REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
for
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 3 | to | 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 8 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 | to | 12 |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The Charity's principal activities are for the public benefit: to advance the Christian faith and to fulfil such other purposes that are exclusively charitable. The main objectives and activities for the period were the provision of public worship, the provision of human resources and services to the community and the alleviation of hardship through various means, as well as support for church planting.
Public benefit
The activities undertaken are monitored closely by staff and trustees to ensure that the recipients of the charity's services and facilities have an experience in keeping with its Christian aims and ethos.
The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and planning future activities.
Volunteers
Our thanks go out to all those who have volunteered their time and services to help ensure that Grace Community Church meets its aims and objectives.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Throughout the past year the charity has continued to advance the Christian faith in Porthcawl and to provide services to the local community, including financial grants to people in Porthcawl who are undergoing hardship, and through the continued provision of services like Foodshare, Ukrainian Cafe, Mums and Toddlers group and Community Cafe.
The charity has also been given use of another building in town, in which a ‘warm space’ has been offered to the community on a weekly basis. The charity has continued to support church planting, funded by specific donations and various grants. The charity continues to have a strong involvement with schools, care homes and other community-based organisations within Porthcawl. The organisation continues to support the work of several individuals worldwide who seek to advance the Christian faith in different parts of the world. A more detailed overview of the Charity is available on the Charity's website.
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
We continue to segment 13% of our income to support others whose aims and values align with those of our Charity. Amounts set aside and not yet spent are shown as separate Restricted reserves. Costs are continuously kept to a minimum, focusing resources on human resources and on community-orientated work and embracing as much voluntary support as possible.
Principal funding sources
Funding is received mainly from supporting individuals and related gift aid claims, supplemented by grants (see note 2).
Reserves policy
Reserves are held sufficiently to uphold the objectives of the charity without putting it in financial jeopardy. Outward Giving is now set aside in a restricted fund with transfers from General funds being made during the year. See Note 9 for movements on these funds. A Vision Fund has also been set apart. This is a longer term fund with the aim of raising finances over the course of at least one year. The fund is restricted in nature (made so by the trustees), with the express aim of enabling the church's vision to grow through the renovation, purchase or construction of premises. Any other restricted funds are held in line with the conditions attached to its particular sources of funding until fully expended.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The organisation is a Christian Charity registered on 9th March 2011. The Charity is an incorporated company (registered 21st January, 2011) and is governed by Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Thomas Clewer, Dr Joel Morris, Russell Stables and Claire Hereward are current trustees. Trustees are appointed for ongoing terms, with new trustees to be appointed at a Special Meeting of trustees.
A team of elders have been established to ensure that the charity's aims and needs are identified and reflected through to the body of trustees.
Organisational structure
The organisational structure of Grace Community Church is comprised of two parts. Firstly, a team of elders, responsible for the overall vision, leadership, oversight and direction of the church including all pastoral and church leadership issues. Secondly a body of trustees who bear responsibility concerning all issues pertaining to financial policy, employment matters, good stewardship, and who seek to ensure that the charity is abiding by best practice as defined by the Charity Commission. These two elements of the organisation structure of Grace work together on many of these areas.
Induction and training of new trustees
All trustees, having attended the church and been involved in church activities for more than five years, are more than familiar within the context in which the charity operates.
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number
07501715 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1140748
Registered office
Hope Chapel Newton Nottage Road Porthcawl CF36 5RR
Trustees
T J E Clewer Dr J Morris Mrs C E Stables (resigned 17.03.25) R Stables Ms C L Hereward (appointed 01.02.24)
Independent Examiner
Nicola Lewis EasyBooks Wales Ltd Unit 4, Dragon 24 North Dock Llanelli Carmarthenshire SA15 2LF
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 17[th] November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
T J E Clewer - Trustee
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
Independent Examiner's Report
to the Trustees of Grace Community Church Porthcawl
I report on the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31[st] March 2025, which are set out on the following pages.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The company’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, and they consider 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.
