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2025-12-31-accounts

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust

Charity No. 1168633

Trustees' Report and Unaudited Accounts

31 December 2025

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust Trustees Annual Report

The Trustees present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity No. 1168633

Principal Office

White House Crooms Hill London SE10 8HH

Trustees

The following Trustees served during the year:

S. Ahmad

D. Ball

T. Barnes MBE

D. Beattie OBE (resigned 10-12-2025)

A. Blundy

P. Franklin

S. Gurung

J. James (resigned 31-03-25)

D. Rome

M. Storey

P. Waller

C. Young (resigned 10-12-2025)

S. Edwards (resigned 08-10-2025)

E. O’Leary

V. Sefton (appointed 10-12-2025)

Key Management Personnel

Chairman Secretary Treasurer

Tim Barnes KC Andrew Blundy Miles Storey

Bankers

Handelsbanken 50 Southwark St.

London SE1 1UN

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust Trustees Annual Report

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

(substantially a ruin), to ensure its enhancement by landscaping, and to maintain the mosaics and surviving parts of the Church in a good state of repair

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

In 2025 the activities of the Church have been a combination of the new and the old since our last Newsletter.

Among the new has been the initiative to bring young people with additional needs to the Garrison Church. Our partners have been the Brighter Futures Group in Woolwich, the Mencap Rivermead Centre and the Shooters Hill 6th Form College. The students and staff come to the Church for up to 3 hours. We provide refreshments and either we or one of the participating organisations provide music. When the main gates are closed the Church is a safe environment, and all of those attending enjoy being out in the open air, mixing with others, (including trustees and volunteers from the Church), dancing to the music, and carrying out some basic tasks.

Among the established events are the commemoration of the death of Lee Rigby in May. Ride for Respect, involving hundreds of motor cyclists, from the largest Chapter in the UK ride past the Church. A splendid variety of bikes and riders take part and some stop to enter the Church, to pay their respects at the Memorial to Lee Rigby (and others) and to lay a large wreath.

The second event was the Interfaith Event on Sunday 20th July. This was organised by Peter Waller, one of our trustees, and brought together representatives of the many religious faiths represented in our Borough, as well as some of our civic leaders. The theme of the event was Wisdom, Worship and Service in Troubling Times. The speakers were interspersed with musical performances by Cantor David Rome, one of our Trustees.

The third event I wish to mention was our Remembrance Day Service on Sunday 9th November 2025. We had over 100 in the congregation including a sizeable number from the local Gurkha Community, a large contingent from the Army Cadets, 4 Councillors from RBG and our MP. The Service followed the time-honoured tradition, including the Reveille and Last Post, the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph and hymns such as Abide With Me, O God our Help in Ages Past and Fight the Good Fight. Readings included In Flanders Field by John McRae and passages from Pilgrims Progress. This year we had readings about the life and death of Lt.Tom Tanswell who died in Iraq in 2006 and Ernest Horlock who received his VC for acts of extraordinary valour in Northern France in September 1914.

We say farewell to two of our longest standing trustees. Diana Beattie was the Chairman of Heritage of London Trust Operations which began the work of restoring parts of the Church after acquiring the freehold from the Ministry of Defence. We owe a great debt of gratitude to her for her sterling work over the years in obtaining funding for the restoration of the Church and being the source of valued and valuable advice.

Cyril Young will be known to many. He was a Deputy Lieutenant for many years and Churchwarden of St Luke’s Charlton. Cyril has great knowledge of diocesan affairs and church procedures. This was invaluable as the Garrison Church does not fit within the Diocesan framework and Cyril has had to advise on solutions to practical problems. We are delighted to welcome Lt Col Veronica Sefton as a Trustee. She is the first female Commanding Officer of Woolwich Station, a prestigious Royal Artillery position. She values the links between

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust Trustees Annual Report

the Barracks and the Garrison Church and hopes that they will continue.

