## Tilehouse Street Baptist Church Annual Report 2025 Charity Registration Number 1135132 

The charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the Church engages in a range of activities for the purpose of the advancement of the Christian faith according to 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. 

## Trustees 

Rev. Jane Robson (Minister) Mrs  Joyce Bleasby Mr Paul Chamberlain (Designated Person for Safeguarding and Safeguarding Trustee from February) Mrs Margaret Granger (Joint Treasurer) Mrs Sheila Hallas (Secretary) Mr John Maguire Miss Anne Moody Safeguarding Trustee during January) Mr Martin Stears Handscomb Mrs Nickie Woodbridge (Joint Treasurer) 

## Motto Text Joshua 3 verse 5 

Joshua told the people,“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” 

The year was a time for the congregation to consecrate themselves, individually and corporately, and to be receptive to God’s word in preparation for the changes to come in 2026. 

## Aims 

The Church’s primary aim is to worship God, make known his love, share the good news of the gospel and to care for all people and His creation. 

## Governance 

The diaconate has met regularly to consider spiritual, practical and financial matters relating to church life. Church business meetings took place bi-monthly. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend these meetings and many do but only those whose names appear on the church membership roll have authority to make decisions, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

## Membership 

On January 1[st] there were 44 persons in membership at Tilehouse Street and 8 at Stondon Baptist Church.  During the course of the year four members died and three others left the area. In February, a lady was received into membership and on Easter Sunday, it was a joy to witness the baptism of another lady and to welcome her into membership. Stondon’s membership is unchanged, thus leaving a total of 47 at the year’s end. 

## Safeguarding 

Following her appointment by the church meeting Anne Moody became the safeguarding trustee on January 1[st] . Unfortunately, she was unable to continue in the role and Paul Chamberlain temporarily assumed the position alongside his duties as Designated Person for Safeguarding. The November church meeting appointed John Maguire to become the safeguarding trustee from January 1[st] 2026. 

A Level 1 training video was shown to the congregation and in October Paul conducted a very helpful training session after a morning service. (The chocolates he provided were greatly enjoyed too.) 



The safeguarding team has carried out an audit of its policies and procedures. 

## Worship and Bible Study 

Rev. Jane has continued to lead the weekly services with enthusiasm, energy and imagination. During the early part of the year she took the word, ’consecrate’ as her theme for a series of sermons.  In the summer and early autumn, we watched and discussed Radical Roots, a series of videos looking at the lives of six influential Baptists of the past. The two Bible Study groups have continued to meet, periodically, sometimes linking their chosen subjects to the theme of the previous Sunday’s sermon. 

At the times when the Minister was elsewhere on a Sunday, it was a pleasure to have others leading the services, usually by old friends but also three new ones who had not previously preached at Tilehouse Street. 

It was good to see the size of the congregation rising a little and to see the church full on occasions such as Easter Sunday and Remembrance Sunday. This was an opportunity for the Beavers, Cubs and Air Scouts who meet on the premises to parade their colours and share in the service. 

## Pastoral Care 

Sadly, our very hard working and much loved pastoral care co-ordinator died in April. Since then a ‘buddy scheme’ has been set up, whereby every member of the fellowship has a buddy to keep an eye on him or her. Many members are also buddies to do the caring. Naturally, pastoral care is not confined to this system and much care, help and support is given by many to those in need. 

## Outreach 

Open Church continues to flourish. Its loyal supporters are not deterred by the heaviest of downpours and numbers are growing. It’s been a joy to regularly welcome a number of ladies who live in the nearby apartments. 

Coffee mornings at the start of Lent, harvest time and Advent are well attended and raise money for good causes. 

A new venture this year was to sign up for ‘Streets of Light’. The aim was to use Halloween to send a message of hope. Decorations showing Jesus as the light of the world were attached to the windows in the front doors and illuminated after dark. 

This innovation was so well received that the idea was repeated and decorations on the nativity theme were displayed throughout Advent and Christmas. 

