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Trinity Baptist Church Finlay Road Gloucester GL4 6SE Registered Charity Number 1193524

End of Year Trustees Financial Annual Statements report and accounts 2023/2024

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024

Reference and administration details

Name/Registered Charity No. TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH, GLOUCESTER 1193524

Charity’s principal address Finlay Road, Gloucester GL4 6SE

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity:

Pastor Matthew Gamston

Pastor Stuart Harding

Mr Alan Gilmore - Secretary

Mr Adrian Brixey

Mr Martin Gamston

Mr Andrew Hurcum - Treasurer

Mr Richard Graves

Mr Nick Reeves

Mr Matthew Herd

Mr Robbie Pearce

Structure, governance and management

Trinity Baptist Church, Gloucester (‘the Church’) is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission in February 2021 under charity number 1193524. It is governed by a constitution document adopted on 31 January 2021.

This annual report covers the first full year of operation of the charity as a CIO as it took a considerable amount of time to arrange for the transfer of the church’s assets from the Baptist Union Corporation as holding trustees of the previous charitable unincorporate association (CUA). This transfer took place on 31[st] March 2023.

The trustees of the new CIO are those who transferred from the previous CUA and are those who are appointed to the offices of Elder (including Pastor) and Deacon in accordance with the Church Handbook. The positions of Church Secretary and Treasurer are appointed by the Trustees.

During this reporting period the charity trustees have been responsible for the general control and management of the charity. They have met formally five times.

The trustees include Matthew Gamston and Stuart Harding who serve as full-time (paid) co-pastors alongside Adrian Brixey and Alan Gilmore as elders who are responsible for spiritual oversight of the fellowship in accordance with the Constitution. Mr John Kerr resigned as an elder and co-pastor on 1[st] April 2023.

Objectives and Activities

Aims

The Aims of the charity are set out in the charity’s constitution document and are summarised as follows: (1) the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily, but not exclusively, within Gloucester and the surrounding neighbourhood; and (2) such other charitable purposes, as shall in the opinion of the members of the Church put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, provided that the advancement of such purposes is undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the Church’s Doctrinal Distinctives and Ethical Statements as outlined in the Church Handbook.

Strategies in support of our Aims

Our strategies are: (1) To reach out to people in Gloucester with the good news of Jesus, enabling anyone regardless of age, race or religion to learn more about the Christian faith as taught in the Bible; (2) To build up the church members through Bible teaching in the context of prayerful mutual care so that we are equipped for active gracious involvement in the wider community, praying for opportunities to speak of Christ; (3) To support the spread of this good news globally.

In pursuing these strategies, the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and consider these to be of benefit to both Christians within the church and to the wider community as a whole.

Consideration of Risks

Three main areas of risk have been identified, and procedures put in place to mitigate these are as follows. 1) The charity closely monitors and manages its finances to ensure that funds are available for ongoing support of its objectives. 2) Appropriate insurance is in place to protect the charity from unexpected events. 3) DBS checks are made for all those who work with children or other vulnerable groups as part of the church’s safeguarding policy.

Activities and Achievements

The church’s activities are free of charge and in general are open to all to attend. These activities cover a wide age range, but the central focus is always on preaching and teaching the Word of God.

The morning and evening Sunday services are attended regularly by 140-160 people primarily from Gloucester. Those attending include both Christians and non-

Christians who enjoy the friendship and support of the church community. In recent years those attending have included a good number of internationals several of whom are refugees and asylum seekers. Visitors often remark how welcoming the church is. The services are also livestreamed on YouTube (with real-time and retrospective access through the church’s web-site www.tbcgloucester.org. for those who are unable to attend in person. There is normally a crèche and Sunday School for children up to Primary school year 2. Tea and coffee are always served after each service and once per month everyone is encouraged to stay for lunch together. After our evening church service, a young people’s group meeting is held to encourage fellowship and friendship while considering a Biblical response to the preaching of the day or to topics relevant to our society today. The programme of activities during the week is very full. There is “Little Fishes” toddler group on Monday mornings and “Pins and Needles” on Monday evenings. Both activities are focussed on the local community and run jointly by church volunteers alongside the White City Venture team (the local community organisation). Tuesday morning sees the Women’s group meet for Bible study and fellowship and an open coffee morning is held once per month to encourage links with the local community and build friendships. In the evening, there is an open and informal table tennis and games time for all ages. On Wednesday evenings there is JF for children aged 7-11 with Bible teaching, games, crafts and cooking. Once per month there is a Wednesday lunch for senior citizens attending the church. Thursday mornings is International Living Room, an informal English conversation class for those who wish to improve their English and become familiar with English culture. There is a light lunch and a Bible study held afterwards for any interested in getting to know more about the Christian faith.

