CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER= 1192810
BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
(Charitable Incorporated Organisationl
TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Tove Accountancy Ltd
Office 6, Town Hall. 86 Wading Street East, Towcester, Northants NN12 68S
Page 1

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
CONTENTS
Page 3
Legal and Administrative Information
Page4to8
Trustèe5' Report
Page 9
Independent Examinels Report lo the Trustees
Page 10
Receipts and Payments Accounts
Page11
Slalemenl of Assets and Liabilities
Pages 12- 13
Note5
Page 2

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Registered Charity No.
1192810
Trustees
Lee Hillyard
Brian Ash
Ruth Brown
Diane Atkinson Irelired March 20231
Anthony Maycock
Raymond Payne (re-appointed April 20231
Michael White
Anne Puffett (re-appointed April 20231
Principal Addrès$
Blisworth 8aptlSt Church
Chapel Lane
Blisworth
Northampton
NN7 3BU
Indèpèndent Examiner
Angela Parry-stone
Tove Accountancy Ltd
Office 6, Town Hall
86 Watling Street East
Towcester
Northants
NN12 BS
Area of Benefit
Northamptonshire
Pagè 3

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
The Trustees present their Annual Report with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31st
December 2023.
Structure, govèrnance and management
The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation association,
registered by the charity commissioners for England and Wales.
registration number 1192810. registered 16th December 2020
amended on 29th July 2021
Govtm•fECe
Constitution
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Trustees
The Gharity is govemed by the Tmstees. board currently made up of..
Mr L Hillyard (Pastor)
Mr B Ash (Elderl
Mrs R Brown (Elderl
Mr A Maycock (Deacon)
Mr M White (Deacon)
Mr R Payne (Secretary)
Mrs A Puffell (Treasvrerl
Objects
The princip81 purposes of the church are..
The advancement of the Christian faith according lo the principles of the Baptist
denomination
The church may also advan¢e education and carry out other tharitable purposes in
thè United Kingdom andlor other parts of the woild
The Church is govemed by a Conslilulion, which is an approved goveming document by both the Baptist
Union and the Charity Commission. Membership is open lo all who profess repentance lowards God and
faith in our Lord Jesu5 Christ, and whose lives bear èvidence of this Chii51ian profession. Such persons
should also assent to the church's Basis of Faith and Obligations of Membership, in accordance with the
relevant sections of the Constitution.
P89e 4

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES- CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Structure, Governance and Management Icontinuedl
The Church is governed by a Constitution, which is an approved governing document by both the Baptist
Union and the Charity Commission. Membership is open to all who profess repentance towards God and
faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. and whose lives bear evidence of this Christian profession. Such persons
should also assent to the church's Basis of Faith and Obligations of Mernbership, in accordance with the
rèlevant sections of the Constituts'on.
Church Member Meetings nornially lake place four times per year. and the members have overall
re5ponsibilily for the deci510n making and policies of the church. In accordance with the con51ilution. the
members appoint, from within their numbers, people lo act as the Leaders of the Church lin roles labelled as
Elders and Deacons) lo work wilh thè Pastor, Secretary and Treasurer (who are also all appointed by the
Member51 lo be responsible for the day to day funning of the church's work and witness. and the financial
and legal aspects of the charity. All of these leaders are thè TIu5tee5. All members are encouraged to take
an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical lasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective.
Relevant matters may be submitted lo the Church MeÈtiny by the Trustees for mèmbeT5' consideration and
approval.. and matter5 may equally be raised by members for the Trustees, consideration. Though the
Constitution pemiits decisions lo be made al Church Meetings by appropriate major+ties, the Church sèeks lo
work towards ¢onsensus wherever p0551ble.
Governance and management of the Church during 2023 retumed to a more nomial style of working.
following the impact of Covi(J Infections, lockdowns. extended closures and new regulations that had
impacted on proceedings for nearly years. The Trustees have continued to use technology Izoornl in
order to hold regular wrtual meeting5 Wlth each other and with mernbers, with church meetings now offering
the option to attend tria the inlernet., and fX)nsequently important church matters have continued lo bè
Objectives and Activities
The principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according lo the principles of
Ihe Baptist denomination. to include the advancement of education, cornmunity seNce and such other
general charitable purposes in parts of the United Kingdom and the wortd as the Church shall detemiine.
In order to achieve the principal objective, the Church prowdes a variety of actiwties both lo 115 membership
and lo the community generally. The aim is 10 Show the love of Jesus Christ In both WOTd and deed and lo
bring people into a closer relationship with Hirn as limng Lord.
Central to the work and witne55 of the Church is the provision of regLJlar public serwces of Christian worship.
These seMce5 lake place each Sunday al 10.30 am in the Chapel. with a quarterly Cale Church, which has
a more informal approach, and takes place in the Leisure Hall. The Church seeks to be a friendly and
welcoming community and anybody is free lo attend any of these seN¢es.
Page 5

