## **Spring Mount Christian Fellowship**
Report and Accounts
For the year ended
31 December 2023
## **Spring Mount Christian Fellowship**
## **Year Ended 31 December 2023**
## **Index**
**_____________________________________________________________________**
|**Page No**||
|---|---|
|1 to 19|Trustees’ Report|
|20|Independent Examiner’s Report|
|21|Statement of Financial Activities|
|22|Balance Sheet|
**Trustees' Report for the year 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023**
## **Contents**
## **1. Reference and Administration Details**
**2. Executive Summary**
**3. Structure, Governance and Management**
**4. Objectives and Activities**
## **5. Achievements and Performance**
- 5.1 General Activities
5.1.1 Weekly Sunday Services
5.1.2 Prayer Meetings
5.1.3 Connect and Other Small Groups
5.1.4 Children’s Work
5.1.5 Youth Work
5.1.6 Seniors
- 5.2 Other Regular Events
5.2.1 Filipino Church Community
5 2.2 Men’s Ministry
5.2.3 Ladies’ Ministry
5.2.4 Spring Mount in Stitches
5.2.5 Ad Hoc Events
- 5.3 Community Involvement
5.3.1 Emergency Support
5.3.2 Walney Worshipping Community
5.3.3 Holiday Activity and Food (HAF)
5.3.4. Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
5.3.5 Housing Support
5.3.6 Anna Chaplaincy
5.3.7 Foodbank
- 5.4 Buildings
5.4.1 Salthouse Pavilion
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## 5.4.2 Abbey Road
- 5.5 Media
- 5.6 External Prayer and Financial Support
## **6. Risk**
6.1 Insurance
- 6.2 Policies
- 6.3 Safeguarding
6.4 Buildings (including Security)
- 6.5 Planned Maintenance
- 6.6 Financial
## **7. Financial Review**
- 7.1 Policy
- 7.2 Independent Examination
- 7.3 Bankers
## **8. Declaration**
**9. Appendix:** More information is provided on charities with Links to Spring Mount referenced in the main report
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## **1. Reference and Administration Details**
## **Charity Name: Spring Mount Christian Fellowship (SMCF)**
## **Registered Charity Number:** 1163628
**Principal Address:** Salthouse Pavilion, Roose Road Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA13 9RQ
**Online:** Website: www.springmount.church Facebook: facebook.com/springmount.church Twitter: twitter.com/springmountch Instagram: instagram.com/springmount.church
## **Charity Trustees who Manage the Charity (known as the Church Leadership Team):**
- Tim Baalham — Communications, Connect Groups
- Alan Docker — Pastoral, Walney
- Paul Hardingham — Finance
- Jonny Harrison — Pastor, Worship, Teaching, Youthwork
- Shirley Waters — Secretary, Sunday School
## **2. Executive Summary**
2023 saw normality completely return to church life following the unprecedented events of recent years. The dust had settled following Covid-19 and all groups met in person. The life of the church remained extremely busy with many regular activities resulting in the church building being used every day throughout the week. The addition of the upstairs kitchen enabled two independent groups to operate in different parts of the building simultaneously. An undoubted highlight of the year was the women’s “Flourish” conference in March in which 130 ladies from across the area came together for one Saturday of teaching and worship.
The appointment of Wes Tudor as Youth Leader in late 2022 provided much impetus into the church’s youthwork throughout 2023. He successfully worked alongside the existing young people in the church as well as those outside in local schools and the community. He has overseen both numerical growth in the existing groups together with starting new groups. He has started to build good relationships with the youth as well as making excellent connections with other Christian youth workers and organisations in the area.
Spring Mount continued to practically show the love of Christ in the community through its social action programmes. The work of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) (ref: 9.1) continued to provide support for people struggling with debt and financial difficulties. The milestone of our 100[th] debt free client was celebrated within 2023. The Green Pastures house (ref: 9.2) which was set up in 2020
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gave stability and a home for men who may otherwise have been homeless. Spring Mount successfully delivered 23 Holiday Activities with Food (HAF, Ref: 9.3) sessions in partnership with Walney Community Trust (ref: 9.4)
A particular encouragement is the continued increase in ethnic diversity as new people join us from different countries and cultures. The Filipino church community became more integrated into the church with one of their worship leaders joining the main worship team to lead on a Sunday morning. As Christians we believe that all nationalities are equal under God and this diversity is an exciting expression of God’s Kingdom. SMCF continues to welcome people from whatever background into the church family.
Spring Mount continued to look outwards to support Christians across the world and strengthened its links with overseas partners. The momentum built from the mission trip to Uganda in 2022 continued with a trip to Romania in 2023. This increased awareness and support from across the church and both Romania and Uganda remain important focuses of SMCF’s support for the worldwide church
## **3. Structure, Governance and Management**
SMCF is an active church organisation which was founded in the early 20th century. The church was registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2015. Church trustees are appointed by the church Leadership Team. Trustee term of service is 3 years.
SMCF is staffed by volunteers from within its membership. The trustees retain overall management of all Trust affairs but delegate day to day administration to volunteer workers for areas of specific responsibility. Jonny Harrison has been employed full time as the church pastor since 2018. In addition, Donna Docker is employed part time to lead and co-ordinate the work of Christians Against Poverty. Wes Tudor has been employed part time as a youth worker since November 2022. Shirley Waters employment to administer emergency goods from a local council grant continued through 2023.
