New Wells Church Family
Registered charity no. 1173803
End of Year Financial Statements
Year ending December 2024
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Statement of Financial Activities
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year total funds 351,290 - 1,857 - 353,147 353,995 23,642 - 354 - 23,996 54,400 - - - - - - 1,347 - - - 1,347 1,263 13,084 - - - 13,084 9,569 389,363 - 2,212 - 391,574 419,227 - - - - - - 358,770 - 2,154 - 360,924 371,145 28,388 - - - 28,388 27,170 387,158 - 2,154 - 389,312 398,315 2,205 - 58 - 2,262 20,912 250 4,041 415 - 4,706 94,644 (4,456) - (250) - (4,706) (94,644) - - - - - - - - - - - - (2,002) 4,041 223 - 2,262 20,912 92,590 2,078,775 (4,492) - 2,166,873 2,145,960 90,588 2,082,816 (4,269) - 2,169,135 2,166,872 |
|
|---|---|
| Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies (Note 3) Income from charitable activities Other trading activities (4) Investments (5) Other income (6) Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds (7) Expenditure on charitable activities (8) Other expenditure (9) Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer Transfers Gross transfers between funds - in Gross transfers between funds - out Other recognised gains / losses Gains/losses on investment assets Gains on revaluation, fixed assets, charity's own use Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
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Balance Sheet Asat 3111212024 Asat 3111212023 Flxed assets Tangible Assets (Note 14) 2.343.550 2.343.550 2.345.075 2.345.075 Currenl assets Debtors (15) Cash At Bank And In Hand (16) 12.194 81,433 93.627 17,989 83,354 101.343 Llabllltlos Creditors: Amounts Falliro Due In On8 Year {17) 9.249 13,245 13.245 Net eurrent assèts less current liabllltl 84,378 88,098 Total assets less current Ilabllltl08 2A27,928 2.433.173 Llabllltles Greditors.. Amounts falling due after than yoar {18) 258.793 258,793 2,169,135 266.300 286,300 2,166,873 Tolal not assets less Ilabllhl•s Ropro8ontsd by Unrestrfcted Unrestncted - General Funds Deslgnated Designated - Marw Fund D85ignated- orseaS Mission Designated - Premises Fund Restrfcted Restricted - Community (Mjtreath Restricted - Fabric Fund R8stricted- SperAal Offering R8strfcted - Leadership D8vobpment Fund 92.590 2,082.816 2.078,775 (51 250 14,5141 283 {4,7751 Fund Totsls 2.169.135 2.166.873 The notes pages 4-15 fomi an integral part oftk£* accounts. The accounts were approveLI by theTrUst5 on 20 (ktotEr 2025 arKI sign1 on their llf ty Matthew W(KKlhill. Signed by: Matthew W(KMJhill. Trnstees 20 OctotKr 2025 Page3 of15
NEW WELLS CHURCH FAMILY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 BASIS OF PREPARATION
The accounts are prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP 2021), FRS102 and with the Charities Act 2011
New Well Church Family is a registered charity (no. 1173803) and meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a Income recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
b Donations
Donations are accounted for gross when received. Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognised when receivable and are included at fair value.
c 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.
d Investment Income
Investment income is included in the accounts in the year in which it is receivable.
e Expenditure recognition
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
f Costs of raising funds
The church does not make formal appeals for funds, and expenditure on these items is therefore not material.
g Grants payable
The church makes grants to other organisations whose charitable objects complement its work. They are accounted for when remitted.
h Support costs
Support costs are those that assist the work of the church but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs and governance costs. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Much of the management of church ministry is carried out without charge by
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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.
i Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £2,000. They are initially recognised at cost, or for donated assets, at a reasonable estimate of their value on receipt.
There is no reliable information available for the cost of the church premises and so on first time adoption of FRS102, the insurance value used previously was adopted as deemed cost.
j Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on fixed assets to write off the cost on a straight-line basis over their expected useful life, at the following rates:
Furniture and fittings 5 years
Computers and equipment 3 years
The church building and manse properties are not subject to depreciation as the intention is to maintain the buildings in such good repair that they continue to have an indeterminate useful life and the residual value of the properties is such that any charge would be immaterial.
k Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for specific purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for specific purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds represent those assets which must be held permanently by the charity. The church currently does not have any endowment funds.
l Employee benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the charity pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the charity has no further payments obligations. The contributions are recognised as an expense when they are due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the charity in an independently administered fund.
