TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 st DECEMBER 2024 This report includes inforniation required by th¢ Chwities (A¢wunts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Statern¢nt of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2019. SECTION A REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS Chingford United Reformed Church is a local church of the United Reforni Church in Great Britain, And is a member church of the Thames North Synod and the Heath Havering and Forest Group of Churches. It was registered as a Chality on 4th May 2011 as Charity Number 1141708. The Church is situated at 2b Buxton Road, Chingford, London E4 7DP. Church officers can be contacted on the Church's telephone number 020 8529 8888 or by emailin8 urc.chin ford oiitlook.com The members of the Elders Meeting for the time being are r¢wgnis¢d as Charity trustees. Those who serv¢d from 1st January 2024 until the dat¢ this report was approved are., Trustee Name Rev Jonathan H de Mr Malcolm Allard Mrs Mar aret Brown Mrs Helen Hai MrDa o Kotun Mrs Sandra Millan Office if an Minist F.Ider Secret Elder Elder Elder Elder, Pulpit Supply Elder Elder Elder Actin F.Ider Dates acted if not for Until 31st Janu 2024 Mrs Samantha Rone Mr Ian Sgene Mr Malcolm Smith Mrs Jo. c¢ White. Hires Mana er From I st Febru 2024 The Church pranises in Buxton Road, Chingford and the Manse at Bccchcroft, The Green, Chingford are vest¢d in the Synod Trust Company as trust¢¢s and held for the benefit of Chingford URC in accordance with the trusts applicabl¢ to URC properties. SECTI UCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The activities of Chingford United Reforn)a Church are overseen by the Elders Meeting of the Church in accordance with the provision of the Strncture of the United Refornied Church detemiined by the Gencral Assembly of the United Refomi¢d Chuwh and suppl¢m¢nted by the nlles of the Chingford Church. The governing document of the re8iSterol charity is a statement adopted by the Church Meeting on 6th March 2011. The Elders Meeting is responsible for the financia] administration of the Church, and the ¢are and maintenance of the Church premises and Manse. The Church Meeting (of all members wishing to attend) gives general guidance on the life and work of the Church.
The members of the Elders Meeting are th¢ Minister in pastoral charge and up to 8 members of the Chingford Church nominated and elected by members of th¢ Church in Church Meeting. Elders are elected to s¢rve for 4 years then usually retire by rotation and are eligible for re-election after one year. Apart from that there is no restriction on the number of times that individuals can be elected. The Elders are the trustees of the regist¢r¢d charity during their period of s¢rvic¢ as elders. As charity trustees they are responsibl¢ for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Elders Meeting nonnally takes place ten times during th¢ year. The Elders ar¢ assist¢d in Ihe day to day administration of the Church and its prop¢rty by the Board of ManagemenL established to look at all premises and financial issu¢s, and by individual Financc Officers. The Church Meeting met on several occasions during the year. Risk and Internal Control The Trustees undertake an ongoing r¢view of risks. Those areas with the highest risk receive the most attention and steps are taken to minimise exposure and to have effective systems in place where needed. Th¢ Trustees are satisfied that proper controls are in place for monitoring and mitigating these risks. The main risks that the Church and the charitable organisation face are governance risks, external risks, financial risks. operational risks and compliance with laws and regulations, including those relating to public health and health and safety. SECTION C OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES As a local congregation of the United R¢forn]ed Church, Chingford United Refom]ed Church seeks to advance the Christian religion Ihrough its activities and the facilities offer¢d to the community by the Church building and premises and described more specifically in its Mission Statement contained in the Vision Statement and Outreach Action Plan displayed in the Church. The Elders Meeting is aware of th¢ Charity Commission's gUidCe iTh'The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit" and has regard to it in the administration of the Church. The Eldery Meeting believ¢s that th¢ Church provides benefit to the public by: Providing resources and facilities for public worship, pastoral care and spiriNal, moral and intellectual development both for the congregation and for anyone else who wishes to ben¢fit from what th¢ Church offers Promoting Christian valueg and service by members of th¢ Congregation to the community for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. SECTION D ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS The Church holds weekly "Community Coffee and Chat" rn¢etings on Friday mornings, organised by way of outreach to the cornmunity. They continue to be well att¢lld. Two successfid fundraising musical events were h¢ld durin8 the year and also a Christmas Fayre.
