2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025

Charity name: Leamington Spa Baptist Church

Charity registration number: 1134467

Objectives and Activities

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |SORP| |reference| |Summary of the purposes of|Para 1.17|The principal purpose of the Church is the| |the charity as set out in its|advancement of the Christian faith according to| |governing document|the principles of the Baptist denomination. The| |Church may also advance education and carry out| |other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom| |and/or other parts of the world.| |Summary of the main|Para 1.17|The Activities may include but are not restricted| |and 1.19| |activities in relation to those|to:| |purposes for the public|[|]|regular|public|worship,|prayer,|Bible|study,| |benefit, in particular, the|preaching and teaching.| |activities, projects or services|(||baptism,|as|defined|in|the|Union’s|Declaration| |identified in the accounts.|of Principle.| |L)|the|Communion|of the|Lord’s|Supper which| |shall normally be observed at least once a month.| |‘||evangelism|and|mission,|locally,|regionally,| |nationally and internationally.| |‘||the|teaching,|encouragement,|welcome|and| |inclusion of young people.| |1|nurture|and|growth|of|Christian|disciples.| |“1|education|and|training|for|Christian|and| |community service.| |(||giving|and|encouraging|pastoral|care.| |[||supporting|and|encouraging|charitable|social| |action in the United Kingdom and abroad.| |(||encouraging|relationships|with|and|supporting| |Baptists and other Christians.| |Statement confirming|Para 1.18|All Activities of the Church are designed for the| |whether the trustees have|public benefit, and Charity Trustees are mindful of| |had regard to the guidance|this requirement in developing the program for the| |issued by the Charity|Church.| |Commission on public| |benefit|

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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference Para 1.38

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Policy on grant making
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38
Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	This year we have been blessed by the full-time ministry of Rev Neil Bywater Public worship has been conducted on Sunday mornings in the building and live online. The service is recorded and available via the church website, and Facebook’ Live streaming over YouTube was added during the year. We have had visitors join us from all over the world including India and Australia. We have continued to stream service over Zoom for those unable to attend the church building in person. This is much appreciated by friends away from Leamington and those at home due to health or infirmity issues. Communion services have been managed monthly. We were able to continue our Open-Air outreach services in the summer. We continued a meeting for coffee, followed by a short informal service and light lunch on Thursday mornings in the church. At Christmas time we held an all-age visitor’s service in the building, which was attended by many of our pre-school families, and an outdoor carol service. We also held a visitor’s service on Palm Sunday. During Sunday worship a creche for pre-schoolers and a class for school aged children have been re-introduced as we have regular attenders in these age groups. We have started regular meetings for those wishing to explore the claims of Christianity.

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Prayer activity is focussed on small groups, and now a twice monthly prayer workshop in the church on the 1[st] Friday evening and third Thursday of each month. The Prayer Chain continues to encourage prayer for urgent needs daily, and a private Facebook group also supports prayer and fellowship. Deacons have met weekly in person to pray for the needs of the fellowship. We support Baptist Home Mission and BMS World Mission activities financially and in prayer. We supported a missionary family in Peru. We support a couple in mission in Kolkata. Pastoral care is provided by the Leadership Team and through small groups in the Church. Concerns are regularly brought to the services and other meetings for prayer. Members have been regularly telephoning those in need of conversation and encouragement. This financial year we were able to meet in person on the premises. We have continued to stream and record services for those unable to attend the church building in person. This is much appreciated by friends away from Leamington and those at home due to health or infirmity issues. Pastoral visiting has increased now that we have minister is in place. The Little Stars Christian Pre-School has met on the premises on school days and is supported by the Church. We have continued a new initiative to give out free hot drinks in the town on a fortnightly basis and we have engaged in conversation with teenagers through this work. We have plans to improve facilities and activities for younger children. Outside lets have been increasing during the year and several new community groups such as U3A are now using the building regularly for meetings. There is a very active Churches Together organisation in Leamington. We have worked with other churches on the Easter and Christmas programs in the town, and this year we supported the Street Pastors initiative and the Food Bank This year our membership ended the year at 73 which is the same as last year. There were 4 new members who joined this year, while 3 members transferred to other Baptist churches and 1 member died over the same period. We held no baptism services in the financial year but one is planned for May 2025. We have been blessed

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with several new regular worshippers in the last year. We have continued the practice started during the period when we were without a minister of church members leading services. The church held its twentieth annual variety concert showcasing the musical talents of the church to which members of the public were invited. Donations given at the concert went to Christian Aid We have held “Stay and play” events during July and August where we invite parents to bring their children to the church and stay for two hours to play with them. The church provides the play activities and refreshments. This activity attracts over 120 children and adults and fulfils a need for this kind of event amongst local parents. We have held a service for all those who are careres