Prior to 2012 pension provision was made through multi-employer defined benefit pension plans. Further information on this scheme is contained in Note 21.
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3 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| ONATIONS AND LEGACIES | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Restricted Donations and legacies Donations 283,285 1,320 Gift Aid 51,141 538 Grants received 5,000 - The Well donations 11,863 - Legacies - - TOTAL 351,290 1,858 THER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted Other trading income Fundraising events - - TOTAL - - |
2024 284,605 51,678 5,000 11,863 - 353,147 2024 - - |
2023 270,051 49,073 22,500 12,371 - 353,995 2023 - |
||
| - |
4 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
In 2022 we held two craft fairs to raise funds for the church’s community outreach fund.
5 INVESTMENT INCOME
| NVESTMENT INCOME | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment income Bank interest TOTAL THER INCOME Other income Insurance refunds 3P Ministries Other income TOTAL |
Unrestricted Restricted 1,347 - 1,347 - Unrestricted Restricted - - - - 13,084 - 13,084 - |
2024 1,347 1,347 2024 - - 13,084 13,084 |
2023 1,263 |
| 1,263 | |||
| 2023 1,454 - 8,115 |
|||
| 9,569 |
6 OTHER INCOME
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7 RAISING FUNDS
| AISING FUNDS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Restricted Expenditure on raising funds Fundraising events - - TOTAL - - |
2024 - - |
2023 - |
| - |
8 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Expenditure on charitable Ministry Mission Staff costs Establishment/Administration TOTAL |
Unrestricted Restricted activities 63,157 1,914 38,775 - 116,257 - - - 218,188 1,914 |
Allocation of support costs 9,357 - 55,214 76,251 140,821 |
Total 2024 74,428 38,775 171,471 76,251 360,924 |
Total 2023 79,488 71,482 133,894 86,281 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 371,145 |
Allocation of support costs includes £239.40 expenditure of restricted funds
NI Allowance of £5000 (rebate) is included in the staff costs 2024
9 OTHER EXPENDITURE
| Other expenditure Loan interest Independent Examination Depreciation TOTAL |
Unrestricted Restricted 20,237 - 1,630 - 6,521- 28,388- |
2024 20,237 1,630 6,521 28,388 |
2023 19,479 1,680 6,011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27,170 |
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10 SUPPORT COSTS
| UPPORT COSTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Support costs Staff costs Rent Telephone and internet Utilities and council tax Building repairs and maintenance Insurance Office and administration Equipment, furniture and fittings Memberships and subscriptions TOTAL |
2024 55,214 15,350 3,610 22,184 16,650 5,051 17,921 3,698 1,144 140,822 |
2023 34,759 13,575 3,950 27,024 17,818 3,270 15,824 23,600 1,356 |
| 141,176 |
11 GRANTS PAYABLE
| Grants payable BMS World Mission Baptist Union (Home mission) 3P Ministries (general) 3P Ministries (church planting in Tajikistan) Fountain Church, Ashford Community Action Romania RCO Ministries Espero Global Baptist Twinning INEC Ashford Street Pastors D & D Flynn - Deaf Awareness Dnipro Hope Mission Other (gifts of £1,000 or less) TOTAL |
Unrestricted Restricted 2,000 - 7,000 - 7,000 - 4,000 - - - 3,000 - 5,000 - - - 2,000 - 2,000 2,640 - - - 4,045 - 38,685 - |
2024 2,000 7,000 7,000 4,000 - 3,000 5,000 - 2,000 2,000 2,640 - 4,045 38,685 |
2023 7,000 7,000 3,000 - 2,000 2,000 2,000 1,500 - 500 - 2,439 3,200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30,139 |
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12 NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR
| NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Net income for the year Stated after charging(/crediting): Independent examination Other services Loss(/gain) on disposal of fixed assets TOTAL |
2024 - - - - - |
2023 - - - - |
| - |
13 STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
| Staff costs Stipends, salaries and wages Employer’s National Insurance NI Allowance Pension costs TOTAL |
2024 151,879 10,721 (5,000) 13,871 171,471 |
2023 119,966 8,672 (5,419) 10,675 133,894 |
|---|---|---|
The average number of employees during the year was 9
During the year the church employed two ministers, one minister-in-training, a café manager, a media & communications manager and three cleaning staff. No employee received total remuneration in excess of £60,000 during the year.
