20[th] February 2025
Trustees Report for Period 1st April 2024 to 31 st December 2024
Administratve Informaton:
Birchington Baptist Church is situated in two premises, one in Crescent Road, the other in Station Road in the village of Birchington-on -Sea.
Trustees:
| Trustees: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Reverend G. Watson – Minister | Appointed | September 2023 |
| Mrs Jacolien de Geir – Secretary | Elected | 22/01/2020 |
| Mrs Mo Lawson – Treasurer | Elected | 19/01/2022 |
| Mrs Moira Burfut | Elected | 15/05/2019 |
| Mr Kevin Field | Elected | 15/05/2019 |
| Mr Don Sanders | Elected | 04/08/2021 |
| Mrs Claire Walker | Elected | 02/10/2024 |
| Mr Richard Walker | Elected | 02/10/2024 |
Following the AGM, held in October 2024, Mrs Bryan, Mrs Ebbs and Mrs Margrave stood down as trustees. We elected only two trustees to the team, these are Mr and Mrs Walker.
Property Trustees Independent Examiner The Baptist Union Corporation Limited Mrs Jane Neame Baptist House 52 Ham Shades Lane 129 Broadway Whitstable Didcot Kent Oxfordshire CT5 1 NX OX1 8RT
Bankers: Westwood Cross and Margate
Birchington Baptist Church was founded in 1923 and is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain. The church is governed by its members, through regular church meetings, and administered by Deacons (Trustees) who are elected by the church members for periods of three years.
Operating as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity #1198807
Trustees are usually appointed at an Annual General Meeting. To qualify, candidates must be asked their permission to be nominated and the nomination must be seconded. All this is done by the members of the church. To be successful in their election, each candidate must receive at least 66% of the votes cast.
Charitable Objectves:
The aim of the church is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ both in Thanet and the world as a whole through the giving. For the most part this is financial.
We therefore support the Baptist Ministry Society - World Mission, who have medical, agricultural and educational projects around the world, their Home Mission, which helps other Baptist churches around the UK to reach out to their local communities.
We give regularly to the Tear Fund organisation who ensure that the financial aid required, in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, is given to those areas of the world in a timely manner. The church can confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the churches aims and objectives, and in the planning of future activities.
Actvites:
In order to achieve our aims of being relevant in the local community and giving support to our members and residents living in Birchington, we involve ourselves in numerous activities throughout the year. The aim is to show the love of Christ in both word and deed and to bring people closer to a relationship with Jesus as the living word.
We continue to let our church buildings, following the guidelines at all times.
Storehouse foodbank:
This facility has continued to grow and seems to be needed more now than it ever has. With the accompanying Open-door element, which provides a warm and comfortable space to enjoy a hot drink and biscuits, the outreach has expanded to allow people to just have a chat and, if they want, ask questions.
The addition of fortnightly clinics, offered by Citizens Advice, is enabling more people to be able to access the advice they require, without the need to make expensive phone calls or journeys.
Warm Spot:
This outreach facility came about during the beginning of the financial crisis. The initial aim was for it to run during the winter months and to be a warm space where people could come together and not have to worry, for a while, about being at home in the cold. It continues to offer this but has grown to be an all-year-round event where people come to play various board games, do puzzles
Operating as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity #1198807
and generally socialise. Refreshments are offered as well as toasted sandwiches. This is another outreach event that has seen its numbers increase over time since its inception. Both of the above take place in our Station Road building.
In our Crescent Road buildings, The Loft is held on Friday evenings. The aim being to provide a space for the 11years old to 18years old age groups to meet in a safe place with friends and to make new ones. They have the chance to learn about the Bible and ask any questions they may have. The evening is split into two, the first part being for year groups 7 to 8 and the second part for year groups 9 to 13. This runs during term time only, and is led by David Maidment with the help of a team of volunteers.
On a fortnightly basis we host Hi-Kent who are an organisation that run hearing aid clinics and with the help of volunteers offer basic maintenance of peoples hearing aids and replacement batteries. It is another event that offers people the chance for a chat while enjoying refreshments and biscuits.
