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2025-08-31-accounts

Christ Church Hemel

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

Christ Church Hemel is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered Charity Number 1178976

Christ Church Hemel

Contents of the Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025


Page

Report of the Trustees
1 to 4

Independent Examiner’s Report
5

Statement of Financial Activity
6
Balance Sheet 7
Cash Flow Statement 8

Notes to the Financial Statements
9 to 15

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 9 and 10 of the attached financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution, applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) laws and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number

1178976

Principal address 21 Ridge Lea Hemel Hempstead HP1 2AY

Trustees

S. Buckley R. Matheson D. Couch J. Petitt

Independent Examiner John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF

Treasurer R. Matheson

Bankers Lloyds Bank plc 120 Lewisham High Street Lewisham SE13 6JG

Page 1

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and its governing document is a written Constitution approved and adopted at a church members' meeting held on 28[th] March 2018. The church was registered with the Charity Commission on 28th June 2018, with registered charity number 1178976.

The church began operating as an independent charity on 1[st] September 2018, having started meeting as a congregation of Spicer Street Church (registered charity number 1173938) in 2014.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Recommendations to appoint new Elders (who are also the Trustees) are brought to the church members' meeting by the existing Eldership. They are appointed at a church members’ meeting via a resolution that must be passed by a 75% majority of the quorum present at the meeting.

Induction and training of new trustees

New Elders are briefed as necessary on their obligations under charity law, the Constitution and the decisionmaking processes of the church.

Organisational structure

The Elders regularly review and discuss the affairs of the church. At church members' meetings, held regularly throughout the year, members review and make decisions concerning the affairs of the church in response to the leadership and work of the Elders and Treasurer.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The trustees are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and consider that the ministries and activities of the church in support of its objectives are consistent with that guidance.

The primary objective of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith primarily but not exclusively in Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area, by teaching the Bible and promoting prayer and fellowship among believers. It also seeks to support other activities that put the Christian faith into practice, including the advancement for public benefit of religious education and the care of those who are aged, poor, sick or disabled.

The church's ministries

During the year, the church had a pastor, Sam Buckley, and an associate pastor, Dave Couch, who were primarily responsible for maintaining a regular ministry and pastoral care for the congregation. Many church members also volunteer their time to support the activities of the church.

The church seeks to provide:

  1. A programme of meetings and events which seeks to deepen the spiritual lives of the individual members and provide opportunities for non-members to hear the Christian gospel, including:

  2. Sunday morning and evening meetings;

  3. Sunday school;

  4. Youth groups for secondary school age children;

  5. A mid-week programme, including bible study, prayer and teaching, which normally meet in members' homes.

  6. Various other teaching and outreach ministries in and around the local area, including Christianity Explored courses for those interested in the Christian faith.

  7. Encouragement to its members to pray for the wider church and the needs of the world.

  8. Regular support for a missionary family working in Zambia, a translation consultant with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and the local Christian debt centre.

Page 2

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

  1. Support for a number of other organisations working in gospel ministry and care for the underprivileged in the UK and around the world.

Grantmaking

The church supports a number of individuals and organisations. Those who receive grants are regularly reminded that their support is regularly reviewed and may change according to circumstances and the availability of funds.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

During the year ended 31 August 2025, the church has continued to focus on teaching the Bible and promoting prayer and fellowship, including through the teaching and outreach ministries outlined above. The Sunday morning meetings have continued to be streamed live for those who were unable to meet in person.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

The trustees have a reserves policy (updated in January 2024) to maintain a minimum level of reserves that is equivalent to 3-4 months’ general expenditure, which is sufficient to allow the church to operate without being affected by the uneven nature of the cash flow through the year. At the year-end, the church had unrestricted general reserves of £59,655, which is equivalent to 4-5 months’ general expenditure.

Principal funding sources

Regular funding of the ongoing ministry of the church is dependent on donations made by the church members and other donors, which for the year ended 31 August 2025 totalled £164,260. During the year, the church also received restricted gifts from members and others amounting to £4,995.