On alternate Thursday evenings there is either a prayer time for everyone at the church or Small Groups (6 in total) meeting in members’ homes across the city to encourage fellowship, pray for one another and study the Bible together. Men’s socials and women’s breakfasts have also been held and these have been a chance to build friendships within the church and to invite others who have shown an interest in coming to our church. Various initiatives to celebrate Christmas and to share the Christmas message with the wider community took place. Over 1000 Christmas greetings cards were distributed to the community around the church inviting people to the two “Carols by candlelight” services on Sunday 10[th] and 17[th] December and then a “Carols in the Car Park” Service on Christmas Eve which proved very popular with the local community.

The co-pastors and elders oversee our spiritual care of the fellowship and others with links to the church. This includes pastoral visits and teaching/mentoring of young Christians and those interested in learning more about the Christian faith with opportunities taken for Bible study and prayer. However, more informal pastoral care is practised by many members of the church who also volunteer in contributing to the life of the wider community.

It would not be possible to accomplish this work without the hard work and service of all in the fellowship who give so much time and effort voluntarily to support the overall aims of the charity.

Financial review

The assets of the previous charity (CUA) transferred seamlessly to the new CIO on 31[st] March 2023. This required significant effort on the part of the treasurer and finance team working alongside our solicitors. Although the Baptist Union Corporation (BUC) are no longer the holding trustees for these assets, they still retain an interest in them through an “Ultimate trust” provision in the original trust deeds should the church no longer become capable of supporting itself. The property now under the exclusive control of the trustees of the CIO comprises the church building and related land in Finlay Road, Gloucester and a 50% interest in a manse property at 10 Viceroy Close, Gloucester. During the previous financial year (2022/23), the church’s 50% interest in its other manse property at 181 Linden Road was sold and the money assigned to a new separate “Manse fund” by the BUC in anticipation of the asset transfer taking place. This was recorded in last year’s report. The CIO trustees have undertaken to manage this fund and supply details of transactions to the BUC annually on an ongoing basis.

All the church’s cash assets have been transferred to the CIO and, in operating terms, new contracts have been agreed with various suppliers and utility providers and new letters of appointment provided to the church’s two co-pastors. The previous CUA will be closed in the next few months.

The legal fees associated with the asset transfer and establishment of the new CIO were considerable (around £12000) and, as a result, the General Fund balance dropped significantly during the financial year to an unacceptable level of cover (2 months). Measures to restore a healthy balance have been put in place through encouraging increased giving from members to this fund and a re-direction of giving from the Training Fund which has a very healthy balance at present.

The Legacy Fund did not receive any further bequests during the current financial year. Funds were used to make one-off changes to the church property to provide better study facilities for the co-pastors and to replace the carpet in the church.

Financial support for the church’s ministry beyond Gloucester has remained very encouraging. This has allowed the church to continue to support our partner churches in San Pedro in the Philippines and Northern India as well as many other missionary organisations.

Declaration

The Trustees declare that they have approved this annual report above and the annual accounts below.

Signed on behalf of the trustees:

Signature Alan Gilmore Alan Gilmore (Jan 1, 2025 11:23 GMT) Full name Andrew Hurcum Thomas Alan Gilmore Position Treasurer Elder Date 31/12/2024 31/12/2024

Independent account examiner’s statement for Trinity Baptist Church, Gloucester – Charity Number 1193524

Introduction

This is the first set of accounts as from 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024 after the church became active as a CIO known as Trinity Baptist Church, Gloucester (1193524).