After the resignation of Samantha Taylor as part-time Church Administrator, Rebecca McIlgorm was appointed to the role. She is employed 8 hours per week to carry out administrative tasks.
The Leadership Team meet formally at least once a month for business and prayer. The leaders continue to recognise a need for more prayer and therefore a significant proportion of Leadership Team business meetings have been devoted to prayer.
The Leadership Team is actively seeking ways to improve the efficiency of decision making by separating some of the day-to-day decision making from the long-term strategic planning to reflect the growth of the church. During 2023 separate groups of key workers met to discuss decisions and pastoral issues.
The Leadership Team outlines current plans, activities and concerns during Sunday services and encourages feedback, especially via the Connect Groups and the Sunday evening prayer times. The Leadership prayer times are occasionally open to the wider church as a way of seeking and sharing vision collectively.
Property title is held by the CIO.
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## **4. Objectives and Activities**
SMCF objectives are summarised in the SMCF CIO constitution as follows:
1. The advancement of the Christian faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with the SMCF Statement of Identity (attached to the Constitution as Schedule 1 "Statement of Identity")
2. Such other purposes as are exclusively charitable in accordance with the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.
The Constitution Schedule 1 "Statement of Identity" sets out SMCF's concerns, principles, beliefs, practices and membership. Associated appendices include the SMCF Mission Statement, Statement of Doctrine and an accompanying statement of Privileges and Responsibilities of being Part of a Local Church, all broadly as published in past Trustees Reports.
The Constitution Schedule 1 summarises SMCF's primary concern as follows:
'For children, young people, men and women of all ages that they may know that salvation through Christ can transform lives wherever they are lived out including home, school, work and leisure. To that end, SMCF's ultimate aims are that they will come to faith in Christ by whatever means and will continually grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, whether or not they remain with Spring Mount"
SMCF's Mission Statement (why SMCF exists) is presented in the Constitution Schedule 1 as follows:
- Reach others for Christ
- Teach others about Christ
- Grow in Christ
- Send for Christ
SMCF's vision (what will SMCF look like) is currently as follows:
- For three worshipping communities, all benefiting from mutual support under the SMCF umbrella.
- For discipleship (individual and corporate) for SMCF members to grow in faith and service, developing people's gifts.
SMCF's strategy (how SMCF will get there) is currently as follows:
- “ _Don’t just come to church, be the church”_ To encourage all regular SMCF worshippers to participate in different activities and to serve the needs of the church and wider community. To find and then fulfil their role in the Body of Christ (the church).
- _Mentoring and Support_
Encourage all regular SMCF worshippers to be within a partnership of two or three people to pray and mentor each other or be a member of a small group or Connect Group.
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- _Develop Salthouse Pavilion_ Continue the refurbishment of the Salthouse Pavilion to maximise the potential use. To expand the work of SMCF into this community in Barrow, such that more people may experience the love of God and be helped into a faith in Christ.
- _Develop Work on Walney_
- Develop the worshiping community on Walney, in conjunction with other aspects of church life already happening in the Walney building, to "strengthen the stakes”.
- _Explore Options for Abbey Road_
Regular activities have moved from Abbey Road to Salthouse Pavilion and the building is currently leased to a funeral director company whilst the SMCF maintains ultimate ownership in the medium term.
- _“People, People, People”_
The priority remains a concern for all people which has helped keep the church's focus on its core objectives to help and serve people in the church and wider community. In particular, the church feels that it should concentrate its work amongst people experiencing greatest need and hardship thus following the example of Jesus.
SMCF's vision and strategy are live items which are expected to develop over time.
Activities undertaken to support SMCF's objectives are described in the following section.
## **5. Achievements and Performance**
The following sections give a more detailed report of the activities of Spring Mount Church and a brief summary of how these link to the general mission objectives are highlighted in red text.
## **5.1 General Activities**
Most activities were based at SMCF's Salthouse Pavilion building. Certain activities are centred on Walney Island within the Walney Community Trust (WCT) (ref: 9.4) building on Amphitrite Street (known as Spring Mount on Walney).
## 5.1.1 Weekly Sunday Services
The principal expressions of the church's community are the weekly services of worship.
The mornings cater for all ages, including Sunday School groups, a youth church and a crèche for children. The morning services were a mixture of sung worship, communion and a sermon which usually formed part of a larger sermon series. Tea and coffee were served after the service. Teams of individuals served in various capacities to ensure the smooth running of the service and its activities.
The evening service is a less formal setting with an emphasis on corporate prayer.
Spring Mount Church believes in the importance of regular services both for the worship of God and the benefit of the individual.
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## 5.1.2 Prayer Meetings
In addition to the Sunday evening prayer focus, there was a weekly Tuesday night prayer meeting. Helen Pearson continued to promote the importance of corporate prayer in her capacity as Prayer Co-ordinator.
Sandra Faulds-Mariscal was responsible for the “Prayer Team” who met prior to the morning service and then minister to those wishing to receive prayer support during and after the service. This Team is carefully chosen, vetted, and trained in how to pray for people sensitively and sympathetically, always in pairs.
The administration of the Prayer Network allowed prayer requests to be circulated rapidly to those who have committed to pray for issues and situations as they arise. This was carried out confidentially to ensure all GDPR and confidentiality requirements were fully met.
