Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1 January 2025 Period start date to 31 December 2025 Period end date
Charity name: Linton Road Free Church
Charity registration number: 1194688
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The object of the charity is for the public benefit, the advancement of the Christian faith in Kent and such other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Charity Trustees may from time to time decide. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
The charity (church) provides the following services and activities: - Regular worship services to which all are welcome Regular group meetings with prayer and Bible study. Carrying out outreach work both in the UK and abroad to include but not limited to: Providing gifts to “Friends of Helper” for children in Tanzania, providing education for local children and family support. Supporting the work of Starfish Malawi in caring and educating street children and those in poverty in Malawi. Supporting CRANE in Uganda, a children’s charity passionate about releasing children from poverty and abuse. Coffee Stop – Once a month for fellowship, visitors welcome. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees of the charity have had regards to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in regard to the activities of the Charity. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Not Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | Not Applicable |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Garry Shoebrook leads the church and is helped by his wife Nicola to do so. Malcolm Thwaites serves as a Deacon & Maintenance Man & Fire Officer. Ann Parfitt serves as a Deacon. Every aspect & function of church life is undertaken by volunteers apart from the administration which is done by a paid employee. Sandra Parsons our previous voluntary administrator sadly had a stroke on February 23rd 2025 & has had to step back from her role. Her role is now filled by a paid employee; Linda Riden. The charity could not function without the help of the volunteers. |
| Other | Communion is led by various members of the fellowship besides the minister. |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The numbers attending have decreased slightly due to people passing away. The church continues to benefit both from visiting speakers and worship leaders who come to assist on a Sunday morning. The addition of speakers & worship leaders adds a variety and flavour that Garry Shoebrook alone could not provide. This has led to an improvement in the wellbeing of members and attendees at the church with good times of fellowship and friendship and pastoral care. Contact with those away from the church through illness and those prevented from attending church is mainly by Nicola Shoebrook. We are very much a small family, and our church focus is Prayer, Care and the Word. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The charity falls under the £500,000 turnover for detailed financial accounting being a requirement. Considering the closure of the church during the covid pandemic, the financial position has improved so that the balance in hand as at 31 December 2025 was £15986-06 |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Reserves are held to enable unforeseen payments and bills to be paid and to pay for maintenance of the church building |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £12968-04 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | Not applicable |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | None at this time – although most members and attendees are elderly. However, with the inception of Garry Shoebrook to the leadership team, there are no concerns regarding the continuation of worship at this church for many years to come. He is totally committed to his service to this fellowship and the wider community. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The principal source of funds is through members and attendees giving through bank accounts on a regular basis and freewill offerings at church services. Of course, as a charity, we now claim Gift Aid where possible from HMRC, which adds to our fiscal situation. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | Not applicable |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The number of members over the age of 75 shows that this church is serving a need within the community, for worship within a quieter setting than most family churches. With the addition of the younger Ministry Partner, the church is aiming to expand and develop. |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | The Constitution of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation. |
| 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 |
Para 1.25 | The existing Trustees elect volunteers who must subscribe and adhere to, in belief and lifestyle, the Statement of Faith. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: | |
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | The Trustees are encouraged to have regard to the guidance for Trustees published by the Charity Commission and courses available for their ongoing training. |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The church is an independent Free Church and is a member of the Evangelical Alliance. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | It has an established relationship with the Staplehurst Free Church for mutual support and 2 of the Trustees are members of the Staplehurst Free Church. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Linton Road Free Church |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1194688 |
| Charity’s principal address | 157 Linton Road, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0AL |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandra Rose Parsons |