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41
Other

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Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Receipts for the year were £94,322 Expenditure was £108,643 thus giving a deficit of £14,321. This deficit has been partially met by taking £12,000 from reserve funds. This has been offset by a single donation of £12,000. At the end of the financial year the balance in the general fund was £25,135.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The Church’s funds are divided between Unrestricted (which includes funds Designated by the deacons for a particular purpose) and Restricted funds which have been given for a specific purpose. The principal Unrestricted fund, known as the General fund, receives the normal giving to the church and pays the normal running expenditure. It is the Church’s policy to endeavour to keep a balance of at least 12 weeks’ expenditure in this fund.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	See above
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	N/A

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	Our principal sources of funds are giving by members of the congregation on a regular basis; occasional individual donations and income from letting rooms in the church premises.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	N/A
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46
Other

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Baplist Churth . 1134465 Receipts and paYn￿ts Selected pwknd: 01 Awll 2024 10 31 Marth 2025 From 1-Aw.24 To 31-Mw-25 01 W23 31 Mar 24 01W22 31 Mar 23 Totats adjusted forrounding G￿81 (vfftstrK￿) Furmj 1 Re¢eipts Cash oiferings oirerings-Gtn oirenngs- not gfft-aid Tax refvnds Eh)natM)ns 2.413 53.990 4,564 14,373 7,613 82.952 11.370 94.322 2.448 49.382 5.016 12.918 6.140 75.904 11.874 87.776 3,427 50,321 6.611 14,020 13,770 88.149 8,240 oiner 2 T(al r￿1p￿ Ministy 42.979 11,989 39.471 11.525 2.679 108.643 (14.321) 27.456 12.000 7,767 14,191 11.883 37.T14 10, 3.756 73257 23,133 14,993 {8.000) 14.0001 26,126 3.709 70.446 17.330 26,126 (12,CrfJO) 14.000) 27,456 Excess of Income over Expenditure Brought forward balance Transfers from (to) Asst Ministy Futbj Transfers to YoLrth Work Fund 25,135 Frtxn 1-Apr-24 To 31-Mw-25 01W23 31 Mar 24 014Y22 31 ￿23 Totals adjusted forrounding Totd T￿p￿ Pa￿n￿ts 4.326 4.491 4,374 4,328 4,491 4,374 Y￿th Work (Dn81fAI) FurKI Re(xipts Interest on DeFK)sits 87 47 Thnve Youth Minislnes Ex￿sS of Income over ExFETrJiiure Brought forward balance Transfers in 10 Tiknl forward 1.500 (1.452) 2,861 3.600 (3,513) 2.374 4.000 2,861 3.600 13,553) 1,927 4.000 2,374 R￿Ipts Total rw*lpts 4,681 2,142 (2.044) 3.630 Excess of Incorre over ExpeTrJrture Brought fo￿ra balance (4,768) 8.398 3,296 5.102

Frun 1-W-24 To 31-Mw-25 01 Apr 23 31 Mar24 014Y22 31 Mw23 Totats adjusted ft?rrounding Stdd Pwpo888 (De￿gna￿) Fund T(knl rn¢xipts 1,521 2,621 17.128 (14.507) 44.255 29.748 3,851 Excess of IncorrE over ExFenditure Brought forward balance 12 TrAal carrl8d forward trAIwK {3341 29.748 29.414 2.403 41,852 Assistant Kinislw (Deggnaled) FWNI Re(xipts Interest on DeFrf)siIs Donalions Transfers lol(from) Brought Torwar(1 balance 13 TLal carried for¥vard 1,038 12,000 (12,000) 40.633 41,671 916 3% 12.000 27.717 8,000 19.321 27.717 40.633 18 TOTAL CURRENT ASSErs Cha￿eyrfyr 99.215 (5,113) 104.328 (4,541) 108.869 25,674 Frwi 1-Apr-24 To 31-Mar-25 01W23 31 Mar 24 01 W22 31 Mar 23 Totals adjusted forrounai FIXED ASSET FUNDS Manse (Re$l￿￿J) Fw 14 Brought forward balance Adjustments 591,426 167,078 758.504 564,876 26.550 591.426 477,491 87,385 564.876 Bul* (Restri￿> Fund 15 Brought forward balance Adjustments 5,222,817 455,811 5.678,628 5,322.668 (99.851) 5222.817 4,7C().654 622,014 6,322.668 Fwnilurn & Eqwment (DeswJnaled) Fund 16 Brought fofward balance Adjustments 238,122 6,192 244.314 243,683 5,561 238,122 213,384 30299 243.683 TOTAL FIXED ASSETS Changeyrtyr 6,681,446 629,081 6,052,365 (78,862) 6,131,227 TOTAL ALL ASSErs 6.780.661 6.156.693 6.240.096

Notes to the Accounts

1 Basis of the accounts

These accounts have been prepared on a 'receipts and payments' basis and in accord with Section 133 Charities Act 2011.

2 INCOME

This was the first full year with a new minister.

An increase in regular congregations resulted in an increase in Voluntary Income of £7,048.

Other income was comparable to the previous year.

Total income increased by £6,546.

3 Ministry

Ministry costs reflected a full year of the new minister, an increase of £35,212 from the previous year.

4 Mission

Mission giving to outside organisations has been maintained.

