Three Counties Baptist Church - TRUSTEES REPORT For the year ended 31[st] December 2021
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 are carried out locally and then affirmed at the AGM.
Leadership Team - Minister(s) and Deacons (Trustees) + Treasurer
*Minister - Rev Richard Lane (2014)
*Deacon - Mr Geoff Belsham (2021) - Sherfield on Loddon
*Deacon - Mr Graham Locke (2019) - Alton
*Deacon - Mrs Dorothy Franklin (2019) - Camberley
*Deacon - Mr Wreford Buttle (2020) - Camberley
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
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.
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.
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 £119,000 at 31[st] December 2021 .
The church always 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 2021 was £67,168
Expenditure for 2021 was £61,560
The total ‘surplus’ for 2021 was in the region of £5,600
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 are held to ensure we meet all of our obligations.
Year highlights:
Each of the fellowships have provided a resume and these are attached. These reports are very much of a reduced nature due to the continued Covid-19 restrictions in 2021 and the knock-on effects of those restrictions. The reports were given in 2022 at our first possible Church Meeting so they inevitably include some activities of 2022.
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 31[st] October 2022
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Richard Lane (Rev)
*Notes for the Accounts:
While we were not able to meet for Church Meetings due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 / 2021 we 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
The work of the church, is witnessing to Jesus Christ, holding worship services and small group meetings for fellowship and teaching. We were again forced to close the church due to Covid from 10[th] January to 7[th] March.
We have continued to send out e-Services each week via email and publish them on the ABC website making them available to a wider audience.
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 other activities such as evening services and small group meetings have been suspended.
In August we agreed to allow Alcoholics Anonymous to use our building for their weekly Alton meeting for a small rental fee. We also have two ukulele groups and a guitar group run by church members the larger group pays a small weekly rental fee. Alton United Charities (Gill Thorne) rent the room for their board meetings.
The church was open on September 11[th] to welcome visitors taking part in Ride & Stride, a fund raising activity of Hampshire & the Islands Historic Churches Trust. We used this time to give the church a good clean and a few maintenance jobs.
The number of people attending our services, when open, has reduced slightly to an average of about 10. Our membership decreased from ten to seven. Two members moved away (Andy & Taby), one died (Jane Cain); two regular attendees also died (Alan & Mary).
ABC website receives quite a few prayer requests from overseas visitors.
SHERFIELD REPORT
In the time since the previous church meeting in 2019, the Sherfield congregation has remained small but broadly steady (between seven and fifteen being the typical Sunday morning attendance).
Joyce Benfell, a regular attender although not church member, died in May 2020 and Neil Owen took the funeral service at Basingstoke Crematorium with limited numbers present and some family members, living overseas and unable to travel, participated by video link.
Peggy Bell, who would always attend the chapel when visiting her daughter locally from her home in Belfast, went to be with the Lord earlier this year – at the age of 88 (not that you would have known it meeting her).
Except in the weeks of compulsory lockdown, the church remained open throughout the Covid times. For quite a while, we were frequently joined by some visitors, Peter and Bridget, neighbours and friends of Steve and Lizelle Smith. Peter was dying of cancer but, before his death, came to the Lord during one of many conversations with Steve, who visited him regularly.
Regular Bible studies have taken place over Zoom twice a month, although numbers are very modest, and a monthly housegroup, briefly initiated late in 2021, turned out not to be sustainable, so these have ceased, at least for the time being.
In recent months we have undertaken a number of initiatives to make the chapel more accessible to local people, including leaving the building unlocked most days during daylight hours; holding a candlelit carol service one afternoon in December 2021; allowing the chapel to be used for, and participating in, a day in support of Ukraine initiated by the local Anglican Church; holding a book event on the Jubilee weekend (free secondhand books with donations accepted to be shared between a local charity and the BMS work with Ukrainian refugees); and holding a gospel service one Sunday every month. Geoff Belsham has also initiated an open morning on Tuesday mornings, entitled “Games, Gossip & Good News”, although this has not gained much traction and a change of time is being considered.
The Chapel was briefly used on a weekly basis by a newly formed local mother and toddler group, but numbers were disappointing and they were forced to disband. The Chapel will as always have a stall at the Sherfield Fete, this year taking place in September rather than the usual June.
Simple maintenance of the building has been undertaken, such as repainting of certain parts and garden clearance.