## Charitable Donations 

The church supports a number of charities, both Christian and secular. This year all the offerings given during the extra Christmas activities and services were donated to the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth. Other charities which the church supports prayerfully and financially  include Phase, Home Mission, BMS World Mission and Operation Agri. 

## Use of the Premises 

Both the church building and the Memorial Halls are well used throughout the week. Three other churches meet for worship on Sundays. 

The Pre-school and Nursery is open five days a week during term time. We were sorry to lose Hitchin School of Dance who had hired rooms in the Hall for very many years. A wide variety of other activities such as Pilates, drama classes, Tai Chi and more take place on the site. 

## The Buildings 

Work to repair the roof and resolve the problem of damp is still awaited. It is hoped that this work will be done in the spring of 2026. 

A generous, anonymous donor paid for a new cooker to be installed. The floor in the main hall was sanded, sealed and varnished. 



On the advice of the Fire Service, improvements have been made to the fire safety precautions in the Halls and a video doorbell has been fitted for increased security. At the onset of colder weather it was discovered that urgent repairs to the church boiler were needed. These were done and comfort regained. 

## The Future 

Much of this year has been devoted to planning and preparation for the pastoral vacancy which will arise when Rev. Jane retires in April 2026. I have alluded to Jane’s encouraging of us to consecrate ourselves, so that we would be alert to God’s leading. A Ministry Working Group was set up to look into the varying styles of ministry available, investigate what is sustainable and right for Tilehouse Street. The group was grateful for help and advice from Rev. Mary Moody, one of the Central Baptist Association Regional Ministers. On April 5[th] , we held a Church Day, facilitated by Kieran Murphy. This was an opportunity to listen, pray and discern God’s guidance. The outcome of the day can be summarised in three points: 

Courage – to move forward in faith Capacity – it may be limited, but use what we have well Cultivating – building on what we have. 

We face an unknown future, but we travel on together trusting in our Lord to lead us. 

I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in the church’s life during the year. Thank you for your prayers and practical help, in whatever form that may have been. I especially want to thank Rev. Jane for her ten years of ministry, guidance, spiritual support and practical help. I wish her a long, happy and blessed retirement. 

Sheila Hallas January 2026 

## Minister’s Reflection 

As I look back over 2025 I am convinced that the church has been consecrating itself and is ready for the amazing things that God will do among them in 2026 and beyond. I have already seen signs of apprehension over the future and a grieving for what will be lost but in so many ways I see a church that has also been preparing itself for the new season. 

The church secretary has, once more, clearly and succinctly given a snap shot of the church’s ministry and mission in 2025. What has not been mentioned is the number of extra meetings the diaconate have held in the latter part of the year. These meetings have sought to put structures in place for the immediate future and given thought to new ministry in order to draw together a profile for when the search for a new minister begins. 

Signs, in my opinion, of a healthy church that is able to celebrate the successes of the past year while also looking ahead with hope and purpose to all that God has in store. It has been a privilege and a joy to lead this part of the body of Christ for the last ten years. In particular I want to recognise the team work, commitment and integrity of all those who have served as deacons in that time. To God be the glory. 



Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
Registered Charity no. 1135132
Income and Expenditure Account
for the year
1st January to 31st December 2025
Page I

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
Tru$tEes
Rev J Robson
Mrs S Hallas
Mrs M Granger
Mrs N W￿￿bridge
Mrs J Bleasby
Mr J MJJuire
Mr P ChamiErlain
Miss A Mc¥yJy
Mr M Stears-Handscomb
MinisÈr
etsry
Joint Treasurer
Joint Treasurer
Deacon
De￿on
Deacon
tknon
Deacon
Address
Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
UpkEr Tiiehouse Street
Hitchin, Herts
SG5 2EE
Baptist Unk)n cOrwrat￿n Limited
Baptist House
129 Broadway
DKlcot
Oxfordshire OXII 8RT
Maln Bankers
CAF Bank Ltd
PO Pox 289
West MallirKJ, Kent
ME19 4TA
Baptist Un¥Jn cOr￿rat￿n LimitLYJ
Baptist House
129 Broadway
Oxfordshire OXII 8RT
Santa￿ter Uk PIC
2 Triton S]uare
R8Jents P￿e
LoThJon NWI 3AN

