Lymington Baptist Church Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2025 Charity number: 1166376
Lymington Baptist Church Legal and Administrative information For the year ended 31 December 2025
1. Managing Trustees
The following individuals acted as Trustees during the financial year ended 31 December 2025 and to the date of signing this report:
Andrew Stevens until 03 June 2025 James Beer until 09 June 2025 Mark Corcoran (Chair of Trustees) Darren Cooke (Pastor) John Hilbourne (Treasurer) Nicholas Tsoulli James Anderson Gillian Doel Tina Edwards Helen Farquharson from 14 January 2026 Paul Caneparo from 14 January 2026
2. Custodian Trustee
The Church is the beneficial owner of freehold property in Lymington, the legal title to which is held by the Church's Custodian Trustee, the Baptist Union Corporation Limited.
3. Church Address
New Street Lymington Hampshire SO41 9BJ
4. Independent Examiner
Douglas Forsyth BSc FCA Chartered Accountant Roydon Cottage Sandy Down, Boldre Lymington SO41 8PL
5. Bankers
6. Solicitors
CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Anthony Collins St. Phillips Gate 5 Waterloo Street Birmingham B2 5PG
7. Registered Charity Number
1166376
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report For the year ended 31 December 2025
The Trustees present their report along with the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 13 and comply with the Charity’s Constitution and applicable law.
Charitable Status
Lymington Baptist Church of New Street, Lymington is a registered charity number 1166376.
Trustees
Trustees are appointed by the Church Members' Meeting, requiring the support of 75 per cent of those present and eligible to vote.
Compliance
We confirm that the Accounts for the period comply with current statutory requirements and with the requirements of the Church's governing documents. A copy of this report must be attached to the Accounts whenever a full set is distributed.
Investments
The expectation is that funds will be used for the furtherance of the Church's objectives. Funds should generally be disbursed in the year received and the Reserves Policy dictates that funds should be readily accessible. Cash investments should be retained in Interest bearing, Easy Access Bank Accounts. Property should be used to further the aims of the Church and not be used for investment purposes, except for short-term letting of temporarily vacant housing.
Reserves Policy
Unrestricted funds should not normally be less than the equivalent of six months' recurring expenditure. In addition, at least £15,000 should be added to reserves each year to cover the future cost of major building refurbishment.
Grants
Grants are made to organisations, to individuals in training for Christian service and to people in full-time Christian work mostly overseas and through their commissioning organisations. These grants are approved annually by the Church Members' Meeting and no commitment is made to grants in advance or to future funding. The policy is to disburse approximately 20 per cent of general fund offerings (including Gift Aid) for Christian work outside Lymington.
Risk
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the church, as identified by the trustees, are: health and safety, the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, financial and reputational. These risks are managed by ongoing monitoring and review via the regular trustees’ meetings, with a designated lead trustee assigned to the portfolios of safeguarding, health and safety, and finance. Formal policies are reviewed annually and assessment of risks is factored into decisions taken in all aspects of church activity. An annual physical Risk Assessment is carried out on all buildings owned by the Church. Maintenance of ageing buildings presents an ongoing challenge and their condition continues to be monitored carefully.
Public Benefit
The Charity's Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties.
Objectives
Lymington Baptist Church aims to provide a place of worship where Christians can meet together for worship, teaching and fellowship. An important aspect is the advancement of the Christian faith through outreach activities locally, nationally and overseas. To these ends it is a registered place of worship and associated buildings are maintained, regular Sunday services are conducted and a wide range of weekday activities organised for all ages and sections of society. The mission statement of the Church is ‘Helping people to know and follow Jesus’ and this is defined in more detail in our Church website.
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
Structure and Relationships
Lymington Baptist Church is a fully independent organisation and the Church Members' Meeting is the ultimate authority under God. The Church Members' Meeting appoints trustees and a treasurer who, together with the appointed pastor, act as Managing Trustees.
Various organisations are associated with the Church and their leaders are accountable to the Church Members' Meeting. The Church is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a number of other organisations with which it identifies.
Financial income is primarily derived from donations and regular giving by the Church Members and attendees. Our pastor, Rev. Darren Cooke works alongside over eighty voluntary workers, who run both weekday and Sunday activities including children and youth work, without whom the Church could not be able to function.
Aside from our Pastor, the church has three paid employees:
One part-time employee in the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) centre. Jim Anderson, who works as our Debt Centre Manager.
Lizzie Coyston is our full time Youth and Families Worker. She has been in post now since the beginning of February 2024.
From 12 May 2025, we were delighted to appoint Fiona Greenhill as our church administrator. She works in the church office for three days a week and has removed a considerable administrative burden from our pastor and the other Trustees.
Practical and financial support is given to many individuals and causes whose objectives conform to those of the Church.
Review of Developments, Activities and Achievements
Darren Cooke, who had been called into ministry from the Teaching Profession and trained at Spurgeon's College, has now been our pastor since July 2023. The church has continued to thrive under his ministry. The membership has increased in number and Sunday mornings regularly sees the church full of worshippers of all ages. We are regularly seeing new members joining us. Great credit must be given to the many people who help with children’s activities every Sunday, which enables the church to provide age-appropriate teaching for three separate groups: School years Reception-2; 3-6 and 7-9. A creche is also provided for babies and toddlers. The second Sunday of each month is a designated “messy Church” day (see below). During 2025 we aligned our services so that they all now start at 10.15am. The monthly evening service ‘The Well’ also started in 2025 on the second Sunday of each month. All services are streamed on Youtube so that those unable to attend in person can still view the services.
Activity Reports
The Well
The Well began this year as a new worshipping space within the life of Lymington Baptist Church and has quickly formed a stable and committed congregation. Created to offer a different rhythm of gathering, it provides a more reflective environment where people can encounter God in a deeper and less hurried way. The service was added as a permanent offering to our services following a 6 month trial.
