Registered charity number: 1140528 St James Road Baptist Church, Watford FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 - 1 ## St James Road Baptist Church, Watford Charity Information as at 30 September 2025 Charity name St James Road Baptist Church, Watford ## Charity number 1140528 ## Principal address 1-5 St James Road, Watford WD18 0DZ ## Trustees ## Names of the charity Trustees who manage the charity Name Office Dates Andrew Gale Minister Melvyn Finerty Treasurer To 16[th] January 2025 Elizabeth Gray Secretary To November 2024 Ruth Roberts Secretary From November 2024 Robin Roberts Treasurer From 16[th] January 2025 Ruth Finerty Safeguarding Officer To 16[th] January 2025 Ruth Roberts Safeguarding Officer From 16[th] January 2025 Appointing Authority Church Meeting Church Meeting Church Meeting Church meeting Church Meeting Church Meeting Church Meeting ## Independent examiner Samson Akinola, FCCA Chartered Certified Accountants 7 George Street West Luton Beds LU1 2BJ 2 ## Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2025 ## Reference and Administrative Details Governing Document: The Church Constitution in line with the Baptist Union of Great Britain Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity. The Baptist Union Corporation Ltd ## Structure, Governance and Management The Charity is governed by an approved governing document which states that its main purpose is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination, to include the advancement of education, community service and such other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the Church shall determine. The Church occupies premises which are held by the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd, on Trusts which are entirely compatible with the above object. St James Road Baptist Church is an independent Baptist fellowship affiliated with the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Eastern Baptist Association. The church is governed by its members’ meeting, which appoints trustees (deacons and officers) to oversee spiritual, administrative, and financial matters. ## Objectives and Activities In order to achieve the principal objective, which is set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both to its membership and to the community. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as the living Lord. Central to the work and witness of the church is the provision of a regular public service of Christian worship on Sunday mornings at 10.00 am. The church seeks to be a friendly and loving community where all are welcome. that meets during the week. The church runs a Toddler group in the church hall, enabling mums of young children to enjoy social interaction and the children to develop through play. A craft group meets fortnightly, giving those from the neighbourhood a space for sharing skills and nurturing friendships. The church provides financial and prayer support for other mission organisations locally and in the UK. 3 The buildings are also used by 3 other churches that share similar purposes and objectives. To meet the needs of many in the community who have been impacted by the economic downturn, the Church has offered the use of the Church Hall to “Foodbank St James” and Watford & 3 Rivers Trust, “Welcome space” Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public. Additional information Policy on grant making The church tends not to apply for grants Policy on social investment, including program-related investment N/A Contribution made by volunteers All the activities related to developing links with the community are run by volunteers. Some of the building maintenance requirements are also carried out by volunteers ## Mission and Purpose St James Road Baptist Church exists to glorify God, proclaim the gospel, and serve the community. We affirm the authority of Scripture, the lordship of Christ, and the Baptist principles of believers’ baptism, congregational governance, and the priesthood of all believers. Our mission is expressed through worship, discipleship, pastoral care, evangelism, and practical service. ## Achievements and Performance 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. As a leadership team, we meet as and when required to consider the programme of events, update on financial matters, consider facility issues and respond to ongoing matters. We have a small membership of 11 and appreciate the rental of facilities to 3 other churches to help cover the cost of utilities and maintenance of the buildings. Sunday services, mid-week prayer Zoom, and home group for prayer support and Bible study maintain the advancement of the Christian faith. 4 Toddler group and Craft group continue to be a link with the local community, providing the opportunity for social interaction and demonstrating the love of Christ through showing love and concern. By offering space, without charge, to other projects “Food bank St James” and “Watford and 3 Rivers welcome”; has been a means of meeting a need in the community. ## Safeguarding ## Safeguarding remained a priority throughout the year. The church followed the Baptist Union’s safeguarding policies, ensuring: - Up-to-date safeguarding policies for children and adults at risk - DBS checks for all relevant volunteers - A Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputy in place - Training for leaders and volunteers - Proper reporting and recording of concerns ## Financial Review Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period ## Financial review and reserves Net incoming resources for the year amounted to a surplus of £6,570 (2024: £4,076). At the year end, the charity held reserves of £248,038 in unrestricted funds (2024: £250,468) and £9,000 in restricted funds (2024: £0). The reserves policy is reviewed annually, and the trustees are satisfied that the current level of reserves is more than sufficient to meet future expenditure . The church continues to raise funds, which it needs to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation. It is not our policy to raise funds via a wider