ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1180460
Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices
53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CONTENTS
| Page 3 | Legal and Administrative Information |
|---|---|
| Pages 4 to 6 | Trustees' Report |
| Page 7 | Statement of Financial Activities |
| Page 8 | Balance Sheet |
| Pages 9 to 17 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
| Page 18 | Independent Examiner's Report |
2
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY NUMBER
1180460
DATE OF REGISTRATION 29th October 2018 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st January 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st December 2024 TRUSTEES AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Rev David Lawther Rev Matthew Bownds Steffan Elis Thomas Hocking Steve Smith (Resigned 20th May 2024)
LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation
GOVERNING INSTRUMENT
CIO - Association Registered 29th October 2018
OBJECTS
- The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively within Cardiff and the surrounding neighbourhood; and 2. Such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the charity Trustees, put into practice the Christian Faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, including but not limited to: the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness; the advancement of education; and the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life.
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
PRIMARY BANKERS
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS
7 Dan-Yr-Heol Cardiff CF23 6JU Lloyds Bank Plc 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
3
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31st December 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) (Second Edition, effective 1st January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Charitable Purposes
The charity's purposes and principal activities continue to be the advancement of the Christian faith and the putting into practice of the Christian faith. These purposes are met through the operation of a church and its associated activities such as Sunday Services, monthly clubs and activities for children of all ages as well as events that engage with the local community and wider world.
Public Benefit
The organisation's trustees can confirm that they have given due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. Significant activities that we undertook during the year that demonstrate public benefit are set out on the following pages.
Activities
In 2024 we continued to operate out of Pontprennau Primary, the school which is at the heart of the community we are actively serving. On Sunday mornings and evenings we gather together to worship and consider how the Good News of Jesus impacts the way we live our lives and be a positive influence in this area. The activities listed below find their source and inspiration in our times together on Sundays. The charity's different activities are still run almost entirely by volunteers serving alongside the two full time pastoral staff.
We have continued an excellent working relationship with Pontprennau Primary School, where we assist the teachers in delivering their religion, values and ethics curriculum content. A team of volunteers at Christmas, Harvest and Easter and have run workshops lasting between 30 and 60 minutes with a range of interactive activities and teaching to engage both the students and the staff. The 500 children who hear the teaching about what Christians believe have an opportunity to consider more of what they’ve heard by taking home materials that they can read with their parents. Engagement with the school by church members also continues through ongoing support of the ‘FOPPS’ PTA team, building relationships with parents, pupils, staff and the wider school community and through partnerships at their events and activities such as the summer and winter fayres and Christmas events.
We continue to support and link with organisations that focus on compassion and advocacy, such as Home for Good, Cardiff Foodbank and the Oasis refugee centre. Two of our members, Tom and Nerys King this year returned from their missionary work at the Tamar centre, Thailand. We have continued to support them as they return to life in the UK.
Our support of the organisation Christians Against Poverty (CAP) continued and increased, as we committed to a greater level of financial support, as well as having more church members volunteering in helping those struggling with poverty. Additionally, over the past year we have provided £500 worth of support to individuals in our community who were struggling with the cost of living crisis.
We have also continued our relationships with Christian organisations across the UK such as Wales Leadership Forumsupporting a member of our Church partake in their “Growing Churches Programme” as she seeks to help people explore the Christian faith through art and creative activities. Additionally we began supporting the youth organisation “Growing Young Disciples” who seek to help the Church care for children and young people as they grow up in a complex world.
We have also strengthened an existing relationship with a local Church, Llanishen Evangelical. The Bridge Church financially supported their first “Holiday Club” which served children in their deprived community during the summer holiday period. In addition to financially supporting them, the Bridge also provided a team of teenagers to help with the practical running of the week. During this time we shared valuable resources and ideas about how to benefit the community we find ourselves in.
4
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
Our youth work has continued to grow (an average youth meeting being 25 young people, and our joint youth events with other churches up to 40 youth). As a youth team we have expanded our activities to include Sunday evening Bible studies, termly seminars on specific difficult issues teenagers face and social events to get to know one another better. The team of volunteers involved with our young people continued to do an outstanding job. We had the joy of having 8 of our teenagers baptised following 3 weeks of baptism classes.
As some of our young people headed off to university they were taught how to cook a meal and given top tips for university life. The Youth Weekend away was a real encouragement in 2023, with 28 youth attending, supported by 11 leaders, for three days exploring the Christian faith and building relationships.
