Free Christian Fellowship
Trustees Annual Report
for the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023
Free Christian Fellowship, aka Fiskerton Revival Centre, Registered Charity Number 1196466
Trustees:
Susan Copeman, Trustee; Pauline LeBlanc, Trustee; Paul Cowling, Trustee, Deputy Pastor; Michael Copeman, Chair of Trustees, Pastor. No appointments or resignations during the year.
SUMMARY
Following a year of consolidation and reviewing the options available in 2022, FCF launched a refurbishment programme for the Chapel and associated buildings. Although the Chapel is not a listed building it was important to the Trustees that the building maintained its character with no significant changes to the exterior. The refurbishment has been warmly received by Fiskerton residents and Church congregation. More detail under the Fiskerton Chapel heading.
The Christian faith has been advanced through regular fellowship meetings in Fiskerton Chapel, on-line meetings, the publication of daily scriptures, testimonies of God’s mighty power still at work today in improving lives: salvation, healing and deliverance; as well as messages of encouragement through the Fiskerton Revival website and social media streams on Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Email and text messaging. A prayer request portal has proven to be very successful with notable healings, spiritual support and encouragement. We give God all the praise and all the glory.
Key points
-
Offerings, donations and miscellaneous income for the period amounted to £ 9,687;
-
Expenditure for the period amounted to £ 34,311;
-
Phases 1 and 2 of the Chapel refurbishment programme were completed during 2023;
-
Government assistance with energy costs during the year amounted to £ 201;
-
Average meeting attendance numbers have increased from 19 in 2022 to 23 in 2023.
Fiskerton Chapel
The main chapel was built in 1809 and the Schoolroom added in 1888. The kitchen and toilets area was added in 1979. The refurbishment plan has four phases. Phases 1 and 2 were completed in 2023, it is planned that the two final phases will be completed in 2024. Construction of the Chapel and Schoolroom in the 1800’s means there was no damp proof course and some of the construction was in need of fundamental repair.
Phase 1: Chapel, worship area: damp proofing which included tanking, re plastering and wooden panelling to the walls to create a breathing space for damp evaporation; new composite fitted door and casing to the inner porch to provide insulation, and renovation of the external wooden door. It was considered important that the external facade should not be materially changed to maintain the character of the building within the village setting. The skills of Chris and Donald were greatly appreciated in their excellent restoration of the front door, including reinstatement of the external ironwork. This resolved a serious issue, saving £’000s, and restoring the external view of the building. Redundant electrical wiring was removed and electrical switches and sockets replaced, additional electrical sockets configured, new LED lighting was installed. Internal walls and ceiling were painted, stairs to the balcony were repaired. Amendments were made to the sound system and improved audio visual equipment installed. A new carpet was fitted and new scripture signage commissioned and installed.
2 of 5
FREE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Phase 2: Schoolroom, eating area and community facility for hire: damp proofing, panelling and re plastering as in the Chapel; roofing and guttering were repaired; new composite door to side entrance to improve insulation; redundant wiring removed and electrical switches and sockets replaced, additional electrical sockets configured, including the provision of power for audio visual facilities when required; new LED lighting was installed. Walls and ceiling painted and washable, commercial grade flooring fitted in the schoolroom and in the kitchen, inner hall and toilet areas. Library shelves were fitted, new dining tables purchased and scripture signage commissioned and installed.
Phases 3 and 4: Phase 3: kitchen, male and female toilets, inner hall: will comprise plastering of walls as required, following removal of redundant electrical wiring. Installation of new sockets and switches and provision of more electrical sockets. LED lighting triggered by movement will be installed in the toilets. Storage cupboards will be installed for cleaning equipment to tidy up the inner hall. The inner doors and door furniture to the toilets will be replaced, the current doors have woodworm damage. The external door will be replaced with a composite fitted door to improve insulation, the current door is rotten. Walls and ceilings will be painted. Toilet furniture will be replaced and wall mounted soap dispensers installed. Phase 4 will comprise tidying up the garden, removing self sown bush roots and clearing the area of weeds. External drainage will be reviewed and replaced where necessary.
Outreach
Our stock of Why Jesus booklets has been nearly used up during the year and another order will be placed during 2024.
The refurbishment has not only brought in an influx of suppliers but interested villagers and passers-by to see what is happening. A number have been added to the Church as we have lunched together on the work days sharing the bountiful grace of God with the visitors.
