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