Solent Evangelical Church
Report and Accounts Year ended 29 February 2024
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
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SOLENT EVANGELICAL CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 FEBRUARY 2024
| ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | 365A Forton Road |
|---|---|---|
| Gosport | ||
| PO12 3HF | ||
| GOVERNING DOCUMENT | CIO Constitution Registered 18 December 2018 | |
| CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER | 1181249 | |
| TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE | FOR | David Hugh Stanford (Pastor) |
| MANAGING THE CHARITY | Ronald Philip Bygrave | |
| Paul David Williams | ||
| BANKERS | Santander Business Banking | |
| Bridle Road | ||
| Bootle | ||
| Merseyside | ||
| L30 4GB | ||
| INSURERS | Ansvar Insurance | |
| Ansvar House | ||
| St Leonards Road | ||
| Eastbourne | ||
| BN21 3UR | ||
| Fellowship of Independent Evangelical | ||
| AFFILIATIONS | Churches (FIEC) | |
| Solent Gospel Partnership (SGP) | ||
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER | Sarah Crispin (ACA) | |
| Stewardship | ||
| 1 Lamb's Passage | ||
| LONDON | ||
| EC1Y 8AB | ||
| INDEX | ||
| Page 1 | Legal & Administrative Details | |
| Pages 2 - 6 | Trustees' Report | |
| Page 7 | Independent Examiner's Report | |
| Page 8 | Receipts | and Payments Account |
| Page 9 | Statement of Assets & Liabilities | |
| Page 10 | Notes to the Accounts |
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Solent Evangelical Church
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statement
Reporting Period: 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024
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Governance
The managing trustees of the charity are the elders, who are appointed by members in accordance with the Church Handbook. The current elders are listed above. Ron Bygrave and Paul Williams were re-elected for a 5 year term at a Church Members Meeting held on 6 November 2019. David Stanford as an employed elder / pastor is not appointed for a fixed term of office but his appointment as elder (managing trustee) would terminate with his employment were that to cease according to the proper processes.
Deacons are also appointed in support of the elders and to take responsibility for various roles in the life of the church which would otherwise distract the elders from the primary leadership role. Paul Bassett was appointed for a 3 year term in November 2022. His special responsibilities are for the tech equipment and for publicity. Rachel Bassett was appointed for a 3 year term in July 2023. She is particularly responsible for the finances and is the church treasurer. She also performs other administrative tasks. Her part time employment also involves other duties which are not tied to her role as deacon.
Charity Objectives
As set out in our Constitution, the objectives of Solent Evangelical Church are:
The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively within Gosport and the surrounding neighbourhood; and 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.
Activities in fulfilment of the Objectives
The church is committed to helping any who we can to come to know and follow Jesus and leading people to faith in Jesus is core to the advancement of the Christian faith. This is of huge benefit to those who come to trust in God in this way, and we believe it is therefore a great public benefit to give people the opportunity to hear about the Christian faith.
Over the period March 2023 – February 2024 we have sought to fulfil this mission and our objectives in the following ways.
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Regular Sunday morning services, including singing, prayer, Bible reading and preaching. These are our primary gathering of the week, and have been our consistent opportunity for regulars and members to meet together, and for outsiders to come and hear about the Christian faith.
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We continue to livestream our Sunday morning service, and some other occasional meetings. We see this as an excellent way for the Christian faith to be accessible to those unfamiliar with its message, and it also provides a way for members of the community who are not able to physically attend to have access to the service online. In order to do this in a way which we think it needs to be done requires a significant skill level in operators, and is a significant investment of people resources on Sunday mornings when our resources are stretched. But nonetheless we think this is important for the above reasons.
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Regular midweek Bible studies and monthly prayer meetings have been restarted, currently meeting in one group at the church, rather than in separate small groups in homes which
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would be our preference. These have seen a fairly small but consistent core of individuals attending, a subset of our regular congregation.
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We also are now holding evening church roughly once a month, and at the end of this reporting year included a meal together as part of this. It is our intention to continue this each month. The meeting includes Bible teaching, sometimes more informal with discussion, and sometimes singing. The meal follows the Bible time.
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Over the spring and summer of this year, we lost 4 of our long time members who passed away from ill health and older age. This was a sad time for our church community, but also a time to mutually support one another, and an opportunity to draw strength from the incredible hope offered in the Christian message. The funeral thanksgiving services were held in the church and meant that we were also able to tell something of this hope to significant numbers of outsiders who had gathered in tribute to those lost. Although we would not have chosen this course of events, it was an important way in which we were able to fulfil our mission and objectives.
