COWES BAPTIST CHURCH Registsred Address Vlctoria Road Cowes Isle ofwight. P0317JJ Registered Charity No 1143075 Trustees Mrs Judith Compton Mrs Elaine Cherry Mrs TraY Dancy Mrs Carol Jennings Mr Hamish Wilson Mr Graham Cherry Mrs Jacqui Spalding Minister Treasurer Secretary Deacon Deacon Deacon Deacon Property Trustees The Baptist Union Corporation Llmited Baptist House 129 Broadway Didcot Oxfordshire OX118RT Bankers Barclays Bank St. James Square, Newport, l.W. P030 1 UP CCLA Investment Management Ltd. Independent Examinor AHCross&Co
Annual Report for 2024 The trustees present their Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended December 312024. Charltable Obj8Ct The Charity is govemed by an Approved Goveming Document which states that the principal purpose of the Church is the advanGemenl of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United lfjngdom andlor other parts of the world. The Church occupies premises which are hekl by the Baptist Union Corporats'on Ltd as holding trustees, on Trusts which are entirely compatible with the above objecL Organisational Structure and Declslon maklng processas Baptism by immersion upon personal profession of faith is the normal mode of entry into the membership of the church. Persons seeking membership who have not been baptised in the manner described may at the discretion of the Church Members. Meeting be acpted for fijll membership based on their own public profession of faith. The Members. Meeting normally takes pla at least quarterly and has responsibility for the overall policy of the church. In accordan with the Constitution, the members appoint deacons, who together with the Minister. Church Secretary (if there is one) and Treasurer (who ar8 also appointed by the Members), are the Charity Trustees. and are responsible for the day to day running of the chUh'S work and witness. and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. Charity Trustees serve so long as they have the support of the Church Members. Meeting and (except for those in ministerial officgs) are actively appointed and appoInted at least once every three years. Training for Trustees is provided by both the Southem Counties Baptist Associats'on and the Baptist Union of Great Britain, who regularfy arrange training days on financial management, safeguarding, legal matters and other aspects of interest to the Trustees. Detailed Guidan notes are also available from the Baptist Union vRbsite. All members are encouraged to tske an appropriate part in the spirttual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church meeting by the Trustees for guidance, or may be raised by members in Church meeting for further consideration by Ihe Trustees. Though the Constitution permits decisions to be made at Church meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by Gonsensus wherever possible. Affiliations The church is in membership with The Baptist Union of Great Britain The Southern Counties Baptist Association The Evangelical Alliance . Churches Together in Cowes
Annual Report for 2024 continued Objectlve5 and Actlvities In order to achieve the principal objective which is set out above. the Church prowdes a variety of activtlies both to its membership and to the ¢ommunty generally. The church's focus is set out as follows.. "Cowes B8Ptist Church exists to honour Jesus, bringing people together, sharing facilities and resou8$, growing. worshipping, praw'ng. seNlng, seeking to be the best we can. seeklng the best for those w8 seNe°. The Church usualty holds public serVIS of ChrFStian worship on Sunday momings supported by varied music group. When necessary there are activities for babies, toddlers and children and a thriving parent and toddler group which m*ts on Tuesday mornings. There are also various small groups which mt on a regular basis. Details of all church activities are available through the church website at www.cowesba tistchurch.o Th8 church works alongside other churches in Cowes and is also active in supporting joint initiatives such as IOW Street Pastors and School Pastors and the Isle of Wight Foodbank which seNe vulnerable people in the wider communty. The Church has a Safeguarding policy which is fulty compliant with the Baptist Union policies and best pradice guidelines to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adutts are interviewed and appropriately vetted through the Disclosure and Baring Servi. The church has read the CharFty Commission guidance on public benefft, and is satlsfi•d that the activities outlined al)ove clearfy demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public. Achlevements and Perf0mnCe During the last year, our core activities have been maintained, with regular Sunday moming services. zoom prayer meetings and the establishment of several small groups. The Renew Cafa continues to operate and is ConMed with people's wellbeing. In addition several groups supporting those in need in our ¢ommunty are now using the premises on a regular basis. along with fitness, music and dan classes for chlldren and adults. During the year membership ha5 inGreased to 36.However there are also numerous other members of the congregation who are active in the work of the church but have not yet become church members.