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and they consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) 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

to 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 the Independent Examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required for 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 material matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 20[th] December 2024

Signed:

Stephen Hendy

Statement of Financial Activities

	Unrestricted	Restricted	Endowment	Total	Prior year
	funds	funds	funds	funds	total funds
Incoming resources
Incoming resources from	-	-	-	-	-
generated funds
Voluntary income	45,527.56	8,717.50	-	54,245.06	-
Activities for generating funds	-	-	-	-	-
Investment income	-	-	-	-	-
Incoming resources from	-	-	-	-	-
charitable activities
Other incoming resources	11,099.54	-	-	11,099.54	-
Donations and Gifts	-	-	-	-	-
Gift Aid Donations	98,902.29	24,437.00	-	123,339.29	-
Property Revaluations	-	-	-	-	-
Total income	155,529.39	33,154.50	-	188,683.89	-
Resources used
Cost of generating funds	-	-	-	-	-
Cost of generating voluntary income	-	-	-	-	-
Fundraising trading cost of goods sold	-	-	-	-	-
and other costs
Investment management costs	-	-	-	-	-
Charitable activities	115,135.41	-	-	115,135.41	-
Governance costs	-	-	-	-	-
Other resources used	-	-	-	-	-
Missionary Support	7,996.25	31,026.75	-	39,023.00	-
Church Running Costs	23,597.29	-	-	23,597.29	-
Management and Administration	5,945.40	-	-	5,945.40	-
Total expenditure	152,674.35	31,026.75	-	183,701.10	-
Net income / (expenditure) resources before transfer	2,855.04	2,127.75	-	4,982.79	-
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - in	-	-	-	-	-
Gross transfers between funds - out	-	-	-	-	-
Other recognised gains / losses
Gains/losses on investment assets	-	-	-	-	-
Gains on revaluation, fixed assets,
charity's own use	-	-	-	-	-
Net movement in funds	2,855.04	2,127.75	-	4,982.79	-
Total funds brought forward	456,827.58	1,343,079.30	-	1,799,906.88	1,799,906.88
Total funds carried forward	459,682.62	1,345,207.05	-	1,804,889.67	1,799,906.88

Represented by

Unrestricted
General Fund	12,599.64	- -	12,599.64	25,393.23
Designated
Christian Ministry Fund	20,372.04	- -	20,372.04	8,040.04
Fixtures & Fittings	2,040.24	- -	2,040.24	2,550.34
Legacy Funds	10,842.41	- -	10,842.41	23,406.19
Manse Property Fund	371,591.17	- -	371,591.17	365,476.67
Proceeds Of Sale Of Manse Fund	-	- -	-	-
Training Fund	42,237.12	- -	42,237.12	31,961.11
Restricted
Church Property Fund	-	1,324,847.00 -	1,324,847.00	1,324,847.00
CMF Action International	-	165.00 -	165.00	125.00
CMF Africa Inland Mission	-	2,217.16 -	2,217.16	2,009.66
CMF Brixey A&A	-	1,877.50 -	1,877.50	1,826.25
CMF Brixey A&A Trinity	-	(33.00) -	(33.00)	2,137.00
CMF Cano L & P	-	62.50 -	62.50	62.50
CMF Caring For Life	-	400.00 -	400.00	989.00
CMF EMF Hil Matt	-	(175.00) -	(175.00)	-
CMF GBM Clay S	-	1,706.25 -	1,706.25	1,162.50
CMF GBM General	-	40.00 -	40.00	40.00
CMF GBM Jones G&S	-	1,235.49 -	1,235.49	919.24
CMF Muhkia David	-	2,401.27 -	2,401.27	725.02
CMF Open Doors	-	12.75 -	12.75	(291.00)
CMF Reach Beyond Walker A&M	-	12.50 -	12.50	12.50
CMF San Pedro SGCC	-	2,017.63 -	2,017.63	1,211.38
CMF SASRA	-	650.00 -	650.00	1,250.00
CMF Trinity EMW Camps	-	5,461.50 -	5,461.50	3,492.25
CMF UFM	-	287.50 -	287.50	287.50
CMF UFM Ball A&T	-	(300.00) -	(300.00)	-
CMF UFM Love A&J	-	550.00 -	550.00	250.00
CMF UFM Ukraine	-	(3.75) -	(3.75)	(73.75)
CMF Wycliffe James L	-	1,121.25 -	1,121.25	1,203.75
CMF Wycliffe Potter J&S	-	653.50 -	653.50	893.50
Roof	-	- -	-	-
Total funds	459,682.62	1,345,207.05 -	1,804,889.67	1,799,906.88

Balance Sheet (Summary)

