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2023-04-05-accounts

Charity Registration No: 1157887

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the trustees and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 5th April 2023

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Contents

Pages

1. Reference and administrative details
2.-5. Report of the trustees
6 Independent examiner's report
7 Statement of financial activities
8 Balance sheet
9.-13. Notes to the financial statements

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Reference and administrative details for the year ended 5th April 2023

Charity name: Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust
Registered charity number: 1157887
Trustees: Mr Christopher R Brock
Mr Marcus Brock
Mr Peter Gilder
Mr Alan Rowles
Mr Richard C Smith (Chair)
Treasurer: Mr Richard C Smith
Principal address: The Lodge
Howlett End
Wimbish
Saffron Walden
CB10 2XW
Independent examiner: 4cast
Heritage House
Woodside Lane
Bell Bar
Herts.
AL9 6DE
Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc
12a Market Place
Saffron Walden
Essex, CB10 1HR

Page 1

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2023

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 5th April 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 9 and comply with the Trust Deed and applicable law.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust is an unincorporated trust constituted by Deed of Trust dated 27th January 1983, most recently amended by Deed of Variation dated 14th February 2014. The Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 16th July 2014 under Charity Registration Number: 1157887.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The names of the Trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are set out on page 1. None of the Trustees, nor any person connected with them, received any remuneration or expenses from the Charity in the year ended 5 April 2023 (2022: £nil).

The Trust operates Gospel halls and Trustees are chosen from among the regular congregation of the halls. New Trustees are nominated by the existing Trustees or by the congregation and must be appointed by unanimous resolution of the congregation. They are selected according to their skills and experience and are expected to use both in furthering the objects of the Charity. Checks are made to ensure the Trustees’ eligibility to act and incoming Trustees are made aware of their responsibilities by the existing Trustees, who ensure that new Trustees read the Trust Deed and relevant Charity Commission guidance.

Wider network

The Trustees maintain informal links with similar charities with a view to pooling experience considered useful in pursuing the objects of the Charity.

The charity also maintains particular links with the Walden Road Gospel Hall Trust with which it shares members of its congregation.

Risk management

The Trustees have identified and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and confirm that they have established systems or procedures to manage and mitigate those risks.

Objectives and activities

Objectives and aims

The charitable purposes of the Charity are the advancement of the Christian religion for the public benefit, including by the carrying on of the service of God in accordance with the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible as followed by those Christians forming part of the world-wide fellowship known as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (the “Brethren”) and any other charitable purposes connected with Brethren. The core doctrine of the Brethren and proper practices in furtherance of certain aspects of doctrine are summarised in two schedules to the Trust Deed.

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance to charities on public benefit.

Page 2

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2023

Main activities and achievements

The Trust provides and maintains three Gospel halls where religious meetings are held by the local Brethren community. Details of the origins, teachings and way of life of the Brethren can be found on the website - www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org and in the schedules to the Trust Deed.

The trustees have also established an Emergency Needs fund for the duration of the current pandemic and any resultant economic downturn. This is providing limited financial assistance by the way of grocery vouchers to households, who have experienced a recent and significant decrease in income due to the pandemic, such that it is likely to impact on the health and/or welfare of members of the household. The trust has appointed a Local Welfare Panel to manage the application process and to administer the vouchers to qualifying applicants.

Plans for future periods

Despite the increased cost of energy, the trustees feel that these increased costs are not significantly impacting on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern.

Meetings

Meetings held at the gospel halls include the Lord's Supper (Communion), Gospel preachings, Bible readings and Bible addresses. There is a structured weekly schedule of meetings and, depending on the particular meeting, between 50 and 500 people normally attend these occasions.

The meetings are attended by the regular congregation and most are open to other properly disposed visitors. The notice board outside the Hall welcomes visitors and displays the times of Gospel preachings, along with a telephone number for those seeking further information or help. Gospel tracts, which are distributed by street preachers, also display this information.

Bibles and an extensive range of other Christian reading material are on display at the halls and visitors are free to help themselves.

Spreading the Gospel message and the life of a Christian

The Gospel halls are a base from which the regular congregation and others who attend the meetings are encouraged to spread the Christian Gospel, in word and deed.

Members of the congregation participate in a programme of street preaching and Gospel tracts are provided free of charge by the Charity to such preachers to be handed out to interested members of the public.