public appeal. The most significant expenses are the salary of a Minister (part-time), who leads and coordinates the church's activities, including the Sunday Services and in midweek; to provide pastoral care for the congregation and other people; and to equip and encourage the membership in their life, Christian witness, and service. The church expressed its part in the life of the wider church by making donations to local, national, and international Christian organisations and societies with aims and objectives compatible with the church's own charitable purpose. The church is heavily dependent on its membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the church's activities, many of which run with little or no impact on the church's expenditure but nevertheless contribute substantially to the achievement of the church's objectives. The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the accompanying financial statements. The Trustees are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves at the Balance Sheet date, together with ongoing income anticipated, to enable the church to function effectively during the forthcoming year. 5 Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves, stating why they are held The church aims to maintain sufficient reserves to enable us to meet our essential expenses for at least six months, plus large-scale facilities items, together with a general contingency fund for unseen expenditure. Amount of reserves held: £225k held in long-term notice accounts with the Baptist Union Reasons for holding zero reserves N/A Details of the fund materially in deficit None ## Restricted Funds Restricted (Foodbank) funds were used in accordance with donors’ intentions. At year-end, restricted fund balances totalled £9,000.00. ## Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets held in this capacity While Foodbank St James is applying for independent charitable status, they have applied for grants using our charitable status. Hence, grants have been received by the church and transferred to the foodbank. Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how these fall within the custodian charity’s objects Foodbank St James, which provides food for the needy within the local community Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets Grants received for Foodbank St James are temporarily held in our current account and passed on when requested ## Going Concern The trustees confirm that the church remains financially viable and has adequate resources to continue its ministries for the foreseeable future. 6 ## Trustees’ Responsibilities The trustees are responsible for: - Ensuring proper accounting records are kept - Preparing annual accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 - Safeguarding the assets of the church - Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements ## Additional information The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) SJR’s principal source of funds is from regular gifts from members and rental from the use of the buildings by 3 other churches. It is not our policy to raise funds via a wider public appeal. Investment policy and objectives, including any social investment policy adopted N/A A description of the principal risks facing the charity N/A ## Plans for the Future In the coming year, the church aims to: - Strengthen discipleship pathways for all ages - Expand community outreach and mission engagement - Continue improving safeguarding and governance practices - Develop ministries supporting families, young people, and the elderly - Maintain and improve the church building to support ministry and community use ## Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signedon behalf of the charity’s trustees Signature(s) Full name(s) Ruth Sheng Chueh Roberts Robin Dudley Beachcroft Roberts Position (eg Secretary, Secretar Treasurer Chair, etc) y Date 10[th] June 2026 7 St James Rd Baptist Church Registered Charity No. 1140528 ## Financial Statement For The Year Ending 30th September 2025 |General Receipts and Payments Account
NOTE
RECEIPTS:
Weekly Oferings
Payments in lieu (Gift Aid)
Gifts
Investment Income
2
Rent (Church, Hall & Manse)
Raised for Other Causes
3
FoodBank
(Grants) Restricted Fund
10
PAYMENTS:
Ministry
4
Mission
5
Upkeep of Church Premises
6
Administration
7
Foodbank Restricted Fund
10
SURPLUS/-DEFICIT for the year 10
BALANCE Brought Forward
TRANSFER To Reserve Fund
BALANCE Carried Forward|2025
£14,340.00
£6,675.07
£740.00
£13,097.63
£19,712.50
£7,600.00
£62,165.20
£13,000.00
£17,937.09
£10,125.34
£22,396.00
£5,136.27
£55,594.70
£4,000.00
£6,570.50
£38,006.04
£13,097.63
£31,478.91|2024
£19,844.50
£6,006.76
£0.00
£8,426.42
£22,568.50
£7,200.00
£64,046.18
£0.00
£20,737.80
£14,379.08
£19,307.97
£5,544.89
£59,969.74
£0.00
£4,076.44
£42,356.02
£8,426.42
£38,006.04
2024
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£204,035.48
£8,426.42
£212,461.90| |---|---|---| |Reserve Receipts and Payments Account
NOTE
RECEIPTS:
Other Receipts
8
PAYMENTS:
Other Payments
9
SURPLUS/-DEFICIT for the year
BALANCE Brought Forward
TRANSFER From General Fund
BALANCE Carried Forward|2025
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£212,461.90
£13,097.63
£225,559.53|| Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 30th September 2025 2025 2024 ASSETS: Bank and Other Cash Balances £257,038.44 £250,467.94 Page 1 |Representing Balances on the Following Accounts:
General Account
£31,478.91
Reserve Account
£225,559.53
FoodBank
10
£9,000.00
£257,038.44|Representing Balances on the Following Accounts:
General Account
£31,478.91
Reserve Account
£225,559.53
FoodBank
10
£9,000.00
£257,038.44|£38,006.04
£212,461.90
£250,467.94
2024| |---|---|---| |NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS|2025|| 1. These accounts have been prepared on a Receipts & Payments basis and accord with the S.133 Charities Act 2011 2. Investment Income |2. Investment Income|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Bank Interest
3. Other Causes|Raised|£13,097.63
Given|Raised|£8,426.42
Given|| |Central Baptist Assoc.