Wider Community Engagement
In terms of engagement with and serving the local community, connections have included supporting existing community activities with members’ attendance at the Pontprennau ‘Police And Communities Together’ (PACT) meetings, litter picking in the community across Pentywn and Pontprennau, and support of community summer and Christmas fayres - providing partnership, resources and volunteers to build relationships with the community.
At Easter, following the disappointment of not being able to run our usual community Easter Egg Hunt the year previous, we were thrilled to be able to run it again this year. Over 400 people from surrounding communities attended the event, with 35 church members on the volunteer team serving, and over 1000 Easter treats given out, as well as Easter books to children. We received many messages of thanks and appreciation for supporting community cohesion.
We continued seeking to benefit our community by running events which would benefit families. In March (structured) and July (drop in) we ran school holiday ‘Bridge Tots’ parent and toddler sessions at Pontprennau Primary school, with 36 people attending from 14 different families at the structured session in March. In July we ran our ‘Sea Explorers’ summer holiday club for children aged 5 - 11 years old. The event was again a great success, with 50 volunteers serving the 150 children attending over the 3 days, as well as 40 parents each day attending the end-of-day ‘family time’. Approximately 90% of the attendees were families from the community.
An exciting new venture started in November 2024- Community Connect (originally called “Warm Hub) which began as a way to meet people in our community who may find the winter period particularly challenging. We hire the local Pentwyn Leisure Centre and spend two hours providing warm refreshments and a warm welcome. A team of 8 volunteers each week have met a growing number of attendees- our initial numbers were around 4 people attending, now we have 12! This initially was going to be a winter term event but following the success of it has become a fixture of the Church calendar. During this time we have developed connections with local councillors, MPs and Cardiff Council.
At Christmas, we hosted our now traditional Carols by Candlelight service for the community, attended by over 300 people, and sang carols in the streets of the community (which was linked with 300 Christmas ‘letterbox gifts’ being distributed) receiving encouraging community engagement in person and online in response.
We again ran our perennially popular wreath-making evening, for which for the first time we trialled running two sessions in order to cater for demand. The events were again fully booked, with 101 people attending - one third of whom were returning visitors from the community, and several of whom attended follow-up events during the Christmas season with their families. The curry and quiz event was also again a great opportunity to invite friends, family and contacts to get to know others in the church and hear the Christian message, with 45 men in attendance. These activities maintained awareness of the church in the local community, and led to new contacts, and we are so encouraged that the overall picture with all these annual events is increasing engagement from our local community and appreciation of our provision.
We continue to work hard at engaging the local community through our social media accounts as a core strategy for our external communication, with over 600 followers on Facebook and 400 on Instagram (with a net increase of 55 people in 2024). Facebook for example allows us to reach our specific communities of Pontprennau and Pentwyn and surrounding areas, through active engagement and relationship building within ‘Groups’.
5
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF ICharitatAe Incorporatsd Organisationl TRUSTEES. REPORT IContinu•dl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Our Facebook for exafflp4e in 2024 had 22,oc reach lunKiue indi¥h4uaLs- up 30% frorn the year prior), with 5.7(IX visit8 to our Page1100% increase from t1 prior yearl. Our tst rformI FaceLMM)k 15 are seasonal around ChristTna5 Icarol Sirying event- 4.1k reach to unique irKlividualsl. Easter IEaster Egg Hunt- 7k reach). and Summer Holvjay Club (almost 10k reach). The Tnost engaged-wilh posts by individuaLs were regardiry H<AKlay Club. with 110 reaction5 al 28 cornments. Our most shared p05t5 were regardiru Ccfflmunrty ContI Warm Hub. and the CMunty Easter egg hunt. In 2024 the Church continLé to employ two members ol staff, a1 exrAored Ihe possibility of addiro to the stsff team in t futuffj. It Is stlll the case that almost all a¢tfvit run al the Brkjge Church not be tKJsslbb wlthout the input of vdunteers on a weekty basis. It tinL to be brgety vcAunteers w1 manage firow, maintain our website, and run our Internal arKI external communl¢atk)ns arxj Med KAatlomi al of whh gerawats an Increaslng number of Int¥ractlons wfth the l(¢al communlty and across Cardffl. rm During 2024 we have again been delwJhied Ihat the numbers in at¢endarte ai our weekly meetings have ntst only stayed stable but have again gr¢n. wl¢h ovèr 200 ptrop now aiieNJiNJ on 8 busy Sunday. We were pa$6 to continuo lo wekome In rn0 new members durirYJ 2024 which. even with some ftmLrs rIng away, gives a total m&mb&r$hip of around peoJe. Our number of small grtsJps has remained the same. however wrth increase of numb&rs we will probably have lo add more in the next year. We continue to te very graieftl again to Ihe finaw mana98ment team, WIK) volunteer many hours to mainlaln hkjh stsrhyarijs of finance al Its church. Part of our ¢hurch vision and $trate9y wntIn to t t e¥entual 8c4uis.