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2023-04-05-accounts

Charity Registration No: 1163305

The Shepherdsmead Trust

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

The Shepherdsmead 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

The Shepherdsmead Trust Reference and administrative details for the year ended 5th April 2023

Charity name: The Shepherdsmead Trust
Registered charity number: 1163305
Trustees: Mr Daniel James
Mr Adrian James
Mr Stephen J Knight
Mr Adrian T Ryall
Mr Paul White (Chair)
Treasurer: Mr Mervyn J Young
Principal address: 5 Nightingale Road
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 3AG
Independent examiner: Julian Remmington
4cast
Heritage House
Woodside Lane
Bell Bar
Herts.
AL9 6DE
Bankers: NatWest Bank
4 Worplesdon Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 6RL

Page 1

The Shepherdsmead 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 pages 9 and 10 and comply with the Trust Deed and applicable law.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The Shepherdsmead Trust is an unincorporated trust constituted by Deed of Trust dated 6th July 1982, most recently amended by Deed of Variation dated 12th August 2014. The Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 25th August 2015 under Charity Registration Number: 1163305

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 a Gospel hall and Trustees are chosen from among the regular congregation of the hall. 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; Eastbrook Trust, Farnborough Bourne Trust, The Farnison Trust and Farnham 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. The services of Citation Limited and UBT (EU) Limited are retained for this purpose.

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.

Page 2

The Shepherdsmead Trust

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

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.

Main activities and achievements

The Trust provides and maintains a Gospel hall 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.

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 hall 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 40 and 800 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 shows 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 hall and visitors are free to help themselves.

Spreading the Gospel message and the life of a Christian

The trust provides and maintains the Gospel Hall for interested and well-disposed persons.

The Gospel hall is 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 would usually participate in a programme of street preaching and Gospel tracts would be provided free of charge by the Charity to such preachers to be handed out to interested members of the public although the current pandemic has curtailed such activity recently.

In addition to the above activities, The Shepherdsmead Trust has donated approx. £4,500 to the following local institutions:

  1. North Guildford Food Bank

  2. Number 5 Project

  3. Vaughan House

  4. The Hive/Godalming T&V

  5. Godalming Towns & Villages

Page 3

The Shepherdsmead Trust Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2023

Objectives and activities

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

Donations have consisted of:

Additionally members of the congregation regularly volunteer to support the Rapid Relief Team, a separate charity. During the year they provided pro-active and reactive resources at the following events and incidents:

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 5th April 2023 the Trust had a deficit of incoming resources over resources expended. This deficit was due to granting funds to an affiliated trust and also due to depreciation i.e. a non cash item. Total voluntary income received this year was £99,689 compared to £111,013 in the previous year.

Page 4

The Shepherdsmead Trust Report of the trustees for the year ended 5th April 2023

Financial position contd.

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 have decided to adopt a policy of maintaining no significant reserves, however, funds accumulated from sale of properties are currently being retained in order to support future new hall needs. 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 £ 3,004,826.

As interest rates have started to increase, we have explored possibilities around depositing some reserves in higher interest-bearing accounts, although we had not finalised any decision prior to 5th April 2023.

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 Paul White (Chair)

Date

Page 5

The Shepherdsmead Trust

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report to the trustees of The Shepherdsmead 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

