Pastor’s Report 2023
Yet again, it has been my privilege and responsibility to lead you spiritually and pastorally in worship, study, and prayer each week as we continue to stand firm on the rock-solid foundations of God’s Word.
God continued to bless us richly, as we delved into His Word and shared series on ‘The Four Servant Songs, The Holy Spirit, various Old Testament Characters, and The Lord’s Prayer,’ to name but a few.
Our weekly Bible studies at Hanover Court continued to thrive, as we grow both spiritually and numerically. Our Lent Studies on ‘Magnificent Jesus’ prepared us individually and corporately, for a wonderful time of worship over the Easter period. Further series on the Holy Spirit, and The Lord’s Prayer, challenged us, I believe, to reflect on our own individual faith journeys. Our Advent study, on ‘Mary’s Voice,’ was encouraging as so many of you wanted to read the same book at (almost) the same time and be so blessed as we discussed each chapter alongside the videos and questions provided.
We often talk about our faith being a journey, and it was that heading we chose to reflect on at our Quiet Day in August, entitled ‘Come, Journey with Jesus,’ complete with a massive labyrinth to follow and reflect on, without getting lost! God is awesome, and it was an amazing day as we are reassured, we do not journey alone.
We centre everything we do on prayer, and we have much to praise God and be thankful for, as we meet God in the ordinary and extra-ordinary of our lives each Monday. Being able to pray for one another builds trust and confidence in our community, and to offer those words ‘can I pray for you,’ is love in action.
Pastoral visiting continues to be a major part of my time both responding to those who are in care or hospital, and being invited into your homes; as well as meeting new friends and being involved in organisations beyond our congregation. In that, we have seen growth in attendance and fellowship. It was so encouraging to welcome six friends into Church Membership during the year. It was both a joy and a privilege to lead the service at church, in April, for two of our friends celebrating 50 years of marriage by renewing their vows in front of their family and friends, in person, and on Zoom from around the world. What a blessed and happy time was shared. Quite of few of you celebrated significant ‘0’ birthdays too, and it was lovely to share in those with you.
It is always a pleasure to be asked to speak at various activities within our church. I always enjoy being invited to speak to our Pre-school children at Easter and Harvest, and this year at Christmas too; they are so enthusiastic and inquisitive, and one never knows quite what is going to happen! Please pray for the staff for all their continued hard work.
It was lovely to share with friends at Wednesday Fellowship as I dug out my ‘treasure,’ old money, and they attempted (unsuccessfully) to teach me about the pre-decimal currency system! Hopefully, hearing about treasure in heaven will remain with us all… Later in the year, we shared ‘Standing Firm in the Lord.’
In May, we welcomed a speaker from MAF – Mission Aviation Fellowship and he explained how their planes deliver help, hope and healing to remote and inaccessible areas. Please continue to pray for their work and the communities they serve.
During the year it was a privilege to lead the funeral services for three of our friends, and
the burial of the ashes of one of our members.
Five of us travelled to Greece in October to follow Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 1618). I for one, now have a better understanding of what Paul encountered, and it has spiritually enhanced my thoughts and teaching in an amazing way.
We concluded our year by leading Carol services at both Hanover and then Hughenden Courts; and being encouraged by an invitation to Trinity Place for the first time. What a blessing and thank you to you all for your welcome. Our own Advent, Carol, Midnight Communion and Christmas Day services were well attended as we celebrated our Lord’s birth together.
As we look forward to another year, seeking and serving our Lord, we do so by being reassured by the strength of what God has blessed us with this year, which has caused us to reflect on our own faith journeys and grow spiritually together. We do not journey alone; we stand firm on the promises of God; and I pray that we would seek to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. We each have a voice, do not be afraid to speak the truth.
God bless, Pastor Sharon
Charity Trustees Report
Maintaining the Church and the manse continues throughout every year. This year included replacing double glazed sealed window units in the church hall and new hand dryers in the toilets.
A full electrical inspection was completed of the complete building.
The Church constitution was updated. We began to review the Pre-school license and the trustees continue to work closely with the Pre-school committee.
The Church / manse legal documents were obtained from the Church’s solicitors and an up-todate list produced for future reference.
