Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1.1.2024 Period start date To 31.12.2024 Period end date
Charity name: Diss Baptist Church CIO
Charity registration number: 1181369
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The purposes of the church are: 1. The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the basis of faith primarily but not exclusively within diss 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 provided that the advancement of such purposes must be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the doctrinal distinctives and ethical statements as may be adopted and amended by the church from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the church handbook. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Our purpose as a local church in Diss continues to be to offer relevant and impactful teaching from the Bible in a way that our congregation can not only learn from but practically apply in their daily lives. A major step forward for us as a church in 2024 was formally affiliating to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) in October. Joining the FIEC gives Diss Baptist Church a secure place to locate both doctrinally and ethically in the 21st Century UK evangelical church space. We look forward to growing this link along with our continued support and affiliation with the Norfolk Gospel |
Partnership. In 2024 our morning services attracted around 80 people, drawing in visitors and also people enquiring about the Christian faith. A Sunday school is available at this service and numbers are slowly increasing as new folks arrive. At 6pm we hold an evening service drawing a congregation of around 30 people. This service gives the wider leadership of the church an opportunity to lead and preach as well as other men to explore and develop their gifts in preaching and teaching. Our midweek activities continued strongly thanks to the hard work and commitment of our small army of volunteers. On a Tuesday our ladies meet together for bible teaching and prayer. Wednesday is a busy day for the church. Our morning ‘Coffee Stop’ bustles each week and during 2024 we continued to incorporate a short bible-based thought for the day which is appreciated by all who come, including those with no faith. On a Wednesday afternoon, JAM – our family and children’s club has continued to serve as a vital connection point with the community. Many good connections and friendships were built with the community through this endeavour. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings we continued to go deeper in the bible in our fortnightly Life Groups and on the opposite fortnight our prayer meetings continued to be well attended and much valued. The weekly coffee morning each Thursday called Chatterbox continued throughout 2024 and is especially useful as a connection point on the Taylor Road neighbourhood. The work amongst the men of the church continues. On the last Saturday of the month a full English breakfast and a time for sharing, testimony, and prayer continued to be valued amongst the men. 2024 was a big year for local outreach and mission. Our ‘180 Street Outreach Team’ has gone on from strength to strength with a now established presence every third Saturday morning in the town. Following on from the previous year, Life Fest 2024 was held on Saturday 31st August. This festival style outreach devised and hosted by DBC was an afternoon on Diss Park of music, talks, games, crafts, stalls, Way Sport Motor Sport Team and all sorts of food establishments. It was great success as an opportunity to reach out to our town with the good news of the life that is offered in Jesus Christ. Diss Baptist Church played a prominent role
| in the town amongst refugees who were placed in the Park Hotel. DBC was central to the organisation of clothing, essential items, and support amongst the community during the early months of the year. We welcomed many international families into our Sunday services, children’s work, warm space, to our coffee mornings, as well as befriending. Most significantly we provided through the first few months of 2024 EFL classes. A team of volunteers was assembled to take on this massive task. We are grateful to God for our good relationship with Diss Town Council. We were also pleased to develop a good friendship with Roydon Primary School which became home to our Sunday services from July 2024. This large, modern, accessible and welcoming space with ample parking is ideal for our growing congregation and we are very grateful to the school. We give thanks to God for the generosity of our church members in their financial support, their prayers, and their practical help and support in so many ways (often totally unnoticed). But most of all we thank Him for the reason we do this - His Son Jesus Christ, and the reason we can do this, the divine help he gives us through God the Holy Spirit. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The charity trustees of Diss Baptist Church have had regard to the guidance on public benefit in the activities of the charity. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | See information and comments included in the main activities identified above. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Total income for the year from collections was £126,053.50 . After adding gift aid (from HMRC) specific mission giving total income was £153,821.85 Total expenses for the year were £89,563.04, of which £ 43,734.74 was spent on employees’ salaries and expenses. Total mission giving was £6,192 for the year. As a consequence, the surplus with income greater than spending was £64,258.81 |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Reserves policy – general reserves (not including funds already designated for specific spending) should normally be between 3 and 6 months spending |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Total unrestricted funds held were equal to £130,928.27. Reserves are higher than the reserve policy stipulation, but with the sale of the Manse and the potential for purchasing a new property, additional funds for development may be needed. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Trust deeds: Church Building, Church Manse; Handbook and Constitution. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | The Constitution covers the election of trustees – elders of the church (voted on by church members) become trustees. If there are fewer than 3 elders then their number is supplemented by members of the diaconate. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Diss Baptist Church |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | N/A |
| Registered charity number | 1181369 |
| Charity’s principal address | Diss Baptist Church Denmark Street Diss IP22 4LE |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Armstrong |
Pastor/elder | Membership | ||
| Trevor Hart | Elder | Membership | ||
| Joseph Bannister | Elder | Membership | ||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signaturnls) Position leg Secretary. Chair, etc)
Pastor’s/Trustees’ Report 1st January – 31st December 2024
Our purpose as a local church in Diss continues to be to offer relevant and impactful teaching from the Bible in a way that our congregation can not only learn from but practically apply in their daily lives.