SECTION E FINANCIAL REVIEW The Church's income for 2024 at £96,989 was slightly lower than for the previous year {2023 = £104,598). The main sources of iThcome were Offerings £20,335, Gift Aid tax recovery £5,646, Hiring income £54,713 and Manse rent £8,473 net of management costs (2023 = £1 8,510). The reduced Manse rental income in 2024 was due to the property being vacant for ha]f the year while undergoing refurbislm]ent. Expenditure of £105,262 included Ministy and Mission Fund contributions of £31,800 and Church activities and premises costs of £69,614 (including £29,182 Mans¢ r¢fiwbishment costs). The overall deficit for the year was £8,273 (2023 = a £36,554 surplus). The acwunts are prepared on a cash transaclion basis with no accruals. The nd balances in hand at 31 st December 2024) of £106,114 are therefore all held in cash accounts. The Church's policy on reserv¢s is to hold sufficient resources to continue the activities of th¢ Church. The Church would appear to be in a good finnncial position as the cash reserve of over £1 00,000 is more than enough to cover the annual cost of the ministy of the Church, at least in the short tem]. In particular an increased demand for the use of the Church's buildings by external hirers has g¢n¢rated a 121A % uplift in income from that source over and above the amount generated in 2023. The Church does however need to keep its financial position under review in order to cover continuing expenditure, especially further costs rclating to the refurbishment of the Manse which was ongoing into 2025. Investsnent Polie The Church's Incom¢ and Expenditure is significant, but surpluses are not likely to be retained for long periods. As a consequence the Church doc5 not have sufficient Teserves to invest in longcr temi securities such as slocks and shares. The Church has therefore adopted a low risk strategy for the inv¢slment of its nds. All ndS are held in cash using only banks and financial institutions regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ellr¢ll officers regularly iTivriitur tli¥ i¢v¢i¥ vf odnK OdldThLeY and inleret>t rilt¥s reLeivtxl to ensure the Church obtains rnaximum value and income from its banking and investment arrangements. This currently involves using an account that requires a period of notice before fimds can be withdrawn and in doing so the Board of Management considers cash flow requirements. SECTION F PLANS FOR FirruRE PERIODS Our aspirations are set out in our Church Life Review. We reco18¢ that w¢ do not always have the Tesources to progrcss everything at the same time. On th¢ other hand we have excellent facilities in our buildings and opportunities for outreach among the hundreds of people who potentially will come into our pr¢mis¢s each week for the activities which tske plac¢ there.
We therefore continue to seek to improve our relationships with the organisations that use our buildings to encourage their metnbcTS to become mor¢ involved in church servi¢¢s and activities. We reCOlse that we need to maintain the pmfile of our Church through communication and advertising of s¢rvices, activities and events and we continue to promole thos¢ via external Notice boards and the Church w¢bsit¢. We also r¢¢ognis¢ that we rnust find more people to take part in the day to day running of the Church as the existing church officers continue to find it increasingly difficult to cope with their many responsibilities. SECTION G DECLARATION This report represents a true pietur¢ of the activities and financial position during the 2024 calendar year. nature Full Name Position Date geJL aoa
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S Report to the Trustees of Chlngford United Refom*d Churth. I reporton the accounts of the church for the year ended 31st December 2024, on pages Ito 3. Respecilve responslbllltles of trustees and examlner The church's trustees are responsible for the prepardtion of the accounts. The church's trustees conslderthat an audlt Is not requlred for thls year under sectlon 14412) of the Charltles Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Actll and that an Independent examlnatlon Is needed. It Is my responsib115tyto: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Art). to follow the procedures laid down in the General Dlrectlons glven by the Charlty CommSssSoners lunder section 14515llbl of the 2011 Actl- and to stste whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directlons given by the Charlty Comm15sion. An examination includes a revlew of the accounting records kept by the charlty and a comparlson of the accounts presented wlth those records. It also Includes conslderation of anv unusual Items or dlsclosures In the accounts, and seeking explanatlons from you as trustee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the evidence that would be requlred in an audlt and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present "true and falr vlew" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the ststement below. Independent ex•mlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attentlon.. which glves me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requlrements to keep accountlng records In accordance wlth section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requlrements of the 2011 Act have not been met,. or121 to whld), In my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached. NAME Mrsj M Wyber ADDRESS 7 Mornington Close. Woodford Green. Essex, IG8 orr 7 May 2025
