ROSS BAPTIST -LJcHURCH Inspiring Ilves wlth thè message of Jesus Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Annual Report andAccounts forthe year ended 31st December 2023 Charity registered number: 1175785 Ro55-on.Wye Baptist Church, B)Jd SL R0$5-on.Wye HR9 7EA thurch Offi. The vefi, Hill Street. R055-on.Wye, Heref0rdshi, Hft9 7AD Tel: 01989 %A966. Em3il'. adnNn@f055baprisLorg SteI CharrtaE4e InttsTFQTrted Or8anisat¥Jn Nc*". 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 3tst Decembèr 2023 Annual Report and Accounts Table of Contents Annual Report andAccounts........-.........-........................-................................................... Report of the Trustee5............-.-...........-..........-.........-.-...........-...............-.......................... Objertives and activlties.............................................................................................................. Our aims ......................................................................................................................................................... Our objecbves................................................................................................................................................. Our communicatÈons...................................................................................................................................... Stsff ................................................................................................................................................................ Strategies.................................................................................................................................-............-......... Use of volunteers........................................................................................................................................... ActS¥ities and achlevernents........................................................................................................ How our activities deliver public benefrt........................................................................................................ Religious acttvrties....................-........-.......................................................................................................... Stru(re, governance and management.......................-.......................................................... Iz Organi5ational Structure........................................................................................................... Recruitment and appointment of trustees......... ......................................................................................... 13 Induction and training of tnjstees................................................................................................................ 13 RFsk Management....................................-....................................................................................................13 Financial review..............................-........................................................................................ Reserves policv..................................................-.................................................-........................................ General Fund................................................................................................................................................ 14 14 Investment pdicy and objeLtNes................................................................................................................. 14 Trustees ond Administratson...............-.............................................................................15 Trustees during theyear""........................................-................................................................................... 15 Safeguarding............................................................................................................................................... Statement of Trustee< responsibilitles in relation to the Financial 5tatements......................... 15 Reference and Administr3ts"ve Details...........................-.............................................................................. 16 Independent examiner........-....................................................................................................................... 16 Name of the bankers.................................................................................................................................... 16 Independent Exominer'5 Report to the trustees oARos5-on-Wye Boptist Church................17 Responslbilities and basis of report.......................................................-.................................. 17 Independent examinerfs ststement...-................................................................................... 17 Statement of financial acti¥ittes....................-........................................................................... 18 Balance sheet........................................................................................................................... 19 Cash flow Ststsment ................................................................................................................. 20 14otes to the accounts.....-........................................................................................................ Zl 12 14 RBC Annual rep for ttYearEnthng31.IL23J P4e2of16 Chity sted fiumber.. 1175785