Annual Report for 2024 continued ResenFs Pollcy General Fund: Regular income supports the day to day activities of the church. however it has been determined by the tnjstees that a policy of maintaining a general cash reseNe fund of £10.000 should be adopted. This reserve will be available to cover short term reductions in income or unexpected expenditure. Building Fund: Funds are held for any major works on the church buildings and the manse. No reserve figure has been set as any work needed will be carrted out as necessary. Church I Community Worker: No reserves are required for this account. Currently this account is not being used. Financial Revlew General Fund. Income for 2024 (excluding fijnds re[Ved for outside causes) was £70,999 a slight decrease on 2023. However income in 2023 was inflated due to a change in the method of payment of a grant that we receÉve from monthly to annually. so that an amount of £5879 relating to 2024 was actually received in 2023. Taking this into account the actual increase in income was approximately 80 more modest 5Q/o. Income from hire of the premises also increased during the year. Overall expenditure decreased by 40/0 on the previous year. This was mainly due utility bills reducing significantly. Taking the above into consideration, we ended the year with a surplus on the general fijnd of £15474.14. From this £9,500 has been temporarily transferred to the Building Fund to cover the deficit on that fund. The balance brought forward from the previous year was £65.853.04 so the balance carried fomard at the end of 2024 was £69.827.18. Building Fund. During 2024 our original manse continued to be rented out. The rent reoived covered the rent payable to the Minister and made a contrtbution towards the building fund. There was a balance of £ 5.557.96 as of 31 December 2023. During 2024 the work on the wlndows and the damp proofing was completed, and the kitchen completely refurt)ished. The total cost of the work was in the region of £27,300 with some minor works still to be carried out. Donations from members and friends of the church plus other income has not completely covered the costs. however it is anticipated that income in 2025 will cover the deficrt. A sum of £9.500 has been temporarily transferred from the General fund to cover the deficit until the fund is back in credit. The balance as at 31 December 2024 stands at £344.32. Funds for the Churchlcommunlty Worker were restricted funds for the employTnent of a Churchlcommunity Worker. The post is now vacant, and there was no income or expenditure during 2024 The balance at the end of 2024 remains at was £15.942.40 There were no unforeseen expenses in 2024. Signed on behalf of the Trustees .Elaine Cherry.................. On (date).-........................
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT T THE TRUSTEES COWES BAPTIST CHURCH I report on the accounts of Cowes Baptist Church for the year ended 31 December 2024, whith are set out on the following 6 pages. iveR nsibilities of Trustees and Examiner As the Charitys Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. YOU consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 I'mhe Act"} does not apply. I report in respect of my examination of the Church accounts Garrted out under sertion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the appltcable Dire¢tions given by the Charty Commission under section 14515){b) of thè Act. Basis of Inde minerfs Re My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Chartty Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the a¢wunting records kept by the Truslees and a comparison of the accounls presented with those records. 11 also includes consideratlon of any unusual items or disclosures in the a¢unts. and seeking explanations frorn you as TnFstees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audlt, and onsequently I do not express an audit opinion on the vlew given by the accounts. Inde ndent Examinerfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. 1) the accounting record$ were not kept in aOrdance with se10n 130 of the Charrties 2) the accounts dld not accord with the accountlng records.. or 3} the accounts did not comply with the appIlble requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulattons 2008 other than any requirement that the a¢¢ounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independerrt examination. I have no cOnrnS and have come across no other matters in Connection wfth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ISHe Chartered Accountant A H Cross & Co Limited 16 Quay Street Newport Isle of Wight P030 5BG 11 /l?."1 2)2<
COWES BAPTIST CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER2024 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVnlES 2024 General Building Toddlcts Fund Fund Chur¢h Community Worker Totsl 2024 I'othl 2023 Receipts DoftatiOllS lllvestment Income Other Sources of Income 62,513.62 7.830.50 i.?21.51 5.687.75 19.277.70 1.448.46 70J44.12 3321.51 26,413.91 69.378 2.28) 24.439 71522.88 27 108.20 1.448.46 0.00 079.54 Payments Church Activities Given to other auses 46,IYJ9.51 1.182.71 47,282.22 48,613 113.34 3.8J5.89 6.113.34 ).835.89 41,821,84 7205 3,536 17.906 Manag¢m¢nt & Administration R¢nVmaintenance 41,821.84 56.048.74 41821.84 1 182.71 0.00 99.053.29 Surplus for the 15.474.14 -14,713.64 265.75 0.00 1.026.25 18,840 Balance blf 111124 Transfer from General fund to BLsilding fund Balance c/f 31112124 63.853.04 5.557.96 1,233.42 15.942.40 86.586.82 67,747 -9 500.00 9.500.(xI 69827.18 344.32 1.499.17 15.942.40 87.613.07 86,587
