CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees. Annual Report for the Period From 1st April 2023 to 31" March 2024 Charity Name: MILLBRIDGE CHURCH Charity Registration Number. 1187290 Objectives and Activities Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in rts goveming document. P￿a 1.17 The advancement of the Christian Faith in accordance with Ihe Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively, within Minehead and the sumunding neighbourhood, including but rK)t limited to.. the prevention and relief of need. hardship and sickness., the advan￿ment of educat40n', and the provision of faciltties in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time oC(￿patiOn of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of Iheir youth. age, infimiity or disability, financial hardship or social cirryjmstances with the ob'ect of im rovin their conditions of lrfe. Weekly Sunday moming worship includes preathing andlor Bible teaching. Sunday evening worship takes place on altemate Sunday's. Age related a(Xivities are provided for children when presenl. Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefrt, in particular, tl activtties, projects or servi￿$ Klentrfied in Ihe accounts. Para 1.17aThJ All ￿￿etingS are open trj the general public. A mi(hveek evening meeliro is held to which anyone is welcome tcoether with a moming midweek meeting for ladies to meet and to study the Bible and to pray. A monthly meeting for men allowing an opportunty to share in conversations. study and pray. Reach out lund)es whith are open to those in the o)mmunity. are hesd monthly providing a wami safe Spa￿ for those who find themselves isolated, lonely or in need. The Women's Group meet on average thr* limes a month allowing an opportunity for biblical stud ra er and fellowshi Ducklings meet once a week during school tem and provides an opportunity for guardians wtth pre-school children. lo meel together en(x)ur8ging children lo socialise whilst prowding a safe environment for adults to engage in conversation. Pastoral support and engagement with guardians allow for that inleraction that would otherwise would not have been availab￿. Prayer meetings lake pla￿ monthly allowng for those hoLJsebound lo engage in the felkjwship of the thurd) in their own homes. The church holds a fortrsightly table tennis group which is open to anyone from svithin or outside the church fellowship. This brings together and encourages members, ex-members. congregalion. and non- church goers under the church roof. Meetings are held in a relaxed environment where church. table tennis and the secular world get disuJ&8ed, not forgetting playing table tennis. rx)nversation, and refreshments. SPOT (Sharing Pursurts over Tea) reathes out twi￿ a month to the community providing much need&1 fellowship over tea, coffee ￿lIst engaging in games of S(yabb￿. jigsaws. and conversation. Engagemenl wrth the local residefrtial (are homes allows for seNices to be taken out into the o)rnmunity providing fellowship to those vtho are unable to attend personally. Fellowship lunches take place every 2 months with an open invttation for those in the community to attend. Men's Breakfast and Ladies bwnches events throughoul the year, allow for conversation in an environment vthere the men and ladies bvait upon each other. These are open to all and adve￿Sed throughout the communty. The Churth seeks to fulfil its charitable objectives by supporting a number of overseas missionaries working in various countries. Iplhere appeals are either focused na￿nallY or intemationally, the Chur facilitates the collection and sending of funds to various parts of the world where the Church either through local contacts or aid agenC￿s, make provision by ¢x)ntributing tovrards th8 emergency relief appeals. Each Christmas. the church contributes through the generosity of members and r￿￿-memberS towards the shoebox appeal. A missions committee overseen by the Dea(A)ns, review all requests for appeals and donations ensuring that the ne￿ssary due diligen￿ is completed and (x)mplied To maximise the use of the building for ihe cotnmunty. an extemal group 'Somerset Sighl. hosted training and awareness courses during 2023. The thurch is a si ht friendl church. The Trustees meet at a minimum, 4 times a year. All trustees