Each summer, during the first two weeks of the school holidays, we take part, in various ways, in the Scripture Union beach mission which has now been running for over 130 years.
In his previous church our minister had been involved with the Open the Book project, run by The Bible Society. This is an initiative to take the Bible into schools and tell the stories in a fun and easy to understand format. The wording of the stories has been agreed between Ofsted and
representatives of a number of faiths. Due to a lack of presence, not just in our immediate area but in the county as a whole, a small group of volunteers was gathered together to start the initiative in our local schools. At present schools have been a little reticent about the project, but the volunteers are raring to go anytime they are needed.
Throughout the year we support events organised by the Parish Council, either by opening our buildings or providing volunteers to help run these activities.
Achievements and Performance:
With the appointment of a new Minister, we continued to focus on the activities and worship programmes we had in place while he made himself familiar with his new congregation, got to grips with his responsibilities and observed the way our church worked. We continued to use the gifts of our congregation together with contributions from the Minister.
Many of our outreach programmes still kept going thanks to the commitment of the teams involved and the love for people and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Financial Review:
Operating as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity #1198807
The financial support of the church, by those who attend its services, meant that it was able to continue to carry out its functions and achieve its objectives. Many had changed to making their gifts by standing order which has made it easier for all concerned.
No outside appeal has had to be made for the church to continue and it has been able to meet its commitments to other charitable organisations.
The General Fund:
As the name implies, this covers the day-to-day finances of the church and continues to be sufficient for the church’s needs, at present.
The church is dependent on its volunteers, and those of other churches and those from non-church backgrounds, who help to keep its clubs and groups functioning. The Minister, part-time cleaner and part-time maintenance man are the only people salaried.
We are very grateful, for all the contributions made to all the functions of the church, by these people over the past months.
Property:
The Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland are the Property Trustees for the church buildings and the manse.
The insured value of the Crescent Road buildings is £1,043,907, the Station Road building is £1,840,932 and the manse is insured for £390,736. In addition, the church has the use of a small car park and an adjacent room, Spurgeon’s Room, which are leased from Alvid Investment Co. Ltd.
Due to the change in our financial status, alluded to in our previous report, the trustees decided to make a recommendation to sell the property at 31 Station Road and request, from the Baptist Union, a list of suitable surveyors to provide a quinquennial report for both of our church buildings. The reports would allow us to determine what, if any, works would be required and in turn obtain estimates which would ultimately guide the decision and help with budgeting. At the time of writing the situation is ongoing.
Financial Risks Policy:
There is no specific risk policy, but the church would use the Reserve Fund if the income dropped to the extent that the Minister could not be paid from the General Fund. Both churches and the manse are insured against all normal risks, as well as public and products liability (£5,000,000), employer’s liability (£10,000,000), publisher’s indemnity (£100,000), property owner’s liability (£5,000,000) and personal accident injury liability for employees (£10,000,000).
The policies are reviewed annually, but there is no provision for any damages not covered by the insurance policies.