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 Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act);
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 you as directors concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
-
a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 & 387 of the Charities Act; and
-
b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of Sections 394 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
- (2) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Nicola Jayne Lewis Date 14[th] November 2025
Signed
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REGisfERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales} REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748 GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 Marc h 2025
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings - 20% straight line method on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
3. Other Income
| Grants Received Rent Received Interest Received |
Unrestricted Restricted |
Total This Year |
Total Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| - - - - 704 - - |
- - 704 - |
7,500 800 866 - |
|
| 704 - |
704 | 9,166 |
4. Breakdown of Charitable Expenditure
| Wages, Salaries & Associated Costs Staff Expenses Rent, Rates, Light & Heat Repairs & Maintenance Other Ministry Events & Hospitality Youth Ministry Accountancy & Examination Legal Fees Special Events Small Tools, Equipment & resources Subscriptions & Donations Evangelism Outward Giving Gifts Made Outward giving Non-tithe Receipts Venue Hire Depreciation and loss on disposal of asset Insurance |
This Year 46,644 1,388 4,838 653 42,234 465 1,059 1,065 564 11,011 646 514 4,369 5,410 0 0 100 1,621 1,389 |
Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38,665 3,386 4,358 838 52,990 1,655 1,475 1,301 0 7,644 66 1,469 35,161 6,585 0 -5,606 1,590 2,213 1,167 |
|||
| 123,971 | 154,957 |
5. Transfer of Funds
The trustees have set aside the following amounts to restricted funds during this financial period:
Church Planting (£2,195) – changed to Vision Fund. Vision Fund - £5,283 Outward Giving - £12,768
Total - £15,856
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
6. Fixed Assets
| Cost at 1st January Additions Disposals Cost at 31st December Accumulated Depreciation 1st January Charge this year Released on disposal Accumulated Depreciation 31st December NET BOOK VALUE |
Fixtures & Fittings Equipment |
Total |
|---|---|---|
| 17,148 24,744 - - - - |
41,892 - - |
|
| 17,148 24,744 |
41,892 | |
| 16,148 20,940 - 1,621 - - |
37,088 1,621 - |
|
| 16,148 22,561 |
38,709 | |
| 1,000 2,183 |
3,183 |
As of August 2019 Hope Chapel has been transferred legally into the ownership of the company Grace Community Church Porthcawl (company number 07501715). No cost was incurred other than the legal costs of £4,010 which have been included as expenditure on charitable activities in the financial statements for the year to 31 March 2020.
At the time of the transfer in August 2019, £150,000 was placed as an approximate value on the asset which consists of long-term leasehold land and buildings. This note highlights a valuable asset owned by the company, fully available and utilised for its operations. Without the requirement for a formal valuation, it is considered to be a fair approximation of its value at 31 March 2025 by the trustees.
7. Debtors and Prepayments
| 7. Debtors and Prepayments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gift Aid Debtor 8. Creditors and Accruals Accounting / Independent Examination Fees |
This Year 5,923 This Year 810 |
Last Year |
| 15,700 Last Year |
||
| 880 |
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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07501715 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1140748
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH PORTHCAWL
9. Movement In Funds
The restricted funds represent amounts received for specific purposes and the movements in the year are as follows:
| Church Planting Vision Fund (formerly Unrestricted) Outward Giving General Funds |
Opening Balance |
Income Expenditure Transfers |
Closing balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,195 0 0 |
0 0 (2,195) 4,831 0 5,283 0 5,410 12,768 |
0 10,114 7,358 |
|
| 2,195 | 4,831 5,410 15,856 |
17,472 | |
| 96,640 | 103,470 118,561 (15,856) |
65,693 | |
| 98,835 | 108,301 123,971 0 |
83,165 |
The Church Planting restricted fund has now changed to the Vision Fund as noted above.
10. Trustees' Remuneration and Benefits
The charity has three employed staff members during this year. Its activities are generally carried out by volunteers. No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.
One of the trustees, Thomas James Edward Clewer received a salary of £35,000 in his capacity as pastor of the church.
Expenses amounting to £1387.51 were reimbursed to T J E Clewer during the year.
11. Staff
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| This Year | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Pastoral | 1 | 1 |
| Ministerial support | 4 | 4 |
| Administrative support | 1 | 1 |
| 6 | 6 |
12. Related Party Disclosures
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31[st] March 2025.
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