The remuneration and benefits of key management personnel total £85,800.
In addition to the paid members of staff, many volunteers give their time and expertise in the delivery of the church’s ministry.
Trustees and related parties
The two full-time ministers, Rev M Hirst and Rev K James, serve as trustees in accordance with the church constitution. In 2024 they received the following remuneration and benefits in respect of their services as ministers. Each minister also occupies a manse owned by the church.
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| Managing trustee remuneration and benefits Stipend Employer's National Insurance NI Allowance Pension costs Council tax and utilities Travel expenses TOTAL |
Rev M Hirst 40,040 4,270 (1,992) 4,820 4,353 89 51,581 |
Rev K James 31,460 3,086 (1,439) 3,980 1,651 - |
|---|---|---|
| 38,738 |
A number of trustees and related parties were reimbursed for expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the charitable activities of the church. Such expenditure is not disclosed.
£325.65 in total was paid for three Trustees in respect of travel and training expenses.
Total donations received from the trustees amounted to £36,507 during the year. Donations to NWCF from related parties (individuals) amounted to £10,980 during the year.
14 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| ANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computers | ||||
| Land & | Furniture | & | ||
| £ | Buildings | & Fittings | Equipment | Total |
| LB | FF | EQ | ||
| COST OR VALUATION | ||||
| At 1 January 2024 | 2,337,250 | 178,431 |
5,919 |
2,521,600 |
| Additions | 955 | 0 |
4,041 |
4,996 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 2,338,205 | 178,431 |
9,960 |
2,526,596 |
| DEPRECIATION | ||||
| At 1 January 2024 | (672) | (170,289) |
(5,565) | (176,525) |
| Charge in year | (2,015) | (3,366) |
(1,140) | (6,521) |
| Net impairment movements | 0 | 0 |
0 | 0 |
| Depreciation on disposals | 0 | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| At 31 December 2024 | (2,687) | (173,654) |
(6,705) | (183,046) |
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||||
| At 31 December 2023 | 2,336,578 | 8,142 |
354 |
2,345,075 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 2,335,518 | 4,777 | 3,255 |
2,343,550 |
Land and buildings comprise the church premises on Hythe Road and two manses. The church premises value is based on insurance valuation (last revalued 2015).
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15 DEBTORS
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debtors | ||||
| Accrued income | 12,194 | 14,103 | ||
| Prepaid expenses | - | 3,886 | ||
| TOTAL | 12,194 | 17,989 | ||
| 16 | BANK AND CASH BALANCES | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| Bank and cash balances | ||||
| CAF Cash account | 25,623 | 8,157 | ||
| CAF Gold account | 40,323 | 57,021 | ||
| Metro Community account | 15,487 | 18,176 | ||
| Barclays Current account | - | - | ||
| TOTAL | 81,433 | 83,354 | ||
| 17 | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE | YEAR | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||||
| Loans and overdrafts | - | - | ||
| Other creditors | 7,696 | 8,476 | ||
| Accruals and deferred | ||||
| income | 1,553 | 4,769 | ||
| TOTAL | 9,249 | 13,245 |
18 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
| 2024 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one Baptist Union Loan 258,793 TOTAL 258,793 |
2023 year 266,300 266,300 |
|---|---|
The Baptist Union loan was taken out in 2021 to purchase the manse at 28 Sandilands and has a term of 20 years.
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19 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS DURING THE YEAR
| Restricted funds Community outreach Overseas mission Special – Special Offering Fabric Leadership development TOTAL Unrestricted funds General Overseas mission Premises Manse TOTAL |
01-Jan- 24 Incoming resources Outgoing resources Transfers Gains and losses 31-Dec- 24 283 1,211 (1,499) - - (5) - - - - - - (4,775) 500 (239) - (4,514) - - - - - - - - (415) 415 - - |
|---|---|
| (4,492) 1,711 (2,154) 415 - (4,519) |
|
| 92,590 389,363 (387,158) (4,206) - 90,588 - - - - - - 2,078,775 250 - 4,041 - 2,083,066 - 250 - (250) - - |
|
| 2,171,365 389,863 (387,158) (415) - 2,173,654 |
Purpose of restricted and designated funds
Community outreach – This fund was established to receive funds in support the church’s work in the community, including activities coming under the umbrella of ‘Love Willesborough’.
