Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/03/2022 Period start date To 28/02/2023 Period end date
Charity name: Southampton Christadelphian Ecclesia
Charity registration number: 1140168
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Christadelphian Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith for the benefit of the public, through the holding of meetings for worship, prayer and the preaching of the Gospel, providing religious teaching and publications, the promotion of charitable works and the provision of pastoral care. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Sunday services are arranged for Breaking of Bread for worship, prayer and praise, and weekday meetings of Bible Class and Bible Reading Group for study and discussion of scripture. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Baptisms, weddings and funerals are also performed. Following the lifting of Coronavirus restrictions we have resumed our usual Sunday Bible Hour Services to proclaim the Gospel message. We wish to advance the gospel for its spiritual and moral benefits to individuals and the public at large, as is the Christian duty. Our activities and free literature are exclusively Bible based, intended for evangelising to attract new members and for encouraging the religious and spiritual development of existing members in furtherance of the way of life in Christ. We promote that way of life, the Bible duty “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives... eager to do what is good” to all people and to “live at peace with everyone.” Whilst acknowledging social responsibility for the Public Benefit, we have no involvement in political matters nor any secular aspiration in what we do. |
Our distribution of religious literature door to door either in person or via Royal Mail is to raise religious awareness by inviting the public to have free literature to encourage Bible study and belief of the gospel. We also maintain a website to explain to the public who we are and what we do, and encourage them to meet with us. We raise members’ donations also to support gospel proclamation in the wider UK through other Christadelphian ecclesias and in Europe and Africa via the Christadelphian Bible Mission. Our pastoral work is organised to visit the elderly, infirm or sick in homes or hospital and attend to the need to cheer and encourage them, as well as to deal with practical difficulties. This can include errands or purchases, financial help or advice, or transport to and from meetings, or medical appointments. Spiritual counsel is also arranged for those with such a need. For work farther afield in the UK, we raise members’ donations for the Christadelphian Benevolent Fund. We also financially support with donations pastoral work principally in the UK by the Christadelphian Isolation League which includes provision of Braille books and matter for those who are deaf, and overseas through the Christadelphian Bible Mission in the use of its Welfare Fund for alleviating hardship. Subject to restrictions we have also run Coffee Mornings which are open to the public and provides a social venue in the area. Another aspect of our charitable work is provision of low-cost accommodation. We own two flats which are let at low rental to tenants disadvantaged by age, infirmity or low income. We have no commercial motive and surplus (when there is any) is ploughed back into the Ecclesial funds. Elderly and ill members of our UK community are cared for in Christadelphian Care Homes and we raise financial support for them. Contributions from our members are made to Christadelphian Benevolent Fund for helping those in need in the UK, to Christadelphian Meal-a-Day for relief of poverty overseas and aid in providing fresh water supplies, farming and health advice. For disaster relief anywhere in the world, we donate to the Christadelphian Samaritan Fund. We also raise funds for charities with a local connection such as those supporting the homeless and needy in the Southampton area, the Hampshire
| Air Ambulance, and well-known national charities with medical, social or care objectives. We have held fund-raising Coffee Mornings to allow those in the neighbourhood to support us in these causes. |
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|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees declare that, in the planning and execution of our activities, they have considered the Commission’s guidance on Public Benefit, including that given for charities for the advancement of religion. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The functioning of the Ecclesia depends entirely on the services, time and financial donations freely given by unremunerated member volunteers. The Trustees gratefully acknowledge that we could not honour our commitments to our Object without such generous and unstinting support. |
| 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 | The effects of Coronavirus continued to impact preaching activities carried out in our hall during the spring of 2022, but from June 2022 we were able to resume our usual preaching activities. The Ecclesial Plan was completed in full, with the scheduled meetings and services taking place. Visiting speakers joined via Zoom and in person and encouraged and uplifted the congregations. Bible study comprised a mix of lecture, DVD or visual presentations. The personal delivery of “Glad Tidings” magazines to areas of Southampton continued, with 6 regular postal recipients. Attendance at the adult meetings averaged approximately 51 attendances per week spread over the three meetings. Total membership averaged 47. Currently we do not have any scholars in our Sunday School. |
In the year we held 4 baptismal services, and gained two new members transferred from another Christadelphian ecclesia. Sadly also we had three funeral services, The focus of our gospel proclamation has been using our website, leaflet distribution, and advertising outside of our hall, inviting the public to our Sunday Bible Hour and an online Seminar which began in the summer. We also held regular Charity Coffee Mornings to support other good causes in our area. The amount and importance of welfare work is such that it is a standing item on the agenda of the monthly Arranging Trustees’ meeting. Care and help for the elderly continued to be a priority, along with supporting our new members (especially asylum seekers) as they find their feet. Help can include visiting at home or in hospital, with private breaking of bread if requested, transport, shopping, comfort and help with funerals, continuing contact with those in Care Homes, dealing with social services and financial matters, all on behalf of those in need, some of whom for various reasons struggle to cope with today’s society. Expenditure on welfare support was second only to that spent on buildings maintenance. Expenditure would be considerably higher were it not for those who volunteered their time and effort to help with welfare issues. This burden fell most heavily on our Welfare Team and those who assist them and we are particularly indebted for their services. The tenancy of both flats continued, with long term tenants.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising Para 1.41 activities against objectives set Investment performance Para 1.41 against objectives Other