Home Mission / BMS
Watford Schools Trust
PCC Watford Town
Alternatives
Foodbank
Other|£2,100.00
£2,100.00
£1,200.00
£1,200.00
£600.00
£400.00
£0.00|£2,100.00
£2,100.00
£1,200.00
£1,200.00
£600.00
£400.00
£0.00|£2,100.00
£2,100.00
£1,200.00
£1,200.00
£600.00
£0.00
£0.00|£2,100.00
£2,100.00
£1,200.00
£1,200.00
£600.00
£0.00
£0.00|| ||£7,600.00|£7,600.00|£7,200.00|£7,200.00|| |4. Ministry
Stipend
Pulpit Supplies
Manse (See Upkeep of Church Premises (6)||£17,737.09
£200.00||£20,637.80
£100.00|| |||£17,937.09||£20,737.80|| |5. Mission
Other Causes (3)
Fellowship & Outreach
Worship & Ministry||£7,600.00
£2,253.43
£271.91||£7,200.00
£1,172.96
£6,006.12|| |||£10,125.34||£14,379.08|| |6. Upkeep of Church Premises
Lighting & Heating
Cleaning (emp + materials)
Insurance
Repairs & Maintenance||£4,615.30
£4,375.04
£3,048.53
£10,357.13||£3,910.17
£1,806.87
£3,277.75
£10,313.18|| |||£22,396.00||£19,307.97|| |7. Administration
Printing & Stationary
Telephone, Broadband & Postage
Advertising
Subscriptions
Other||£1,287.50
£3,848.77||£185.94
£413.30
£4,945.65|| |||£5,136.27||£5,544.89|| ||||||Page 2| |8. Reserve Receipts
9. Reserve Payments
10. FoodBank -Restricted Funds
Grants & Gifts received
Payments to Foodbank
Surplus held for foodbank
11. Other Monetary Assets
12. Other Non Monetary Assets
(A) Held for investment purposes
(B) Held for Church's own use
Church Building
Church Hall
Church Manse
Church Contents|£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£13,000.00
£0.00
£4,000.00
£0.00
£9,000.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£1,705,922.00
£1,677,722.00
£1,300,000.00
missed in previous years?
£324,079.00
£317,079.00
£141,000.00
£116,904.00
£3,471,001.00
£2,111,705.00| |---|---| Note: The valuation of church buildings, manse and contents is insured by Baptist Insurance Company |13. Liabilities||| |---|---|---| |(A) Current|£0.00|£0.00| |(B) Long Term|£0.00|£0.00| |BU Pension Fund Defcit||| Note: the pension fund deficit valuation is based on the latest assessment issued by the Baptist Pension Trust. The Accounts and Statement Of Assets and Liabilities set out on pages … relating to the year ended 30th September 2025 are as approved Signed: Name and Position: Robin Roberts (Treasurer) Date: 10/6/2026 Page 3 ||ST JAMES RD BAPTIST CHURCH|ST JAMES RD BAPTIST CHURCH|ST JAMES RD BAPTIST CHURCH|CharityNo|1140528|1140528|| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||||| ||Annualaccountsfor the period||||||| ||Period start date||01/10/202|4
To|Period end
date|
30/09/2025|| ||||||||| ## Section A Statement of financial activities . |Recommended categories byactivity|Recommended categories byactivity||Unrestricted
funds|
Restricted
income
funds|Endowmen
t funds|Total funds|Prior year
funds| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||£|£|£|£|£| |Income|||F01|F02|F03|F04|F05| |Oferings|||||||| |General oferings|||14,340|-|-|14,340|19,845| |Gift Aid - HMRC Tax refund|||6,675|-|-|6,675|6,007| |Gifts / Donations|||740|-|-|740|| |Investment income|||13,097|-|-|13,097|8,426| |Rents - Church, Hall & Manse|||19,713|-|-|19,713|22,569| |Raised for other causes / Foodbank|||7,600|13,000|-|20,600|7,200| |Total|||62,165|13,000|-|75,165|64,047| |Expenditure|||||||| |Expenditure on:|||||||| |Ministry|||17,937|-|-|17,937|20,738| |Mission|||10,125|-|-|10,125|14,379| |Upkeep Church premises|||22,396|||22,396|19,308| |Admin + Foodbank|||5,136|4,000|-|9,136|5,545| |Total|||55,594|4,000|-|59,594|59,970| ||||||||| |Net income/(expenditure) before tax
for the reporting period|||6,571|9,000|-|15,571|4,077| |Taxpayable|||-|-|-|-|-| |Net income/(expenditure) after tax
before investmentgains/(losses)|||6,571|9,000|-|15,571|4,077| |Net gains/(losses) on
investments|||-|-|-|-|-| |Net income/(expenditure)|||6,571|9,000|-|15,571|4,077| |Extraordinary items - Old