Operating as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity #1198807
Operating as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity #1198807
Hnandal Statemertforthe Yearvrtltd 31 Dtt•mlw2024 2023 202 2024 Recel Weekty offerir Gft Ald re£efved Loftncuth hjnd d¢)tiOnS Donationsfor BMS Donationslor HMF Donatlonslor Rlde and 5trfde Donat10Tr5for birthdayxheme Dlsaster Fund Rents and torttnlxrtKJ*s for Ltseol wemts¢s Le&a£¢es and dorwtions Other Income In¥esimerrt Income 62.651.29 9347.46 55,574.71 20.925 355.0) 195 I95.1 1,164.27 1.015.ts) 175.0) 1.194.Q) 130.C 1.3W.C#) o. 230.Q) &W.62 82CiI.ts) 7.69 -78.27 9).116.79 13,469.45 82.1A6.20 470.tsj 1,720.64 174,226 1693.45 3W45 5M58.27 Mln65try Youth Fund MSssioTh payments Upkeep of church premlses Ride and Strlde Blrthday schom• Admlntstratlon Charlty ol the year Manse expertdltur• Stor•hcuv Pantomlme cost after recelpts Speclal 6Ing 39250.43 21.121.07 0.) L152.Xl 3,161.35 8,410.CI) 31521.14 27A77.98 om OA 796.IXI I,S85.C 5918.36 8,639.23 7544.09 45.1]3 o.( 4.f) IA20.LXI ox 7.852.50 1,570.C 15.952.35 84,234.22 103,740.51 Net rece1ptsllpaymer)1orthtvtaT Transfer LoftThouth Fund Transfers BMS Funds Transfer Special appe•l fvr Transfer Rideand Stride Transfer 8irthday Stheme Fur1 Ba13nce broughtforw•r Balance fortheyear SW257 210_27 om 4.184A15 -21027 o) 70.485.53 -3,154.77 -10.894.08 3,154.77 6.5Q).LXI 398.( .747.50 92,633.51 98.85 747.50 l3.87 .1170.95 31.W2.75 92,633.51 3.043. 1,803.87
Blrchln8ton Baptlst Churth Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Weekl Offerin Loose Cash Standing Orders and Envelopes 5.867AS 56,783.44 62,651.29 2.544.94 53,029.77 55,574.71 Mini Minister: Salary. peTh$. Nl. Ministerfs expenses, Vlsiting preachers Outreach Extraordinary outgoin8 38.&)6.93 2.(M? 243.50 16,871.49 2,778.39 621.19 850.00 21,121.07 £39.250.43 of Church remi Cleanin8 salary and Cleani materials Ga5 and electricity Water costs Insurance Repairs and equipment servicing Maintenance salary Equipment and related costs 4.151.06 9.628.54 IAIO.60 2,979.70 7,042.30 5,098.80 1,210.34 31,521.34 4,302.00 6,328.96 2,709.04 2.766.13 4,897.46 2.913.00 3,561.39 27,477.98 Administration Telephone and broadband Postage and Ststlonery Bank charges Hospitality Sundries Legal and Professlonal Fees Licences and memberships Equipment leaslng costs SEBA 967.57 636.% 49.23 839.43 1,059.63 o. 1.714.22 562.32 89. 5,918.36 1,015.00 721.25 98.81 763.04 2.128.50 2,068.80 I3.83 0.00 8,639.23 Manse ex enditure Electricity and Gas Water Telephone Courtcil Tax Insurance Servicing ir75pecknon5 Repairs 1.751.70 766.25 412.42 2.251.28 450.89 2,493.91 312.06 2.147.17 75.1)O 39.654.09 45,082.23 1,821.55 7,$44.09
L114.27 I4.7[ fkco -llQ27 355 I827 i.jyco 796m lifKe uL¥1 forwwd .H7.50 741.50 (lI)n$ 837.yo OA7 .747SQ L7fj0 41&9 A.3W.C DcnI 2.D2&riJ OA? LV tyj ty) 75 iYthf•) 4J137S i.WA75 113 75 -51.25 32S i.ois.r• 14>75 143.75 5.010 -5L25 7D. LI) Expenthtui atknn 163.45 I£93A5 r5
BirchiiWM Baptist Chutth Statement of Assets and Uabllltles Y&v ended 31 December 2024 24 Current accourrt Barclays account Lloyds account Baptlsts Together GB057 Baptists Together N85 Baptists Together TB120 0.00 82.646.53 11.798.1)J 17.438.98 24.950.98 136.834.49 80,869.74 11.535.14 16.714.62 24,395.09 133,514.59 Balances on the foll¢Ing funds General Fund Loftlyouth Fund Rkle and Strlde 8irthday Fund Dlsaster Fund Storehouse BMS Home Mlsslon BMS World Mission Speclal Appeals Fund Charlty of the Year BU 3 Month account BU Trust Fund 98.306.85 I309.) 0.00 92,633.51 1,164.27 398.C -747.50 1.796.60 0.00 813.75 -51.25 -1,570.Q) 526.60 o.c 0.0) o. 4.6.55 15.747.61 24,950.98 136.834.49 15,747.61 23,329.60 133.514.59
BIRCHINGTON BAPTisf CHURCH UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" DECEMBER 2024