Nigel Carpenter
Treasurers Report for Financial Year 1st January to 31st December 2023 for Church AGM 22[nd] May 2024
| for Church AGM 22nd May 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | Inc / Dec | |
| Bank Balances 31st Dec 2023 | |||
| Community Account (Current) | 14,895.63 | 4,786.16 | -10,109.47 |
| Business Premium (Deposit) | 26,031.29 | 12,401.78 | -13,629.51 |
| Nationwide Business Savings | 40,027.74 | 40,027.74 | |
| Total | 40,926.92 | 57,215.68 | 16,288.76 |
| Surplus / Deficit | 2022 | 2023 | Inc / Dec |
| Income | 71,225 | 71,551.53 | 326.53 |
| Expenditure | 55,152 | 55,360.39 | 208.39 |
| Surplus / Deficit | 16,073 | 16,191.14 | 118.14 |
2022 figures, do not include the WRU Manse Mortgage and Personal Loan Purchase of £232,000
| Main sources of income | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | Inc / Dec | |
| Offering without Gift Aid | 17,900 | 18,640 | 740 |
| Offering with Gift Aid | 15,659 | 22,301 | 6,642 |
| Hall Use | 12,137 | 11,936 | -201 |
| Gift Aid Return from HMRC | 7,154 | 8,824 | 1,670 |
| Donations received | 16,356 | 5,250 | -11,106 |
| Wednesday Fellowship Offering | 475 | 538 | 63 |
| Examples of Expenditure | |||
| Donations | 2023 | ||
| DEC Turkey (cash received) | 469 | ||
| From Wednesday Fellowship Income | 200 | ||
| Church Lunch Surplus | 350 | ||
| Missions Sunday | 500 | ||
| WRU Hot Meal Project | 253 | ||
| Donations in blue to be taken from church income | |||
| Tithe Church Income | 2023 | 10% | |
| Weekly Income | 40,941 | ||
| Gift Aid | 8,824 | ||
| Hall Rent | 11,936 | ||
| Total | 61701 | 6,170 | |
| Amount to allocate at May AGM | 5,417 | ||
| Manse Expenses | 2022 | 2023 | Inc / Dec |
| Including Council Tax, Water Rate | |||
| Broadband and Telephone | |||
| Repairs and Renewals | 2,872 | 3,529 | 657 |
| Staff Costs | |||
| Including | |||
| Stipend, Ministers Expenses, | |||
| Visiting Preachers | 20,759 | 21,896 | 1,137 |
| Church Repairs and Renewals | 5,734 | 3,960 | -1,774 |
| Replaced faulty sealed units in hall windows and the hand dryers in the | toilets. | ||
| Cost of work required to comply with regulations after the Electrical Inspection | |||
| in August was £1,856. |
Energy
1,912 2,274 362
2022 donations received £16,356. End of year surplus was £16,703. Taking out donations resulted in a deficit of £283
2023 donations received £5,250. End of year surplus £16,289. taking out donations results results in a surplus of £11,039
Budget for 2024
Factors taken into account in calculating the budget for 2024
Increased figures where necessary by three to four percent.
The amount we pay the WRU for the manse is 60% of the monthly rental value for a similar house. This has remained at 60% of £1300. Rental value has dramatically increased over the past 12 months.
Therefore, the figure used from April 24 could be 60% of £1600, which is £960 an increase of £180 per month
WRU increase on minimum stipend Tithe 2023 church income Estimate for 2024 surplus of £4000
We continue to thank our Lord for his guidance and support in all aspects of the church's finances. I thank everyone for their financial contribution towards the running of the church.
Nigel Carpenter
Wednesday Fellowship Report
Our Wednesday Fellowship Team of Debbie, Sallie, Gill and Bryan plan and organize the meetings with occasional speakers, but mostly creating our own program0me of short services. Since Kathy retired, she has been a regular contributor to our afternoons, as well as other members of the group with prayers, readings and poems. We usually have an interactive activity, so that everyone can join in, and we also sing a couple of hymns, have a time of prayer as well as a Bible Reading, a Poem and a Thought. The other half of the meeting is spent chatting over a cup of tea and a biscuit, as having time to share with each other is so important in our fellowship. We have welcomed new members this year as they have moved in the Housing complexes around the Church, and have been invited by Church members. We regularly have between 18 – 20 men and women attending and this year we have given donations of £100 to Wycliffe Bible Translators and The Bible Society. We find as we plan and share in the meetings that God is blessing us as we use our gifts to serve him in our community. Jack and Chris do a wonderful job picking up people in the Good Neighbour’s Community Bus, so that they can attend our Wednesday afternoons.
