REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1187105
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
for
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
C J Bacon BEd.(Hons.), AST, BFP, ACPA, ACA Upper Ground Floor 18 Farnham Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4XA
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 6 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 | to | 15 |
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
Summary of activities
The activities may include but are not restricted to:
*regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching;
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baptism, as defined in the Union's Declaration of Principle;
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*the Communion of the Lord's Supper which shall be observed at least once a month;
-
*evangelism and mission, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally;
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*the teaching, encouragement, welcome and inclusion of young people;
*nurture and growth of Christian disciples;
*education and training for Christian and community service;
*giving and encouraging pastoral care;
*supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the United Kingdom and abroad;
*encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
During the period the Church has sought to meet its objectives by carrying out many of the activities listed above. It has carried out a number of its activities and has also supported other people as they have sought to meet similar objectives.
The Charity continued to support those missionaries serving overseas who are members of the Church and who were sent out through the Ambassadors' Fund.
The trustees feel that over the course of the year, the Charity has been successful in meeting its stated objectives through many of the activities that it has embarked upon.
Page 1
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
During the year under review, the income of the Charity was £384,998 (2024: £138,084). Income this year is higher than usual as it includes a legacy of £241,209 from a church member. Income from donations fell slightly from £85,821 to £84,121 but there was rental income of £19,950 from letting out the manse this year (2024: £nil). However, investment income fell from £24,422 to £7,892, as the funds invested following the sale of the old manse were expended .
Expenditure for the year was £190,057 (2024: £178,188), of which depreciation of £49,022 (2024: £47,493) was by far the major item. Staff costs excluding benefits increased from £18,552 to £24,036, as a result of the new minister starting in February 2025 and salary changes. Major categories of expenditure were grants to institutions, £24,384 (2024: £26,266), and repairs and decorating £30,231 (2024: £34,221).
In total, therefore, the church recorded a surplus of £194,941 (2024: a deficit of £40,104) which, when added to the total funds brought forward, leaves reserves of £2,044,273 to be carried forward.
The trustees are mindful that without the generous legacy of £241,209, the church would have suffered a deficit of £46,268 for the year, although expenditure of £49,022 related to depreciation of the premises and equipment and therefore did not represent a cash movement. The trustees are aware that operating at a deficit is not sustainable in the long-term.They will continue to monitor the financial situation carefully.
Reserves policy
The trustees have established the level of reserves (that is those funds that are freely available excluding designated funds) that the charity ought to have. Reserves are needed to ensure that regular expenditure and donations and grants can be maintained in the short term should there be a reduction in the level of voluntary income received. Reserves are held to cover possible emergency repairs to the Church and other buildings. The trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves is £50,000, approximately three months of regular expenditure. Unrestricted cash balances at 5 April 2025 were £410,598, thus comfortably exceeding the desired level of reserves.
FUTURE PLANS
The church will continue to pursue its Objectives and Activities through its current programme of activities and ministry.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Godalming Baptist Church is an unincorporated charity governed by its Constitution dated 19 December 2020. It was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on the same date, receiving charity number 1187105.
Appointment, recruitment and training of trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected by nomination at the church AGM by the membership of the church under the terms of the Constitution. The trustees (except for those in ministerial office) are appointed for an initial three year term with the opportunity for re-appointment at the end of the three year term. Each trustee is provided with copies of the Constitution on request, as well as accounts and minutes, and is made aware of the legal responsibilities they are accepting on their appointment.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1187105
Page 2
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
Principal address
Godalming Baptist Church Queen Street Godalming Surrey GU7 1BA
Trustees
Mrs Catherine Lawton (deceased 24.10.25) Mrs Stephanie Lucas Mr Andrew Lucas Mrs Maureen Jones Mrs Marion Toombs Mr Peter Barringer Mr Malcolm Bowgett Mr Antony John Bennewith Rev Peter Jackson Mr Jack Samuel Cooke Curtis (appointed 23.2.25)
Independent Examiner
C J Bacon BEd.(Hons.), AST, BFP, ACPA, ACA Upper Ground Floor 18 Farnham Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4XA
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 28 November 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Andrew Lucas - Trustee
Page 3
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Godalming Baptist Church CIO
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Godalming Baptist Church CIO (the Trust) for the year ended 5 April 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
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 Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
.......................................................
