2024-12-31-accounts

BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

Registered Charity Number 1178422

BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

CONTENTS	PAGE
Report of the Trustees	1 - 6
Report of the Independent Examiner	7
Receipts and Payments Account	8
Statement of Assets and Liabilities	9
Receipts and Payments accounts for 2022 for comparatives 10-11

BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees present their report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024.

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Number: 1178422

Trustees and Principal Officers:

Gordon David Warnes	(Elder)
Priscilla Emily Perkins	(Independent Trustee)
Ivor Calvin Greer	(Elder until November 2023)
	Secretary to the Trustees
Jonathan Redden	(Independent Trustee)
	Chairman of the Trustees
Andrew Perkins	(Charity Treasurer)
Vacant	(Church Secretary)
Secretary and Principal Address:
	Ivor Calvin Greer
	2-3 Pinders Court
	High Street
	Bawtry
	DN10 6JA
Treasurer:
	Dr. Andrew Perkins
	2-3 Pinders Court
	High Street
	Bawtry
	DN10 6JA
Independent Examiner:
	Catherine Gillian Walker
	24 Woodsett Walk
	Conisbrough
	Doncaster
	DN12 3BH
Bankers:
	National Westminster
	21 the Square
	Retford
	DN22 6DL
Solicitors:
	Jones & Company
	High Street
	Bawtry
	DN10 6JB

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)

Structure, Governance and Management

Constitution:

The current Constitution was appoved at a meeting of church members on 13[th] May 2018. Bawtry Community Church was given charitable status on 18[th] May 2018.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The charity is constituted as an Association Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It currently has 30 members. The current four Trustees are chosen from among the church members, with a maximum number being agreed from time to time by the membership. Consideration has been given to amending the constitution to allow for a limited number of “external” trustees who are not currently church members. They may serve for as long as they have the support of the membership and are appointed for an initial period of three years. At the end of a three-year term, they may be nominated for reappointment. Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or benefits save the Pastor. The Trustees met four times throughout 2024.

Organisational Structure and Management:

The control, management and administration of the Church is by the Charity Trustees. The Pastor leads the activities of the Church with an emphasis on the leading of worship and prayer, the teaching of the Christian faith, the pastoral care of individuals and outreach into the community. Our paster, Scott Seivewright, has been in post since the beginning of October 2023.

The Elders are responsible to God for the spiritual life of the Church, for prayer, teaching God’s word and pastoral care for members. Deacons assist with the business and practical affairs of the Church. Collectively these individuals form the Leadership Team. Church Members have reserved authority in the appointment and removal of a Pastor, the Charity Trustees, the Elders and Deacons and the appointment of the Treasurer and Secretary. This also applies to matters relating to church property and the closure of the church. They may also be consulted on other matters.

Bawtry Community Church is a member of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) and of Rural Ministries. Both organisations provide support and helpful advice and have organised conferences and training events for the leaders and church members.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy:

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is reviewed each autumn and brought to the attention of the whole church at a “Safeguarding Sunday”. The Leadership Team recognises the need to provide a safe and caring environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults. The Leadership Team is committed to building constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding, endorses all national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures and provides ongoing training for all its workers.

One of the trustees has a specific responsibility for oversight and liaison for safeguarding. A Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Deputy make up the Safeguarding Team. Details of who they are and how they can be contacted are on the website. Their photographs and contact details are also displayed on a notice in each venue where church activities are held. Also, there is a register of all persons working with children and vulnerable adults. This is kept up to date by “a lead recruiter” ensuring DBS clearance through Thirty-one-eight, our professional safeguarding advisers.

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy:

(continued)

Some years ago, we were informed by a member of BCC that they were facing an allegation of historic abuse from a relationship fifty years ago in another part of the UK. Guidance was sought from our safeguarding consultants, Thirtyone:eight, and a safeguarding contract drawn up between BCC and the person concerned. A prosecution was brought in the Crown Court in 2023 which resulted in a custodial sentence in April 2024. When the person is released in 2025, the trustees will consult with relevant authorities and follow appropriate advice.

Objectives and Activities:

Objectives

The key objectives of the charity are to advance the Christian faith for the benefit of all, primarily but not exclusively, within Bawtry, the surrounding neighbourhood and through overseas mission. We pursue charitable objectives which will, in the opinion of the trustees, put into practice the Christian faith and be of benefit to all without distinction. These objectives may include the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness, the advancement of education, the provision of services furthering social welfare with the objective of improving conditions for residents.