The Shepherdsmead 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:
Collections
Contributions from the congregation
Gift Aid donations
Other donations
Income tax refundable
Donated services
4.
Payroll giving
Legacies received
Investment income and interest
Interest
Other income
Grants received
Equipment rental
Property rental received
Profit/loss on sale of assets
Other
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Grants to affiliated trusts
5.
Running of meeting halls
6.
Wider community outreach
Congregation support
Cost of donated services
4.
Other costs
Governance and support costs
Legal & professional costs
Independent Examiner's fee
Admin and secretarial
Bank charges
Loan interest
Depreciation- Office equipment (Admin)
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
8.
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
98,489
960
-
240
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,945
-
-
101,634
152,000
213,746
5,027
-
48,642
-
7,260
888
574
84
-
-
428,221
326,587
-
-
326,587
-
7,762,445
7,435,858
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2023
£
-
98,489
960
-
240
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,945
-
-
101,634
152,000
213,746
5,027
-
48,642
-
7,260
888
574
84
-
-
428,221
326,587
-
-
326,587
-
7,762,445
7,435,858
Total Funds
2022
£
-
109,364
1,240
-
310
-
99
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
111,013
45,165
173,686
2,712
19,275
46,636
-
4,270
1,008
535
93
-
-
293,380
182,367
-
-
182,367
-
7,944,812
7,762,445

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

The Shepherdsmead Trust Balance sheet As at 5th April 2023

2023
NOTES
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
7.
4,431,032
4,431,032
Current assets
Debtors:
Debtors and sundry loans
365,550
Prepayments & accrued income
2,442
Cash at bank and in hand
2,640,557
3,008,549
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year:
Other creditors
-
Accruals and deferred income
3,723
3,723
Net current assets
3,004,826
Total assets less current liabilities
7,435,858
-
-
Net assets
£
7,435,858
Funds
Unrestricted income fund
7,435,858
Restricted funds
-
Total Funds
9.
£
7,435,858
-
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one
2022
£
£
4,538,054
4,538,054
365,310
1,817
2,860,506
3,227,633
-
3,242
3,242
3,224,391
7,762,445
-
£
7,762,445
7,762,445
-
£
7,762,445
2022
£
£
4,538,054
4,538,054
365,310
1,817
2,860,506
3,227,633
-
3,242
3,242
3,224,391
7,762,445
-
£
7,762,445
7,762,445
-
£
7,762,445
4,538,054
3,224,391
7,762,445
-
7,762,445
7,762,445
-
7,762,445

The unaudited financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees of The Shepherdsmead Trust on / / and signed on their behalf by

Mr Paul White (Chair) Trustee

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

Page 8

The Shepherdsmead Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, and incorporating update bulletins 1 and 2, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting 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 The Shepherdsmead 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. As there are no staff or offices the Trustees have agreed to allocate all such costs to Governance costs.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

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:

Freehold land Not depreciated Freehold buildings 2%- Straight line method Temporary buildings 20%- Straight line method Furniture, fixtures and fittings 10%- Straight line method

1.6 Taxation

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.

1.8 Preparation of consolidated financial statements

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.

Page 9

The Shepherdsmead Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

1. Accounting policies contd.

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.

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

Income
Expenditure
5
Grants to affiliated trusts
6
Running of meeting halls
Repairs and maintenance of buildings
Recording equipment- replacement and maintenance
Grounds maintenance
Light and heat
Water rates
Telephone at hall
Conference
Insurance- Public liability
Legal & professional- specific to halls
Cleaning, first-aid and sundries
Sundry
Depreciation- Freehold property
Depreciation- Equipment
Profit/Loss on sale of assets
Farnborough Bourne Trust
Farnison Trust
Farnham Gospel Hall Trust
Farnison Trust
Eastbrook Gospel Hall Trust
Eastbrook Trust
Meeting
rooms
£
35,890
-
5,169
6,391
647
1,542
-
2,195
33,171
3,905
-
105,319
1,703
-
195,932
Other
charitable
activities
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
17,814
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
17,814
2023
£
-
-
2023
£
20,406
9,351
11,851
7,034
48,642
2023
£
2,000
150,000
152,000
2023
£
35,890
-
5,169
6,391
647
1,542
17,814
2,195
33,171
3,905
-
105,319
1,703
-
213,746
2022
£
-
-
2022
£
13,061
12,498
13,682
7,395
46,636
2022
£
8,000
37,165
45,165
2022
£
25,804
7,369
7,438
5,083
516
1,241
-
1,606
16,384
1,223
-
105,319
1,703
-
173,686