Registered Charf(y Number 1141708 Page I CHINGFORD UNITED REFORMED CHURCH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2024 The address of the Charlty15 2B Buxton Road, Chingford, London E4 7DP The Church is a Member of the Heath, Havering & Forest Group of Churches in the Thame5 North Synod of the United Reformed Church The annual accounts should be read in conjunction wlth the Trustees Annual Report These accounts reflect flnanclal transattions recorded on a Receipts and Payments basis STATEMENT OF FINANOAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER Z024 Note 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES from generated funds Voluntary Income Grants recelved Activitle5 for generatlng fund5 Investment Income Incomlng Resources- unrestrlrted Restiltted Donatlons- iecelved Incomlng Resoyfces- tot•1 26,536 32,161 67.720 70.269 2,733 2.168 96.989 104,598 1,500 1,369 98,489 105,967 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charltable Artlvltles URC M5nlstry & Mission Fund Worship costs Cost of Church Activities Grants payable Governance costs Resource$ Expended- unrestrfcted Restrfcted Donatlons- passed on Resources EMpended- total 31,800 3,848 69,614 25,008 1,351 41,685 105,262 1,500 106,762 68,044 1,369 69,413 Nel Incomlng (Out8olngl Unrestrirted Resourcés Total Funds brought forward l January Unrestrltted Resources carried forward 31 December .273 36,554 114,387 77,833 106,114 114,387 TOTAL RESOURCES 31 DECEMBER 106,114 114,387 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 6Ah'rt" Ai¥D CASH 8Aiiir4 Lloyds Bank Current Account# Redwood Bank Ltd Cash Floats THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY 21,508 29,554 84,506 84,773 loo 60 106,114 114,387 Approved by the Church MeÈtlng held on and slgned on It5 behalf by an Elder
Page 2 NOTES TO THE STATEMEMf OF FINANaAL AcfiviTIES I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES la Basls of Accountin8 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wlth the Charities Act 2011 section 133 and United Reformed Church guidance. The accounts are presented on a Receipts and Payments basis. The prinuple accounting policies set out below are applied consistently Ib Fund Accountln Unrestrlcted funds are avallable for use at the discretion of the church in furtherance of Its charltable objectlves. Restricted funds are subJert to restrirtions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or contalned in the terms of the grant. Ic T4nglble Flxed Assets Freehold Property: The Trustees of the church and manse building5 are the Thames North Trust who hold them on trust for purposes connected wSth Chingford URQ Expenditure Incurred on the church and manse is wrltten off In the year It Is Incurred Id Tamatlon As part of the Unlted Reformed Church, the church is an excepted charlty wlthin the meanlng of the Taxes Acts. Accordingly it is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income and capital gains received to the extent that such income of gains are applied to excluslvely charitable purposes. The Church has been entered In the Register of Charities from 4 May 2011 wlth number 1141708 2024 2023 2 VOLUNTARY INCOME Freewilll plate offerings Special offerlngsl donatlonsl legacies Income tax refunds/ Gift Ald 20,335 555 5,646 26,536 25.912 6,249 32,161 3 GRANTS RECEIVED no grants were received in the year 4 AcfiviTIES FOR GENERATING UNRESTRicfED FUNDS Hlrin8 of Church and Halls Lettlng of Manse (Vacant for half the yearl Falrs and Sales Other Fund Raising Miscellaneous 54,713 8,473 2,685 1,849 48,783 18,510 1,430 1,456 90 70,269 67,720 48 RESTRicfED DONATIONS RECEIVED Commltment for fe Indivldual Charities I,ioo 400 1,500 1.000 369 1,369 5 INVESTMEMf INCOME Bank Interest 2,733 2,168
