## **WOODBERRY DOWN BAPTIST CHURCH** ## **References and administrative details** Registered Address: 190 Vartry Road South Tottenham London N15 6HA Charity Registration Number: 1189018 |**Trustees**||| |---|---|---| |Full Name|Position|Date appointed| |Rev Charles Mugenyi|Chair|| |Bryan Sycamore|Trustee|14-Apr-20| |Trevor Davis|Trustee|14-Apr-20| |Bienvenu Nsukisa|Trustee|24-Oct-24| |Victor Fernando Riofrio Piedro|Trustee|24-Oct-24| |Ernest Toquie|Trustee|24-Oct-24| |||| ## **Property Trustees** The Baptist Union Corporation Limited, Baptist House 129 Broadway Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 8RT ## **Bankers** SANTANDER ## **Independent Examiner** Mr Teshale Joba ## **Members Meeting dated 27 April 2025** Page 1 of 4 ## **Annual Report for 2024** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Charity is governed by a constitution approved by its members. Members of the Church are accepted by the constitution, which requires them to be or to have been publicly baptised on the profession of faith in Jesus Christ or following other modes of baptism to renew their public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. The members' Meeting generally occurs twice a year and is responsible for setting the overall policy of the church. According to the Constitution, members appoint at least three Trustees who, along with the Minister, Church Secretary, and Treasurer (all appointed by the Members), oversee the day-to-day operations of the church’s work and witness, as well as handle the financial and legal responsibilities of the charity. All members are encouraged to actively participate in both the spiritual and practical tasks needed to advance the charitable objectives. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church meeting by the Trustees for guidance or raised by members for further consideration by the Trustees. Although the Constitution allows decisions to be made at Church meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church aims to work by consensus whenever possible. ## **Objectives and Activities** The advancement of the Christian faith for the public benefit per the statement of faith set out in Appendix 1 of the constitution through the holding of prayer meetings, seminars, and public celebration of religious festivals, and charitable support for the needy. To achieve the principal objective, which is set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both to its membership and to the community generally. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord. The Church's primary purpose is to provide regular public services of Christian worship. These services are held each Sunday. The church notice board/website at woodberrydownchapel.org has a variety of public events, which are advertised on the church notice board or website. The church seeks to be a welcoming community, and anyone is free to attend any of these public services and events. The Church runs a series of small group meetings for mutual aid, the growth of faith, and discipleship. Further details of these can be obtained from the Trustees by request or at public Sunday services of worship. The Church has a number of systems in place to ensure that all individuals working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted by the Disclosure and Barring Service. 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 programmes only in numbers, including financial numbers, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees recognise that these are complex to measure but believe that 2024 was a good year in the life of the church, and that it will be able to pursue its mission purposes in 2025 with renewed faith and passion. Page 2 of 4 The children’s outreach was very successful last year and was, on some occasions, supported by the _Child Evangelism Fellowship_ . The children’s ministry ran clubs with up to 15-20 children in session. We saw new families come to the clubs. We hope to continue with this work and engage families who come to the clubs more. We recognise, though, that we need a younger group of volunteers to strengthen this work and run frequent clubs at term times as during half-term breaks. The Recovery program continued to grow with the provision of three sessions each week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Tuesday evening group is most popular, with about 8-12 participants weekly. We provided meals each week to all attendees. The Thursday group is not as well attended, with an average of four people in attendance. The Saturday groups are well attended most weeks, with more than six participants. Regular participants in any group are strengthened in their faith and abilities to overcome life-controlling habits and regain the ability to overcome substance dependence and restore their relationships with friends and family. We give thanks to everyone who donates to this work, especially Jayne and Duncan as major donors, St Thomas’s church, and other individuals who supply meals. Because of the generous income we received, which is restricted to this programme, we have two recovery workers. In total, the programme has seventeen volunteers in the recovery programme, including those who supply and prepare weekly meals and the mentors. Without the help of our dedicated and generous donors, volunteers, and the church’s support and prayers, this work would not be possible.We thank all ministry groups for their dedication and service in offering their time, gifts and talents and giving funds to enable church ministry to continue in all its many facets including service to children, men, women and other groups that meet at church like the Karen and Turkish fellowships, Ebenezer Prayer, and community meetings. ## **Financial Review** The Church continues to raise funds to support its activities through its membership and congregation. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year. Income in 2024 increased by 34% to **159,027.61** from **118,494.58** in the previous year. This is mainly due to generous donations to the recovery work. The most significant expenses related to the church’s activities include the Sunday Services, and the Recovery programme to provide pastoral care for the congregation and participants, and to equip and encourage the membership in their life, Christian witness, and service. The Church relies heavily on its membership working as volunteers in most aspects of the church’s activities, many of which run with little or no impact on the church’s expenditure but contribute substantially to the achievement of the church’s objectives and missions. Total expenditure increased by 8% from £ **86,832.62** to £ **93,454.02** due to increases in Recovery Project costs and monthly subscribers. The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the accompanying **financial statements.** ## **Reserves Policy** Our Reserves Policy enables the church to function effectively and meet its obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost. Having considered the relevant risks of changes in income and expenditure, the policy indicates that the appropriate level of reserves is in the range £30,000 to £50,000. Page 3 of 4 ## **Independent Examiner’s Report** ## **Report to the trustees of Woodbury Down Baptist Church** ## **On account for the year ended 31 December 2024** ## **Basis of the examiner's statement** My examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the church and a comparison of the accounts prepared with those records. 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** As the trustees of the church, 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 church’s 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 24 May 2025 Name: Teshale Joba Page 4 of 4 Woodberry Dovm Baptlsl Church Receipts arKI Paym..enls Account forlhe period ending 31 DeGember 2024 2024 Rastricted Fundg 2023 Total Funds Unrestrlcted Fund8 Total Funds InGomln resources Tithes and Donations Hall Hire Recove Pro Gift Aid Refurwj Other income Totals 81,841 190 33,000 114.842 190 25,000 10.05 8,937 159,028 67,335 420 3,992 39,734 7,013 118,49 cts 25,000 8,937 1111028 S8,IMIO Out oin resource8 Pastoral& costs 33,935 33,935 33.405 Activities In relath'on lo tha work ofWDBC 26,951 32,569 59,519 53,427 Totals 32,569 86133 Nel kncomings for the year Adjustment to lolal bank balance 40,142 25,431 65,574 31,662 Bala￿eS as at l January 204,825 28,913 233,738 202,076 Balances as at31 December 244,967 54,344 299011 233,738, 'Asset5 as at 3111212024 2024 266,496 32,647,, 299,144,, 2023 201.402 32,335 233,7381 ,'Current bank account balance Deposit bank account balance Total bank balances Petty¢ash on hand13111212025) 167.24 Flxed A5set5 .Church bulldlng Ilnsured Valuel Manse Ilnsured value) .Other a55ets Iba5ed on asset reglsterl 5,106,396j 249,132,, 29,5011 Approved by ', Deslgnation.. -[ i), il %'1 ', Dale.. ## **WOODBERRY DOWN BAPTIST CHURCH** ## **References and administrative details** Registered Address: 190 Vartry Road South Tottenham London N15 6HA Charity Registration Number: 1189018 |**Trustees**||| |---|---|---| |Full Name|Position|Date appointed| |Rev Charles Mugenyi|Chair|| |Bryan Sycamore|Trustee|14-Apr-20| |Trevor Davis|Trustee|14-Apr-20| |Bienvenu Nsukisa|Trustee|24-Oct-24| |Victor Fernando Riofrio Piedro|Trustee|24-Oct-24| |Ernest Toquie|Trustee|24-Oct-24| |||| ## **Property Trustees** The Baptist Union Corporation Limited, Baptist House 129 Broadway Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 8RT ## **Bankers** SANTANDER ## **Independent Examiner** Mr Teshale Joba ## **Members Meeting dated 27 April 2025** Page 1 of 4 ## **Annual Report for 2024** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Charity is governed by a constitution approved by its members. Members of the Church are accepted by the constitution, which requires them to be or to have been publicly baptised on the profession of faith in Jesus Christ or following other modes of baptism to renew their public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. The members' Meeting generally occurs twice a year and is responsible for setting the overall policy of the church. According to the Constitution, members appoint at least three Trustees who, along with the Minister, Church Secretary, and Treasurer (all appointed by the Members), oversee the day-to-day operations of the church’s work and witness, as well as handle the financial and legal responsibilities of the charity. All members are encouraged to actively participate in both the spiritual and practical tasks needed to advance the charitable objectives. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church meeting by the Trustees for guidance or raised by members for further consideration by the Trustees. Although the Constitution allows decisions to be made at Church meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church aims to work by consensus whenever possible. ## **Objectives and Activities** The advancement of the Christian faith for the public benefit per the statement of faith set out in Appendix 1 of the constitution through the holding of prayer meetings, seminars, and public celebration of religious festivals, and charitable support for the needy. To achieve the principal objective, which is set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both to its membership and to the community generally. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord. The Church's primary purpose is to provide regular public services of Christian worship. These services are held each Sunday. The church notice board/website at woodberrydownchapel.org has a variety of public events, which are advertised on the church notice board or website. The church seeks to be a welcoming community, and anyone is free to attend any of these public services and events. The Church runs a series of small group meetings for mutual aid, the growth of faith, and discipleship. Further details of these can be obtained from the Trustees by request or at public Sunday services of worship. The Church has a number of systems in place to ensure that all individuals working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted by the Disclosure and Barring Service. 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 programmes only in numbers, including financial numbers, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees recognise that these are complex to measure but believe that 2024 was a good year in the life of the church, and that it will be able to pursue its mission purposes in 2025 with renewed faith and passion. Page 2 of 4 The children’s outreach was very successful last year and was, on some occasions, supported by the _Child Evangelism Fellowship_ . The children’s ministry ran clubs with up to 15-20 children in session. We saw new families come to the clubs. We hope to continue with this work and engage families who come to the clubs more. We recognise, though, that we need a younger group of volunteers to strengthen this work and run frequent clubs at term times as during half-term breaks. The Recovery program continued to grow with the provision of three sessions each week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Tuesday evening group is most popular, with about 8-12 participants weekly. We provided meals each week to all attendees. The Thursday group is not as well attended, with an average of four people in attendance. The Saturday groups are well attended most weeks, with more than six participants. Regular participants in any group are strengthened in their faith and abilities to overcome life-controlling habits and regain the ability to overcome substance dependence and restore their relationships with friends and family. We give thanks to everyone who donates to this work, especially Jayne and Duncan as major donors, St Thomas’s church, and other individuals who supply meals. Because of the generous income we received, which is restricted to this programme, we have two recovery workers. In total, the programme has seventeen volunteers in the recovery programme, including those who supply and prepare weekly meals and the mentors. Without the help of our dedicated and generous donors, volunteers, and the church’s support and prayers, this work would not be possible.We thank all ministry groups for their dedication and service in offering their time, gifts and talents and giving funds to enable church ministry to continue in all its many facets including service to children, men, women and other groups that meet at church like the Karen and Turkish fellowships, Ebenezer Prayer, and community meetings. ## **Financial Review** The Church continues to raise funds to support its activities through its membership and congregation. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year. Income in 2024 increased by 34% to **159,027.61** from **118,494.58** in the previous year. This is mainly due to generous donations to the recovery work. The most significant expenses related to the church’s activities include the Sunday Services, and the Recovery programme to provide pastoral care for the congregation and participants, and to equip and encourage the membership in their life, Christian witness, and service. The Church relies heavily on its membership working as volunteers in most aspects of the church’s activities, many of which run with little or no impact on the church’s expenditure but contribute substantially to the achievement of the church’s objectives and missions. Total expenditure increased by 8% from £ **86,832.62** to £ **93,454.02** due to increases in Recovery Project costs and monthly subscribers. The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the accompanying **financial statements.** ## **Reserves Policy** Our Reserves Policy enables the church to function effectively and meet its obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost. Having considered the relevant risks of changes in income and expenditure, the policy indicates that the appropriate level of reserves is in the range £30,000 to £50,000. Page 3 of 4 ## **Independent Examiner’s Report** ## **Report to the trustees of Woodbury Down Baptist Church** ## **On account for the year ended 31 December 2024** ## **Basis of the examiner's statement** My examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the church and a comparison of the accounts prepared with those records. 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** As the trustees of the church, 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 church’s 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or - the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 24 May 2025 Name: Teshale Joba Page 4 of 4