R0$5-on-Wye Baptist Church Report frK the year ended 31st Dember 2023 Report of theTrustees for the year ended 31st December 2023 Objectwes and activities Our alms The objects of the charity are set out in the charitys Approved Goveming Document and are summarised as follows-. The principal purpose of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist Denomination. The church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdorn andlor other parts of the world. Our 'Mission' statement is: o be a people inspired by Jesus who share lrfe together and who are empowered to make a drfference in all aspects of lrfe." Our objectives Our objectives are set to reflect our faith and community aims. In carrying out this review, the trustees have considered the Charity Commissioners general guidance on public benefit and in particular its supplementary public guidan on the advancement of religion for the public benefiL Our aims continue to be the provision of a facility where the community in Ross-on- Wye and the surrounding district can worship, and also a facility that can be used by the general public as a safe pla to meet and provide activities. We also wish to cast a wider vision of transforming our town. county, and country and beyond to help make a world-wide community that is peafiJl. vibrant. and hamionious. healed through God's love. Our 'Vision' statement still states that at Ross Baptist Church: We will be a Church that seThes our communty and where people of all ages and abilities can develop a relationship kvith Jesus.. Our communications In our publicity. letterhead. and literature Our 'Mission' statement and 'Vision' ststement are combined and shortened to: °Inspiring lives with the message of Jesus." RKAnnual rerortfortheYearEnthr*31.11.23fy P4e3oF26 Clwity reeJnumttr. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Rewt for the year ended 31st Dember 2023 Staff Following the resignation of our prewous Minister, as outtined in last year's Annual Report, 2023 saw the church begin the search for a new minister. Following engagement with church members and regular worshipers a 'Church Profile, was developed and then advertised on the Baptist Union Website. Applications recetved for the position were considered by the 'search team. composed of a cross section of church members. A potential candidate was subsequently interviewed and considered by the wider church membership. Itwas decided at a church meeting thatthe individual was not the right person for the position and so the 'Church Profile. was set to be readvertised in January 2024. Thanks go to the members of the 'search team, for their faithful, diligent and prayerful counsel during this process. Desptte not having a minister the following staff were employed. Youth worker Pete Martin Children and family's worker Karen Be Children's worker Jane Griffiths Church administrator CAP Centre Manager Steph Ray Elaine Loe Pastoral worker (Volunteer) Dave Bery Strategies We continue to want to make Ross-on-wye Baptist Church an accessible and welcoming venue where the community in general. or those who wish to know more about our faith, can gather to leam about God's love and grace and to worship. The church building and the community centre (The Venue) are open for activities most days each week arKI support and guidance are available from the Church offi in The Venue when the church building is dosed. Regular teaching remains a feature of church life and the church community by way of Sunday services and weekday events. induding communion and house groups. The church's focus is not only inwards to Fts members. and an important part of its strategy is to provide help and support to the community at the point of need. For example, a Christians Against Poverty debt counselling Servi is operational. regular mentoring visits are made to the lown's secondary school, pastoral help and support is available to all. and support and help to those on the margins of our society feature heavily on its agenda. The church's finances are self-supporting through the gifts and donations of its members. As part of its strategy the church is also mindful of giving to those nationally and worldwide who have insufficient money to cover their basic needs for shelter. food. clothing, and who are destitute with no means of support. An important part of our strategy is community welfare and education. All our community activities are advertised. and we welcome the participation of all in our local community. Most of our activities. such as Kingdom Club and Family Fun Week ft8CAnnual reprrttstheYearEndtr%31.12.23.d Page4 of 26 Chaffty registered numtrw.. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Churth Rewt for the year ended 31st December 2023 (Holiday Club). are free and supported by donations or granl funding. Where a charge is made. concessions or bursaries are available in order to minimise exdusion of those in need. Use of volunteers Volunteers are an important resour in both our faith and community work. Volunteers are involved in most of our faith and community work and number approximately 60. All the church trustees give of their time freely. We encourage every church member to be involved in voluntary activities and to share their faith and skills with others. All those volunteers working with children and other vulnerable persons are DBS checked. Actlvitles and achievements How our activities deliver public benefit The charity carries out a wide range of activities in pursuan of its charitable aims. The trustees consider that these activities, summarised below, provide public benefit both to those who worship at Ross-on-wye Baptist Church and the wider community of Ross on Wye and its locality. All these meetings are open to the public. Though convenient. the separation befvieen "religious" and .Mmuni used below is entirely artFficial - with a great deal of cross-over betsveen the two areas. Religious acttvities The church provides a c£ntre for our worship. prayers. teaching. and other activities associated with our Chrislian faith. Sunday Worship The church gathered for public worship every Sunday in 2023 and held addtti'onal services at Easter and Christmas. The Sunday morning service at 10.30am is an opportunity forthe whole church family to join together. This begins by worshipping together. the children and youth then leave for their separate groups whilst further worship continues with scriptural teaching and ministy. servIs are live streamed via YouTube so that those who are unable to come to church in person for health or other reasons can still feel part of the communal worship and teaching. The streamed services are also available later on demand, a podcast of the teaching rs availabie from our website. and CD'S of the service are posted to church family who are unable lo attend the service and donl have access to the intemet. Many members of the church family contribuled to organizing and leading Sunday services. The church is gratefijl to all those who offered help and support RBCAnnual repDrtfortheYear Endine 31.IZ.23thx PaKe51rf26 Charityrefvred numbÈr. 1175785
