Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 / 1 / 23 Period start date To 31 / 12 / 23 Period end date Charity name: Westcliffe Road Christian Church Charity registration number: 1155190
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To advance the Christian faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with the statements of belief as noted below; a) We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Old and New Testament Scriptures as originally given and their final authority and sufficiency in all matters pertaining to faith and practice. b) We believe in the unity of the Godhead and the eternal co-equality of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; the sovereignty of God in Creation, providence and redemption. c) We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as true God and true man; His deity, incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death and physical resurrection. d) We believe in the work of Jesus Christ in His life, death and resurrection as Representative and Substitute; His atonement for sin, thereby securing righteousness, forgiveness and eternal life for all who are united to Him by faith. e) We believe in the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, His intercession at the throne of God, His coming again personally and visibly in glory and power. f) We believe in the Holy Spirit's deity and personality and His essential work in regeneration, conversion and sanctification. g) We believe in the creation of man in the image of God, his sin and fall, the consequences passing to all humanity, extending to every part of human nature and resulting in the universal guilt of mankind before God. |
| h) We believe in the personality of Satan, his opposition to God and His purposes and his corruption and enslavement of man. i) We believe in salvation solely by the grace of God, accomplished by God the Son and applied by God the Holy Spirit; appropriated by God-given faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; including regeneration, justification, sanctification and final glorification. j) We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the one to eternal life and the other to eternal punishment. k) We believe in the one holy, universal Church that is the Body of Christ to which all true believers belong. |
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| 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 |
Our regular activities include; Sunday • Morning Service, including a Youth Church (Sunday School) • Evening Service • Messy Church (Once a month) • Service in Elm Tree Court care home once a month for residents who wish to attend (in partnership with other local churches) Monday • Playtime (Parents and toddlers) Tuesday • ‘TLC’ (Tuesday Luncheon Club) open to all over 55 years of age • Afternoon Bible Study Wednesday • Crafty Chatter (Twice a month) • Ladies Fellowship • Bible Study Thursday • Xplore (Childrens activities for those in Key Stage 1 & 2) • Westcliffe forum (once a month) Friday • Xchange (Youth group meeting twice a month for those in Years 6-13) Saturday • Open air meeting in Shipley market place (once a month) Sunday services and Wednesday Bible study are also available via Zoom allowingthose unable to |
| attend for any reason to still participate in the meetings. In addition, we have held a number of ‘1 off’ events throughout the year in support of the work undertaken including a Kings Coronation event, Neighbourhood BBQ and various events around Christmas including a Christmas Fair, and Carol service. These events are all advertised by ‘word of mouth’ as well as leaflet drops to around 500 houses in the immediate vicinity of the church. Most events include a presentation of the Gospel in reaching out to those around us and/or a time of ‘ministry’ where we learn more about the Christian faith and putting this into practice within our lives. We have also delivered Christian literature to the neighbourhood around the church, linking in with key events such as Easter and Christmas. These leaflets have contact details of the church, should anyone wish to get in touch with us. We also support financially a number of Christian organisations who have had connection with the church in the past, and are now furthering the Christian message both within the UK and abroad. These are funded either through regular giving from the congregation, or as ‘one-off’ contributions to the work which they undertake. |
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|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The charity trustees ‘have regard’ to the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit guidance both when planning events, and reviewing work that has been undertaken. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | n/a |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | n/a |
| Contribution made by | Para 1.38 | None of the activities undertaken would be |
| volunteers | possible without the help and support of all those involved in the church – the Trustees would like to extend a formal note of thanks to all who contribute time, money and resources. |
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|---|---|---|
| Other | n/a |
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 | Attendance has varied through the year, however we are pleased to see a small but steady growth in those attending many of the mid-week meetings, many who have little/no prior connection with the church. Special events have given an opportunity for others to join in and we continue to share the Gospel of Salvation with all those that attend. Through the year, there have been specific gifts made to individuals, and Christian organisations in support of the ingoing works that they undertake. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
| Other | n/a |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | We are blessed with healthy finances amounting to £18,800 at the end of 2023. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Finances are reviewed on a monthly basis at Trustees meetings. Whilst no specific policy on reserves currently exists, we are blessed with a relatively healthy balance of funds - we ensure that there are sufficient funds to undertake all regular work within the church and review this again before commissioning any significant works to the building. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | No specific reserves, balance at £18,800 at end of year |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | n/a |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | n/a |
| 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 | All funding is provided by the church fellowship, either by giving by bank transfer, or weekly giving via collection boxes positioned by the door to the main Hall. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | With the exception of funds held within conventional bank accounts, we do not have any funds invested in outside agencies or organisations. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The church has an aging congregation, which influences what they are able to undertake in practical matters and likely limits the level of financial giving. We actively seek the Lord’s guidance as to how we are to lead His church into the future. |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation |
| 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 | Trustees must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
n/a Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and Para 1.51 training of trustees n/a The charity’s organisational structure and any wider Para 1.51 network with which the charity works n/a Relationship with any related Para 1.51 parties n/a Other
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Westcliffe Road Christian Church |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Westcliffe Church |
| Registered charity number | 1155190 |
| Charity’s principal address | Westcliffe Road Chapel Westcliffe Road Shipley Bradford BD18 3EE |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Brownlow | Chair | |||
| Ian Hutchinson | ||||
| Robert Strachan | ||||
– 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
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets n/a held in this capacity Name and objects of the n/a charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for n/a 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 |
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|---|---|---|
| Paul Brownlow | ||
Chair |
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| 19/08/2024 | ||
| 19/08/2024 |