Charity number: 1131868
ADEYFIELD FREE CHURCH HEMEL HEMPSTEAD UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
31ST MARCH 2024
Adeyfield Free Church URC
CONTENTS
| CONTENTS | PAGES |
|---|---|
| Trustees and officers | 3 |
| Annual Report | 4 to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Statements | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements account | 9 to 13 |
Adeyfield Free Church URC
Directors and Officers
| Charity Number | 1131868 | |
|---|---|---|
| The board of Trustees | Reverend P Stein | |
| H Lewis | ||
| S Ford | ||
| P Stuart | ||
| P Annison | ||
| D Kerry | ||
| B Jackson | Resigned 2023 | |
| S Grimsdale | ||
| Y Davis | Appointed April 2024 | |
| Church secretary | H Lewis | |
| Registered office | Adeyfield Free Church Centre | |
| Maylands Avenue | ||
| Hemel Hempstead | ||
| Hertfordshire | ||
| HP2 4GZ | ||
| Accountants | Gilberts | |
| Chartered Accountants | ||
| & Registered Auditors | ||
| Pendragon House | ||
| 65 London Road | ||
| St Albans | ||
| Hertfordshire | ||
| AL1 1LJ |
Adeyfield Free Church URC
Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
Administrative Information
Adeyfield Free Church (Registered Charity No. 1131868) is a local church of the United Reformed Church in Great Britain (URC), and is a member church of Thames North Synod of the URC. It operates in conformity with their Scheme of Union and Governing Document as well as a local constitution (recently undated). At local level activities are under the direction of church meeting consisting of 45 members who have affirmed their Christian faith and support the objectives of the church.
Adeyfield Free Church continue to feel the impact of the substantial increase in utility costs and the effects of the current Cost of Living on the whole country.
The Church Office telephone number is 01442 260175 and 07933 570594
The members of the Elders' Meeting for the time being are recognised as the charity trustees. Those who served this year are as follows:
Minister: Rev Paul Stein (50 % scoping with St George's URC, Hemel Hempstead) Church Secretary: Heather Lewis
Elder: Shirley Ford —Treasurer Elder: Penny Stuart Elder: Pamela Annison Elder: Dave Kerry Elder: Brian Jackson Elder: Sue Grimsdale
Structure and Governance
Church Meetings are held bi-monthly in addition to an Annual General Meeting. During this year the Trustees (Elders) have held meetings approximately once a month, with additional meetings to update our constitution and to discuss the future of the church and fundraising. These meetings take the format of time for prayer and then the business needed to progress the many tasks required to administer our building alongside any other activities and church related matters.
The Elders are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit (contained in Charity Commission publication "The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit") and has regard to it in the administration of the Church. The Elders believe that the Church provides benefit to the public by:
• providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiritual, moral and intellectual development, both for the congregation and for anyone else who wishes to benefit from what the Church offers
• promoting Christian values and service by members of the congregation to the community, for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
Rev Paul Stein has been our pastor since November 2022. AFC share Paul with our sister church St George's URC.
Public worship is held in person each Sunday in the worship hall and small groups have continued to meet either in individuals houses or using one of the church meeting rooms. The church has seen activities for young people, children and outreach to the community continue to evolve this year and it has been a joy to see more young people once again frequenting the building.
Adeyfield Free Church URC
Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
Review of Activities
As a local congregation of the United Reformed Church, Adeyfield Free Church seeks to advance the Christian religion through its activities and the facilities offered to the community by its building, and described more specifically in its mission statement as 'Love Jesus, Love each other and Love our community”.
Members of the church and adherents meet on Sunday mornings for worship, including communion on the second Sunday of the month. Young people’s groups meet during the service times. Once a month we hold an all age service often celebrating occasions like Mother’s day or Harvest Sunday, Nativity and Christingle. Various mid-week small groups, meeting either weekly or fortnightly, encourage people to spend time in a social setting where the Bible is studied and pastoral needs are prayed for.
