## **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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