R0$5-on-Wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st Dember 2023 Acts 435 We are involved in this national initiative which enables demonstrable need to be met quickty by targeted giving. We have two advocates within the church who offer this support to the local community. Believerfs Baptism We baptise people to help them bear witness to their Christian faith. There was 1 baptism in January 2023. Christians against Poverty The Wye Valley Debt Centre has two debl o)aches. Irene Rothwell. and Elaine Loe {Centre manager). We see 33 new clients each year and the debt ntre was fully booked in 2023. This year 12 clients became debt free. One debt free client was baptised after coming to faith through our cenlre. Every client we support is prayed for and given devotional material and offered a Bible. Helen Shipton heads the prayer team. We have monthly prayer meetings online and prayer and fellowship time throughout the year at RBC. Emergency emails are sent out for client needs and requests. Clients and supporters attend our social events. This year we held a community afternoon with live music, food and activities and a Christmas party. We also invite clienls to social events al the church and encourage befrienders to accompany them. Clients with children are invited lo RBC Family Fun events and Youth group activities. We issue vouchers for local food banks and larders and top ups for gas and electricity from CAP Head office. At Easter time clients received an Easter book for their children, Easter eggs and a meat voucher. At Christmas, each client received a present for every family member, a Chiistmas book sharing the gospel and food vouchers for various supermarket chains. The Centre Manager (CM) gives church talks at local churches about CAP. Etther a sermon or a CAP update. In addition to local talks. the CM is on CAP'S Nats'onal Speaker Team giving sermons in Abergavenny. Caedeon and Cardiff and speaking at CAP events. We work closely with many referral agencies in Herefordshire, Glouceslershire, and Monmouthshire. The CM attends events promoting our services at Job Centres, Food Banks, Community days, FVAF. Talk Herefordshire, Monmouthshire Charity services and one-off events such as Monmouthshire Show and Raglan Bapb'st Church Community Day. CAP supports our professional development with ongoing training and assessment tests. Debt coaches attend Iwo Regional Training days a year and an annual conference. CAP head Offi has strnggled financially following Covid 19 resulting in staff redundancies. Paula Stringer CAP'S CEO has moved back to the BBC. Nationally, fijnd raising is a priority to mainlain our debt service. Locally, we held a fundraising event in May to support CAPUK. RBC has several CAP Money Coaches. This year the course has been updated and relaunched as Money Coaching. All coaches are required to retrain to deliver the updated RBCAnn1 rewrtforthe Y&w Eftdi 31.12.23th¢Y F¥e626 h3rityre8i#ered number. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Reportfor the year ended 31st Dember 2023 course. Irene and Elspeth Metcalfe visit Prescoed and Usk prison each month to help people with money related matters and tun the Money Course. Chlldren and Families Work In March of 2023, Jane Griffiths joined the Children and Families team as our Children and Families worker. She is a wonderfijl addition to the team and is growing in confidence. making us laugh on a daily basis and is loved by all she comes into coniacl with. We give thanks for Jane and can't wail to see all that God will be doing through her work with us. Kingdom Crew is in its fifth year and the children meet every Sunday in The 011 Venue whilst the church seprfice in taking place in the church itself. We have babies through to year 6 who make a bubbly, enthusiastic crowd. We explore the Bible and consider Bible truths in a fun and interactive way which always indudes a Craft. Details of Kingdom Crew are updated to the church webpage and Facebook page every week. There are 9 volunteer helpers on the rota in addition to the Children and Families Team Lead and Children and Families worker. There are currently 20 regular children on the register and extra who attend on more of a visitor basis. Every fourth week of each month the children retum to church at the end of the service for Sharing Sunday. The third Sunday of each monlh is Famity Fun on Sunday. On these occasions, parents and carers stay with the children for the session and we explore a Bible theme together in The Venue in a relaxed and fun way. The sessions include lots of crafts. stories, games and songs and always end with a shared light lunch. We are just beginning year three of our Family Fun activities. SWY Also, as part of our Family Fun programme we have run fun sessions for families during each school holiday and a Family Fun Week during the summer for the past three years. These are opportunities for local families to be shown God's love in a safe and welcoming environment Im Kingdom Club is a group for year 1- year 6 who meet on Mondays duting Cllb term time in The Venue from 3.30pm- 4.45pm. Each session starts with snack and chat and includes games and activities based around a Bible story or Bible twth. Children from six local schools are represented and we are enjoying an influx of new members which we thank God for. There are currently RBCAnnual repjrtforthey&E1wJll 31.12.23Aocx Page726 Charityre4i5tered nurnber. 1175785
R05s.on-Wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st t>ecember 2023 16 members in the group. WeekFy meeting are updated to our Facebook page every week. Toddlers continues to meet every Friday during temi time at The Venue from 9.30-11.30 am. As you can imagine, these sessions can be quite INety and noisy and are so much fun. Children enjoy a whole host of activities and sessions always end with singing and sometimes even musical instrument accompaniment! The Open the Book leam has been taking assemblies in a local primary school fof seven years now and over recent years has been delivering a Bible story to the children every week. complete with costumes and singing. The team is currently made up of ten people. mostly from our church with two members from St Mary's church. In April. a second group. wtth six members, began presenling Open the Book assemblies to another local primary school. This group provides assemblies fortnightly. translorminil Ilvès for good Transfomiing Lives for Good: Now in its fourth year, the coaching team from TLG are going into a local primary school working with children in KS2. Each coached child receives an hourfs coaching time