Housing

The church owns 21 Ridge Lea which is used as a manse to house the pastor and his family.

Page 3

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Charity law requires Trustees to prepare accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its income and expenditure for the financial year. In doing so, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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. The Trustees are also required to be aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and to take it into account in their decision-making on behalf of the church.

Approved by the trustees of Christ Church Hemel on 13 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

R Matheson - Trustee

----- Start of picture text -----
S Buckley - Trustee
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Page 4

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Christ Church Hemel (the Church) for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Church you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the Church’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Church as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form 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 fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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 financial statements to be reached.

John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE

Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF

Dated:

Page 5

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY

General Fund
Designated
£
£
INCOME
Notes
General Giving
2
164,260
-
Other Income and Grants
3
20,196
-
Income Total
184,456
0
EXPENDITURE
Staff Costs
4
77,368
-
Ministry
5
56,364
607
Housing
6
19,960
2,275
Expenditure Total
153,692
2,882
Net Income/(Expenditure)
30,764
(2,882)
Transfers Between funds
(30,933)
30,933
Net movement in funds
(169)
28,051
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
15
59,824
57,158
Total funds carried forward
59,655
85,209
10,11,12
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
4,995
169,255
0
20,196
4,995
189,451
31
77,399
4,964
61,935
-
22,235
4,995
161,569
0
27,882
0
-
0
27,882
0
116,982
0
144,864
2023-24
Total
£
143,371
29,028
172,399
72,916
58,571
29,287
160,774
11,625
-
11,625
105,357
116,982

Page 6

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 August 2025

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 August 2025
Notes
Fixed Assets
Property & Equipment
14
Current Assets
Bank Balances & Cash
Accrued Income
8
13,450
Prepayments
8,063
Current Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts
falling due within 1 year
9
(18,635)
Net Current Assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: Amounts
falling due after 1 year
9
NET ASSETS
Capital and Reserves
Unrestricted Reserves
Total General Reserves
10
Total Designated Reserves
11
Restricted Reserves
12
2024-25
£
680,541
62,589
21,513
84,102
(18,635)
65,467
746,008
(601,144)
144,864
59,655
85,209
144,864
0
144,864
11,054
1,351
(18,364)
2023-24
£
679,674
56,033
12,405
68,438
(18,364)
50,074
729,748
(612,766)
116,982
59,824
57,158
116,982
0
116,982

Approved by the trustees of Christ Church Hemel on 13 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

R. Matheson - Trustee S Buckley - Trustee

Page 7

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income for the financial year
Depreciation charges
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Bank interest received
Cash from operations
Cash flow from investing activities
Bank interest received
Purchase of capital equipment
Net cash flow from investing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
2024-25
£
27,882
1,008
(9,108)
(11,351)
(2,624)
5,807
2,624
(1,875)
749
6,556
56,033
62,589
2023-24
£
11,625
728
3,751
628,857
(1,631)
643,330
1,631
(679,092)
(677,461)
(34,131)
90,164
56,033

Page 8

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015. The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Income is accounted for when received, with the exception of income tax recoverable on gift aid donations, and interest arising on deposits which are accounted for on an accruals basis.

For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.

Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. Grants are recognised as a liability when the church is under an obligation to make a payment or the grant is paid over.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

IT/AV equipment - 33⅓% on cost Domestic applicances - 25% on cost

No depreciation is provided on freehold buildings. The charity adopts a policy of maintaining properties to a high standard, which prolongs their useful lives and enhances their residual value (based on prices prevailing at the time of acquisition or subsequent valuation) and accordingly the trustees consider depreciation arising to be immaterial.

Page 9

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

1 Accounting Policies (continued)

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition. Deposits for more than three months but less than one year have been disclosed as short term deposits.

Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the church are also unrestricted.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the church is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. The assets of the scheme are held in a separately administered fund.

