REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1146556 Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 for ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH •,••••
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Page Report of the Trustees 3to7 Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 10 Notes to the Financial Statement5 Ilto16 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 17to18
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20151. Reference and administrative details Registered Charity number 1146556 Principal address Abington Avenue Northampton NN14QA Trustees Mr Paul Ansell (resigned 23 October 20241 Mrs Kathryn Cottle Mrs Sue Croft Mr Vaughan Griffiths FCA {resigned 23 October 20241 Mrs Julia Hardcastle Ms Kay Kerr Mrs Beatrice Madzadzavara {appointed 23, October 2024} Mr Jeff Prickett Mrs Jane Stapleton Mrs Christine Whipp Mr simon Whipp lappointed 30 March 20251 th Independent examiner Jonathan Cobley F.C.C.A. Cobley Desborough Chartered Certified Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Artisans, House 7 Queensbridge Northampton NN4 7BF Structure, governance and management Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. Trusts are distilled from the United Reformed Church Act11972 and 19811 and Scheme of Union 11972) adopted 20 June 2011. The church Is a member of the East Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church, which own5 the church building in Abington Avenue and the Manse (occupied by the Minister).
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Structurei governance and management Risk management The trustees recognise they have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed a nd to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assura nce against fraud and error. Public benef it, objectives and activities The church's main objectives are: To provide a Christian witne55 in Abington, Northampton, and wherever our members find themselves at work or at leisure, To provide regu la r Ch ristian worship and teaching in a variety of styles to large and small groups, To develop Christian maturity in wo rship and daily living, To play our part in ecumenical work in Northampton and wider, To be supportive of those in need, through friendship, caring action and prayer, To support other charitable work through financial donations, locally, nationally and internationally, To offer our buildings and facilities to other groups from our community, particularly to those promoting health, training or cultu ral activity. In allthe above we believe we areoperatingfor public benefitthrough the advancementof religion, development of community and support ofthose in need. Information on all church activities is available from the website www.aaurc.co.uk or from the church office (tel: 01604 604623, e: office.aaurc mail.com). Management The strategic management of the church is carried out by its leadership team comprising the trustees (known within the denomination as "Elders") with the Area Ministers and supported by our Administrator. Various areas of church life are delegated to smaller committees which report into the monthly Elders Meeting. However, within our URC framework of governance, the ultimate decision-making body is the quarterly Church Members Meeting, whose remit includes the election of Elders/Trustees and receiving for approval reports of the activities of the various committees. Northampton Area Churches Partnership From July 2023 thi5 church went into a grouping with 9 other churches, 2 others in Northampton, one in Duston and 6 in villages to the north or west of Northampton. The grouping is seNed by 3 ministers, in 2024 one of which was full time and 2 part time. After a service {in July 20231 at which we covenanted to work together, we are now working out the details of how we can be mutually supportive, Share resource5 and expert15e, and thereby further the mission of the church in West Northamptonshire and further afield. •••Q*•
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Church Secretary's Report The church continues to explore how to fulfil its mission; to celebrate in Christian worship, to encourage and develop believers in their faith, and to serve the local community and the wider world in acts of service and gra nt giving. The pattern of Sunday morning worship often includes two gatherings with different styles of worship, one more formal and traditional, one freer with modern worship music and encouraged participation. Festivals a nd special Sundays are opportunities for the church community to worship together as an expression of our unity in diversjty. Other regula r activities included: Home Groups for Bible study and fellowship, Prayer meetings and Bible study meetings at church, Messy Church for families {monthly on Friday), Toy library on Wednesday, Jolly Tots for families on Wednesday, A Friday Lunch Club and Friday Friendship Club for older people, Opening on Fridays (from October 20231 as part of the nationwide Warm Space initiative, a weekly Child Contact Centre for estranged family members to meet with children in a supportive environment. All generations are represented at the main Sunday services and a Junior Church is offered on most Sundays. Although lockdown is a receding memory for many, we have continued to broadcast services and communicate with church members mainly by electronic means IWhatsApp, Facebook, text messaging and email). For members who are not connected via the internet, service resources and other commu n ications are regularly posted out by 'snail mail" The church buildings were also used by other Christian groups, health and education classes, and for concerts and drama. The membership number5 have reduced to below 100 in 2024. However, we are seeing regular visitors and newcomers in our Sunday services {both styles} and hope some of them will find a spiritual home with us and move on into membership. In these uncertain and disrupted times, the church is deeply grateful for the fa ithful ministry of Revd Jane Wade. We are also grateful for the support of the musicians and singers in our worship teams, our organists a nd lay worship leaders. The leadership team is very grateful for the donations of money, time and skills gven by the members and congregation, without which all the work of the church could not continue. Continuedl...