( of our own premises In the community, which woukfj greatty expand our ability lo txjikl relatshIpS wrth ktal an¢1 pr¢)vide greater opportunit& for lJh ¢ommunlty engaggment and publi¢ benefit. We Contir& to on &xknJt for mISeS that will help us 9¢h out Into our community and thereby meet our charitsb obJectNe$. Th& trusietss are responsib lor preparirKJ the Tntsle8s' Rewrt and Ihe fina181 Stslem8nl$ in accordanc8 Wrth ap[1¢ab Law arKI the Generally Accepled A¢ntIng Principles IGAAPI irt1J1J Finartrol Reporting Starard 102.. The Financial Reporting Standard applKable in UK and RepuLlic of IreLfjThJ Iunrted Kiwm Ge(alty Accepted AccountiNJ Praclicel. Thtr Charities Aci 2011 rtsquire thè trustees to prepare finartrdl statèmènts for each financial ar which givo a true and fair view of the slate of affairs ol the CIO arKI of surplus or of Ihe CIO lor that period. In preparing thos0 financial slalemenls the trusiees a require(I lo.. Sek¢l suitab accounlir¥J wloes a1 appty tM consistent, Observe the methc$ and pnncIp in the Charilk$ SORP,. Make judgements and 8slimal8s that are reasonabb8 aThJ prudent., Stsle whetlr ap1¢al UK A¢wuntiry StarKlarils tove been subject lo any mater1 tsparture$ disck)seé and eXal in Ihe financh?I stskments- Prepare fina181 slatents orb the gowvJ cortern basis unk8SS rt is Inapwowiqle to pr8surn8 that the CIO wlll Contin In existence. The trustees are resFonsibkn for keery sulfnt accountiTrJ reccrt5 Ihal discb)se with reasonat4e accuracy at any tirne the financial positi1 of the charty and enab Ihem lo ensure thal t1 financial slalemenls cornply with the Charitie8 Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts arKJ Rewrt51 RegUtK)n5 2008 and provisions ol t1 Goveming tUment. They are also responsible for safeguarding the a55et5 of the charty and takiTvJ reasonable steps for tIE Preven1 and detect) of traud arKI other irregularitie5. 719125 Ap[ed by the Tru818e8 on................................................................................................................................. Sned on trelr behalf by Trustee .. ..... Printe(l Name.. STEFFAN ELIS
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Donations, Grants & Legacies 3a Charitable Activities 3b Investment Income 3c Other Incoming Resources 3d TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of Generating Funds Cost of Charitable Activities 4a Governance Costs 4b TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES Funds Brought Forward Transfer Between Funds 6 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 161,626 - - 161,626 176,124 5,726 1,333 - 7,059 2,491 7,473 - - 7,473 7,135 403 - - 403 2,223 175,228 1,333 - 176,562 187,973 127,984 30,772 - 158,756 146,856 1,440 - - 1,440 3,720 129,424 30,772 - 160,196 150,576 45,804 (29,439) - 16,365 37,397 208,877 68,300 199,063 476,240 438,843 (54,371) 54,371 - - - 200,310 93,232 199,063 492,605 476,240 |
|---|---|
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 9 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
7
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF ICharitatAe Incorporatsd Organisationl BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 UnrestrKted Restricted FurYJ5 FurvJ5 TOTAL 31-Dec-24 TOTAL 31-Dec-23 Flxed As50t5 Tangib A55ets 1.618 1.618 2.338 T¢>tal Flx•d Asmts 1.618 1.618 2.338 Currtsnt A$8&ts Debtors & Prepayments Cash at gank ar in Hand 3.373 293.166 3,373 492,229 5,025 476,950 199, Totsl ¢urront A••ot• 296.539 199.063 495,602 481,975 Cr8dltor8'. Amount5 falling due within ore year 4.615 4,615 8,073 NET CURRENT ASSETS 291,924 199. 490,987 473,902 TOTAL ASSETS less current liabililles 293.542 199.063 492.605 476240 Cr•dltor•.' Amounts falllrg due In nve Ihan one year 10 NET ASSETS 293,542 199.063 492,605 476,240 Fundi ofth• Charlty General Fund5 DesignateLI FuThJs Restricted Fund$ 200310 93232 200,310 93.232 199.063 208.877 68.300 199.063 199,C63 Totsi Fund4 293,542 199,063 492,605 476,240 Approved by the Trustees on................................................................................................................................. SvJned on t1r behalf by Trust88 ......... Printed Name.. STEFFAN ELIS
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern
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 note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) (Second Edition, effective 1st January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming Resources
Recognition of Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
Gifts in Kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated Services and Facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment Gains and Losses
This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
9
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with Performance Conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants Payable without Performance Conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
Unrestricted funds
These funds can be used for the general objectives of the charity as set out in the trustees report. The movements of the unrestricted funds are given in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Restricted funds
These funds are where the donor has specified a purpose for the donation made. These restrictions often arise as a result of appeals for special offerings for specific purposes.