Following the release of lock-down restrictions, the street preachings have resumed in the local area. During the period approximately 290 preachings were carried out and at least 750 gospel tracts and 3 bibles were distributed free of charge.

Members of the congregation have also carried out several outreach projects including the following:

In addition to the activities explained in the above section the trust actively supports the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), a separate trust, in their support of local charities and people in need. Some examples of recent events include:

Page 3

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2023

Spreading the Gospel message and the life of a Christian contd.

Further information and examples on the work of RRT can be found at https://www.rrtglobal.org/ .

In carrying out this work, the congregation considers itself to be living out its faith in practice, as particularly exemplified in the following extract from the schedule to the Trust Deed on living a Christian life:

  1. We seek and are encouraged to live exemplary lives in all our relationships with others in the wider community (including former Brethren), in accordance with the teachings of Holy Scripture (1 Tim 2:2)

  2. We regularly go out from our homes to preach on the streets, to distribute Christian literature and engage with the wider community (including former Brethren) in order to present eternal salvation, available to all men by faith in Jesus Christ. (2 Tim 4:2).

  3. We seek as members of the public to lead Christian lives as husbands and wives, parents, children, employers, employees and neighbours. (Col 3:22-25, Col 4:1).

  4. The preservation and protection of the family unit is fundamental and children are prized as a blessing from God. (Psalm 127:3-5). The elderly are valued members of the community, for whom both their family and the wider community are expected to care.

  5. Holy Scripture commands us to be good neighbours to others, and deal with all other people (including former Brethren) openly, honestly and fairly and consistent with these principles, we should give our time, talents and money to assist those in need in the wider community, in so far as reasonable given our abilities and our available resources. (Matt 7:12, Matt 22:39, Eph 4:28).

Funding

Funding is sought through gifts from the congregation and Gift Aid is claimed on eligible donations. Funding is sometimes received from other charitable trusts with complementary objectives.

Financial review

Financial position

In the year ended 5 April 2023 the Trust had a deficit of incoming resources over resources expended. This was mainly due to a high depreciation charge i.e. non cash item. Total voluntary income received this year was £67,768 compared to £51,647 in the previous year.

All funds held were unrestricted funds.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs, based on its size and the level of its financial commitments. The Trust has no employees and its regular outgoings are minimal. Accordingly, the Trustees generally have decided to adopt a policy of maintaining no significant reserves. However due to the likelihood of needing funds for a further new hall the trust is accumulating reserves to this end. The congregation is kept regularly informed as to particular needs for funds, and other relevant matters and the Trustees aim to ensure that the Charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure, by raising a funds appeal to the congregation.

Page 4

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2023

Reserves policy contd.

Free reserves at the year end were £ 306,765. The trustees designate six month's expenditure as being what is needed as a current reserve. The remainder being earmarked for future capital projects.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. All transactions have been reviewed and approved by two trustees.

On behalf of the board:

Mr Richard C Smith

Date

Page 5

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report to the trustees of Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust on the financial statements for the year ended 5th April 2023 set out on pages 7 to 13.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

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 of 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 statements below.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Date:

Name: Julian Remmington

4cast, Heritage House, Woodside Lane, Bell Bar, Herts., AL9 6DE

Page 6

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) for the year ended 5th April 2023

NOTES
Incoming and endowments from:
Donations and legacies:
Contributions from the congregation
Gift Aid donations
Other donations
Income tax refundable
Donated services
4.
Payroll giving
Legacies received
Investment income and interest
Bank interest
Other income
Transfers from affiliated trusts
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Running of meeting halls
5.
Wider community outreach
Congregation support
Cost of donated services
4.
Transfers to affiliated trusts
Other costs
Governance
Computer costs
Postage, print and stationery
Legal & professional costs
Independent Examiner's fee
Repairs and maintenance
Bank charges
Depreciation- Office equipment
Profit/Loss on sale of assets
Total
Net income/(expenditure)
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Funds at 6th April 2022
Total funds at 5th April 2023
7.
Unrestricted
Funds
£
32,151
16,030
4,400
4,008
-
-
-
-
-
56,589
52,494
1,245
-
5,120
-
-
648
-
3,616
1,290
-
-
-
-
64,413
7,824
-
-
7,824
-
1,513,290
1,505,466
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
£
11,179
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,179
-
-
11,407
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,407
228
-
-
228
-
228
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
£
43,330
16,030
4,400
4,008
-
-
-
-
-
67,768
52,494
1,245
11,407
5,120
-
-
648
-
3,616
1,290
-
-
-
-
75,820
8,052
-
-
8,052
-
1,513,518
1,505,466
Total Funds
2022
£
46,495
3,644
597
911
-
-
-
-
-
51,647
50,643
2,172
8,438
5,379
-
-
1,177
-
5,057
1,428
-
-
1
-
74,295
22,648
-
-
22,648
-
1,536,166
1,513,518

The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements. All of the above activities are classed as continuing and there are no gains and losses other than those included above.