## 5.1.3 Connect and Other Small Groups
The Leadership Team continued to encourage participation in a Connect Group as a means of support, prayer and Bible study. They were held on different days and at different times to cater for as many people as possible. For example, one of these groups was aimed to appeal to people in their 20s and 30s, one was held during the day for ladies and another group was established for young parents. Each group is encouraged to follow on from the Sunday morning sermon to provide continuity and an opportunity to discuss the points raised in a safe, small group setting. It is also a forum for sharing and discussing the vision and opportunities in the church. It is the Leadership Team's desire to see as many people from within the fellowship as possible linked to a Connect Group.
A group of men met regularly for Bible study and prayer support weekly within the Green Pastures house.
The Book Club continued to meet online on a Friday afternoon to review a Christian book.
A Freedom in Christ course was run in 2023 attended by 15 people. It is a 10-week discipleship course designed to help Christians understand what a difference Christ makes in their life.
## 5.1.4 Children’s Work
A toddler group met every Wednesday led by Shirley Waters and volunteers. A different toddler
group also met on Tuesday and Thursdays at Walney led by Ros Harrison. Both groups attract many parents, carers, and children from diverse backgrounds across the community. The groups provide safe environments for parents and small children to chat and play.
Sunday School met every Sunday during the main morning service in which children from the age of three to eleven were taught about stories from the Bible in a fun and interesting way. It was encouraging to see new people stepping into the roles of teaching the children. Due to the number
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of children this is organised into different classes for different ages. They performed a very successful Nativity service in December.
## 5.1.5 Youth Work
In November 2022 SMCF appointed Wes Tudor as a Youth Worker. He is employed to work with the youth and coordinate the work with the help of volunteers. During 2023 the youth work grew into new areas. Other volunteers from within SMCF also helped with running various youth clubs.
On Tuesday there was a meal where the young people connected over a meal, played games and talked about different topics centred around Jesus.
On Wednesdays Wes led mentoring sessions at Walney school, encouraging some young lads in their life's challenges, giving them a safe space to communicate and opportunity to learn from one another. Also, on a Wednesday he led a youth/kids club for school years 3-6 attended by up to 35 children. This gave them some open space for them to be involved in games, crafts, eating sweets, learning about Christian morals and praying for one another. He also led youth band, where young adults were encouraged to praise God together in worship by singing and playing an instrument.
On a Thursday Wes connected with other churches, youth groups and pastors within the area.
On Friday he would mentor some year 6 students from Barrow Island School, giving them an opportunity to develop the confidence and reassurance for the next step of secondary school. In the evening, he also ran a youth club where young adults had a safe space to chat, catch up with a game and have some food. They also had occasional quiz nights, pizza/movie nights and even karaoke. Some of the young people that attended connected with other church groups because of it and have developed into being leaders for the club and taken on other more responsible roles.
On Sunday mornings he led youth church where he discussed many Bible stories and Scriptures. During 2023 the number of regular attendees grew from 7 to 15 young people. The young people also took part in occasional trips including laser tag and attended an inter-church youth event in Keswick.
## 5.1.6 Seniors
A monthly meeting for more senior folk known as SMILE provided a tea, entertainment, and devotional time. It attracted people from the church and the wider community and helped to build relationships with senior folk and tackle the problem of loneliness and isolation within this age group. They provided a summer excursion to the Lake District in July and a pre-Christmas trip in November. This was run by volunteers headed up by Sue Durham.
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## **5.2 Other Regular Events**
## 5.2.1 Filipino Church Community
In recent years Spring Mount Church has been blessed with an increasingly culturally diverse group of people including those from The Philippines. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns Gerald Ybosa and his wife, Caroline started a ministry to support people from within their
Filipino community, especially those new to the country. Gerald was a pastor in The Philippines before moving to Barrow. This community had met on a Sunday afternoon for a simple service in the upstairs rooms of the Pavilion to worship God and have a service in their own language.
In 2023 this community integrated fully into the Sunday morning services including regularly leading worship as part of the Worship Team. The group continued to meet on alternate Saturdays in somebody’s home for fellowship and prayer support.
## 5.2.2 Men's Ministry
A regular men's social meeting continued to provide a social setting for the men of the church and to bring friends. It provided different cuisine themed from different parts of the world as well as a Christmas meal.
In November approximately 30 men attended the two-day Excel Men’s conference at Life Church in Bradford meeting with Christians from across the country for teaching and worship.
## 5.2.3 Ladies’ Ministry
In March Spring Mount held its annual Ladies “Flourish” conference. It was led by Sarah Richardson, a local Anglican minister. Approximately 120 ladies from across the area and further afield met together across a whole day of teaching, worship, prayer and ministry.
A series of regular bring and share meals exclusively for ladies were held throughout the year. This provided an opportunity for socialising, support and to invite friends into the church.
A ladies’ Bible Study continued every fortnight for women to pray and read the Bible together.
## 5.2.4 Spring Mount in Stitches
The sewing group called “Spring Mount in Stitches” met throughout 2023 allowing ladies to be creative and socialise on a Wednesday night.
## 5.2.5 Ad Hoc Events
In May 2023 the church helped the nation to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III by holding a party with food, entertainment and a
bouncy castle. It was extremely well attended by people from across the local community.
The church held a very successful international food and dancing event to celebrate the great cultural diversity within the church. People brought representative food from their own nationality
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and dressed in their national costumes. Christian music from various cultures was played and people enjoyed dancing and celebrating together.
During 2023 there were two Baptism services including on Easter Sunday. In total five people were baptised.
SMCF also celebrated four weddings and six dedications and held four funeral services.