every week for a school year. In the past three years, nineteen children have been coached in this way, with greater potential to help more children this year as we welcomed a new coach to our team. This year an additional six children will be coached. Lgl¥b IIXIS Loaves and Fishes: Now entering its frfth year, the Loaves and Fishes programme is still going strong. Bags of store cupboard essentials are available to vulnerydble families in our town during each school holiday. This helps feed their families at a time when the children are not receiving their main meal from school. There are currently 20 families registered. Christian Marriage The church provides a venue for Christian marriage services. Furthermore, the church encourages Marriage Preparation and Marriage enrichment by conducting, as required. courses on these subjects. We celebrated two weddings at Ross Baptist Church in 2023. RBCAnftual rewrtf¢rtt*Year Emdiry 31.12ll3.docx Page 8 c426 ChaiityreÈi5tered number. 117S785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report forthe year ended 31st l)ecember 2023 Christian Mission The church conlinues to support communication ofthe Christian faith beyond Ross. The Church gave a proportion of its income to support Alan and Pauline Jordan. who are missionaries in Nanyuki, Kenya with Africa Inland Mission and Maddie Purcell who is in training with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). The church has a policy of ensuring that a tithe of our income is made available to support activity in mission and missional community benefit. Communion Communion is shared once a month as part of the Sunday moming servi. A short communion Servi is held twice a week. with one being both on zoom and in person. Community Food Larder The church is a participant in a community food larder scheme to provide practical help for the needy and those marginalised by society. Courses to Explore Christian Faith From time to time these courses (generally Alpha or Christianity Explored) are held for those who wish to explore the Chrisb'an faith. Festivals The church recognises and celebrates the major Christian festivals of Easter, Pentecost. Harvest and Christmas. Atl services are open to the public. Freecycle The church usually organises a quarterly event at The Venue Whe surplus goods are offered free to those in need. Funeral facilities The church is made available for those who wish for a Christian funeral. Halls and rooms The Church owns a building (rhe Venue) with a large hall and medium sized meeting room which it uses for its own events: the facilities are available for rent by the community and are used for various activities. The main extemal user is a youth group that operates three evenings a week. The Church building is made up of the Sanctuary and hall, both spaces are available for rent by the community. This year, in addition to occasional use by community-based groups for meetings, the facilities have been used by art groups, community interest•orientated groups. coffee mornings, concerts, children's and youth clubs, and family liaison meetings supervised by local social workers. RBCAnmial reportforthe Year Endiry 3L12.23.doL¥ Pa8e 9 Lrf26 Chaiityregstered number. 1175785
Ros5-on-Wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st December 2023 Infant dedicalion From time-to-time requests for infant dedication are agreed and these normally take pla as part of Sunday moming seri1s. InterenOMInational and faith dialogue Ross-on-wye Baptist Church is a member of Churches Together ROsSn-Wye (CTRD) and is open to promote inter-faith dialogue and social cohesion. During the year we met with other churches in Ross for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Easter Sunrise Servi. World Day of Prayer, Servi to lebrate the Coronation of King Charles, and the introduction of occasional prayer meetings. Membership This has grown slighuy through 2023 - It started with 88 Members and at the close of the year there were 94 Members. Men's Ministy A monthly men's breakfast is held in the church hall and is attended by men from the church and the community. Mentoring We currently have in the order of 80 students on our list at John Kyrle High School, where the school asks us lo engage on a 1.1 basis to encourage young people who are having difficulties. Pastoral care The pastoral care team provided signfficant amounts of help and support to the church as well as to the wider community. The church is grateful to the whole team for their contribution to this aspect of the church's life. Prayer Life of the Church There are prayer meetings 5 days of the week. All meetings are held on zoom to make them more inclusive. Three of the meetings are hybrid, in-person and on zoom. Seniors Lunch Club (Horizons) 2023 has been a year where numbers of guests who attend the Wednesday Lunch club have become more estsblished, as eldedy folks became more confident of being out and about again. The average number of guests for lunch was 20. People really enjoyed rebuilding friendships, and there was also a steady number of new people who joined us. Activities that took pla were - chair exercises. dominoes and other board games, poetry reading and lots of conversation. R8C Annual rep¢t fwtheYearEn(fir31.12.234xx P4elOd26 hityrwstered numbpr.. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report forthe year ended 31st December 2023 A light lunch including homemade soup was served and there was a talk or Quiz after lunch, the time ending with a short devotion. A consistent and comrnitted team of helpers has really made folks feel al home. Small groups A number of small groups operate from within the church and together have served more than 100 members and friends. These meetings are held in a variety of locations, at peoples. homes or the church, at various times and days in the week, one group continues to use zoom. These groups develop friendship and mulual support through shared Bible study and prayer. The study topics are chosen by the groups to rneet their needs and have ranged from thematic to book based and from deeply doctrinal to practical application. All small group leaders are either trained in safeguarding or have group members so trained. Weekly Coffee Morning A weekly coffee moming tskes pla in the church hall and has a steady 'regularf dientele who welcome the quiel, friendly atrnosphere. During the winter of 2023 it was part of the Ross Wami