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Financial review- comprising our Reserves Policy and Treasurer's report. Reserves policy The charity's reserves policy is to hold free reserves sufficient to cover 3-6 months, ordinary expenditure. At 31 December 2024 the free reserves comply with this policy. The Peter Robertson Fund is designated for projects, grants and donations outside the ordinary activities of the church and a5 such 15 not considered part of the free reserves. The free reserves, representing general unrestricted funds, excluding fixed assets, the Lift Replacement Reserve, the Equipment Replacement Reserve and The Peter Robertson Fund, amount to £54,408 at 31 December 202412023: £49,761). Treasurer's Report The church continues to be both busy and active. And this is reflected in the volume and, to some extent, the com plexity of financial tra nsactions throughout the Church accounts. Following the pattern of the previous couple of years, both income and expenditure in 2024 was greater than in 2023. The main source of income continues to be from giving and associated Gift Aid. These have remained similar to the previous year. Income has increased particularly in three area5. Firstly, investment income has increased as a result of higher interest rates. Secondly, hire of premises has increased. In addition to hire for regula r fitness classes and events, there has been a n increase in bookings for children's related services. Regular hire of the building to the Mustard Seed church for their Sunday afternoon services ha5 a150 provided a steady stream of income. The third area of increase has been for grants and donations. The East Midlands Synod continued to provide grants to help with energy costs. The Child Contact Centre was in receipt of a grant of £5,000 from the Queen's Fund. Daventry Child Contact Centre closed its doors and transferred funds in excess of £3,000 to be used for our Child Contact Centre. These two amount5 have enabled the setting aside of funds for the Contatt Centre for future years. A legacy of £3,000 was received from a long-standing member of the congregation. We recognise the value of, and give thanks for, the continued contributions that enable the church to contlnue Its mlsslon. The main single item of expenditure is the contribution to the URC Ministry and Mission Fund. This did not increase in 2024. However, Church Meeting agreed to Elders, recommendation that it should increase by 2.5% in 2025. Amongst the work that has been undertaken on the premises included a refurbishment of the upper hall ladies toilets. This has been funded by the Peter Robertson Fund. Extensive electrical work has been done and the car park has been altered to improve the access and a new water heater has been installed in the Purser Room. These have been paid for from the General Fund. Continuedl... !!!i!
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 has been the first full year of our membership of the Northamptonshire Area Church Partnership {NACPI. All churches pay a monthly contribution into the partnership and NACP then pay for manse and ministers, costs, thus spreading the costs between several churches. For Abington Avenue this has had the effect of reducing the nett costs. Abington Avenue has overseen the bank account for NACP and it has taken a little while for all churches to regularise their arrangements. Annual donations have been made to Teacher Aid for the Nsobe schools project in Zambia, Church Action on Poverty, Bethany Homestead, the Emmanuel and Restore Food banks and Embrace the Middle East. Small donations were also given to Spencer Contact and Mission Aviation Flying. Once again we financially supported Christian Aid with the pla nt sale and our Christmas collection. Total 2024 income has exceeded expenditure. However, this is mostly as a result of the exceptional grant and donation which are restricted to the use of the Child Contact Centre. There has been a deficit on the General Fund which is less than had been budgeted for. This deficit has reduced our free reseNes. However, we are still able to comply with our reserves policy. The budget for 2025 has been agreed and, for yet another year, a deficit budget in the region of £10,000 is forecast. Within the budget it has been assumed that giving from the congregation will remain at current level5. If the membership reduces significantly, 2025 may prove to be another challenging year. Rosemary Hardie - Treasurer Post balance sheet events Recent years have seen deficits incurred, but the factors of the Covid pandemic and consequent disruption to previously normal patterns of church life may be partly responsible. However, reduction in church attendance generally and the challenge of adding new members are going to be key issue5 of mission going forward. The leadership team considers that the current year finances12025} may show a deficit but are confident that this can be covered by reserves and that there will be no threat to the church as a going concern. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 16 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by: SJ Whipp- Trustee ••••
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Abington Avenue United Reformed Church I report on the accounts for the period l January 2024 to 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages nine to sixteen. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustee5 you a re responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accorda nce with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'}. I have examined your charity's account5 as required under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5llb) of the 2011 Act. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: that accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Act- or that the accounts do not accord with those records,. or that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; or that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters111 to14) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention, Jonathan Cobley F.C.C.A. Cobley Desborough Chartered Certified Accountants Chartered Tax Adviser5 Artisans, House 7 QLJeensbridge Northampton NN4 7BF Date: 16 September 2025