Debbie Carpenter
Sunday Lunch Report
We created a new format for Roast Dinners at Church on a Sunday, once a month after Covid. We made it available for all the Church family and people are able to invite friends from their Courts who would appreciate the company and fellowship of sharing a roast dinner together. This has proved extremely popular, with numbers almost reaching 50 each month, and we have now reached our capacity. The weekend starts with vegetable preparation on a Saturday afternoon when people come to prepare the vegetables – we have a mountain to peel, but while we are chatting the job is soon completed, and we always end up with a cup of tea!
On Sunday there is a different team who help to set the tables up, serve the lunch and wash up afterwards. There is plenty of time for people to chat together before, during and after the meal sharing a cup of tea or coffee. Slowly over the months, we have seen some of the people attend church before lunch, and they can see Christian love shown in such a practical way as we eat together as a large Church family. We have a donation box for lunch, and any surplus is given to local charities in High Wycombe, namely Wycombe Women’s Aid, The Homeless Connection and The Food Hub.
Debbie Carpenter
Tea and Cake in the Afternoon Report
One of the cards I received for my birthday just this week featured an olde worlde tea shoppe. The sign above the door read Café Pippa. Tea and Cake isn’t a café, but with our white table cloths, coloured paper napkins and flowers on the tables, we do try to make coming to tea with us a little like having afternoon tea in the prettiest of tea shops. Tea at the Ritz, perhaps? 2023 was a good year for us. Our numbers are growing and our average for the year was 32. In May we blew up balloons, hung bunting, brought out the Union Jacks and celebrated with the rest of the country the coronation of our new King, Charles III, and in December we had a Christmas Party with Christmas cake, stollen and mince pies. In between we had our usual array of homemade cakes, cheese scones, meringues, tea, coffee, and always gluten free cakes for those who want them.
In September we held our Macmillan Tea Party, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Care. This year we raised an amazing £382.75. As ever we are humbled by the generosity of our guests and so grateful to everyone who came, donated, ate cakes and, in many cases, couldn’t come, but made a donation anyway.
Many thanks are due to the ‘team’ who help every month, making cakes, making and serving tea and coffee, setting up tables and chairs, clearing away afterwards, loading and unloading the dishwasher – the list is endless. We’re grateful to you all. Thanks too, to the ladies who arrive with an unexpected cake to add to those on the tables – everything is welcome! – and to Jack who drives the Community Bus, which transports those of our guests who would otherwise be unable to come – and to Debbie who organises that bit for us. Tea and Cake couldn’t operate without any of these things – you make it what it is.
So, if you like cake, meeting friends and making new ones, Tea and Cake is the place for you. Second Wednesday of the month, 2.30 in the afternoon, in the Church Hall.
See you! Pippa Wood
Men’s Breakfast Report
We regularly have 6 to 8 for men’s breakfast, where we always enjoy mouth-watering bacon rolls, tea and coffee. After breakfast (and light-hearted banter!) and then we settle down to the serious business of watching and then discussing interesting and topical DVDs.
During the last year we have watched DVDs by Jeff Lucas, namely “There are no ordinary people”, which is a poignant reflection on how we can live life as everyday heroes. Having completed that DVD we are now following another further publication by Jeff Lucas, “There are no strong people”, which looks at the life of Samson.
We extend a welcome to any gentleman to join us at 8.30am on the last Saturday morning of each month (to be advised).
Tony
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1132405
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 FOR HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
Tax assist Accountants 13 The Highway Station Road Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP91QQ
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 2 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 3 |
| Balance Sheet | 4 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 5 to 8 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005.