The Pavilion was also hired to external groups including a group of recovering addicts for regular meetings. It was also used as a polling station. The local MP also held their surgery in the building.
All the regular and ad hoc events described in 5.1 and 5.2 succeeded in teaching people about Christ and helped many within the church to grow in their faith and serve their community.
## **5.3 Community Involvement**
## 5.3.1. Emergency Support
In the winter months, Spring Mount provided daily warm spaces as part of a national initiative to help the most vulnerable people with the “cost of living crisis”. Both Salthouse Pavilion and the Walney buildings were open for several hours per day allowing those who wanted to come in and take advantage of the warmth as well as a warm welcome.
Following on from the successful partnership between SMCF, Walney Community Trust and the local council during the Covid Pandemic, Barrow Borough Council continued to ask Shirley Waters to head up the distribution of a special hardship grant. This allowed for the purchase and distribution of emergency items such as white goods and furniture for people in need across the Barrow area. The people were referred by Social Services, the council and local schools. 310 different households were helped. They were also given vouchers for the Barrow Foodbank and a one-off top up for their electricity or gas meters as appropriate. This council initiative was to help some of the most vulnerable with the cost-of-living crisis. It was also an opportunity to come alongside people and offer longer term help and advice by signposting them to our life skills and money courses.
The poverty relief work was further enhanced by grants from Acts435 (ref: 9.14). Ros Harrison and Shirley Waters acted as the Acts435 Advocates enabling purchase of specific items for specific individuals.
The council funded Christmas hampers for essential items were supplemented by fun items financed by an appeal to SMCF members.
Similar to the hardship grant, the council asked Spring Mount to administer funds for the Harri Bus vehicle operated by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. The Harri Bus is a mobile vehicle enabling reach out to the community to promote health and wellbeing (including mental health).
This practical show of Christian love in local community’s time of need was a key element of Spring Mount’s vision to share God’s love to everyone, especially the most disadvantaged and in need. The connections made with people and the links made to agencies and bodies within the town are a good base from which to build further practical ministries in the future. We are privileged to have
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been recognised by Barrow Borough Council as a partner organisation to distribute their hardship funds.
## 5.3.2 Walney Worshipping Community.
Walney Community Trust (WCT) (ref: 9.4) creates connections and relationships across Walney Island. This work, run over many years, forms a backbone to the local community on Walney and partnership with WCT is a key part of the SMCF strategy to show the love of God to the people of the area. SMCF is grateful to WCT for the use of WCT’s building on Walney Island
for SMCF activities and is pleased to support WCT via SMCF volunteers for WCT activities.
Weekly community meals on Monday evenings provide a safe place for children and carers to enjoy an after-school time over a meal with activities and space for homework for children and teenagers.
A popular toddler group meets twice a week. It gives carers and children a safe environment in which to meet, play and support one another.
A Craft Café ran in the school holidays during which children and parents were invited to meet and participate in crafts and activities followed by a lunch. Approximately 100 children came each day with their parents or carers.
New parenting courses, CAP Fresh Start, CAP Life Skills and CAP Money courses (section 5.3.4) were all run through the Walney building positively impacting the lives of many people who participated. In addition, a six-week cooking skills course was run over the summer where people were taught to cook two simple meals and then given the ingredients to take home and try without supervision.
## 5.3.3 Holiday Activity and Food (HAF Ref: 9.3)
During all the school holidays Spring Mount in partnership with Walney Community Trust provided 23 free activity sessions for young children and their parents and carers. They saw a total of over 1,200 children provided with a hot meal and take part in the crafts and fun activities provided. This was all provided with the support of Barrow Borough Council as part of the government’s initiative to provide the equivalent to free school meals for those who need it during the school holidays. It is recognised that when such provision is no longer available to those most vulnerable children, they often end up going without a hot meal.
The sessions were provided by over 20 Spring Mount volunteers and employees of the Walney Community Trust. They were held both at Salthouse Pavilion and on the fields on Walney School during good weather. A bouncy castle, crafts, games and entertainments were provided for the children in addition to the hot food. HAF also worked with the Wordsworth Trust (ref: 9.5) and Barrow Library who both came in and were present at some sessions.
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## 5.3.4 Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
## _CAP Debt Centre_
Spring Mount ran a local debt centre (established in November 2016) for CAP (ref: 9.1) with Donna Docker employed as the centre manager.
Throughout 2023, CAP saw new clients in addition to working with existing clients. People can refer to the service through the central administration in Bradford and then Donna contacts them locally. Over a series of appointments, she collects and then sends detailed financial information for assessment at the central Bradford CAP
office. The client is then presented with the most appropriate options to help them manage their finances or to go debt free.
Throughout the process, Donna provides a sympathetic, Christian non-judgemental approach and a “befriender” from within the church is also introduced to provide the client with an additional point of contact and relationship. The multi-award-winning CAP philosophy aims to provide people who are often completely burdened by debt and its associated problems with a holistic solution including offering to pray with clients if they wish. This successful approach saw the milestone of over 100 debt free households reached in 2023.
During Christmas, over 400 hampers of food and supplies were delivered to vulnerable families across the town. These were delivered individually by volunteers within the church to provide a special Christmas blessing to our CAP clients and others known to be in need.
## _CAP Fresh Start Courses_
Jonny Harrison provided two CAP Fresh Start courses which helped people seeking to address life controlling habits and addictions.
