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← Burnham On Sea Baptist Church

2025-12-31-accounts

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Adopted: 19 April 2026

01278 794057 | BURNHAMBAPTISTS.ORG

COLLEGE STREET | BURNHAM ON SEA | SOMERSET | TA8 1AR REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1170311

Contents

Trustee Report 2025 ................................................................................................................................ 2 Governance, Leadership Team and Membership .......................................................................... 2 Governance .............................................................................................................................................. 2 Leadership Team ................................................................................................................................... 2 Membership............................................................................................................................................. 3 Sunday Worship ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Prayer ............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Children’s and Youth Work .................................................................................................................... 4 Sunday morning Creche ...................................................................................................................... 4 Lighthouse Club ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Teenagers ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Remix ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Tiny Tots ................................................................................................................................................... 5 Encounter Homegroups .......................................................................................................................... 5 Fabric Team ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Church communications ......................................................................................................................... 6 Other Church Activities ........................................................................................................................... 6 Community .............................................................................................................................................. 6 Meeting Place .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Wednesday Social Group .................................................................................................................... 7 Looking Ahead - 2026 .............................................................................................................................. 7 Trustees’ Annual Report – Charity Commission ............................................................................ 8 Independent Examiner’s Report ........................................................................................................ 15

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Trustee Report 2025

Throughout 2025, Burnham on Sea Baptist Church has experienced remarkable and sustained growth across many areas of our ministry. We have seen notable increases not only in our church attendance and membership, but also in the scope and participation in church activities, the number of Baptisms, the reach and impact of our community projects, and the stability of our church finances. Above all, we are witnessing a deepening of our collective love for our Lord Jesus Christ, which remains at the heart of everything we do. Whilst this year has presented some difficulties and obstacles, our commitment to following God's will for both our church and the wider communities of Burnham on Sea and Highbridge remains unwavering. We are encouraged by the hope and assurance that our Christian faith provides, sustaining us through periods of challenge and change. These are indeed exciting and transformative times for us, and we offer heartfelt praise to God for the ways he is actively working in and through our lives. We are grateful for the opportunities we have been given to share the love of Jesus with those around us, extending his grace and compassion beyond the church walls into our communities. With gratitude and anticipation, we thank God for His guidance and the blessings that continue to unfold.

Governance, Leadership Team and Membership

Governance

2025 has seen us remain in full membership and the support of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) and WEBNET, whose support and advice continue to aid us in running the church. We have strengthened our bonds with wider Baptist family with attendance by a representative at the AGM of both BUGB and WEBNET.

We remain a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and fully comply with all the regulations outlined by the Charity Commission. We continue to review our policies to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and continue to operate within the bounds of our constitution. We are also a member of the local churches together network, with Sophia Hurley and Graham Brown as our church representatives.

Leadership Team

We have seen a few changes to the leadership through 2025 with the appointment of one new deacon, Jacob Loveridge in March and his subsequent resignation in September when we employed him as our part time Children’s and Youth Minister.

The Leadership Team reorganised its structure in 2025 to better reflect the growing Church Family and delegate out responsibilities for day to day organisations to the wider Church Membership.

The leadership team continues to meet fortnightly to pray and discuss the practical matters of church life.

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The Rev. Rob Howlett has continued to serve full time while completing his NAMs training (Newly Accredited Minister), alongside being trustee of the Waffle Hub at the Methodist Church.

Jacob Loveridge was employed as a part time Children’s and Youth Worker in September 2025 while undertaking training at Bristol Bible College.

Rev. Rob maintains a strong working relationship with the Rev. Jade Zerk from Hope Baptist in Highbridge, with whom we have seen an increased sense of ‘togetherness’ as the churches join together in various activities and events. Rev. Rob also enjoys good working relationships with the other ecumenical ministers in the group, meeting with them monthly.

Membership

Membership has continued to see growth and by the end of 2025 we had 73 church members and an average of 100 people regularly attending our Sunday gatherings.

