REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1170141
GRACE CHURCH BRIDGEND
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 December 2024
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Grace Church Bridgend (charity 1170141) Year ended 31 December 2024
Trustees Report
The Trustees present their report of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objectives and activities
The objects of the charity, in summary, are to advance the Christian religion and to glorify God for the benefit of the public, in accordance with the Basis of Faith.
The church meets on Sundays in The Sarang Thomas Centre, Bryntirion, the premises of Union School of Theology, Wales Campus. Grace Church rents these premises on Sundays and at other times when needed. Other activities during the week take place in partnership with another local church and in homes of church members.
The church is a member of the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) and the AECW (Associating Evangelical Churches of Wales), and through FIEC links, Affinity.
The objects of the church (CIO) are achieved through teaching the Bible, making the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ known in the local community, encouraging members of the church and congregation in their spiritual growth, discipleship courses for new believers, Youth Bible study Group (in collaboration with another church), running Sunday School, Coffee Morning and homegroups along with expressing God’s love for people through responsible social action.
Public Benefit
In operating the charity, the trustees have considered the requirements to carry out the purposes of the Church for the public benefit as required by the Charity Commission.
With respect to the public benefit requirement, the church set up a youth group for secondary school-age children in cooperation with another local church, visited and provided hospitality to people in emotional, spiritual or financial need, held monthly meetings at a local old people’s care home (Oaklands Residential Home), took part in the Broadlands Fun day, fostered a welcoming community and promoted mutual understanding through its teaching ministry.
The pastor of the church, John Orchard was called upon to give support and pastoral care to members of the local community. He served the local community in his capacity as Chair of Governors of a local Primary School and took assemblies there regularly. He also runs a weekly Bible study at Hope Centre in Bridgend. This is a Christian charity that supports men and women who are struggling with life controlling issues.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Church members have continued to appreciate the variety and depth of bible teaching that the church offers. The additional Sunday evening service has continued to be popular with people who are new to church, presenting a less formal opportunity to examine topical issues, ask questions and discuss.
During the year the church supported missionaries and related aid organisations through prayer and financial gifts.
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Financial Review
Total income for the year was £44,415 (£37,638 in 2023). Total reserves carried at the year-end was £24,332 (£25,137 in 2023).
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The trustees also note that, as at the date of the statement of assets & liabilities the charity had:
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no funds which were materially in deficit
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no outstanding debt secured by a charge on any of the assets of the charity
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no outstanding guarantees
Reserves Policy
A minimum of three months operating funds is to be kept in reserve, primarily to pay staff salaries and rent. The current level of free reserves £24,332 (£22,270 in 2023) is more than this requirement.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Grace Church Bridgend’s constitution was adopted at a general meeting on 18[th] September 2016 and approved by the Charity Commission on 11[th] November 2016. It was amended at a general meeting of members on 11[th] September 2024.
Grace Church Bridgend is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Trustee appointment
Prospective trustees are proposed by existing trustees. The prospective trustees are voted on at a church members meeting.
Neil Edward Harries resigned as trustee on 22[nd] June 2024
Kevin Taylor was appointed trustee on 11[th] September 2024
Payments to Trustees
John Orchard received a salary and pension payments totalling £23,181 in the year, this figure includes employers National Insurance Contributions. John is a trustee of the charity and serves as pastor of the church. In addition, his wife Mrs Katherine Orchard, received as salary of £8,696 in the year.
ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Name of Charity: Grace Church Bridgend
Registered Charity Number: 1107141
Registered Address: c/o Kevin Taylor, 47 Deri Avenue, Bridgend, CF35 6TT
Trustees who manage the charity
John Peter Orchard Mark Liam Steele Kevin Taylor (appointed 11/09/2024)
No trustees hold title to property belonging to the charity.
Report approved by the Trustees on 22nd July 2025 and signed on their behalf by Kevin Taylor (Trustee):
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees and members of Grace Church Bridgend
I report on the receipts and payments accounts of Grace Church Bridgend (registered charity number 1170141) (“the charity”) for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, as set out on the following page 2 pages.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) but that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which give me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
James Wynne, ACA
Date: 22[nd] July 2025
54 West Farm Road, Ogmore by Sea, CF32 0PU
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Grace Church Bridgend Charity Number 1170141 Year ended 31 December 2024 Receipts and Payments account
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | ||||
| Offerings | 35,870 | 2,345 | 38,215 | 34,066 |
| Gift aid | 6,168 | 0 | 6,168 | 0 |
| Miscellaneous income | 32 | 0 | 32 | 540 |
| Grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,000 |
| Bank interest | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| Total Receipts | 42,070 | 2,345 | 44,415 | 37,638 |
| Payments | ||||
| Salarycosts | 31,877 | 0 | 31,877 | 29,514 |
| Missiongifts | 3,845 | 2,345 | 6,190 | 2,400 |
| Rent |
Assets retained for charities own use: computer equipment, defibrillator, portable signs Liabilities: PAYE due £nil (last year £751)
Approved by the trustees on 22ndJuly 2025 and signed on their behalf by Kevin Taylor (Trustee).
Signature:
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