COWES BAPTIST CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 GENERAL FUND RECEIvfs AIYD PAYMENTS ACCOUNT Note 2024 2023 Recelpts Offerings Donations and other incom¢ Income tax recovered on gifts Bank Intcrcst Contributions for us¢ of premises Sub Total 44.104.17 8,969.19 &916.34 3.321.51 5 687.75 70.998.96 41,041 15,687 8246 2,284 4.019 71,277 Raised for other causes 523.92 71.522.88 2,143 Payments Ministy Upkeep of church premises Given to other causes Administration Outreach 37.234.82 8,521.56 6.113.34 3,835.89 343.L3 56.048.74 33.955 12.315 7.205 3,536 1.206 Surplusl Deficit for tbe y¢ar Trallsfer to Building Fund Balance brought foThard Iiir24 Balance carried forward 31112r24 15874.14 -9JOO.(KI 63.853.04 15203
COWES BApfIsT CHURCH: NOTES TO THE ACCOiJNTS l. Basis of aecounts: Th¢5e accounts have been prepared on a'receipts and payments, b&sis and accord with S.42(3) charities act 1993 { Amended by section 28 of the Charities Act 2006) 2024 2023 2.Donation$ and other ineome Donations 176.05 7410.84 343.00 423 13,718 200 500 306 450 90 15.687 HIWCF 202412025 Funeral Donations SCBA Hcating Grant Church Meal Christmas Tree (2 year5) Other 377.50 650.00 11.80 8 969.19 3. Raised for other causes Baptist Missionary Society Op Agri (BMS Harvest ) Curins ( Latin Link) Toilet Twinning R Wcst Compassion FirsrfAndrew & Dira) Christma5 Hampers Youth Club { in tncrnory of A Leigh) Sireet Pastors Frontline 11.33 376.75 780 200 98 35 10 205 290 200 320 20.00 115.84 523.92 4. Ministry Ministers Stipend Pension Trdvel Visiting Speakers Manse Upkeep - Council Tax Insurance Water 28,599.96 3,631.24 459.50 300.00 2.842.24 592.88 809.00 37,234.82 26,500 3.375 135 300 2,712 531 402
COWES BAPTIST CHURCH: PIOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 2024 5. Upkeep of Church Premises Lighting & Healing Cleaning Irtsurance Water Repair & Maintcnance Equipment 2023 3,584.3J 829.91 2,222.93 538.34 1.346.07 7.897 130 2,173 456 1,61l 48 11315 8,521.56 6. Given To Other Caus&s Home Mission Baptist Missionary Society Op Agri ( BMS 2023) Harvest Toilet Twinning Latin Link ( R Gardner) Compassion First l Andrew & Dira) Youth For Christ Frontline OMF Street P&stors (1Z Benevolent 1,776.00 1.926.00 376.75 1.680 1,680 780 124 800 609 180 400 600 21K) 152 7.205 640.00 614.59 180.00 600.00 6.113.34 7. Adminlstration Printing & Stationery, B¢)oks et¢. Telephone Subscriptions & Conference Fees Payroll Fees Independent Examin¢r Zoom Feeslwebsite CCLI Mobile Phone Catering Church Meal Other 732.28 156.00 986.38 210.00 150.00 278.01 384.72 243.18 198.79 377.00 119.53 3835.89 834 876 192 150 183 366 253 217 306 15 3.536 8. Outreach Christm&8 BookietslGifts Hampers ChTiStmas Tree ILigbts W¢star Worship 82.29 115.84 145.00 45 203 623 335 343.13
BUILDING FUND RECEIVTS AND PAViklENTS AccOur 2024 Receipts Donations Manse Rent ( Baring Rd) 2023 7,830.50 19,200.00 77.70 27,108.20 2,260 19.21XJ Payments Architects Fees ( Church) Rent ( Crossfield Ave) Rental ExpenseslRepairs Church Windows Damp proofing Kitchcn plasterintydttorating Kitchen Floor PlumbinyJBoiler Kit¢hen units/applian¢¢s Electrics Lounge Kitchen / Roott2023) Other 21.460 204 12.000 1,842 2,814 12.000.00 2,525.79 6.565.00 4.680.1)0 1,430.00 2,116.10 3216.00 8,520.45 421.36 49.88 297.26 1.000 46 41,821.84 -14,713.64 5,557.96 9,500.00 344.32 17.906 3,554 Balance brought fonvard Iiir24 Transfcr from Gencral Fund Balanc¢ Carried fonvard 31112r24 5.558 CHURCH I COMfvtUNITY WORKER RECEIvfs AND PAYMENfs AccouNr Balan¢e bywd Iiir2024 15,942.40 15.942 Balance c/fwd 3111212024 15,942.40 15.942 TODDLERS RECEivfs AND PA YMENTS ACCOUNT 2024 2023 Receipts Fees 1448.46 1.448.46 1,219 Payments Running Expenses 1.182.71 82 1.151 Balance brought forward i/ir24 BaEance carried forward 31112r24 1233.42 1.499.17
COWES BAPTIST CHURCH STATEEVIENf OF ASSETS AND LIABILrriES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 ASSETS 2024 2023 Barclays Cuent account Barclays Deposit Account COIF Deposit Account Petty cash ToddIS petty cash 6,465.01 18.171.99 62.808.08 27.97 140.02 87.613.07 4.456 22,091 59,747 37 255 86.586 Representing balances ort the following accounts General Fund Building Fund Church / Community Worker Toddlers 69.827.18 344.32 15.942.40 1,499.17 87.613.07 63.853 5.558 15,942 1.233 86.586 Non-monetary Assets The church is the beneficial owner ( subject to tbe relevant trusts) of the following assets. tbe legal title to which is held by the church's custodian trusfre [the Baptist Union cooration Ltd]. chUh Premises [Insured value] Church Manse [In5ured value] The church also owns fiXr¢s, mItre and equipment with an insured value of 2.208.123 379.249 132,930 2,720.302 The accounts and statemcnt of assets and liabilities set out on pages I to 6 r¢lating to the year endin8 31 December 2024 are approved by the tntstees. Judith Compton tMinister] lainc Chery [Treasurer]