Page 7

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Balance sheet As at 5th April 2023

NOTES
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
6.
Current assets
Debtors:
Prepayments & accrued income
Rosebay Construction loan
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year:
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Loans
Net assets
Funds
Unrestricted income fund
Restricted funds
Total Funds
8.
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year:
£
£
1,198,701
1,198,701
5,032
-
304,171
309,203
-
2,438
2,438
306,765
1,505,466
-
1,505,466
1,505,466
-
1,505,466
2023
£
£
1,216,794
1,216,794
1,903
-
296,956
298,859
-
2,135
2,135
296,724
1,513,518
-
£
1,513,518
1,513,518
-
£
1,513,518
2022
£
£
1,216,794
1,216,794
1,903
-
296,956
298,859
-
2,135
2,135
296,724
1,513,518
-
£
1,513,518
1,513,518
-
£
1,513,518
2022
1,216,794
296,724
1,513,518
-
1,513,518
1,513,518
-
1,513,518

The unaudited financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustee of Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust on / / and signed on their behalf by

Mr Richard C Smith Trustee

The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Second edition of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and UK Generally Accepted Practice.

The functional currency of the charity is sterling (£).

The Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

1.2 Income

Donations are recognised in the year in which there is entitlement and probability of receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future year. Gift aid is added to the value of the donation to which it relates.

Donated services are recognised as income and expenditure in the financial statements when organisations or individuals offer their services and support pro bono. The value of these donated services to Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust is considered to be equal to market value which would be paid were the service formally procured. This includes services paid for by other trusts.

Investment income is accounted for on a receivable basis.

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis. Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Charitable activities comprise those costs directly attributable to the fulfilment of the charitable objects.

Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and costs related to statutory requirements. Governance and support costs are allocated to charitable activities on the basis of capacity used.

Tangible fixed assets (costing more than £150) are stated at cost less depreciation. Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Building refurbishments 15%- Reducing balance method Equipment 20%- Straight line method

The Trust is a registered charity and is not liable to United Kingdom income or corporation tax on charitable activities, provided income falls within the charitable exemptions and is spent on charitable purposes.

1.7 Funds

The general unrestricted fund is free for the Trustees to use for any purposes in furtherance of the trust’s charitable objects.

Restricted funds arise from donations to the trust which are made for a specific purpose. Restricted funds can only be used for the purpose for which funds were given.

The Charity does not have a trading subsidiary and there is no requirement to prepare consolidated accounts.

1.9 Going concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

1.10 Significant estimates and judgements

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

Page 9

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

2 Trustees' remuneration and expenses

No Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits from an employment with the charity and no Trustees were reimbursed for expenses (2022: none).

3 Wages and salaries

There are no employees (2022: none).

4 Donated services

Income 2023 2022 £ £ - - - - Expenditure 2023 2022 £ £ Walden Road Gospel Hall Trust 5,120 5,379 5,120 5,379

Resources expended
Repairs and maintenance of halls
Maintenance- Recording equipment
Light and heat
Rental of land
Water rates
Telephone & broadband at hall(s)
Conference costs
Insurance- Public liability
Legal & professional- specific to halls
Cleaning
Sundry
Depreciation- Freehold property
Depreciation- Equipment
Summary of expenses per hall:
Repairs and maintenance of buildings
Maintenance- Recording equipment
Light and heat
Rental of land
Water rates
Telephone & broadband
Insurance
Legal and professional
Cleaning
Sundry
see below
see below
see below
see below
see below
see below
see below
see below
see below
see below
Rowney View
£
3,972
-
5,126
1,000
85
1,872
793
1,755
563
1,300
16,466
Meeting
rooms
£
6,973
774
8,153
1,000
508
1,872
-
1,501
11,539
576
1,505
18,093
-
52,494
Copthall
£
2,012
-
2,169
-
137
-
354
-
13
-
4,685
Other
charitable
activities
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
London Road
£
989
-
858
-
286
-
354
-
-
205
2,692
2023
£
6,973
774
8,153
1,000
508
1,872
-
1,501
11,539
576
1,505
18,093
-
52,494
Sampford
£
-
774
-
-
-
-
-
9,784
-
-
10,558
2022
£
13,670
-
2,241
1,000
343
989
-
1,165
8,139
-
-
21,286
1,810
50,643
Total
£
6,973
774
8,153
1,000
508
1,872
1,501
11,539
576
1,505
34,401