2 General Giving
Donations
Gift Aid
GASDS
Unrestricted
£
136,512
27,546
202
164,260
Restricted
Total
£
£
4,201
140,713
715
28,261
79
281
4,995
169,255
2023-24
Total
£
117,167
26,033
171
143,371

Page 10

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3 Other Income
Grants/Donations
Interest
Church Weekend Away
Other income
4 Staff Costs
Stipends
Employers Nat.Insurance
Pension
Unrestricted
£
-
2,624
13,435
4,137
20,196
Unrestricted
£
67,006
1,645
8,717
77,368
Restricted
Total
£
£
-
-
-
2,624
-
13,435
-
4,137
0
20,196
Restricted
Total
£
£
31
67,037
-
1,645
-
8,717
31
77,399
2023-24
Total
£
10,000
1,631
13,137
4,260
29,028
2023-24
Total
£
63,611
1,034
8,271
72,916

No employee received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 (2023-24: nil).

5 Ministry
Travel
Preacher Fees
Evangelism
Reference Material
Training/Conferences
Mission Support
Equipment & Repairs
Church Catering
Church Sundry
Church Weekend Away
Church Office
Church Rent
Membership donations
Fellowship fund - gifts
Depreciation
6 Housing
Manse-Rent
Manse-Loan Interest
Manse-Council Tax/Water
Manse-Maintenance
Housing fund - purchase costs
General Fund
Designated
£
£
1,134
-
694
-
1,412
-
795
-
1,384
-
10,300
-
545
-
1,502
-
3,024
-
16,913
-
3,835
-
10,452
-
3,366
-
-
607
1,008
-
56,364
607
£
£
-
-
15,842
-
4,118
-
-
2,275
-
-
19,960
2,275
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
-
1,134
-
694
-
1,412
-
795
-
1,384
4,964
15,264
-
545
-
1,502
-
3,024
-
16,913
-
3,835
-
10,452
-
3,366
-
607
-
1,008
4,964
61,935
£
£
-
-
-
15,842
-
4,118
-
2,275
-
-
0
22,235
2023-24
Total
£
1,040
300
1,230
846
2,147
15,551
460
1,269
2,710
14,646
4,151
10,445
2,691
357
728
58,571
£
3,890
16,422
3,721
336
4,918
29,287

Page 11

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

7 Trustees' remuneration and benefits 2024-25 2023-24 2023-24
Stipend Pension Stipend Pension
£ £ £ £
S Buckley 34,778 4,981 33,001 4,727
D Couch 32,259 3,736 30,610 3,544
The church's constitution authorises the payment of remuneration to Trustees.
S. Buckley and D. Couch were the only Trustees to receive remuneration.
S. Buckley also received the benefit of housing provided by the church, the costs
of which are detailed in note 6 (Housing) above.
£ £
Trustee's expenses (included in note 5 above) 2024-25 2023-24
S Buckley 1,605 1,466
D Couch 1,379 1,413
The average monthly number of employees and remunerated office holders (including Trustees)
during the year was as follows: 2024-25 2023-24
Pastoral Team 2 2
8 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year £ £
Accrued income 2024-25 2023-24
Gift Aid/GASDS 10,866 9,746
Interest 2,584 1,308
13,450 11,054
9 Creditors £ £
Amounts falling due within one year 2024-25 2023-24
Accruals 6,841 7,247
Loans becoming due within 1 year 11,794 11,117
18,635 18,364
Amounts falling due after one year
Loans becoming due after 1 year 601,144 612,766
10 Unrestricted Reserves General Designated
Opening balance Reserves
£
59,824
Reserves
£
57,158
Total
£
116,982
Incoming resources 184,456 - 184,456
Outgoing resources (153,692) (2,882) (156,574) `
Transfers (30,933) 30,933 -
59,655 85,209 144,864

Page 12

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

11 Designated Reserves

Brought forward
£
Fellowship Fund
3,445
Church Planting Fund
-
Ridge Lea Property Reserve
51,159
Ridge Lea Maintenance Fund
2,554
57,158
Transfers
£
(825)
17,500
11,368
2,890
30,933
Outgoing
Resources
£
(607)
-
-
(2,275)
(2,882)
Total
£
2,013
17,500
62,527
3,169
85,209

The Fellowship Fund is used to express love and concern for one another and those with whom the church is in touch.

