Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01.09.24 Period start date to 31.08.25 Period end date
Charity name: St Andrew’s church
Charity registration number: 1156418
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The purpose of the Charity is to advance the Christian faith in the Area of Benefit in accordance with the principles and practices of the Participating Churches. 3) In achieving its purpose, the Charity will engage in a range of activities, either on its own or with others, including (but not restricted to): a) the celebration of public worship; b) the teaching of the Christian faith; c) mission and evangelism; d) pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved; e) the provision of facilities with a Christian ethos for the local community, including (but not restricted to) the elderly, the young and other groups with special needs; and f) the support of other charities in the UK and overseas. |
| 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 charity runs activities such as coffee mornings to enhance the lives of both our members and the wider local public, provides worship on Sundays, Christian festivals and on other occasions, raises funds for ourselves and other charities we support |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The charity considers all guidance issued by the Charity Commission where needed. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | We do not make grants |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | We have no social investments |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Apart from the paid Minister, the charity relies solely on the contribution made by volunteers to achieve its objectives. This is both through fundraising and activities designed to support others or each other according to need. |
| Other |
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 | Home Discussion Group Our group has continued to meet monthly on a Wednesday afternoon At a member’s home. Over the last year we have discussed various Psalms and are currently tackling Paul’s challenging Epistle to the Romans. We do a lot of questioning and may conclude sometimes, as Charles Wesley wrote, ‘‘tis mystery all’. Members take turns in leading the discussions. Ann King Ladies Evening Group 'The Ladies Evening Group continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings each month, with an average attendance of 25 ladies. We have been pleased to welcome several new ladies over the last few months. We thank Ann King for her leadership as Chair this year. We have enjoyed a variety of speakers during the year, and the occasional quiz night - how competitive everyone is!! We enjoyed Colin Thomas sharing some of his memories as a boy during the Bath blitz; Ann King telling us about the many locations of the Devizes Post Office - now in a corner at Sainsbury's. John Farrow took us to Yellowstone National Park in the USA and nearer to home Rob Quayle told us something about the history of Sellafield. We thank our many and varied speakers. Our charity this year has been Dorothy House Hospice. Our Christmas Fayre was successful in raising £847 for |
Dorothy House and our Spring Event a further £636 which will be divided between Dorothy House and the Church. We thank all who helped in any way. Our sessions end in June with a visit to the Bear Hotel for a cream tea and a tour of the quirky corners of this old building. We welcome any ladies to come along to our meetings which will resume in September. Ruth McGregor Messy Church Although the number of families coming regularly to messy church has fallen, we continue to meet on the afternoon of the second Sunday each month. We follow the same pattern of an introduction to our theme with a Bible story then activities in the hall. We go back to church to think and talk about what we have done or made while the meal is prepared in the hall, which we then enjoy along with fellowship. Janine Fanshawe Music The Music Group and Singers are currently meeting on the 2nd Monday of the month at 10:30 with Andy. The Choir meet on the 3rd Monday of the month at 4pm with Ray. We would love more musicians and singers to join us. The men would especially like more to join their number! We prepare the music for the monthly service while sharing music, friendship and fellowship. We also prepare and record the music for the on-line Mid Week Musical Reflections. The Reflections are viewed by about 100 people each month. You can find the Reflections on the church website or ask Alisia to be added to the list and you will be sent an email link. If you do not use the internet, you can also ask Alisia for a DVD to watch at home. Alisia Davies Pastoral Care: The pastoral team continue to support those in need through prayer, phone calls and visits where possible. We recently delivered Easter cards and palm crosses to those no longer able to get to church. We are still in need of more pastoral contacts, if you are interested, please see one of the team. Jean Green Property Report
