Three Counties Baptist Church - TRUSTEES REPORT For the year ended 31[st] December 2020
The Trustees are pleased to submit this Annual Report.
Constitution - Three Counties Baptist Church (Camberley, Surrey, Alton and Sherfield on Loddon, Hampshire) was constituted as a charity in its own right in 2008.
The three congregations share a constitution and were configured to operate as one church, one membership and share one purse. This is a ‘voluntary partnership’. This configuration has become more problematic to maintain.
The charity number is 1142851
The ‘Three Counties’ constitution sets out the principles by which the Church is organised and managed and is based on the Baptist Union’s model constitution available at the time of the charity’s creation.
Separate trust deeds contain provisions governing the church buildings and property. These are held by the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd.
At the time of writing Three Counties Baptist church consists of three church buildings and two houses. The two houses belong to Camberley Baptist Church.
The Church is managed by the Minister(s) and Deacons who are also the Trustees. Deacons are appointed by the members of the Church for a three-year term which is renewable. As from 2016 - after two three year terms candidates must take at least one year out of office before seeking re-election.
The election of Deacons and Officers normally happens at the AGM.
Leadership Team - Minister(s) and Deacons (Trustees) + Treasurer
*Minister - Rev Richard Lane (2014)
*Deacon - Mrs Mary Rigby (2020)
*Deacon - Mr Neil Owen (2018) - Sherfield on Loddon
*Deacon - Mr Graham Locke (2019) - Alton
*Deacon - Mrs Dorothy Franklin (2019)
- Deacon - Mr Wreford Buttle (2020)
In 2016 it was decided to form a ‘Treasury Team’.
This was agreed by the Church and the Treasury Team consists of: Mrs Anne Lane – Computer / online banking
Mrs Mary Rigby – Leadership contact
Mr Wreford Buttle – Leadership contact / Counting and Banking
Minister(s) - Rev Richard Lane (appointed in 2014)
*The church is led by the Minister and Deacons = ‘Leadership Team’.
Objectives and activities of the Church:
The church has continued its ministry of ‘Making Jesus known’ to the local area. The church runs, or hosts, activities covering a full range of ages.
The church commits to give a minimum of 10% of unrestricted income to activities outside of Three Counties Baptist Church. This money is used to support local, national and international needs.
A report of the churches activities is available on request.
Public Benefit - The Trustees have considered the guidance provided by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit and the work of the charity.
Training of Deacons - On appointment Trustees are given an induction pack to explain the duties and responsibilities of Trustees.
Where a Deacon's role carries specific responsibilities, training is provided as necessary. All Deacons must undertake Child Protection training and Vulnerable Adults training carried out by SCBA. All Deacons are required to have a DBS check. (other members of the three congregations, where necessary, will also undertake this training and DBS checking)
Decision making process within the Charity - The decision of the church meeting is final. Proposals for action are brought to the church meeting for discussion, prayer and progression.
An informal budget is agreed by the church meeting.
During the past few years concerns were expressed about the state of the toilet and kitchen at Alton. After much discussion and planning it was decided to upgrade with the view that new facilities would encourage more use of the building and thus bring mission opportunities. These works were carried out within the financial year.
It was also decided to convert the Camberley Manse’s double garage into a kitchen. Other rooms would change their use. This will enable a ‘Table Talk’ ministry to be explored. The main conversion work would be completed by a contractor, while the fitting of the new kitchen Richard and Anne would either oversee or complete themselves.
Both these projects followed all procedures as required, including BUC, Planning, Tendering and Budgeting.
The final decision was taken at a Church Members meeting which passed these proposals.
Finance - The Trustees give thanks to God for the financial provision through His people to enable the work of the church to continue.
The church reviews the major risks to which the church is exposed on an annual basis.
The church has general funds to be able to continue its ministry. These totalled about £117,000 at 31[st] December 2020 .
The church aims to retain about £30000 from these general funds as reserves to fulfil its obligations as an employer and to cover any unforeseen costs.