The Church Planting fund is money set aside for a future church plant.

The Ridge Lea Property Reserve reflects the equity owned by the church in 21 Ridge Lea.

The Ridge Lea Maintenance Fund is money set aside for maintenance of 21 Ridge Lea.

12 Restricted Reserves

Brought Forward
01/09/2024
£
a Assistant Pastor
-
b Open Doors
-
c Bibles for Children
-
0
Incoming
Resources
£
31
3,365
1,599
4,995
Outgoing
Resources
£
(31)
(3,365)
(1,599)
(4,995)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
0
Closing
31/08/2025
£
-
-
-
0

a Money received to support the assistant pastor. b Money received to help persecuted Christians.

c Money received towards the purchase of bibles for presentation to the pupils of Hemel Hempstead schools.

13 Analysis of net assets between funds

Cash at bank and in hand
Other net assets/liabilities
General
Funds
£
39,907
19,748
59,655
Designated
Funds
£
22,682
62,527
85,209
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
0
Total Funds
31/08/2025
£
62,589
82,275
144,864

Page 13

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

14 Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost at 01/09/2024
Additions
Disposals
Cost at 31/08/2025
Depreciation at 01/09/2024
Depreciation for year
Depreciation at 31/08/2025
Net book value at 01/09/2024
Net book value at 31/08/2025
Freehold
Property
£
678,000
-
-
678,000
-
-
0
678,000
678,000
Equipment
£
4,759
1,875
-
6,634
3,085
1,008
4,093
1,674
2,541
Total
£
682,759
1,875
-
684,634
3,085
1,008
4,093
679,674
680,541

15 Statement of Financial Activity - Comparative figures for 2023-24

INCOME
General Giving
Other Income and Grants
Income Total
EXPENDITURE
Staff Costs
Ministry
Housing
Expenditure Total
Net Income/(Expenditure)
Transfers Between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
General Fund
Designated
£
£
132,795
-
19,028
-
151,823
0
58,691
-
51,863
357
24,033
5,254
134,587
5,611
17,236
(5,611)
(43,790)
50,790
(26,554)
45,179
86,378
11,979
59,824
57,158
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
£
£
10,576
143,371
10,000
29,028
20,576
172,399
14,225
72,916
6,351
58,571
-
29,287
20,576
160,774
0
11,625
(7,000)
-
(7,000)
11,625
7,000
105,357
0
116,982

16 Independent Examination

The figure for accruals includes an amount of £1380 for the independent examination fee (2023-24: £1320).

Page 14

CHRIST CHURCH HEMEL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

17 Concessionary Loans

As part of the funding for the purchase of 21 Ridge Lea, the church has received two interest-free loans:

  1. An unsecured loan, which is repayable in monthly instalments of £625 per month.

  2. A secured loan, which is repayable on disposal of 21 Ridge Lea as 37.86% of the sale proceeds. The aggregate balance outstanding at 31/08/2025 was £392,316 (31/08/2024: £399,816).

18 Related Party Transactions

As outlined in Note 7, two of the trustees are also remunerated as office holders of the Church and the remuneration and expenses paid to them are disclosed in Note 7.

Four trustees were reimbursed for general Church costs of £11,398 (2023-24: £13,464) which includes the amounts declared as expenses in Note 7.

Donations from trustees and their related parties amounted to £27,783 during the year (2023-24: £26,799).

Loan repayments to trustees and their related parties during the year amounted to £7,500 (2023-24: £6,875) leaving a balance outstanding of £392,316 at 31/08/2025 (31/08/2024: £399,816). No interest was paid on these loans during the year (2023-24: Nil).

Page 15