This last year has seen several big changes to the premises which have, we hope, enhanced the experience of those who come week by week. Major Projects; in June 2025 a new automatic door was put in place. This meant that people coming to sessions in the Church Hall, particularly those with their pushchairs and wheelchairs, could come through easily. New whether proof doors were also fitted at the front of the building which have really helped to conserve heat. In August the windows in the Hall were secondary glazed and this has also saved a lot of heat. The ramp from the carpark to the back door was also completely reconstructed. In March 2026 the sound and visual system in the Church was thoroughly overhauled. This means there are very clear images projected onto the screen and crystal-clear sound through the speakers. We also now have a video camera which means the recordings on our website are visible as well as audible. Minor Improvements and annual tests: During the last twelve months the hot water boilers in both kitchens have been repaired, toilet seats and inlet values replaced, and draught excluders fitted to some doors. Additional light sensors have also been fitted to the side passage and a new electricity distribution board installed. Fire safety equipment has been professionally checked as has the workings of our gas boilers. PAT testing of all electrical appliances has also been carried out. Premises Bookings: A total of 25 different groups us the building each month and most of these meet every week. There are 9 church groups and 16 outside bookings. The church groups are Sunday Worship, Messy Church, the Music Group, Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship, Ladies Evening Group, the Winning Ways Group, Thursday Toddlers, the Coffee Morning and the GT Club. The nonchurch groups include two choirs, three dance groups, two drama groups, three children’s groups, a toddler group, a social and games group and a martial arts group. An employment agency uses the upstairs rooms two days a week. Altogether there are activities on the premises for about 50 hours each week, attended by a total of 300 people. Thanks are due: We thank Dave and Tony for doing seasonal jobs like weeding, clearing gutters and minor repairs. We also thank Jean,
Trish and Rosemary for the many things they look after in and around the premises. Thanks too to Marion and Marie for managing the bookings. And finally, we must thank Simon our cleaner for doing such a thorough job week by week. John Saunders Poetry Group We have continued to meet monthly and have produced poems under the titles of Christmas, Spring, Characters, Favourites and Comical ones. All get togethers have brought us great delight. We are only a small group but we still continue to meet up and enjoy poetry. Eileen Robinson The Prayer Group The Prayer Group meets on alternate Mondays at 10.30am and is kindly hosted by Carol Hams. It consists of 4 regular members. We begin with concern for the Church and members especially anyone in need or with health problems, sharing the concerns and including them in our prayers. We also add prayers for those we pray for in our Sunday Services. Each member of the group adds our own prayers. This is a refreshing time when approaching God together intended as a support for St Andrews as it witnesses to the community and the work the Church undertakes. Praying together is strengthening to each one of us, so more members are always welcome. Hilary Burn Safeguarding This year has seen a few issues which have been dealt with on the Area level. We have had safeguarding courses now put in place at both Advanced level and the standard Creating Safer Spaces level. Those involved have been contacted. We now have a Deputy safeguarding officer, Catherine Dawson and we work together with the brief of keeping St Andrew’s church as safe as possible. We thank you for playing your part in this by noticing anything that “doesn’t look right” and informing us. The Safeguarding Policy has recently been reviewed.
The Link
The “weekly Link” is the newssheet of St Andrew’s and of Trinity church, emailed to everyone who has signed up for it. It
provides a weekly diary of church events along with regular features: the lectionary for the current Sunday, a prayer and (usually) a “reflection” from that week’s preacher. It can also include a report of a recent activity or an advertisement for one that is coming up; an article regarding a subject of interest or concern; a poem; or perhaps a picture. Contributions in any of these forms are requested – could YOU send something? Peter Fanshawe Thursday Toddler Group Thursday morning toddler group continues to run from 10 - 12:30h during term times only. Due to changes in early years funding, numbers have dropped with an average of 4 childminders (with 3-4 toddlers each) and just 2 parents and their toddlers attending. Vici Knott, a childminder, continues to lead the group on behalf of the church. We are very grateful to the church members who help prepare snacks and wash up during the sessions but Vici would much appreciate more volunteers so a rota could be drawn up. She realises this is difficult because volunteers are also needed at Thursday coffee! If anyone feels they could give an hour or so of their time please drop in to the toddler session to have a chat with Vici and see what the ‘job’ entails. In the meantime the group is looking out for collapsible toy buggies so if you happen to know of one that is ready for a new home ……….. Rosemary Stevens Tuesday Fellowship During the last year our group numbers have remained static. We are saddened by the fact that some of our members have suffered from ill health this year and wish them a speedy recovery. We are very grateful to John for providing the music for our hymns by CD. During the year we have listened to some interesting speakers, a visit by our MP as well as some thoughtprovoking talks by various charities. We have also had a musical afternoon, craft afternoons, a quiz and tea parties. It has been a busy year!