Income for 2020 was £58,329
Expenditure for 2020 was £79,054
There was also an internal transfer of funds to the value of £12000
The total deficit for 2020 was in the region of £20,725
Part of the deficit was due to there being no tenants occupying the house at Hartley Wintney from February 2020 (until July 2021).
Part of the deficit was from lack of rental income and reduced congregational giving due to not meeting because of Covid-19.
The deficit was funded from reserves.
Any additional funds above the reserves level are retained for future spending and will be used to enhance the mission of the church, upgrade the facilities or develop the church's premises.
Reserves will be held to ensure we meet all of our obligations.
Year highlights:
Each of the fellowships have provided a resume and these are attached and are very much of a reduced nature due to Covid-19 restriction.
Accounts:
*Note: There is a statement below regarding the verifying and accepting of the accounts re:covid-19 restrictions.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Charity regulations and in particular the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (revised 2015 FRSSE version).
Organisations, Bankers, Independent Examiners -
Banks - Nat West and HSBC
Baptist Union Corporation (Investment Account)
Accountant - Mr Philip Nixon
of Edwin Smith Chartered Accountants, 32 Queens Road. Reading. RG1 4AU
Approved on behalf of the Trustees on 28[th] October 2021
On behalf of the Trustees
Richard Lane (Rev)
*Notes for the Accounts:
While we are not able to meet for Church Meetings due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 / 2021 we have made the receiving and verifying of the accounts available for all members.
As a result, there is at least one person from each of the three constituent Churches who has seen and accepted the accounts.
At this point in time we believe that we have done all we can in carrying out our responsibilities as Trustees in making the accounts available.
ALTON BAPTIST CHURCH
Achievements and Performance 2019
The basic work of the church, namely holding worship services and small group meetings has gone on during the year. The number of people attending the church has remained fairly constant at about twenty, spread over morning and evening services. Our membership increased from eleven to twelve (two new members, one moved away).
We had our first wedding in several years.
Christianity Explored and Life Explored courses were held, with several non-church people attending, one of whom became a Christian.
Church building was used by Rejoicing Together choir for rehearsals for Easter and Christmas performances. Some U3A ukulele players used building for practice whilst U3A closed during summer holidays. The choir and ukulele players performed at a social evening held at the church.
Arrangements were made for iTalk to use the building to run courses in Alton. iTalk is a psychological therapy service based on a partnership between Solent Mind and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. They have held one Relaxation Skills course so far.
The church was open to welcome 29 visitors taking part in Ride & Stride, a fund raising activity of Hampshire & the Islands Historic Churches Trust.
A couple of people from the church entertained residents of a local care home with a selection of songs with piano and guitar accompaniment.
ABC defined as a “business” under Google and Bing, making it easier to find. Both have links to maps, ABC website and Facebook page.
ABC website receives quite a few prayer requests from overseas visitors.
Camberley 2019 –
The highlight for Camberley in 2019 was the celebration of 200 years. The original building, now the hall Squirrels Nursery use, is 200 years old.
The church celebrated this event mainly in June. There was a good amount of preparation work for a montage of photos, a Church lunch and a United service. Our Regional Ministers led services around that time. There was a great sense of history as this part of Camberley Baptist Church is the oldest Church building in Camberley.
We are grateful to God for his continuing presence with us.
Unfortunately, Squirrels Nursery ceased trading in December 2019. However, with the help of a grant from Frimley Fuel Allotments Camberley Baptist Church was able to purchase all the nursery’s equipment. This was done with a view to begin a new Toddler group, beginning in 2020.
Sherfield on Loddon significant events 2019;
We welcomed a new family of two adults and two young children to the congregation of regular worshippers
Two regular worshippers passed away early in the year and one of the funerals took place at the Chapel
Preparations were made as happens each year for our representation at the Sherfield Fete, but this was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
Plans were formed for the introduction of regular Bible studies at the Chapel, which subsequently began the following year.
THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020
Charity registration number: 1142851
THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Report of the independent examiner to the trustees and members of Three Counties Baptist Church
I report on the receipts and payments accounts of the Church for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the Church's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of s144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under s145 of the Act and to state, on the basis of the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under s145(5)(b) of the Act and 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 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 the seeking of explanations from you as deacons concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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:
to keep accounting records in accordance with s130 of the Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act
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.