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Objectives and Activities Icontinuedl
The Church ha5 e51abli5hed'Home Groups,, whereby small, localised groups meet in the homes of
members, during the week, In order loi fellowship, bible study, prayer and spiritual growth to take place.
There ale three groups, based in Blisworth, Northarnpton and Towcesler. and they meet hyice a month.
The Church opens on a Tuesday moining for a Community Cafe, within the Coffee House. to enable all
mernbers of the community to wsit the church and share in soaal activity, and enjoy a deli￿Ou5 slice of home-
made cake. and on a Friday rnofning for 8 Toddlers. Group called 'Tea & Tots,. During the colder months of
the year, working with the Parish Council, the opening hours have been extended Into the 8ftemoon to
provide a warm environment for members of the public lo use, as part ol the National "Wam Space. and
°Welcoming Space. Initiatives.
The Church organises a cooked English breakfast for Men of the community on the last Saturtjay of each
month (with ladies invited to attend on a couple of occasions).. and a range of olher activities and social
events were all scheduled lo lake place. During the week, the church piemises were used by a range of local
community groups, who hired different rooms for activities (these included a Pottery Group and a Pilales
Group).
The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are
appropriately vetted with regard lo the Di5c105ure and Barring Service.
Public Benefit
The Chvrch has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and 15 sat15fied that the activities
outlined above clearly demonstrate that the tharity is prowding a bènefit to the public.
Achi•vements and Perfomiance
The Church does not measuTe the success ol Its PTOgrammes only in numbers. including financial nurnber5,
bul also in less tangible areas like fellowship and encouragement. The Trustees recognise that these are
difficult to measure. but believe that 2023 w8s a very positive year in the life ol the church.
In April, after nearly a decade of dedicated 5eNce. Diane Atkinson stood down from her post as a Deacon,
which included six year5 8s the Church Secretary. Her wonderful service wa5 duly acknowledged.
However, the church felt truly blessed. a5 Lee Hillyard cornpleled hi5 first year as the new Pastor, bringing
new energy. new ideas and creativity to the church. A pleasing level of continuity and stability was a150
retained, as Anne Puffett and Ray Paynè were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary respectively, at the
A.G.M. in April.
Page 6

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Achievements and Performance leontinued)
There were no new members to the church during the year, but there weie several new people who became
regular attendees al Sunday Service5. Sadly, several members of the church fellowship have experienced ill
health, which has resulted in their attendance being reslricled or prevented altogether. The value of prayer
and the pastoral support, provided by leaders and many of the rnernbers. ha5 been greatly used during the
year and piovided much needed spiritual reassurance, practical help and healing. During the year IhTee
members resigned 8nd one sadly passed. At the end of the year the official number of Church Members is
thirty-four.
The church has continued lo demonstrate a strong feeling of togetherness and mutual support. adaptability
and great technical advancement. The Ille of the ¢huich h85 continued in abundance￿ The use of technology,
and in particular 2oom. has continued to be used lor Sunday morning services and for a variety ol different
meetings. The use of the Coffee House. the Toddlers. Group and the use of the facilities by different
community groups have all resulted in interadion and benefi15 for all those involved. However, the Trustee5
are fully aware ol the age profile of Ihe vast majority of its attendees and the ne￿. as wèll as the ¢hallenges.
as they seek engagement with the younger generations, for the lulure of the church.
The church is heavily dependent on its mernbership working as volLJnteers, in 311 aspects of the its actiwties,
many of which lun with little or no impact on the expenditure. but nevertheless contribute substantially to the
achievement of the church's objectives. The Tru5tee5 wish lo record the1r gratitude to the Pastor and all the
volunteer5 lor their hard work and commitment to the work ol our church," and especially to everyone IOT thè
manner In which they have adapted. 5UPPOrted each other and remained both 'strong and togetherf during
challenging timesl
Page 7