Space scheme offering a light lunch to those who needed it. Youth Work Thank you for all the youth leaders who have gFven so much of their time and energy to the work. We continued in 2023 with groups on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and most weekends: Sunday- We have recently seen a few more join who are not linked to Church through their parents. We have continued with a varied programme usually involving games, film clips and always looking al God's word. We have looked at 1 Timothy, Apocalyptic literature, Creation, Dangerous animals. Joshua. Monday- We are a small group. always l¢J)king for new members. We continue to see new faces from time to time and enjoy snacks, games and looking at God's word in imaginative ways. We have looked at 1 Samuel. how do we know Jesus is the Messiah? Jeremiah, Miracles, one week on.... Wednesday- The young people walk down from sch¢x)l. and we have a time to chat usualty with food kindly donated by Greggs. We then k)ok at God's word and end with a game. We have great fun and meet with several young people from pre-chrislian homes. We have looked at celebrities, food in the Bible, individuals in the Bible. us in the Bible (e.g. Peter, Miriam, Michael...etc). Thursday- We start with a meal and look at God's word befo ending with a game. Almost all of Ihe group are currently not Christians, but we have a good time and l arn convinced they Rec Annual rewytfortheyear Enth831.12.23.thxx Page iid26 Char*ty wstered Dumiw.. 1175785
Ross-on-wye BaptÉst Church Report fr)rthe year ended 3tst December 2023 are moving closer to God. We have Icrf)ked at Jesus, miracles, jobs in the Bible and unfortunate deaths in the Bible. FridaylSaturday- The first Saturday of the month is the Branch area youth worship event. It is always a good time. One Friday night and one Saturday we meet for diverse fun activities.11 is great to see new members join. Summer- We took 12 young people to Satellites and 10 young people to Youth Week in Norfolk. Satellites was a time to draw us closer to God, Youth Week was hard work but a good time for team building and hearing God's word. John Kyrfe High School - There are currenty 4 Christian mentors in JKHS from 3 different Churches who work hard mentoring students who are struggling in one way or another. Structure. governance and management Organisational Structure The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees give their tirne freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits, apart from: the Pastor, when in post. who is a managing trustee and paid employee of the church. and. the manager of The Venue who. with the agreement of the members, is paid for his time undertaking that work. The trustees meet together as a corporate body bi-monthly and comprise: Elder trustees whose prime responsibilities are to focus on the spiritual well- being, pastoral direction, vision casting and care of the leaders, church members and congregation. Church member (managing) trustees whose prime responsibilities are the supervision of the day-to-day management of the church, including finance. premises. health and safety. staffing. child protection and insurance. The Elder trustees generally meet monthly in addition to meeting with the managing trustees. To assist in the smooth running of the charty the trustees have set up a number of sub-groups that help them oversee rtain aspects of the charity's work. Sub-groups are currently established for finance. pastoral work, welcominglhosting. ladies, breakfast, and AV team. Each group reFK)rts back with their recommendations to a R8C Annual rtPL¥t fLYth2Year EDdiTh%31.12.23.doc¥ Page 12 0126 Chaiity re4istered number.. 1175785
Ros5-on-Wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st Dember 2023 full meeting of the trustees and to the church members, meeting. Sub-groups meet at appropriate intervals. The chair of trustees chairs the church trustees, meetings. The chair of trustees is a managing trustee. who also attends meetings of the elder trustees, thus achieving a fully informed 'cross-overf with both charity trustee c£)mmittees. The church managing trustees are accountable fully to the members, church meeting which is ultimately the decision-making body in accordance with the Approved Goveming Document. Day to day management of the church. community facilities and projects is delegated to staff, assisted from time to time by volunteer workers. Recrultment and appointrnent of trustees The existing trustees are responsible for the appointment of new trustees in accordan with the Approved Goveming Document of the church. Nominations are sought from members of the church and a process of election in accordan with the Approved Goveming Docurnent subsequently takes place. In selecting new trustees, the church seeks to identify people who are church members, are actively engaged in the activities of the church, have apostolic gifts as outlined in the Bible and ssess. when necessary. personal cornpeten, specialist knowledge and skills. Induction and trainlng of trustees Following SUCssful election and appointment. new trustees are intrOdUd to their new role and given copies of the Approved Goveming Document and the Baptist Union Corporation Limited publication C15 - Help I'm a Charity Trustee. Direction towards looking at a number of publications from the Charity Commission is also given. Included in this is the guidance on churthes and public benefit and on the advancement of religion for the public benefjt. All trustees are required to participate in. and be certified as having completed. safeguarding training. These procedures ensure that new trustees are aware of the scope of their responsibilities under The Charities Act. Risk Management The trustees have assessed the risks the charity faS and have drawn up a number of policies to address the major risks associated with our estate and activities. These deal with the nature of the risks. the likelihood of the risks happening. and the measures taken to manage them. RBC knwal reFWtftrtheYear en31.]25.1kn P4eUof26 registsted number.. 1175785
