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← Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust

2024-04-05-accounts

Charity Registration No: 1157887

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the trustees and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 5th April 2024

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. Cashflow Statement
10.-14. Notes to the financial statements

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Reference and administrative details for the year ended 5th April 2024

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: Sandra Thurgood FCCA
Eastway Enterprise Centre
7 Paynes Park
Hitchin
Herts.
SG5 1EH
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 2024

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 5th April 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 10 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 2024 (2023: £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 2024

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.

During the financial year the Trustees concluded that two gospel halls owned by Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust, together with any net assets after the settlement of outstanding liabilities should be donated to Walden Road Trust (an affiliated trust) for NIL consideration pursuant to the power contained in clause 2.2(o) of the Trust Deed, as they considered it would be in the best interests of the congregation if the management and administration of gospel halls was consolidated. The donation of the halls was completed on 15th February 2023.

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.

During the period approximately 480 preachings were carried out and at least 2590 gospel tracts and 3 bibles were distributed free of charge. Preachings have been carried out in this location for over 50 years and they are generally very well received by local communities.

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

Page 3

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2024

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

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:

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.

Page 4

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2024

Financial review

Financial position

In the year ended 5 April 2024 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 and transferring halls to an affiliated trust for nil consideration. Total voluntary income received this year was £323,047 compared to £67,768 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.

Free reserves at the year end were £ 461,565 (2023: £306,765).

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 2024 set out on pages 7 to 14.

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: Sandra Thurgood FCCA

Eastway Enterprise Centre, 7 Paynes Park, Hitchin, Herts., SG5 1EH

Page 6

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) for the year ended 5th April 2024

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
6.
Wider community outreach
Congregation support
Cost of donated services
4.
Transfers to affiliated trusts
5.
Other costs
Governance
Computer costs
Postage, print and stationery
Legal & professional costs
Independent Examiner's fee
Training
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 2023
Total funds at 5th April 2024
8.		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
46,352
26,684
243,276
6,671
-
-
-
1
-
322,984
37,352
2,209
-
11,375
859,000
-
1,026
-
11,669
1,440
300
-
-
-
-
924,371
601,387
-
318,822
282,565
-
1,505,466
1,222,901		 Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
£
64
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
64
-
-
64
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
64
-
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
46,416
26,684
243,276
6,671
-
-
-
1
-
323,048
37,352
2,209
64
11,375
859,000
-
1,026
-
11,669
1,440
300
-
-
-
-
924,435
601,387
-
318,822
282,565
-
1,505,466
1,222,901		 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

The notes on pages 10 to 14 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 2024

NOTES
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
7.
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
9.
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year:		 £
£
761,336
761,336
8,011
-
456,785
464,796
-
3,231
3,231
461,565
1,222,901
-
1,222,901
1,222,901
-
1,222,901
2024		 £
£
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		 £
£
1,198,701
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
1,198,701
306,765
1,505,466
-
1,505,466
1,505,466
-
1,505,466

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 10 to 14 form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Detailed statement of financial activities Cashflow Statement for the year ended 5th April 2024

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income/(-) expenditure for the
reporting period (as per the statement of
financial activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
(-) Gains/losses on investments
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Loss/(-) profit on sale of fixed assets
(-) Increase/decrease in stocks
(-) Increase/decrease in debtors
Increase/(-) decrease in creditors
Net cash provided by (-) used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Net cash provided by (-) used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of borrowing
Cash inflows from new borrowing
Receipt of endowment
Net cash provided by (-) used in financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting
period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the
reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
282,565
-
18,791
-
-
318,822
-
-
2,979
-
793
584,782
-
-
859,000
121,604
-
-
-
737,396
-
-
-
-
152,614
304,171
456,785		 Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
282,565
-
18,791
-
-
318,822
-
-
2,979
-
793
584,782
-
-
859,000
121,604
-
-
-
737,396
-
-
-
-
152,614
304,171
456,785		 Total Funds
2023
£
8,052
-
18,093
-
-
-
-
3,129
-
303
7,215
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,215
296,956
304,171

Page 9

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2024

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 10

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2024

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 (2023: none).

3 Wages and salaries

There are no employees (2023: none).

4 Donated services

Income 2024 2023 £ £ - - - - Expenditure 2024 2023 £ £ Walden Road Gospel Hall Trust 11,375 5,120 11,375 5,120

5 Transfers to affiliated trusts

Transfers to affiliated trusts 2024 2023 £ £ - Walden Road Gospel Hall Trust 859,000 - 859,000

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
£
2,069
-
5,334
1,000
692
810
1,357
5,558
304
205
-
16,919		 Meeting
rooms
£
2,069
-
5,377
1,000
752
810
-
1,791
5,558
304
-
18,791
-
36,452
Copthall
£
-
-
43
-
60
-
217
-
-
-
320		 Other
charitable
activities
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
900
-
-
-
-
-
-
900
London Road
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
217
-
-
205
422		 2024
£
2,069
-
5,377
1,000
752
810
900
1,791
5,558
304
-
18,791
-
37,352
Sampford
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2023
£
6,973
774
8,153
1,000
508
1,872
-
1,501
11,539
576
1,505
18,093
-
52,494
Total
£
2,069
-
5,377
1,000
752
810
1,791
5,558
304
-
17,661