I would like to thank the Committee for their hard work. In addition, I would also like to thank the ladies who make the tea, Jean and Margaret for their wonderful catering, and Janine, our treasurer. I hope we will continue to enjoy our afternoons together and that we have some interesting meetings. Marie Crook Secretary
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
The charity is managing to maintain its activities despite fewer volunteers to carry out activities. Some volunteers now have multiple roles to achieve these objectives. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The charity has raised sufficient funds to achieve all planned objectives this year. It has been a quiet year for fundraising against our objectives. Next year, there will be change as we are planning several refurbishment projects. This includes improving accessible entrances to our building |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | NA |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | For the first time in three years, St. Andrew’s income exceeded its expenditure, at the end of August 2023. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity endeavours to hold funds for unexpected circumstances and enable the church to respond to new opportunities for mission and service. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Six months of church running costs |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | NA |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | NA |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
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 charity’s main source of funding is direct giving from its members and lettings. Fundraising is secondary to this. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | Funds which are not required for immediate use are placed on deposit in the Central Board of Finance of the Methodist church |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | These risks include members ceasing their membership for financial support through moving or death or other unforeseen incident. |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Single congregation local ecumenical partnership |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | It is a charitable 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 | Nominations for Trustees shall be in writing, duly proposed and seconded by Members with the consent of the nominee and shall be delivered to the Church Secretary at least 14 days before the Annual Congregational Meeting. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 |
New trustees undertake an enhanced DBS check. They are commissioned at Sunday worship. The minister advises new trustees of their duties and any other information needed for their role, for example appropriate confidentiality and the need to declare any conflict of interest that may arise. |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The charity, St Andrew’s church is a LEP (Local Ecumenical Partnership) and maintains a proper relationship to the appropriate local and regional bodies of the Participating Denominations, fulfilling necessary constitutional requirements. These bodies are: a) in the case of the Methodist Church, The Wiltshire United Area and the Bristol District of the Methodist Church in Britain b) in the case of the United Reformed Church, The South Western Synod, The Wiltshire United Area To that end, meetings of the members of the LEP affiliated to a particular Participating Denomination (as opposed to meetings of the members of the LEP) may be held in order to meet the constitutional requirements of the Participating Denomination concerned. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | The Charity is also a member of Churches Together Devizes |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | St Andrew’s Church |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1156418 |
| Charity’s principal address | Long Street, Devizes SN10 1NJ |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 5 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GaryGotham | Minister | St Andrew’s church | ||
| Marion Butler | Treasurer | St Andrew’s church | ||
| Patricia Lee | Secretary | St Andrew’s church | ||
| RosemaryStevens | From 17.05.24 | St Andrew’s church | ||
| John Saunders | From 17.05.24 | St Andrew’s church | ||
| Janine Fanshawe | St Andrew’s church | |||
| Jean Green | St Andrew’s church | |||
– 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 £0 held in this capacity
Name and objects of the NA charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for NA 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)
NA
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
No non-disclosures
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) Patricia Marie Lee Full name(s) Marion Ann Butler Position (eg Secretary, Treasurer Secretary Chair, etc) Date 28.06.26.
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Name of Church .. ST. ANDREWS CHURCH & PaARSTON CHAPEL Independ•nt Examinerfs Statsment I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below") vthich give me cause to believe that in, any material Spect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Act" or the accounts do not accord with the accounts'ng records. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to Nhich attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I havelhave not. obtained independent verÉfication of all investments with the Twstees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are indivKlually in exce&8 of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. SnatUre of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Name of finn (where appropriate) Address MS¥I.ZL&.T .. L4Ji G i Post Code SNJ l.q.4.h6L Date delete or circle as appropriate 2025 Methodist Standard Form ofAccounts (FINAL) Sof5
Name of Church .. ST. ANDREWS CHURCH & MARSTON CHAPEL Indopendent Examinerfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below") which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not accord wrth the accounting records. I have no cOnmS and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to Nhich attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I havelhave not" obtained independent venfication of all investrnents with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balan and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are indivKlually in excess of £10.000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner 7cfEI IJLM£IQNI on Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Name of firm (where appropriate) Address Post Code SNj l 0 4.h&L Date delete or Circ as appropriate 2025 Methodist Standard Fofm of ACcnts (FINAL) 5of5