Balance Sheet (Summary)
	As at 31/03/2024 As at 31/03/2023
Fixed assets Tangible Assets Current assets Debtors Cash At Bank And In Hand Liabilities Net current assets less current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Liabilities Total net assets less liabilities Represented by Unrestricted Unrestricted - General Funds Designated Designated - Christian Ministry Fund Designated - Fixtures & Fittings Designated - Legacy Funds Designated - Manse Property Fund Designated - Training Fund Restricted Restricted - Church Property Fund Restricted - CMF Action International Restricted - CMF Africa Inland Mission Restricted - CMF Brixey A&A Restricted - CMF Brixey A&A Trinity Restricted - CMF Cano L & P Restricted - CMF Caring For Life Restricted - CMF EMF Hil Matt Restricted - CMF GBM Clay S Restricted - CMF GBM General Restricted - CMF GBM Jones G&S Restricted - CMF Muhkia David Restricted - CMF Open Doors Restricted - CMF Reach Bynd Walker A&M Restricted - CMF San Pedro SGCC Restricted - CMF SASRA Restricted - CMF Trinity EMW Camps Restricted - CMF UFM Restricted - CMF UFM Ball A&T Restricted - CMF UFM Love A&J Restricted - CMF UFM Ukraine Restricted - CMF Wycliffe James L Restricted - CMF Wycliffe Potter J&S	1,486,891.96 1,488,167.20
	1,486,891.96 1,488,167.20 - 3,878.00 317,997.71 307,861.68
	317,997.71 311,739.68 - - 317,997.71 311,739.68 1,804,889.67 1,799,906.88 - - 1,804,889.67 1,799,906.88 12,599.64 25,393.23 20,372.04 8,040.04 2,040.24 2,550.34 10,842.41 23,406.19 371,591.17 365,476.67 42,237.12 31,961.11 1,324,847.00 1,324,847.00 165.00 125.00 2,217.16 2,009.66 1,877.50 1,826.25 (33.00) 2,137.00 62.50 62.50 400.00 989.00 (175.00) - 1,706.25 1,162.50 40.00 40.00 1,235.49 919.24 2,401.27 725.02 12.75 (291.00) 12.50 12.50 2,017.63 1,211.38 650.00 1,250.00 5,461.50 3,492.25 287.50 287.50 (300.00) - 550.00 250.00 (3.75) (73.75) 1,121.25 1,203.75 653.50 893.50
		- - 317,997.71 311,739.68
		1,804,889.67 1,799,906.88 - -
		1,804,889.67 1,799,906.88 12,599.64 25,393.23 20,372.04 8,040.04 2,040.24 2,550.34 10,842.41 23,406.19 371,591.17 365,476.67 42,237.12 31,961.11 1,324,847.00 1,324,847.00 165.00 125.00 2,217.16 2,009.66 1,877.50 1,826.25 (33.00) 2,137.00 62.50 62.50 400.00 989.00 (175.00) - 1,706.25 1,162.50 40.00 40.00 1,235.49 919.24 2,401.27 725.02 12.75 (291.00) 12.50 12.50 2,017.63 1,211.38 650.00 1,250.00 5,461.50 3,492.25 287.50 287.50 (300.00) - 550.00 250.00 (3.75) (73.75) 1,121.25 1,203.75 653.50 893.50

Fund Totals Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund)