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - GONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Financial Review
The church continues to r815e the funds which it needs to carry on Ils acliwtie5 from wiihin its own
mernbership and congregation. The increased generosity of the Church Fellowship has seen an increase in
the amount ol voluntary offerings and the level of Gift Aid that has been claimed. No wider public appeal was
made for fLtnds durtng the yeai.
The church has benefitted greatly, during the year, from the successful application for a number of grants. A
lolal of £6,522 has been received, and these re511icted funds have all been spent improving thè facilities and
the experiènoe for all those who attend the buildings, and helping toward5 the 8chievement of the church
objectives.
The most significant expenses ielate to rernuneralion payments made to the Pastof. payments to the
cleaner, payments for maintenance and nece55ary repair work carried out on the building and in the fv40
graveyards, and energy costs. New energy deals were secuied during the year, which are nearly double the
price that the church has been paying for the past four yearsl
The church has continued to express its commitment lo the wider thurch by making donations to local,
national and international organisations and societies vAlh Christian aims and objectives Compatible with OUT
own charitable puip05e. Over ten per ￿nt of our Income was made on Mission Payments to the Baptist
Missionary Soaety, Home Mission, 'Open Doors. and charities such as Macmillan Cancer Care.
Despite changes and fresh ¢hallenges being faced in 2023, the church finds itself in a stable financial
position. Prudent financial managernent has seen a very healthy reseNe maintained.
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
The Trustees have established a Reserves Policy to enable the chuTch to function effectively and meet It5
obligations in the event of a decline in our income or a major cost. Having considered the relevant 115k5 of
changes in income and expenditure, the Trustees have determined that the appropriate level ol reserves is in
the range of £13.(X)o to £15.(K)O. As at 31 st December 2023, the church held total reserves of £31,197 of
which £1,523 was restricted funds lor Property Repair and the Pastoral Support Fund,. and £1,700 was
designated funds for the Pastoral Support Fund
The Trustee5 believe that the funds. Surplus to our reserves figure, will be necessary in the coming months
lo support the known major increase in energy ¢osls, further propèrty iepair and maintenan¢e ¢osl$, and
polential increase in staff remuneration costs.
The Trustees dedare that they have approvèd thè Trustees, Report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees
aa131a<
L Hillyard
Tiuslee
Date..
Page 8

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE
TRUSTEES OF BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
I report to the Trustees on my exarninalion of the accounts of thè above ¢harily I'lhe Trusl'l lor the year
ended 31st December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Charity'5 Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the account5 in accordance wth
the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1.the Act-l.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's acGoun15 carried out under Section 145 ot the
2011 A¢1 and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the
Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act.
Independènt •xamlnee$ 5tsternent
I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have comè to my attenb.on
in connection with the examination which gives Tne Cause lo believe that In. any malerial respect..
the accounting records were not kept in accordance wrth section 130 of the Charrties Act.. or
the accounts did not accord with the aocounting records
I have no concerns and have come acioss no other matters in connection with the examination to
which attention shoijld be drawn in thi5 report in order to enable a proper understanding of thè
accounts to be reached.
Dated
Angela Parry
Tove Accountancy Ltd, Office 6 Town Hall, 86 Wauing Street Easl, Towcester, Northanls. NN12 6BS
Page 9

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Unrestricted ReslTlCted
Funds
Fund5
Total
Total
3111212023 3111212022
Notes
RECEIPTS
Offerings
Offerings (gift aidedl
Specified Collections
Room Hire
Men'5 Breakfast
Miscellaneous
Gift Aid
Bank Interest
Grants
Coffee House
Donation5
Friday Tea & Tots
5.361.34
15.251.00
0.00
1.703.34
991 56
175.49
4.384.91
8.09
0.00
2.658.46
3,130.00
0.00
5,361.34
15,251.00
1.283.90
1,703.34
991.56
175.49
4,634.91
968.09
8,522.89
2,658.46
3.130.00
0.00
8.414.18
10.935.00
711.00
3,395.90
474.26
802.99
4,103.22
62.29
1,166.78
2,090.79
100.00
2.00
1.283.90
250.00
6,522.89
Total incoming resources
34,624.19
8,OS6.79 42,680.98
32.258.41
PAYMENTS
Pastors Remuneralio
Pastor and Pulpit Expenses
Repairs. Maintenance & Project5
Miscellaneous
Organ & Music
Prernises Costs
Catering & Cleaning
Administialion
Missions
Pastoral Support Fund
12.812.52
582.72
1,479.87
167.28
679.85
4,518.11
3,556.38
3.322.14
2,302.00
0.00
12,812.52
582.72
7,424.81
167.26
679.85
5,437.50
3,775.74
3,382.63
2,584.00
791.20
11.531.25
588.01
5,886.85
292.99
491.45
4,363.90
3,250.83
3,670.8S
2.174.00
0.00
5,944.94
919.39
219.36
60.49
282.00
791.20
Totsl resources expendèd
29,420.87
8,217.38 37,638.25
32.250.13
Net movement in fund$
5,203.32
1160.S91
5,042.73
8.28
Total Funds Brought FoNard
24.469.92
1,684.50 26,154.42
26,146.14
Total funds carried forward
29,673.24
1,523.91 31.197.15
26,154.42
There are no endowment funds during this year or the prior yea
Page 10