Ruth Dodson resigned from this position at the end of September. I would pay tribute to her commitment to the Garrison Church during her years as Administrator. We are delighted to have found an excellent replacement in Carmel O’Beirne who will be known to many readers of the Newsletter. Her son, now an enthusiastic Army Cadet and rugby player, was for many years, as a boy, a keen supporter of the Garrison Church, and in particular a guide to the crypt.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed according to the constitution dated 1st December 2015.

At every annual general meeting of the members of the Trust, one third of the trustees shall retire from office, but are eligible for re-appointment. If the number of trustees is not 3 or a multiple of 3 then the

number nearest to one third shall retire from office, but if there is only one trustee he or she shall retire.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Charity is primarily reliant on a mix of donations from the public and grants, as well as Charitable Activities and other trading Activities. In 2025, total income was £13,820 (2024 £70,689) against total expenditure of £34,517 (2024 £72,683).

Reserves policy

The trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately 6 months of unrestricted charitable expenditure. The trustees consider that this level will provide sufficient funds to respond to applications for grants and ensure that there are sufficient funds available to cover support and governance costs.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust deed. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees

T.Barnes Chair 30 June 2026

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust Independent Examiners Report

Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Woolwich Garrison Church Trust

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Woolwich Garrison Church Trust for the year ended 31 December 2025.

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'). The trustees consider that an audit is not required under s.144(2) of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

The report on the examination of the charity's accounts was carried out under s.145 of the Act and following the applicable Directions given by s.145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with examination of the accounts giving me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I 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.

John Cockrell

Independent Examiner 35 Woodside Road Essex IG8 0TW

15 May 2026

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust Statement of Financial Activities

Statement of Financial Activities for Year ended 31 December 2025 Statement of Financial Activities for Year ended 31 December 2025 Statement of Financial Activities for Year ended 31 December 2025
2025 2024
All figures in £
Notes
Unrestricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Income & Endowments
Donations & Legacies
3
Charitable Activities
4
Other trading activities
5
5,052
3,300
8,352
627
-
627
4,840
-
4,840
67,979
284
2,426
10,520
3,300
13,820
70,689
Expenditure
Charitable Activities
6
Other
7
4,945
659
5,604
13,480
15,433
28,913
18,425
16,092
34,517
57,145
15,538
72,683
Net Surplus/Deficit (7,905)
(12,792)
(20,697)
(1,994)
Transfers between funds
Net surplus before other gains/losses
Other gains/losses
Net movement in Funds
Reconciliation of Funds
total Funds brought forward
Total Funds carried forward
-
-
-
(7,905)
(12,792)
(20,697)
-
-
-
(7,905)
(12,792)
(20,697)
11,952
83,541
95,493
4,047
70,750
74,796
-
(1,994)
(74)
(2,068)
97,561
95,493
Balance Sheet for Year ended 31 December 2025
Notes 2025 2024
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
9
1,547 1,635
Current Assets
Cash at Bank and in hand
Debtors
10
Creditors due within 1 year
11
Net Current Assets
Total Net Assets
71,504
3,065
74,569
(1,320)
73,249
74,796
94,383
2,414
96,797
(2,939)
93,858
95,493

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust Notes to the Accounts

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity. Restricted funds These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

Income

Recognition of Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity income becomes entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount of the income can be measured with sufficient reliability. Income with related Where income has related expenditure the income and related expenditure is expenditure reported gross in the SoFA. Donations and Voluntary income received by way of grants, donations and gifts is included in the legacies SoFA when receivable and only when the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the income. Tax reclaims on Income from tax reclaims is included in the SoFA at the same time as the donations and gifts gift/donation to which it relates. Donated services These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) and facilities where the benefit to the Charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts. Expenditure Recognition of Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes any Expenditure VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of relatable expenditure Expenditure on These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and Raising funds fundraising trading costs Expenditure on These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its Charitable activities and services in the furtherance of its objects. Activities

Woolwich Garrison Church Trust Notes to the Accounts

Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life

Leasehold property 4% straight line Plant & machinery 20% straight line Fixtures and fittings 20% straight line

Trade and other debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due 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 at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.