Overseas mission – This fund is used to support mission work in other countries.
Special Offering – This was used to raise funds for the mezzanine
Fabric – This fund is used for grants and funding for the refurbishment and development of the church premises.
Manse – This was used to raise funds for the purchase of a second manse in 2021.
Premises – This fund is used to house the value of the church premises, fixtures, equipment etc, and two manse properties.
Leadership development – This purpose of this fund is the development of leaders and it is currently used for the LEAD intern programme.
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20 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
| Analysis of net assets Tangible fixed assets Investments Net current assets BU loan TOTAL |
General Designated Restricted 259,779 2,082,816 955 - - - 107,665 (262) (23,025) (258,793) - - 108,651 2,082,554 (22,070) |
Total funds 2,343,550 - 84,379 (258,793) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,169,135 |
21 PENSIONS
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 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. [Members of the Basic Section pay reduced contributions of 5% of Pensionable Income, and their employers also pay a total of 5%.]
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.
The Minister(s) [and some members of the church staff] is / are eligible to join the Scheme.
Actuarial valuation as at 31 December 2019
A formal valuation of the DB Plan as at 31 December 2019 was carried out by a professionally qualified Actuary using the Projected Unit Method. At the valuation date the market value of the DB Plan assets was £298 million, whilst the level of assets needed to pay benefits was £316m, giving a deficit of £18m (equivalent to a past service funding level of 94%). The Church and the other participating employers in the DB Plan are collectively responsible for funding this deficit.
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The key financial assumptions underlying the valuation were as follows
| Type of assumption | % |
|---|---|
| p.a. | |
| RPI price inflation assumption | 3.20 |
| CPI price inflation assumption | 2.70 |
| Minimum Pensionable Income Increase Adjustment (above CPI) | 0.50 |
| Pre-retirement assumed investment returns (gilt yield plus 1.75% pa) | 2.95 |
| Post retirement assumed investment returns (including benefits | 1.70 |
| matched by the insurance policy) (gilt yield plus 0.5% pa) | |
| Minimum Pensionable Income increases (CPI plus 0.5%) | 3.20 |
| Deferred pension increases (based on RPI) | |
| Pre April 2009 | 3.20 |
| Post April 2009 | 2.50 |
| Pension increases | |
| Based on CPI with an annual floor of 0% and annual cap of 5% | 2.70 |
Mortality is assumed in accordance with 80% of the S3NA standard mortality table. Future improvements projected from 2013 in line with the “CMI 2019” projection with a long-term rate of improvement of 1.75% p.a. for males and 1.5% p.a. for femaleswith the core smoothing parameter and with additional initial mortality improvement factor A=0.5%.
The next actuarial valuation of the DB Plan within the Scheme was due to take place not later than as at 31 December 2022. However, the DB Plan is to be wound up, and the process to wind it up was started with effect from 31 March 2024 and therefore no formal valuation is due to take place.
Recovery Plan
In addition to the contributions to the DC Plan set out above, where a valuation of the DB Plan reveals a deficit the Trustee and the Council agree to a rate of deficiency contributions from churches and other employers involved in the DB Plan. Following the 2019 valuation a Recovery Plan was signed in September 2020 under which deficiency contributions are payable until June 2026.
These contributions were broadly based on each employer's membership at 31 December 2014 and increase annually in line with increases to Minimum Pensionable Income as defined in the Rules. 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. These contributions are payable under the recovery plan until June 2026. The outstanding deficiency contributions due under the Recovery Plan are not considered material and therefore have not been included in the balance sheet.
Pension cost
| ension cost | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pension cost for the year DC contributions for ministers DC contributions for staff DB deficit payments TOTAL |
2024 11,227 2,644 10 13,881 |
2023 9,655 1,009 12 |
| 10,676 |
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22 RELATED CHARITIES
Baptist Union
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 and the South East Baptist Association.
The church is in receipt of a loan from the Baptist Union Corporation as set out in note 18.
The church made a donation to the Baptist Union Home Mission Scheme as set out in note 11.
Willesborough Baptist Church Pre-school
Willesborough Baptist Church Pre-School operates out of the church premises and pays rent to the church for this. It is registered as a charity (no. 1175202). The Lead Pastor of New Well Church Family serves as Chair of Trustees of the Pre-school.
