2025-03-31-accounts - Thetford Vineyard Church

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Thetford Vineyard Church (Charity No. 1188794) on the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st March 2025

Respective Responsibilites of Trustees & Examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. 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. It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which would affect the figures below.

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
to prepare accounts, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Kieran Kenny Emerald Accountants Limited Keystone Innovation Centre Croxton Road Thetford Norfolk IP24 1JD 3 December 2025

Thetford Vineyard Church

Annual Report and Statement of Accounts

For the Year Ended 31[st] March 2025

Charity Registration Number:

1188794

Thetford Vineyard Church

Annual Report and Statement of Accounts

For the Year Ended 31st March 2025

Contents
Page 3	Legal and Administrative Information
Page 4	Trustees’ Report
Page 6	Financial Review
Page 7	Statement of Financial Activities
Page 8	Trial Balance
Page 10	Balance Sheet
Page 11	Notes to the Accounts

Thetford Vineyard Church

Legal and Administrative Information

Charity Registration Number 1188794 Date of Registration 30[th] March 2020 Start of Financial Year 1[st] April 2024 End of Financial Year 31[st] March 2025

Trustees as of 31[st] March 2022 Lorraine Burke Matthew Bush

Julie Allsopp

Governing Document

Constitution, last amended 30[th] March 2020.
Additional Information

Thetford Vineyard Church is part of Vineyard Churches UK and Ireland (VCUKI).

Charitable Objects

To advance the Christian religion for the public benefit in accordance with the statement of faith found in the governing document in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world through:

The organisation and provision of Christian worship
The provision of such facilities and services as are appropriate for the church, to enable it to fulfil its mission to the members of the church, visitors to the church and the local community and the wider community
The provision of facilities for Christian training and service
The support and provision of Christian evangelism and outreach
The provision of assistance to the wider Christian church in its ministries.

Registered Address

29 Magdalen Street Thetford

Norfolk IP24 2BP

Primary Bankers Lloyds Bank 35 King Street Thetford IP24 2AX

Thetford Vineyard Church

Trustees’ Report

Activities and Performance

Growkids Thetford - We have been based at the Growkids Family Lounge (53 York Way) for 2 and a half years. During this time we have offered a walk-in session every Tuesday and Friday morning; where families can come and browse the free clothes we have to offer, their children can play and we can offer them hot drinks, a chat and often prayer. We have continued to give out hundreds of bags of clothing free of charge to the community and are still well-supported through donations. The Growkids Grotto was a great success again this year, providing a free experience to see Santa, have a family photo and receive a small gift to around 100 children. Grants continue to come in from various funding bodies to support the work of Growkids and we are extremely grateful to them for this generosity.

Unfortunately, the degrading nature of the building we were renting at 53 York Way meant that since Dec 2024 we were working around roof leaks. Health and safety concerns meant that we could no longer allow people to be in the property. As a result, on 26th March 2025, we gave our notice as tenants. We are currently in the process of moving Growkids and associated compassion projects to an alternative space.

Sunday Gatherings - We continue to rent the main dining hall at Norwich Road Primary Academy allowing us to host all of our Sunday gatherings from this location. This central, consistent location significantly increases our visibility as a Church, allowing those who wish to join us on Sunday easily find us. This agreement also means we have access to storage space and a separate venue for kids work (Vineyard Kids). We meet every 2 weeks to worship, listen to a talk from the bible and receive prayer.
Brunch Church - Twice a month on a Sunday we meet at Norwich Road Primary Academy to share a brunch meal together. There are activities for children to participate in and for families to enjoy. This is our best attended event and serves as a good opportunity to welcome those who would otherwise be tentative to walk into a Church service.
Prayer - We hold a weekly 30–40-minute prayer meeting called “The Lamp Room’ over zoom in which we pray for the town and listen for prophetic leading.
Mid-week Life Groups and other Groups – Over the last year we have invested more deeply in weekly Life groups - places in which we spend time with each other and with God. Once a month we share a meal together in these groups, allowing us to strengthen authentic relationships

Men’s Weekend Away - For the second year in a row, we have joined together with other Vineyard Churches across East Anglia to host a men’s weekend away. This was attended by almost 50 men at Sizewell Hall in Suffolk. There was a full programme of teaching and worship and lots of opportunities to socialise with one another. After lots of positive feedback, a team from Thetford Vineyard Church, Stour Valley Vineyard Church and Cambridge Vineyard Church are planning to host another weekend away in 2026.

