REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1196844
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOR WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O.
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O.
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 3 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8-9 |
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Iain Begg appointed 25 January 2024 Julie Bell Richard Brett Mary Jane Deller Owain Alistair McKenzie resigned 27 November 2023 Martyn Neads appointed 25 September 2023 David Geoffrey Pangbourne Jacqueline Seller Simon Soothill appointed 25 September 2023
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
Wheathampstead Chapel Community Hub (WCCH). is a CIO and the body which operates the Chapel Gym, the Chapel Halls and Wheathampstead Community Kitchen.
The various elements of the Hub have been operating for about 3 years {as at 31 March 2025) and we're pleased to report each one is a considerable success.
The Chapel Gym
This proves to be increasingly popular with membership growing from 341 members as at 1 March 2024 to 401 members at the end of this financial year. This is a rise of about 18% in one year demonstrating the ongoing support of the community and how the Chapel Gym has met their needs.
Our Gym Manager resigned in early 2025, and this gave us an opportunity to restructure the staffing to include an Operations Manager to oversee activities for all parts of our charity, while retaining an important priority with gym related activity.
Numbers of visits to the gym continues to grow and now averages about 1,500 visits per month. The gym continues to run classes (open to members and non-members) within the gym and in the Chapel Halls - these classes have grown in popularity and now cover around 100 sessions a month.
We hold regular satisfaction surveys of our members, and this shows their high level of support for the Chapel Gym. There is a strong demand to open on Fridays, and we are giving this active consideration.
The Chapel Halls
The Chapel Halls consists of a main hall, three smaller rooms. a kitchen, toilets and storerooms. The main hall is used part of the time for gym-run fitness classes, and it is also regularly hired out to organisations (mostly not-for profit) and private individuals. Among the regular hirers is HACRO - a Hertfordshire based charity supporting the rehabilitation of offenders, and Recreation for the Retired.
The Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen in the Chapel Halls is going from strength to strength. It is run by a team of volunteers, some of which come along to learn cookery skills, and put on a three course freshly prepared meal once a month. Local people, including many who suffer deprivation (whether financial or otherwise) are invited to the main hall to enjoy the meals that the volunteers have prepared. Any leftover meals are donated to the local FoodBank and charities like Azalea (that support women seeking refuge).
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During mid 2024 the Community Kitchen extended its services to include a “Soup and Sarnies” lunchtime event once a month and this has proven very popular.
All sectors of the charity
These achievements of all three parts of activity of Wheathampstead Chapel Community Hub would not have been possible without the generosity of local people and businesses.
We were very fortunate to obtain a grant from VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme Capital Grant in November 2024 to allow us to instal solar panels, Air Source Heat Pumps in the Chapel Halls and extra insulation and improved glazing.
This has already led to a noticeable increase in heat efficiency and a reduction in energy costs and we are delighted with the results.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
The charity’s income for the period was £221,080 (2024 - £114,801) and expenditure was £118,241 (2024 - £84,679) giving a surplus before depreciation of £102,834 (2024 - £30,121). The depreciation charge for the period is £21,584 (2024 -£10,961). The net surplus is £81,255 (2024 £19,160).
The reserves carried forward as at 31 March 2025 were £131,555 (2024 - £112,988).
The loan from one of the trustees, Julie Bell, bears no interest and was repaid in full.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation (C.I.O.) controlled by its governing document.
The objectives of the charity are:
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The advancement of the Christian faith;
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The promotion of community participation in healthy recreation;
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to further the needs of or benefit the residents of the community without distinction;
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to improve the conditions of life for the said residents.
The charity trustees manage the affairs of the C.I.O. and may exercise all the powers of the C.I.O.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The church building, hall, car park and other lands are leased from URC Thames North Synod Trust under a 20 year lease which commenced June 2022.
The lease has a break date at every 5 years when WCCH has the right to terminate the lease and when the URC Thames North Trust also has the right to terminate in the event of WCCH's insolvency having given 3 months notice. The risk is therefore that if the charity became insolvent it could forfeit its lease.
The Trustees have adopted a policy of retaining reserves of £50,000 being £25,000 to cover 3 month’s operating costs, ensuring short term resilience and £25,000 for urgent building maintenance.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23[rd] September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mary Jane Deller
.............................................