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to th• tru•toesl members of Birchington Bapkn'st Church On accounts for the year dad 31 Dernber 2024 Charity no (if any Sot out on pagas 1- 4 (ONE to FOUR) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charrty (Ihe Trusf) for the year errtled 31 December 2024. Ro$pon8lbllllle• and ba818 of report A8 the charrtys trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with requirements of the Charrties Act 2011 (?he Acr). I report in re8pect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in Carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b} of the Act. Independent I have Completed my examinakn'on. l ¢onfinn that no material matters have examlner's statement come to my attention in connection wtth the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material resffj.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Chanties Ad.. or the accounts did not accord wilh the axounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the 8pplicabl8 requirements conexming the f(Km and ntent of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Ywe and fair, view 41fiich is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. SIgn. Date: i*io ¥1 ac&5 Mrs Jane Neame Relevant professlonal qualification(sl or body (Sf any): Instituie of Chartered Accountants in England arKI Wales Address: Elders 52 Ham Shades Lane Vthitstable Kent CT5 1 NX
BIRCHINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH Administrative Information: Birchington Baptist Church is situated in two premises in Crescent Road and Station Road in the village of Birchington. Trustees: Rev. G. Watson (Minister) Appointed September 2023 Mrs Jacolien de Gier (Secretsry) Elected 22.01.20 Mrs Mo Lawson (Treasurer) Elected 19.01.22 Mrs Claire Walker Elerted 06.10.24 Mrs Moira Burfutt Elected 15.05.19 Mr Kevin Field Elected 15.05.19 Mr Rlchard Walker Elected 06.10.24 Mr Don Sanders Elected 04.08.21 Property Trustees Independent Examlner: The Baptist Union Corporation Limited Baptist House 129 Broadway Didcot Oxfordshire OXI 8RT Mrs Jane C Neame 52 Ham Shades Lane Whitstable Kent CT5 INZX Bankers: Ramsgate & Canterbury
Re ort of the Trustees for the ear ended 31 December 2024 Birchington Baptist Church was founded in 1923 and is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britsin. The Church is governed by the Church Meeting and Administered by the Deacons (Trustees) who were elected by the Church Meeting for periods of fouryears. However following the change in status to CIO, the period is for three years. Nominations are proposed and seconded by members of the church, and to be elerted the successful candidates must receive 66% of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting. Charltable Objectlves: The alm of any charity that the Church involves itself in is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ both in Thanet and throughout the World, through giving. We therefore support BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) World Mission, who have medical. agricultural and educational projects around the world, and BMS Home Mission, helping Baptist churches reach out into their local communities. There is also a disasterfund which we are able to use to donate sums of moneyto areas of the world hit by sudden disasters and in need of monetary help. We use the Tearfund organisation's expertise to ensure our money gets to the right places in a speedy manner. The Church confirms that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Church's aims and objectives. and in the planning of future activities. Artlvltles: In order to achieve our aims of being relevant in the local community and giving supportto our members and residents living in Birchington. we involve ourselves in numerous activities. The aim is to show the love of Christ in both word and deed and to bring people to a closer relationship with Jesus as the living word. We continued to let Church buildings, following the guidelines at all times.
