ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1134790
Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadridge Business Centre Dolling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
CONTENTS
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Page 3 Legal and Administrative Information
Page 4 Trustees' Report
Page 5 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Page 6 Statement of Financial Activities
Page 7 Balance Sheet
Pages 8 to 16 Notes to the Financial Statements
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1134790 DATE OF REGISTRATION 10th March 2010 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st January 2023 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st December 2023 ELDERS John Cowley (Pastor) Mark Philpott (Assistant Pastor) Anthony John Sharpe John Hitchcock DEACONS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 Stephen Baldwin Robert Hook Peter Turner Malcolm Cassam (Retired 31/3/23) Roger Dickinson Peter Dinnage (Appointed May 2023) David Bishop Timothy David (Appointed May 2023) TRUSTEES AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 John Cowley (Chairman) Anthony John Sharpe ( Treasurer) Robert Hook John Hitchcock Roger Dickinson Mark Philpott Stephen Baldwin Malcolm Cassam (Retired 31/3/23) Peter Turner Peter Dinnage (Appointed May 2023) David Bishop Timothy David (Appointed May 2023)
The existing trustees appoint any new trustees following the provisions laid out in the Charity's Constitution adopted 10th March 2010.
LEGAL STATUS Registered Charity GOVERNING INSTRUMENT Constitution Adopted on 10th March 2010
OBJECTS
The principle activity is to advance the Christian Faith according to Baptist principles and in accordance with the Basis of Faith. The Charity may also carry out other Charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and or other parts of the World.
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS 28 Southridge Road Crowborough East Sussex TN6 1LT PRIMARY BANKERS Barclays Bank Plc CAF Bank Ltd 1High Street 25 Kings Hill Avenue Crowborough West Malling East Sussex Kent TN6 2PX ME19 4JQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER K Gomes Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadridge Business Centre Dolling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF
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TRllStEES REPORT FOR THE YL4R ENDED 31STDECEMBER21123 BIUEF S - FitSt TLwd8y- f¢x L1)iN. Th m(JDthly ALILS FOR FORTHcDhll Ba15t C1yl Tn TRI'S se1cctsultsblethv1c* 4ytythcrnCsfC Appxoved
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of Forest Fold Baptist Church on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2023 set out on pages 6 to 15.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination 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 explanations from the trustees 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 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
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
K Gomes FCIE MAAT Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadridge Business Centre Signed : Dolling Lane Bosham 25.3.24 PO18 8NF Dated:
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Donations & Legacies 3a Investment Income 3b Charitable Activities 3c TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of Generating Funds Charitable Activities 4a Governance Costs 4b TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING/ (OUTGOING) RESOURCES Total Funds Brought Forward Funds Transfer TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ 110,648 - 149,407 260,055 158,226 2,135 - - 2,135 459 - - 23,639 23,639 25,753 |
|---|---|
| 112,783 - 173,046 285,829 184,438 |
|
| 114,799 - 171,939 286,739 183,536 4,091 - - 4,091 3,905 |
|
| 118,890 - 171,939 290,830 187,441 |
|
| (6,107) - 1,107 (5,000) (3,002) 18,910 102,000 27,026 147,936 150,939 26,000 26,000 - - - - |
|
| 38,804 76,000 28,133 142,937 147,936 |
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 8 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
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BALANCE SHF.Er FOR THE EP41)ED 315f DECEMBER 2023 Totsl 31-1)ee-22 Ji.Det-23 TanbicA$Ss 39295 39295 14,767 1975 25.158 24133 L975 101.987 104S6Z 829 133,504 131,429 TotsiCurren* Ass¢ts l J20 12( y<¥t 491 28.133 I03.642 131169 74MO 133 141937 147,936 2&133 IW37 147936 Finds ofthe CbzTity 38A04 18,910 2&133 28.133 27.026 TtstslFuds 7AONJ 142JYI 147J36 Ton9 4kn
FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP - FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming Resources
Recognition of Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Gifts in Kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated Services and Facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment Gains and Losses
This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advise to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with Performance Conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants Payable without Performance Conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
Support Costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of the resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Fixed Assets
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
Investments
Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on an appropriate basis over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied per annum are as follows:
| Fixtures & Fittings Equipment Motor Vehicles 2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Cost 01-Jan-23 Additions Disposals Cost at 31-Dec-23 Depreciation 01-Jan-23 Charge Depreciation at 31-Dec-23 Net Book Value 31-Dec-23 Net Book Value 31-Dec-22 |
10% Reducing balance 10% Reducing balance 25% Straight line Fixtures & General Motor Total Fittings Equipment Vehicles 2023 £ £ £ £ 13,177 18,820 10,674 42,671 12,934 13,070 - 26,004 - - - |
|---|---|
| 26,111 31,890 10,674 68,675 |
|
| 3,583 13,646 10,674 27,903 959 517 - 1,477 |
|
| 4,542 14,163 10,674 29,380 |
|
| 21,569 17,727 - 39,295 |
|
| 9,593 5,173 - 14,766 |
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows: 31st December 2023: None and 31st December 2022: None
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | TOTAL | TOTAL | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| a) Donations & Legacies | ||||||
| Charity of the Month Collections | 6 | - | - | 20,561 | 20,561 | 10,050 |
| Gift Aid Tax Recovered | 17,074 | - | - | 17,074 | 17,181 | |
| Gifts & Donations | 6 | 17,566 | - | 128,846 | 146,412 | 53,951 |
| Standing Orders | 76,008 | - | - | 76,008 | 77,044 | |
| 110,648 | - | 149,407 | 260,055 | 158,226 | ||
| b) Investment Income | ||||||
| CAF Cash Interest | 2,135 | - | - | 2,135 | 459 | |
| 2,135 | - | - | 2,135 | 459 | ||
| c) Incoming Resources from Charitable Activities | ||||||
| Crowborough Camps | 6 | - | - | 3,971 | 3,971 | 3,931 |
| First Steps | 6 | - | - | 608 | 608 | 690 |
| First Tuesday | 6 | - | - | 2,855 | 2,855 | 2,374 |
| Help Fund | 6 | - | - | 6,064 | 6,064 | 10,931 |
| Young Peoples Group | 6 | - | - | 10,141 | 10,141 | 7,827 |
| - | - | 23,639 | 23,639 | 25,753 |
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
| Note a) Charitable Activities Charity of the Month Collections 6 Crowborough Camps 6 Cyprus Fund 6 Depreciation Expense 2 Easter Camp 6 First Steps 6 First Tuesday 6 General Maintenance Help Fund 6 Licenses & Subscriptions Ministry & Outreach Motor Vehicle Costs Office Costs Renovations & Improvements Staff Costs 10 Utility Costs Website & Computers Young Peoples Group 6 Youth Work b) Governance Costs Independent Examiners Fees Insurance Costs |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ - - 20,561 20,561 10,050 - - 3,957 3,957 2,821 - - 126,965 126,965 41,324 1,477 - - 1,477 697 - - - - 419 - - 757 757 1,245 - - 2,740 2,740 2,483 13,922 - - 13,922 11,814 - - 5,813 5,813 10,546 953 - - 953 790 6,603 - - 6,603 10,030 1,858 - - 1,858 1,690 955 - - 955 581 4,081 - - 4,081 9,913 71,817 - - 71,817 60,003 8,813 - - 8,813 8,759 1,387 - - 1,387 - - - 11,146 11,146 8,955 2,934 - - 2,934 1,416 |
|---|---|
| 114,799 - 171,939 286,739 183,536 |
|
| 1,320 - - 1,320 1,260 2,771 - - 2,771 2,645 |
|
| 4,091 - - 4,091 3,905 |
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
5. DESIGNATED FUNDS
| 5. DESIGNATED FUNDS | |
|---|---|
| CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR General Fund Reserve PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR General Fund Reserve |
Balance Balance 01-Jan-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ £ 102,000 - - 26,000 - 76,000 |
| 102,000 - - 26,000 - 76,000 |
|
| Balance Balance 01-Jan-22 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec-22 £ £ £ £ £ 102,000 - - - 102,000 |
|
| 102,000 - - - 102,000 |
General Fund Reserve – This is a General Reserve fund into which surplus funds have been placed in the past and is available as the Reserve Policy of the Church.
The designated funds are wholly represented by the Charity's cash reserves.