are briefed and are in receipt of the Chartty Commissions, guidance referenced through the publications PB3 Public Benefit Reporting. and the guKlance issued by the Charity Commission about ublic benefit. Statement confimiing whether the trustees have had regard to the guKlance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. Pwa 1.18 Additional inforniation Policy on grant making. Paa 1.38 Not Applicabfe Policy on social investrnent including program related invesbnent. Pwa 1.38 Not AppIl￿ble Contribution made by volunteers. P3ra 1.38 All activthes are undertaken by both members and non-members in a voluntary role. All activities are overseen by a member of the church who are responsible for each activity. The Deacons remain accountable for eath aclivity undertaken. The extent and range of activtties where individuals give their time, range from ensuring the upkeep arKI maintenance of the church and the church's assets through to facililating each of the groups that use arKI are hosted b the church. Achievements and Performance Surnmary of the main achievements of the charity, identrfying the difference the chanty's work has made to the ￿rcUMstan￿$ of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to S￿Iety as a whole. Par8 1.20 The demographics of both membership and the geographical area in which the charty is based, means that there is a relian￿ on volunteer5 in providing the ￿e￿ssary suttrVis￿n and support for church-based activrties. The Trustees acknowledge the mrnitment of m8mbers and non- members that they make which has a far wider impact among those we se￿e extending thn)ughout the worfd. All groups and adivities have developed during this past year, not On￿ evidenced thrcAJgh the numbers attending but also, in raising the profile beyond the immediate vianity of the thurth which provides rnuch needed support to the beneficiaries and to the public. in line with the charlty's purposes as ouUirFed in the governing doc#Jment. The tharity reswnds accx)rding to need invariably at short noti￿. An example of this was to commemorate the death of Queen Eltzabth11 al a seNice of remembrance and thanksgiving. Wrth support from the k)cal community in partnership with the Minehead Community Defibrillalor Group, Millbridge hosts an extemal defibrillator easily accessible to th8 public details of vthich, is available to the Southwest Ambutance Trust as part ot their triage algorithm. Regular contributions are made to those in need by contributing to the local food bank. Work continues to engage I0￿11Y with the organisation, Safe Families as we look to integrate the needs of those wlth links to the church with extemal stakeholders for support that goes over and beyond that in which V￿ are able to give or iJ)mmit to. Through regular appeals and commitinents towards recipients, either through outreach or the work of Mission both at home and abroad, remain crucial in ensuring that the charitable aims. objectives and purpose5 remain fft for purpose. We remain fo¢￿sed to provide that financial support to those both at home and abroad this indudes Operation Mobili5ation and Ihe Cranford Support TrL5sL Overseas. we have been able to support those in lull time ministry as well as making financial provision for shelter and accommodation in BU￿rna Fasso. just two examples of how we as a church, continue to support those in need_ Annually the thurch participates in the Samaritans Christmas Shoe Box appeal for disadvantaged thildren across the wortd. Millbridge church is part of the Somer5el Lo￿1 Govemment Wam Initiative scheme. AdditFonal infomiatlon Achievements against objectives set. P*a 1.41 ObjectNes determined by the members, set against the charity's constitution overseen by the chartties Trustees. has allowed for the continuing financial support to those within our own (￿Mmunity as well as missionaries abroad including SUp￿rting other chartties nationally. This support is both as the need is identified as well as. through commttments lo provide such support through our quartedy missionary giving. CharitFes and otganisations that have been identifi￿1 as recipients for this reporting period include. Operational Mobilisation, Caring for Lrfe. Shoe Box appeal, Cranford Supporl Tfust, Samaritsns Purse following Ihe earthquake appeal, the Hope Centre in