Brabourne Baptist Church
In 2022 NWCF entered a partnership with Brabourne Baptist Church (BBC) and both churches signed a memorandum of understanding. The partnership is designed to be mutually beneficial, with joint initiatives and shared resources. BBC makes a monthly donation of £2,500 to NWCF. NWCF supports BBC with pastoral support, some assistance with media and administration.
| Income from BBC Donations to NWCF from BBC Reimbursement of expenses TOTAL |
2024 2023 30,000 22,000 2,402 2,707 |
|---|---|
| 32,402 24,707 |
3P Ministries
Rev Mark Hirst works part-time for 3P Ministries (charity no. 1097597). In 2024 3P Ministries contributed a total of £12,976 in towards his salary. In 2024 NWCF supported 3P Ministries with financial gifts of £7,000 (general gift) and £4,000 (for church planting work in Tajikistan) as part of the church’s annual allocations.
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Independent Examine¢s Report to the Trustees of Incorporated Charity New Wells Famiy Church I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 st December 2024 Responslbllltles and basls of report Athe charity'strustees ofthe company (who are also directors of the companyforthe purpose of cornpany law), you are responsible forthe preparatlon of the accounts in accordance with the requirements ofthe CompaniesAct 2006 {he 2006 Act2) Having satisfied myself thatthe accounts ofthe Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in Spect of my examination of your chantys accounts as carried out under sectlon 145 of the Charltles Act 2011 ("2011 Act"). In carrylngout myexamination. I have followed the Dlrectlons given bythe Charitycommission (under section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent oxamln•fs Statement The company's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualffied to undertake the examination by being a quallfled memberofthe Association of AccountingTechnicians. I have completed my examinab"on. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believethat: 11. accountlng recordswere not kept Sn accordance wlth sectlon 386 ofthe Companles Act 2006; or 21. the accounts do not accord with such records; or 31. the accounts do not complywith relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companles Act2006 otherthan any requlrementthatthe accounts give a'true and fair vlewwhich is not a matter considered as partof an independent examination; or 41. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charttles SORP (FRS102) I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination towhich attention should be drawn In this report In orderto enable a proper understandingof the accountsto be reached. signed: dated. I5- OcE&ef 2Q25 Mrs Lesley Grove FMAAT Accuracy Accounts Sunnyside Church Lane Petham Canterbury Kent CT4 5RD
NEW WELLS CHURCH FAMILY, Hythe Rd, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent. TN24 0QR Registered Charity Number: 1173803 The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2024.
Aims and Purposes
New Wells Church Family (New Wells), formerly known as Willesborough Bap=st Church, is a charitable incorporated organisa=on and is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Chris=an faith according to the principles of the Bap=st denomina=on to include the advancement of educa=on, community service and such other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine.
The Church occupies premises which are held by the Bap=st Union Corpora=on Ltd on Trust which are en=rely compa=ble with the above objec=ve.
Objec3ves and Ac3vi3es
Our aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer rela=onship with Him as Lord and Saviour. We are passionate worshippers of God who love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are commiNed to His teaching and way of life and seeing new believers come into a personal rela=onship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. The Church provides a variety of ac=vi=es both to its membership and to the community generally. All these ac=vi=es are adver=sed on the Church’s website: www.newwells.church and many are also adver=sed on social media.
Church services
Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Chris=an worship. Our main services take place each Sunday at 10.30 a.m. There are also occasional services at other =mes which are adver=sed in the church weekly update, the church website at www.newwells.church and hNps://www.facebook.com/newwellschurch. We also con=nue to broadcast services at 10:30 via Livestream on our YouTube channel @newwellschurch and Facebook for people who are unable to aNend in person for any reason, and to widen our reach. There is a full children’s programme and youth provision on Sunday mornings.
We also make the Church available to a Nepalese community – Gethsemane House of Prayer – who use it for their own church services, prayer mee=ngs and Sunday School.
Children and youth
During the week Tot’s at the Well created a space where parents and carers could come with their preschool aged children to build community with other parents and engage in ac=vi=es to help their children grow and learn together. In the Autumn we launched a new Tot’s group at Brabourne alongside the already successful Oasis Cafe which has been a huge boost to the local community and seen many young families able to access community and support, while building connec=ons with the older genera=ons who aNend the café.