The service is intentionally less structured than our Sunday morning worship, allowing greater freedom in how people engage. Rather than following a fixed order, The Well offers space for extended worship, Scripture, silence, prayer, and sharing, with the freedom to respond or simply to rest in God’s presence. Many have found this openness particularly helpful for listening to God and being spiritually refreshed. It has also provided a way to access church for those for who find our regular Sunday morning worship hard to access.
Children’s Work
Our Sunday children’s work continues to be a vital and joyful part of church life through Mini Kids and Live Kids. Week by week, children are welcomed, cared for, and helped to grow in their understanding of God in age appropriate and engaging ways. This ministry happens entirely through the faithful service of our volunteers, whose commitment, creativity, and love make it possible for children to be known, valued, and discipled. We also offer a parent-led Creche space and invested in new AV equipment to ensure they are able to watch the service live whilst in creche.
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
Review of Developments, Activities and Achievements
Activity Reports (continued)
Youth Work
It’s been an encouraging year for our 11–18s. We’ve seen steady growth, with young people engaging well and regularly bringing friends along. Rooted continues to grow, and it’s great to see more young people choosing to come consistently and go deeper in their faith.
The schools work remains a key part of the ministry. Each week our Youth Worker meets one-to-one with five students, providing a safe space to talk and helping them develop healthy strategies to manage their emotions. It continues to be a valuable and impactful time. RS2 is also going well, with students engaging positively in the sessions.
In March 2026, we’re launching Youth Café — an exciting opportunity to build relationships with young people who aren’t currently connected to church in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
This year, between New Life Church and Lymington Baptist Church, we took 17 young people to Dreaming the Impossible, a youth event organised by Vineyard Churches. It was a brilliant time away, and six made a personal commitment while we were there.
A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who serve so faithfully — we couldn’t do this without you. Please continue to pray for our young people in the coming year, that God would keep moving in their lives and drawing them closer to Him.
Messy Church
Once a month, we do things differently on our Sunday morning with Messy Church – a vibrant, family-friendly morning that brings people of all ages together to explore faith in a relaxed way. This takes place on the second Sunday in every Month (except during August).
We start off with breakfast at 9am, followed by craft and games and finish with short, interactive service.
This year we have regularly welcomed 80 adults and children for breakfast and more have joined us for craft activities and the service. Families from Messy Church regularly attend, also guests of regular church members. The wider church community are increasingly joining the 10.15 service, so that attendance is now in line with regular Sunday Services.
Messy Church would not happen without the commitment of a great team of Volunteers, who set up, prepare breakfast and crafts, clear away, wash up and then prepare the church. Also those who prepare the service, which is led by Lizzie and Mikie Coyston and our amazing young people.
Hullabaloo
Each Monday morning, during term time, we regularly welcome 25 families, most of them have no other connection with LBC. We often have about 35 children enjoying play, crafts, story time and music. It is great to hear the HULLABALOO on a busy morning of chat, laughter and excitement as children and adults socialise. The morning is run by a dedicated team of volunteers, and we strive to provide an environment that is welcoming, non-judgemental and fun.
This Easter we gave away 35 bags with Easter Treats, crafts, a card from the team and an Easter Story book. At the end of the summer term, we held a Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Grove Gardens and each child leaving Hullabaloo was given a Children’s Bible. At Christmas we held a short Nativity and enjoyed a Christmas Party together, over 36 bags were given out with Christmas treats for the family and a Christmas Story book.
It has been good to welcome several Hullabaloo families past and present to Messy Church, building a bridge between Hullabaloo and the wider church community.
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
Review of Developments, Activities and Achievements
Activity Reports (continued)
Making Friends
We meet each Wednesday at the church. It has been an exciting year. New friends have joined us and we regularly have up to twenty attending each week. For many people it is the highlight of their week and it’s lovely to see people caring for each other and helping each other at times of need.
We had a lovely day out at Exbury Gardens and enjoyed lunch together. We also had our Christmas dinner at Otters Nursery.
We support the Ukraine Hub based in Lymington by knitting up the wool that they get donated and handing back knitted blankets, jumpers etc. We were able to make up about forty gift bags to be sent to all ages at Christmas, some especially for frontline soldiers. One special project was to make nearly thirty knitted teddies to send to Ukraine for traumatised children and elderly people.
We also knitted pairs of hearts for Naomi House, the children's Hospice, and baby items for Princess Ann Hospital in Southampton. More recently we donated £400 to Oakhaven Hospice from our coffee morning.
We have our knitters, but we also do lots of other crafts, including Diamond Art, the most popular activity, card making, pottery making, painting, jars decorated with dried flowers, to name just a few. We are always looking for new ideas of things to make. Come and join us if you have any ideas or just want to come and have some homemade cake, tea and a chat.
The Hub / Hot Meal
Every Wednesday, including holidays, we provide a warm space and a free hot meal to 25-30 people. This is open to everyone in the local community including: the lonely, hungry, homeless, vulnerable and those struggling with finances. We also provide emergency food and shelter (tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, toiletries etc). We signpost to other agencies that can be of help to our clients and agencies, e.g. Food Bank, social prescribers, GP’s, CAB and local councillors also signpost clients to us.
We help people at their immediate point of need and continue with ongoing support where needed. This is becoming a valued social space for the local community and a recognised benefit to the community by the District Council and County Council. This facility and provision is unique among the Churches in Lymington.
Hub has been running for over three years, and those that attend have become a community. None of this would be possible without the leadership of Fiona Anderson and her team of regular helpers.
Community Café
Community Café is open to everyone in our community from 10.00 to 12.30 every Thursday, except during the August School Holidays.
It is a welcoming, inclusive, supportive and a safe space for people to meet. Most importantly, it is outward looking and provides an important social engagement opportunity for many in our community. It is not aimed at any social group or age range. Some of those attending are referred to it by the Job Centre, Food Bank or Social Prescribers. We also provide free internet access, which some find invaluable as they would otherwise be digitally excluded.
