Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
Crawley United Reformed Church Charity
Charity registration number: 1164196
Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
CONTENTS
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 to 15 |
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Trustees
Bridget Russell Derek Hugh Russell Jennifer Frances Gill Patricia Helen Chesson (resigned 26 November 2025) Susan Elizabeth Fenwick Anne Thorne Margaret Eleanor Steele Cristina Cipriani
Charity Registration 1164196 Number
Principal Office Worth Park Avenue Pound Hill Crawley West Sussex RH10 3DF Independent Examiner G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG Bankers The Co-operative Bank 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP
Page 1
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The Trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The principal object of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith.
Public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Achievements and performance
Review of activities
There were no changes in Eldership during 2025. The current Elders (Trustees) are therefore: Rev. Cristina Cipriani, Sue Fenwick, Bridget Russell, Derek Russell, Margaret Steele, Anne Thorne, Jenny Gill (Treasurer) and Patricia Chesson (Church Secretary).
The Elders have continued their regular monthly meetings at which the church life as a whole, and particularly a pastoral review of all our regular congregants, is considered.
Events of note:
Attendance at Sunday services has averaged 39 plus 2 children.
Worship
Our minister takes services on 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month and we are led by a mix of ordained and lay preachers at other times giving us a good variety of styles in worship. Junior Church met on 1st and 3rd Sundays.
Crawley Community Café (formerly known as Community Caring Café)
The café meets on a Saturday morning once a month, providing a safe space for people who live alone and those with dementia (and their carers), to socialise and participate in various seated activities.
Bereavement Support Group
We have had less input from St Catherine’s Hospice in 2025 as they have had to make significant staffing cut backs. However, this group continues to meet every Thursday from 1-3pm. The purpose is to provide a quiet time for newly bereaved people to relax and enjoy a cup of tea with others in the same position.
Refugees Welcome
We have continued to work with local charity Refugees Welcome Crawley. Together with volunteers from that Charity we provide a space for social activities on a Saturday afternoon with some of our members attending to give practice in speaking English.
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Hall and Car Park Lettings
We generate 64% of our main income from the letting of hall spaces to third party organisations and the letting of car park spaces to commuters who travel from a nearby mainline station. The strategy for hall booking income is to focus on regular monthly income rather than ad hoc bookings.
The Manse
This has been maintained as required with our minister in residence.
Property/Church Fabric
No structural changes have been made to the property during the year. The fabric of the building is sound. Maintenance has been ongoing including mandatory safety checks and dealing with other issues as required. Of note,
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Inspections have noted that the fire alarm system needs several
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amendments. These will be actioned in 2026.
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With the aid of a grant, a new screen has been installed in the sanctuary
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providing clearer images for the presentations during services.
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A minor burglary in September has prompted a rethink of security with
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actions ongoing.
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The playgroup now has a cover over their outside play area (funded by the
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playgroup).
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The car park soakaway has continued to be ineffective despite maintenance
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and in the long term will need to be replaced.
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Some lighting has been upgraded to LEDs inside and outside.
Community Garden Project
The garden team continued to meet twice a month between March and November keeping up with the general jobs that need doing in the gardening year. The group has members of the church and community in it and the local Rainbows and Brownies also look after a part of the raised beds. If the last two years were about clearing the invasive sedge from the borders, this year has been about filling the gaps with mainly donated plants and sorting out our compost bins. These have now been moved to the car park and a leaf cage created where they had been. The installation of a leaf cage means that hopefully from this autumn we will be able to compost all the leaf litter on site.
Charities
Throughout the year we have continued to raise funds in support of: (i) the local charity: Crawley Open House; (ii) the ‘national’ charity, St Catherine’s Hospice, representing the hospice movement and (iii) the international charity: Commitment for Life. In addition to the above we also supported, Christian Aid, the Children’s Society, Gatwick Detainees and Refugees Welcome Crawley. Due to the national crisis in funding for hospices we gave extra support to our local hospice, St Catherine’s.
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Financial review
With the loss of several older members, the income from the congregation continues on a downward trend.
However, finances have remained at healthy levels throughout 2025 with steady premises and car park income bolstering the giving of our congregation. This has enabled us to donate to St Catherine’s Hospice from church funds as well as collecting from our congregation. In 2025 property maintenance costs were less than 2024 at 16% of annual expenditure. Our contributions to the central URC funds represented 28% of our outgoings.
Our current and savings account are now both held with the Co-operative Bank.
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Crawley United Reformed Church Charity is a registered charity, number 1164196, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
Recruitment and appointment of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
Risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that sysems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Page 4
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) Statement of Responslbllltles The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities 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.. selert sultable accounting policie5 and then apply them consi5tentlyi observe the methods and principles In the Charlties SORP; • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any materlal departures disclosed and explained in the financlal statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless It Is Inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in buslness. The Trustees are responslble for keeping proper accounting records that disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any tlme the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Art 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the a55et5 Qf the charlty and hence for tsking reasonable step5 for the prevention and detection of fraud and other Irregularities. The annual report was approved by the TnJ5tees of the charity on signed on its behalf by: and Jennifer Frances Gill Trustee Page 5
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Crawley United Reformed Church Charity for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity Trustees of Crawley United Reformed Church Charity you 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 Crawley United Reformed Church Charity'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.
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of Crawley United Reformed Church Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting 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.