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Members donations have continued to be received and income has exceeded expenditure. This has been helped by the rents for the two flats which have both been occupied by tenants for the whole year. The finances of the charity remain in a healthy state. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Ecclesia’s policy is to establish within the General Fund (unrestricted) a reserve of £10,000 to meet future unforeseen contingencies, over and above a target working income of £5,000 per annum. This provision is calculated with reference to potential loss of one year’s income and counciltax iftheflats arevacated |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £10,000 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | No fund was in deficit at 28thFebruary 2023 |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | There are currently no specific uncertainties. However, we are aware that our more experienced members are ageing, and we will be relying more on our newer, younger members as time progresses. Currently the mix is sufficient to enable the Ecclesia to continue as a going concern. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
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 sources of funds are from collections and donations from members and tenants’ rents. When extra funds are needed, e.g. for unforeseen maintenance costs, members are asked to increase donations by single gifts or by contributions made. If further funding is required in time of real need, ecclesias and other Funds within the Christadelphian body support one another mutually by special appeals. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Constitution adopted 25 October 2015 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | 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 | All Trustees are elected by ballot of the membership annually |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
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 | Trustees are elected from among experienced members of the Ecclesia. Induction per se is not necessary, since Trustees are introduced to the Charity Commission website publications, with emphasis on CC3 – The Essential Trustees: what you need to know and Public Benefit principles. All periodically receive CC newsletters to keep them abreast of developments. When necessary they are briefed on current topics, such briefings drawing heavily on CC guidance notes. |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | All Trustees are members of the Arranging Committee, which makes day-to-day arrangements on behalf of the charity in consultation with the Treasurer. On a monthly basis Trustees review all matters and make necessary decisions on activities and expenditure. The teams for Welfare, Preaching, and Bible Class all report to the Arranging Trustees. Quarterly interim accounts for the Ecclesia are received and reviewed. Members receive minutes of Arranging Trustee meetings and review them half yearly at business meetings to confirm that all aspects of our Object are receiving due attention and diligence. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | To ensure the appropriate use of charitable donations by the Ecclesia and members, these are channelled through other charities in the Christadelphian body, as listed in the Annual Accounts. These charities share our objectives and Trustees are able to be represented on the major ones by attendance and/or voting. We also from time to time collect for local |
| Southampton or Hampshire and national charities who help the disadvantaged or have some specific project for public benefit. The aims of these bodies are always examined before we propose them to members for a donation. Consideration of risks which could threaten the operation or reputation of the Ecclesia takes place at the Annual Trustee Meeting in July or otherwise as necessary. |
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|---|---|---|
| Other | Trustees are elected from among experienced members of the Ecclesia. Induction per se is not necessary, since Trustees are introduced to the Charity Commission website publications, with emphasis on CC3 – The Essential Trustees: what you need to know and Public Benefit principles. All periodically receive CC newsletters to keep them abreast of developments. When necessary they are briefed on current topics, such briefings drawing heavily on CC guidance notes. |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Southampton Christadelphian Ecclesia |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Southampton Christadelphians |
| Registered charitynumber | 1140168 |
| Charity’s principal address | Christadelphian Hall, 16 St. James Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 FH |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for **whole year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Oulton | Secretary Trustee |
To 1/7/2022 To 28/2/2023 |
||
| TimothyEvans | Assistant Secretary | To 1/7/2022 | ||
| Martin Haines | Treasurer | |||
| Kenneth Lacey | Assistant Secretary | From 1/7/2022 | ||
| Paul Bonner | ||||
| David Cox | Secretary | From 1/7/2022 | ||
| Martyn Bonner | ||||
| Michael Ng | From 1/7/2022 | |||
– 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| David Cox | Holding Trustee | |
| Kenneth Lacey | Holding Trustee | |
| **Keith Millington ** | Holding Trustee | |
| Nicholas Oulton | Holding Trustee | |
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
David Cox | M. Haines |
|---|---|---|
| David Timothy Cox | Martin John Haines | |
Secretary |
Treasurer | |
| 05/12/2023 | ||
| 05/12/2023 |
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Sect10n A Independent Examiner s Report Southampton Chrisladelphian Ecdesia On accounts for the year 2 FebNary 20rJ Charity no (rf any) 1140168 Set out on pages l port to the tntee$ ¢xi my examinatTh of the accoL¥ of the above charity (Ihe Trusn for the erKled 281 Ir212023. Responsibilities and basis of report As the d)ariWs trustees, yw are $PS1b1e for1he preparation of the acCInts in aC(X)r wth the rirents of Ihe Charities Art 2011 (Ihe Ac I report in respect of my examination d Ihe Trusfs actnts carried ¢xrt urKler section 145 of the 2011 Ad and in carying oui my examination, I have follo%4ed all the applicable rectr)ns given by the Charity Commission wjer SeCtK 145(5)(b) of the Art Independent I have coMj my examinat. I cMi Ihat no mat1a1 matter has examinerfs statement come to my at11 in conr1 wth Ihe examination lch gives m8 cause to believe that in. ¥¢y material respect. the accountiTrJ records were rw)t kept in accord section 130 of the Charities Act,. or the accounts dKI not accord wth the acc<)unb'ng records. or the accnunts did Mt e£)mply %%ith the applicable requirements concemiThJ the form and )ntent of acCntS set (Mjt in Charities {Accomts Rep)rts) Regulati$ 2(X)8 other than any r8quir8m8nt that the acco gNe a Irue arKJ fai¢ view lch is not a matter consmlered as part of an independent examinab'on. I have no concems have come across no otsr matters in conrrttion wrth the examination to *thich attth should be drawn in Ihis report in order to enab a proFw the accolmts to be reached. Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (rf any): Address: 8. H(Xj Roaj Gardens. Nthy Southampt HAMPSHIRE S0315FW IER Oct 2018
Section 8 Disclosure Only 0)mete rf the examiner needs to highlight material matters of CteM (see CC32, lNlepnt examinatson of (knrity accounts.. directK)ns and guidan for examiners). Gbve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018