We intend advertising the Schoolroom as a community facility for hire when phase 3 is complete. It is already let as a polling station. If locals use the facilities they should see that we are ordinary people with an extraordinary God who is able and willing to meet their needs, and the barrier to Church attendance will be broken down.
The average number attending the meetings during this financial year is 23 (19), the largest number being 47 (43) and the smallest 14 (10). (Last year’s figures).
Donations from specified funds
The following donations were made from income given for a specific purpose:
MC was asked to officiate at Peter Hitchman’s funeral. A minister’s fee of £ 100 was paid to FCF. The funeral collection of £ 203 plus a donation of £ 97 from FCF, £300 in all, was donated in May to ASK-of Orphanage in Ghana, in Peter’s memory, as he requested.
In June, Tom Cowling, Paul Cowling’s eldest son, was falsely accused of a drugs offence and arrested in Croatia. A collection was taken up among the fellowship to help toward expenses and £3000 was donated to him in July. Actual donations amounted to £ 3100, owing to an accounting error £100 is held in reserve.
In November FCF received £ 150 minister’s fee for MC officiating at Barry Foster’s funeral. At Barry’s request £ 100 of that fee was donated to Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.
FINANCIAL
Although cash reserves have been depleted by expenditure for the buildings refurbishment, the cash position remains healthy. Income exceeds day to day running costs. If donations restricted
3 of 5
FREE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
for special purpose are excluded, income has increased by £343 (5%) during a time of difficult
The opening cash position for the period was £48,630, comprising bank account of £48,623 and cash in hand of £7. Expenditure exceeded income by £24,624 leaving a year end cash total of £24,006, being £23,843 cash at bank and £163 cash in hand. A larger amount of cash in hand is being held to fund cash purchases for phase 3 of the refurbishment.
Income
Total income for the year amounts to £9,687, comprised as follows:
| Collections and donations: | £ 9,336 | |
|---|---|---|
| Specifed income: British Gas: | £ 201 | Government utilities assistance |
| Miscellaneous cash receipts: | £ 150 | |
| Of the total income £ 3,604 was | donated for | specifed purposes, as follows: |
| British Gas | £ 201 | Government subsidy |
| ASK-of Orphanage, Ghana | £ 203 | FCF made the donation up to £300 |
| Lincolnshire Air Ambulance | £ 100 | |
| Tom Cowling Appeal | £ 3100 | £100 held in reserve |
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 is £ 34,311, after deducting specified donations it is £30,707. The total cost of Phase 1 and Phase 2 refurbishment was £ 23,675, of which £ 17,212 is charged to the capital account.
| Items have been recorded | under the | Charity Commission report headings and are as follows: |
|---|---|---|
| Light and heat: | £ 3,568 | the actual cost was £ 3,367 but as previously recorded |
| the Government provided £ 201 utilities assistance. | ||
| Total cost for 2022 was £ 993, further comment below; | ||
| Legal and Insurance: | £ 821 | Comprising: |
| Accountancy fees to Marshall Walker £ 180; | ||
| Buildings, contents and public liability insurance | ||
| premium to Integra Insurance £ 641. | ||
| Donations, catering, sundries: | Donations in the sum of £ 3,604 were made for specifc | |
| £ 5,296 | purposes, described in the Donations heading in the | |
| Summary, the remainder was allocated as follows: | ||
| Donations:£ 1,110, comprising: | ||
| Food bank donations of £ 620; | ||
| Love gifts to assist fnancial hardship amount to £ 490; | ||
| Catering:£ 145; | ||
| Sundries:£ 437; of which were some items purchased | ||
| as part of the refurbishment but not directly | ||
| attributable to Repairs and Renewals or Capital; | ||
| Repairs and renewals: | £ 7,551 | Costs directly attributable to refurbishment phases 1 |
| and 2. However, there are also capital costs listed | ||
| below. Capital costs are medium to long term items: | ||
| materials, fxtures and fttings, that add to the value of | ||
| the property. These items are defned and identifed | ||
| through HMRC guidance. | ||
| Outreach | £ 279 | This includes: |
| Roy Turner’s Chorus collection, set of 10 CDs at £ 75; |
4 of 5
FREE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Hosting FRC internet presence £ 60; 50% contribution to Zoom subscription for 2022 and 2023 at £72 each £ 144. Trials of the updated Microsoft Teams free will be undertaken in 2024. Stationery and postage: £ 53 Capital: £ 17,212 Notable expenditure is detailed below: Two custom made Composite doors in PVC frames, complete with door furniture and adjustable hinges £ 1260; Cordless vacuum cleaner £ 199; Additional radiator in Schoolroom £ 105; Wood panelling, scaffold hire, paint £2,100; Chapel carpet £ 2,667; TV monitor for AV presentation £818; Signage £ 610; Painting and decorating £ 5,488; Schoolroom and utilities areas, non-slip safety flooring £ 4,273.
