2025-03-31-accounts

Shepherd Drive Baptist Church Ipswich

Charity No 1183504

Annual Report Year Ending March 31[st] 2025

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] April 2024 to 31[st] March 2025

Charity name: Shepherd Drive Baptist Church

Charity registration number: 1183504

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith. As a church we want to share both the word and love of God locally in the community we serve and also worldwide.
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	Please see accompanying report
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	All trustees are aware and adhere to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit

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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	SDBC does not make grants but does make regular gifts from its charitable “compassion fund”.
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38	n/a
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	Please see accompanying report
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	During the year, the membership of the church grew and, as at 31stMarch 2025, there were 106 people in membership (compared to 98 as at 31st March 2024). Our average attendance at worship services and Bible study groups has also increased during this period. Our children’s work, Toddler Group and other community events have also remained popular, which has been confirmed by the continual flow of new children and parents/grandparents etc. coming along each week. A number of church members give their time supporting the Oasis English Language School based in Ipswich.

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We also look to the needs of the community and seek to help as we are able / have opportunity with compassionate / practical assistance.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	Please see accompanying report. We believe that the primary objectives (to share both the word and love of God locally in the community we serve and also worldwide) have been met this year to the best of our ability.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	Please see accompanying report. Our overall financial position has remained in a healthy state and we have been greatly encouraged that our building project has been completed
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	n/a
Other

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Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Please see accompanying report. Our overall financial position has remained stable this year as a result of increased income from congregational giving and the careful control of usual costs. However, it was necessary for the church to purchase a significant level of new equipment (replacement projector, new lighting, CCTV and additional storage facilities). As a result, total expenditure for the financial year (£134,369) exceeded the total income we received (£127,808) and resulted in a year-end deficit of £6,561. However, our general fund remains in a healthy position with a surplus of £21,841.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	In line with guidelines from the Charities Commission, the Trustees maintain reserves to enable the Church to function effectively and protect its ability to meet its obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost. The Trustees have determined that the appropriate level of reserves to be set aside is in the range of £20,000, which represents approximately 3 months of expenditure. This reserve is covered by funds in our Future Ministries Fund. Additional reserves are currently held to meet the remaining costs of our church building extension project and future ministries.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	Circa £20,000, see above. Current balance of Future Ministries fund is £25,560.
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	n/a
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	None
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a	Para 1.23	n/a

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going concern

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	Please see accompanying report. Congregational giving provides the majority of income for the day-to-day running costs of the church. This is augmented by donations received from the public towards the costs of running our programme of activities.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	n/a
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	Restrictions imposed which would prevent us actively pursuing our charity objectives. A major reduction in church members resulting in significantly lower levels of income. Major unexpected costs.
Other

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Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Trust deed
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 trustees are appointed by the church members and hold office under the constitution and rules of the CIO.
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	Please see accompanying report. The church is served by its Trustees which include two elders who are appointed by the church to lead the fellowship. Elders are accountable to the fellowship and appointed by the members of the church. The Church is a member of the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (East Anglia) Ltd, and a participating/supporting church of Grace Baptist Mission. The church also actively supports “Caring for life” (A Leeds-based charity working with vulnerable adults) and the Oasis English language school, based in Ipswich.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51
Other

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Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Shepherd Drive Baptist Church
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number	1183504
Charity’s principal address	Laburnum Close, Pinewood, Ipswich IP8 3SL

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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 (ifany)
	Simon Robinson	Minister and elder		Church members
	Peter Newton	Co-minister and elder		Church members
	Christine Robinson	Youth / Ladies worker and Deacon		Church members
	Sheryl Brett	Deacon		Church members
	Alan Durrant	Treasurer and Deacon		Church members
	Debbie Cook	Deacon		Church members
	William Cates	Deacon		Church members
	GaryHaseman	Deacon		Church members

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

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Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
None

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

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Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser	Name Address	Name Address
Independent examiner	Mr S J Whayman	51 Cowper Street, Ipswich, IP4 5JA
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

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Contents

Page Legal and Administrative Information 13 Trustees Annual Report 14-18 Independent Examiner’s Report 19-23

Shepherd Drive Baptist Church

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Legal and Administrative Information

Registered Address Laburnum Close Pinewood Ipswich IP8 3SL Trustees Mr. Simon Robinson (Minister) Mr. Peter Newton (Co-Minister) Mrs. Sheryl Brett Mrs. Debbie Cook Mrs. Christine Robinson Mr. Will Cates Mr. Alan Durrant (Treasurer) Mr. Gary Haseman

Property Trustees The Association of Grace Baptist Churches (East Anglia) Ltd

Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Independent Examiner Mr S J Whayman

51 Cowper Street Ipswich IP4 5JA

Report of the Trustees of Shepherd Drive Baptist Church for the year end to 31 March 2025

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The Trustees of Shepherd Drive Baptist Church Ipswich, have pleasure in presenting their Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” as they apply to smaller charities.

Trustees

The Church is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The trustees named on page 15 have served throughout the year and were appointed as trustees on registration of the church as a CIO. They are appointed by the members and hold office under the constitution and rules of the CIO.

The trustees are the elders and deacons of the Church. During the past year Simon Robinson, Christine Robinson and Peter Newton are the only trustees who have been paid as full or part-time workers for the church. The trustees are responsible for the control and management of the Church and are appointed by the members of the Church.