Local Mission increased as a result of new outreach initiatives.

5 Premises

Costs increased compared to the previous year as a result of inflation. Utilities costs increase as we had to pay new rates

after fixed term contracts expired.

Some extra costs were incurred in updating the alarm systems.

6 Administration

Administration costs increased as more money was spent on printing and publicity.

7 Other Costs

Other costs were reduced by savings in catering and miscellaneous items.

8 BALANCES GENERAL FUND

Expenditure increased by £38,197 compared with the previous year. reflecting the increased Ministry costs.

We had to transfer £12,000 from reserves to offset the deficit of £14,321. The balance on the General Fund has reduced to £25,135 which represents about 3 month's expenditure.

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9 Mission Fund

This fund is used for members to donate through the church to mission organisations such as BMS World Mission.

Funds given in the year are all sent on to the various organisations.

10 Youth Work Fund

The Youth Work Fund replaced an earlier restricted fund. We supported a Youth Worker till the end of August 2024. After this we believed that we no longer needed this support. The balance on the fund at yearend was £1,409 and will be used for future youth initiatives.

11 Repairs and Renewals Fund

This fund is used for major items of expenditure on the premises. Some minor repairs to the manse and the church were paid from this fund.

The balance on the fund at yearend was £1,586

12 Special Purposes Fund

This fund contains legacies and other special donations. One donation was received in the year.

Some items of equipment were bought from this fund.

The balance on the fund at yearend was £29,414

13 Ministry Assistance Fund

This fund has been used to save towards supporting future ministry. During the year £12,000 was transferred to the General Fund towards the cost of paying the new minister.

But a donation of £12,000 was received so the fund balance could be maintained at £41,671 at yearend.

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14 Manse Fund

This represents the value of the manse for insurance purposes, which was updated by the Baptist Insurance Company.

15 Building Fund

This fund holds the value of the church premises, excluding fittings. The value is based on the insurance valuation updated by the Baptist Insurance Company.

It also holds the land valuation of £320,000 from when the church purchased the land.

16 Furniture and Equipment Fund

This fund holds the fixed assets of furniture and equipment. The value is based on the insurance valuation updated by the Baptist Insurance Company.

17 Creditors

The church has 1 liability arising from leasehold agreements: BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions for the church photocopier Running for 5 years and 3 months from 29/11/2022, at £150 per quarter.

18 Current Assets less Liabilities

The balance of net current assets has reduced by £5,113. The reserves in the assistant ministry fund are adequate to support the general fund for up to 3 more years at the current deficit level. The Pension Fund Deficit reported in previous years has been settled.

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Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document	Para 1.25	Constitution
How is the charity constituted?	Para 1.25	Charitable unincorporated association.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Elected annually by Church Members for a three-year term.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	N/A
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	N/A
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	N/A
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Leamington Spa Baptist Church
Other name the charity uses	Leam Baptist, LSBC
Registered charity number	1134467
Charity’s principal address	Chandos Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4RN

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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not **for whole year **	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	Rev Neil Bywater	Minister		Church members
	Mr Simon Archer	Secretary		Church members
	Mr Malcolm Hayes	Treasurer		Church members
	Miss Ruth Kelly	Deacon		Church members
	Mrs Valerie Kennedy	Deacon		Church members
	Mr Paul McVicar	Deacon		Church members
	Mr RegOverton	Deacon		Church members
	Mrs Fernanda Rezende	Deacon		Church members

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
Baptist Union Corporation Limited		Property Trustees

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets NA held in this capacity Name and objects of the NA charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for NA safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

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Additional information (optional) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Typa of Name Addross adviser Independent examiner Rosemary Blackbum Orchard House Hall Lane Harbury Warwickshire CV33 9HG Name of chlef executlve or names of senior staff members {Optional information) Exemptions from disclosure Reason for non-disc105ure of ke nnel details NA Othero tional infomiation Declarations Tho trustees declaro that Ihoy have approved tho trustees, report above. Slgned on behalf of the charity's trustees Slgnature(s) Full name(s) Malcolm J Hayes Simon Archer Positlon (e.g. Secretary, Chair, etcl Treasurer ecretary Oate 13

Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees & members of Leamlngton Spa Baptlst Church On a¢¢ounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. Charity Registration Number.. 1134467. Respectlve responslbllltles of trustees and examlner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparatTron of the aecounts. The eharity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charitles Act 2011 (the Charities Artl and that an independent examination Is needed. It is my responsibility to: examtne the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission lunder section 14515llbll of the Charities Act. and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Bas15 of Independent examlnerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance wlth general Dire¢tions qiven by the Charity Commissson. An examlnation Includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity 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 explanation5 from the trustee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not Provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and falrf vtew, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to belleve that, in any materlal respect: accounting records were not kept in actordante wtth section 130 of the Charities Aet or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: Name: Rosemary Blackburn Relevant professlonal quallflcatlon{s) or body: ICMGrad MBA Address: Orchard House Hall L3ne Harbury Warwickshire CV33 9HG 14