Utilities
As agreed by the Trustees in 2022, supply of gas and electricity was transferred from British Gas. It was impossible to reliably assess whether utility charges were accurate because bills were not submitted regularly and often elements were missing. Supply for gas and electricity was transferred to Octopus Energy on 24 May 2023. Octopus quoted a lower price for renewal than British Gas, they are also known for good customer service and have provided monthly bills clearly stating the charges for the period, which are verifiable with the Smart meters. FCF balance with Octopus at the year end is £ 262 in credit. The credit situation will be monitored regularly along with usage forecasts to attempt to reduce monthly costs.
Owing to the distractions from normal processes as a result of the larger number of visitors to the Christmas Carol Service, the central heating boiler was left active during the 2022 Christmas period, resulting in an ‘excess’ use of 10,997 kWh of gas, compared with the same period in 2021, which equates to £1,072 additional charge. Therefore, the Light and Heat figure would have been £ 2,496 (£ 2,295 after Government discount), an increase of £ 1,302 on 2022.
The improved heat insulation through upgrading the external doors to sealed unit composite doors, wall insulation and the further market price reductions during 2024 are expected to reduce the impact of the extremely large cost of heating the building for approximately 6 hours a week. Energy charges for 2024 are forecast at approximately £ 2,000 or £38.50 per week.
Professional services
Accountancy: Marshall Walker, Accountants, were asked to provide the Independent Examiners Report of the accounts for the 2023 year end in compliance with Charities Commission requirements.
Recommendation - Marshall Walker to be appointed to provide the Independent Examiner’s Report for 2024. To be confirmed at the AGM.
Insurances: Insurance for building, contents and third party cover has historically been managed by Integra Insurance, who have increased the building value, repair and renewal costs by 6% per annum during a time of static or falling construction costs, except for the last two years when there have been material increases. It is considered that the insurance premium overstates the current market value of the building, and possibly the cost of rebuilding given
5 of 5
FREE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
that it is not a Grade 1 listed church, the criteria Integra apply to fix premiums, but a brick built Chapel mainly erected in the 1800’s. As agreed at the 2022 AGM, requests for quotations and negotiations will be completed during 2024 ahead of the policy renewal in November 2024.
Charities Commission
Preparation for the submission, to the Charities Commission, of the Trustee’s Annual Report and Accounts for the 12 months to 31 December 2023, will be completed following an AGM to agree the accounts and this report.
During 2023 work has been undertaken to write and implement the following statutory and Charities Commission compliant policies, listed in alphabetical order. A statement appearing on the Fiskerton Revivals website, and posted on the Church noticeboard, indicates that policies are available on request to one of the Trustees.
Campaigns and Political Activity; Child Protection; Code of Conduct; Communications and IT; Trustee Conflict of Interest; Data Protection; Engaging External Speakers; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Ethical Fund Raising; Financial Procedures; Fire Safety; Food Safety and Handling; Health and Safety; Reserves and Investment; Risk Register; Safeguarding Adults at Risk; Whistleblowing.
Forecast
Currently FCF’s financial position is healthy. Phases 3 and 4 of the Fiskerton Chapel refurbishment, being implemented during 2024, will require expenditure in excess of income, but well within current cash reserves. Day to day running costs are not expected to exceed our income on current performance. The budget for phases 3 and 4 is approximately £ 5,000, subject to a review of the building external condition. We must be good stewards of what God has given us charge over, but we can trust the Lord to meet our needs, as He has done for many years. Our financial focus is to trust the Lord to provide the finance to meet our general running costs and to advance the ministry, preaching salvation, healing and deliverance with signs following, making disciples to follow the Lord, and to prepare the Church for the soon return of the Lord.
Michael Copeman Chair of the Trustees 15 April 2024.
Church address:
Fiskerton Revival Centre, Gravelly Lane, Fiskerton, Newark NG25 0UW.
Free Christian Fellowship (Fiskerton Revival Centre) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales no: 1196466.