As well as providing free tea, coffee and cake, it is an opportunity to meet friends and make new friends. It also provides a link to the CAP debt centre when needed.
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
Review of Developments, Activities and Achievements
Activity Reports (continued)
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Jim Anderson is employed part-time by Lymington Baptist Church to run the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centre.
Anyone can unexpectedly find themselves struggling financially. A sudden change in employment; relationship breakdown; bereavement; ill-health (personal, partner, child, parent). Each and all of these increase costs and reduce income.
Clients are referred to CAP from a number of sources. Jim acts as CAP Debt Coach and together with a befriender, support and guide the client through a very short series of In-person meetings, explaining the process, gathering and submitting paperwork to Head Office and explaining the expert advice from CAP Advisers. The meetings take place in the client’s home or, if more appropriate, in a private safe place, such as a church office or Public Library meeting room.
CAP Head Office process the paperwork and advise on the best route out of debt. They will also manage creditors for clients. Different types of support are provided to help individuals and couples become debt free.
Small Groups
Small groups are at the heart of our church’s pastoral care and spiritual formation. They are spaces where deep relationships are formed, care is given and received, and lives are transformed through Scripture and prayer.
We currently have 127 people in 14 groups. 7 groups meet each week and the other 7 meet every other week. Groups meet in various locations on different days and times – this flexible approach allows us more options for participation.
The coordinators of small groups began to meet regularly. At these meetings, ideas, resources, struggles and joys were shared. Most groups are at, or very near, full capacity. We are exploring ways to create space for people who want to, or may want to, join a small group. In 2026 we hope to run a ‘how to run a small group’ course.
We are also looking at ways we can encourage even wider participation in small groups among all our church family. A handbook was created to help those new to small groups understand more about them. This was drawn up from the best practice in our current groups.
The Leadership Team and all who are part of a small group wish to thank everyone who sets aside time to coordinate, facilitate and host a small group – the heart of care at Lymington Baptist Church.
Music
Over the past year it has been encouraging to see the continued development of the worship ministry. One particular positive has been the growth of the band, which now serves most weeks with a full team. Many of the musicians serve on a rota of roughly once a month, which has allowed a wider range of people to be involved while keeping the commitment manageable. This has helped build a healthy and sustainable team.
It has also been encouraging to see younger members of the church beginning to step into greater involvement. One young person joined one of the bands during the year, and a few others have been developing their musical and leadership skills as they serve. It has been a real joy to see these younger leaders growing in confidence and using their gifts to serve the church.
Another new development has been the launch of a monthly evening service called The Well. This service provides a slightly different space for worship and reflection, and it has been a valuable addition to the life of the church. It has been encouraging to see people engaging with this new opportunity to gather together in worship.
We are thankful for everyone who serves faithfully in the worship teams and for the ways the church continues to grow in praising God together.
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
Review of Developments, Activities and Achievements
Activity Reports (continued)
Firm Roots Cancer Support
“Firm Roots” is a cancer support group meeting once a month at LBC. All who attend have or have had cancer or care for someone with cancer. We have been meeting now since the autumn of 2025 and in that time, we have not only seen more people coming each month, but we have seen the group develop into one where all feel safe, loved and understood. As all of us have experienced the diagnosis of the Big C, we have empathy for one another. It is a safe space where we can be vulnerable, shed our tears and laugh at some of the experiences we have had.
We always start our meetings with a cuppa and a piece of delicious home-made cake! After our time of sharing what the last month has brought in terms of blood results, consultations and treatment, we focus on scripture pertaining to a topic such as ” facing our fears” or "Hope". We then listen to some worship songs and have a time of reflection. As we pray for one another we are reminded that our needs can be very different. Always in my mind is the question Jesus asked “What would you like me to do for you?”
We welcome people of all faiths or none. It is a “beautiful” group. The prayer for the group that we would demonstrate the love God has for each person who comes.
Women’s Ministry
The Women’s Ministry organises well-attended breakfast events with speakers from inside or outside LBC. The group also arranges social outreach events such as theatre visits, craft evenings and skittles evenings for families.
Men’s Ministry
The Men’s Ministry has a range of activities for men in and outside LBC, including curry meals and a quarterly breakfast with an invited speaker.
Connections
The Connections Team is a small team of church members who encourage the fellowship to be encouragers themselves. The Team also ensures connection to the fellowship for those who have no other pastoral support from another group. The team visit those who cannot attend worship providing companionship, prayer and communion.
Prayer Groups
These currently meet three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We hold the meetings on Zoom, with a further church-based prayer meeting once a month. Members are encouraged to join a prayer group that fits with their weekly schedule. We also integrate prayer into our church services, our children’s groups and our Small Groups. In 2025 we held another 24/7 week of prayer. The entire week was divided into hour-long slots and church members and regular attenders invited to fill them.
World Mission
This is a team that supports our mission partners around the world. We are keen to be a church that looks beyond itself. Part of this commitment involves donating 20% of our unrestricted General Fund income to mission partners through BMS World Mission and Baptist Home Mission and discretionary gifts to other missionary partners.
Outreach Courses
These are one of the ways we have been helping people in and around LBC to come to faith in Christ. We have used Alpha, Christianity Explored and 321.
Communications
In 2025 we launched a new website. This now provides a well-structured gateway for those either visiting the area, or moving into the area and looking for a Church to attend.
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
Health and Safety
Jim Anderson is the Trustee with oversight of Health and Safety (H+S) issues at Lymington Baptist Church and he is named as the Health and Safety Officer in the Health and Safety Policy. The Trustees understand their responsibilities under Health and Safety law for staff, volunteers, the congregation, and other users of church premises. We review our procedures and premises on an ongoing basis.