5 Resources expended

Page 10

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Freehold
Property* and
Refurbishment
£
Cost
At 6th April 2022
1,427,719
Disposals
-
Additions
-
At 5th April 2023
1,427,719
Depreciation
At 6th April 2022
210,925
Disposals
-
Charge for the year
18,093
At 5th April 2023
229,018
Net Book Value
At 5th April 2023
1,198,701
At 6th April 2022
1,216,794
Plant &
Equipment
£
44,031
-
-
44,031
44,031
-
-
44,031
-
-
Total
£
1,471,750
-
-
1,471,750
254,956
-
18,093
273,049
1,198,701
1,216,794
7
Analysis of net assets between funds
7.1 Current year
Tangible fixed assets
Currents assets
Current liabilities
Total funds
7.2 Prior year
Tangible fixed assets
Currents assets
Current liabilities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
1,198,701
-
309,203
-
2,438
-
1,505,466
-
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
£
£
1,216,794
-
298,631
228
2,135
-
1,513,290
228
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
Total
funds
£
1,198,701
309,203
2,438
1,505,466
Total
funds
£
1,216,794
298,859
2,135
1,513,518

Total funds

8 Movement in funds

Restricted funds
Fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
Balance at
6 April
2022
£
-
-
228
1,513,290
1,513,518
Incoming
resources
£
-
-
11,179
56,589
67,768
Resources
expended
£
-
-
11,407
64,413
75,820
Realised/
unrealised
gain and
losses
£
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at 5
April 2023
£
-
-
-
1,505,466
1,505,466

Page 11

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

8 Movement in funds contd.

8.2 Prior year
Restricted funds
Fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
Balance at
6 April
2021
£
-
-
3,171
1,532,995
1,536,166
Incoming
resources
£
-
-
5,495
46,152
51,647
Resources
expended
£
-
-
8,438
65,857
74,295
Realised/
unrealised
gain and
losses
£
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at 5
April 2022
£
-
-
228
1,513,290
1,513,518

9 Transactions with related parties

Total donations received from connected persons was £6,020.00 (2022 £1,008.21). Preconstruction work was placed with Rosebay Construction Limited of which Alan Rowles, trustee is a director for £5,849.00 (2022 £nil).

10 Volunteers

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust relies entirely on volunteers to carry out the management, administration and general maintenance work. The Trust has no paid staff or paid Trustees.

Page 12

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

12 Full comparison of Statement of Financial Activities

Incoming and endowments from:
Donations and legacies:
Contributions from the congregation
Gift Aid donations
Other donations
Income tax refundable
Donated services
Payroll giving
Legacies received
Investment income and interest
Bank interest
Other income
Transfers from affiliated trusts
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Running of meeting halls
Wider community outreach
Congregation support
Cost of donated services
Transfers to affiliated trusts
Other costs
Governance
Computer costs
Postage, print and stationery
Legal & professional costs
Independent Examiner's fee
Repairs and maintenance
Bank charges
Depreciation- Office equipment
Profit/Loss on sale of assets
Total
Net income/(expenditure)
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Funds at 6th April 2021
Total funds at 5th April 2022
Unrestricted
Funds
£
41,000
3,644
597
911
-
-
-
-
-
46,152
50,643
2,172
-
5,379
-
-
1,177
-
5,057
1,428
-
-
1
-
65,857
19,705
-
-
19,705
-
1,532,995
1,513,290
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
£
5,495
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,495
-
-
8,438
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,438
2,943
-
-
2,943
-
3,171
228
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2022
£
46,495
3,644
597
911
-
-
-
-
-
51,647
50,643
2,172
8,438
5,379
-
-
-
1,177
-
5,057
1,428
-
-
1
-
74,295
22,648
-
-
22,648
-
1,536,166
1,513,518

Page 13