Our youth aged 11-17 con=nued to meet on a Friday evening where they were able to make friends, have fun and be introduced to the Chris=an faith. For those who wanted to go deeper in learning
about Jesus, a youth Bible study met on Monday evenings. Once again we were able to take some members of the Youth Group to the Big Church Fes=val weekend.
Prayer
Prayer remains a high priority for the church and there are several opportuni=es outside of the normal church services to pray with each other:
-
Early morning prayer at 6.30 a.m. via Zoom every Thursday.
-
Morning Prayers via Facebook each weekday morning at 08.00 a.m.
-
Twice-monthly corporate prayer at the church premises.
-
Frequent social media posts sharing tes=mony, inspira=onal thoughts, and general encouragement.
-
make the space comfortable and engaging offering another way/loca=on to pray.
-
Our Maundy Thursday half night of prayer and worship from 8 p.m. to midnight to
-
Fortnightly Thursday morning prayer at Brabourne to pray for the church and the local community.
Hospitality
Throughout the last year we regularly held a meal for newcomers to welcome them into the church family. We also held a Vision Lunch for new members to share the vision of the church and explain the benefits of membership. We held a Church Family Christmas Meal on 12[th] December where the Church Leaders hosted a meal in the church for the whole church family, including some guests from the local community. On New Year’s Eve, we held our first New Year’s Eve party and worship with food, games, entertainment and worship into the New Year. This was appreciated by people from across church life and the wider community.
Other Community Outreach
The Well, our community café, was open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year serving hundreds from the local community every week. Thanks to the Community Fridge and emergency food parcels through FareShare, we were able to support many individuals and families in need throughout the year. Within The Well, we also held Renew Wellbeing, a safe shared space where it is ok not to be ok. Renew supports those struggling with their mental health and enables them to build connec=ons, engage in simple hobbies and access support. We launched our CAP lifeskills course which supports people struggling financially to live within their means, eat well, grow in self-confidence and build healthy rela=onships.
The Real Meal provided a monthly space for men to connect with each other, build rela=onships and be inspired by a talk on a Chris=an theme. This was held at a local pub in Brabourne.
We con=nued our fortnightly Art Group to encourage and teach drawing and pain=ng skills. We held a regular craj group called Crajy Cuppa each month which was open to everyone and offered the opportunity to share skills and fellowship.
In July we hosted a free community event on our car park with bouncy castles, a train ride, BBQ and crajs with around 400 people from the local community aNending.
In October we provided a water/hype sta=on for the Givaudan 10k road race outside of the church which was greatly appreciated by the runners.
We con=nued to open our Stepping Stones Contact Centre - to enable separated parents to see their children in a supervised and safe environment fortnightly on a Saturday morning. Our building was also used by other organisa=ons, including North Willesborough Community Forum, Eat Well Spend Less Roadshow, Al-Anon and the local Councillors who held their surgeries in The Well on a Saturday morning.
We once again held our Very Messy Christmas event where we opened the church to the community and provided crajs, a dressing up photo booth and opportuni=es to pet small animals. This was very well received and was all free of charge. We also provided food for approx. 450 people aNending.
Discipleship
We con=nued our objec=ves of regular Bible teaching, encouraging spiritual growth, pastoral care, and community involvement in many different areas. We con=nued developing our discipleship groups encouraging people to join a small group to meet and discuss scripture and apply it to their lives on a weekly or fortnightly basis. We held Exploring Bap=sm courses online and saw 15 people being bap=zed this year, the most on record for any year. In the Autumn 166 people signed up for our Freedom in Christ course which has a significant spiritual impact on individuals and the church as a whole.
Raising up leaders
mentoring. We held teaching mornings on Saturdays which form part of the Lead Intern Program training, but we made them available to anyone who wanted to aNend. We had several people from other churches taking up this opportunity. We had significant input on leadership development from Adrian and Laura Lock from Enabled Leaders and Pieter Lalleman led a teaching day once more on Revela=on. Paula Chegwin con=nued her studies as Minister in Training coming into her final year at Spurgeon’s in the Autumn.
Brabourne Bap<st Church
The church has been working in partnership with Brabourne Bap=st Church since Autumn 2022. This has involved leaders from Willesborough Bap=st Church serving through preaching, worship, leading services, helping with outreach such as Tot’s groups and the Community Day held in May. Throughout 2024 the two churches have been in a discernment process to decide whether to become one church in the longer term. This will involve amalgama=ng the chari=es with Brabourne Bap=st Church (a charity by excep=on) merging into the newly named New Wells Church Family. In Autumn 2024, the churches agreed in principle to the amalgama=on and the trustees began the legal process and work required to make this happen.