1. Risk Assessments
- A risk assessment is sought from the organisers of all regular and one-off activities. These are not onerous and can generally be evolved from risk assessments for similar activities. They ensure the organisers of the activity are mindful of their and the church’s responsibility for the H+S of participants.
2. First Aid
- We have a database of qualified First Aiders and regular church activities they are involved with. We seek to have 2 First Aiders associated with all our main activities. We look for our First Aiders to go on a refresher course every 3 years.
3. Premises The fabric team arrange annual checks of the premises, electrical and heating equipment and fire protection. Access to the church sanctuary does not meet modern accessibility standards – we are reviewing options for addressing this as part of wider discussions on works to the church building.
4. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- We have specific H+S responsibilities to our employees. We carry the correct insurances and display the Health and Safety Law poster. Our employees have line managers who arrange regular catch ups and appraisals and seek to identify any areas of concern – including those relating to H+S.
Premises
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of three buildings: Lymington Baptist Church, New Street, Lymington; Lillington House, New Street, Lymington; and the Manse, Kings Road Lymington. All three buildings are held in trust by the Baptist Union Corporation on behalf of Lymington Baptist Church. This is the standard arrangement for churches affiliated with the Baptist Union.
In the latter part of 2024, we embarked on an ambitious piece of work to consider how the buildings in New Street could be adapted, re-modelled or even replaced to provide facilities that best met the ministry needs of our church. As part of this work, a questionnaire was made available to all regular worshippers at the church, together with all the community groups who use the facilities, such as Hullabaloo, the Youth Team and Making Friends.
Having set up a Building Team, we conducted interviews with a number of Architect practices, which resulted in the appointment of SNUG Architects, based in Totton. After looking at a number of possible options, a single approach has been selected. At the time of writing the Concept document is in development, together with indicative costings.
The intent is to transform the buildings into something fit for purpose, for community use and contemporary worship, within the constraints of the site and the local planning authorities.
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Lymington Baptist Church Trustees Report (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
Financial Review
While 2024 was a year of growth for the Church, 2025 was a year of consolidation. Numbers attending services increased slightly, while the level of financial support remained steady. Unrestricted Income in 2025 was £273,156, an increase of 6.4% compared with 2024. This was mainly due to the implementation of the investment strategy for the Church reserves and £16,822 being received in Bank Interest. The number of donors whose giving was supported by Gift Aid was little changed from 2024. The Trustees are hugely grateful for the level of financial support received from the Members.
Overall expenditure decreased in 2025 by £3,295 to £204,628. 2025 was the first complete year of employing a full-time Youth Pastor and the part-time Operations Manager was appointed in May 2025. It should be noted that up until this year, donations to Home Mission and BMS have been treated as prior year donations and accrued accordingly. This practice has now ceased and these donations were treated as current year donations. In addition, Building Project costs and the cost of the new display screen have been capitalised.
In accordance with long-established policy, 20% of all unrestricted donation income to the General Fund was allocated to the Mission Fund for the support of Christian Missionary work worldwide. This was primarily distributed to Baptist Union Home Mission, Baptist Missionary Society and the Hamiltons.
Lymington Baptist Developments was constituted in July 2025 to manage the Building Project. This company is 100% owned by Lymington Baptist Church, and as such its assets have been combined into the Church’s 2025 accounts.
The Church continues to bank with Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). CAF implemented a new IT system midway through the year. This did not go well and there was considerable disruption to services. Staff continued to be paid on time during this period. However, there was a delay of three months in setting up the bank account for Lymington Baptist Developments which caused great inconvenience.
The Data Development system user for managing the Accounts and Donations was switched in June 2025 from the offline to the online version. This process went very smoothly and it has added much greater levels of security to the system.
Looking forward to 2026, the Trustees recognise that while general expenditure will remain steady, there will be considerable costs related to the Building Project. The approach of funding the Building Project from general income will continue in 2026 through the design phase, which means that a surplus of giving in 2026 is not expected. This approach will cease once we move into the build phase and separate fund raising will be in place. This will be a challenging period.
Approved by the Trustees on 11 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
John Hilbourne
Mark Corcoran
- ….……………………………………………… …………………………………………………
Trustee name:
Position:
John Hilbourne Trustee name: Mark Corcoran Treasurer Position: Trustee
Treasurer
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Lymington Baptist Church Independent Examiner's Report For the year ended 31 December 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Lymington Baptist Church
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Lymington Baptist Church ("the Charity") registered number 1166376 for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 11 to 23.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Charity's trustees 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 our examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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:
-
1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
2) the accounts did not accord with those records; or
-
3) the accounts did 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.
