Fenlands Church
Annual Report and
Statement of Accounts
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023
FENLANDS CHURCH CONTENTS PAGE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Page
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1-4 Trustees’ Annual Report
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5 Independent Examiners Report
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6 Receipts and Payments Account 7 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
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8&9 Notes to the Accounts
FENLANDS CHURCH TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Reference and administration details Charity name Fenlands Church Registered charity number 1136625 Charity's principal address The Church Centre Main Road Tydd Gote Wisbech Cambs. PE13 5QD Charity Email address fenlandschurch@gmail.com Charity Website www.fenlandschurch.co.uk Name of the charity trustees who manage the charity Name Office Mrs G C Wilson Chairperson Mrs K Maunder Treasurer Ms K Sparks Secretary Ms T Beach Mr P Summon Mrs H Summon
The minimum number of Trustees is three individuals.
The Spiritual Leadership in consultation with the existing trustees appoint any new trustees following the provisions laid out in the Charity's governing instrument.
Names and addresses of advisers Primary Bankers Lloyds Bank Pic 3 North Brink Wisbech Cambs. PE13 1JR Solicitors Bowsers 15 South Brink Wisbech Cambs. PE13 1JQ Independent Examiner P J Medcalf FCCA (Chartered Certified Accountant) 322 Smeeth Road Marshland St James Wisbech Cambs. PE14 8EP.
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FENLANDS CHURCH TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Structure, governance and management
The day-to-day running of the charity is in the hands of the elders. The Trustees are responsible for managing the finance and the buildings. They meet three times a year and, additionally as required, normally with the elders.
Description of the charity's trusts Governing document
Trust Deed dated 6 June 2010
The charity's responsibilities for the Tydd Gote site and its benefits on the sale are contained in a document dated 1st December 2010.
Trustee's selection method
New trustees are appointed by the ‘Spiritual Leadership of the Church’.
The current Spiritual Leadership comprises Mr. David Chapman, Mr. Jeff Bellamy, and Mr. Douglas Chapman.
Additional governance issues
There are no specific policies and procedures for inducting and training trustees but new trustees would be appointed who have suitable skills.
Relationship with any related parties
The Church is linked to Rural Ministries and Churches Together in East Elloe.
Trustees' consideration of major risks
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems, will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document The Objects of the Church are for the benefit of the public:
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To advance the Christian faith in accordance with any Statement of Beliefs and Doctrines prepared by the spiritual leadership of the church, in such parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees from time to time may think fit;
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To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees may from time to time think fit; and
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To advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the Trustees from time to time may think fit.
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FENLANDS CHURCH TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects
The charity acknowledges its requirements to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or 'aims' that are for the public benefit. 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.
Fenlands Church meets each Sunday morning for worship and teaching in its Church Centre and usually on other occasions each week as well. The Church hall is used most weeks for activities for pre-school children and their careers and for local community groups and occasional activities and clubs for school age children and young people are held. Other meetings are arranged at other locations, particularly in members' homes. These activities are run by different church members who, apart from the pastor and his wife, are unpaid volunteers, some of whom claim out of pocket expenses for outgoings incurred. Fenlands Church has seen a constant number of regular attendees during the year.
Achievements and Performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
The charity enjoys the use of its own building which are based on a large site in the rural village of Tydd Gote, in the heart of the Fens. During this accounting year we have been able to undertake some maintenance and repair work in the main church building and Welbrook Hall. The surrounding garden areas continue to be maintained throughout the year.
We continue to hold our regular Sunday morning worship services and have been encouraged by the number if new people who come to join us. Our team of musicians has grown due to the young people joining the team on a regular basis and we are very blessed to have so many talented people to lead the worship in our small church. There are two Pfayer Groups meeting weekly, one at the church centre and the other ina home. During the spring we worked through ‘The Bible Course’ in small groups held in people’s homes and one group at the church centre. At the end of the year the monthly Ladies breakfast was moved to Welbrook Hall when the men started to meet at the church centre for a breakfast meeting. This led to an increase in the number attending. The Beyond Youth group meets weekly on a Thursday evening and during the Sunday service. They also meet on Zoom for bible studies as well as other outings that are arranged from time to time. They enjoyed sleepovers at the church centre as well as attending the NewDay Youth Camp at the Norfolk & Norwich Showground at the beginning of the school holidays. On Monday mornings we meet at the church centre to do various jobs such as garden clearance, decorating, repairs, and reorganizing, with homemade soup being serves midday as part of our community outreach. Several people from the village have been attending. The tearoom in Welbrook Hall continues to be open most Wednesday's at lunchtime, serving light lunches, scones, and cake in the summer months and a cooked lunch and dessert during the winter. There is no fixed charge, people give what they can. There is a core of regular customers and others who visit from time to time. There has been a good attendance at the bi-monthly Ladies night where we have enjoyed varied activities and a Christmas dinner and carol service. During the year we held two community hymn singing events called “Village Praise” and at the beginning of December the youth group organized an event the included food, carol singing, crafts and a table where unwanted items could find a new home.