Philip J Nixon, FCA of Edwin Smith Chartered Accountants 32 Queens Road Reading Berks. RG1 4AU Date: October 2021
Charity registration number: 1142851
THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020
| RECEIPTS Offerings Donations Other income Income tax reclaimed Interest Rental income and use of premises TOTAL RECEIPTS PAYMENTS Charitable expenditure Ministry Expenses Accommodation General expenses Building maintenance Grants to other causes Management and administration Accountancy Independent Examiner's fee Office, print and postage Equipment and maintenance TOTAL PAYMENTS NET OF RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS) CASH FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD CASH FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Funds £ 31,501 188 0 9,174 996 16,470 58,329 32,652 3,169 12,998 16,176 11,085 76,080 468 1,836 355 315 2,974 79,054 -20,725 134,110 113,385 |
Restricted Funds £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
2020 Total £ 31,501 188 0 9,174 996 16,470 58,329 32,652 3,169 12,998 16,176 11,085 76,080 468 1,836 355 315 2,974 79,054 -20,725 134,110 113,385 |
2019 Total £ 35,606 110 1,195 12,439 768 36,804 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86,922 | ||||
| 34,157 3,406 18,895 9,473 10,910 |
||||
| 76,841 | ||||
| 0 0 12 1,909 |
||||
| 1,921 | ||||
| 78,762 | ||||
| 8,160 125,950 |
||||
| 134,110 |
Charity registration number: 1142851
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THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ CASH FUNDS 113,385 OTHER MONETARY ASSETS Income tax refunds due 18,409 Prepayment 5,673 24,082 ASSETS retained for the charity's own use at insured values Church premises - Camberley 2,562,015 Church premises - Alton 237,588 Church premises - Sherfield 537,450 Church manse - Camberley 296,157 Church manse - H.W. 174,721 Fixtures, furniture and equipment 200,000 Stuart House 500,923 4,508,854 LIABILITIES Creditor 933 933 2020 |
Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 134,110 21,532 6,632 28,164 2,562,015 237,588 537,450 296,157 174,721 200,000 500,923 4,508,854 2,106 2,106 2019 |
Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 134,110 21,532 6,632 28,164 2,562,015 237,588 537,450 296,157 174,721 200,000 500,923 4,508,854 2,106 2,106 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,508,854 | ||
Signed on behalf of all the trustees
Name
Richard J. Lane (Rev)
Signature
R J Lane
Date of approval: October 2021
Charity registration number: 1142851
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THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2020
1) Basis of Accounts
These accounts have been prepared on the cash basis
The tangible fixed assets are shown at insurance values.
2) Trustee and employee emoluments and expenses
Emoluments are included under ministry expenses.
No remuneration or expenses were paid to trustees during the two years.
3) Grants to other Causes
| ts to other Causes | |
|---|---|
| BMS World Mission BU Home Mission Besom Camberley Donations of £500 or less to 8 (2019 - 10) charities |
2020 2019 4,130 4,080 4,130 4,080 1,200 1,200 1,625 1,550 |
| 11,085 10,910 |
4) General Expenses
| ral Expenses | |
|---|---|
| Preaching Fees Water, gas and electricity Cleaning etc. Insurance Telephones Subscriptions Other Expenses |
2020 2019 Camberley Alton Sherfield Total Total £ £ £ £ £ 0 90 200 290 1,480 2,773 389 701 3,863 6,826 338 0 0 338 309 5,673 120 0 5,793 6,632 1,102 0 0 1,102 908 35 0 0 35 594 608 869 100 1,577 2,146 |
| 10,529 1,468 1,001 12,998 18,895 |
5) Building Maintenance
| ing Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Camberley - church and manse Hartley Wintney manse Alton Sherfield |
2020 2019 £ £ 5,233 6,860 8,063 1,868 2,880 0 0 745 |
| 16,176 9,473 |
Charity registration number: 1142851
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