
This represents the lease of the property for the HIA House 1 project. The initial term began June 2019 for five years. This was extended in June 2024 for a further five years - ending June 2029.
## **17. Prior Year Reclassifications**
Certain 2024 comparative income and expenditure captions have been reclassified to improve presentation and to ensure
consistency with the current year’s analysis. These reclassifications do not affect the 2024 net movement in funds or closing fund balances; they are shown as “Restated” solely to highlight the reclassification.
28
Audit Trail
## **Document Details**
|**Title**
2025 Financial Statements|**Title**
2025 Financial Statements||
|---|---|---|
|**File Name**
FBC|Annual Accounts 2025.pdf||
|**Document ID**
32710fb57cfc40c6a77d95f60aa289a7|||
|**Fingerprint**
c9f8f55b2f62f3903d9053d9c9f0ac57|||
|**Status**
Completed|||
|**Document History**|||
|**Document Created**|Document Created by Burton Sweet (accounts@burton-sweet.co.uk)
Fingerprint: 488bd08691f1e7f122af25643511b08|May 18 2026
07:59AM UTC|
|**Document Sent**|Document Sent to Mark Madavan (mark@fshpondsbaptist.uk)|May 18 2026
07:59AM UTC|
|**Document Viewed**|Document Viewed by Mark Madavan (mark@fshpondsbaptist.uk)
IP: 213.106.109.73|May 18 2026
01:44PM UTC|
|**Document Viewed**|Document Viewed by Mark Madavan (mark@fshpondsbaptist.uk)
IP: 85.210.241.2|May 18 2026
01:44PM UTC|
||Document Signed by Mark Madavan (mark@fshpondsbaptist.uk)||
||IP: 213.106.109.73||
|**Document Signed**||May 18 2026
01:48PM UTC|
|**Document Sent**|Document Sent to Jason TInley (it@fshpondsbaptist.uk)|May 18 2026
01:48PM UTC|
|**Document Viewed**|Document Viewed by Jason TInley (it@fshpondsbaptist.uk)
IP: 87.115.56.237|May 18 2026
04:10PM UTC|
|**Document Viewed**|Document Viewed by Jason TInley (it@fshpondsbaptist.uk)
IP: 85.210.241.13|May 18 2026
04:10PM UTC|
||Document Signed by Jason TInley (it@fshpondsbaptist.uk)||
||IP: 87.115.56.237||
|**Document Signed**||May 18 2026
04:11PM UTC|
|**Document Sent**|Document Sent to Joshua Kingston (josh.kingston@burton-sweet.co.uk)|May 18 2026
04:11PM UTC|
|---|---|---|
|**Document Viewed**|Document Viewed by Joshua Kingston (josh.kingston@burton-sweet.co.uk)
IP: 86.31.170.16|May 18 2026
07:37PM UTC|
|**Document Viewed**|Document Viewed by Joshua Kingston (josh.kingston@burton-sweet.co.uk)
IP: 85.210.240.79|May 18 2026
07:37PM UTC|
||Document Signed by Joshua Kingston (josh.kingston@burton-sweet.co.uk)||
||IP: 86.31.170.16||
|**Document Signed**||May 18 2026
07:38PM UTC|
|**Document**|This document has been completed.|May 18 2026|
|**Completed**|Fingerprint: c9f8f55b2f62f3903d9053d9c9f0ac57|07:38PM UTC|
||||