Page 10

The Shepherdsmead Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

7 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Freehold
Property* and
Refurbishment
£
Cost
At 6th April 2022
5,265,950
Disposals
-
Additions
-
At 5th April 2023
5,265,950
Depreciation
At 6th April 2022
737,240
Disposals
-
Charge for the year
105,319
At 5th April 2023
842,559
Net Book Value
At 5th April 2023
4,423,391
At 6th April 2022
4,528,710
Furniture,
Fixtures &
Fittings
£
17,038
-
-
17,038
7,694
-
1,703
9,397
7,641
9,344
Total
£
5,282,988
-
-
5,282,988
744,934
-
107,022
851,956
4,431,032
4,538,054

8 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Current year
Tangible fixed assets
Currents assets
Current liabilities
Total funds
Prior year
Tangible fixed assets
Currents assets
Current liabilities
Amounts falling due after more than one year
Amounts falling due after more than one year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
4,431,032
-
3,008,549
-
3,723
-
-
-
7,435,858
-
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
4,538,054
-
3,227,633
-
3,242
-
-
-
7,762,445
-
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
Total
funds
£
4,431,032
3,008,549
3,723
-
7,435,858
Total
funds
£
4,538,054
3,227,633
3,242
-
7,762,445

8.2 Prior year

Total funds

9 Movement in funds

9.1 Current year

Restricted funds
Fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
Balance at
6 April
2022
£
-
-
-
7,762,445
7,762,445
Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
101,634
101,634
Resources
expended
£
-
-
-
428,221
428,221
Realised/
unrealised
gain and
losses
£
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at 5
April 2023
£
-
-
-
7,435,858
7,435,858

Page 11

The Shepherdsmead Trust Notes to the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2023

9 Movement in funds contd.

9.2 Prior year

Restricted funds
Fund
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
Balance at
6 April
2021
£
-
-
900
7,943,912
7,944,812
Incoming
resources
£
-
-
18,375
92,638
111,013
Resources
expended
£
-
-
19,275
274,105
293,380
Realised/
unrealised
gain and
losses
£
-
-
-
-
-
Balance at 5
April 2022
£
-
-
-
7,762,445
7,762,445

10 Transactions with related parties

Purchases were made totalling £8,341.92 from Altrades Packaging Supplies Ltd a business of which Adrian Ryall, Trustee, is a director (2022: £4,320.00). Purchases were made for £558.00 from Waverley Contracts Ltd of which Dan James, Trustee, is a director (2022: £0.00)

11 Volunteers

The Shepherdsmead 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

The Shepherdsmead 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:
Collections
Contributions from the congregation
Gift Aid donations
Other donations
Income tax refunds
Donated services
Payroll giving
Legacies received
Investment income and interest
Interest
Other income
Grants received
Equipment rental
Profit/loss on sale of assets
Other
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Grants to affiliated trusts
Running of meeting halls
Wider community outreach
Congregation support
Cost of donated services
Other costs
Governance and support costs
Legal & professional costs
Independent Examiner's fee
Admin and secretarial
Bank charges
Loan interest
Depreciation- Office equipment (Admin)
Total
Net income/(expenditure)
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
90,989
1,240
-
310
-
99
-
-
-
-
-
-
92,638
45,165
173,686
2,712
-
46,636
-
4,270
1,008
535
93
-
-
274,105
181,467
-
-
181,467
-
7,943,912
7,762,445
Restricted
Funds
£
-
18,375
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
18,375
-
-
-
19,275
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,275
900
-
-
900
-
900
-
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total Funds
2022
£
-
109,364
1,240
-
310
-
99
-
-
-
-
-
-
111,013
45,165
173,686
2,712
19,275
46,636
-
4,270
1,008
535
93
-
-
293,380
182,367
-
-
182,367
-
7,944,812
7,762,445

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