Activities

In order to fulfil these objectives, the charity engages in a range of activities, either unilaterally or with others in order to provide public benefit. Our activities include regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching, dedication of infants and the baptism of believers, regular services of Holy Communion, evangelism and mission, teaching, encouragement and inclusion of young people, the nurture and growth of Christian disciples, the education and training for Christian and community service, giving of pastoral care, encouraging charitable social action in the UK and abroad, encouraging and supporting other churches, the joining of a man and woman in Christian marriage and the service of Christian burial.

Achievements and Performance

Events in 2024

During 2024 we have been meeting on Sundays in Bawtry Town Hall (formerly, The New Hall). Sunday attendances have been steady throughout the year. Several new people have begun to attend regularly, while others have committed to join the church on a more formal basis.

On Sunday evenings a “younger adults” group has been meeting most weeks throughout the year. This is a less formal opportunity to meet up with those who want to dig into God’s word while taking account of their lived experiences of everyday interactions with friends, family and colleagues. This has been encouraging.

We continued our monthly Teatime Treats event for the over 60s. During 2024 we continued to use a programme called “Brain and Soul Boosting”. This was appreciated by participants who were able to contribute and participate. Numbers attending have been encouraging. We, also, had a special “Teatime Treats” in Bawtry Town Hall in December followed by our Candlelit Carol Service.

We repeated our popular “Bawtry by the Sea” event for the over 60s. This was facilitated by our Family & Community Worker (FCW) in July. This was open to all seniors and arranged in Bawtry Town Hall with a Biblical focus, activities, crafts, and the very-much appreciated traditional lunch of fish & chips.

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)

Achievements and Performance

Events in 2024

(continued)

During the first part of the year our FCW continued to organise support for parents and families through weekly activities. These included “Kingdom Kids” for primary school aged children on Sunday mornings; MadJam (Make a difference Jesus and me) for young people in their teens on Monday and Tuesday evenings. During term-times, we reached into local Primary Schools: an “ASK” (after school club) at Bawtry Mayflower; and a fortnightly assembly visit to Misson Primary School. We also take RE lessons at Misson School for Easter and Christmas and a “Moving On” event for year 6 as they prepare for “big school” after the summer term.

The contract for our Family and Community worker (FCW), Chrissy Hadley, came to an end in August 2024 when she moved to a new post with a Baptist Church in Derby. We are very grateful for her contribution to expanding BCC’s impact on our local community.

Since September, some of the activities previously organised by our FCW have had to be curtailed. But volunteers have taken over responsibility for others. This includes “Kingdom Kids” on Sunday mornings and the MadJam youth activity on Tuesday evenings (now renamed “The Hope Hub”). A young couple has taken on leadership of this group along with another faithful volunteer. They are supported on a regular basis by the Pastor.

The young people who regularly attend are able to join with activities organised by Youth for Christ for Doncaster churches’ youth groups a couple of times a year. These opportunities have been welcomed by the Bawtry young people.

Brew & Co, “a warm space” which started in 2023 continued throughout 2024. Hot drinks and snack lunches were provided by volunteers aimed especially for those living on their own. There is also an opportunity to reflect on a Bible verse and short comment.

During 2024, some members and attenders have met regularly on Saturday mornings to go out in pairs to homes throughout Bawtry distributing copies of a small colourful magazine called “Explore”. This is produced by “Good News for Everyone” (formerly known as The Gideons UK).and includes the text of Luke’s gospel. There have been good contacts and discussions with many and the magazine has been well received.

In late September we arrange our third “annual” visit to the seaside at Cleethorpes. This was much appreciated by families and older folk alike. During school holidays we have holiday clubs and family activities for many families with whom we have developed links during the year.

In these various ways, we have continued to reach out and helping the local community – families, young and older folk. This is one of our key objectives.

Looking beyond Bawtry (and overseas), our “Away Team” encouraged prayer and practical support for mission organisations: Pioneers UK (for work in India); ReachAcross (for a family working with West African folk in Birmingham); Doncaster Schools Workers Trust and Caring for Life (based in Leeds).

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)

Financial Review:

Continued committed giving by members of Bawtry Community Church has enabled the church to continue to meet its charitable objectives.

General income has increased by 12.86% to £56,061 (2023 – £49,671).

Designated donations have increased by 9.55% to £3,605 (2023 - £3,291).

General expenditure has increased by 84.68% to £59,734 (2023 - £32,344).

Undesignated general funds have decreased by 4.21% to £107,621 (2023 - £112,347).

Donations to other works have increased by 8.91% to £4,804 (2023 - £4,411).

Special fund designated for Outreach has decreased by 100% to £0 (2023 £14,684).

Total unrestricted funds have decreased by 15.28% to £107,621 (2023 - £127, 031).

General Income has increased by over £6k but there has been an increase in General Expenditure of over £27k which has resulted in a decrease in the undesignated general fund of 15.28% at the end of the financial year.