In March 2024 we opened our Community Space adjacent to the reception area. This is open to the community on two days per week as a ‘Meet & Eat’ offering refreshments, a warm space, toddler play area, toy library and space for crafts and activities. One day per week a ‘Senior Pals’ group meets here for refreshments and activities. We hope to extend the use of this area over the next few years.
Fingerprints, our well established Christian pre-school and nursery, has had an increase in attendance of children this year, especially from the new housing local to the building. Counselling at AFC continues to establish itself in the community as an affordable counselling service.
We continue to support local charity, Playskill, who have their head office in our building and hold weekly sessions in term time working with children 0 to 5 years with physical disability needs. Cubs and Beavers continue to meet in the building and the groups are weII attended. The church was asked to run additional events for Easter and Christmas for cubs and beavers from across Hemel Hempstead. Additional groups are planned, including Squirrels which cater for 4-6 year olds.
The church partners with Expressions Academy, an organisation which runs various activities from our building including Art socials, Bible journalling, Fitsteps dance classes and a Rock-a-bye Babies group for young mothers. They hope to run more holiday clubs and activities for young people in the future.
The carers' and toddlers' 'stay and play' group, Little Fish, continues to flourish and has recently started a waiting list for those wishing to attend. They hope to be able to run an additional session soon.This year we have supported Hightown Housing with an event for our local community. Other community events include celebration meals for Christmas and a summer BBQ. It is hoped to open up for more community based activities. The AFC Centre also provides spaces for many community activities run by outside groups including U3A and fitness classes.
Our pastor and the pastoral team oversee pastoral care and support for members and their families as well as for individuals and groups in the wider community. Several groups sponsored by the church include a majority of people who are not otherwise connected with the church.
Adeyfield Free Church is a member of Churches Together in Hemel Hempstead and links with other churches in supporting initiatives including Pray Hemel, which meets monthly at different venues, Other community projects include Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Dacorum Emergency Night Shelter (DENS), Foodbank and Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub. Support continues for individuals and organizations elsewhere in the UK and abroad with similar mission objectives of promoting the Christian gospel and serving those in need.
Redevelopment of Adeyfield Church
We continue to be grateful to North Thames Synod for their ongoing guidance, help and support both financially and in practical matters.
Adeyfield Free Church URC
Independent Examiner's Report to the Elders of Adeyfield United Reformed Church
I report on the accounts of the Church for the year ended 30 April 2024, which are set out on pages 4 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of Elders and examiner
The church's Elders are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The church's Elders consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the church and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Elders concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no audit opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements
-
of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Pendragon House 65 London Road St. Albans Hertfordshire AL1 1LJ
Richard Hattrell Gilberts Chartered Accountant
Dated 31 Janaury 2025
Adeyfield Free Church URC Statement of Financial Activities For the period ended 31st March 2024
| Note Income from : Donations from regular offerings 2 Other donations and grants 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total Income Expenditure on : Charitable activities Support of outside causes 8 Ministry and mission 9 Activities directly relating to MANSE running costs the work of the Church 10 Church Running costs 11 Total Expenditure Net Income for the Period Gains and Losses on Investments Unrealised gains / (losses) Net Movement in Funds Fund transfers Balance brought forward at 1st April 13 Balance carried forward at 31st March 13 |
2024 Unrestricted & Designated Funds £ 53,232 85,055 - 38,765 367 177,419 8,936 45,025 2,475 6,021 88,509 150,965 26,454 - 26,454 1,015 78,781 106,250 |
2024 Restricted Funds £ 4,975 31,041 - - - 36,016 - - - - 32,631 32,631 3,385 - 3,385 1,119 28,148 32,652 |
2024 Total Funds £ 58,207 116,097 - 38,765 367 213,436 8,936 45,025 2,475 6,021 121,140 183,596 29,840 - 29,840 2,134 106,929 138,903 |
2023 Total Funds £ 62,254 16,942 - 32,737 111,933 8,743 42,564 2094 3,836 77,697 134,933 (23,000) - (23,000) 10,316 119,613 106,929 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
All recognised gains and losses for the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.