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ending 31st December 2025
2025
2024
Unrestricted
Funds
INCOME
Voluntary Income
Fund￿lsIng activitles
Interest
Charitèble activities
131.322.72
2,864.47
33,319.88
4,258.92
43,532.39
T¢)tal Receipts
167 507.07
123660.63
EXPENDITURE
Charitsble expenses
Govemance costs
13,489.95
123,639.84
13,784.22
108,374.39
Totsl Payments
137 129.79
132 158.61
OeficiVSurplu5 of income over expenditure
30 377.28
1,502.02
Totsl fvnds brOUgtr￿ fcThard
211,874.12
210,372,10
Total funds carried forward
242 251.40
211874.12
Page 3

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
FUND ACtIvmES for year endlng 31st De¢emb& 2025
2025
GEIIERAL FIJND
Income
off￿IngS
Donations and fees
c1)na￿On5 from church giimjps {appeals)
Parking Income
Gift Aid - Income recovered
Lettings
Ouuock contrlbutior
Intwe5t receoved
3024
41,446.71
2,499.71
75.00
309.00
10,211.31
32,411,88
140.00
2 340.16
89,433.77
42,003.J2
2,221.72
J,965.33
315.40
10,390.18
41,720.26
240.00
718,48
99,574. 49
Expenditure
Ministerial (including stipend, expenses
pensfon & pulpit supply)
BU pen￿on deficit ptyment
Manse expenses
Stsnding charges- Electriclty
42,664.04
io.
3,467.32
3,310.00
6,816.16
7,199.07
811.74
3,136.55
5,938.89
708.61
5974.87
Water
Insurance
t￿)mestIC.
Cleaning
Grwnds
Refreshments
20,880.98
11,865.40
8,209.01
385.07
15,748.92
Ji,321.60
20&19
ganis¢ li￿nceS & piano tuning
Outreath & Publicity General
Events
20,4S9.48
1,231.86
18,369.79
1,432.72
40.50
54.28
135.01
Office.
40.50
Admini¢rator
Bookkeeplng
stst4onery & strmp5
Computer supplies
Telephone & broadbai
Photocopler
189.29
9,IXB.C
850.00
72.10
557.84
600.24
8,591.60
562.50
102.89
697.60
59as1
641.44
Equipment
Fees, SuiKn'ptions & glfts
Bank Charges
Conferences & Ti"aining
DonatFons
Sundries
12,651.16
11,18&54
368.87
577.79
476.80
335.1)0
3,000.C
104.00
2,500.
105,109.82
91,238.05
Less transfer to Pastor81 Carè fvnd
Less transfer to Building maintenano fvnd
5D.00
io.000.00
100.&7
io.000.00
SURPLUSI{DEFI(Jn FOR YEAR
25,726.05
&4LANCE 1st JANUARY
ReSe￿e policy transfer (from Legacies fund)
BALAN￿ 31st DECEMBER
31,180.05
25,000.00
J5,943.6J
31180.0
Page 4

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
FUND AcrrviTIES for year ending 31st Dffember 2025
2025
2024
PAsfoRAL CARE FUND
Balance 1st JanLWrf
Inc(xne
Transfer from General fund
fnterest
I.(￿).00
I,om.00
50.00
Iw,00
1.050.IJO
so.00
Gffts & Loan5
Balance 31st Decemb
i.Joo.00
BUILDING MAipifEMANCE FVIID
8a5ance 1st JanLJary
Transfer from General fvnd
Transfer from Legaaes fund
Intsre
11,976.14
10,000.00
8,671.78
io.000.00
EXpend￿re - Genwal
Church & Halls ￿)ller mairtena
Fire exfjnquisher 5erM¢e
Hall flo￿ resurfacing
Hall lights & Smoke detectors
Church r￿)f drone photos
u￿h roof damp proofing
Balance 31* Deomber
21,976.14
1,744.53
4,133.00
522.33
3,240.00
2,698 $1
1.060.00
1.250.00
7 307.47
18,671.78
758.80
450.00
516.84
11976.14
ORfjAN FUND
Balance 1st January
11,977.12
11.923.67
282.41
12,206.
Ex￿dilU￿- tuning
blower maintenance
Bal￿￿ 31st December
11.977.12
266.40
11710.72
228.96
11977.12
LEGAaES FUND
Balance 1st tsnuary
Estate of Glll Mayes
Intrrest
IS,￿0.34
58,130.86
73,￿4.62
Expendi￿re (transf¥ to Bulldlng Malntenance)
Reserves (transfer to General fund)
Balance 31st De￿rnb
133,731.20
25,000.00
108.731.20
Page 5

