FERNDALE BAPTIST CHURCH LTD REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] DECEMBER 2024
Ferndale Baptist Church Limited A Company Limited by Guarantee
Charity Number: 1156596 Company Number: 08858945
Page 1
Index to the Report and Financial Statements
| Reference and Administrative Details | 3 |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 4 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 |
Page 2
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity: Ferndale Baptist Church Ltd.
Registered Office: North Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4ET.
Charity Number: 1156596
Company Number: 08858945
Governing Document: The Charity is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association of FERNDALE BAPTIST CHURCH LTD , incorporated on: 1[st] January 2014 Trustees:Carolann Chapman , Steven Dalley, Margaret Davidson, Kenneth Davidson, Ivor Dalley
Other Officers:
Mrs Rosemary Cole, Glyn Gould, Lee Regan, Fiona Regan, Jennifer Dalley, Yvonne Cook. Independent Examiner: Sally Wainwright, Et Voila Accountancy Services Limited, Isis House, Smith Road, Wednesbury West Midlands, WS10 0PB
Bankers: Natwest, Wickford (B) Branch, 63 High Street, Wickford, Essex SS12 9AH
Insurers: The Baptist Insurance Company PLC, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ
Page 3
FERNDALE BAPTIST CHURCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2024
2024 was a significant year for Ferndale Baptist Church in terms of improvements made to the building and facilities. Significant money was invested in replacing the roof of the Community Hall, finishing the installation of a new kitchen, and continuing to convert the old toilets and lobby area into a new Meeting Room. This should be completed in Spring/Summer 2025. This development will enable us to have a small and welcoming space to hold Sunday School groups, as well as offer potential to host counselling sessions and small, intimate conversations.
The Church’s weekly Bible Study, fortnightly Home Group, monthly Prayer Evening and monthly Worship Evening continued over the year. Sunday morning attendances continue to increase gradually. Our Minister, Steve Dalley, spoke at a number of other local Baptist Churches and also at the Christmas Assembly at a local primary school.
Our Tuesday morning “Coffee and Tots Group” continued to attract various local families. A Card making group also runs at the same time, which caters for a group of older people.
We continued to experience a growing demand for both regular and one-off hires in both the Church/Sanctuary and the Community Hall. A new monthly toddlers group began to hire the Hall, and another similar group is currently enquiring about a new monthly hire for 2025.
We have continued to support local, national and international charities through our monthly Blessing Box collections. Charities supported in 2024 included:
Evelina Children’s’ Hospital, Practical Action, El Shadai Children’s’ Home, Christians Against Poverty, Mission Aviation Fund, Friends and Places Together, Gold Geese, Open Doors with Brother Andrew, Angel Tree (Prison Fellowship), Ronald McDonald House, Southend Hospital Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal
Our Minister, Steve Dalley, continues to act as a Trustee for the St. Luke’s Community Association and also for The Isaiah Project. In terms of developing and strengthening these partnerships further over the course of 2024. Steve was involved in supporting the Easter and Christmas Community Fayres at Cluny Square and hosted a special Sunday morning “Carols and Christingle Service” for residents of the Isaiah Project as well as regular Church members. This event was extremely well-attended, and we hope to have similar events during 2025.
Ferndale Baptist Church continues to provide a venue for a Distribution Centre of Southend Foodbank. This is run by a team of eight Church Members. Over the course of the year, we have continued to expand the team to cope with another significant increase in the number of people attending the Foodbank requiring food assistance.
Page 4
Financial Review
Overall income for the year was £92,830 (2023 - £93,997). Total expenditure for the year was £123,264 (2023 - £71,801), resulting in an overall deficit of £30,434 (2023 - £22,196 surplus).
The Charity has no long term liabilities.
The financial position of the Charity, which is under on-going review by the Trustees, is considered satisfactory.
Risk Management
The Trustees have examined the potential risks which the Charity faces and confirm that measures to minimise risk have been put in place.