The number of volunteers has also increased enabling us to expand the work we do and activities we can offer. We regularly stream our Sunday morning services on YouTube and see an average of 70 views each week.

We continue to welcome all who join us and encourage everyone to participate in the activities on offer throughout the week. It is our goal to ensure that all are welcome in our church and have an opportunity to worship, enjoy fellowship together and be a part of the wider church family and, in doing so, that people are discipled and encouraged to grow in their faith.

Sunday Worship

Sunday mornings continue to be focused on facilitating hearing the word of God, through teaching, sung worship and prayer. We have seen the ‘multi-voice’ approach continue to grow and bear fruit, with a regular rota of people hosting, praying, leading, and preaching from within our membership. We continue to explore fresh expressions of worship and have committed to following God’s leading in how we approach our Sunday worship. It is our aim that church be accessible for all, and so 2025 saw us continue to explore how to do this more effectively, both within the core planning team and the wider leadership structure.

Once a month, as an alternative to our usual main Sunday worship service, we have continued to hold a monthly family/all-age services, which has been well supported and continues to grow.

We continue to see an increase our Sunday young people’s provision (both in ‘Lighthouse Club’ and Creche) to ensure accessibility to all ages.

With our Sunday evening ‘Encounter’ worship service on the last Sunday of the month, we have continued to see it well supported, notably there is a good sense of Ecumenical worship as those from other churches join us.

We remain committed that all areas of Sunday services are centred on God’s word, on the building up of disciples and worship of God. We also remain committed to making

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services as accessible, engaging and encouraging as possible while being open to new expressions as God leads us.

Prayer

Prayer has been a focus of the church, and we believe it is one of the reasons why the church is expanding and it has a clear vision.

The vision is to see 20% of residents of Burnham and Highbridge turning to Jesus. Many of the people who meet on Sunday Morning believe in this vision and are faithful to pray into that, with particular reference to praying for those who have lost or walked away from the faith for whatever reason.

They are also praying for the children and young people's ministries, happening on Sunday and throughout the week.

We meet every Sunday Morning half an hour before Sunday services just to pray in a specially purposed prayer room. Our hope is that more and more people catch the vision, receive answers to prayer and are encouraged to keep on praying. We would like to see more members being involved in prayer.

Every Friday Morning the church Building is open at 7am for an hour, allowing people to share a time of prayer for the church family and for the Community. This time is open to all.

Our aim as a church is to equip and help people engage in prayer, ensuring that prayer and hearing from God is at the centre of all we do, especially as we see the church growing and people receiving answers to prayer which encourages people's faith.

Children’s and Youth Work

Jacob Loveridge was employed as the part time (20 hours a week) Children’s and Youth Worker in September 2025. He is also undertaking a Certificate in Children’s, Youth and Family Work training at Bristol Baptist College. 2025 has seen the Church Children’s and Youth Work expand including:

Sunday morning Creche

A team of volunteers is led by Zoe Ryder support pre-school (0-4 years) on a Sunday morning. The children’s activities are themed around a bible story so that the children are learning as they play.

Lighthouse Club

Lighthouse Club continues during the morning services and now takes place weekly with the exception of the first Sunday of the month. Leaders take responsibility for planning a session of games, craft and teaching based around a theme each week. Regular attendance of the group continues to increase with church growth.

Teenagers

A number of activities have been held for the teenagers. A group has attended the monthly ‘We Are Movement’ worship events hosted by a team from the Bath & Wells Diocese and specifically aimed at young people. Additional incentive has been provided

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by a trip to McDonald’s on the way to the event! We continue to encourage our teens to take part in our Sunday worship, particularly the evening ‘Encounter Worship’ service each month.

Remix

A Thursday evening children’s club aimed at primary and junior school ages, held in the church building. The idea was formally launched with a ‘taster’ service in October 2024, when the congregation were introduced to a typical club evening including songs, games and a bible story. The church was very much behind the idea which was started in January 2025.

Tiny Tots

Tiny Tots continues to meet every Tuesday morning during term time. The babies and children bring their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and carers. Around 2030 families attend each week and for many it is one of the highlights of their week.