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
FUND ACTIVMES for the year ending 31st December 2025
2025
2024
BADMINTON CLUB
Balan￿ 1st January
Income - Subxriptions
660.48
525.50
1,185.98
29.90
500.00
656.08
605.76
Expendthre - 5hutdes & sundries
Donation to General fund
Balance 315t December
1,204.76
44.28
500.190
660.48
DONATIONS FUND (see note5 on page 8)
Balance 1st January
Donations recelved
Gift clalmed
General fund donatlons
Spare
6,039.
1.194.25
3,￿o.(M)
983.25
Z500.L
Donaticns Pald
General ftjnd donadtsns
Donation5 Wtstsndlng (GHH)
Balance 31st CEcembei
10,233.25
6,404.87
3,000.LN)
828.38
9,899.65
7,399.65
2,500.00
oiJrREACH & MIMI￿Ry FUND
Balan￿ 1st January
Interest
15,134.20
14,780.73
353.47
15134.20
Transfer to General fund
Balance 315t December
15,134.20
15 134.20
15134.20
FLOWER FUND
Balance 1st January
c￿trI￿tIonS
other bequests
349.93
695.
951.48
13.40
1,058.92
560.11
498.81
Expenditure
Balance 31st Etcemb
1,044.93
950.89
Page 6

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
FUND ACTivrriES for the year ending 31st December 2025
2025
sroNDON CHAPEL FUND
2024
Income
Offerings
Income tax recovered
Donation5
Grants
Coffee mornings & fund r?￿r￿j
Leib'ngs
Other inctme (bank error)
Interest
9,182.00
1.060.00
8,919.01
1,217.50
389.88
382.50
70.00
524.31
11,218.81
1.213.13
112.50
1,138.84
12.990.89
Expenditure
Preaching fee5
Standing charges- Electrlctty
Gas
Water
2,393.50
295.66
853.97
283.72
1135.￿?
346.62
824.88
195.79
Building- Malntenance
Cleaning
Projects
Insurance, fire extinguisher5
1,433.35
I,J67.29
96.00
942,60
1 165.25
MU￿¢ licen
Outreach & pubFiclty
TTaining
Equipment
Donations-
2,223.85
253,91
4010.83
240.24
32.40
752.88
207.03
Home Mlssion
600.00
BMS
600.00
Baptist T%￿nnIng iwael l.000.00
MAF
Appeals
1,350.c27
112.50
SuThJrles
2,200.00
2,662.50
8,711.64
12,OOJ.14
DEFICITISURPLUS FOR IEAR
2.507.17
BALAN￿ 1st JANUARY
64,251.75
63,263.th7
BALANCE 31st DECEMBER
66 758.92
64251.75
Paje 7