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Notes
2023
Total
2022
Toi01
ASH FUNDS
Coffee house float
Cash
Old current account
Old savings account
New current account
New savings account
Baplist Union sawngs account
50.00
10.001
0.00
0.00
9,816.02
17,793.98
3,537.15
75.00
10.001
0.00
0.00
6,905 15
3,500.33
15,673.94
TOTALS
31,197.IS
26,154.42
REPRESENTED BY.
General Funds
Reslricled Fund5
29,673.24
1,523.91
31,197.15
24.469.92
1.684.50
26,154.42
ET
Organs
231.113.00
231,113.CM)
Contents
65,236.00
65,236.00
The Church 8nd connected building5 are owned by the Baptist Union and form no part of the assets of the
church and are insured for £2.484,489
HURCH PURPOSES
LIAB
LIT
As at 31 st December 2023 there were no liabilitie5.
Page11

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011
U51ng the Receipts and Payments basis
2 ANALYSIS OF FUND MOVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS may be used by the Church for any of its ordinary purposes
DESIGNATED FUNDS represent sums set asi¢Je. oul of ordinary unrestricted funds, for specific
designated purpose5. which can be transferred back Into the general fund al any time.
We previously allocated 50 per month into a Pastoral Support Fund la Benevolent Fund) which
may be used to support individuals, or families, at times of great difficulty. O was allocated in
2023. We currently have a total of £1,700 of Designated Funds for this purpose.
RESTRICTED FUNDS represent eilheT income from trus15 or endowments which may bè
expended only on those restricted objects provided in the temis of the trust or bequest. or
donations or giant5 received 01 invited for a specific purpose. The funds may only be spent on
the specific purpose for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent must be
car¥ied forward as a balan￿ on that fund and cannot be absorbed into general funds.
Fund name and purpose
B81 J8n 1st
Receipts
PAyments
Bal Dec 3181
Pastoral Support Fund
Property
Gi8n15
Mcmillan
Communty Fr+dge
1,000.00
584.50
0.00
1.351.gJ
6,522.89
182.00
0.00
791.20
621.29
6,522.89
182.00
100.00
208.80
1.315.11
0.00
0.00
100.00
TOTALS
1,684.50
8.056.79
8,217.38
1.523.91
ENDOWMENT FUNDS are funds whose capital mu51 be maintained.. only income arising from
the invesltnenl of Ihe endowment rn8y be used either as ￿$1￿cted OT unrestricted funds,
depending upon the pvrpose lor which the endowment was established.
Thèrè are no endowment fLJnds during this year or in the pnor year
FUNDS
Balance
0110112023 Income
Balance
3111212023
Expenditure Transfer
General Fund
Restricted Funds
Desi
nated I nds".
Pastoral Support Fund
23,270
1,685
34.624
8.057
129,4211
18,2171
16001
27,873
1.524
1,200
26,154
600
1.800
31.197
42.681
137,6381
Page 12

BLISWORTH BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
3 ASSETS FOR CHURCH USE
The church and connected buildings and land are owned by The 8aplist Union Gorporalion
and form no part of the assets of the Church. They are insurèd for
£2,484,489.00
The organ installed in the Church is insured for
£231,113.00
The content5 of the buildings are insured against damage by fire for
£65.236 00
4 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS A14ALYSES AND DETAILS
UnreBirKled
Rè8tn¢t8d
Total
RECEIPTS
Grants received
Donation5
TOTALS
0.00
3,130.00
3.130.00
6,522.89
0.00
6,522.89
6,522.89
3,130.00
9,652.89
PAYMENTS
BMS World Mission
Home Mission
Open Ooors
Other
TOTALS
804.00
1,200.00
250.00
48.00
2.302.00
804.00
1,200.(X)
250.00
330.00
2,584.00
282,00
282.00
5 GIFT AID
Gift Aid received dLJring the year is £4.634.91
6 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
£2,149.94 was spent on new electric heaters for the Chapel and Leisure Hall.
£1.471.88 w35 spent on items for the Leisure Hall.
£332.56
was spent on a water boiler for the Leisure H311.
£1,034.99 was spent on decorats'ng materials for the wholè building.
7 PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
The Pastor, Mr L Hillyard, received a remuneration of £12,812.5212022 11531.251
No payments were m8de to any ol the other Trustees lolher than acceptable
out of pocket expenses which were daimed for)
Pag8 13