Inde endent Examlnerfs Re ort to the Trustee5 of The Free Christian Fellowshi I report on the accounts ofthe fellowship. Ba51s of Inde endent Examlnerfs Re orL My examlnatlon was carr5ed out In accordan with the general directions given by the Charlty Commi551oners. An examination includes a review of the accountlng records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also Indudes wnsideratlon of any unusual Items or dlsclosures In the accounts and seeklng explanations from you.a5 trust@es conceming such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provlde all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently. I do not express an audit opinion on the vlew 8lven by the accounts. Inde ende In connection wlth my examlnatlon, no matter has come to rny attentlon: 11 whlch glves me 8$Onable cause to believe that In any materlal respett the requlrements to keep accountlng records In accordance wlth sectlon 41 of the 1993 Act and to prepare accounts whlch accord wlth the accounting records and comply wlth the accounting requIrnents of the 1993 Art have not been met or. 21 to which, In my opinion. attentlon should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandSn8 of the accounts to be reached. Slgn Date 19 March 2024 Stephen Walker FFI FFfA, FPA Marshall Walker & Co Accountants. The Croft Bam. Syerston, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 SNE
| Charity Name | Charity Name | Charity Name | Charity Name | Charity Name | No(if any) | No(if any) | CC16a | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FREE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP | 1196466 | ||||||||
| Receipts andpayments accounts | |||||||||
| For the period from |
Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||||
| 1 January2023 | 31 December 2023 | ||||||||
| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds | Endowment funds |
Total funds | Last year | |||||
| to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | |||||
| A1 Receipts | |||||||||
| 6,083 | 3,604 | - | 9,687 | - | |||||
| - 0 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - 0 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - 0 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - 0 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - 0 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - 0 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - 0 | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total_(Gross income for AR) _ | 6,083 |
3,604 | - | 9,687 | - | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||||
| - 0 | - 0 | - 0 | - | ||||||
| - 0 | - 0 | - 0 | - | - 0 | |||||
| Sub total | - 0 |
- 0 | - 0 | - | - 0 | ||||
| **Total receipts ** | 6,083 |
3,604 | - 0 | 9,687 | - 0 | ||||
| A3 Payments | |||||||||
| Light and Heat | 3,367 | 201 | - | 3,568 | - | ||||
| Legal and Insurance | 821 | - | - | 821 | - | ||||
| Donations, Catering, Sundries | 1,465 | 3,403 | - | 4,868 | - | ||||
| Repairs and Renewals | 7,082 | - | - | 7,082 | - | ||||
| Outreach | 279 | - | - | 279 | - | ||||
| Stationery and Postage | 53 | - | - | 53 | - | ||||
| Capital | 17,212 | - | - | 17,212 | - | ||||
| Petty Cash - Donations | 190 | - | - | 190 | - | ||||
| Petty Cash - Food Bank | 160 | - | - | 160 | |||||
| Petty Cash - Housekeeping | 78 | - | - | 78 | - | ||||
| **Sub total ** | 30,707 |
3,604 | - | 34,311 | - | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases,(see table) |
|||||||||
| - 0 | - 0 | - 0 | - | ||||||
| - 0 | - 0 | - 0 | - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | - 0 |
- 0 | - 0 | - | - 0 | ||||
| **Totalpayments ** | 30,707 |
3,604 | - 0 | 34,311 | - 0 | ||||
| **Net of receipts/(payments) ** | - 24,624 |
- | - | - 24,624 |
- | ||||
| A5 Transfers between funds | - 0 | - | - | - | - | ||||
| A6 Cash funds lastyear end | 48,630 | - | - | 48,630 | - | ||||
| **Cash funds thisyear end ** | 24,006 |
- | - | 24,006 | - | ||||
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |||||||||
| Categories | Details | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds | Endowment funds |
|||||
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | |||||||
| B1 Cash funds | 23,843 | - | - |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
05/03/2024
1
| 163 | - | - | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | |||||||
| Total cash funds | 24,006 | - | - | ||||||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
OK | OK | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds | Endowment funds |
|||||||
| Details | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | ||||||
| B2 Other monetary assets | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
||||||
| B3 Investment assets | - | - | |||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
||||||
| B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use |
- | - | |||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Details | Fund to which liability relates |
Amount due (optional) |
When due (optional) |
||||||
| B5 Liabilities | KSM Graphix | Capital | 190 | ||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Signature | Print Name | Date of approval | ||||||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
05/03/2024
2