Ross-on.Wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 3tst December 2023 The policies are reviewed regularfy by the trustees. The chair of trustees reports on a regular basis any changes in risk factors to the relevant trUSts, meeting and to the church members, meeting. The trustees are satisfied that policies and systems are in Pla to manage the risks that have been identified. In particular that Insuran cover is in place. Health and Safety issues are identffied. Safeguarding poliS are documented and followed, Significant Risk Areas are reported and the fInanS of the church are kept under regular review. Appropriate Disclosure Barring servi (DBS) checks. supported by regularly reviewed policies, are made for all those who work wtth children. young people and vulnerable adults. All leaders of activities at which children andlor vulnerable adults could be present are required to participate in. and be rtffied as having completed. safeguarding training. The systems neSSary to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation UK are in pla. Financial review Reserves policy We believe that the needs of the church will be met by God at the proper time, but we recognise also that pruden and recommended charity practi both require there should be a formal policy on reserves. It is important that a sufficient balance of funds should be held within the General fijnd to enable rt to meet all its financial obligations as they fall due. and to that end the Trustees consider we should maintsin a working balance in the General fund equivalent to three months expenditure - approximately £50,000. On 31 December 2023 the balance of £198,122 in General Funds exceeded that figure by a comfortable margin, subject to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the pensions liability. although the risk there appears to have been mits'gated significantly. General Fund The church continues to raise the funds which tt needs to cary on ts activities from within its own membership. The church is heavily dependent on its COnggatIon working as volunteers in all aspects of the church's activities. many of which run with little or no impact on the church's expenditure. but nevertheless contribute substantially to the achievement of the church's objectives and to the public benefft. Investment pollcy and objectives The charity has no long-tenn investments. Cash reserves are held in deposit accounts. RBC knnual repcrt for theYearEn¢fin831.1123.du p¥e1426 Charfty remre(I numr.. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Reportfor the year ended 31st December 2023 Trustee5 and Administration Trustees during the year rrtle Forenarne Surname Mr. Michael Agyeman Blake Role Note5 Re-Appointed 301071202112 years) Re-appointed 16107/201815 Year51 Mènaging Trustee Appointed 171071202313 Years) ManaEing Trustee Appointed 301071202112 Years) Chair & Managing Trustee Appointed 3010712021 {3 years) Managing Trustee Appointed 171071202313 Years) Ekler Trustee Appointed 2611012020 (7 years) Treasurer & Elder Tftee Re-appointed 161071201816 years) Managing Trustee Appointed 30107/202113 years) Managing Trustee Re-Appointed 30107/202112 years) Managing Trustee Resigned 17/0712023 Elder Trustee Appointed 261101202017 years) Elder Trustee Re-appointed 161071201816 years) Chair & Managing Trustee Resigned 3110312023 Managing Trustee Elder Trustee Mrs. Liz Mr. Pete Brown Mr. Cliff Clarke Mr. Andrew Downing Moore Mrs. Philippa Mrs. Irene Rothwell Martin Skirrow Mr. Mike Spenr Miss Rosemary Sutton Mr. Vincent Tweed Rev. Peter Wade Mr. Nick Wardale Dr. John Wilson We would like to take this opportunty of thanking both John and Vinnt for their wisdom. discernment and Servi as Trustees of the Church. Their contribution will be gready missed. Safeguarding Designated Perg)n for Safegjarding: Deputy Designated Person for SafeguardirvJ: Safeguarding Trustee: Sue Wardale (resigned 20111123) Position currently empty. Michale Agyeman Irene Rothwdl Statement of Trustees, responslbilities in relatlon to the Financial Statements The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102.. The Financial Reporbng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounb'ng Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charty for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: RBC*Mnual reportfortheYearEndin831.12.23 15 of26 tharityregistered nu¢nbÈr.' 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st Dember 2023 Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., Make judgmenls and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and Prepare the financial stalements on the going concern basis unless ti is inappropriate lo presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disdose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial posib'on of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Reference and Administrative Details Ross on Wye Baptist Church is a charity registered with the Chartty Commission in November 2017 (No. 1175785). Administrative Offi. Ross Baptist Church The Venue Ross-on-wye Herefordshire HR97AD Independent examiner PJC Metcalfe. Chartered AccountanL Hildersley Cottage. Ross-on-wye. HR9 7NJ Name of the bankers CAF Bank Limited (CBL). 25 Kings Hill Avenue. Kings Hill, West Malling. Kent ME19 4JQ. Registered under number 1837656. This report was approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by.. Andrew Downing 25UI October 2024 Chair of Trustees. Ross4Jn-Wye Baptist Church. RBCAnnval rewtforthe Year Endiw31.1123Ao Page16of 26 owrirYT*erd nUmr.. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Reportfor the year ended 31st Dember 2023 Independent Examinevs Report to the trustees of Ross-on-wye Baptist Church I report to the trustees on my examinab'on of the accounts of the above charitable incorporated organisation (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023. 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 Chartties Act 2011 (°the Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trusys accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the Act. Independent examlnerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the exarnination which give me cause to believe that. in any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Charities Act. or the accounts did not acrd with the accounting reLX)rds' or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fomi 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 fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no COnM5 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 understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 9th July 2024 Peter J C Metcalfe Ross-on-wye Chartered Accountant ¥tec Annual reprrtfrthÈYear Endttr)g31.IZZ3th Page 17d26 thity rwstered number.. 11757