Fenland Family Church continues to meet on Sunday morning in The Duke of Bedford School in Thorney. They also meet in a home during the week for prayer and Bible study. Outreach activities include pancake evening on Shrove Tuesday, a light event on 31% October and carol singing before Christmas. In September they joined with other churches in Thorney for a harvest thanksgiving service and shared lunch hosted by a local farmer. Sadly, the Play’n’Chat group is now closed.
We have continued to support our chosen overseas mission projects on a regular basis as well as responding to requests for support in specific projects. We have been able to help our contacts in Malawi and Congo. We also make every effort to be mindful of the needs of our individual needs as they come to our notice.
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FENLANDS CHURCH TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Financial Review
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfill its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavor not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
The trustees are happy with the current level of reserves but will review these if they fall below £10,000.
Details of funds materially in deficit None.
The charity's principal sources of funds
The principle source of funds is member’s monthly donations and offerings given by the church attendees. We still have the balance of legacies given some years ago to Tydd Gote Chapel of which Fenlands Church is the successor.
Gift Aid is also a significant source.
Investment Policy
The trust deed gives the trustees wide investment powers. In practice current or deposit accounts are used as it is not the intention to build large financial reserves. The Trustees are not aware of any major risk which is not covered by appropriate insurance.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
Signatures Cu ~ FullNames GILLIAN CHRISTINE WiLSoNn KATHREEN SHARON MAY DER Position ; “Ne - Date AVre -4F. . 2Ory~~ 24 -° omy
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees of Fenlands Church on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 set out on pages6 to 9.
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.
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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
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° to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 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:
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Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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° to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act;
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° to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
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To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
QW. Wad ater DS “TL. 4 22H
P J Medcalf FCCA
Chartered Certified Accountant 322 Smeeth Road “
Marshland St James Wisbech Cambs. PE14 SEP
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FENLANDS CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2023|2022|
|Notes Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|Funds|Funds|Funds|Funds|
|£|£|£|£|
|RECEIPTS|
|Donations,|Legacies and|Other Similar|Receipts|4a|46,880|-|46,880|74,519|
|Operating|Activities|to|Further Charity's|Objects|4b|6,500|-|6,500|7,000|
|Investment Income|Receipts|4c|424|-|424|30|
|Other Receipts|4d|375|-|375|1,257|
|TOTAL|RECEIPTS|—|
|54,179|-|54,179|82,806|
|PAYMENTS|
|Costs of Charitable|Activities|5a|62,239|-|62,239|56,637|
|Investment|Management|Costs|5b|30|-|30|52|
|Govemance|Costs|5c|331|“|331|431|
|TOTAL PAYMENTS|62,600|-|62,600|57,120|
|NET -PAYMENTS/RECEIPTS for the year|(8,421)|-|(8,421)|25,686|
|Cash|Funds|Last Year|End|42,706|.|42,706|17,020|
|CASH|FUNDS THIS YEAR END|34,285|34,285|42,706|
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The notes on pages 8 & 9 form a part of the financial statements
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FENLANDS CHURCH STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|2023|2022|
|Funds|RestrictedFunds|TotalFunds|FundsTotal|
|ASSETS|FS|£|£|£|
|Cash|funds|
|Bank Accounts|- Tydd|856|-|856|1,160|
|Bank Accounts - Thorney|2,210|-|2,210|2,591|
|Deposit Accounts|- Tydd|19,326|.|19,326|36,027|
|Deposit Accounts|- Thorney|9,586|-|9,586|-|
|Petty Cash|- Tydd|38|-|38|28|
|Petty Cash|- Thomey|250|-|250|250|
|Total cash funds|32266.|~—«é<‘“C~é‘OTGSSCSSC*C«C|SS|
|Other Assets|
|Debtor|-|-|-|a|
|Recoverable|Gift Aid|- Tydd|1,365|-|1,365|1,290|
|Recoverable|Gift Aid|- Thomey|654|-|654|1,360|
|2019|st:~=<C~S~Ss—“S=C«|
|TOTAL ASSETS|34,285|34,285|42,706|
|REPRESENTED|BY:|
|General|Fund|- Tydd|21,587|-|21,587|29,005|
|General|Fund|- Thorney|12,698|-|12,698|13,701|
|TOTAL FUNDS|34,285|34,285|42,706|
|Assets|retained|for the|Charity's own|use:|
|(Valued at|cost,|or|if gifted|at the value to the charity on|receipt)|
|Main|church|building|
|Computer equipment|1,492|-|1,492|1,492|
|Musical Items|3,000|-|3,000|3,000|
|Other equipment|6,910|-|6,910|6,910|
|Fixtures & Fittings|4,600|-|4,600|4,600|
|Projectors|1,590|-|1,590|1,590|
|Coffee|shop/Office/KitchenAudio Visual Items|5,280|-|5,280|5,280|
|Equipment|11,060|-|11,060|11,060|
|Carpets|1,000|-|1,000|1,000|
|34,932|-|34,932|34,932|
|LIABILITIES|
|Independent|Examiners|Fee|480|-|480|240|
|480|-|480|240|
|( Chairman|)|e x|[Aas]|—|
|(Treasurer )|arenaMawnrideT|
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Approved by the trustees on: The notes on pages 8 & 9 form a part of[the][financial][statements]
FENLANDS CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
The accounts have been prepared under the "Receipts and Payments" basis as prescribed by the Charity Commission.