Reference and administrative details
Registered Charity number 1132405
Principal address
43 Penn Road Hazlemere High Wycombe HP157LS
Trustees
Nigel W.G. Carpenter Michelle Y. Rouyer Guillet Stephen P. Cossins Joanna K. Morton Kathryn A. Dawkings Deborah C. Carpenter
Independent examiner
Tax assist Accountants 13 The Highway Station Road Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP91QQ
Structure, governance and management Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
Page 1
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages three to eight.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I have examined your charity's accounts as required under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
-
that accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
that the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; or
-
that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
Tax assist Accountants 13 The Highway Station Road Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP91QQ
Date: .............................................
Page 2
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total funds | ||
| fund | |||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Incoming resources | |||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | |||
| Voluntary income | 67,736 | 70,205 | |
| Investment income | 2 | 398 | 25 |
| Total incoming resources | 68,134 | 70,230 | |
| Resources expended | |||
| Charitable activities | |||
| Charitable activity | 64,528 | 64,342 | |
| Net incoming resources | 3,606 | 5,888 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 199,687 | 193,799 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 203,293 | 199,687 |
Continuing operations
All incoming resources and resources expended arise from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 3
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total funds | ||
| fund | |||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 4 | 378,945 | 391,531 |
| Current assets | |||
| Cash at bank | 57,216 | 40,927 | |
| Creditors | |||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 5 | (232,868) | (232,771) |
| Net current assets/(liabilities) | (175,652) | (191,844) | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 203,293 | 199,687 | |
| Net assets | 203,293 | 199,687 | |
| Funds | 6 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 203,293 | 199,687 | |
| Total funds | 203,293 | 199,687 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 4
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. Accounting policies
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Freehold Property - 50 years Improvements to Property - 20 years
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. Investment income
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Investment income | 398 | 25 |
3. Trustees' remuneration and benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Page 5
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 4. Tangible fixed assets Freehold property Improvemen ts to property £ £ Cost At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 361,181 107,231 Depreciation At 1 January 2023 43,344 33,537 Charge for year 7,224 5,362 At 31 December 2023 50,568 38,899 Net book value At 31 December 2023 310,613 68,332 At 31 December 2022 317,837 73,694 5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2023 £ Taxation and social security 719 Other creditors 232,149 232,868 6. Movement in funds |
Totals £ 468,412 76,881 12,586 89,467 378,945 391,531 2022 £ 622 232,149 232,771 |
|---|---|
| At 1/1/23 Net movement in funds At £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 199,687 3,606 TOTAL FUNDS 199,687 3,606 |
31/12/23 £ 203,293 203,293 |
|---|---|
Page 6
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6. Movement in funds - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement in |
|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | funds |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 68,134 |
(64,528) | 3,606 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 68,134 |
(64,528) | 3,606 |
| Comparatives for movement in funds | ||
| Net | ||
| movement in | ||
| At 1/1/22 | funds | At 31/12/22 |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted Funds | ||
| General fund 193,799 |
5,888 | 199,687 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 193,799 |
5,888 | 199,687 |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement in |
| resources | expended | funds |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 70,230 |
(64,342) | 5,888 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 70,230 |
(64,342) | 5,888 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| At 1/1/22 Net movement in funds At £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 193,799 9,494 TOTAL FUNDS 193,799 9,494 |
31/12/23 £ 203,293 203,293 |
|---|---|
Page 7
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6. Movement in funds - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 138,364 | (128,870) | 9,494 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 138,364 | (128,870) | 9,494 |
Page 8
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Incoming resources Voluntary income Donation & legacies Hall Rental Investment income Investment income Total incoming resources Resources expended Charitable activities Running cost of the church Minister and visiting preacher Church services and Sunday Sch Donation paid Governance Cost General administration costs Total resources expended Net income |
2023 £ 55,800 11,936 67,736 398 68,134 11,141 22,983 170 1,303 25,957 2,974 64,528 64,528 3,606 |
2022 £ 58,067 12,138 70,205 25 70,230 11,052 19,616 975 995 29,187 2,517 64,342 64,342 5,888 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 9
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1132405
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 FOR HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
Tax assist Accountants 13 The Highway Station Road Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP91QQ
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 2 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 3 |
| Balance Sheet | 4 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 5 to 8 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005.