C J Bacon BEd.(Hons.), AST, BFP, ACPA, ACA Upper Ground Floor 18 Farnham Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4XA
5 December 2025
Page 4
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities Premises hire Income from events Manse rental income Investment income 3 Total EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 4 Ministry costs Administrative costs Establishment costs Mission costs Total NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds 12 Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds £ 339,363 15,479 - 19,950 7,892 382,684 20,294 24,583 116,561 12,315 173,753 208,931 (12,216) 196,715 1,846,595 2,043,310 |
Restricted funds £ 2,314 - - - - 2,314 - - - 16,304 16,304 (13,990) 12,216 (1,774) 2,737 963 |
5.4.25 Total funds £ 341,677 15,479 - 19,950 7,892 384,998 20,294 24,583 116,561 28,619 190,057 194,941 - 194,941 1,849,332 2,044,273 |
5.4.24 Total funds £ 100,973 12,233 456 - 24,422 138,084 16,134 24,359 109,114 28,581 178,188 (40,104) - (40,104) 1,889,436 1,849,332 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Balance Sheet
5 April 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 11 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 12 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted funds £ 1,615,770 25,520 410,598 436,118 (8,578) 427,540 2,043,310 2,043,310 |
Restricted funds £ - - 1,371 1,371 (408) 963 963 963 |
5.4.25 Total funds £ 1,615,770 25,520 411,969 437,489 (8,986) 428,503 2,044,273 2,044,273 2,043,310 963 2,044,273 |
5.4.24 Total funds £ 1,662,771 23,666 170,064 193,730 (7,169) 186,561 1,849,332 1,849,332 1,846,595 2,737 1,849,332 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 28 November 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
Mr Andrew Lucas - Trustee
Rev Peter Jackson - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
| Freehold property | Straight line over 26 years. The church was being depreciated over 50 years in |
|---|---|
| the books of the old unincorporated charity and 24 years' depreciation had | |
| been provided to the date of transfer. | |
| Plant and machinery | 25% on the reducing balance basis |
| Fixtures and fittings | 25% on the reducing balance basis |
Depreciation is not provided on the manse as the trustees consider that its value exceeds the cost at which it is held in the books of the charity.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
continued...
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Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The church pays pension contributions for its eligible ministerial staff to the Baptist Pension Scheme, which is not contracted out for State Pension purposes. Contributions to the defined contribution pension element of the pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to which they relate. The church also paid deficit contributions to the Baptist Pension Scheme in respect of the closed defined benefit plan for part of the year, but the requirement for contributions ceased during 2024/25. The scheme is a multi-employer pension scheme and it is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme which are attributable to the church. In accordance with the SORP (FRS 102) the scheme is therefore accounted for as a defined contribution scheme.
The church also pays pension contributions for eligible non-ministerial staff to a separate defined contribution scheme. These are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to which they relate.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations Gift aid Legacies Designated gifts INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest |
5.4.25 £ 84,121 16,347 241,209 - 341,677 5.4.25 £ 7,892 |
5.4.24 £ 85,821 14,946 - 206 100,973 5.4.24 £ 24,422 |
|---|---|---|
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
| Ministry costs Administrative costs Establishment costs Mission costs |
Direct Costs £ 20,294 24,583 116,561 353 161,791 |
Grant funding of activities £ - - - 28,266 28,266 |
Totals £ 20,294 24,583 116,561 28,619 190,057 |
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
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Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
During the year one trustee, Jack Curtis, received remuneration of £3,292 and pension contributions of £336 in respect of his employment as Associate Pastor. Under the terms of his contract of employment, he was also provided with a laptop and was reimbursed his removal costs, at a total cost to the charity of £611.There were no trustees' remuneration or benefits for 2024.
Trustees' expenses
During the year, expenses totalling £5,091 were paid to one trustee in respect of travel and printing expenses and preaching fees (2024: £5,089 expenses were paid to one trustee in respect of travel and preaching fees).
6. STAFF COSTS
| STAFF COSTS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wages and salaries Pension costs Other benefits |
5.4.25 £ 23,391 645 611 24,647 |
5.4.24 £ 18,248 304 - 18,552 |
||||
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Ministry Administration No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted funds £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 98,769 Charitable activities Premises hire 12,233 Income from events 456 Investment income 24,422 Total 135,880 |
5.4.25 1 1 2 Restricted funds £ 2,204 - - - 2,204 |
5.4.24 1 1 2 Total funds £ 100,973 12,233 456 24,422 138,084 |
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
EXPENDITURE ON
continued...
Page 9
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
| 7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds £ £ £ Charitable activities Ministry costs 16,134 - 16,134 Administrative costs 24,359 - 24,359 Establishment costs 109,114 - 109,114 Mission costs 12,288 16,293 28,581 Total 161,895 16,293 178,188 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (26,015) (14,089) (40,104) Transfers between funds (12,624) 12,624 - Net movement in funds (38,639) (1,465) (40,104) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,885,234 4,202 1,889,436 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,846,595 2,737 1,849,332 8. NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS The net movement in funds is stated after (crediting)/ charging the following: 5.4.25 5.4.24 £ £ Independent Examiner's Remuneration - - Depreciation- owned assets 49,022 47,493 |
Restricted funds £ - - - 16,293 16,293 (14,089) 12,624 (1,465) 4,202 2,737 |
Total funds £ 16,134 24,359 109,114 28,581 178,188 (40,104) - (40,104) 1,889,436 1,849,332 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 6 April 2024 Additions Disposals At 5 April 2025 DEPRECIATION At 6 April 2024 Charge for year Eliminated on disposal At 5 April 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 5 April 2025 At 5 April 2024 |
Freehold property £ 1,741,590 - - 1,741,590 131,392 35,835 - 167,227 1,574,363 1,610,198 |
Plant and machinery £ 2,129 - - 2,129 720 352 - 1,072 1,057 1,409 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 89,591 2,443 (628) 91,406 38,427 12,835 (206) 51,056 40,350 51,164 |
Totals £ 1,833,310 2,443 (628) 1,835,125 170,539 49,022 (206) 219,355 1,615,770 1,662,771 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Under the terms of the 1903 Trust Deed, the church must use any proceeds from the sale of the church premises to buy or erect new premises for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God.