● Seasonal Events at Thetford Vineyard Church

Wreath-making As in previous years, we once again hosted a wreath-making event, this year at our regular Sunday venue at Norwich Road Academy. It was well attended with around 45 participants, many of whom were new to us.

Carol and Christingle Service The carol service this year was 'Christingle' themed - a family service with activities, a talk and worship songs intermixed. The whole church community joined in and made their Christingles. This was a joyful event.

Mothers' Day This year Mothers' Day, we celebrated by purchasing bunches of daffodils and chocolate bars. The children participated in some craft for special women in their lives, and then were asked to give out the flowers and chocolates to all the women in the room. It was a very special and meaningful event, especially for those women who didn't have their own families with them.

Financial Review

Total income during the financial year ending 31st March 2025 was £51,920.43 (£28401.18 General - Unrestricted and £23519.25 Growkids - Restricted)
£4108.14 Gift-Aid was claimed during the reporting period
During the reporting period, several grants were awarded to fund the work of Growkids Thetford
£3,000 was awarded by the Paul Bassham Charitable Trust
£5,000 was awarded by the Norfolk Community Foundation (Breckland Council Match Funding)
£2,000 was awarded by the Norfolk Community Foundation (Surviving Winter Community Hot-Spot Fund)
£5,000 was awarded by Thetford Town Council
£500 was awarded by Growbaby International
£3,500 was awarded by TESCO
£2,000 was awarded by Cynthia Della Hoy’s Croxton Charity
£1,525.40 was awarded by Roys of Thetford
Total expenditure during the financial year ending 31st March 2025 was £46694.06 represented by £32065.48 (General - Unrestricted) and 14628.58 (Growkids - Restricted)
Thetford Vineyard Church employed four members of staff throughout the reporting period. Two staff members (Kate Jones - Growkids Manager and Sarah Leggett - Growkids Assistant Manager) were paid from the Growkids - Restricted fund. In the reporting period, Growkids staff costs from the Restricted fund were £7,535.24
Victoria Bush was paid from the General - Unrestricted fund as a Senior Pastor. From May 2024, Matthew Bush was also paid from the General - Unrestricted fund as a Senior Pastor. In the reporting period, Thetford Vineyard Church staff costs from the General fund were £12,805.00
Thetford Vineyard Church is committed to distribute its income to causes outside of its immediate interests. In the reporting period, we made gifts to Vineyard Churches UK & Ireland (£1000 offering at the Vineyard Leaders Gathering; £1,547.01 tithe representing 5% of Unrestricted income), Eastpoint Vineyard Church (£2000) and The Engine Room at the Charles Burrell Centre (£1,714.99). In total these gifts amounted to £6,262.
Thetford Vineyard Church finished the year ending 31[st] March 2025 with Net Current Assets of £67,705.73 (£66,935.84 cash)

Statement of Financial Activities

For the Year Ended 31st March 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Prior Year
Unrestricted £ Restricted £ Total £ £
Incoming Resources
Donations & Legacies 28226.29 900 29126.29 31540.16
Charitable Activities 174.89 22619.25 22794.14 13001.28
Total incoming resources 28401.18 23519.25 51920.43 44541.44
Resources Used
Charitable Activities 32065.48 14628.58 46694.06 37453.26
Total resources used 32065.48 14628.58 46694.06 37453.26
Net Incoming / Outgoing Resources
(before transfers) -3664.3 8890.67 5226.37 7088.18
Fund Transfers In 0 445 445 0
Fund Transfers Out 445 0 445 0
Net Incoming / Outgoing Resources
(before gains/losses) -4109.3 9335.67 5226.37 7088.18
Investment Gains (or Losses) 0 0 0 0
Net Incoming / Outgoing Resources
(before Asset Revaluation) -4109.3 9335.67 5226.37 7088.18
Asset Revaluation 0 0 0 0
Net Movement of Funds -4109.3 9335.67 5226.37 7088.18
Total Funds Brought Forward 65933.05 -3453.69 62479.36 55391.18
Total Funds Carried Forward 61823.75 5881.98 67705.73 62479.36
Represented By
General (Unrestricted) 61823.75 0 61823.75 65933.05
Growkids (Restricted) 0 5881.98 5881.98 -3008.69
Hardship Fund (Restricted) 0 0 0 -445
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Trial Balance