A major step forward for us as a church in 2024 was formally affiliating to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) in October. Joining the FIEC gives Diss Baptist Church a secure place to locate both doctrinally and ethically in the 21st Century UK evangelical church space. We look forward to growing this link along with our continued support and affiliation with the Norfolk Gospel Partnership.
In 2024 our morning services attracted around 80 people, drawing in visitors and also people enquiring about the Christian faith. A Sunday school is available at this service and numbers are slowly increasing as new folks arrive. At 6pm we hold an evening service drawing a congregation of around 30 people. This service gives the wider leadership of the church an opportunity to lead and preach as well as other men to explore and develop their gifts in preaching and teaching.
Our midweek activities continued strongly thanks to the hard work and commitment of our small army of volunteers. On a Tuesday our ladies meet together for bible teaching and prayer. Wednesday is a busy day for the church. Our morning ‘Coffee Stop’ bustles each week and during 2024 we continued to incorporate a short bible-based thought for the day which is appreciated by all who come, including those with no faith. On a Wednesday afternoon, JAM – our family and children’s club has continued to serve as a vital connection point with the community. Many good connections and friendships were built with the community through this endeavour.
On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings we continued to go deeper in the bible in our fortnightly Life Groups and on the opposite fortnight our prayer meetings continued to be well attended and much valued.
The weekly coffee morning each Thursday called Chatterbox continued throughout 2024 and is especially useful as a connection point on the Taylor Road neighbourhood.
The work amongst the men of the church continues. On the last Saturday of the month a full English breakfast and a time for sharing, testimony, and prayer continued to be valued amongst the men.
024 was a big year for local outreach and mission. Our ‘180 Street Outreach Team’ has gone on from strength to strength with a now established presence every third Saturday morning in the town. Following on from the previous year, Life Fest 2024 was held on Saturday 31st August. This festival style outreach devised and hosted by DBC was an afternoon on Diss Park of music, talks, games, crafts, stalls, Way Sport Motor Sport Team and all sorts of food establishments. It was great success as an opportunity to reach out to our town with the good news of the life that is offered in Jesus Christ.
Diss Baptist Church played a prominent role in the town amongst refugees who were placed in the Park Hotel. DBC was central to the organisation of clothing, essential items, and support amongst the community during the early months of the year. We welcomed many international families into our Sunday services, children’s work, warm
space, to our coffee mornings, as well as befriending. Most significantly we provided through the first few months of 2024 EFL classes. A team of volunteers was assembled to take on this massive task.
We are grateful to God for our good relationship with Diss Town Council. We were also pleased to develop a good friendship with Roydon Primary School which became home to our Sunday services from July 2024. This large, modern, accessible and welcoming space with ample parking is ideal for our growing congregation and we are very grateful to the school.
support, their prayers, and their practical help and support in so many ways (often totally unnoticed). But most of all we thank Him for the reason we do this - His Son Jesus Christ, and the reason we can do this, the divine help he gives us through God the Holy Spirit.