6. RESTRICTED FUNDS
| CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR Charity of the Month Camp Fund Cyprus Fund First Step First Tuesday Help Fund Loan Fund Young Peoples Group PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR Charity of the Month Camp Fund Cyprus Fund Easter Camp First Step First Tuesday Help Fund Loan Fund Young Peoples Group |
Balance Balance 01-Jan-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ £ - 20,561 20,561 - - 2,782 3,971 3,957 - 2,796 12,867 128,846 126,965 - 14,748 552 608 757 - 403 264 2,855 2,740 - 379 2,859 6,064 5,813 - 3,110 6,560 - - - 6,560 1,142 10,141 11,146 - 137 |
|---|---|
| 27,026 173,046 171,939 - 28,133 |
|
| Balance Balance 01-Jan-22 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec-22 £ £ £ £ £ - 10,050 10,050 - - 1,672 3,931 2,821 - 2,782 8,763 45,428 41,324 - 12,867 419 - 419 - - 1,107 690 1,245 - 552 373 2,374 2,483 - 264 2,474 10,931 10,546 - 2,859 6,560 - - - 6,560 2,270 7,827 8,955 - 1,142 |
|
| 23,638 81,231 77,843 - 27,026 |
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
6. RESTRICTED FUNDS (Continued)
Charity of the Month – Each month the Church holds collections for specific causes and funds received during the month are placed in this fund for distribution monthly.
Camp Fund - This is for Summer Camps on the grounds of the Church and is self funding.
Cyprus Fund
UK Donations to support Mr & Mrs James Swanson and the Church they now lead in Cyprus are processed through this fund. The donations given to this Fund from the Church, its members and other supporting Churches and individuals around the UK are used to cover the Swansons’ living expenses in Cyprus, their Church’s expenses such as Rent, and associated education and training costs.
During 2023 we were able to support the humanitarian relief effort in response to the Turkish earthquake. This appeal raised £83,424 and was used in providing temporary accommodation under the guidance of the church in Cyprus.
First Tuesday – This is a group aimed at the over 60’s which meets on a monthly basis on the 1[st] Tuesday of each month for a mid day meal and fellowship. This group is self funding.
Help Fund - relates to a fund contributed to via specific giving, some as part of their standing orders that are received into the main account and some via collections every first Sunday.
Loan Fund - is a fund set up to assist church members with loans repayable without interest over an agreed period of time.
The First Steps Fund - is a mother and toddler group - administered outside the general fund and mainly self sufficient. Occasional top ups from General Fund.
Young Peoples Group – Monies placed in this fund are received towards the cost of an Annual Holiday for the group of young people from within the Church.
The restricted funds are wholly represented by the Charity's cash reserves.
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| Cash at Bank and in Hand 8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS Loans to Members |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total Fund Fund Fund 31-Dec-23 31-Dec-22 £ £ £ £ £ 829 76,000 25,158 101,987 133,504 |
|---|---|
| 829 76,000 25,158 101,987 133,504 |
|
| Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total Fund Fund Fund 31-Dec-23 31-Dec-22 £ £ £ £ £ - - 2,975 2,975 925 |
|
| - - 2,975 2,975 925 |
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Independent Examiner's Fees | Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total Fund Fund Fund 31-Dec-23 31-Dec-22 £ £ £ £ £ 1,320 - - 1,320 1,260 |
|---|---|
| 1,320 - - 1,320 1,260 |
10. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
| 2023 £ Gross Wages and Salaries 65,123 Employer's National Insurance Costs - Pension Contributions 6,693 71,816 Employees who were engaged in each of the following activities: 2023 Activities in furtherance of organisation's objects 3 |
2022 £ 54,434 - 5,568 |
|---|---|
| 60,002 | |
| 2022 3 |
The organisation operates a PAYE scheme to pay all employed members of staff and no employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. (2022:None)
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FOREST FOLD BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
11. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
| Number of reimbursed trustees & related parties Total amount paid |
2023 16 £8,393 |
2022 17 |
|---|---|---|
| £7,694 |
The payments were made to : 6 Trustees; 8 Trustees Wives; 1 connected trust by reason of some same Trustees ;1 connected company by reason it is owned by a Trustee . The payments made to trustees and related parties consisted of reimbursement for materials purchased on behalf of the church in connection with improvements and maintenance to the church.
During the financial year Trustee Mr J. Cowley & Spouse Mrs E. Cowley received £21,446 & £9,191 (2022:£21,446 & £9,191) respectively in salary related payments in furtherance of the Charity's objects.
Trustee Mr M Philpott received £29,985 in salary related payments in furtherance of the Charity’s objects (2022 £23,796)
The payments made to trustees and related parties consisted of reimbursements for materials purchased on behalf of the charity in connection with improvements and maintenance to the church, and the activities of the various groups.
14. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
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