## _CAP Life Skills Courses_
Ros Harrison ran two CAP Life Skills Courses from the Walney building. The course helps people to gain some of the basic skills required for effective, practical living. Topics covered include how to cook from scratch and how to budget effectively.
## _CAP Money Courses_
Two CAP money courses were run in 2023 to help people manage their money, including developing budgeting skills.
## _CAP Funding_
SMCF successfully re-applied for a £10,000 grant from the Sir John Fisher Foundation following on from the previous grants awarded. The Cumbria Community Foundation also supplied the third and final instalment of three for £9,000.
The work of CAP formed a key part of the strategy to prioritise the needs of people, especially those experiencing greatest need and hardship. Several individuals have been helped practically by this work and through that have also found a spiritual home in SMCF and seen positive, transformational changes to their lives.
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## 5.3.5 Housing Support
Spring Mount’s vision is to provide safe, affordable, quality housing for those most in need.
In 2020 we acquired a two-bedroom property in partnership with Green Pastures (ref: 9.2) in the Salthouse area very close to the Pavilion. The running and maintenance of it is the responsibility of Spring Mount.
The house provides emergency and short-term housing for two residents who agree to access support available through the church. This includes volunteering under supervision and accessing a variety of activities. Jonny made regular visits three or four times a week to support them.
To consolidate and expand the church’s vision for housing, it took on a formal responsibility in 2022 to manage two additional properties which continued into 2023. They are owned by two different members of the church who share the vision to provide for those in need of an affordable home. Spring Mount co-ordinates the tenants who are people the church is closely associated with. It takes a fair rent and provides a quality home. A formal agreement with the property owners outlining responsibility for maintenance and reimbursement has been agreed with each owner.
Rebecca McIlgorm, the church administrator continued to have responsibility for the management of the paperwork required for this ministry. This included submitting claims for housing benefits and other official documentation for Green Pastures and on behalf of the other privately owned properties.
It is anticipated these houses will allow people experiencing emergency need for housing to be housed and integrated into activities in the church to be supported and helped to put their lives back on track. They form a key part of the strategy to meet people’s practical needs within the community. The Leadership Team continued to explore how to expand this ministry further in the future.
## 5.3.6 Anna Chaplaincy
SMCF volunteers continued to support the work of the Anna Chaplaincy (ref:9.6). This is a ministry organised by Churches Together in Barrow which works with older people with dementia. This included visiting people in hospital and care homes. Volunteers from Spring Mount also contributed to the work by making and distributing knitted hearts and messages at Christmas.
## 5.3.7 Foodbank
SMCF continues to support the Barrow Foodbank (ref: 9.7).
## **5.4 Buildings**
## 5.4.1 Salthouse Pavilion
In February 2015 Spring Mount purchased Salthouse Pavilion as a longterm solution to the lack of space in Abbey Road and as part of a strategy to
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grow the church including reaching into a new community. After four years of development the permanent move into the building took place in 2019.
Although the bulk of the renovation work has been completed to allow for church services and activities to take place there remain several areas of the building which still require development and improvement.
A small upstairs room fitted with a simple kitchen last year has been well used. The kitchen allows for independent basic refreshments to be served for the users of the first floor. This removes the need for those using the first floor for Sunday School and other activities to have to use the downstairs kitchen and removes risks associated with carrying hot and cold drinks up and down the stairs. It allows for separate activities to take place on the first floor with refreshment facilities whilst a different activity is taking place in the main hall.
## 5.4.2 Abbey Road
The Abbey Road building remains a valuable property asset. The lease to a national firm of funeral directors continued throughout 2023.
## **5.5 Media**
The website www.springmount.church was developed and maintained by Naomi Chad. It provides sophisticated content to showcase and advertise the work of the church. All activities are listed and described together with links to newsletters, videos, and articles. All services and sermons are available to download or watch via podcast. Links are available to contact the church leadership team. There are links to the church Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. An email account is given to the leadership team and other key church workers to send and receive church related email.
The pandemic led to a rapid shift towards new ways of connecting with church via online media. These continued to be offered after physical meeting became possible again as a permanent change of behaviour. The Sunday morning services were broadcast live via YouTube, Facebook and then the recorded service could also be accessed via the church website afterwards. The recorded service was also distributed via CD to those who could not access the service via online formats. We have found that we have connected with people who would not have otherwise attended the church physically. A church playlist of regular and new worship songs is available to help people worship at home and familiarise themselves with the music sung at church on a Sunday morning. There are now groups which meet exclusively online which gives people who cannot attend in person the option of still being a part of a group.
## **5.6 External Prayer and Financial Support**
_UGANDA_ - SMCF also continued to have strong links with Blessed Hill school and orphanage in Kampala (Ref: 9.8). Various fund-raising events and initiatives took place throughout the year including a craft fair and dance evening. One successful scheme continued to be for people to buy bricks for £1 each to help finance a new building project at the school.
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_EASTERN EUROPE_ - Boxes of Hope were unable to continue with their Christmas shoebox distribution (shoeboxes being filled with gifts for children) and therefore shoeboxes were instead donated to "Teams4U" charity (ref: 9.9).
_PERSECUTED CHURCH_ - SMCF continued to support the persecuted church through the charity "Open Doors" (ref: 9.10).
_LIFECENTRE SALFORD_ - SMCF continued regular financial support to Salford’s Lifecentre Church’s Youth Worker project. This is seen as a token of gratitude for Lifecentre’s support to Spring Mount and a tangible demonstration of standing alongside a church with similar objectives to Spring Mount (Ref: 9.11).