Almost every week there are new families. Many of our families have particular needs and have told us that Tiny Tots is a lifeline for them. Lonely parents and carers are able to make new friends, share their childcare questions and feel supported.

Encounter Homegroups

We started 2025 with 6 home groups meeting regularly. These groups have evolved and moved together in a way to Encounter scriptures that will help in our individual Christian lives as well as growing as a body of Christ’s Church.

Each of the groups have their group leaders, plus also a Pastoral coordinator. We have affiliated regular Church attendees and members, within a house group. This means there will be someone for each person who attends church, to have a contact, for pastoral or spiritual needs.

The leadership have been very encouraged with the way the homegroups have been progressing and increasing. Also, the overall growth in the Church both numerically and spiritually is encouraging, with many joining for the first time.

We believe prayer is very much responsible for the evidence of growth in the worship and witness amongst us. We are encouraged to tell others about what the Lord has done for us.

A new (7[th] ) Encounter home group and a Young Adults Encounter home group began through the year. We also look forward to seeing these groups develop in the same way as the others.

There is much to Praise God for in the lives of his people here in this local church.

Fabric Team

This year has been a very active year for the fabric team. We have been blessed with many volunteers, inside & outside the church, who have helped with the maintenance and development of the church.

Some of the major areas delt with this year are:

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Finishing off the renovation of the back school room in preparation for the introduction of a new Youth Café in 2026

Also undertaken this year:

Projects going forward:

A big thank you to Steve and Jenny Fraser who head up the fabric team along with all the volunteers.

Church communications

We have a weekly notice sheet which is sent by email to all those who have opted in to receive it; a paper format handed out before church services. The list of those opting in to receive our newsletter increased during the year. In addition, we continued to refresh the church website which is updated regularly with news and events.

We communicate with the wider community through features and stories published in local newspapers and websites.

Other Church Activities

Community

Revd. Rob Howlett is a founding trustee of The Waffle Hub Community Café, a joint project that launched in 2022 with the local Methodist Church, which is designed to alleviate loneliness, isolation, and food poverty. This initiative is also supported by several members of the congregation on a weekly basis.

We continue to demonstrate our commitment to our local community working with a number of Local and National organisations including Safe Families, Foodbank, and Food Pantry, as well as offer financial support to InHope (Bristol), Project Ruth, and The Leprosy Mission, among others.

We also take an active role running the Community Garden (based at Hope Baptist Church) which aims to support families from the local Foodbank who need fresh produce to supplement their weekly parcels. Alongside this we have run quarterly Community Lunches, serving a free three course meal to 60 – 80 locals and run two very

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successful Family Days (one in the summer holidays and the second over Christmas) for nearly 150 local and visiting families.

The success of these projects has been a real blessing to our community, and we must thank all the volunteers who tirelessly support the work.

Meeting Place

The Meeting Place continues to open its doors to welcome people for tea, coffee, and cake as well as hearing from local speakers and charities. During the year Eileen Wood stepped down from leading this group and the Trustees would like to thank Eileen for her commitment, enthusiasm, and leadership over the years. Jean Stanley, supported by Elieen, has taken over the baton and as numbers continue to grow, we praise God for the work he is doing to help the lonely and isolated members of our community through the work of The Meeting Place.

Wednesday Social Group

This is a new Group that started in September. The object of the Group is to create a space where adults, of all ages, could informally spend time together to build companionships, chat, form friendships, laugh, play card or board games, as well as a craft table all accompanied by tea/coffee and normally cake!!

At the end of the year there were 17 members on the book, and more folk are expected during 2026. There are plans to visit gardens, touristy type attractions, and local theatre trips from time to time.

Looking Ahead - 2026

We look forward with hope for 2026.

Our major new initiative for this year will be the introduction of the Impact Youth Café, opening up the Church School Room on a weekly basis to Senior School aged young people.