10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
5.4.25 £ 16,347 9,173 25,520 |
5.4.24 £ 15,750 7,916 23,666 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Other creditors 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Church Premises Fund Legacy fund Legacy Tithe Fund Restricted funds Ambassadors' Fund Pastoral Fund Other restricted donations TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are Unrestricted funds General fund Church Premises Fund Legacy Tithe Fund Restricted funds Ambassadors' Fund Pastoral Fund Other restricted donations TOTAL FUNDS |
At 6.4.24 £ - 1,610,198 236,397 - 1,846,595 - 2,531 206 2,737 1,849,332 as follows: |
Net movement in funds £ 220,645 (35,835) - 24,121 208,931 (12,216) (1,568) (206) (13,990) 194,941 Incoming resources £ 358,564 (1) 24,121 382,684 - 2,314 - 2,314 384,998 |
5.4.25 £ 8,986 Transfers between funds £ 224,181 - (236,397) - (12,216) 12,216 - - 12,216 - Resources expended £ (137,919) (35,834) - (173,753) (12,216) (3,882) (206) (16,304) (190,057) |
5.4.24 £ 7,169 At 5.4.25 £ 444,826 1,574,363 - 24,121 2,043,310 - 963 - 963 2,044,273 Movement in funds £ 220,645 (35,835) 24,121 208,931 (12,216) (1,568) (206) (13,990) 194,941 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 12
Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Net movement At 6.4.23 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 544,505 9,818 Church Premises Fund 1,017,670 (35,834) Legacy fund 323,059 1 1,885,234 (26,015) Restricted funds Ambassadors' Fund - (12,624) Pastoral Fund 3,848 (1,317) Other restricted donations 354 (148) 4,202 (14,089) TOTAL FUNDS 1,889,436 (40,104) Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 135,879 Church Premises Fund - Legacy fund 1 135,880 Restricted funds Ambassadors' Fund - Pastoral Fund 1,998 Other restricted donations 206 2,204 TOTAL FUNDS 138,084 |
Transfers between funds £ (554,323) 628,362 (86,663) (12,624) 12,624 - - 12,624 - Resources expended £ (126,061) (35,834) - (161,895) (12,624) (3,315) (354) (16,293) (178,188) |
At 5.4.24 £ - 1,610,198 236,397 1,846,595 - 2,531 206 2,737 1,849,332 Movement in funds £ 9,818 (35,834) 1 (26,015) (12,624) (1,317) (148) (14,089) (40,104) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
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Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Church Premises Fund Legacy fund Legacy Tithe Fund Restricted funds Ambassadors' Fund Pastoral Fund Other restricted donations TOTAL FUNDS |
At 6.4.23 £ 544,505 1,017,670 323,059 - 1,885,234 - 3,848 354 4,202 1,889,436 |
Net movement in funds £ 230,463 (71,669) 1 24,121 182,916 (24,840) (2,885) (354) (28,079) 154,837 |
Transfers between funds £ (330,142) 628,362 (323,060) - (24,840) 24,840 - - 24,840 - |
At 5.4.25 £ 444,826 1,574,363 - 24,121 2,043,310 - 963 - 963 2,044,273 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Church Premises Fund Legacy fund Legacy Tithe Fund Restricted funds Ambassadors' Fund Pastoral Fund Other restricted donations TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 494,443 (1) 1 24,121 518,564 - 4,312 206 4,518 523,082 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (263,980) 230,463 (71,668) (71,669) - 1 - 24,121 (335,648) 182,916 (24,840) (24,840) (7,197) (2,885) (560) (354) (32,597) (28,079) (368,245) 154,837 |
|---|---|---|
The Church Premises Fund is a fixed asset reserve, maintained (by a transfer to or from general funds) at a level equal to the net book value of freehold land and buildings.
continued...
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Godalming Baptist Church CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
The Legacy Fund was established in order to record separately the income and expenditure relating to the legacies from former members.
The Ambassadors Fund was established to provide financial support for the work of missionaries sent out from the Church.
The Pastoral Fund was established to provide financial assistance to those in need in the church and local community.
Other Restricted Donations relate to specific donations made by church members.
The Legacy Tithe Fund was set up by the trustees to hold 10% of the legacy received during the year ended 5 April 2025. This will be distributed to charitable organisations or individuals whom the trustees decide merit the support of the church.
13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
Tony Bennewith is a director of Bennewith 2018 Ltd, which invoiced the church £6,360 during the year for bookkeeping and accountancy services. The balance outstanding at 5.4.25 was £nil.
Donations totalling £23,510 were received from the trustees during the year and a further £5,300 was received from a charitable trust connected with a church trustee.
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