For the Year Ended 31st March 2025

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Account Debit £ Credit £
Assets
Thetford Vineyard Church 66935.84
Fixed Assets 339.43
Liabilities
Accounts Payable -430.46
Income
General (Unrestricted): Donations: One Off Gifts 20
General (Unrestricted): Donations: Regular Donations 24192
General (Unrestricted): Gift Aid: Gift Aid 4014.29
General (Unrestricted): Other Income: Other 174.89
Growkids (Restricted): Dontations: One Off Gifts 900
Growkids (Restricted): Gift Aid: Gift Aid 93.85
Growkids (Restricted): Other Income: Other 22525.4
Expenditure
General (Unrestricted): Admin: Accounting 202.77
General (Unrestricted): Admin: Equipment & Consumables 3584.35
General (Unrestricted): Admin: Insurance 246.5
General (Unrestricted): Admin: Licences 1367.7
General (Unrestricted): Admin: Refreshments and Food 175.73
General (Unrestricted): Admin: Safeguarding 1231.47
General (Unrestricted): Building: Rent 3025
General (Unrestricted): Comms: Design & Print 55.84
General (Unrestricted): Community and Outreach:
Vineyard Kids 234.38
General (Unrestricted): Community and Outreach: Youth 808.7
General (Unrestricted): Compassion: Other 25
General (Unrestricted): Gift: Other 4754.99
General (Unrestricted): Gift: Tithe 1547.01
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
General (Unrestricted): Staffing: Salary 12805
General (Unrestricted): Staffing: Training 2001.04
Growkids (Restricted): Compassion: Growkids - staff 7635.24
Growkids (Restricted): Compassion: Growkids- Other 1398.83
Growkids (Restricted): Compassion: Growkids- Rent 5594.51
Net Gains (or Loses)
Investments
Reserves
Cumulative Total of Reserves up until end of last financial
year 62479.36
Cumulative Asset Revaluation
TOTAL 113969.33 113969.33
----- End of picture text -----

Balance Sheet

For the Year Ended 31st March 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Total £ Prior Year £
Current Assets
Cash 66,935.84 62,756.23
Accounts Receivable 0 0
Prepayments 0 0
Non-Current Assets
Fixed Assets 339.43 339.43
Investments 0 0
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable -430.46 616.3
Non-Current Liabilities
Net Current Assets 67,366.30 62,139.93
Total Net Assets (Assets Minus
Liabilities) 67,705.73 62,479.36
Represented By
General (Unrestricted) 61,823.75 65,933.05
Growkids (Restricted) 5,881.98 -3,008.69
Hardship Fund (Restricted) 0 -445
----- End of picture text -----

Notes to the Accounts

GIFT-AID As a registered charity, Thetford Vineyard Church is eligible to claim Gift-Aid. In the financial year ending 31[st] March 2025, £4108.14 Gift-Aid was claimed from HMRC.

PAYMENTS TO SENIOR PASTORS AND TRUSTEES Victoria Bush, a senior pastor of Thetford Vineyard Church has been paid as a Senior Pastor for 10 hours per week at a rate of £7800 per annum. From May 2024, Matthew Bush, a senior pastor of Thetford Vineyard Church has been paid as a Senior Pastor for 7 hours per week at a rate of £5096 per annum.

Trustees are currently unpaid. No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.

RISK ASSESSMENT The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

RESERVES POLICY The trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. The trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its’ charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

PUBLIC BENEFIT The charity acknowledges its’ requirement to demonstrate clearly that It must have charitable purposes or 'aims' that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on and were signed on its behalf by.. Lorraine Burke (Chair of Trustees) Matthew Bush (Trustee) Julie Allsopp (Trustee)