Responsibilities of the Trustees
The Charities Act 2011 and the Charity’s constitution require the Trustees to prepare annual accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its surplus or deficit for the year. In preparing such statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
Presume the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper books of account. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved on behalf of the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Mr Steven Dalley on 7/04/2025
Page 5
Independent Examiner's Report
I report on the accounts of Ferndale Baptist Church Limited, Southend-on-Sea for the period ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
●examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
*to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section of the 2011 Act; and ●to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiners statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements ●to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
●to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Miss Sally J Wainwright ACMA - Et Voila Accountancy Services Limited C1 ESyeeee
Page 6
Statement of the Financial activities for the period ended 31[st] December 2024
| Incoming resources | Note | General | Designated | Total 2024 | Total 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming resources from generated funds | 2.1 | 64,529 | 64,529 | 63,176 | |
| Voluntary income | |||||
| Activities for generating funds | 2.2 | 18,179 | 18,179 | 20,092 | |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | |||||
| Other incoming resources | 2.4 | 10,122 | 10,122 | 10,729 | |
| Total Incoming resources | 92,830 | 92,830 | 93,997 | ||
| Resources used | |||||
| Cost of generating funds | |||||
| Cost of Generating voluntary income | 3.1 | 76,792 | 76,792 | 48,083 | |
| Charitable activities | 3.2 | 45,967 | 45,967 | 23,128 | |
| Governance costs | 3.3 | 505 | 505 | 590 | |
| Total resources used | 123,264 | 123,264 | 71,801 | ||
| Net incoming / outgoing resources before transfers | ( 30,434 ) | ( 30,434 ) | 22,196 | ||
| Gross transfers between funds | |||||
| Building Transfer | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 879,556 | 879,556 | 857,370 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 849,122 | 849,122 | 879,566 |
Page 7
| Balance sheet as at 31st December 2024 | General | Designated Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets | Note | |||
| Tangible assets | 4 | 751,949 | 751,949 | 754,265 |
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | 5 | 14,000 | 14,000 | 24,000 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 83,663 | 83,663 | 101,781 | |
| Totals | 97,663 | 97,663 | 125,781 | |
| Creditors | ||||
| Creditors amount falling due in one year | 6 ( | 480 ) | ( 480 ) ( | 480 ) |
| Net current assets | 97,183 | 97,183 | 125,301 | |
| Total Assets | 849,132 | 849,132 | 879,566 | |
| Represented by general fund | 104,132 | 104,132 | 134,556 | |
| Building Transfer | 745,000 | 745,000 | 745,000 | |
| Funds of the charity | 849,132 | 849,132 | 879,556 |
Page 8
Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31st December 2024 (Continued).
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the period ended 31 December 2024.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
a. Ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Section 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
b. preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Section 396 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company,
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on ...........................................and were signed on its behalf by:
Page 9
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE), the Charities Act 201 1 and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
Funds
General funds represent the funds of the company that are not subject to any restriction regarding their use and can be used in accordance with charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the company are also unrestricted.
Incoming Resources
Collections and donations are recognised when received or earlier where advised as receivable. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the donation is received. Rental income from lettings is recognised when the rental is due. Interest is accounted for when receivable.
Resources used
Expenses are recognised when incurred and are apportioned to the category to which they relate. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation.
Fixed assets
Land and buildings:
The Land and buildings were transferred from the London Baptist Property Board to the charity. As the trustees feel that the property value will not decrease no depreciation has been charged
Other fixtures, fittings and office equipment:
Equipment used within the church premises is depreciated on a straight line basis over four years. Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.
Current assets
Amounts owing to the company at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove un-collectable.
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme arrangement. Contributions are charged in the period to which they relate. These contributions are invested separately from the charity's assets.