Minehead. Slavic Gospel Association. COmpass￿n and the CXJO appeal in Burkina Fasso. We continue to engage with lo￿1 initiatives with the objective of meaningfijl engagement with the communities needs at heart. All financial commitments as well as activtties emanating from the thurch are ularf reviewed. Not AppIl￿ble Perfomian(E of ffijndrdising activities against objerlives set. Investment perf0m￿n against objectives. Para 1.41 P*a 1.41 Other. The folFowing policies were either adopted or reviewed during Ihis reporting period.. - Prrvacy and Dats Protection" Fire Safety", Safe-Guarding' Risk Management,. Social Media and C0mmLJni￿t1On'. Capability and Disciplinary: Church Workers Code of Condurt Equal Opportunrties, Grievance Procedure" Complaints., Reserves; Conflict of Interest- Health & Safety- General Financial RecomMendati￿S Policy.. Church Safety including a Lone Worker Policy. All groups remain compliant with Data Protection and Safeguarding. Group activity leaders and those within the leadership team. remain ¢Th￿pIlant with the Disclosure and Barrin servi￿. Flnancial Review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the period. P*a 1.21 Income .v. Expenditure is in line with that projected at the end of the reporting period 202212023. For the end of the present financial reporting period 202312024, income exceeded expenditure. We remain in a positDn whereby there is Conf￿enCe in maintsining ourobiectives for the nexl reporting period. A contingency fund designated for the Maintenan￿ of the assets held was factored in durin this financial ear. 3-months reserves are held based on the averdge of the last 12 months to ensure thal in the event of any Govemment restrictions, or the source of ino)me is severely impacled upon. known expenditure can be met. This is reviewed annuall 1000/0 of 3-months ex ndtture = £4.500.00 Not Applicable Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held. Pa8 1.22 Amount of ￿serveS held. Reasons for holding zero reserves. Details of fund Mate￿IEY in defictt. Explanatkjn of any un(*rtainties about Ihe charity conts'nuing as a gowig cOn￿M. Pwd 1.22 Para 1.22 Pwa 1.24 Not Appli(xble Pwa 1.23 There are no concems raised about the chaiity ￿nts"￿￿1ng as a going concem. Additional infomiation The charity's principal sources of funds linduding any fundraising). P*8 1.47 The main ￿Ur￿ of ftjnds is through sacrificial gtving. Any additional funding that is Klenlffied. is sought through engaging wrth members and non-members to contribute accordin Not appli(able Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted. P&d 1.46 A descriptK)n of the principal risks facing the charity. P*a 1.46 There are no reportable principal risks facing the chartty. The demographics of those who freely give ttFeir time is constantly kept under ￿￿ew. Financially, we remain in a strong position in going forward but wf(h the geographical demographics of Ihe membershipllocallty together with an expected increase in expendrture. the potentBI for risk is one that has been reco nised. In line with the recommendations of the Chanty Commission, an inlemal financial control audit is (zrned out annually. Other. Para 1.46 Anticipated future stipend expenditure conb'nues to be budgeted for. For this reason, the funds held continue to be in excess of that which the Ttustees would nomially re¢J)mmend as we seek to employ Pastor. TrLJStees accept the balance carried forward as being justif￿d for the purFM)ses in vthich they are hekl. The Pro￿S$ in calling a Pastor to full-time ministry will continue into this next reporting period. By taking this decision, the financial positK)n in going forward reflects the chari s overall balan￿. Structure, Governance and Management Descriptton of tharity's trusts.. Type of goveming document. How is the i*arity constiluted? 