Designated funds
These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for particular purposes or projects.
Fixed Assets
Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied are as follows:
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment
20% - Straight Line Basis
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost 01-Jan-24 Additions Net Book Value at 31-Dec-24 Depreciation 01-Jan-24 Charge Depreciation at 31-Dec-24 Net Book Value 31-Dec-24 Net Book Value 31-Dec-23 |
Equipment TOTAL Cost 2024 £ £ 3,601 3,601 - - 3,601 3,601 1,263 1,263 720 720 1,983 1,983 1,618 1,618 2,338 2,338 |
|---|---|
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows: 31st December 2024 : None
31st December 2023 : None
10
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| Note a) Donations, Grants & Legacies Gift Aid Tax Gifts & Donations b) Charitable Activities Activities & Events Fundraising Income Growing Churches Program 6 c) Investment Income Interest d) Other Incoming Resources Sundry Income |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 28,282 - - 28,282 31,647 133,345 - - 133,345 144,477 161,626 - - 161,626 176,124 5,365 - - 5,365 1,636 361 - - 361 855 - 1,333 - 1,333 - 5,726 1,333 - 7,059 2,491 7,473 - - 7,473 7,135 7,473 - - 7,473 7,135 403 - - 403 2,223 403 - - 403 2,223 |
|---|---|
11
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
| Note a) Cost of Charitable Activities Activities & Events Administrative Expenses Advertising & Publicity Catering Costs Depreciation Expense Equipment Costs Evangelism Gifts & Donations 6 Insurance Costs Licenses & Subscriptions Mission Support 6 Pastoral Gifts 6 Pastoral & Pulpit Expenses Rent & Rates Special Appeals 6 Training Costs Trustees' Expenses Staff Costs 12 Youth & Children's Work |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 1,521 - - 1,521 1,520 1,165 - - 1,165 1,257 619 - - 619 328 921 - - 921 774 720 - - 720 720 1,441 - - 1,441 429 12,712 - - 12,712 7,987 - 1,367 - 1,367 1,000 - - - - 1,175 1,180 - - 1,180 899 - 7,800 - 7,800 13,800 - 3,775 - 3,775 3,103 451 - - 451 - 14,794 - - 14,794 16,302 - 17,830 - 17,830 16,156 2,149 - - 2,149 1,897 3,541 - - 3,541 3,635 80,398 - - 80,398 71,296 6,373 - - 6,373 4,578 127,984 30,772 - 158,756 146,856 |
|---|---|
| b) Governance Costs Independent Examiners Fees 9 Legal & Professional Fees |
1,440 - - 1,440 2,400 - - - - 1,320 1,440 - - 1,440 3,720 |
|---|---|
12
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
5. RESTRICTED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
| Building Fund PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR Building Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Jan-24 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Jan-24 £ £ £ £ £ 199,063 - - - 199,063 199,063 - - - 199,063 Balance Balance 01-Jan-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Jan-23 £ £ £ £ £ 192,929 6,134 - - 199,063 192,929 6,134 - - 199,063 |
|---|---|
Building Fund - Funds received towards the future purchase or rental of a Church building in Pontprennau.