Trade and other creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

3
Income from Donations & Legacies
All figures in £
Individuals
Grants
Membership Subscriptions
4
Income from Charitable Activities
All figures in £
Fundraising events
5
Income from other trading Activities
All figures in £
Hire of Church Premises
6
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
All figures in £
Repairs & Maintenance
Fundraising events
7
Other Expenditure
All figures in £
Printing & Stationary
Premises Costs
Amortisation & Depreciation of Assets
Staff Costs & Consultancy
General Administration Costs
Legal & Professional Costs
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2025
2024
3,462
300
3,762
4,158
1,500
3,000
4,500
63,732
90
-
90
90
5,052
3,300
8,352
67,979
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2025
2024
627
-
627
284
627
-
627
284
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2025
2024
4,840
-
4,840
2,426
4,840
-
4,840
2,426
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2025
2024
1,976
-
1,976
10,686
2,969
659
3,628
46,459
4,945
659
5,604
57,145
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2025
2024
2,562
-
2,562
1,467
-
-
-
1,093
88
-
88
88
6,800
14,760
21,560
8,000
3,960
673
4,633
3,994
70
-
70
897
13,480
15,433
28,913
15,538

8 Trustee Remuneration

No Trustees were remunerated the current or prior period

On 6th August 2018, the London Historic Buildings Trust (formerly Heritage of London Trust Operations) made a grant of a 25-year lease to the Woolwich Garrison Church Trust in respect of St George’s Garrison Church.

The lease allows the Trust to “quietly enjoy the Premises… without any interruption or disturbance by the Landlord.” The annual rent has been fixed at £100 plus VAT per annum for the term of the lease. There was a lease premium paid of £1,000 plus VAT.

The Charity believes the Church falls within the definition of a heritage asset as defined by the Charities SORP, in that it is an historical building held and maintained principally for its contribution to knowledge and culture. It serves as a place of remembrance, has memorials to service personnel and is available as an attraction within the local community.

The Charity has decided not to recognise the Church in its balance sheet for the following reasons:

Firstly, the Church was gifted under a 25-year lease. This would require the Charity to disclose the gift of the building as a donation in the Statement of Fund Activities and then depreciate the building over the following 25 years. To do so would likely distort the accounts to the point where they no longer presented a true and fair view of the activities of the Charity.

More so, valuing the Church is problematic in itself as the building is a ruin, having been bombed during WW11. Valuing the ruin would likely be quite onerous for such a small charity and the value of doing so has to be questioned.

Recognition has only been made of the lease premium on the Church and associated legal costs.

9
Tangible Fixed Assets
All figures in £
Cost or revaluation
At 1 January 2025
Additions
At 31 December 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
Depreciation charge for the year
At 31 December 2025
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2025
10 Debtors
Other Debtors
Prepayments & Accruals
2,200
2,098
500
4,798
-
-
-
-
2,200
2,098
500
4,798
565
2,098
500
3,163
88
-
-
88
653
2,098
500
3,251
1,547

-
-
1,547
2025
2024
-
-
3,065
2,414
3,065
2,414
Leasehold
Property
Plant &
Machinery
Fixtures &
Fittings
Total
11 Creditors
Amounts falling due within 1 year
Loans from Trustees
Other Creditors
Accruals & Deferred Income
Movement in Funds
Restricted Income Funds
Armed Forces Day
RBG Disability Work Grant
Commonwealth & Gurkha Garden
Unrestricted Funds
2025
2024
-
-
-
-
(1,320)
3,588
(1,320)
3,588
542
(542)
0
-
500
(117)
383
82,999
2,800
(15,433)
70,366
83,541
3,300
(16,092)
70,750
11,952
10,520
(18,425)
4,047
At 1 Jan.
2025
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
At 31 Dec.
2025

Purposes and restrictions in relation to the restricted funds: Commonwealth & Gurkha Garden

Individual Donations and Events held towards the construction of a garden to commemorate the contribution of Commonwealth & Gurkha Armed Forces Grant towards work with those with Disabilities

Royal Borough of Greenwich