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Coffee Pot (a coffee shop) runs once every 2 weeks in term time, and has continued to run throughout the current year, with a good number of regular visitors from the community surrounding the church, providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for friends to gather and for the church to make contact with people and help where possible. This continues to be much appreciated by local people who attend.
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At Christmas we ran a number of Christmas related events including an informal all age church event, and a carol service in the lead up to Christmas. We met as we usually do on Christmas day. All these services are open to visitors to attend and we saw a number of new visitors at these meetings.
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Towards the end of the year, we held a baptism service for 2 individuals who had put their trust in Jesus and wanted to signal that through baptism. There were a significant number of visitors who came to this joyful occasion and were able to hear about the message of Jesus.
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We have supported two individuals from the church who have been undertaking theological training with a view to future full time Christian work. One of these completed their training part way through the year, and so their support from us was for part of the year only.
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We have continued to support financially outside organisations who share our ethos and desire to advance the Christian faith.
Leadership and Employment
We continued to employ an individual in the role of “Financial Administrator, Best Practice Administrator, Evangelism Worker and Events Coordinator”. Their work has contributed significantly to the improvement of our financial arrangements, with a change of bank account, and transferral over to a new accounting system which has brought significant benefits to our day to day financial operations. We have continued to benefit greatly from the additional input to church life through this appointment.
Achievements and Performance
We have successfully continued to tell people about the message of Jesus Christ, both locally and beyond, through our regular activities, and have been glad to see large numbers of people come through the doors of the church for a variety of reasons and we believe we have been able to offer hope and support through our activities in a positive way.
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There have been real difficulties for our church community over this period, and we have mourned the loss of a number of significant individuals over this time. However, we believe that despite the sadness, what we believe, and our trust and commitment to the message of Jesus Christ has been a source of great strength for both our own community and those outside it who have also been touched by these losses. We consider this to be a significant part of our role and an area where we can offer a unique contribution through our specific charitable activities.
Our church community continues to be valued by members and regulars and is a help to people in a variety of life struggles.
The trustees have considered the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and believe that we have fulfilled our objectives in this regard.
Financial Policies
It is our general policy to hold reserves in place equal to at least the running costs of the church for a three month period, considered in the scenario of a catastrophic loss of income.
This figure is currently estimated to be £10,000. At the end of the current year (end of February 2024) we held £16,037 in reserve which is above the required reserves level.
Financial Summary
We entered this year aware that we were drawing on our reserves at a significant rate. With this in mind we took steps early in the year to arrest this – firstly by taking care to reduce our outgoings on unnecessary expenditure as much as possible, and secondly by asking members and regulars to reassess their giving.
Both of these measures were successful to a degree. Our expenditure for the year stands at a slightly lower figure to the previous year of £54,497 (last year, £55,108), but there were expected increases in employment costs and expenses of £2,500 which in the event were £3,222. So, in the light of that, we have done well in keeping expenditure at a lower figure than the previous year.
Income last year was £43,503 and this year was £47,934 – an increase of £4,431, thanks largely to an increase in donations, which interestingly seems to be largely an increase in cash donations.
The resulting deficit for the year in the end was £6,563 compared to around £11k the previous year.
Although this means that we still have a reasonable level of reserves in hand above our agreed reserves minimum (a total amount of £16,037) and that we have delayed the point at which we would violate the policy, our current levels of expenditure and income would mean our reserves dipping to close to or below our reserves minimum by the end of the next year if everything stays the same.
However, there are additional costs which we have delayed which will need to be incurred on building repairs ideally in the first half of the next year. Other increases in outgoings are also anticipated, especially with regards to support of external workers. So, in the light of this, the trustees will need to consider making significant adjustments to other areas of expenditure in
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order to arrest the current trend and allow us to perform required building and infrastructure repairs. It is likely that this will require changes to our employment commitments, even though we have benefited enormously from the current set up and would rather not reduce current workers employed hours.