The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these accounts.
Adeyfield Free Church URC Balance Sheet As at 31st March 2024
| Note Current Assets Stocks Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities: Amounts falling due within one year 15 Net Current Assets Net Assets Funds 16 Unrestricted Restricted |
2,950 138,903 141,852 - |
2024 £ 141,852 141,852 109,076 32,776 141,852 |
5,161 106,929 112,090 - |
2023 £ 112,090 112,090 82,699 29,391 112,090 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Approved by the Elders on 28 Janaury 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
P Stein - Elder
P Stuart - Elder
The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these accounts.
Adeyfield Free Church URC Notes to the Financial Statements For the period ended 31st March 2024
1 Accounting Policies
a) Basis of Preparation
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015) and the Charities SORP applicable to Smaller Charities. They are prepared under historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.
b) Income
Voluntary income
-
Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the church.
-
Planned giving receivable under gift aid is recognised only when received.
-
Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
-
Grants and legacies to the church are accounted for only when received.
-
Funds raised by the church are accounted for gross.
Other income
Rental income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the rental is due.
Income from investments
Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable. Tax recoverable on such income is recognised in the same accounting year.
Gains and losses on investments
Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at the balance sheet date.
c) Expenditure
Allocation of expenditure
Expenditure is charged directly to the appropriate category where possible. Certain items of office overhead costs which cannot be allocated directly are apportioned between the categories on a basis reflecting the estimated split of resources used.
d) Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the church elders in the furtherance of its general objectives.
Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restriction imposed by donors or by the purpose of the appeal.
f) Investments
Investments are valued at market value at the balance sheet date, and are kept up to date such that when investments are sold there is no gain or loss arising. As a result the Statement of Financial Activities only includes unrealised gains and losses arising from the revaluation of the investment portfolio throughout the year.
g) Current Assets
Amounts owing to the church at the balance sheet date in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
Cash at bank includes short term deposits held either with the Lloyds and Santander.
Adeyfield Free Church URC Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the period ended 31st March 2024
| 2 Donations from regular offerings Planned giving: Offerings and gift aid donations Income tax recoverable on gift aid 3 Other donations and grants Donations and grants received Monies raised for named causes Synod Support Refund Salaries 4 Charitable activities Trading Income 5 Other trading activities Church lettings Manse income 6 Income from Investments Interest and dividends 7 MANSE running costs Council Tax, Water rates, Gas and Electricity Manse maintenance & Expenses Manse insurance |
2024 Unrestricted & Designated Funds £ 41,932 11,300 53,232 10,569 8,470 65,000 1,016 85,055 - 38,765 - 38,765 367 367 Unrestricted Funds £ 2,475 - - 2,475 |
2024 Restricted Funds £ 1,980 2,995 4,975 21,041 10,000 - - 31,041 - - - - - - Restricted Funds £ - - - - |
2024 Total Funds £ 43,912 14,295 58,207 31,611 18,470 65,000 1,016 116,097 - 38,765 - 38,765 367 367 2024 Total Funds £ 2,475 - - 2,475 |
2023 Total Funds £ 53,468 8,786 62,254 10,742 6,186 - 14 16,942 - 32,737 - 32,737 - - 2023 Total Funds £ 2,094 - - 2,094 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adeyfield Free Church URC Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the period ended 31st March 2024