The Restricted Funds are wholly represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as specified above.
13
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
6. DESIGNATED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
| Mercy & Compassion Fund Mission Fund Partnership Fund Pastoral Needs Fund Special Project Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Jan-24 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Jan-24 £ £ £ £ £ - - 1,367 6,644 5,277 10,275 - 7,800 18,780 21,255 - 1,333 17,830 16,497 - 6,525 - 3,775 6,450 9,200 51,500 - - 6,000 57,500 68,300 1,333 30,772 54,371 93,232 |
|---|---|
PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR
| Mission Fund Pastoral Needs Fund Special Project Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Jan-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Jan-23 £ £ £ £ £ 1,615 80 7,200 15,780 10,275 2,525 200 2,600 6,400 6,525 45,500 - - 6,000 51,500 49,640 280 9,800 28,180 68,300 |
|---|---|
Mercy & Compassion Fund - Set up by the Trustees to proactively support the needs of the Church or community should they arise. In particular, the cost of living crisis in the current climate.
Mission Fund - Intended to provide mission support to Church missionaries in Thailand and other mission projects in the UK and around the World.
Partnership Fund - Set up by the Trustees to cover gifts/support to organisations that they 'partner' with - such as Christians in sport or UCCF.
Pastoral Fund - Set up by the Trustees as additional funds set aside for Pastoral Needs.
Special Projects Fund - Set up by the Trustees to support special projects in the area of Pontprennau.
All transfers were made to set aside funds for increased support to the designated areas of work or to ensure the fund balances were in line with that approved by the Trustees.
The Designated Funds are wholly represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended on particular purposes as directed by the Trustees.
14
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| Cash at Bank & in Hand | Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ 293,166 199,063 492,229 476,950 293,166 199,063 492,229 476,950 |
|---|---|
8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
| Gift Aid Tax Recoverable Sundry Debtors |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ 2,417 - 2,417 2,539 955 - 955 2,486 3,373 - 3,373 5,025 |
|---|---|
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Independent Examiners Fees PAYE & N.I Sundry Creditors |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ 1,440 - 1,440 2,400 2,073 - 2,073 1,124 1,102 - 1,102 4,549 4,615 - 4,615 8,073 |
|---|---|
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR
The CIO held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial year.
11. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Asset Investments Net Current Assets Long Term Liabilities |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ 1,618 - 1,618 2,338 291,924 199,063 490,987 473,902 - - - - 293,542 199,063 492,605 476,240 |
|---|---|
15
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
| TOTAL 2024 £ Gross Wages, Salaries & Fees 67,819 Employer's National Insurance Costs 6,860 Pension Contributions 5,718 80,398 Employees who were engaged in each of the following activities: TOTAL 2024 Charitable Activities 2 |
TOTAL 2023 £ 65,679 86 5,531 71,296 TOTAL 2023 2 |
|---|---|
The Charity operates a PAYE scheme to all employed members of staff and no employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2023:None).
13. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
During the financial year Trustee Rev Matthew Bownds received £39,270 (2023:£41,069) in staff costs and £3,307 (2023:£3,190) in Pension Contributions in his capacity as Reverend of The Bridge Church, Cardiff in furtherance of the Charity's objects. All conflicts of interest have been identified, documented and managed in accordance with the Charity's Governing Document.
During the financial year Trustee Rev David Lawther received £28,634 (2023:£30,141) in staff costs and £2,411 (2023:£2,341) in Pension Contributions in his capacity as Reverend of The Bridge Church, Cardiff in furtherance of the Charity's objects. All conflicts of interest have been identified, documented and managed in accordance with the Charity's Governing Document.
Payment to Trustees are permitted by virtue of paragraph 5.2 of the constitution adopted 29th October 2018.
During the financial year expenses of £3,541 (2023:£3,635) were paid to Trustee Rev Matthew Bownds and Trustee Rev David Lawther in respect of book allowances, training and travel expenses.
No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial year. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them (2023:None).
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions paid by the charity to the fund and amounted to £5,718 (2023:£5,531). There were outstanding contributions at the year end of £477 (2023:£461).
16
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
15. RISK ASSESSMENT
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
16. RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
17. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.
17
THE BRIDGE CHURCH, CARDIFF
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of The Bridge Church, Cardiff on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 set out on pages 7 to 17.
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 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
-
state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
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 the 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
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
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 Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
K. Collaku MAAT Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
Date: 9th September 2025
18