Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/03/2023 Period start date To 29/02/2024 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. We also run weekly Coffee Mornings which are open to the public and provide 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. |
||
|---|---|---|
| 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 ongrantmaking | 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 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 55 attendances per week spread over the three meetings. Total membership averaged 50. Currently we do not have any scholars in our Sunday School. In the year we held 5 baptismal services, and gained two new members transferred from another Christadelphian ecclesia. Sadly also we had a funeral service. 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. 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
| 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. The balance now substantially exceeds the working reserve (see next para), but during the year it has become clear that the allowance for “working income” is insufficient, and we have also become aware of other potentially significant costs and financial risks that are likely to require increased reserves to protect the charity. The Trustees plan to assess these costs and risks in the coming year in order to establish a new reserve baseline. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 council tax if the flats are vacated. As stated above, these amounts are known to be insufficient for present needs and are being revised. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £44.284 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | No fund was in deficit at 29thFebruary 2024 |
| 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 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 |
Para 1.46 |
social investment policy adopted A description of the principal Para 1.46 risks facing the charity 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. Other
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 | To 1/7/2023 | |||
| Martyn Bonner | To 1/7/2023 | |||
| David Cox | Secretary | |||
| Martin Haines | Treasurer | |||
| Kenneth Lacey | Assistant Secretary | |||
| Paul Bonner | ||||
| Michael Ng | ||||
– 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 | |
| 24/09/2024 | ||
| 24/09/2024 |
23-24 Annual_CC
SOUTHAMPTON CHRISTADELPHIAN ECCLESIA
(Charity Reg. No. 1140168)
Statement of Accounts for period from 1st March 2023 to 29[th] February 2024
| Unres RECEIPTS Members' donatons and collectons Rent Interest Tax refund- Gif Aid Tax Refund – Small Donatons Diaries/Magazine/Calendars Grant Total Receipts PAYMENTS Preaching Expenditure Visitng speakers' expenses Members' Donatons (Note 2) BP Tributes in memoriam CP Donatons in memoriam(Note 2) DP Diaries and Magazine EP Statonary/Books/printng FP "Glad Tidings" magazine distributon GP Website /Licences HP Market Stall Costs IP Advertsing AP Banner/Poster Equipment/Furnishings JP Zoom Setup and equipment Laptop Communion Cups Welfare Donatons and Costs Sundry Welfare Gifs/Grants AW Members' Donatons (Note 2) BW Donatons in memoriam(Note 2) DW Food/Meals/Outngs MW Postage PW General Expenses Gas Electricity Water Broadband Council Tax Insurances - Hall and fats EG Carried forward |
tricted Fund Restricted Funds |
tricted Fund Restricted Funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Total Total Total £ £ £ £ 6,751 919 866 7,158 13,715 - - - 164 - - - - - - - 2,711 - - 300 479 - - 539 136 - - 1,000 - - - - General Fund Witness Fund Welfare Fund External Fund |
£ £ 15,694_14,763 _13,715_9,880 _164_65 - _3,011_2,648 _479_36 _675_495 _1,000_450 -- - - -_- Total 2023/24 Total 2022/23 |
||
| 24,360 1,055 1,866 7,458 | 34,739 | 28,337 | |
| £ £ £ £ £ £ 273 273 98 250 2,268 2,518 2,707 - - - - 527 250 - 777 568 20 118 - 138 1,139 - - - - - 363 - 363 167 359 - - 359 316 - - - - - - - 976 - - - 1,235 - 1,235 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,532 2,532 3,192 - - - 5,189 5,189 5,206 80 - - 80 80 48 - 1,013 1,061 926 - - 12 12 - - - - 1,054 1,054 755 342 342 308 158 158 126 300 300 300 1,643 1,643 2,031 2,031 1,860 |
|||
| 8,319 731 3,557 7,458 20,064 18,724 |
Page 1
23-24 Annual_CC
| Brought forward FG Gas safety checks - Hall & fats GG Electrical Safety Checks HG Fire extnguisher service IG Cleaning JG Communion Supplies KG Postage LG Printng/Statonary PG Mileage MG Hall Hire RG Total Payments 1 Surplus/(defcit) for period Opening Balance Closing Balance Closing Balance represented by: Cash at Lloyds Bank Pety Cash Virgin Money Account STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ASSETS Investments Freehold Flats (Note 4) Church Hall Movable furniture and equipment in Cash at Lloyds, Virgin Money and Pety Cash LIABILITIES Unpresented Cheques Building & equipment repairs and maintenance Retained for Charity Use |
Total Total Total Total £ £ £ £ 8,319 731 3,557 7,458 2,684 - 360 - - 136 147 4 22 77 General Fund Witness Fund Welfare Fund External Fund |
£ £ 20,064 18,724 2,684 6,862 - 360 360 - 300 - 286 136 84 147 169 4 22 88 77 88 - 85 - Total 2023/24 Total 2022/23 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,749 731 3,557 7,458 |
23,495 27,046 |
|
| £ £ £ £ 12,611 325 -1,691 0 31,674 725 6,178 3 |
2023/24 2022/23 £ £ 11,244 780 38,579 37,799 |
|
| 44,284 1,049 4,487 3 | 49,824 38,579 | |
| Less unpres Fund General General h General |
£ £ 9,966 8,863 14 38 - 0 |
|
| 9,981 8,901 39,843 29,678 |
||
| 49,824 38,579 |
||
| 2023/24 2022/23 £ £ 360,000 360,000 Not Valued Not Valued |
||
| 49825 38579 |
||
| - - |
The Notes below form part of the accounts and financial statements.
Page 2
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Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
| Report to the trustees/ members of On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages Responsibilities and basis of report |
Southampton Christadelphian Ecclesia | Southampton Christadelphian Ecclesia | Southampton Christadelphian Ecclesia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29thFebruary 2024 | Charity no (if any) |
1140168 | |
| 1-4 | |||
| I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended29 / 02 / 2024. As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. |
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and 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.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed: Date:
Name: TM Ford
| Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: |
Chartered Secretary |
|---|---|
| 8, Hound Road Gardens, Netley | |
| Southampton | |
| HAMPSHIRE SO31 5FW |
October 2018
1
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
October 2018
2
IER