Storehouse foodbank: This continued to grow in 2024, with the success of the Opendoor element, and the development of the Friendship Group who combine fellowship, an interest in crafts and fund raising for local charities. Warm Spot: Warm Spot came about on a weekly basis, aiming to be an outreach project as a response to the financial crisis and was intended for families to come, have a chat, freShrnent, play games and a fe hot snack. These both happen in our Station Road building. In the Crescent Road buildings, The Loft is held on Friday evenings. The aim being to provide a space for the Ilto18 year age groups to meet up in a safe place with friends and to make new ones. They have the chance to learn about the Bible and ask questlons. There are two sessions- 7 to 8 year groups and 9 to 13 year groups. This runs during term time only, and is led by David Maidment and a team of volunteers. On a fortnightly basis Hi-Kent host a hearing aid clinic, where volunteers are able to provide basic maintenance for peoples, hearing aids and batteries. We also offer space to chat and enjoy some refreshments. Every summer. duringthe first two weeks of the summer school holidays we take part in Scripture Union Beach Mission. Throughout the year we support events organised by the Parish Council either by openingthe church buildings or providingvolunteers to participate in planned activities. Achlevements and Performance: This was the first full year of being led by our new minister, Rev. Glyn Watson. During this time, we continued to grow and develop ideas to lead us onward5 in our quest to continue our outreach programmes. Our Sunday services now have a small group of musicians and singer leading us through worship times. We have welcomed several new members during the year. and 'our' first babe arrived in September- JD.
Finanaal Review: The financial support of the Church by those who attend its services meant that it was able to carry out its functions and achieve its objectives. Many had changed to making online payments, which is easier for them and Church. No outside public appeal had to be made for funds. and we have continued to donate money to both National and International Christian Organisations. The General Fund As the name implies, deals with the day-to-day finances of the Church and continues to be sufficient for the Church's running costs. The Church is dependent on its members who work in its clubs, etc. on a voluntary basis. The Minister, a part-time cleaner and a part-time maintenan person are the only people salaried. We are very grateful for all the work everyone, paid and volunteers, have done in the work of the church over the past year. Property: The Baptist Union of Great Britsin and Ireland are the Property Trustees for the Church buildin8s and the Manse. The insured value of the Crescent Road church is £1,098,892.(X) and the Station Road Building is £1,937,897.00. The manse is insured for £463,883.00. In addition, the Church has use of a small car park and adjacent "Spurgeon's Room" which are leased from Alvid Investment Co Ltd. Flnancial Risks Pollcy: There is no specific risk policy, but the Church would use the Reserve Fund if the incorne dropped to the extent that the minister could not be paid frorn the Generdl Fund. Both the Church and the Manse are insured against all normal risks, as well as public and products liability {£5.000.(X)O). employer's liability (£IO,000,000), Publisher's Indemnity (£IOO,000), Property Owner's liabilrty (£5,000,000) and personal accident injury liability for employees {£lO,000,0001. The policies are reviewed annually, butthere is no provision for any damages not covered by the Insurance policies.