Douglas Forsyth
Douglas Forsyth BSc FCA Chartered Accountant
Roydon Cottage Sandy Down Boldre Lymington SO41 8PL
Date: 12 May 2026
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Charity number: 1166376
Lymington Baptist Church Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2025
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES a) Donations and tax recoverable 2(a) b) Bank interest 2(b) c) Other receipts 2(c) RESOURCES EXPENDED a) Salaries, pensions and living costs 3(a) b) Property repairs and maintenance 3(b) c) Utilities, insurances etc. 3(c) d) Other payments 3(d) e) Internal organisations (expenditure) 3(e) f) Depreciation 3(f) TRANSFERS Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1 January 2025 Total funds carried forward 31 December 2025 Total resources Net incoming/ (outgoing) resources before other recognised gains/ (losses) Net incoming/ (outgoing) resources before transfers Total incoming |
2025 Unrestricted £ 250,360 16,822 5,974 273,156 91,314 7,572 19,258 46,569 35,483 1,410 201,606 71,550 124,944 (124,944) 71,550 71,550 1,605,586 1,677,136 |
2025 Restricted £ 5,128 - - 5,128 - - - - 3,022 - 3,022 2,106 - - 2,106 2,106 457,616 459,722 |
2025 Total £ 255,488 16,822 5,974 278,284 91,314 7,572 19,258 46,569 38,505 1,410 204,628 73,656 124,944 (124,944) 73,656 73,656 2,063,202 2,136,858 |
2024 Total £ 251,956 4,904 2,869 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 259,728 | ||||
| 75,552 20,809 16,945 51,811 42,806 - |
||||
| 207,923 | ||||
| 51,805 127,955 (127,955) |
||||
| 51,805 | ||||
| 51,805 2,011,397 |
||||
| 2,063,202 |
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Lymington Baptist Church Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2025
Charity number: 1166376
| Notes Tangible fixed assets: Freehold Land & Buildings 4 Fixtures and Fittings Computers and Equipment CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand: CAF Current Accounts CAF Deposit Accounts Flagstone Petty cash CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year 6 Net current assets NET ASSETS CHARITABLE FUNDS Unrestricted Funds 10 Restricted Funds 10 FIXED ASSETS |
2025 £ 11,774 48,186 463,933 618 |
2025 £ 1,581,888 - 4,229 1,586,117 41,330 524,511 (15,100) 550,741 2,136,858 1,677,136 459,722 2,136,858 |
2024 £ 30,217 462,357 - 439 |
2024 £ 1,552,983 - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,552,983 | ||||
| 39,437 493,013 (22,231) |
||||
| 510,219 | ||||
| 2,063,202 | ||||
| 1,605,586 457,616 |
||||
| 2,063,202 |
The notes on pages 13 to 23 form an integral part of these accounts.
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 11 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
John Hilbourne
Mark Corcoran
….……………………………………….. ……………………………………………..
Trustee name: John Hilbourne Trustee name: Mark Corcoran
Position:
Treasurer
Position: Trustee
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Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP 2021, FRS 102 and the Charities Act 2011. The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis, and on an accruals basis under the historical cost convention.
b) Incoming Resources
Collections and Offertory are recognised when receivable. Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised when receivable. Income Tax recoverable on Gift Aid is recognised when income tax recovery is receivable and deemed virtually certain. Income from operating activities is recognised when receivable. Interest on investments is accounted for as it accrues.
c) Resources Expended
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities ("SOFA") on an accruals basis inclusive of any VAT, which cannot be recovered. The Church makes grants to other organisations whose charitable objects complement its work and are accounted for in the year in which they are payable. An accrual is made at the year end for short term employee benefits, including any untaken annual leave which has been agreed to be carried over to the next financial year. Most of the management is carried out without charge by volunteers. This intangible cost is not included in the Statement of Financial Activities since there is no measurable cost to the volunteers for their service.
d) Fixed Assets
(i) Freehold Land and Buildings
Lillington House is shown at cost plus additions. The Church is shown at market value as at 31 December 2004, which was treated as deemed historical cost on first time adoption of FRS102 in 2016. The Manse is shown at market value as at 31 December 2004 plus additions at cost, which was also treated as deemed historical cost. No land and building revaluations have been undertaken since 2004. No depreciation is provided on the Church, the Manse or Lillington House because in the opinion of the Trustees the residual values of these assets are considerably higher than when the land and buildings were originally acquired or last valued. All buildings are currently maintained in good order. All renovations to buildings are expensed in the year the costs are incurred.
(ii) Fixtures, fittings and furniture
All fixtures, fittings and non technical equipment are now expensed in the year the cost is incurred. In the view of the Trustees this more accurately reflects the reality of the carrying value of the assets concerned.
(iii) Computers and technical equipment
Computers and technical equipment are expensed in the year the cost is incurred, unless the item costs over £5,000. In the view of the Trustees this more accurately reflects the reality of the carrying value of the assets concerned.
e) Mission funds
The Mission Fund is accounted for on an accruals basis during the year.
f) Fund transfers
The fund transfers in the SOFA record all transfers between funds, including in year internal adjustments. These transfers are shown in full in note 10.
g) Categories of expenditure in the SOFA
As a small charity, the Church has not reported its income and expenditure on an activity basis, instead it has adopted an approach based on the nature of income received and expenditure incurred. All support type costs (e.g. office, administration and governance) are separately disclosed by category in "other payments", and were all incurred directly in connection with activities of the church, however an apportionment of those support type costs between different activities is not practical.
h) Legacies
Legacies are accounted for when probate has been completed, the amount of the legacy can be reliably quantified and the conditions of the legacy are within the control of the Church. In practice this corresponds with when approved final accounts of the estate concerned have been received by the trustees.