Diss Baptist Church Profit and Loss January - December 2024 Tolal Incom¢ 2000 CNChequeS/Slad[ng Ord8r8 2010 Gfft Ald 126.053.50 2020 GASD Tax Reclalm 2030 Gift Aid Tax Re¢¥med 16.452.31 Totsl 2010 GFftAid 17,435.39 2040 IA¢Br8st Red 9.330.46 2060 Jam IAonoy 2070 Taylor Road Money 2100 Mlssion Donatbons Fty 92.X) 2195 Way4SPOrt Total 2100 Mlsslon Do10& Fty 2200 Rqthcted 2230 Wtlfare 110 Totsl 2200 Restrtr 110. Total Inc¢)ff 153,821.85 Gros5 Pmfflt 153.821.85 3000 Salary & ExpBTrB8S 3010 Salary Tax Nl 3020 Pon&ion Ci)nt 38.332.82 3,27144 3030 Mikag8 & Expenses 1.125.05 1.005.43 30SO Gu0St Pro8C 124.rKJ Totsl 3000 Salary & Exp•ns8 4000 Man50 43,856.74 4030 Councll TaxlWat¢r Etc. -407.59 Total 401X) Manse 407.59 SOOO Chur¢h 5020 Re?15 & IAalrtonance 6040 Cleanlng 5050 Ga5 & El8¢ts5¢ty 5060 Water Rats5 557.22 11.91925 490.21 5080 Irut+ 1.878.54 5090 Hlrg of PMnSws for Sunday Sgrylc•s Tolal 6000 Chur¢h 5.1S6.40 20.367.62
6000 Adminlstration 6005 Accounlancy Fee8 6010 Books & Ltterniu 875.60 257.48 6015 Copy Rlght 8020 Gen8ral Cat•tho 6025 Hoalth & Saf 644.85 1.058.83 456.75 6035 Professional Fo08 957.50 6040 PutAlclty 6048 Statlonory & Offi sup8 6050 Subscrlptlon8 19.(Kl 1.134.27 3.1Q8 87 6066 Talephon• & BwD•dlwKI 6060 Tralnlng 6070 W•bilt•llntomot 579.44 -27.50 2.431 04 Tot•1 601MJ Admlnl•lr•tlon 11.495.93 7000 Actfvlty Exp•r* 7100 OutrM¢h 7105 Chrf•¢i•nlty Explornd 7136 T•yl+X Road 1.423 94 7140 V8rfoLO OutM•ch 7170 1800utrnaGh 187 04 Total 7100 lJulr•ach 2,267.30 7180 Ufg F••t 4.648.55 7170 Rofugo• Ftsnd 7200 Youth 27.49 7110 JIM 1.001 44 7216 J•m+ 1508 7226 sund S¢hool Total 7200 Youih 1,113.00 8.OS6.34 Totsl 7000 Acdvbty Exp•# 8000 Mlsalon. Oonatbom To 8010 Asla Llnk 3,(O).Q) 3,0ty).(•J 8012 Grac• 8¥p¢l•t PIS To1•18000 MO••lon. Don•tlon8 To 8.000.00 •OOO Gen•r41 Donlltl( 9010 FIEC 192CK) Totsl 90 13•norn1 Donauo 192.00 Totsi ExpenBe8 89.563.04 Not Operatlno In¢om8 64,2S8.81 64.288.01 Mon¢Jay. M•r 03. 2025 08'.12.'47 WO- G•6h 8•slB
Diss Baptist Church Statement of Assets & Llabiiili As of De¢ember 31, 2024 2024 Flxed Assets Church & Pemises FtureS l Fumiture l Equipment £350,000.00 £12,803.33 £362.803.33 Mans¢ roslrlct•d Fund £400.275.98 CurrnrtAs8ffl8 Current Account Savings Account 8usine88 Prem: Account £6,935.05 £39,995.98 £86,997.24 Totsi CUrrnntAts £133.928.27 TotaiA88ats £897.007.58 Totsl £897.007.58 Funds Unrestricted Fund Restrlcted Fund Manse restrlcted Fund Capitsl Fund £130,928.27 £3,000.00 £400.275.98 £362.803.33 Totsl Fund8 £897,007.58 hab bwn uTrJ•rth¢ Iler*pts & Payftwnts baili.
Homecote Creeting St. Peter Ipswich, IP6 8QR
T: 01449 490010 E: jo@boaservices.co.uk
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Diss Baptist Church
Charity No. 1181369
Year Ended 31[st] December 2024
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Diss Baptist ('the charity') for the year ended 31[st] December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
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.
I report in respect of my examination of the accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 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 respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
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 to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date: 4[th] August 2025
Name: Johanne Thomas, FICB PM.Dip
Relevant profession qualifications or body (if any): Institute of Certified Bookkeepers 122-126 Tooley Street London, SE1 2TU
Johanne Thomas trading as BOA Services
Licenced and regulated by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Practice Licence Number: 12343