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← Biggleswade Baptist Church

2025-03-31-accounts

BIGGLESWADE BAPTIST CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Biggleswade Baptist Church On accounts for the year 31 March 2025 Charity no 1144614 ended (if any) Set out on pages 2 to 10

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Date: 09/01/2026 ~~a~~ Name: Greg Smyth ~~Po~~ Relevant professional ICAEW qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 4 High Street, Langford, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9RR

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/04/2024 Period start date To 31/03/2025 Period end date

Charity name: Biggleswade Baptist Church

Charity registration number: 1144614

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Activities Objectives and Activities Objectives and Activities
SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document
Para 1.17
The principal purpose of the church is the
advancement 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 Kingdom
and/or other parts of the world.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.
Para 1.17 and
1.19
The church, through voluntary giving,
supports a full time minister and employs a
full time youth worker together with part
time staff in the following roles: office
administrator, children and family worker,
church and community worker and food
back co-ordinator. A tenth of all general
income is given to five Christian charitable
organisations supporting work both in UK
and overseas developing nations.
The church also hosts a bereavement
support group run by trained counsellors.
A drop-in centre and community hub was
opened in February 2020 on a large new
housing estate in Biggleswade to provide a
contact point for residents. This facility has
also been used by an IT literacy group and
also by social services staff for client
meetings. The lease for this facility ended
in 2025 and alternative options to provide
this service are being explored.
A ‘Men’s Shed’ facility is run 2 times per
week enabling use of primarily
woodworking equipment for projects and
‘wellbeing’support.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity		 Para 1.18 Biggleswade Baptist Church has served
the community for over 250 years and the
trustees are aware of its place in the
community. The trustees will review the

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Commission on public benefit

details in PB1 to ensure that the activities continue to meet the guidance given.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 All support activities and work in the church
are provided voluntarily by the church
members and congregation. Over 70
volunteers are normally involved with the
annual holiday bible club. The volunteers
are supported by paid staff in areas of food
bank, youth and children work and
administration.
Other

Achievements and Performance

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SORP reference
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Achievements and Performance Achievements and Performance Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 Weekly meetings on Sundays. During the
week small groups meet for bible study,
prayer and fellowship.
The church runs a baby group and toddler
group which provides support and play
facilities for a large number of families in
Biggleswade.
Weekly lunchtime meetings have
commenced again in the town’s middle
schools for pupils with a relevant topic
theme.
Breakfast Club for children aged 8 – 11
years normally runs once a month, with
food and games.
A ‘men’s breakfast’ is normally held
monthly on Saturday morning and attracts
between 30 - 35 men for a full breakfast
and an opportunity for conversation and

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sharing together. A similar ‘ladies’ breakfast” meeting is held on the subsequent Saturday morning with around 55 ladies attending. A holiday bible club is arranged during the first week of the annual school summer holidays for 240 children involving bible teaching, games, craft and music. Applications for places are often oversubscribed. The church is also involved with the other churches in Biggleswade to facilitate the joint worship service on Good Friday, supporting the town christmas lights event, Christian Aid and other joint events. Biggleswade Baptist Church is the local centre for a food aid and runs a food bank in conjunction with the local social services which is supported by food gifts at local supermarket collection points and other organisations. Additional funding is provided by freewill donations. Biggleswade Baptist Church seeks to serve the community in which it is situated and to share God’s love with the town. The trustees review the church activities to ensure that this is a primary aim.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41 Not applicable
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41
Other

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Financial Review

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Review of the charity’s Para 1.21 A review of the charity’s accounts to year
financial position at the end end March 2025 is attached.
of the period
Statement explaining the Para 1.22 The charity normally maintains a bank
policy for holding reserves deposit account of funds to cover
stating why they are held unexpected requirements. This deposit
sum is targeted to have a minimum value
equivalent to an average monthly
expenditure.
Almost all giving to the work and witness of
the church has been made via direct bank
transfers or standing orders.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 Total reserves £53,659 (31 March 2025)
Reasons for holding zero Para 1.22 Not applicable
reserves
Details of fund materially in Para 1.24 None
deficit
Explanation of any Para 1.23 No uncertainties identified
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern
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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 where relevant about:
The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 The work and witness of the church is
supported entirely by voluntary
contributions from those attending. Gift Aid
refunds under an approved scheme also
support the finances of the work.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 None directly identified
Other

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Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Standard Baptist Union constitution
adopted 2009
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Unincorporated association
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Appointed by annual church members’
meeting held in June. Trustee details are
recorded on the Charity Commission filing
for Biggleswade Baptist Church.