...................................... G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG
19 May 2026
Page 6
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Note Unrestricted funds £ Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 50,810 Charitable activities 3 38,592 Other trading activities 4 3,212 Investment income 5 253 Other income 6 3,665 Total income 96,532 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 7 96,069 Total expenditure 96,069 Net income/(expenditure) 463 Net movement in funds 463 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 48,630 Total funds carried forward 12 49,093 |
Restricted funds £ 1,702 - - - - 1,702 2,216 2,216 (514) (514) 1,049 535 |
Total 2025 £ 52,512 38,592 3,212 253 3,665 98,234 98,285 98,285 (51) (51) 49,679 49,628 |
Total 2024 £ 44,236 38,393 4,137 18 5,368 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92,152 | |||
| 91,487 | |||
| 91,487 | |||
| 665 | |||
| 665 49,014 |
|||
| 49,679 |
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025 2025 2024 Note Current •ets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand io 4,959 5,200 50,300 50,352 Credltors: Amounts falllng due wlthln one year li 672 673 Net assets Funds of the charlty: Re5trlcted Income funds Restricted fund5 535 1,049 Unrestrlcted Income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 12 The financlal statements on pages 7 to 15 were approved by the Tru5tee5, and authorlsed for i55ue on .ICI.W2ki. and signed on their behalf by.. Jennifer Frances Gill Trnstee The notes on page5 9 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8
CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Crawley United Reformed Church Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Gift aid
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 (CONTINUED)
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the Trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 (CONTINUED)
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds General £ Donations and legacies; Donations 37,199 Legacies 2,011 Gift aid reclaimed 11,600 50,810 3 Income from charitable activities Unrestricted funds General £ Lettings and car park 37,962 Other charitable activities 630 38,592 4 Income from other trading activities Unrestricted funds General £ Events income; Charity shop 3,212 3,212 5 Investment income Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits |
Restricted funds £ 1,702 - - 1,702 Restricted funds £ - - - Restricted funds £ - - Unrestricted funds General £ 253 |
Total 2025 £ 38,901 2,011 11,600 52,512 Total 2025 £ 37,962 630 38,592 Total 2025 £ 3,212 3,212 Total 2025 £ 253 |
Total 2024 £ 39,036 - 5,200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44,236 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 37,763 630 |
|||
| 38,393 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 4,137 |
|||
| 4,137 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 18 |
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 (CONTINUED)
6 Other income
| Sundry income 7 Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted funds Note General £ Minister's stipend contribution 27,720 Mission costs 1,380 Ministerial expenses 816 Other teams 2,346 Restricted fund expenses - Manse running costs 9,355 Manse maintenance 2,155 Utilities 8,989 Maintenance 32,720 Office costs 5,115 Miscellaneous 1,824 Independent examination 852 Grant funding of activities 8 2,797 96,069 8 Grant-making Analysis of grants Grants |
Unrestricted funds General £ 3,665 Restricted funds £ - - - - 285 - - - - - - - 1,931 2,216 |
Total 2025 £ 3,665 Total 2025 £ 27,720 1,380 816 2,346 285 9,355 2,155 8,989 32,720 5,115 1,824 852 4,728 98,285 |
Total 2024 £ 5,368 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total 2024 £ 26,400 1,409 1,175 3,232 12,187 7,081 10,360 9,222 11,842 4,325 218 852 3,184 |
|||
| 91,487 | |||
| Grants to institutions 2025 £ 2024 £ 4,728 3,184 |
| **Grants to ** | institutions |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| 4,728 | 3,184 |
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 (CONTINUED)
9 Trustees remuneration and expenses
During the year, one of the Trustees has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from an employment related to the Charity. The minister Rev'd Cristina Cripirani is employed directly by the Synod. The church makes contributions to the Synod Ministry and Mission fund from which the salary is paid. These contributions amounted to £27,720 during the year (2024: £26,400).
The only other payments made to the Trustees, or any person connected with them, consisted of reimbursements of expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity in furthering the charity's objects.
10 Debtors
| 10 Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accrued income 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals |
2025 £ 4,959 2025 £ 672 |
2024 £ 5,200 |
| 2024 £ 673 |
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 (CONTINUED)
12 Funds
| Unrestricted funds General General Funds Restricted funds Other charities fund Other restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds General General Funds Restricted funds Other charities fund Other restricted funds Manse maintenance fund Total funds |
Balance at 1 January 2025 £ 48,630 606 443 1,049 49,679 Balance at 1 January 2024 £ 37,948 686 10,380 - 11,066 49,014 |
Incoming resources £ 96,532 1,621 81 1,702 98,234 Incoming resources £ 79,886 1,925 2,250 8,091 12,266 92,152 |
Resources expended £ (96,069) (1,931) (285) (2,216) (98,285) Resources expended £ (69,204) (2,005) (12,187) (8,091) (22,283) (91,487) |
Balance at 31 December 2025 £ 49,093 296 239 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 535 | ||||
| 49,628 | ||||
| Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 48,630 606 443 - |
||||
| 1,049 | ||||
| 49,679 |
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CRAWLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 (CONTINUED)
13 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 49,765 (672) 49,093 Unrestricted funds General £ 49,303 (673) 48,630 |
Restricted funds £ 535 - 535 Restricted funds £ 1,049 - 1,049 |
Total funds at 31 December 2025 £ 50,300 (672) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49,628 | |||
| Total funds at 31 December 2024 £ 50,352 (673) |
|||
| 49,679 |
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