Building & F&F written
down||||-|-|-|| |Transfers between funds|||-|-|-|-|| |Other recognised gains/(losses):|||||||| |Gains and losses on revaluation of fxed assets for
charity’s ow n use||the|13,097
-|-|-|13,097
-|8,426| |Other gains/(losses)|||-|-|-|-|-| |Net movement in funds|||6,526
-|9,000|-|2,474|12,503| ||||||||| |Reconciliation of
funds:|||||||| |Total funds brought forw ard|||38,006||-|38,006|42,356| |Total funds carriedforward|||31,480|9,000|-|40,480|38,006| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| 8 ||ST JAMES RD BAPTIST CHURCH.|ST JAMES RD BAPTIST CHURCH.|ST JAMES RD BAPTIST CHURCH.|CharityNo|1140528|1140528| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||||| |Section B Balance sheet||||||| |||Unrestricted
funds|
Restricted
income
funds|Endowment
funds|
Total this
year|Total last
year| |||£|£|£|£|£| |Fixed assets-||F01|F02|F03|F04|F05| |Church Building||1,705,92|2-||-1,705|,922
1,677,722| |Church hall||1,300,00|0-||-1,300|,000| |Church Manse||324,07|9-||-324|,079
317,079| |Church contents||141,00|0 -||- 141|,000
116,904| |Total fixed assets||3,471,00|1 -||- 3,471|,00**1**
2, 11,705| |Current assets||||||| ||||-||-|-
-| ||||-||-|-
-| ||||-||-|-
-| |Cash at bank and in hand||257,03|4|-|257,0|34 250,468| |Total current assets||257,03|4 -||- 257|,034
250,468| |||||||| |Creditors:amounts falling due
withinone year|||-||-|-| |||||||| |Net current assets/(liabilities)||257,03|4 -||- 257|,034
250,468| |||||||| |Total assets less current liabilities||3,728,03|5 -|-|3,728,03|5 2,362,173| |||||||| |Creditors:amounts falling due
afterone year|||-||-|-| |Provisions for liabilities||-||-|-|- -| |||||||| |Total net assets or liabilities||3,728,03|5 -||- 3,728|,035
2,362,173| |Funds of the Charity||||||| |||-|||-|
-| |Restrictedincomefunds||9,00|0||9,00|0| |Unrestrictedfunds||248,03|8|-|248,0|38 250,468| |Revaluation reserve||3,470,99|7||3,470,99|7 2,111,705| |Fair value reserve||||||| |Total funds||3,728,03|5 -||- 3,728|,035
2,362,173| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |Signed by one or two trustees.||||Print Name||Date of
approval
dd/mm/yyyy| ||||Robin Dudley Beachcroft Roberts|||10/6/2026| |||||||| |||||||| |Signature of Trustee Member|||Signature|||Date
dd/mm/yyyy| |||||||10/6/2026| |||||||Print name| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| 9 ## Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of St James Road Baptist Church, Watford ## Report of the Independent Examiner I report on the Receipts and Payments Accounts of St James Road Baptist Church, Watford, for the year ended 30 September 2025, which comprise the Statement of Receipts and Payments, the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, and the related notes. ## Responsibilities and Basis of Report As trustees of the Church, you are responsible for the preparation of the annual accounts. You have chosen to prepare these accounts on a Receipts and Payments basis, as permitted for charities with gross income not exceeding £250,000. I have carried out an independent examination of the accounts in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity Commission’s Directions for independent examiners. My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An independent examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Church 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 sufficient evidence for an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion. ## 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 of the Charities Act 2011 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. ## Examiner’s Signature ## _Samson Akinola_ Name: Samson Akinola Professional Qualification: FCCA Firm: Akins and Company Limited Address: 7 George Street West, Luton. LU1 2BJ Date: June 9th, 2026 10