Taxation
The charity is not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and accordingly expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT. The VAT incurred from time to time on certain fabric repair and maintenance expenditure can, however, be recovered under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Page 10
Notes to the financial statements for the year ending 31st December 2024
2 Incoming resources
2.1 Incoming resources from generated funds -Voluntary income
| General | Designated | Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collections/ Offerings | 10,269 | 10,269 | 10,623 | |
| Planned Giving | 13,609 | 13,609 | 16,591 | |
| Donations | 13,750 | 13,750 | 2,835 | |
| Grants | 500 | |||
| Tithe | 645 | |||
| Rental Office income | 6,752 | 6,752 | 6,935 | |
| Weddings and Funerals | ||||
| Coffee & Sing | 655 | 655 | 803 | |
| Flower Fund | 113 | 113 | 174 | |
| Blessing Box | 1,796 | 1,796 | 1,344 | |
| Building Fund Cash & Donations | 6,070 | 6,070 | 14,924 | |
| Gift Aid reclaimed | 11,515 | 11,515 | 8,302 | |
| Totals | 64,529 | 64,529 | 63,676 | |
| 2.2 Incoming resources from Generated | funds -Activities for generating funds | |||
| General | Designated | Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
| Hire of Church / Hall | 18,179 | 18,179 | 20,092 | |
| Totals | 18,179 | 18,179 | 20,092 | |
| 2.3 Incoming resources from charitable | activities | |||
| 2.4 Other incoming receipts | General | Designated | Total 2024 | Total 2023 |
| Rental income -Selwyn Road | 10,122 | 10,122 | 10,729 | |
| Partnership Support | ||||
| Totals | 10,122 | 10,122 | 10,729 | |
| Incoming resources Grand totals | 92,830 | 92,830 | 94,497 |
Page 11
Notes to the financial statements for the year ending 31st December 2024
3 Resources used
3.1 Cost of generating funds -cost of generating voluntary income
| General Designated | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pastor -Salary | 31,092 | 31,092 | 29,450 |
| Baptist pension scheme | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Current Minister Pension Contribution | 2,052 | 2,052 | 1,914 |
| Pastor -other expenses | |||
| Christian ministry housing costs | |||
| Church and Hall - Light and heat | 5,131 | 5,131 | 5,131 |
| Church and Hall - Water rates | 940 | 940 | |
| Church and Hall - Insurance | 2,624 | 2,624 | 2,558 |
| Church and Hall - Cleaning / gardening | 2,628 | 2,628 | 2,944 |
| Church and Hall - Fabric repairs and maintenance | 29,999 | 29,999 | 6,074 |
| Church and Hall - Equipment repairs and maintenance | |||
| Depreciation of Office Equipment | 2,316 | 2,316 | |
| Totals | 76,792 | 76,792 | 48,083 |
Page 12
Notes to the financial statements for the year ending 31st December 2024
3. 2 Charitable activities
| 3. 2 Charitable activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| General Designated | Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
| Church -Outreach | 770 | 770 | |
| Blessing Box | 1,526 | 1,526 | 1,815 |
| Building Project | 37,871 | 37,871 | 15,897 |
| Flowers | 200 | 200 | 18 |
| Event Costs | 2,312 | 2,312 | 2,066 |
| Donations | 250 | 250 | 180 |
| Stationary / Photocopying / Printing | 85 | 85 | 211 |
| Service Expenses | 382 | 382 | 511 |
| Unicom | 649 | 649 | 465 |
| Subscriptions/ Licenses | 642 | 642 | 826 |
| Refreshments | 11 | 11 | 17 |
| Advertising | 99 | 99 | |
| Bank charges -Church | |||
| Waste | 1,170 | 1,170 | 1,122 |
| Charitable activities total | 45,967 | 45,967 | 23,128 |
| 3.3 Governance costs | |||
| General Designated | Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
| Accounting services | 505 | 505 | 487 |
| Legal expenses including architects fees | 103 | ||
| Totals | 505 | 505 | 590 |
Page 13
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024.
4 Fixed assets
| Cost At 1 January 2024: Additions: At 31 December 2024: Depreciation At 1 January 2024: Charge for year: At 31 December 2024: Net book value At 31 December 2024: At 1 January 2024: 5 Debtors and Prepayments Overpayment S E Christian Fellowship Income tax (gift aid) recoverable 6 Creditors less than one year Accruals |
£ 27,110 27,110 (17,845) (2,316) (20,161) 6,949 Office Equipment |
Buildings £ 745,000 745,000 - 745,000 |
Total £ 772,110 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| 772,110 | |||
| (17,845) | |||
| (2,316) | |||
| (20,161) | |||
| 751,949 | |||
| 9,265 | 745,000 | 754,265 | |
| 2024 £ - 14,000 14,000 2024 £ 480 |
2023 £ - 24,000 24,000 2023 £ 480 |
Page 14
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024.
7 Related parties
No payments were made to individuals for their being Trustees.
There is no other organisation or individual who is considered to be a related party of the Church.
8 Pensions
The church pays into the pension for the minister who is a trustee, Mr Steven Dalley. This is in his capacity of a minister, not a trustee. The total pension cost for the Church is £2,052 (2023 £1,926). This is split into two amounts; namely the pension contribution for the current Minister and a historic pension debt repayment for previous Ministers, currently being paid off.This repayment is made to the Baptist Union in regard to ongoing deficiency contributions. In August 2022 contributions were reduced to £1 a month and from 31st October 2024 the liability ended
Page 15