Page 3 2023 NOTES TOTHE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES contlnued 2024 6 MINISTRY & MISSION FUND The Church contributes to the central URC costs of training and providing ministers Ilncludlng the centrolised paymerst of stipends pension contributlons and other beneflt5 for mlnlstersl, running the denomination and the wider m15sion of the national Church 7 WORSHIP COSTS The Church shares Its minister with St James URC, Buckhurst Hill but each church now bears Its own cost and there is no shared bank account. Refund of share of mlnlsterlal costs paid to Forest Group Pulpit supply Organ, organist• planlst and CCLI Licence 31,800 25,008 -159 725 785 1351 890 2,958 3,848 8 COSTS OF CHURCH AcfiviTIES, thurch and Manse Cost Admlnlstratlon Cleanlng Ga5 & Elettricity 8uildln8 maintenance & equlpment Manse expenses, new kltchen refurbishment, insurance etc Insurance of Church Water & refuse Communicatlons - alamis, telephone. internet etc Miscellaneous, coffees, flowers, lunches COST OF ACTIVITIES 8B ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RE MANSE Refurblshment New Kltchen Insurance of Manse Council Tax re Vacancv Gas & Electrlclty Fees 1,784 10,556 12,093 2,456 32,872 3,659 218 5,873 103 69614 1,065 9,304 10,141 10,954 4,443 3,268 891 1,529 90 41,685 13,515 15,667 1,107 1,911 407 265 32,872 2715 792 936 4,443 9 GRANfs PAYABLE AND RESTRICTED DONATIONS PASSED ON Commitment for Llfe Other Re5ticted Glfts I,ioo 400 1,500 1,000 369 1.369 10 RESTRICTED FUNDS 10.1 ThrouÉhoLrt 2024 no organlsation held funds on behalf of the Church 10.2 The Church accounts include a Rertricted Fund where the monies can only be used for the speafic purpose for whlch they are entrusted to the Church. These monies are not at the disposal of the Church Meeting for any purpose and represent specific Giftfrom special collertions and fund ralsing events. The Church aims to pay over monies raised during the year in which they are recelved. Any unpaid rnonies due to Charities are shown as Cash, Restritted Funds ASSISTAW TREASURER'S STATEMENT I have prepared the financial ststements on pages I to 3 for year ended 31 December 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S Report to the Trustees of Chlngford United Refom*d Churth. I reporton the accounts of the church for the year ended 31st December 2024, on pages Ito 3. Respecilve responslbllltles of trustees and examlner The church's trustees are responsible for the prepardtion of the accounts. The church's trustees conslderthat an audlt Is not requlred for thls year under sectlon 14412) of the Charltles Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Actll and that an Independent examlnatlon Is needed. It Is my responsib115tyto: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Art). to follow the procedures laid down in the General Dlrectlons glven by the Charlty CommSssSoners lunder section 14515llbl of the 2011 Actl- and to stste whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directlons given by the Charlty Comm15sion. An examination includes a revlew of the accounting records kept by the charlty and a comparlson of the accounts presented wlth those records. It also Includes conslderation of anv unusual Items or dlsclosures In the accounts, and seeking explanatlons from you as trustee5 concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the evidence that would be requlred in an audlt and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present "true and falr vlew" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the ststement below. Independent ex•mlner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attentlon.. which glves me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requlrements to keep accountlng records In accordance wlth section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requlrements of the 2011 Act have not been met,. or121 to whld), In my opinion attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the Accounts to be reached. NAME Mrsj M Wyber ADDRESS 7 Mornington Close. Woodford Green. Essex, IG8 orr 7 May 2025
Registered Charf(y Number 1141708 Page I CHINGFORD UNITED REFORMED CHURCH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2024 The address of the Charlty15 2B Buxton Road, Chingford, London E4 7DP The Church is a Member of the Heath, Havering & Forest Group of Churches in the Thame5 North Synod of the United Reformed Church The annual accounts should be read in conjunction wlth the Trustees Annual Report These accounts reflect flnanclal transattions recorded on a Receipts and Payments basis STATEMENT OF FINANOAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER Z024 Note 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES from generated funds Voluntary Income Grants recelved Activitle5 for generatlng fund5 Investment Income Incomlng Resources- unrestrlrted Restiltted Donatlons- iecelved Incomlng Resoyfces- tot•1 26,536 32,161 67.720 70.269 2,733 2.168 96.989 104,598 1,500 1,369 98,489 105,967 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charltable Artlvltles URC M5nlstry & Mission Fund Worship costs Cost of Church Activities Grants payable Governance costs Resource$ Expended- unrestrfcted Restrfcted Donatlons- passed on Resources EMpended- total 31,800 3,848 69,614 25,008 1,351 41,685 105,262 1,500 106,762 68,044 1,369 69,413 Nel Incomlng (Out8olngl Unrestrirted Resourcés Total Funds brought forward l January Unrestrltted Resources carried forward 31 December .273 36,554 114,387 77,833 106,114 114,387 TOTAL RESOURCES 31 DECEMBER 106,114 114,387 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 6Ah'rt" Ai¥D CASH 8Aiiir4 Lloyds Bank Current Account# Redwood Bank Ltd Cash Floats THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY 21,508 29,554 84,506 84,773 loo 60 106,114 114,387 Approved by the Church MeÈtlng held on and slgned on It5 behalf by an Elder