ststement of Flnandal Activlties: This Statement includes income and expenditure accounts for the Church organisations which have funds. Signed on behalf of the Trustees {Deacons) of Birchington Baptist Church Secretary: Jacollen de Gler ...... Trustee: Don Sanders Trustee: Kevln Fleld
BlrrhlTr8t Bapllst Churth StatsmerttorttY•atth31 De¢•b•t21724 General Re(lpts & PaymentsPAC1rt 02 2024 weekOfferingS fjlft Abd recel¥ed LoftThouth fund donations Donations for BMS iknnaiions for HMF r)naiionsfor Rlde and sde thJnatloDs for blrthday stheme t4saster Fund Rents and c4ntritrtkJns for Le8acles and donations ¢Jther Investmem 6251.29 9347.46 55,574.71 20,925AI4 355.txl 195.( 195.(K 1,164.27 1,015.C 175.l¥J 1.194.t)J 0.) 1,380.D) 8AJ98.62 82CQ.iXI W7.69 -?8.27 ,116.79 13A69.45 82.C66.20 47O.iXI i.no.64 174.226A54 1693.45 3.645 S.OS8.27 Mlnlstry Youth Fund MSssion payments Upkeep ofthtsrth wemlsèj Rlde •nd Strlde Birthdty sth•m• Administratlon Charlty ol the year Manse expend5tsJr• Storehoys• Pantomlme cost after recelpts Soecl•l 6Ing 59250.43 21.121ffj7 o.( L151.50 3.161.35 8AIO.OJ 31521.34 27.477. o. 796.C#) 1,585.9) 5?1&36 8.639.23 45m2.23 430,0) o. 1.420.C o. 7A52.50 1.570.C(I 15.952.35 84234.22 103,740.51 Net recelptsllpayThentslftwtheytsr Transfer LOftThOh Fund Transfers BMS FulS Transfer Speclal appeal lund Transfer Rideand Stride Transler Birtmay Stherne FurKI Balance brought lorard Balance fortheyear 5M257 210.27 o.Ix) -70.(rfJ 4.184.05 -21027 70,485.53 -3.154.77 -10,894. 3.154.77 6.50J.LIJ 70. 398.IXI -747.50 92.633.51 98.85 ox 747.so L803.87 -2.170.95 31.W2.75 92.633.51 3,043 18 1.803.87
8lrthlnglon Boptlst Churth Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 eekl Offerln Loose Cash Standin8 Orders and Envelopes 5,867.85 56.783 44 62.651.29 2.544.94 53,029.77 55.574.71 Mini Minister.. 5aiaryi pension, Nl, Mlnisterfs expeflses. Visiting preachers Outreach Extraordinary iJirt8oin8 co 38.806.93 2LKI.IXI 243.50 16.871.49 2.778.39 621.19 850.¢XI 21.121.07 £39,250.43 of Church rernis Cleaning salary and cleaning materials Gas and elertricity Water costs Insurance Repairs and equipment serv5clng Malntenance salary Equlpment and related costs 4.151.06 9,628.54 1,410.60 2.979.70 7,042.30 5.098.80 1.210.34 31,521.34 4,302.00 6,328.96 2.709.04 2,766.13 4,897.46 2.913.00 3.561.39 27,477.98 Administratii)n Telephone and broadband Postage and Stationery Bank charges Hospitality Sundries Legal and Profe55ional Fees Licences and membership5 Equipment leasin8 costs SEBA 967.57 636.96 49.23 839.43 1.059.63 1.015.00 721.25 98.81 763.04 2.128.50 2.068.80 1.843.83 L714.22 562.32 89.(M) 5,918.36 8.639.23 Manse ex nditure Electricity and Gas Water Telephone Council Tax Insurance Servicing inspections Repairs L751.70 766.25 412.42 2.251.28 450.89 2A93.91 312.06 2,147.17 75. 39.654.09 45.082.23 1.82155 7.544 09
•n¢e L16417 4315-62 L3$ 27 co [atnI r•) LL oL¥T .747.50 747SO clIb)n$ i[1 L¥pon¢A 74750 Drn5 1.79&É0 .IwJ Ép•rthui• 52&•J (• ErynthtrJr* r1>
75 Trirffjl•rlnmo•n•rtfvTrJ r•) 17& 4.213. E¥pen&tur IJXX75 81) 7$ -51.25 6¥J 7$ LOI> 9575 IU7S 143.75 .st Trithr4•n Tf4rnlwfQ DbJast•vthM Of 1.57Q.(O -1.570 tttÈY mn¥hI for om 1.693A5 1693.
BlrchlngtNI Baptlst Church Slatem•rt of Assets and Uabllllles Year ended 31 DecembeT 2024 2024 Current account Barclays account Uoyds account Bapt15ts Together GB057 8aptiSts Together NBC5 Baptlsts Together TB120 82.646.53 11.798. 17,438.98 24,950.98 136.834.49 80.869.74 11,535.14 16.714.62 24,395.09 133.514.59 83lances on the followin8 funds General Fvnd Loftlyouth Fund Rlde and Stride Birthday Fund Dlsaster Fund Storehouse BMS Home Mi55ion BMS World Mission Special Appeals Fund Charity of the Year BU 3 Month account BU Trust Fund 98.306.85 1309.IXI 92.633.51 1.164.27 398. -747.50 1.796.60 526.60 0.00 813.75 -51.25 -1,570.IY) 0.00 15,747.61 23.329.60 133.514.59 4,(K16.55 15,747.61 24,950.98 I3634.49