13
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
| 2. INCOMING RESOURCES a) Offerings and tax recoverable Donations Grants Legacies Gift Aid Recovered Sub-total for 2025 |
2025 Unrestricted £ 209,217 - 3,000 38,143 250,360 |
2025 Restricted £ 2,115 2,580 - 433 5,128 |
2025 Total £ 211,332 2,580 3,000 38,576 255,488 |
2024 Total £ 208,529 2,800 4,044 36,583 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 251,956 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 248,904 | 3,052 | 251,956 | |
| b) Bank & CFB interest and investment income Bank Interest Sub-total for 2025 |
16,822 16,822 |
- - |
16,822 16,822 |
4,904 |
| 4,904 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 4,904 | - | 4,904 | |
| c) Other receipts Events Sales Lettings Insurance receipts Receipts - Other Sub-total for 2025 |
1,971 618 705 840 1,840 5,974 |
- - - - - - |
1,971 618 705 840 1,840 5,974 |
- - 702 - 2,167 |
| 2,869 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 2,869 | - | 2,869 | |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 2025 | 273,156 | 5,128 | 278,284 | |
| 259,728 | ||||
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 2024 | 256,676 | 3,052 | 259,728 | |
| 3. RESOURCES EXPENDED a) Salaries, pensions and living costs Salaries, pensions and living costs Sub-total for 2025 |
2025 Unrestricted £ 91,314 91,314 |
2025 Restricted £ - - |
2025 Total £ 91,314 91,314 |
2024 Total £ 75,552 |
| 75,552 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 75,552 | - | 75,552 | |
| b) Property repairs and maintenance Church - Repairs & Maintenance Church - Cleaning LH - Repairs & Maintenance Manse - Repairs & Maintenance Manse - Cleaning Sub-total for 2025 |
3,685 3,419 125 303 40 7,572 |
- - - - - - |
3,685 3,419 125 303 40 7,572 |
16,365 3,673 294 361 115 |
| 20,809 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 20,809 | - | 20,809 | |
| c) Utilities, insurances etc. Church Lillington House Manse Sub-total for 2025 |
12,259 4,075 2,924 19,258 |
- - - - |
12,259 4,075 2,924 19,258 |
12,667 1,214 3,063 |
| 16,945 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 16,945 | - | 16,945 |
14
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
| 3. RESOURCES EXPENDED (continued) d) Other payments Church LH - General Manse Equipment/ repairs Staff expenses - Pastor Staff expenses - Operations Manager Staff expenses - Youth Pastor Staff expenses - Other staff Admin - Office Admin - IT Admin - Communications Admin - Subscriptions & Licences Admin Professional Fees - Independent Examination Admin Professional Fees - Accountancy Admin Professional Fees - Other Bank Charges CAP_(communications and Head Office Charge)_ Mission - General Mission - BU Home Mission - BMS Mission - Compassion Mission - Hamilton Mission - Other Building Project Sub-total for 2025 |
2025 Unrestricted £ 2,355 - 390 554 1,846 - 5,481 132 1,105 1,481 - 3,358 1,000 2,163 828 60 5,016 1,950 5,800 3,180 - 6,660 3,000 210 46,569 |
2025 Restricted £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
2025 Total £ 2,355 - 390 554 1,846 - 5,481 132 1,105 1,481 - 3,358 1,000 2,163 828 60 5,016 1,950 5,800 3,180 - 6,660 3,000 210 46,569 |
2024 Total £ 1,074 63 - - 1,928 - 2,352 78 1,042 1,283 62 2,668 1,000 2,895 828 60 5,633 1,084 9,056 11,315 90 9,300 - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51,811 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 51,721 | 90 | 51,811 | |
| e) Internal organisations (expenditure) Activities - General Outreach Organisations Youth CAP_(salaries and other CAP costs)_ CAP - Hardship Sub-total for 2025 |
3,749 4,620 4,954 21,936 224 35,483 |
2,638 - 384 - - 3,022 |
6,387 4,620 5,338 21,936 224 38,505 |
2,450 5,473 1,079 32,913 892 |
| 42,806 | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | 40,815 | 1,991 | 42,806 | |
| f) Depreciation Depreciation technical equipment Sub-total for 2025 |
1,410 1,410 |
- - |
1,410 1,410 |
- |
| - | ||||
| Sub-total for 2024 | - | - | - | |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 2025 | 201,606 | 3,022 | 204,628 | |
| 207,923 | ||||
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 2024 | 205,842 | 2,081 | 207,923 |
15
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| 4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ £ £ Church Manse Lillington House Cost/ Valuation Brought forward 01/01/25 800,000 384,853 456,130 Additions 28,905 - - Carried forward 31/12/25 828,905 384,853 456,130 Depreciation Brought forward 01/01/25 88,000 - - Charge for the year - - - Carried forward 31/12/25 88,000 - - Net book Value At 31 December 2025 740,905 384,853 456,130 At 31 December 2024 712,000 384,853 456,130 5. DEBTORS AMOUNTS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors (Gift Aid Claim receivable at year end) Prepayments 6. CREDITORS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accruals Other creditors |
£ Fixtures & fittings 114,377 - 114,377 114,377 - 114,377 - - |
£ Computers & equipment 31,460 5,639 37,099 31,460 1,410 32,870 4,229 - 2025 £ 39,166 2,164 41,330 2025 £ 15,100 - 15,100 |
£ Total 1,786,820 34,544 |
| 1,821,364 | |||
| 233,837 1,410 |
|||
| 235,247 | |||
| 1,586,117 | |||
| 1,552,983 | |||
| 2024 £ 37,318 2,119 |
|||
| 39,437 | |||
| 2024 £ 22,051 180 |
|||
| 22,231 |
16
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
7. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed assets Tangible assets : Church Manse Lillington House Computers & equipment Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in 1 year Net current assets Total net assets less liabilities Represented by: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2025 Unrestricted Funds £ 740,905 384,853 - 4,229 1,129,987 41,330 520,919 562,249 (15,100) 547,149 1,677,136 1,677,136 - 1,677,136 |
2025 Restricted Funds £ - - 456,130 - 456,130 - 3,592 3,592 - 3,592 459,722 - 459,722 459,722 |
2025 Total £ 740,905 384,853 456,130 4,229 1,586,117 41,330 524,511 565,841 (15,100) 550,741 2,136,858 1,677,136 459,722 2,136,858 |
2024 Total £ 712,000 384,853 456,130 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,552,983 | ||||
| 39,437 493,013 |
||||
| 532,450 (22,231) |
||||
| 510,219 | ||||
| 2,063,202 | ||||
| 1,605,587 457,616 |
||||
| 2,063,202 | ||||
| PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVE FIGURES 2024 Unrestricted Funds £ Fixed assets Tangible assets : Church 712,000 Manse 384,853 Lillington House - 1,096,853 Current assets Debtors 39,437 Cash at bank and in hand 491,527 530,964 Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due in one yea (22,231) Net current assets 508,733 Total net assets less liabilities 1,605,587 Represented by: Unrestricted funds 1,605,587 Restricted funds - 1,605,587 |