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
FUND AcnvmES the year endlng 315t December 2025
DONATIONS FUND
2025
2024
Note5 {ftr 2025)
Home Mi55ion
BM5
2,045,62
1,745.63
146.50
1,847.40
1,800.00
400.Lk)
500.CKI
1,814.6D
J,514.60
29S.25
J.396.70
see note I
See note 2
Blrthday Scheme
Operotsoii Agri
CTH PHASE
Regents Park Bapb'st College
Baptist union
trsatvest offerings
1,800.
donation from General Fund
400.￿ donation from GeneRI Fund
donaticm for Spurgeons College
Christian Aid
DEC appeals
82.22
95.00
Garden House Hospi
Garden HO￿se Hospice
742.50
828.38
Annivwsary appeal
Ch¥istmas charity
Daisy Chalns
Mer¢y Ships
Herts Young Homeless
428.Lil
1,432.50
r*stmas tharity
Total:
10.233.25
9,899.65
Note 4
Notes (for 2025)..
includes £300.00 Church D￿)ation- £1,462.50 Gift Day,. £283.13 gift aid
irKludes £1,462,51 Gift Dayi £283.12 gift aid
3. gift aid is clalmed wherever PDssble; total claimed on d￿atr"OnS £1194.25
4. the total donations ￿ equivalert to approximately 11.4% of the church intome
other notes:
1) 2025 MI￿0￿ Gift Day totsl was £3,628.74 (Including £566.25 grft aid)
i) 2024 Mission Gift Day total wa5 £3,029.20 (including £585 gift aid)
ill 2023 Missffl Gift Day total was £4,262.50 (Including £822.50 glft aid)
iii) 2022 Mission Gift Day total was £4,408.75 (Includlng £858.75 gfft ald)
Page 8

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
statement of Assets & Llabllltles
as at 31st December 2025
2025
2024
Current assets
CAF bank.
Cath ac￿nt
CAF bank-
Gc4d &count
Bapbst Union -
Deposit account
Boptist Union-
Hlgh Interest account
Nat West bank- Batlminton Club
4,560.17
44,690.44
43.881.49
90,684.04
656.08
9,891.39
25,670.2b
103,143.21
Santsnder UK Flc- Stondon Chapel
Bapvst Vnlon -
Deposit account
15,119.06
51,639.86
13,136.20
51,115.55
Totrl at bank and in hand 251,231.14
203.617.03
Sundry debtors
Prepaid Insuran
Lettlngs
Stondon (Gift Ad)
HNRC (Gift *Jd)
4,660.90
2,258.00
550.00
1,853.63
260,553.67
4,964.28
Totsl assets
2,461.03
?14, J31.84
Current liabilities
Payroll tiabilities (overpayment)
Sundry Creditors (donations fund)
Stondon 2025 gift aid balance
Sundry Creditor5 loffertoryl
Sundry Creditors {gift aid re￿1￿￿]
(1,059.01)
681.38
117.40
14,849.56
787.72
1,470.rt7
18,302.27
Z257.72
Net assets over liabllities
242 251.40
211874.12
Unrestrirted Funds
General fund
Pastoral care fund
Hower fund
Building Maintenar￿e lund
Organ Maintenan￿ fiJrKI
Badminton Club
Donations fund
Legocles ftjnd
Outreach & Ministy fuThJ
30,454.00
1,000.00
498.81
7,307.47
11,710.72
656.08
31,180.05
I,ooD.00
lJ,976.14
11.977.12
660.48
108,731.20
15,134.20
75,600.34
15.134.20
Stffidon chao
66758.92
64251.75
Totsl fvnds
242 251.40
21] 874.12
Page 9

Tilehouse Street Baptist Church
Notes to the Accounts
TilÈhousÈ Street Baptist Church has a reserves pcdicy whKh is to rètsin a minimum of
three rnonths expendithre in the General FLfnd.
These accounts have prepared M a'receipts and payments, Ws and a¢roTd
Section 133 Charities Act 2011
Insure(J V lue
hdd fi)r Chur
'sow
Pmperty- The Church Is the b￿eTIcia[ owner {subJ"ect to the relevant tnJsLs) follovlngi the
legal tiue to whKh i5 hdd by the Bapt•st Union Corporation:
Church premises
Manse
5.806,43B
stondon premises
421,864
607 952
6,836,254
Other- Organ. ￿an05, Flxtures, Fittings and Equipment
Manse fixtures & fitb.ngs
stondon. Pianos, etc.
169,686
31,167
101,327
7 138 434
The kcounts ststement of Assets and LiatNlities *t out on Page5 1 to 10 rel￿.ng to
the year ending 31 December 2024 are as approved by the Trustees
Tre85U
Date
Page io

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