Neil Owen Sherfield Secretary
Camberley Baptist Church
Following the closure of Squirrels Nursery in December 2019 the church bought all their equipment with the help of a grant from Frimley Fuel.
We started a toddler group in early 2020 – only for it having to close due to Coronvirus. It is hope to restart this in the autumn
Coronavirus also led to the closure of the church from Sunday March 22[nd] .
It was on March 15[th] 2020 that CBC decamped to High Cross church to celebrate their 30 year anniversary. This was followed by lunch. In the evening CBC celebrated communion.
CBC then closed until June 20[th] 2021.
There were times when CBC considered re-opening but in general it was thought to be too risky.
Richard produced ‘Weekly Resources’ which were sent via email or hand delivered on a Postal Round Richard conducted on a Friday.
The weekly Resources consisted of a Pastoral Letter and Order of Service (with youtube clips for those with internet access) a full script sermon.
That still continues today but now, for those who are unable to come, these resources are now posted 2[nd] class.
When we re-opened (with a new start time of 10.30am) someone commented that it was great to be together so that we could sing!!
CBC’s Sunday numbers, like most other churches, fluctuate.
CBC has had a number of people ‘come to have a look’.
Some of the renters of the premises have not returned and some have re-negotiated their terms!
The Manse at Hartley Wintney is now rented out though Hart District Council. HomeStart continue to have their offices here as does Robin Joyner finance.
And while their rent is under review there is one thing that is certain and that is that the ‘energy’ dimension of their rent will have to increase substantially. We wait to see the outcome of that rise.
We sadly report the following deaths (non covid): Graham Scandrett – 20/11/2021
Sylvia May has moved Thornbury to be nearer family Betty Blackall has move to a nursing home near Woking
At the end of 2021:
Mary Rigby is home; Ernie Hoole is unable to travel very far; Sylvia Phillips is unwell
THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2021
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 2021.
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 2022
Charity registration number: 1142851
THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2021
| 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 £ 33,011 0 0 9,262 1,048 23,727 67,048 33,149 3,352 10,365 4,147 9,435 60,448 0 0 343 769 1,112 61,560 5,488 113,385 118,873 |
Restricted Funds £ 120 0 0 0 0 0 120 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 120 0 120 |
2021 Total £ 33,131 0 0 9,262 1,048 23,727 67,168 33,149 3,352 10,365 4,147 9,435 60,448 0 0 343 769 1,112 61,560 5,608 113,385 118,993 |
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 |
Charity registration number: 1142851
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THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ CASH FUNDS 118,993 OTHER MONETARY ASSETS Income tax refunds due 15,943 Prepayment 5,314 21,257 ASSETS retained for the charity's own use at insured values Church premises - Camberley 4,352,342 Church premises - Alton 335,232 Church premises - Sherfield 763,699 Church manse - Camberley 418,917 Church manse - H.W. 247,097 6,117,287 LIABILITIES Creditor 2,088 2,088 Signed on behalf of all the trustees 2021 |
Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 113,385 18,409 5,673 24,082 3,262,938 237,588 537,450 296,157 174,721 4,508,854 933 933 2020 |
Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 113,385 18,409 5,673 24,082 3,262,938 237,588 537,450 296,157 174,721 4,508,854 933 933 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,508,854 | ||
Name Rev Richard Lane
Signature Richard J Lane
Date of approval: 31st October 2022
Charity registration number: 1142851
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THREE COUNTIES BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2021
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 1 (2020 - 8) charities |
2021 2020 4,080 4,130 4,080 4,130 1,200 1,200 75 1,625 |
| 9,435 11,085 |
4) General Expenses
| ral Expenses | |
|---|---|
| Preaching Fees Water, gas and electricity Cleaning etc. Insurance Telephones Subscriptions Other Expenses |
2021 2020 Camberley Alton Sherfield Total Total £ £ £ £ £ 100 380 350 830 290 1,881 250 686 2,817 3,863 20 0 0 20 338 5,314 0 0 5,314 5,793 978 0 0 978 1,102 35 0 0 35 35 121 150 100 371 1,577 |
| 8,449 780 1,136 10,365 12,998 |
5) Building Maintenance
| ing Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Camberley - church and manse Hartley Wintney manse Alton Sherfield |
2021 2020 £ £ 1,495 5,233 2,489 8,063 115 2,880 48 0 |
| 4,147 16,176 |
Charity registration number: 1142851
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