R055-on-Wye Baptist Church Report forthe year ended 31st December 2023 Statement of financlal actlvltses Vnrestrltted fund5 RÈ5tricted Endowment Total General Deslgnated funds funds Total 2022 Donations and legacies Charitable artivtbe5 Investment incomè Total income 155,632 9,Tr34 2.873 167599 751 19.620 I76,3 187,572 27.876 29,645 2.889 695 206,768 217.912 18.782 16 19,549 19.620 ExPendIre on: Charitable activitie5 135,833 19,971 26. 182.412 178,771 Totsl expenditure 135.833 19.971 182,412 178,771 r4et Incomè 31.766 422 24.356 39,141 Transfer re children's worker Transfer re kitchen project Net mo¥emerrt in funds 7.435 10,381 49,582 -7.435 -5.382 -13.239 -11,988 24.356 39,141 Total fund5 brought forward 148.530 59,943 52.025 50.{X 310.498 271,358 Total funds carried forwayd 198.112 46.705 40,037 50.(KI) 334.854 310.499 RBCAnnual rewrrforthe Year Endlw 31.12.23knc< Pate 18of 26 (harityregi5tered number". 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st Deomber 2023 Balance sheet 2022 Fed assets Tanglble fixed assets 124.387 114.164 Current assets Debtors Cash in hand and at bank io 7.293 214,982 222,275 7.254 192.788 2(D,042 li Currffit liabilitles Creditors.. amounts frdlling due within one year 11,808 3.677 210,467 196.365 Total assets less current liabilitles 334 310,529 Nonvcurrent liabil1t#s Creditors= amounts falling due after one year 30 334.854 310,499 Charftable furKIs Unrestrirted funds Re5trirted funds Endowment fiJnds 14 244.817 40,037 208.474 52,025 15 334,854 310,499 The accounts were approved by the trustees on * July 2024 and signed on their behalf by.. Andrew Downing Chair of Trustees RBCAmnual rewtfcthEYearEnthJw31.IU3J) Page26 Chkn registered Nmben. 117S785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Rem for the year ended 31st Dember 2023 Cash flow statement 2023 2022 Cash flows frnm operatlng attibities: Net income forthe year per the ststement of financlal Activities 21,466 Adjustments for= Depreciation charge IDecrea5el increase in debtors IDecreasel Increase in treditors 2,645 -39 8,101 2.645 -24,613 Net cash (usedv provided byoperallNdattivft 32,173 16.292 Cash flows from In¥estir¥ arti¥ltles Investment interest Capttal expenditu on property 2.889 .12 695 Net cash In Investlng ac1kntr1capital eX11tre -9.979 16.987 Change In cash and cash equivalents lfi the year 22.194 16,987 Cash and cash equr¥alents at the beÈinn5ng oftheyear 192,788 175,801 Cash arrfl cash equiwalents at the end of the year li 214,982 192,788 The notes on pages 21 to 26 form part of these accounts. RBCAnnual feporrf¢rtheYe3r EtyjI 31.1123Jlct< P4e 20ot26 tharityreBi5tered nvmber.. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Rept forthe year ended 31st Dember 2023 Notes to the accounts l. Accounting policies 1.1 Accounting convention The charrty is a public benefit entty wrthin the meaning of FRS 102. The actounts have been prepared under the Chartbes Act 2011 and the 2015 version of the Ststement of Recommended Practi. Accounling and ReplIng by Charities (SORP (FRS 102)). The accounts have been Fwar&J under the historical cost c(Mwerikn and on a going cOnM basis. 1.2 Income Donations are recognised when received, inu)me tax on Gift Aid donations when the related income is recognised, legacies when their receipt is reasonably rtain and can be properly ouantlfied, and investment income in the accounts in the year in whith it is receivable. 1.3 Expenditure l expenditure is included on an accnFals basis and is CogniSed where there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay. The charity is not registered for VAT and accordÈngly expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT. The Church makes grants to other organisations tharitable objects complement its wort to pÈople working in complementsry Cl)ri5tian ministry. and knthe reliefof the FKJor in the local community. Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over. Support costs a considered to be wholly attributsble to the estsblishment activity. 1.4 Funds accounting Ftsnd5 held are either: Unrestricted - general fund to be used in accordan with the dwritable objects at the discretion of the tnjstees - designated funds- set aside bythe church ortrusteÈ5 ¢>Jt ofthe unrestiitted general fund for specific future purposes, or Re5tri¢ted - held under charty law under spectfic trusts. declared by the donor when making the glft or resulting from an appeal for fijnds for a swafic purpose. 1.5 Fixed assets The church premises in Broad Street. Ross-on-wye. are held by the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd charity no. 249635 as Custodian trnstee and are considered to be the pemianent endowment of the tharity. The historical cost is not known, and they are not shown at market value or depreciated. The ¢hurch is also the beneficral owner of The Venue. Hrll StreeL Ross-on-wyè. sijbjett to the relevant trusts of which the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd is the CLlan trustee. This building is used for the children and youth activities of the church. and by the l(Kal communtty, and houses the church offros. Freehold land and buildings are included in the accounts at cost where that is known. less depreciation provided on the straight-line method. Depreciation on the buildin85 is (alLiJlated to write off the c05t on a straight-line basis over the expected usefvl lrfe of the asseL at the followng rate: Buildings 2%pa The cost of fumtture. fittiw and equipment is written off at pur(hase and not capitalised. RBCAnnual rewtfortheyear Endv*31.IU3AIoc4 Page21rf26 Chwtty re815tered tTrumbeT.' 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report forthe year ended 31st Dember 2023 1.6 Penslons The Church participates in a number of defined tx)ntribution arrangements and in addition is a participating employer in 3 multimployer defined benefft sthemewhith is al accounted for as a defined contrib10 scheme as It Is not possible to identify the Church's share of the undedying assets and liabilities. Contributions tothe sthemes are char8ed to the atnts In the period to which they relate. The Church is obliged to make further contributions to the defined benefit 5d)erne in re5pe¢t of employment service before 31 DeInber 2011. This scheme closed to further accrual on 31 t)ecember 2011 at which point it was replaced by a defined contribution plan. Further importsnt inforniation aboutthe defined berfit scheme is given in note 16. 