1,804,889.67 1,799,906.88

Fund Totals Statement of Assets and Liabilities (by fund)	1,804,889.67 1,799,906.88
	Balance Previous balance
Tangible Assets 310: Church Buildings Finlay Road Church Property Fund Restricted 1,324,847.00 1,324,847.00 1,324,847.00 1,324,847.00 312: Fixtures and Fittings Legacy Funds Designated 3,060.72 3,825.86 Fixtures & Fittings Designated 2,040.24 2,550.34 5,100.96 6,376.20 314: Manse Vicecroy Close Manse Property Fund Designated 156,944.00 156,944.00 156,944.00 156,944.00 Tangible Assets 1,486,891.96 1,488,167.20 Cash At Bank And In Hand 410: CAF Bank Ltd General Fund Unrestricted 12,599.64 23,135.23 Christian Ministry Fund Designated 20,372.04 7,945.04 Legacy Funds Designated 7,781.69 19,580.33 Training Fund Designated 42,237.12 31,671.11 CMF Action International Restricted 165.00 120.00 CMF Africa Inland Mission Restricted 2,217.16 1,997.16 CMF Brixey A&A Restricted 1,877.50 1,578.75 CMF Brixey A&A Trinity Restricted (33.00) 2,032.00 CMF Trinity EMW Camps Restricted 5,461.50 3,064.75 CMF Cano L & P Restricted 62.50 62.50 CMF Caring For Life Restricted 400.00 989.00 CMF EMF Hil Matt Restricted (175.00) - CMF GBM Clay S Restricted 1,706.25 1,127.50 CMF GBM General Restricted 40.00 40.00 CMF GBM Jones G&S Restricted 1,235.49 896.74 CMF Muhkia David Restricted 2,401.27 725.02 CMF SASRA Restricted 650.00 1,200.00 CMF Open Doors Restricted 12.75 (429.75) CMF Reach Beyond Walker A&M Restricted 12.50 12.50 CMF San Pedro SGCC Restricted 2,017.63 1,196.38 CMF UFM Restricted 287.50 287.50 CMF UFM Ball A&T Restricted (300.00) - CMF UFM Love A&J Restricted 550.00 240.00 CMF UFM Ukraine Restricted (3.75) (200.00) CMF Wycliffe James L Restricted 1,121.25 1,163.75 CMF Wycliffe Potter J&S Restricted 653.50 893.50 103,350.54 99,329.01 417: BUC 1yr Fixed Interest Account Manse Property Fund Designated - 58,432.67 - 58,432.67 418: Kingdom Bank Limited Manse Property Fund Designated 214,647.17 150,100.00 214,647.17 150,100.00 Cash At Bank And In Hand 317,997.71 307,861.68	1,324,847.00 1,324,847.00
	1,324,847.00 1,324,847.00 3,060.72 3,825.86 2,040.24 2,550.34
	5,100.96 6,376.20 156,944.00 156,944.00
	156,944.00 156,944.00

Debtors

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||||| |---|---|---|---| |Z05: Accounts Receivable| |General Fund|Unrestricted|-|2,258.00| |Christian Ministry Fund|Designated|-|95.00| |Training Fund|Designated|-|290.00| |CMF Action International|Restricted|-|5.00| |CMF Africa Inland Mission|Restricted|-|12.50| |CMF Brixey A&A|Restricted|-|247.50| |CMF Brixey A&A Trinity|Restricted|-|105.00| |CMF Trinity EMW Camps|Restricted|-|427.50| |CMF GBM Clay S|Restricted|-|35.00| |CMF GBM Jones G&S|Restricted|-|22.50| |CMF SASRA|Restricted|-|50.00| |CMF Open Doors|Restricted|-|138.75| |CMF San Pedro SGCC|Restricted|-|15.00| |CMF UFM Love A&J|Restricted|-|10.00| |CMF UFM Ukraine|Restricted|-|126.25| |CMF Wycliffe James L|Restricted|-|40.00| |-| |3,878.00| |Debtors|-|3,878.00| |Grand Total|1,804,889.67|1,799,906.88|

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Fund movement summary

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||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Fund|Opening|Incoming|Outgoing|Transfers|Gains/Losses|Journals|Closing| |General| |Unrestricted|25,393.23|116,947.47|129,741.06|-|-|-|12,599.64| |Sub-totals|25,393.23|116,947.47|129,741.06|-|-|-|12,599.64| |CMF| |-|-|-| |Designated|8,040.04|20,159.50|7,827.50|20,372.04| |Sub-totals|8,040.04|20,159.50|7,827.50|-|-|-|20,372.04| |LEG| |-|-|-|-| |Designated|23,406.19|12,563.78|10,842.41| |Sub-totals|23,406.19|-|12,563.78|-|-|-|10,842.41| |CHURCH| |Restricted|1,324,847.00|-|-|-|-|-|1,324,847.00| |Sub-totals|1,324,847.00|-|-|-|-|-|1,324,847.00| |BUILD| |-|-|-|-| |Designated|365,476.67|6,114.50|371,591.17| |Sub-totals|365,476.67|6,114.50|-|-|-|-|371,591.17| |TRF| |-|-|-| |Designated|31,961.11|12,307.92|2,031.91|42,237.12| |Sub-totals|31,961.11|12,307.92|2,031.91|-|-|-|42,237.12| |FIXFIT| |Designated|2,550.34|-|510.10|-|-|-|2,040.24| |Sub-totals|2,550.34|-|510.10|-|-|-|2,040.24|