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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Child protection policy is in place based on
national Baptist Union guidelines and
Policies and procedures training. All youth workers hold CPC
adopted for the induction Para 1.51 accreditation.
and training of trustees
All trustees undergo CPC level 2 and 3
certification.
The church is in membership of the Baptist
The charity’s organisational Union of Great Britain and is a member of
structure and any wider Para 1.51 the Evangelical Alliance.
network with which the
charity works The church is also a partner with other
churches in Biggleswade through
Biggleswade Churches Together.
Monthly leadership meetings are held
involving all trustees to consider the on-
going work of the church and any relevant
governance and operational issues that
may arise.
Relationship with any related Para 1.51
parties
Other
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Reference and Administrative details

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Charity name Biggleswade Baptist Church
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number 1144614
Charity’s principal address 24 London Road
Biggleswade
Beds
SG18 8TS
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

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Name of person (or
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year body) entitled to
appoint trustee (if any)
1 Rev Martin Ceaser Minister
2 Mr Cliff Andrews
3 Mrs Ellen Andrews
Mr William Appointed on 30 June 2024
4
Blankston
5 Mr John Burns Treasurer
6 Mr Gareth Godfrey
7 Mr John Ingrey
8 Mr Mark Riley Appointed on 30 June 2024
9 Mr Mike Sladen
10 Mr Julian Thomas
11 Mrs Caitlin Twiss
12 Mr Kevin Wilkes
13 Mr Robert Jones Stepped down on 16 April 2024
14
15
16
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– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

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Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets No funds are held as custodian trustees held in this capacity Name and objects of the Not applicable charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address
adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary,
Chair, etc)
Date
John Burns

Treasurer
9 January 2026
9 January 2026

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||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |No (if any)| |Biggleswade Baptist Church|1144614| |Receipts and payments accounts|CC16a| |For the period|Period start date|Period end date| |To| |—|—=—S=S|from|01/04/2024|31/03/2025| |Section A Receipts and payments| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Endowment| |Total funds|Last year| |funds|funds|funds| |to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £|to the nearest £| |A1 Receipts| |General Offering|28,145|-|-|28,145|39,861| |Gift Aid Income - General|137,409|-|-|137,409|129,199| |Donations - Restricted|-|15,499|-|15,499|18,014| |Bequests and legacies|5,000|-|-|5,000|-| |Bank Interest Received|759|-|-|759|877| |Use of Premises|2,327|-|-|2,327|2,099| |Other Income|826|-|-|826|291| |Sub total|(Gross income for AR)|174,466|15,499|-|189,965|190,341| |=—==>==>=>| |A2 Asset and investment sales,| |(see table).| |-|-|-|-|-| |Sub total|-|-|-|-|-| |Total receipts|174,466|15,499|-|189,965|190,341| |——=|———| |A3 Payments| |Wages and Salaries (Incl NIC)|102,717|-|-|102,717|82,607| |Training and Conference Costs|2,066|20|-|2,086|1,255| |Travel Expenses|343|-|-|343|465| |Membership Fees and Subscriptions|4,557|-|-|4,557|3,114| |Catering Expenses|1,166|-|-|1,166|1,202| |Printing, Postage and Stationery|2,169|-|-|2,169|1,351| |Teaching Materials and Study Books|434|-|-|434|436| |Outreach Costs|4,850|30|-|4,880|4,191| |Holiday Bible Club Costs|-|3,923|-|3,923|4,064| |Other Direct Activity Costs|2,123|-|-|2,123|1,978| |Building Maintenance|8,024|-|-|8,024|29,518| |Rent|10,705|-|-|10,705|7,941| |Light, Heat and Rates|16,535|-|-|16,535|16,714| |Insurance|3,247|-|-|3,247|5,723| |Telephone Costs|3,078|-|-|3,078|1,953| |Pension Costs|14,673|-|-|14,673|12,273| |Grants|18,648|10,232|-|28,880|30,795| |Sub total|195,335|14,205|-|209,540|205,580| |A4 Asset and investment| |purchases,|(see table)| |Assets|-|-|-|-|3,235| |Sub total|-|-|-|-|3,235| |—|Total payments|—————|195,335|14,205|-|209,540|208,815| |Net of receipts/(payments)|(20,869)|1,294|-|(19,575)|(18,474)| |A5 Transfers between funds|-|-|-|-|-| |A6 Cash funds last year end|56,354|16,880|-|73,234|91,708| |Cash funds this year end|35,485|18,174|-|53,659|73,234| |=|——|

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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
B5 Liabilities
B3 Investment assets
B2 Other monetary assets
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
B1 Cash funds		 Details
Details
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Cash at bank
Details
Garage conversion
Chairs
Sound,visual and music equipment
Computer equipment
Church equipment
Details
Details
Signature		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
35,485
18,174
-
-
-
-
35,485
18,174
OK
OK
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
General
19,857
General
11,920
General
3,865
General
6,860
General
3,235
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name
J Burns		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
OK
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
When due
(optional)
-
-
-
Signature
Date of
approval
J Burns 09/01/2026

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees

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Virtual Cabinet Portal Digital Signatures

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Signature Dates and Times

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Signature 1

Signed by John Burns using authentication code YUp0XldUUHhXYVhF at IP address 86.11.82.110, on 2026/01/12 09:47:39 Z.

John Burns's e-mail address is: finance@bbchurch.org.uk.