Mary Jane Deller - Chair
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OFWHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O. FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages 6 to 9.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
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 those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. 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 statements below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Beverley Turner
Beverley Turner FCA CTA ACG 30 The Avenue Welwyn Herts AL6 0PP
Date: 23 September 2025
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 31 | March 2025 | 31 March 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted |
Restricted |
Total funds | Total funds | ||
| funds | fund | ||||
| Notes | £ |
£ | £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||||
| Incoming resources from | |||||
| generated funds | |||||
| Collections and donations | 2 | 8,362 | - | 8,362 | 7,619 |
| Grants | 3 | 76,417 | - | 76,417 | 2,000 |
| Fund raising events | 4 | 1,120 | - | 1,120 | 1,680 |
| Subscriptions | 110,003 | - | 110,003 | 86,258 | |
| Other income | 6,382 | - | 6,382 | 2,477 | |
| Hall Hire income | 18,796 | - | 18,796 | 14,767 | |
| Total incoming resources | 221,080 | - | 221,080 | 114,801 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||||
| Costs of generating funds | |||||
| Costs of generating voluntary | |||||
| income | 74,698 | - | 74,698 | 53,832 | |
| Fundraising costs | 329 | - | 329 | 893 | |
| Charity running costs | 40,404 | - | 40,404 | 27,471 | |
| Governance | 2,810 | - | 2,810 | 2,483 | |
| Direct charitable spending | - | - | - | - | |
| Total resources expended | 118,241 | - | 118,241 | 84,679 | |
| EXCESS OF INCOME OVER | |||||
| EXPENDITURE | 102,839 | - | 105,839 | 30,122 | |
| Depreciation of fixed assets | (21,584) | - | (21,584) | (10,962) | |
| NET SURPLUS FOR THE | |||||
| YEAR | 81,255 | - | 81,255 | 19,160 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF | |||||
| FUNDS | |||||
| _ | _____ | ______ | ______ | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | |||||
| BROUGHT FORWARD | 112,288 | 700 | 112,988 | 93,828 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED | |||||
| FORWARD | 193,542 | 700 | 194,243 | 112,988 |
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O.
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 31 | March 2025 31 March 2024 | March 2025 31 March 2024 | March 2025 31 March 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Total funds | ||||
| funds | funds | ||||||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||||
| Tangible assets | 6 | 143,282 | - | 143,282 | 91,296 | ||
| 143,282 | - | 143,282 | 91,296 | ||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||||
| Debtors | 1,985 | - | 1,985 | 3,980 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 49,899 | 700 | 50,598 | 35,509 | |||
| 51,884 | 700 | 52,584 | 39,489 | ||||
| CREDITORS | |||||||
| Amounts falling due within one | 1,622 | - | 1,622 | 17,797 | |||
| year | |||||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | **50,261 ** | 700 | 50,961 | **21,692 ** | |||
| LONG TERM LIABILITIES | |||||||
| Loan | - | - | - | - | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS | |||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | 193,543 | 700 | 194,243 | 128,386 | |||
| NET ASSETS | 193,543 | 700 | 194,243 | 112,988 | |||
| FUNDS | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 193,543 | 112,288 | |||||
| Restricted funds | 700 | 700 | |||||
| Endowment funds | - | - | |||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 194,243 | 112,988 |
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
2. COLLECTIONS AND DONATIONS
| Social fund donations Donation income Chapel Kitchen Donation income gym |
2025 2024 £ £ 413 - 7,858 6,973 91 646 |
|---|---|
| 8,362 7,619 |
3. GRANTS
During the year, the charity received a VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme Capital Grant of £74,967 for the purposes of improving the energy efficiency of the building. The grant was fully expended during the year and accordingly has not been treated a restricted grant.
The grant has been spent on the following:
| The grant has been spent on the following: | |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| Installation of the building | 27,283 |
| Heat pumps to improve the air conditioning | 8,200 |
| Solar panels | 37,761 |
| Glazing improvements | 1,722 |
The trustees are most grateful for this grant and expect the energy efficiency improvements which have been carried out to significantly reduce the running costs of the halls, gym and kitchen.
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WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL COMMUNITY HUB C.I.O.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. FUND RAISING EVENTS
| Business fundraising Door to door fundraising General fundraising Defibrillator fundraising Hall fundraising Kitchin fundraising |
2025 2024 £ £ 342 296 - 148 - 600 - 636 500 - 278 - |
|---|---|
| 1,120 1,680 |
5. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 March 2025 (2024-Nil).
6. ANALYSIS OF TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost Opening Additions Disposals At 31 March 2025 Depreciation Opening Charge for the period Disposals At 31 March 2025 Net Book Value 31 March 2025 Net Book Value 31 March 2024 |
Buildings Gym Plant & Improvements EquipmentMachinery £ £ £ 79,585 23,718 11,191 27,283 - 46,287 - - - |
Total 2024 £ 114,494 73,570 - |
|---|---|---|
| 106,868 23,718 7,478 |
188,064 | |
| 8,898 9,244 5,056 5,344 4,744 11,496 - - - 14,242 13,988 16,552 92,626 9,730 40,926 70,687 14,474 6,135 |
23,198 21,584 - |
|
| 44,782 | ||
| 143,282 | ||
| 91,296 |
DEPRECIATION has been provided for on the straight line method as follows:
| as been provided for on the | straight line metho |
|---|---|
| Buildings | |
| improvements | 20 years |
| Gym Equipment | 5 years |
| Plant & | |
| Machinery | 5 years |
7. EMPLOYEES
The number of employees on average during the period was 2. No employee received benefits of more than £60,000 per annum.
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