2024 Restricted Funds £ - - 456,130 456,130 - 1,486 1,486 - 1,486 457,616 - 457,616 457,616 |
2024 Total £ 712,000 384,853 456,130 1,552,983 39,437 493,013 532,450 (22,231) 510,219 2,063,202 1,605,587 457,616 2,063,202 |
17
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Incoming resources £ - - 214,258 1 28,938 - - - 3,899 - 25,000 1,060 273,156 - - - 315 4,813 5,128 - 278,284 - |
Outgoing resources £ - - (131,302) (210) (26,777) (38,590) - - (3,875) (112) - (740) (201,606) - - - (384) (2,638) (3,022) - (204,628) - |
Gross Transfers IN £ 28,905 4,229 - 52,789 - 37,000 - - 200 1,821 - - 124,944 - - - - - - 124,944 - |
Gross Transfers OUT £ - - (55,310) (28,905) (25,398) - (1,220) - - - (14,111) - (124,944) - - - - - (124,944) - |
Balance 31 December 2025 £ 1,125,758 4,229 326,297 162,611 9,843 5,542 - 4,230 594 1,709 35,583 740 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,677,136 | ||||||
| - 456,130 - 70 3,522 |
||||||
| 459,722 | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| 2,136,858 | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| TOTAL FUNDS 2024 | 2,011,397 | 259,728 | (207,923) | 87,849 | (87,849) | 2,063,202 |
| Reconciliation of cash balances held at year end to non-building cash funds: CAF Current Accounts CAF Deposit Accounts Flagstone Petty cash Actual cash balances held at year end Add: debtors (non-cash items e.g. Gift Aid debtor) Less: creditors (non-cash items e.g. taxes due HMRC/ accruals) Net current assets Represented by: Unrestricted cash funds (c to l above) Restricted cash funds (n to p above) |
2025 £ 11,774 48,186 463,933 618 524,511 41,330 (15,100) 550,741 547,149 3,592 550,741 |
2024 £ 30,217 462,357 - 439 |
||||
| 493,013 39,437 (22,231) |
||||||
| 510,219 | ||||||
| 508,733 1,486 |
||||||
| 510,219 |
18
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
- a) NON CASH Building Fund
This fund represents the balance of unrestricted funds relating to buildings and fixed assets other than Lillington House, plus £28,905 of building project costs which have been capitalised during 2025.
b) Other fixed assets fund
This fund represents the net book value of the £4,229 of audio visual equipment capitalised during 2025, which is being depreciated in the SOFA over 4 years, see Note 3(f).
c) General Reserve
Unrestricted funds received held to meet other running costs and expenditure are credited to this fund. This fund also includes movements in actuarial gains/ losses on the defined benefit pension scheme as recognised in prior years.
d) CASH Building Fund (Unrestricted)
Funds raised to meet costs of a capital nature incurred on the buildings to ensure they remain suitable for Church purposes are credited to this unrestricted fund.
e) CAP
Funds received and costs associated with Christians Against Poverty are credited to this fund.
f) Mission fund
Funds received in support of other general mission projects are credited to this fund. Principally this comprises the 20 percent allocation from general offering and is fully distributed to mission partners.
g) Weekend to Remember
Funds received in support of future Weekend To Remember ("W2R") events carried forward from prior years.
h) Technical Reserve
Funds received in support of technical and sound equipment are credited to this fund, which is utilised for future capital additions.
i) Youth Events Fund
Funds designated for non-specific future Youth projects are credited to this fund.
j) Fellowship
The Fellowship Fund is a source of funds to support those within the fellowship in particular need.
k) Youth Pastor
Funds received in support of a future youth pastor are credited to this fund.
l) Making Friends
Funds received in support of the Making Friends group are credited to this fund.
- m) NON CASH Building Fund
Funds raised for the purchase of Lillington House at 10 New Street Lymington are credited to this restricted fund.
n) CASH Building Fund
Funds raised to meet costs of a capital nature incurred on Lillington House to ensure the building remain suitable for Church purposes were previously credited to this restricted fund.
o) Compassion
Funds received in support of the Compassion project are credited to this restricted fund, in support of one child in Africa.
p) Warm Hub Fund
Funds received in support of this initiative are credited to this restricted fund.
19
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
11. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
| 11. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Two trustees received remuneration from their employment with the Charity during the year: Gross salaries: Pastor (D Cooke) CAP (J Anderson) Employers National Insurance ContributionsPastor (D Cooke) CAP (J Anderson) Employers pension contributions: Pastor (D Cooke) Baptist Pension Scheme "DB Plan" Contributions Staff housing/ living costs * Pastor The average number of employees (rounded to nearest whole) throughout the year was: |
2025 £ 38,442 20,673 930 500 4,618 - 2,924 68,087 4 |
2024 £ 37,178 19,993 1,083 325 4,479 10 3,063 |
| 66,131 | ||
| 3 |
No employee received a salary in excess of £60,000 during the year (2024: none).
Under a provision in the Church's Governing Document the Pastor is employed by the Church, and receives remuneration and benefit for his services as an employee as disclosed above. The Pastor is also a trustee of the Church, however he is not remunerated for this role. The Pastor's salary, pension and housing costs are disclosed above as a related party transaction.
James Anderson, who is employed by the Church as a part-time employee of the CAP centre, became a Trustee on 17 April 2024. The terms and conditions of Mr Anderson's employment with the Church have not changed since his appointment as a trustee, and Mr Anderson is not remunerated for his role as a trustee.
- During 2025 the Church paid pension contributions of £4,618 (2024: £4,479) for the Pastor to the Baptist Pension Trust Limited, which is a final salary defined contribution scheme which is not contracted out of the State second pension (see note 14). During the year the Church also paid pension contributions of £2,163 (2024: £1,497) for other staff to the Peoples Pension, which is a defined contribution scheme. As at 31 December 2025 the Church was not holding any amounts in respect of intended pension contributions on behalf of any employees (2024: nil).