Treasurer | 1stJan to 23rdFeb | Trustees of Linton Road Free Church |
|
| Terence Robert Hawgood |
Chairman | Ditto | ||
| Clive Jones | Ditto | |||
| Nicola Shoebrook | Safeguarding & Policies Officer Secretary from 23rd Feb onwards |
Ditto | ||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this fall within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) | Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser Name Address |
||
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) | ||
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
||
|---|---|---|
| Terence Robert Hawgood | Nicola Shoebrook | |
Chair |
Secretary | |
Linton Road Free Church Annual Accounts for 2025
SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS
| General Fund Bank balance at 01/01/2025 Income 2025 Dec money paid in Jan 25 (+) Total Income 2025 Expenditure 2025 Book Balance at 31/12/2025 Dec money paid in Jan 25 (-) Bank Balance at 31/12/25 |
2025 P/Cash 2024 £11,931.20 £1.12 £13,574.34 £26,162.00 £27,516.48 £814.45 £1,326.95 £38,907.65 £42,417.77 £22,921.59 £30,486.57 £15,986.06 £11,931.20 £814.45 |
|---|---|
| £15,171.61 £1.12 £11,931.20 |
| Business Money Manager A/C | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank balance at 01/01/2025 | £12,755.53 | £6,552.04 |
| Income 2025 | £212.51 | £6,203.49 |
| Total assets for 2025 | £12,968.04 | £12,755.53 |
| Expenditure 2025 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Balance at 31/12/2025 | £12,968.04 | £12,755.53 |
| These Accounts have been Audited and | found to be | correct. |
| Signed by the Independent Examiner: | Date: | |
| Name and Address of Independent Examiner. | R. Bashford | |
| 2 Gybbon Rise | ||
| Staplehurst | ||
| Tonbridge | ||
| Kent |
INCOME
| Analysis | ||
|---|---|---|
| In dark red - Gasds | 2025 | 2024 |
| General | ||
| Donations from Coffee Stop | £362.89 | £293.60 |
| Donations from cards | £163.20 | £216.55 |
| Donations for Ladies' Breakfasts | £182.70 | £140.00 |
| Gasds offerings (Bag) | £5,487.70 | £4,410.30 |
| Gift Aid (Electronic and hand) | £14,438.00 | £16,203.00 |
| Other Income HMRC | £5,574.76 | £5,533.03 |
| Donation from P Ledger | £250.00 | |
| Donations from Thanksgiving | £420.00 | |
| Donation from BM & S Lloyd | £30.00 | |
| Donation to Sponsorship | £20.00 | |
| Credit from Stewardship | £250.00 | |
| Donation P Thwaites (Petrol) | £33.20 | |
| Donation P Rowland (funeral) | £234.00 | |
| Donation J Irons | £250.00 | |
| Total Income | £26,976.45 | £27,516.48 |
| Gain/Loss | £540.03 | |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| General | 2025 | 2024 |
| Advert - Find a Church | £22.00 | £22.00 |
| Account Charges | £83.51 | £115.96 |
| Catering | £1,363.71 | £797.19 |
| Commodities/Misc | £2,663.74 | |
| CCLI Fees/Licences | £352.86 | £395.72 |
| DBS checks/Membership | £185.00 | £181.75 |
| EE Broadband/mobile phone | £295.00 | £248.72 |
| EA Membership | £90.00 | £90.00 |
| Golding Homes (Garage) | £840.33 | £803.34 |
| Insurances Bldg & Contents | £1,180.43 | £1,141.45 |
| Land Registry | £150.00 | £100.00 |
| Ministry Gifts | £2,665.00 | £2,595.00 |
| Sponsorship | £0.00 | £480.00 |
| Stationery | £0.00 | £313.11 |
| Tfr to Bmmm Account | £0.00 | £6,000.00 |
| Utilities/Elec/gas/water | £4,050.47 | £5,120.55 |
| Unpaid cheques | £0.00 | £40.00 |
| Wix Website costs | under misc | £208.68 |
| Stewardship | £3,061.00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Flowers | £269.90 | £1,302.71 |
| (formerly love gifts) | ||
| Christmas fliers/invites etc | £122.27 | |
| Assets | ||
| Various small purchases | under misc | |
| Tables, chairs/desk | £676.74 | |
| £3,291.78 | ||
| Maintenance | ||
| Big Mow (Garden) | £720.00 | £720.00 |
| County Fire Check | £68.64 | £54.60 |
| Dusters | £1,090.00 | £980.00 |
| Gas Alliance (Gas service) | £210.00 | £195.00 |
| Mike Oliver (Hydroboil) | £80.00 | £80.00 |
| J Bashford (Pat Testing) | £0.00 | £100.00 |
| Big Mow (Fence panel) | £0.00 | £150.00 |
| Missions | ||
| Missions | £3,480.00 | |
| Total Expenditure | £22,921.59 | £30,486.57 |
| Gain/Loss | £7,564.98 | |
| MISSION | FUNDS | |
| 2025 | ||
| British Red Cross | £250.00 | 2024 |
| Cancer Research UK | ||
| Church Army | £40.00 | |
| Friends of Helper | £250.00 | £250.00 |
| Kenward Trust | £500.00 | |
| Maidstone CWS | £250.00 | £250.00 |
| Maidstone Street Pastors | £250.00 | |
| Mercy Ships | £250.00 | £250.00 |
| Mission Aviation Fellowship | ||
| Miriam Friday (Africa) | £1,000.00 | £250.00 |
| Royal British Legion | £1,250.00 | |
| Salvation Army | £250.00 | £40.00 |
| Starfish Malawi | £980.00 | £60.00 |
| Win Int | £520.00 | |
| World In Need | £250.00 | £500.00 |
| Total Missions | £3,480.00 | £4,160.00 |
Linton Road Free Church Annual Accounts for 2025 SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS General Fund 2025 P/Cash 2024 Bank balance at 01/01/2025 Income 2025 Dec money paid in Jan 25 (+) Total Income 2025 Expenditure 2025 Book Balance at 31/12/2025 Dec money paid in Jan 25 (-) Bank Balance at 31/12/25 £11,931.20 £26,162.00 £814.45 £38,907.65 £22,921.59 £15,986.06 £814.45 £15,171.61 £1.12 £13,574.34 £27,516.48 £1,326.95 £42,417.77 £30,486.57 £11,931.20 £1.12 £11,931.20 Business Money Manager A/C 2025 2024 Bank balance at 01/01/2025 Income 2025 Total assets for 2025 Expenditure 2025 Balance at 31/12/2025 £12,755.53 £212.51 £12,968.04 £0.00 £12,968.04 £6,552.04 £6,203.49 £12,755.53 £0.00 £12,755.53 These Accounts have been Audited and found to be correct. Signed by the Independent Examiner: Date: Name and Address of Independent Examiner. R. Bashford 2 Gybbon Rise Staplehurst Tonbridge Kent
Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Teren Ro awgood Chair Nicola Shoebrook Secretary Date q-r_