| 8 Support of outside causes DENS Discovery Expressions Christians Against Poverty Youth Across Hemel Evangelical Alliance Hardship Good News for All Tearfund Through the Roof Coffeemates Churches Together Samaritan's Purse Community Action Daniel Gitau Joel & Claire Harri Paul & Rose Harvey Community Hire Donation Refund Named Causes 9 Ministry and mission costs Ministry & Mission Fund Ministry expenses 10 Activities directly relating to the work of the Church Youth & Children's activities Worship and Teaching Social Ministry & Church Events Beavers and Cubs |
2024 Unrestricted & Designated Funds 220 1,075 122 1,800 700 80 - 150 200 150 150 40 179 - 800 1,650 1,525 95 8,936 8,936 40,084 4,940 45,025 470 602 1,964 2,985 6,021 |
2024 Restricted Funds - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
2024 Total Funds 220 1,075 122 1,800 700 80 - 150 200 150 150 40 179 - 800 1,650 1,525 95 8,936 8,936 40,084 4,940 45,025 470 602 1,964 2,985 6,021 |
2023 Total Funds 290 1,138 340 1,800 - 80 - 80 200 150 150 - - - 800 1,850 1,525 340 8,743 8,743 35,350 7,213 42,564 299 442 451 2,645 3,836 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adeyfield Free Church URC Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the period ended 31st March 2024
| 11 Church Running costs Service Charge Health and Safety General Maintenance + Contracts Cleaning Gas/Electricity Insurance Water Church/Cafe Business Rates Telephone Cleaning Supplies Stationery and photocopying Other admin expenses Website and Social Media Licences and music Payroll / Pension Fees / PAYE Tax Ch Improvements/Café Admin/Cln/Ctr Mgr Pay |
2024 Unrestricted & Designated Funds 6,573 1,109 5,307 - 32,208 3,177 881 2,303 1,473 348 2,278 491 405 723 1,914 2,153 27,166 88,509 |
2024 Restricted Funds - - 793 - - - - - - 290 - - - - - 31,548 - 32,631 |
2024 Restricted Funds 6,573 1,109 6,100 - 32,208 3,177 881 2,303 1,473 638 2,278 491 405 723 1,914 33,701 27,166 121,140 |
2023 Total Funds 4,715 1,650 7,844 329 18,739 2,804 597 6,862 1,360 329 554 2,618 536 628 487 7,729 19,915 77,697 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
12 Tangible Fixed Assets for Church Use
The manse at 78 Poynders Hill was sold by the trust in August 2022. The proceeds of this sale are lodged with URC Thames North Synod Trust. The church building at Maylands Avenue was handed over to the church on 20[th] December 2019. The building is vested in URC Thames North Synod Trust as trustees and is not a church asset. The building is held on a 999 year lease from Hightown Housing Association. The Shell and Core of the building is insured by the landlord. Tenant’s Improvements to the building is valued for insurance purposes at £3,908,428 and is insured by the church. The church contents are insured, by the church, for £115,452.
13 MONETARY ASSETS
The church monies are not held in segregated accounts, but for the sake of this financial statement the total of each account is allocated appropriately over the various funds.
| Alliance & Leicester Lloyds TSB Current #1 Deposit Account 14 Debtors Other debtors Gift Aid recoverable Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 £ 83,646 55,257 - 138,903 2024 £ - 2,950 - 2,950 |
2023 £ 47,601 6,583 52,745 106,929 2023 £ - 5,161 - 5,161 |
|---|---|---|
Adeyfield Free Church URC Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For the period ended 31st March 2024
| 15 Statement of Funds Unrestricted Funds General fund Designated funds AFCC Inc Names Causes Youth Fund Total unrestricted funds Restricted Funds Building Fund Total restricted funds Total funds |
1 April 2023 £ 14,414 14,137 6,042 48,106 82,699 29,391 29,391 112,090 |
Income £ 157,399 7,379 12,561 - 177,339 36,016 36,016 213,355 |
Expenditure £ (139,455) - (11,507) - (150,962) (32,631) (32,631) (183,593) |
Fund trfs £ 21,516 (21,516) - - - - - |
Inv. gains £ - - - - - - - |
31 March 2024 £ 53,874 - 7,096 48,106 109,076 32,776 32,776 141,852 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Designated Funds
Designated Funds represent unrestricted funds set aside by the church for specific designated purposes; they can be transferred back into general funds at the church's decision.
Restricted Funds
The restricted funds all derive from bequests to the church, which had restrictions to be applied to the uses of the funds. These are as follows:-
Building fund - to be used for the maintenance of the church building.
The restricted funds are wholly represented by cash and other net current assets.