_OTHER_ : - SMCF continued to support Capernwray (local Bible College) (Ref: 9.12 and Dan Randal working for HOPE Together (Ref: 9.13). Dan spent his teenage years at Spring Mount growing in the Christian faith.
## **6. Risk**
## **6.1 Insurance**
Insurance has been reviewed. Insurance includes public and employer's liability for all church activities including the housing project.
The Missing Document Insurance policy purchased during the acquisition of the Pavilion was for a one-off premium and remains in force with no need for renewal.
Landlord’s property insurance has been taken out to cover risks associated with letting out the Abbey Road building.
The copyright licenses have been reviewed and renewed.
## **6.2 Policies**
All policies are maintained and reviewed annually.
- The Child Protection Policy. Spring Mount is a member of Thirtyone-eight (formally Churches Child Protection Advisory Service). Membership of this enables access to consultancy, training, DBS checks and a 24-hour helpline.
- The Vulnerable Adults Policy was maintained.
- The Health and Safety Policy was maintained.
- Data Protection Policy to ensure all data held and shared followed General Data Protection Regulations.
## **6.3 Safeguarding**
Phil and Marie Last were appointed as Safeguarding leads for the church to coordinate safeguarding policy and to act as a point of contact for the reporting of any concerns. Tim and Isabela Baalham were appointed as Deputy Safeguarding leads to assist in this role.
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## **6.4 Buildings (including Security)**
The Health and Safety File compiled during the Salthouse Pavilion refurbishment works is maintained as a live file in compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
The asbestos survey undertaken in 2015 provides the basis for an on-going asbestos register to manage remaining asbestos. No alterations have been required to the asbestos register.
The Pavilion alarms (fire and intruder) are actively managed and maintained.
## **6.5 Planned Maintenance**
Appliances and equipment (including fire extinguishers) have been serviced and maintained as appropriate.
Portable Electrical Appliance testing (PAT) has been undertaken by SMCF members who have been trained to undertake the testing.
## **6.6 Financial**
See Section 7 Financial Review below for comment on loan liabilities.
## **7. Financial Review**
## **7.1 Policy**
All regular income is by way of voluntary gifts and donations.
The Trustees appreciate the government's Gift Aid scheme and encourages gifts to be made using this means. Gift Aid Claims to HMRC are made on an annual basis. The return to in-person meetings following the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions has resulted in an increase of cash gifts and this has in turn facilitated a gift top top-up using the government's Gift Aid on Small Donations Scheme (GASDS).
The third £9,000 of a three-year grant (for £27,000) for the ongoing work of CAP was received and a further £10,000 grant was secured, all as described in section 5.3.4.
Grants were received from Barrow Borough Council /Westmorland and Furness Council for emergency support as described in section 5.3.1 including reaching out to the community to promote health and wellbeing (including mental health) via the Harribus vehicle operated by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. Grants for specific items for specific individuals were also received from Acts435 to support the emergency relief work.
Local council grants were additionally received for the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) events as described in section 5.3.2.
Regular monthly repayments continued on Methodist Chapel Aid Ltd secured loan, all in accordance with the conditions of the loan.
No new loans were taken out during 2023.
16
Grants from Keswick2Barrow Committee are appreciated. £1,500 was received in November as a result of Spring Mount participation in the May 2023 walks.
Income is used for general running expenses, the Salthouse Pavilion refurbishment project, and grants which are made to Christian UK organisations who work both locally and abroad, based on perceived need, in accordance with SMCF's objectives.
SMCF continues to meet all on-going financial commitments as a going concern.
## **7.2 Independent Examination**
SMCF's accounts were subject to Independent Examination. Building on experience gained during previous examinations (which were first conducted for the year 2007 to 2008), a local firm of Chartered Accountants with experience in the charity sector (R F Miller & Co) undertook the Examination. The Examination was successfully concluded and found the accounts to be compliant with regulatory requirements.
The income levels in 2022 were such that the annual accounts for 2022 were prepared on an accrual’s basis for the first time, and the accruals method of accounting has been carried into 2023.
## **7.3 Bankers**
SMCF continues to use Barclays Bank PLC, 86-90 Dalton Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 IJH.
## **8. Declaration**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
Signed for on behalf of the SMCF Trustees:
Signature: ……………………………… Full name: Tim Baalham Position: Trustee Date: ……………………………..
17
## **9. Appendix: Charities with Links to Spring Mount**
**9.1 Christians Against Poverty (CAP** ) is a nationally recognised charity started in Bradford in the 1990s which seeks to help people in poverty by giving debt advice to clients referred to them. It seeks to address the root causes of poverty and provide practical financial advice and help to those in need. It provides help to all who request it irrespective of their faith, however, CAP is a Christian charity which seeks to ultimately assist with a holistic solution to a person's problems.
The debt manager sets up appointments to meet with potential clients and together with a "befriender" will seek to build a trusting relationship with the client. The details of the client's financial situation are then passed to experts at CAP central office in Bradford who will identify a strategy to assist the client to become debt free. On subsequent visits they will pass on that plan and, if the client accepts it, CAP will support the client in following that new path. The befriender is there as an on-going moral support for the client throughout the whole process to financial independence. This model has been successfully used for 20 years throughout the UK by CAP.