2 RESTRICTED FUNDS
The charity held no restricted funds during this financial year.
3 PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES
No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial year. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|4|2023|2022|
|RECEIPTS|Unrestricted Funds|_ Restricted|Total|Total|
|Tydd|Thorney|Fae|Funds|Funds|
|£|
|a|Donations,|legacies|and|other|similar|receipts|
|Charitable|Activities|-|-|-|=|-|
|Bequests|and|Legacies|-|-|-|-|>|
|Non|Gift Aided|Donations|5,439|1,660|-|7,099|6,668|
|Thomey|Contribution|-|-|-|-|-|
|Gift Aid|Donations|29,981|9,800|-|39,781|67,431|
|Sunday Offerings|-|-|-|-|400|
|35,420|11,460|*|46,880|74,519|
|b|Operating|activities|to|further|charity's|objects|
|Letting|Income|-|-|=|=|=|
|Manse|Rent|6,500|-|-|6,500|7,000|
|c|Investment|income|receipts|
|Bank|Interest|340|84|-|424|30|
|d|Other|Receipts|
|Sundry|Receipts|-|375|-|375|1,257|
|“|375|-|375|1,257|
|TOTAL RECEIPTS|42,260|11,919|54,179|82,806|
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FENLANDS CHURCH NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|5|PAYMENTS|2023|2022|
|Unrestricted|Funds|Restricted|Total|Total|
|Tydd|Thorney|Funds|Funds|Funds|
|a|Cost|of|Charitable|Activities|£|£|E|£|
|Catering|Costs|1,248|-|-|1,248|2,038|
|Children’s|Work|607|-|-|607|319|
|Cleaning|Materials|-|-|-|-|-|
|Direct|Event|Costs|984|1,212|-|2196|2,889|
|Equipment|Purchases|1221|32|-|1,253|=|
|Gifts:|Missionaries|4,600|900|-|5,500|6,700|
|Organizations|1,192|1,092|-|2,284|3,192|
|Individuals|1,365|72|-|1,437|850|
|Thorney|Contribution|to Tydd|-|-|-|-|5|
|General|Travel|Expenses|213|70|-|283|551|
|Insurance|1,948|-|-|1,948|1,742|
|Licenses|682|211|-|893|1,365|
|Literature|Purchases|-|269|-|269|104|
|Maintenance/Repairs|2,317|-|-|2,317|2,625|
|Postage|-|-|-|“|=|
|Premises|Improvement|885|-|-|885|1,022|
|Printing/Photocopying|182|147|-|329|154|
|Salaries|and|Wages|25,518|8,200|-|33,718|25,399|
|Sundry|Payments|261|67|-|328|245|
|Telephone/Broadband|547|-|-|547|454|
|Utilities|6,020|-|2|6,020|6,868|
|Visiting|Ministry|Expenses|-|-|-|=|°|
|Website|177|-|-|177|120|
|b|Investment Management|Costs|
|Bank|Charges|30|-|-|30|52|
|30|-|-|30|52|
|c|Governance|Costs|
|Professional|Fees|-|“|-|-|240|
|Child|Protection|Fees|331|-|-|331|191|
|331|-|-|331|431|
|TOTAL PAYMENTS|50,328|12,272|-|62,600|57,120|
|NET OF RECEIPTS/-PAYMENTS|(8,068)|(353)|-|(8,421)|25,686|
|Cash|Funds|Last Year|End|29,005|13,701|-|42,706|17,020|
|CASH|FUNDS|THIS YEAR END|20,937|13,348|-|34,285|42,706|
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