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. Pwa 1.25 Constitution P¥a 1.25 Charitable Incorpjrated Owanisation Pwa 1.25 Election to post by the members of the CIO according to governing document and the church handLK)ok. This past year. tt has been recngnised that the position of Trustee, linked intrins1￿1lY to that of being elected as a Dea(*)n have different roles and responsibilities. A change to the handbook subject to the member5 approval will give due recognttion to both roles. A resolution is to be tabled al a members meeting during the first quarter of the next financial reporting Addftlonal infomiation Policies and procedures adopted for the induthon and trdning of twstees. Paa 1.51 l trustees on appointment, are briefed as to the requirements as laid down by the Charity CommissM)n publication CC3 'Essentials for Trustees., I tNstees go through the disqualnl(xtion, disclosure, and barring servi￿. Ongoing development Is subject to guidan￿ forthcoming from the Charity Commission. The ojnslitution as the Goveming Document and the Church Handbook. provide the framework for the structure of govemance. The charity's organisational structure and any wider neknrk with which Ihe charity W*rJrks. Paa 1.51 In recognttion of the demographics of the tnembership. the charity has identified the need to rewJnise those members who are unable to fuffil the requirements of full membership therefore, a level of Associate Membership has been introduced with non- voting righls. Policies and Procedures that provide the framework to rotect the charities activities. Fellowship of IndeFendent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) Relationship wrth any relate(I parties. 1.51 Other. The ChaTities Act 2011 together with the Standard O erats"n Recommended Procedures (SORP} remawi key in providing a foundation for the charity to remain u)rnpliant with legislation. The paper produced 'Ch81ity Commission for EngLand and Wales response to -stronger Chanties for a Stronger Society., report of session 2016-17 of the House of Lords Select Committee on Charrties dated January 2018. and although predominantly directed at the Charity Commission, we as a chanty. acknowledge the Charity Commissions responses in line with our Goveming Dooyjment and Church Handb(K)k. Reference and Administrative details Chari name Other name the charity uses Millbrid e Church Millbridge Evangelical Church Millbrid e Evan eli￿1 Free Church 1187290 8 Parkhouse Road Minehead Somerset TA24 8AB istered chari number Charity's principal address Names of the charity truslees who manage the charity. Nam• of person lor t￿y) entitled to appoSnl trust•• fif an Offke I any) Michael Wynfo Green Dearnn Church Members Dawd Roberl James Capel Andrew Joseph Buchanan Deacon Church Members Dea￿n Church Members Roland F Petit Dea￿n January- 31st Marth 2024 Church Members Namo of trustees holding title lo property belonging to the charity TrLFSto8 nane Michael ford Green David Robert James Ca Andrew Jose h Buchanan Roland Petit 9 Janua - 31st March 2024 Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others. Description of the assets h8kl in this ￿pa1)ty. The Manse, 39 Lower Park M1￿head. Somer5et TA24 8AY Millbridge Church, 8 Parkhouse Road Minehead. Somerset TA24 8AB Millbridge Church. after the transfer of assets frorn the Felk)wship Propety Tnjst Limrted. became effective from 11" June 2021 and is used to promote the charitys obiects"ve. Name and objects of the charity on whose behair the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian chari 's ob'ects. Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the tharity's own assets. Additional Supporting InfoThation. Overseen by the thanty's tnjstees in line with the charity's govemirvJ document and thurch nJEes. Additional inforn7ation Names and addresses of advisers. Type of adviser Namo Addross Audrtor Jean Armin MICB me￿￿ End Cottage, Quay Lane. Minehead TA24 SQU Wellington Square. Minehead TA24 5LH FIEC. 10 The PoinL Market Harborough LE16 7QU Financial HSBC plc Edward Connor Solicitor Exemptlons from disclosure Reason for non￿lS¢10Sure of key personnel details Not appliizble Declarations Signature{s) Full name(s) Position Trustee Trustee Dats io LL8RIDGE CHURCH 1187290 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES CC16a 1stw"12023 31st Marc* 2024 Section A Receipts and payment5 Unrestrictsd Funds RestFicled Funts Endowmient Funds Total Funds Last Y8ar to th8 nearest £ A1 Re¢8lpts Offerings & Tax 34123 35.123 3.803 InterE5t Lega< Grcups 700 835 894 Sub TC*alIG￿ forAR) *845 4.937 41.781 36.893 A2 Asset and Investr￿lSa185. Iseetable SubT¢*al Total ReceiOs 4.937 41,781 36.893 A3 Paymenls Stiperyj Marw & Churth 11.127 11349 3,316 620 11.127 12.349 3,316 620 M￿51011 Fellowship Govemance 1.459 1165 1.629 1.459 2,165 