Other plans include: developing of our missional and community projects with Foodbank, Food Pantry, Safe Families, Project Ruth, The Waffle Hub Community Café, Open Doors, The Leprosy Mission, InHope, and others; the expansion of the community garden at Hope Baptist Church; running courses for new Christians as well as people exploring their faith; to continue to develop a youth programme including Remix Kid’s Club and drop-in service accessible to everyone; to continue to re-develop the use of our church building to include greater opportunities to share this amazing resource. But most of all, our plan is to see the Kingdom of God grow in Burnham on Sea and Highbridge.

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Trustees’ Annual Report – Charity Commission

From 1[ST] JANUARY 2025 Period start date To 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025 Period end date

Charity name: BURNHAM ON SEA BAPTIST CHURCH

Charity registration number: 1170311

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Activities Objectives and Activities Objectives and Activities
SORP reference
Summary of the purposes
of the charity as set out in
itsgoverningdocument
Para 1.17
The advancement of the Christian faith in
accordance with the principles of the Baptist
Union of Great Britain
Summary of the main
activities in relation to
those purposes for the
public benefit, in
particular, the activities,
projects or services
identified in the accounts.
Para 1.17 and
1.19
Please see ‘Trustee Report’ (pages 2-7)
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the
guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on
public benefit		 Para 1.18 The trustees have regard to the Charity
Commission guidance on Public Benefit and
plan their activities to ensure that they
comply with the guidance.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38
Policy on social
investment including
program related		 Para 1.38
investment

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Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38
Other

Achievements and Performance

Achievements and Performance Achievements and Performance Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the
charity, identifying the
difference the charity’s
work has made to the
circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any
wider benefits to society
as a whole.		 Para 1.20 Please see ‘Trustee Report’ (pages 2-7)

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41
Performance of
fundraising activities
against objectives set		 Para 1.41
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41
Other

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Financial Review

Financial Review Financial Review Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the
end of the period
Para 1.21
The trustees consider the financial
performance by the charity during the year
to have been satisfactory.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held
Para 1.22
The trustees consider that our reserves
should be maintained at a level to meet the
normal expenditure of the church for a six-
month period, adjusted to take account of
payments in lieu of notice to paid employees.
This sum is held in a deposit account with
BUGB.
Amount of reserves held
Para 1.22
£22,150
Reasons for holding zero
reserves
Para 1.22
N/A
Details of fund materially
in deficit
Para 1.24
N/A
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a
going concern		 Para 1.23 N/A

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal
sources of funds
(including any fundraising)		 Para 1.47
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the
principal risks facing the
charity		 Para 1.46
Other

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Structure, Governance and Management

Structure, Governance and Management Structure, Governance and Management Structure, Governance and Management
Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing
document
(trust deed, royal charter)
Para 1.25
Trust Deed / Church Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g. unincorporated
association, CIO)
Para 1.25
C.I.O.
Trustee selection
methods including details
of any constitutional
provisions e.g. election to
post or name of any
person or body entitled to
appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 The power of appointment and removal of
trustees is vested in the members of the
church in accordance with the provisions of
the church constitution. All trustees must be
members of the church.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees		 Para 1.51
The charity’s
organisational structure
and any wider network
with which the charity
works		 Para 1.51
Relationship with any
related parties		 Para 1.51
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charityname Burnham On Sea Baptist Church
Other name the charity N/A
uses

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Registered charity number
1170311		 Registered charity number
1170311
Charity’s principal address Burnham On Sea Baptist Church
College Street
Burnham On Sea
Somerset
TA8 1AR

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name **Dates acted if not for whole year **
West of England Baptist
Trust CompanyLimited

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity

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Name and objects of the
charity on whose behalf
the assets are held and
how this falls within the
custodian charity’s objects		 N/A
Details of arrangements
for safe custody and
segregation of such N/A
assets from the charity’s
own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address Adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

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Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

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Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
ls [SA
Full name(s) Robert William Howlett Graham Paul Brown
Position (e.g.
Minister Treasurer
Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date
21st March 2026
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VWNIIAII ori 5gA BAPTIST CHURCH Independent Examinerfs Report 15

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