**9.2 Green Pastures** is a national Christian social enterprise that provides homes for the homeless and those in most need. The successful model adopted by Green Pastures is that they purchase a suitable property, in consultation with the partner church and provide the financial resources needed. The partner church then manages the day to day running and maintenance of the property, renting it exclusively to homeless people or those in real need of emergency accommodation. The church administers the rent collection and deals with the local authorities or other agencies. This pays the lease of the property to Green Pastures. The tenant is required to engage in activity through the church each week as part of their agreement. In the case of SMCF, this will be through taking CAP courses, volunteering and being mentored. This supervised activity allows the individual to get the help they need, turn their life around and find community within the wider church.
**9.3 Holiday Activities with Food (HAF)** is government initiative started in October 2021 which aims to tackle the problem of social isolation and poor nutrition amongst the most vulnerable children in society. The government recognised that children in receipt of free school meals often have no access to a hot meal during the school holidays as well as being less likely to engage in out of school social activities. The HAF programme provides £200 million per year in funding to local authorities to assist with this by running clubs and activities through local charities and other providers.
**9.4 The Walney Community Trust (WCT)** has close ties to SMCF. It is led by Jeff Chadd (also a member of SMCF) with the vision of serving the community of Walney. Ros Harrison is employed to co-ordinate the work on Walney Island. It also employs community and youth workers to provide youth clubs, courses and community activities throughout the week. Whilst independent organisations, the WCT links with SMCF activities such that both charities can benefit from each other. Some of the trustees for the charity are also a part of Spring Mount Church.
**9.5 The Wordsworth Trust** owns and maintains Dove Cottage in Grasmere, the home of worldrenowned poet William Wordswoth. It runs community activities and workshops across Cumbria to help bring literature and poetry to life.
18
**9.6 Anna Chaplaincy** is a way of supporting older people emotionally and spiritually. It seeks to particularly support those with dementia. It operates across the UK with churches and is run by the Christian charity BRF whose vision is to enable people of all ages to grow in faith and understanding of the Bible and to see more people equipped to exercise their gifts in leadership and ministry.
**9.7 Barrow Foodbank** is operated by the local churches to respond to and provide emergency food parcels to those in desperate need. It forms part of a national network of foodbanks linked to the Trussell Trust.
**9.8 Blessed Hill Children’s Centre** is a Christian based organisation which runs an orphanage and school in Kampala, Uganda. Close ties have been built up and maintained between it and Spring Mount Church. Regular support is provided through a £6/month scheme (commenced in 2011) which provides enough money to feed all the children at Blessed Hill every day. The scheme has continued through the current year with regular gifts to support the school/orphanage. Fund raising events for the Uganda projects included a garden party at the home of Alan and Hilly Docker in Barrow.
**9.9 Teams4u** run a nationwide shoebox appeal to provide Christmas gifts to vulnerable children and families in countries including Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia.
**9.10 Open Doors International** is an organisation serving and raising awareness of the persecuted church across the world. It seeks to help Christians on the ground in these countries as well as mobilising the UK church to support and pray for Christians under religious persecution. Spring Mount Church supported their regular initiatives and encouraged regular prayer meetings for them.
**9.11 Lifecentre, Salford** is part of Langworthy community church, a small church plant on an estate with great social challenges. As a church they model a community-based approach and Spring Mount has benefitted greatly from their advice and example as we have tried to work in our similar communities.
**9.12 Capernwray** is a bible college based near Carnforth. SMCF has benefited in previous years from college staff speaking at SMCF and from bible courses at the college.
**9.13 HOPE Together** seeks to empower the global church and local leaders to make Jesus known in word and action.
**9.14 Acts435** is a giving website that allows people to give money directly to others. The charity runs through Acts435 Advocates from a network of churches and local charities. The Advocate posts requests directly onto the Acts435 website for people in their community who are in need. 100% of what is donated to the requests goes directly to those in need.
19
## **Independent Examiner’s Report**
## **To the Trustees of**
## **Spring Mount Christian Fellowship**
I report on the accounts of Spring Mount Christian Fellowship for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 21 to 22
## Respective responsibilities of 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 Period 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;
- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- 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 examiner’s statement
The Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ACCA.
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.