This has been caused by the continued planned decrease in the designated special fund due to the financing of the outreach worker for a further year. This contract concluded during 2024 when the designated fund was spent and the balance of the cost of the outreach worker until August 2024 was met from the unrestricted general fund as agreed by the Trustees.

Reserves Policy:

The charity has a clear policy on its reserves. Should funds in the current account together with undesignated reserve funds fall to 33% of budgeted expenditure for the financial year, a financial review would be triggered. This would seek to identify where cuts would need to be made. The current position is satisfactory as it meets our criteria.

Plans for the Future:

We continue to build on the different formats which we used in 2022 including the use of Zoom, YouTube and social media. We hope to develop a more hybrid approach in the coming year.

We will prepare a Strategic Plan setting out objectives for growth (both maturing and deepening of faith and in numbers – especially of younger families – attending). The plan will be adapted as the Church develops and Pastor Scott takes account of the church attenders and the needs of our local community.

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (continued)

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The Trustees are responsible for preparing financial statements for each financial period, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard (FRSSE) 2015.

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.

I. Greer – Secretary

Dated: April

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

I report on the accounts of Bawtry Community Church for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charity’s Act)) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts (under section 145 of the Charity’s Act);

• follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charity’s Act); and

• state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

I report in respect of my examination of the Accounts, and state that in connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

• (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charity’s Act:

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charity’s (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter to be considered as part of this independent examination: or

• (2) I have no concerns 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 understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Catherine Gillian Walker Date: April

Name: Catherine Gillian Walker

Address: 24, Woodsett Walk, Conisbrough, Doncaster, DN12 3BH.

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	**Restricted **	**Restricted **	Endowment	Total
		Fund		Fund	Fund	Funds
		General Designated				2024
RECEIPTS		£	£	£	£	£
Sunday offerings & deeds of covenant /gift aid		31,273	-	-	-	31,273
Designated gifts/gift aid		-	3,605	-	-	3,605
Gift Aid claimed		7,602	488	-	-	8,090
Collections & other gifts		11,100	571	-	-	11,671
HMRC NIC allowance		3,105	1,321	-	-	4,426
Sundry Income		-	-	-	-	-
Interest received:
NatWest Reserve Account		343	-	-	-	343
Liquidity Managers 35 day Account		993	-	-	-	993
Yorkshire Building Society		1,645	256	-	-	1,901
TOTAL RECEIPTS		56,061	6,241	-	-	62,302
PAYMENTS
Stipends and related costs		36,908	17,147	-	-	54,055
Pulpit supply		-	-	-	-	-
Children's and young people's work		333	-	-	-	333
Hope Centre
Rent & Rates		7,301	-	-	-	7,301
Utilities	1,581
Room Hire	3,838	5,419	-	-	-	5,419
Volunteer expenses		-	-	-	-	-
Minister's/Office expenses		562	-	-	-	562
Outreach expenses		-	654	-	-	654
Leadership training		343	-	-	-	343
			-	-	-	-
Printing and publicity		400	-	-	-	400
Web site		-	-	-	-	-
Technology		-	-	-	-	-
Accountancy charges		275	-	-	-	275
Thirtyoneeight		261	-	-	-	261
CCL copyright licence		288	-	-	-	288
Bank charges		-	-	-	-	-
Donations and grants to other Christian work		1,224	4,177	-	-	5,401
Insurance/subscriptions		429	-	-	-	429
Other gifts		-	-	-	-	-
Home missions		368	-	-	-	368
Donations and grants to other overseas Christian work		4,804	-	-	-	4,804
Sundry expenses		-	-	-	-	-
TOTAL PAYMENTS		58,915	21,978	-	-	80,893
Asset and Investment purchases		819	-	-	-	819
TOTAL PAYMENTS		59,734	21,978	-	-	81,712
NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS FOR YEAR		(3,673)	(15,737)	-	-	(19,410)
Transfer between funds		(1,052)	1,052	-	-	-
Net movement in funds in year		(4,725)	(14,685)	-	-	(19,410)
Cash funds brought forward		112,346	14,685	-	-	127,031
Cash funds carried forward December 31 2024		107,621	-	-	-	107,621

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

Cash Funds Unrestricted Funds General Designated £ £ Current Account 1,069 - Reserve Account 15,874 - Liquidity Manager 35 day Accou 31,810 - Yorkshire Building Society 58,868 - Total cash funds 107,621 -	Restricted Fund £ - - - - -	Endowment Total Fund Funds £ £ - 1,069 - 15,874 - 31,810 - 58,868 - 107,621

Other monetary assets	Unrestricted FundsRestrictedEndowment	Total
	General Designated Fund Fund	Funds
	£ £ £ £	£
Tax refund due from HMRC	2,227 - - -	2,227