1,629 Groups Other Sub Total 31864 32,664 tsbhl Stjb Total T 9ThJvL¥ ZoL4 JEAN ARMIN MICB 2P May 2024 MEWS EI¥D COTTAGE 5 QUAY LANE SOMERSET TA24 SQU arniln adtnln@btinternet.com 01643 703597 Ref. Millbridge Evan8elical Church / Millbridge Church Dear Audrey The books presented to me are from April 2023 to March 2024 Your church is a Charitable IncoTrK)rated organisatio￿ known as Millbridge Churcm banking with HSBC. The annual income of your church is over £25,000 and your Trustees have requested an Independent Examination of your accounts. Your church is entitIed to exemption under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 to bave its financial statements for year ended 31 March 2024 audited. My IDdependent Examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the church and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items OT di￿loSureS in the accounts which may have required explanations from the Managing Trustees concerning any such matters. Independent Examiner's Stat¢ment In connection with my examinatioo no matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to belTeve that the requirements to keep accounting records and to prepare accounts have not been met. The contents of this letter aod summary $lJould be reported lo your Church meeting. Ple&8e note that an Independent Examination is no substitute for ongoing effective procedures to minimise / prevent10&8es due to error or comiption. Yours sincerely, Mrs Jean Armin MtCB THE INSTITufE OF CERTIFIED pi. Practice Licence Number 10366 tnd dent Examination s document As a Charitable Incorwrated O[ganisatiO￿ TestK)nsibility for management of banking. payments and Gift Aid has been assigned to Audrey Williams. Andrew Buchanan {&$ a trustee) has responsibility for the accounting spreadsheet with help from MaTgaret Langdon. Other signatories are Mike Green and David Capel. Ix)th trustees. ind¢ dent ¢xaminatioD has indicated that: Banking is with HSBC, at the Minehead branch. During the year a reserve a¢¢ount h&s been opened. No minister or other paid staff are currently employed by the church. although a minister is sought. The previous year's fll]ancial statement was available for reference. The church accounts are recorded on spreadsheets. viith a detailed analysis of transactions. There is evidence that the c&sh Ix)ok is kept up to date and has been correctly reconciled to the bank statements, although the reserve a¢¢ount had not been included in the reconciliation. A bank reconciliation to correct this has been created. All the receipts and payments undertaken by the churchhave been properly rewrded in the accounting records, and any cash income has Fttn banked regularly. Church income is purely from donations and subsequent Gift Aid clain￿. Gift Aid has been claimed and recorded throughout the year, amounting to £5.515.92 received in the fiDancial year. Money collected for specific Purposes has been used for those PUTposes. It w&s noted that donations received in the year 2022 - 2023 for a defibrillator were used to purchase the item in April 2023. leaving a zero balance for that project. Payments made to church members for expenses ote accompanied by evidence of costs incurred and are countersigned. Payments made tally with invoices and with bank stat¢ment entries. Payments are made by Debit Card, Direct Debit or online transfer. 1Vhe￿ applicable, VAT has been correctly calculated. TheTe is no petty cash account at present The Trustees, Annual Rep)rt and the Financial Report have been completed. Insurance policies were in the file for the manse and the churcm and the premiums shown as being paid. The adequacy of the insurance cover should be reviewed annually. Minutes of the four meetings of the Managing Tn￿leeS have been See￿ covering procedural matters. Additional comments: The manse been unoccupied duTing the financial year. The internal Financial Controls for Clwities Document has been complete(L wÉth additional useful comments. Work on the roof was fimded from 'contingencies' (held in the dewsit account). Despite this expenditure the overall funds increased over the year. In line with the Reseryes Policy stated in the Annual Tn￿e¢s. Rep)rt there is a 3 month reserve of £4,500, held in the de￿Sit accounL Report i&sued: 2t May 2024 Completed by ...... .............