## **Anita Brooks R F Miller & Co**
Doubletree Court
10A Cavendish Street
Ulverston
Cumbria LA12 7AD
20
-
## **Spring Mount Christian Fellowship**
|**Statement of financial activities**
**for the year ended 31 December 2023**
**Incoming resources**
**Voluntary income**
Grants and Donations
Offerings
Specified gifts
Housing Project
Auxilaries
Misc
**Activities for generating funds**
Rentals
Events
**Investment Income**
Interest received
**Resources expended**
**Governance costs**
Professional fees
**Other resources expended**
Rates & water
Heat & Light
Telephone
Insurance
Speaker's expenses & gifts
Sunday School
Printing, Postage, Stationary & Website costs
Training & Courses
Catering
Freedom in Christ
Personnel related costs
Support gifts/grants
Event Costs
Bank Charges
Consumables
Miscellanous
Depreciation
Housing Project Costs
Pavillion costs
Interest on loans
(Profit)/Loss on disposal of assets
**Excess of income over expenditure**
**Balance brought forward from previous year**
**Balance at end of year**|**£**
**£**
280,387
-
-
-
-
-
280,387
-
-
-
-
-
280,387
-
-
-
2,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
26,576
235,707
-
-
-
10,800
-
-
-
-
-
275,082
275,082
5,304
15,766
21,070
**2023**
**Restricted**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
-
148,936
8,299
-
900
4,830
162,965
26,342
-
26,342
496
496
189,803
1,299
1,299
4,435
6,123
462
2,534
1,190
140
1,050
139
3,193
180
60,459
26,539
30
351
800
2,534
14,626
191
4,018
3,415
405
132,813
134,112
55,691
52,997
108,688
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
280,387
95,164
148,936
134,628
8,299
20,818
-
10,797
900
125
4,830
1,939
443,352
263,470
26,342
24,312
-
-
26,342
24,312
496
47
496
47
470,190
287,829
1,299
1,234
1,299
1,234
4,435
2,790
8,123
6,351
462
396
2,534
2,206
1,190
1,170
140
196
1,050
843
139
345
3,193
389
180
180
87,035
73,694
262,246
82,846
30
62
351
363
800
525
13,334
597
14,626
17,106
191
12,025
4,018
63,420
3,415
2,655
405
-
407,895
268,160
409,194
269,393
60,995
18,436
68,763
50,327
129,758
68,763
**2023**
**2022**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
280,387
95,164
148,936
134,628
8,299
20,818
-
10,797
900
125
4,830
1,939
443,352
263,470
26,342
24,312
-
-
26,342
24,312
496
47
496
47
470,190
287,829
1,299
1,234
1,299
1,234
4,435
2,790
8,123
6,351
462
396
2,534
2,206
1,190
1,170
140
196
1,050
843
139
345
3,193
389
180
180
87,035
73,694
262,246
82,846
30
62
351
363
800
525
13,334
597
14,626
17,106
191
12,025
4,018
63,420
3,415
2,655
405
-
407,895
268,160
409,194
269,393
60,995
18,436
68,763
50,327
129,758
68,763
**2023**
**2022**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||26,342
-|||
|||496|||
|||1,299|||
|||||287,829
1,234
268,160|
|||4,435
6,123
462
2,534
1,190
140
1,050
139
3,193
180
60,459
26,539
30
351
800
2,534
14,626
191
4,018
3,415
405|||
|||||269,393
18,436
50,327|
|||||68,763|
21
## **Spring Mount Christian Fellowship**
## **for the year ended 31 December 2023**
## **Balance Sheet**
## **at 31 December 2023**
|**Fixed assets**
Property
Fixtures & Fittings
Appliances
Projectors
Computer Equipment
Audio Equipment
**Total fixed assets**
**Current assets**
Debtors
Prepayments
VAT
**Other Assets**
Gift Aid
GASD3
**Investments**
**Cash at bank**
Savings account
Current account
**Total current assets**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Loans
Accruals
PAYE
Pension
Creditors
**Net current assets**
**Creditors: amounts falling over within one year**
Loans
**Net assets**
**Represented by**
**Funds of the charity**
**Unrestricted funds**
**Restricted funds**
Add: Net assets (first completion of balance sheet)
**Add**
Excess of income over expenditure
for the year
**Total funds as at 31 December 2023**|**£**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21,070
21,070
-
-
-
-
-
21,070
-
21,070
15,766
5,304
21,070
**2023**
**Restricted**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21,070
21,070
-
-
-
-
-
21,070
-
21,070
15,766
5,304
21,070
**2023**
**Restricted**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
1,581,060
16,437
1,781
5,068
1,721
10,609
1,616,675
1,680
12,570
1,125
13,695
-
73,347
13,838
102,559
13,749
601
1,895
363
-
1,702,626
52,468
1,650,158
1,594,467
55,691
1,650,158
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
1,581,060
16,437
1,781
5,068
1,721
10,609
1,616,675
1,680
12,570
1,125
13,695
-
73,347
13,838
102,559
13,749
601
1,895
363
-
1,702,626
52,468
1,650,158
1,594,467
55,691
1,650,158
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,581,060
1,581,060
16,437
17,960
1,781
1,574
5,068
7,602
1,721
1,815
10,609
13,788
1,616,675
1,623,798
1,680
1,089
12,570
11,429
1,125
808
13,695
12,237
-
-
73,347
35,477
34,908
19,837
123,629
68,639
13,749
13,749
601
597
1,895
1,283
363
359
-
-
1,723,696
1,676,451
52,468
66,217
1,671,228
1,610,233
1,594,467
1,581,806
15,766
15,766
(5,775)
60,995
18,436
1,671,228
1,610,233
**2023**
**2022**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**|**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,581,060
1,581,060
16,437
17,960
1,781
1,574
5,068
7,602
1,721
1,815
10,609
13,788
1,616,675
1,623,798
1,680
1,089
12,570
11,429
1,125
808
13,695
12,237
-
-
73,347
35,477
34,908
19,837
123,629
68,639
13,749
13,749
601
597
1,895
1,283
363
359
-
-
1,723,696
1,676,451
52,468
66,217
1,671,228
1,610,233
1,594,467
1,581,806
15,766
15,766
(5,775)
60,995
18,436
1,671,228
1,610,233
**2023**
**2022**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||||
||||||||
||||||||
||15,766
5,304||1,594,467
55,691||1,594,467
15,766
60,995||
||||||||
||||||||
||||||||
||||||||
||||||||
||||||||
||||||||
||||||||
|||||||1,610,233|
I approve the financial information.
I acknowledge my responsibility for the financial information, including the appropriateness of the accounting basis as set out and for providing R F Miller & Co with all the information and explanations necessary for its completion.
The financial information was approved on
Signed
22