Deaf Awareness
As a church we have been working with Denise and David Flynn to understand how to welcome and include the deaf community in the life of the church. This has started with a five part deaf awareness course aNended by around 40 church members. We are planning next steps, hopefully leading towards having interpreters on a Sunday morning and a group from the church star=ng on BSL courses.
Pre-school
The Church has a thriving Ofsted-registered and inspected Pre-School four days a week from 8.30 a.m.to 4.30 p.m. (A registered Charity as 1175202 - Willesborough Bap=st Church Pre–School). The current Ofsted ra=ng is good. The Pre-School employs 10 staff.
Safeguarding
The church recognizes its responsibili=es in safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk and has safeguarding policies and procedures in place. The church has adopted the ‘Safe to Grow’ guidelines produced by the Bap=st Union and ensures that all those working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately veNed through the Disclosure and Barring Service with references received
.
providing a benefit to the public in line with Charity Commission guidance.
Achievements and Performance
numbers, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees recognise that these are difficult to measure but believe that 2024 was another very posi=ve year in the life of the Church.
We are pleased to report that we have been able to pursue our mission purposes in 2024 with con=nued passion and enthusiasm and a greater apprecia=on of our calling as we lived out our Vision.
As of 31st December 2024, the membership stood at 238 And we are pleased to report that we have welcomed 37 new members this year. We also had the highest number of bap=sms on record at 15.
Local and County Councillors remain enthusias=c about the posi=ve part that the Church has played, and con=nues to play, in the life of the community of Ashford and are willing to provide assistance and enablement in the Church’s work and ministry. Members of the church also serve as volunteers in other local chari=es.
Organisa3onal Structure and Decision-making Processes
Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Cons=tu=on which states that the Church has open membership so that both persons who have been bap=sed in the manner described in the Bap=st Union’s Declara=on of Principle and those who have not been so bap=sed may be accepted for full membership.
The Members’ Mee=ng normally takes place four =mes per year and has responsibility for the overall policy of the church. In accordance with the Cons=tu=on, the members appoint Trustees who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Church’s work and witness and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. All Members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and prac=cal tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objec=ve.
Relevant maNers may be submiNed to the Church mee=ng by the Trustees for guidance or may be raised by Members aNending the Church Mee=ng for further considera=on by the Trustees.
Although the Cons=tu=on permits decisions to be made at Church Mee=ngs by appropriate majori=es, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible.
In November 2024 we appointed 2 new Trustees to the team with one of our trustees stepping down during the year for personal reasons and three of our exis=ng trustees stepping down at the end of their terms at the AGM.
Financial Review
The Church con=nues to raise the funds which it needs to carry on its ac=vi=es from within its own membership and congrega=on. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year. The church has also benefiNed from a grant from Kent Community Founda=on this year.
The Church expressed its part in the life of the wider church by making grants to na=onal and interna=onal Chris=an organisa=ons and socie=es with Chris=an aims and objec=ves compa=ble with the Church’s own charitable purpose.
The Church is heavily dependent on its membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the Church’s ac=vi=es, many of which run with liNle or no impact on the Church’s expenditure but nevertheless contribute substan=ally to the achievement of the Church’s objec=ves.
at the Balance Sheet date, together with ongoing income an=cipated, to enable the Church to func=on effec=vely in the coming year.
in place to minimise these risks.
Admint5trative Information Registered Address-. Hythe Road, Willesborough. Ashford, Kent, TN24 OQR. Charity Registration No: 1173803 Trustees: The Revd. Mark Hirst Iministerl The Revd. Katie James (Minister) rim Perks ITrea5urerl Monima Harrison Richard Stanford-Beale Matthew Woodhill IAppointed 7 November 20241 Benjamin Smith IAppointed 7, November 20241 th Property Trustees: The Baptist Union Corporation Limited, Baptist House. 129 Broadway, Didcot, Oxfordshire. OXII 8RT. Bankers: CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill. West Mallin& Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Examirber: Lesley Grove FMAAT Accuracy Account5, 27 Manor Close, Thanington Without, Canterbury Kent cri 3XA Licensed and regulated by AAT under licence number 5125 Signed by Mark Hirst Chair ot Trustees. 17, October 2025