Page 2 NOTES TO THE STATEMEMf OF FINANaAL AcfiviTIES I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES la Basls of Accountin8 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wlth the Charities Act 2011 section 133 and United Reformed Church guidance. The accounts are presented on a Receipts and Payments basis. The prinuple accounting policies set out below are applied consistently Ib Fund Accountln Unrestrlcted funds are avallable for use at the discretion of the church in furtherance of Its charltable objectlves. Restricted funds are subJert to restrirtions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or contalned in the terms of the grant. Ic T4nglble Flxed Assets Freehold Property: The Trustees of the church and manse building5 are the Thames North Trust who hold them on trust for purposes connected wSth Chingford URQ Expenditure Incurred on the church and manse is wrltten off In the year It Is Incurred Id Tamatlon As part of the Unlted Reformed Church, the church is an excepted charlty wlthin the meanlng of the Taxes Acts. Accordingly it is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income and capital gains received to the extent that such income of gains are applied to excluslvely charitable purposes. The Church has been entered In the Register of Charities from 4 May 2011 wlth number 1141708 2024 2023 2 VOLUNTARY INCOME Freewilll plate offerings Special offerlngsl donatlonsl legacies Income tax refunds/ Gift Ald 20,335 555 5,646 26,536 25.912 6,249 32,161 3 GRANTS RECEIVED no grants were received in the year 4 AcfiviTIES FOR GENERATING UNRESTRicfED FUNDS Hlrin8 of Church and Halls Lettlng of Manse (Vacant for half the yearl Falrs and Sales Other Fund Raising Miscellaneous 54,713 8,473 2,685 1,849 48,783 18,510 1,430 1,456 90 70,269 67,720 48 RESTRicfED DONATIONS RECEIVED Commltment for fe Indivldual Charities I,ioo 400 1,500 1.000 369 1,369 5 INVESTMEMf INCOME Bank Interest 2,733 2,168
Page 3 2023 NOTES TOTHE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES contlnued 2024 6 MINISTRY & MISSION FUND The Church contributes to the central URC costs of training and providing ministers Ilncludlng the centrolised paymerst of stipends pension contributlons and other beneflt5 for mlnlstersl, running the denomination and the wider m15sion of the national Church 7 WORSHIP COSTS The Church shares Its minister with St James URC, Buckhurst Hill but each church now bears Its own cost and there is no shared bank account. Refund of share of mlnlsterlal costs paid to Forest Group Pulpit supply Organ, organist• planlst and CCLI Licence 31,800 25,008 -159 725 785 1351 890 2,958 3,848 8 COSTS OF CHURCH AcfiviTIES, thurch and Manse Cost Admlnlstratlon Cleanlng Ga5 & Elettricity 8uildln8 maintenance & equlpment Manse expenses, new kltchen refurbishment, insurance etc Insurance of Church Water & refuse Communicatlons - alamis, telephone. internet etc Miscellaneous, coffees, flowers, lunches COST OF ACTIVITIES 8B ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RE MANSE Refurblshment New Kltchen Insurance of Manse Council Tax re Vacancv Gas & Electrlclty Fees 1,784 10,556 12,093 2,456 32,872 3,659 218 5,873 103 69614 1,065 9,304 10,141 10,954 4,443 3,268 891 1,529 90 41,685 13,515 15,667 1,107 1,911 407 265 32,872 2715 792 936 4,443 9 GRANfs PAYABLE AND RESTRICTED DONATIONS PASSED ON Commitment for Llfe Other Re5ticted Glfts I,ioo 400 1,500 1,000 369 1.369 10 RESTRICTED FUNDS 10.1 ThrouÉhoLrt 2024 no organlsation held funds on behalf of the Church 10.2 The Church accounts include a Rertricted Fund where the monies can only be used for the speafic purpose for whlch they are entrusted to the Church. These monies are not at the disposal of the Church Meeting for any purpose and represent specific Giftfrom special collertions and fund ralsing events. The Church aims to pay over monies raised during the year in which they are recelved. Any unpaid rnonies due to Charities are shown as Cash, Restritted Funds ASSISTAW TREASURER'S STATEMENT I have prepared the financial ststements on pages I to 3 for year ended 31 December 2024