Page 11

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2024

7 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Freehold
Property* and
Refurbishment
£
Cost
At 6th April 2023
1,427,719
Disposals
763,157
Additions
121,604
At 5th April 2024
786,166
Depreciation
At 6th April 2023
229,018
Disposals
222,979
Charge for the year
18,791
At 5th April 2024
24,830
Net Book Value
At 5th April 2024
761,336
At 6th April 2023
1,198,701		 Plant &
Equipment
£
44,031
-
-
44,031
44,031
-
-
44,031
-
-		 Total
£
1,471,750
763,157
121,604
830,197
273,049
222,979
18,791
68,861
761,336
1,198,701
8
Analysis of net assets between funds
8.1 Current year
Tangible fixed assets
Currents assets
Current liabilities
Total funds
8.2 Prior year
Tangible fixed assets
Currents assets
Current liabilities		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
761,336
-
464,796
-
3,231
-
1,222,901
-
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
£
£
1,198,701
-
309,203
-
2,438
-
1,505,466
-		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-		 Total
funds
£
761,336
464,796
3,231
1,222,901
Total
funds
£
1,198,701
309,203
2,438
1,505,466

Total funds

9 Movement in funds

Restricted funds
Fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds		 Balance at
6 April
2023
£
-
-
-
1,505,466
1,505,466		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
64
322,984
323,048		 Resources
expended
£
-
-
64
924,371
924,435		 Realised/
unrealised
gain and
losses
£
-
-
-
318,822
318,822		 Balance at 5
April 2024
£
-
-
-
1,222,901
1,222,901

Page 12

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2024

9 Movement in funds contd.

9.2 Prior year
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

10 Transactions with related parties

Total donations received from connected persons was £8,227.19 (2023 £6,020.00). Construction work was placed with Rosebay Construction Limited of which Alan Rowles, trustee is a director for £121,404.42 (2023 £5,849.00).

11 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 13

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2024

13 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
Training
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		 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
2022
£
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

Page 14

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust – Public Benefit report 2023-2024

This document outlines some of the public benefit activities undertaken by the Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust in the financial year 2023-2024 and supplements the public benefit report found in our annual accounts.

Introduction:

The charitable purpose of the Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust is ‘ 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 a world-wide fellowship known as the "Plymouth Brethren Christian Church". Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust currently owns and maintains 5 halls within the area surrounding Thaxted, Essex.

The Plymouth Brethren were established in 1828 when John Nelson Darby broke with the established Church in Dublin. Darby and others formed a fellowship based on the strict observance of Christian teachings as set out in the Holy Scriptures. Darby came to Plymouth in the early 1830s and the congregation grew rapidly. Early publications were produced in Plymouth and distributed to other congregations of followers throughout the globe.

There are over 18,000 Plymouth Brethren members in the UK, spread across 87 locations. These locations can be found on the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) UK Site.

The Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust was formed in 1983 to acquire buildings to be used for the advancement of the Christian religion by carrying on the service of God, including the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, Gospel Preachings, Bible Readings and addresses on the Word of God and other meetings of a Christian religious character according to the injunctions contained in the Holy Scriptures and the tenets and practices of those Christians forming a worldwide fellowship known as Plymouth Brethren.

Brethren first gathered in Debden green in 1911 in a cottage before purchasing a meeting hall in 1918. In 1950 brethren purchased another hall in Thaxted which was rebuilt in 1970, further extended in 1989 and is still in use today. Other meeting halls have been purchased nearby in Newport and Great Sampford and the Bridgefoot Trust currently looks after 5 halls.

These halls are used for the celebration of the Lord’s supper, Bible readings and preachings. All those attending are part of a worldwide fellowship known as Plymouth brethren. These meetings are also attended regularly by brethren from Cambridge and other nearby places. We also have a street preaching each working day at Saffron Walden market square at noon.

Our network:

To read more on the PBCC way of life, visit the https://www.plymouthbrethrenchristianchurch.org website.

Street preaching

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 daily programme of street preaching in Thaxted and Saffron Walden and Gospel tracts are provided free of charge to be handed out to interested members of the public.

During last financial year, approximately 480 preachings were carried out and at least 2590 gospel tracts and 3 bibles were distributed free of charge. Preachings have been carried out in this location for over 50 years and are very well received by local communities.

The aim of the street preaching is not to recruit additional members for the Plymouth Brethren but to present eternal salvation as available to all men by faith in Jesus Christ and His blood and His work of atonement.

Romans 10v13; “For everyone whosoever, who shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved”.

Outreach:

In addition to the street preaching, members of the congregation regularly participate in public benefit activities – some recent examples are as follows:

Froffj Ill￿b. 2023. nri* to bv n-Th• EAch¥w- Post ￿ Great Sarnpford Pn"mary Sthool Thank you I lust want to say thank you to the famllles and communlty for (he supporr wtih the blue tokens In Tesco. l am pleased to announce that the school came In second place and we have been offered £1,(KQ towards Ihe Improvemenr of rhe plcnlc area. &tr. 1914 As well as thls grant the PTA are kirKIty supwting the rest ol ihe funds and a spetlal mentlon to the 8rldgefoor Trust and Nlgel Sault for thelr donaiions towards the improvements too. 5¢nt on Wedn¢¥&y, Moy 1st •t 2:26 AR Posied ty Mlss Re Rapid relief team

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. Information on RRT can be found on their website: https://rrtglobal.org/gb/

Some examples of recent events include:

Contact details:

Bridgefoot Gospel Hall Trust (charity # 1157887) The Lodge Howlett End Wimbish Saffron Walden CB10 2XW enquiries@bridgefoot.uk.com

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 Aprll 2024 set out on pages 7 to 14. Respective responsiblllties of trustees and examlner The charitvs truste8s ar6 responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the A¢t'). I report in ￿Spect 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 examinerfs 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 con¢eming 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 Irue and fair view, and the report is limit8d to those matters set out in the statements below. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the The accounts do not accord with those records" or The accounts do not comply with Ihe applicable requirements ¢onceming the forni and content of a¢¢ounts set out in th8 Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fair view, which is not a matter consid8red 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: Sandra Thurgood FCCA Eastway Enterprise Centre, 7 Paynes Park. Hit¢hin. Herts., SG5 1 EH Page 6