** During the year the Pastor lived rent free in manse accommodation which is wholly owned by the Church, for the better performance of his duties.
In addition to the above staff costs a great amount of time, the value of which is impossible to reflect in these accounts, is donated to the Church each year by volunteers.
20
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
12. TRUSTEES EXPENSES
Reimbursements were made to the following trustees in respect of expenses incurred in performance of their duties:
| Current year 2025: |
Darren Cooke James Anderson Total |
|---|---|
| Training, Courses, Conferences Total 2025 Church resources Travel/ subsistence Telephone/ IT/ Comms |
£ £ £ £ £ 171 10 181 497 201 698 - 389 389 810 - 810 |
| 1,477 - - 600 2,077 |
|
| Prior year 2024: |
Darren Cooke Andrew Stevens Anthony Lowman James Anderson Total |
| Total 2024 Expenses reimbursed |
£ £ £ £ 1,146 86 591 972 2,795 |
| 1,146 86 591 972 2,795 |
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED CHARITIES
Related Party Transactions
Normal donations were received from trustees during the year however none of those donations had any conditions attached which required the Church to significantly alter the nature of its existing activities and would therefore need to be disclosed under FRS 102.
Darren Cooke's wife, Emily Cooke, was employed by Counselling Together until early 2026, an external agency that is not linked to the Church and during 2025 made use of the Church's premises. Emily Cooke is not a Key Management Personnel of Counselling Together.
Related Charities and donations
The custodian Trustee of the Church is the Baptist Union Corporation Limited which is charity number 249635, and which is controlled by the Baptist Union Council.
The Church is also a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.
The Church made a donation to the Baptist Union Home Mission Scheme of £5,800 (2024: £9,056) as set out in note 3 above. The Church also donated £3,180 to the Baptist Missionary Society for the year (2024: £11,315).
Lymington Baptist Developments Limited (Registered Company number 16577625) was incorporated on 11 July 2025 to develop the Lymington Baptist Church building project (the "Company"). The £100 ordinary share capital of the Company is solely owned by Lymington Baptist Church, and the assets of the Company have been consolidated into the Church's accounts as at 31 December 2025. The directors of the Company who served during 2025 who were also trustees of the Charity were Darren Cooke, Gillian Doel and Paul Caneparo (resigned as director of the Company on 09/02/2026).
21
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
14. PENSION SCHEME LIABILITY
The Church is a participating employer the Baptist Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”), which is a separate legal entity administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers Pension Fund, started in 1925. At the beginning of the financial year, the scheme comprised of a defined benefits scheme which was closed to future accrual on 31 December 2011 and a defined contribution plan which was opened in January 2012. The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.
The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers’ Pension Fund, started in 1925, but was closed to future accrual of defined benefits on 31 December 2011. Prior to this date the main benefit provided through the Defined Benefit (DB) Plan was a pension of one eightieth of final minimum pensionable income for each year of pensionable service together with additional pension in respect of premiums paid on Pensionable Income in excess of Minimum Pensionable Income.
From January 2012, pension provision is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan within the Scheme. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members if they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva Limited.
The Scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. Because it is not possible to attribute the Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers, the scheme is accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme.
For the current financial year, the pension provision for members of the Scheme is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members if they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva Limited. Furthermore, members of the Basic Section pay reduced contributions of 5% of Pensionable Income, and their employers also pay a total of 5%.
On 30th June 2022 the Baptist Pension Scheme signed an agreement with the insurance company Just Group (“Just”) to secure DB Plan members’ pension benefits. Just are now providing financial backing for all pensions provided through the Scheme’s DB Plan and following this transaction, the Scheme no longer has a shortfall. An updated Recovery plan was then signed in August 2022 under which recovery contributions from each participating employer in the DB Plan reduced to £1 per month from August 2022.
In October 2024, the insurance company Just Group completed a buy out of the liabilities of the closed defined benefit scheme. From that date any remaining liability of the participating scheme members to defined benefit scheme ceased and the £1 per month deficit contributions payable by the participating employers which were agreed in the recovery plan approved in August 2022 also ceased from that date. Administration of the closed defined benefit scheme transferred from the pension trustees to Just Group from that date.
The Pastor is eligible to join the Scheme.
Section 28.11A of FRS 102 requires agreed deficit recovery payments to be recognised as a liability. The present value of the agreed deficit contributions were immaterial at the beginning of the financial year and were fully extinguished once buy out was completed by Just Group in October 2024.
22
Lymington Baptist Church Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2025
15. NON-ADJUSTING POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
No post balance sheet events have been identified.
16. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Trustees have determined that no contingent liabilities existed at the year end which require disclosing.
17. GOING CONCERN REVIEW
The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Church to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. The Trustees have concluded the Church has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its Accounts.
18. AGENCY FUNDS
The following special collections were received for the charities or individuals mentioned below and have been excluded from the income and expenditure of the church as they are treated as agency funds.
Agency funds are those donations received which the Trustees are legally bound to pay on to third parties, and for which the Trustees have no responsibility for the ultimate charitable application of the funds nor are able to direct how the funds are used by third parties. Movements in agency funds during the year are disclosed below by party in so far as donor/third party confidentiality permits.
| Special collection recipients Christians Against Poverty Head Office gift Counselling Together |
Balance 1 January 2025 £ - - - |
Incoming funds £ - 116 116 |
Outgoing funds £ - (116) (116) |
Balance 31 December 2025 £ - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - |
There were no unpaid agency balances held as at 31 December 2025 (2024: nil).
19. COSTS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES
| During the year the following amounts were payable in respect of: a) Costs of the independent examination b) Other finance services (accountancy services) |
2025 £ 1,000 2,163 3,163 |
2024 £ 1,000 2,895 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,895 |
23