Jackamans Solicitors hold the title deeds of the church property on behalf of the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (East Anglia) Ltd.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Charity is governed by an approved governing document. Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the constitution which requires them to have been publicly baptised on the profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

Our Members’ Meetings normally take place at least four times per year and have responsibility for the operation and overall policy of the church. In accordance with the constitution, there are eight Trustees, two of which are the Elders of the church (who have also been appointed by the Members) and are responsible for the day-to-day running of the church’s work and witness, and the financial and legal aspects of the charity.

All members are encouraged to play an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church Meeting by the Trustees for guidance or may be raised by members in Church Meetings for further consideration by the Trustees. Although the constitution permits decisions to be made at Church meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible.

Afliations

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The Church is a member of the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (East Anglia) Ltd, and a participating church of Grace Baptist Mission.

Objectives and Activities

The principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith. As a church we want to share both the word and love of God locally in the community we serve and also worldwide. In order to achieve the principal objective as set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both for its membership and the wider community. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to encourage people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord.

Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. This service usually takes place each Sunday at 11.00 am and will include singing, prayer and a Bible talk. During this service there is also a children’s programme of activities which run in parallel. At the end of our Sunday service there is time to chat over tea/coffee, giving us the opportunity to further encourage each other and to get to know each other better.

The church seeks to be a friendly and welcoming community and anybody is free to attend our main worship service and any of the other meetings we hold. However, members’ meetings are limited to those who are in membership and participation in Communion is limited to baptised Christians who are in good standing with a local church.

On the first Sunday of each month, we meet for a time of prayer during the evening. In addition, on the third Sunday in most months, we hold a Communion service followed by a meal together. There are also occasional services at other times which are advertised on the Church Notice Board and the website (sdbc.org.uk).

The Church runs a series of Bible study/prayer groups during the week to encourage growth in faith and discipleship. These are held both at the church and in the homes of some members, and further details of these can be obtained from the Elders, or at the Sunday worship service.

The Church also runs a Parent and Toddler Group which meets in the Church premises on Wednesday mornings. This aims to support families in the community, demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ and providing a safe environment for young children to play and meet other children. From time to time the Church runs courses for people interested in discovering more about Christianity, entitled ‘Christianity Explored’ and also ‘Hope Explored’.

For the older generation, we provide a quarterly fellowship group known as “Connections”. We also run a coffee-morning group for men of all ages (“Coffee Connections”) and a thriving Ladies’ group which meets fortnightly.

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On a monthly basis, we have a “Coffee, Craft & Chat” group for women and a men’s book club. We also hold men’s and women’s social evenings and have a walking club that meets periodically during the year.

The Church runs two weekly events for young people on Wednesday and Friday evenings, as well as our ‘Messy Church’ family events, which are held three times a year on Saturday mornings.

The Church operates robust systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted and DBS-checked. The church has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and is satisfied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public.

Achievements and Performance

The Church does not measure the success of its programme by numbers only, (including financial numbers) but also in less tangible ways, such as strengthening fellowship and encouraging growth in people’s faith.

The Trustees recognise that these are difficult to measure, but believe that 2024/25 was a positive and encouraging year in the life of the Church.

During the year, eleven people joined the church, having publicly shared how they had come to faith in Jesus Christ. Two members moved to different areas and left the fellowship during the year. In addition, one member passed away. These changes resulted in 106 people being in membership as at 31[st] March 2025.

It has been encouraging to see average attendances at worship services increase and we have benefitted from the additional space created in our building by our now completed building project.

Our children’s work, Toddler Group and other community events have also been well attended and we have seen encouraging numbers at our Ladies group.

The Church has looked to support local, national and worldwide charities, both prayerfully and financially. We also have a number of church members who volunteer their services at the Oasis English Language School based in Ipswich.

We also look to the needs of the community and seek to help as we are able/have opportunity with compassionate/practical assistance.

Financial Review

The Church continues to raise the funds necessary to carry on its activities from within its own Membership and congregation. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year, but the church has benefitted from financial

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gifts and grants received. The Church is heavily dependent on its Membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the church’s activities.

Our overall financial position has remained stable this year as a result of increased income from congregational giving and the careful control of usual costs. However, it was necessary for the church to purchase a significant level of new equipment (replacement projector, new lighting, CCTV and additional storage facilities). As a result, total expenditure of unrestricted funds for the financial year (£148,218) exceeded the total unrestricted income we received (£141,946) and resulted in a year-end deficit of £6,272. However, our general fund remains in a healthy position with a surplus of £21,841.

At the year-end, Total Assets were £30,185. This figure reflects monies held in our General and Restricted funds and the outstanding loan amount to the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (East Anglia) Ltd.

A number of gifts have been made from our Compassion Fund this year and it has been encouraging to be used by God in this way to support a range of needs in our community.

Reserves Policy

In line with guidelines from the Charities Commission, the Trustees maintain reserves to enable the Church to function effectively and protect its ability to meet its obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost.

The Trustees have determined that the appropriate level of reserves to be set aside is in the range of £20,000, which represents approximately 3 months of expenditure. This reserve is covered by funds in our Future Ministries Fund.

Additional reserves are currently held to meet the remaining costs of our church building extension project and future ministries.

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Assets retained for the use of the Church

Furniture, Kitchen Equipment, Audio Visual Equipment and Television.

Liabilities

£37,500 — remaining loan payable to Association of Grace Baptist Churches (EA) Ltd. Repayable by May 2032 in half-yearly instalments of E2,500

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees

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Full name(s) Alan Durrant
Simon David Robinson
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Date
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Signature(s)

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