1.7 Financial instruments The charity only ha5 financial assèts and financial liabllities of a kind that qLtalify as basic financlal instruments. 8asic financial instruments are initially reco8nized at traractIon value and subsequently measured at their settlementvalue. 1.8 Going concern The trustees have Teviewed the on80ing fuwre of the thartty and are satisfied th the are no mateTial uncertainties that may cast signffKant dwbt on the thariWs abilty to continue as a goin8 conrn. R8C rep(wt INtheYearEnthr31.12.23.1x P4eZZd26 Chailty WiStÈrednumbw'. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st Dember 2023 Notes to the accounts (continued) Unrestricted funds Generdl DesIated f)d$ 2022 Total 2 Donations and1È8a(ie5 Total Offerings and gifts Income tax recoverable 131.540 751 18.235 150,526 162,996 751 187 572 3 Income-tharftable athibe5 Use of premises Outreach Youth wo 835 2.738 18.782 19.617 2,738 5.521 19,180 5.962 4 Investment income Bank interest 1873 16 2.889 695 Totsl Sntome 167,599 19.549 19.620 2,768 217.912 S Expendlturhar1ttb1e actIe5 Ministry & mlsgon Unrestricted fund5 General L)esiEnated Restrfcted Funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Salaries & national insurance Pension costs Ministry support costs Gtfts to speakers Miscellaneous ministry costs Children and young people OLrtreach Catering Office costs including salary Publitity Sundries Mission and othergiFts Inote 71 49.229 2,362 2,136 11,686 60.915 2,362 2.136 862 3.182 11,576 13.021 1,190 17.358 173 825 65,097 3,287 1,481 875 3.340 11,150 15,347 I,7 15,838 3.182 11,245 630 1.1 17.358 173 331 12390 219 I,Ic 259 138 433 137 478 Establishment Building repairs & maintenan Equipment replacement & repairs ght and heat Water Insurance Cleaning & management 4,886 139 8.721 517 1.814 6.7(Kl 9,025 10,352 1.057 6.463 30.458 1,989 10,158 402 5,974 1.630 541 133.188 19.971 26,fA)8 179.767 194.843 Net Income before provislons 34,411 422 27.CMX) 23.069 Provlslons Inon-¢ashl Depreciation Finan cost of discount Unnd Redurtion in pension liabiltty Total proVIon$ Total expendÈture & provisions 2,645 2.645 2.645 261 135 833 6 Net Intome 31,766 422 24,356 39.141 RecAnnual rewt ftytheyear EndNw3LlIJthJ 23rf26 Chmity wstered nymEer'. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report for the year ended 31st December 2023 Notes to the accounts (continued) Charltsble donations and grnnts Ure$trk Restricted Total 2023 Total 2022 Baptist Home Mission BMS Worfd Mission AIM Ian & Pauline Jordan) Stew3rd5hip Fund IDe5ignatedl Acts 435 M. Purcdl Others 6.600 6,6(K) 416 2.705 22(KJ 12Crf) 4.631 4.258 24.833 4.631 4,258 22,633 1,485 18.310 2.2(Kl Employees The average number of person5 employed during the year was: 2022 Employment costs Salarie5 Social security costs Pension ¢05ts 74.619 75,537 1,771 3.059 77.678 81.212 No employee ceiVed emoluments in excess oF£60.IXKlduringthe year {2022.' none). One trustee received emoluments totslling £463 during the year. A total of £2.7(2022: £3.31917was reimbursed to trustees tatIng to disbursements proper made on behalf of the charity. Donations received from the Charivs trustees in the year amounted to £39.51612022.'£37.2241. rarylbl¢frAed assets The Venue At l January 2023 Additions in the year At 31 December 2023 132,230 Depreclation At l January 2023 Charge for the year At 31 December 2023 18.C66 P4et book Ydlue At l January 2023 At 31 Decembe[ 2023 114,164 124 387 RECAnnl ¥w(futheYear Ethdiry31.IZ23JJo e24of26 Charityre8igered ntsmber. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Churth Report forthe year ended 31st December 2023 Notes to the accounts (continued) 2022 Gift Aid tsx reclaim Other debtors 6,617 676 6.689 565 11 Cash at bank and in hand 2022 Current accounts Swn8s accounts 17.293 197 689 214 982 19.944 12 Creditors: amountsfalnÉ due Ythhin >Tar Accruals Other creditor5 225 13 Analysis olnet assets be General De558r4ated Funds Total Balan5 at 31 December 2021 represented by: Tèn84ble fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 74,387 130.151 -11,808 192,730 50,COJ 124,387 222,275 -11, 334,854 52.086 40,037 52,086 40.037 50,1)XI 14 unrestrIrt funds At LL13 Income Trdn5fer5 Expendlthre At 31.1123 General fvnd 148.530 167.599 17.816 135,833 198.112 Designated funds DelopmeNt Stewardship Stairlift Venue kFtchen TheVenL 40.325 -7.435 32,890 2,776 5,852 5.852 -5.381 6,320 59,943 208.473 18,798 19.549 187,148 19,931 19.971 155,8Chl 5.186 46.705 244,817 -12,816 Total unrestricted funds Relates to a legacy r1ved rn 2rx)5 design*ed forthe spirthal or physical development of the church. b. Set asidèfor future distribution G For specrfic maintenance projec d. Designate(I for the future maintenance. upkeep. and deveFopment of the centre. RBC Annual report theyarEnn831.1z23.thxx Page 251rf26 Charsty wstered rlumter.. 1175785
Ross-on-wye Baptist Church Report forthe year ended 31st December 2023 Notes to the accounts (continued) IS ReStrk funds At LL23 IoMe Transfers Expen(Iture At 31.12.23 Christians 38ainst Poverty Youth & Children Acts435 Kfitchen project 46.694 17.420 331 24.077 331 40,037 2.2 52.025 19,620 26.608 40.037 16 Defined benefrt pension scheme Detai15 are given in note 1.6 of thè dosed defined benefft scheme administered by the BapSt Penslon Scheme which is a separate legal entity. The Church and other eM0ver5 suppting this DB plan are collectNely responsible for fvnding the deficit and the Church could be liable if other participating employers a unableto meettheir obligations unfler the plan. The Scheme has been in defiat for the last two decades years and as 3 result the church along wtth all other contributing churche5 has l)een paying deficiency contributions since 2012. under recovery plans the most recent of t*4hith aimed to dear the deficit by 2026. However. the funding of the scheme had so improved to the point where Fn June 2022 3 buy4n could be carried out an insurance company ljust Gmup}. Th means that Just Group is now providing the financial backing for all pensions prowded through the Stheme's DB Plan. It ensures the Scheme is no longer in a shortfall position and pensions will continue to be paid whilst removing risk from the Baptist family. AlthotsBh some other risks remain the B3ptyst Union and the Trustees agreed that deficit contrlbutions from ead) participating employer in this DB plan should be redUd to £1 per month from August 2023 RBCAnnval repwtfcrtheyew End131.11234jrt% 26uf26 Cbarityregistered nvmber.. 1175785