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Staternent of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Total funds Total funds funds Unrestricted funds Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Grants12023 - incl. Government JRSI Legacies Activitie5 for generating fund5 Investment income Other income Incoming resources from charitable activities Use of church premises 88,884 2,159 3,000 7,896 8,482 7,565 492 6,500 89,376 8,659 3,000 9,175 8,836 7,671 93,257 9,000 1,279 354 106 7,063 6,703 3,655 26,362 26,362 21,146 Total incoming resources 144,348 8,731 153,079 140,824 RESOURCES EXPENDED Church Activities Church activities Catering costs Other resources expended 142,432 12,031 154,463 139,062 4,048 6,947 6,235 6,235 Total resources expended 148,667 12,031 160,698 150,057 NET INCOMING/IOUTGOING) RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS 14,3191 13,3001 17,619) 19,2331 Gross transfers between funds 10 Net incoming/(outgoing) resources 14,3 19) 13,3001 17,6191 19,233) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 320,710 22,345 343,055 352,288 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD The notes form part of these financial statements q>•f• @•@
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Balance Sheet At 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Total funds Total funds funds Un restricted funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible asset5 70,950 70,950 77,185 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 11,176 239,041 354 23,833 11,530 262,874 13,316 265,452 250,217 24,187 274,404 278,768 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year (4,7761 15, 1421 (9,9181 112,8981 NET CURRENT ASSETS 245,441 19,045 264,486 265,870 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 316,391 19,045 335,436 343,055 NET ASSETS 316,391 19,045 335,436 343,055 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted fu nds io 316,391 19,045 320,710 22,345 TOTAL FUNDS 335,436 343,055 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 16 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: Mr S Whipp- Trustee The notes form part of these financial 5tatementS io 11111
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The fina ncial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 {effective l January 20151 and the United Reformed Church guidance. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost conventian. Incomlng resources All voluntary giving is included in the financial statements for the period in which it IS received. Donations under Gift Aid plus the associated tax recovery are recognised as income when the donation is received. Legacies are accounted for when their receipt is probable and can be properly quantified. All other income is generally recognised when it is receivable. Resources expended The URC Ministry & Mission Fund contribution, which goes towards paylng for ministers, sti pend5 and centra I costs, is paid monthly and is included in the financial statements for the yea r to wh ich it relates. Resources expended are recognised in the period to which they are incurred and include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered. They are allocated to the particular activity to which they relate. Governance costs represent direct expenditure on the governance of the church, including the production and independent scrutiny of these financial state.ments. As m05t of the management and activity of the church is carried out by volunteers, this intangible cost is not included in the financial statements as this voluntary contribution to the life of the church is inca Iculable. Tangible fixed assets Equipment, fixtures and fittings depreciation has generally been provided at an annual rate of 25Yo reducing balance in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful life. There is an exception with the organ rebuilt in 2016 at a cost of £40,000 where depreciation is applied at a straight line rate over 25 years. Heating system depreciation has been provided at a straight line rate over 25 years. Freehold property: The Trustees of the church and manse buildings are the URC East Midlands Synod Trust who hold them upon trust for purposes connected with Abington Avenue URC. The loca I church is responsible for all maintenance and running costs, including insurance. Expenditure incurred on the church and manse is written off in the year it is incurred. Taxation As part of the United Reformed Church, the church is an excepted charity within the meaning of the Taxes Acts. Accordingly, it is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income and capital gains received to the extent that such income or gains are applied to exclusively charita ble pu rposes. No provision for taxation has been made in these financial statements. 11
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are ava ilable for use at the discretion of the church in furtherance of its charita ble objectives. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the do nor or contained in the terms of a grant. Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits The cha rity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions pay8ble to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Fina ncial Activities in the period to which they relate. ACTIVITIES FOR GENERATING FUNDS 2024 2023 Fundra ising events Catering activities From mission activities 673 4,967 3,535 7,063 9,175 7,063 INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest 8,836 6,703 INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Income from use of premises 26,362 21,146 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There was no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. Trustees, expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024, nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. 12