Assets retained for the charity's own use Freehold land and buildings

ts retained for the charity's own use
Cost Freehold land and buildings - Furniture, fittings and equipment 2018 Laptop computer 419 2019 Laptop computer 528 2020 Screen Hope Centre 507 2023 Laptop computer 549 2024 TV for Hope Centre 441 2024 New Projector 378 Total current assets Unrestricted - General Unrestricted - designated Unrestricted - General Unrestricted - General Unrestricted - General Unrestricted - General Fund to which asset belongs	Current Value - - 253 366 397 340
	1,356

Fund to which Amount due When paid liability relates

Liabilities

Accountancy charge Unrestricted - General

350 Feb. 20th, 2025

Approved by the Trustees on March 27[th] , 2024

and signed on their behalf by:

Ivor Greer

Secretary

Gordon David Warnes Trustee

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

COMPARATIVE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Restricted Endowment	Restricted Endowment	Restricted Endowment	Total
		Fund	Fund		Fund	Funds
	General	Designated				2023
RECEIPTS		£	£	£	£	£
Sunday offerings & deeds of covenant /gift aid		30,046	-	-	-	30,046
Designated gifts/gift aid		-	3,291	-	-	3,291
Gift Aid claimed		7,074	682	-	-	7,756
Collections & other gifts		10,241	9,635	-	-	19,876
HMRC NIC allowance		825	2,286	-	-	3,111
Sundry Income		-	-	-	-	-
Interest received:
NatWest Reserve Account		411	-	-	-	411
Liquidity Managers 35 day Account		709	-	-	-	709
Yorkshire Building Society		365	638	-	-	1,003
TOTAL RECEIPTS		49,671	16,532	-	-	66,203
PAYMENTS
Stipends and related costs		9,275	28,536	-	-	37,811
Pulpit supply		2,100	-	-	-	2,100
Children's and young people's work		791	-	-	-	791
Hope Centre
Rent & Rates		4,277	3,000	-	-	7,277
Utilities	1,560
Room Hire	4,130	5,690	-	-	-	5,690
Volunteer expenses		27	-	-	-	27
Minister's expenses		770	-	-	-	770
Outreach expenses		-	3,331	-	-	3,331
Leadership training		-	-	-	-	-
Conference expenses		1,250	-	-	-	1,250
Printing and publicity		480	-	-	-	480
Web site		-	-	-	-	-
Technology		368	-	-	-	368
Accountancy charges		275	-	-	-	275
Thirtyoneeight		170	-	-	-	170
CCL copyright licence		276	-	-	-	276
Bank charges		-	-	-	-	-
Donations and grants to other Christian work		1,128	1,633	-	-	2,761
Insurance/subscriptions		413	-	-	-	413
Other gifts		-	-	-	-	-
Home missions		94	-	-	-	94
Donations and grants to other overseas Christian	work	4,411	-	-	-	4,411
Sundry expenses		-	-	-	-	-
TOTAL PAYMENTS		31,795	36,500	-	-	68,295
Asset and Investment purchases		549	-	-	-	549
TOTAL PAYMENTS		32,344	36,500	-	-	68,844
NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS FOR YEAR		17,327	(19,968)	-	-	(2,641)
Transfer between funds		643	(643)	-	-	-
Net movement in funds in year		17,970	(20,611)	-	-	(2,641)
Cash funds brought forward		94,376	35,296	-	-	129,672
Cash funds carried forward December 31 2023		112,346	14,685	-	-	127,031

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BAWTRY COMMUNITY CHURCH

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

Cash Funds	Unrestricted FundsRestrictedEndowment	Unrestricted FundsRestrictedEndowment	Total
	General	Designated Fund Fund	Funds
	£	£ £ £	£
Current Account	4,815	- - -	4,815
Reserve Account	34,432	- - -	34,432
Liquidity Manager 35 day Accou	30,816	- - -	30,816
Yorkshire Building Society	42,283	14,685 - -	56,968
Total cash funds	112,346	14,685 - -	127,031
Other monetary assets	Unrestricted FundsRestricted Endowment		Total
	General	Designated Fund Fund	Funds
	£	£ £ £	£
Tax refund due from HMRC	1,930	186 - -	2,116

Assets retained for the charity's own use

		Fund to which	Cost	Current
		asset belongs		Value
Freehold land and buildings
			-
Furniture,	fittings and equipment
2018	Laptop computer	Unrestricted - General	419	-
2019	Laptop computer	Unrestricted - designated	528	-
2020	Screen for Hope Cent	Unrestricted - General	507	304
2023	Laptop computer	Unrestricted - General	549	549
Total current assets				853

Fund to which liability relates

Amount due When due

Liabilities

Accountancy charge Unrestricted - General

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