Reference and administrative details
Registered Charity number 1132405
Principal address
43 Penn Road Hazlemere High Wycombe HP157LS
Trustees
Nigel W.G. Carpenter Michelle Y. Rouyer Guillet Stephen P. Cossins Joanna K. Morton Kathryn A. Dawkings Deborah C. Carpenter
Independent examiner
Tax assist Accountants 13 The Highway Station Road Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP91QQ
Structure, governance and management Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
Page 1
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages three to eight.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I have examined your charity's accounts as required under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
-
that accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
that the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; or
-
that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
Tax assist Accountants 13 The Highway Station Road Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP91QQ
Date: .............................................
Page 2
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total funds | ||
| fund | |||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Incoming resources | |||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | |||
| Voluntary income | 67,736 | 70,205 | |
| Investment income | 2 | 398 | 25 |
| Total incoming resources | 68,134 | 70,230 | |
| Resources expended | |||
| Charitable activities | |||
| Charitable activity | 64,528 | 64,342 | |
| Net incoming resources | 3,606 | 5,888 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 199,687 | 193,799 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 203,293 | 199,687 |
Continuing operations
All incoming resources and resources expended arise from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 3
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total funds | ||
| fund | |||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 4 | 378,945 | 391,531 |
| Current assets | |||
| Cash at bank | 57,216 | 40,927 | |
| Creditors | |||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 5 | (232,868) | (232,771) |
| Net current assets/(liabilities) | (175,652) | (191,844) | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 203,293 | 199,687 | |
| Net assets | 203,293 | 199,687 | |
| Funds | 6 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 203,293 | 199,687 | |
| Total funds | 203,293 | 199,687 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 4
HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. Accounting policies
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Freehold Property - 50 years Improvements to Property - 20 years
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. Investment income
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Investment income | 398 | 25 |
3. Trustees' remuneration and benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.
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HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 4. Tangible fixed assets Freehold property Improvemen ts to property £ £ Cost At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 361,181 107,231 Depreciation At 1 January 2023 43,344 33,537 Charge for year 7,224 5,362 At 31 December 2023 50,568 38,899 Net book value At 31 December 2023 310,613 68,332 At 31 December 2022 317,837 73,694 5. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2023 £ Taxation and social security 719 Other creditors 232,149 232,868 6. Movement in funds |
Totals £ 468,412 76,881 12,586 89,467 378,945 391,531 2022 £ 622 232,149 232,771 |
|---|---|
| At 1/1/23 Net movement in funds At £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 199,687 3,606 TOTAL FUNDS 199,687 3,606 |
31/12/23 £ 203,293 203,293 |
|---|---|
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HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6. Movement in funds - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement in |
|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | funds |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 68,134 |
(64,528) | 3,606 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 68,134 |
(64,528) | 3,606 |
| Comparatives for movement in funds | ||
| Net | ||
| movement in | ||
| At 1/1/22 | funds | At 31/12/22 |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted Funds | ||
| General fund 193,799 |
5,888 | 199,687 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 193,799 |
5,888 | 199,687 |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement in |
| resources | expended | funds |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 70,230 |
(64,342) | 5,888 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 70,230 |
(64,342) | 5,888 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| At 1/1/22 Net movement in funds At £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 193,799 9,494 TOTAL FUNDS 193,799 9,494 |
31/12/23 £ 203,293 203,293 |
|---|---|
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HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6. Movement in funds - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 138,364 | (128,870) | 9,494 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 138,364 | (128,870) | 9,494 |
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HAZLEMERE FREE METHODIST CHURCH
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Incoming resources Voluntary income Donation & legacies Hall Rental Investment income Investment income Total incoming resources Resources expended Charitable activities Running cost of the church Minister and visiting preacher Church services and Sunday Sch Donation paid Governance Cost General administration costs Total resources expended Net income |
2023 £ 55,800 11,936 67,736 398 68,134 11,141 22,983 170 1,303 25,957 2,974 64,528 64,528 3,606 |
2022 £ 58,067 12,138 70,205 25 70,230 11,052 19,616 975 995 29,187 2,517 64,342 64,342 5,888 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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