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Other pension costs 27,667 743 26,486 788 28,410 27,234 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 2024 2023 Child Contact Centre Site supervisors/Cleaning Administration No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. Senior management personnel comprises the Minister and trustees, none of whom are rem unerated by the charity. The M ini5ter 15 remunerated directly by the national United Reformed Church. 13
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Equipment, fixtures & fittings Heating system Totals Cost At l January 2024 Additions Disposals 62,497 145,517 208,014 At 31 December 2024 145,517 208,014 Depreciation At l January 2024 Charge for year Eliminated on disposal 21,042 2,500 109,787 3,735 130,829 6,235 At 31 December 2024 113,522 137,064 Net book value At 31 December 2024 38,955 31,995 70,950 At 31 December 2023 41,455 27,191 77,185 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Debtors Interest d ue Prepayments Gift Aid 6,307 8,907 1,402 3,821 665 3,744 11,530 13,316 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Cred itors and accruals 9,918 12,898 14
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds Transfers between funds At 111124 At 31112/24 Unrestricted funds General fund Property Maintenance Reserve Lift Replacement Reserve Equipment Replacement Fund Pastoral Care Fund Peter Robertson Fund 117,711 11,976 12,403 5,003 20 173,596 320,710 15,7811 1,116 1,987 673 111,931 13,091 14,390 5,676 20 171,282 316,391 12,314} (4,3191 Restricted funds Daigle Bequest Parkhouse bequest {Youth work) Outreach Fund Allotment Fund Kitchen Equipment Fund Jolly Tots Flower Committee Friday Friendship Club Child Contact Centre Meals Delivery project ECO Fund 2,955 2,450 1,299 222 315 1,840 225 5,168 6,230 1,415 226 15861 15111 191) 2,370 1,939 1,208 222 315 1,680 225 5,248 4,248 1,415 175 1161) 81 11,982) 151) 22,345 13,300) 19,045 TOTAL FUNDS 343,055 17,6191 335,436 Transfers between funds and fund purposes: Friday Friendship Club, Jolly Tots and Flower Committee are all small funds managed by various activity groups within the church. The Daigle Bequest Fund was a legacy given for the purpose of an annual outing for members of the Friday Lunch Club. The bequest from the late Mrs Parkhouse is to be used in youth work. The Outreach Fund arises from a specific donation for outreach work. The Allotment Fund arises from grants given specifically for this ministry. The ECO Fund represents income to be used to further our ECO Church credentials. The Meals Delivery project was to subsidise our meals delivery to those in need during the Covid lockdown. The Equipment Replacement Fund, Lift Replacement resetve and Kitchen Equipment Fund are to set aside funds to cover replacement of equipment in the future. 15 &••0
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 io. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Property Maintenance Reserve Lift Replacement Fund Equipment Replacement Fund Pastoral Care Fund Peter Robertson Fund 139,553 1,116 1,987 1,692 145,334 (5,781) 1,116 1,987 673 1,019 2,314 148,667 (2,3141 14,3191 144,348 Restricted funds Daigle Bequest Parkhouse bequest (Youth workl Outreach Fund Allotment Fund Kitchen Equipment Fund Jolly Tots Flower Committee Friday Friendship Club Child Contact Centre Meals Dellvery project ECO Fund 183 116 35 729 627 126 (5861 (511) 1911 1,279 1,440 {1611 177 6,942 96 8,924 81 11,9821 51 1511 8,732 12,033 13,300) TOTAL FUNDS 153,079 160,698 17,6191 ••••• 16 Iiill •o•••
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Collections and other congregation giving Other donations Gift Aid recoverable Grants Legacies Subscriptions Other income (including NACPI 77,083 758 15,070 8,659 3,000 75,815 2,421 15,021 9,000 7,671 3,655 112,241 105,912 Activities for generating funds Fund ra ising events Catering activities 673 4,967 7,063 5,640 7,063 Investment income Deposit account interest 8,836 6,703 Incoming resources from charitable activities Income from use of premises 26,362 21,146 Total incoming resources 153,079 140,824 RESOURCES EXPENDED- see following page This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 17 IIIH •••••
ABINGTON AVENUE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Detailed Statement of Financial Activlties for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 RESOURCES EXPENDED 2024 2023 Church activities Wages and related costs Pensions URC Ministry and Mission contribution Other worship and ministry costs Contributions to NACP Premises costs Telephone Office costs (computers, copier, postage and stationery) Manse costs General mainterlance Ministers motor & travel costs Sundries Fundraising costs Mission and charitable giving Child Contact Centre and crèche costs Youth & children's work c05tS Peter Robertson Fund grants Ito outside organisationsl 27,667 743 46,513 3,078 5,676 43,400 1,097 3,156 5,828 26,973 788 46,572 4,563 37,527 1,008 1,582 3,908 1,364 1,601 453 1,356 1,827 5,000 858 3,543 6,493 539 1,377 4,314 149,752 139,062 Catering costs Kitchen costs 4,711 4,048 4,711 4,048 Other resources expended Depreciation of heating system Depreciation of equipment, fixtures a nd fittings Loss on d isposal of ta ngible f ixed assets 2,500 3,735 2,500 4,447 6,235 6,947 Total resources expended 160,698 150,057 Net surplus / (deficit) {7,6191 19,2331 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 18