Responsibilities of Trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
David Stanford David Stanford: David Stanford (Oct 8, 2024 12:40 GMT+1)
Date: Oct 8, 2024
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
SOLENT EVANGELICAL CHURCH
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Solent Evangelical Church ('the charity') for the year ended 29 February 2024 on pages 8 to 10 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and 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
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Crispin (Oct 24, 2024 15:21 GMT+1)Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (ACA)
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Oct 24, 2024
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SOLENT EVANGELICAL CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 FEBRUARY 2024
| Notes Income receipts Donations Gift aid receipts Income from letting of facilities Interest received Total receipts Payments 2 Total payments Transfers between funds 4 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Purchase of fixed assets |
General Designated Funds Funds £ £ 37,839 590 5,734 - 3,050 - 101 - 46,725 590 51,711 236 2,520 - 54,231 236 - - - - 54,231 236 (7,507) 354 1,055 (1,055) (6,452) (701) 21,899 701 15,447 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ 620 - - - 620 30 - 30 - - 30 590 - 590 - 590 |
2024 £ 39,049 5,734 3,050 101 47,934 51,977 2,520 54,497 - - 54,497 (6,563) - (6,563) 22,600 16,037 |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Funds £ 37,839 5,734 3,050 101 46,725 51,711 2,520 54,231 - - 54,231 (7,507) 1,055 (6,452) 21,899 15,447 |
|||||
| 35,860 6,045 1,563 35 |
|||||
| 43,503 | |||||
| 51,708 3,400 |
|||||
| 55,108 | |||||
| - | |||||
| - | |||||
| 55,108 | |||||
| (11,605) - |
|||||
| (11,605) 34,205 |
|||||
| 22,600 |
The notes on page 10 form part of these accounts.
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SOLENT EVANGELICAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 FEBRUARY 2024
| Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Petty cash B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity C Liabilities Falling due within one year HMRC payroll taxes due Fee for Independent Examination Accrued expenses Total D Assets retained for charity's own use Freehold of church building Computers and IT Furniture |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 15,447 - - - 15,447 - 7,718 - 7,718 - 1,178 - 930 - 219 - 2,327 - 2,327 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 590 - 590 - - - - - - - |
2024 £ 16,037 - 16,037 7,718 7,718 1,178 930 219 2,327 2,327 Cost £ 20,000 2,599 5,000 27,599 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22,509 91 |
||||
| 22,600 | ||||
| 5,714 | ||||
| 5,714 | ||||
| 1,025 930 952 |
||||
| 2,907 | ||||
| 2,907 | ||||
| Current value £ |
||||
| 315,790 932 - |
||||
| 316,722 |
The trustees have used insurance values for the church building as the trustees are unable to reliably estimate current values; insurance values may differ materially from current values.
E Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
David Stanford David Stanford (Oct 8, 2024 12:40 GMT+1)
David Stanford
Date:_____ Oct 8, 2024
The notes on page 10 form part of these accounts.
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SOLENT EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 FEBRUARY 2024
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| Unrestricted Funds General Designated funds funds £ £ 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Employment costs (see note 3) 40,198 - Ministry expenses 1,858 - Coffee Pot expenses - 236 Refurbishment costs - Building maintenance & repair 1,253 - Utilities 2,094 - Insurance 1,530 - Legal & Professional fees 1,305 - Office & IT costs 2,753 - Other costs - - Contribution to FIEC 720 - 51,711 236 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - 30 - 30 |
Total 2024 £ 40,198 1,858 236 - 1,253 2,094 1,530 1,305 2,753 30 720 51,977 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38,410 2,885 511 136 1,418 1,812 1,449 1,517 2,195 655 720 |
|||
| 51,708 |
3 Transactions with related parties
David Stanford served as church leader and was paid £32,988 inclusive of pension (2023: £32,988) for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
Rhiannon Stanford who is related to David Stanford, received £720 (2023: £720) towards her support at Bible College.
4 Movement of funds
| 28 General funds Designated funds Coffee Pot Restricted funds Support for individuals Total funds |
Balance at February 2023 £ 21,899 701 701 - - 22,600 |
Receipts £ 46,725 590 590 620 620 47,934 |
Payments £ (54,231) (236) (236) (30) (30) (54,497) |
Balance at Transfers 29 February 2024 £ £ 1,055 15,447 (1,055) - (1,055) - - 590 - 590 - 16,037 |
Balance at Transfers 29 February 2024 £ £ 1,055 15,447 (1,055) - (1,055) - - 590 - 590 - 16,037 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||||
| 590 | |||||
| 590 | |||||
| 16,037 |
Designated Funds
Coffee Pot fund represented money held for this activity. It is no longer treated as a designated fund and maintained within general funds.
Restricted Funds
Support for individuals represent donations given specifically to support individuals for training and missions.
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