**Trustees' Report for Upton upon Severn Baptist Church** Charity Number: 1200234 Period: August 2023 to July 2024
## 1. Introduction
This report presents the activities, achievements, and financial performance of Upton upon Severn Baptist Church for the period from August 2023 to July 2024. The Church is committed to serving the spiritual, social, and community needs of Upton upon Severn and surrounding areas.
## 2. Objectives and Activities
The primary objective of Upton upon Severn Baptist Church is to promote the Christian faith and demonstrate love and service to the local community. During this reporting period, we have engaged in a variety of activities, including:
- Worship Services: Regular Sunday morning worship services have been held, averaging an attendance of 50-70 individuals. Special services, including Christmas, Easter and Festival celebrations, attracted increased participation.
- Community Outreach: Initiatives such as the Shared Front Room, Community Fridge, Community Shed, food bank, community meals, and support groups for vulnerable members of the community were organised, fostering inclusivity and support for those in need.
- Youth and Children’s Programmes: Weekly Sunday School group, weekly toddler group, monthly Messy Church, and annual holiday clubs provided engaging opportunities for children and young people to learn about faith in a fun and interactive way. Often healthy food was provided for parents, children and carers. The Minister serves as a School Governor and leads Collective Worship at the school fortnightly.
- Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: Bible study sessions/courses and prayer meetings were held, encouraging spiritual growth among attendees.
- Community Engagement: The Shared Front Room and donation box cafe is open daily serving warm drinks, soup and cakes. Fortnightly community breakfasts for men and regular meals with entertainment for Older Persons have helped strengthen relationships within the church and the wider community. Festivals Angels from the church supported the four main music festivals held in Upton - Blues, Jazz, Folk and Sunshine, offering a wellbeing space, a donation box cafe, and a venue for open mic and ‘Rising Stars’ young performers. ‘Barrels of Carols’ in two local pubs was very well received and brought a lot of joy at Christmastime.
3. Achievements
- Increased Membership: The Church experienced a modest increase in membership, with several new members joining during this period. The church celebrated a dedication, a wedding and six believer baptisms.
- Community Engagement: The outreach programmes reached over 200 individuals, providing essential services and support to the community. 96 Ukrainian Refugees were supported by the church community both practically and spiritually as they moved to the town through the Homes for Ukraine programme.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local charities and organisations enhanced our outreach efforts, allowing us to serve a broader demographic. These included Malvern Foodbank, Age UK, Platform Housing, Citizen’s Advice, and the local policing team.
- Sustainability Initiatives: We implemented eco-friendly practices within our operations, promoting sustainability within the church community. The Community Fridge enabled local people and
businesses to donate fresh, good-quality surplus food that would otherwise be wasted. The donated food is then made freely available for local people to come and collect at no cost.
## 4. Financial Review
The financial health of Upton upon Severn Baptist Church remains stable. The income for the period totalled £106,785.72, derived from donations, fundraising events, and rental income. Expenditure was £69,935.78, covering operational costs, community programmes, and maintenance of church facilities. The Church’s reserves are
maintained in line with our financial policy, ensuring we can continue our work in the future.
## 5. Future Plans
For the upcoming year, we aim to:
- Enhance our outreach to address emerging community needs.
- Expand youth and children’s programme to engage more young people in our activities partnering with YMCA.
- Increase our fundraising efforts and grant applications to support ongoing and new initiatives and significantly, the restoration of our Grade II chapel. The anticipated cost will be around £1300000.
- Continue to foster partnerships with other organisations to maximise our impact in the community.
-Replace lighting throughout with LED lights resulting in substantial cost savings and a reduced environmental impact.
## 6. Conclusion
The Trustees are grateful for the continued support from our congregation and the local community, which enables us to fulfill our mission. We remain committed to serving God and our community, and we look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
## 7. Acknowledgments
The Trustees would like to thank all volunteers, members, and supporters for their dedication and contributions during this reporting
period. Your efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of many.
## Signed
Amy Wearing Kathy Barber Rachel Stockwell Tony Goddard Rachel Paton Sarah Ward
Date: 07/03/2025
## Upton upon Severn Baptist Church
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 July 2024
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
## **LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024**
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE Upton upon Severn Baptist Church Old Street Upton upon Severn WR8 0HN GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 01 July 2023 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1200234 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Anthony Michael Goddard MANAGING THE CHARITY Amy Wearing (appointed 01 Aug 2023) Kathryn Barber (appointed 01 Aug 2023) Rachel Mary Stockwell (appointed 01 Aug 2023) Rachel Louise Paton (appointed 01 Aug 2023) Sarah Ward (appointed 30 April 2024) James Oliver (resigned 30th April 2024) Sam Magovern (deceased 28th August 2024)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sarah Crispin Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
## **INDEX**
Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-4 Trustees' Report Page 5 Independent Examiner's Report Page 6 Receipts and Payments Account Page 7 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 8-9 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024**
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024.
## **Objects of the charity**
The charity, which is a church, is governed by a constitution and is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation. The charity's principal objects, as set out in its governing document, are:
a) The advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. b)The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
## **Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements**
The primary objective of Upton upon Severn Baptist Church is to promote the Christian faith and demonstrate love and service to the local community. During this reporting period, we have engaged in a variety of activities, including:
- Worship Services: Regular Sunday morning worship services have been held, averaging an attendance of 50-70 individuals. Special services, including Christmas, Easter and Festival celebrations, attracted increased participation.
- Community Outreach: Initiatives such as the Shared Front Room, Community Fridge, Community Shed, food bank, community meals, and support groups for vulnerable members of the community were organised, fostering inclusivity and support for those in need.
- Youth and Children’s Programmes: Weekly Sunday School group, weekly toddler group, monthly Messy Church, and annual holiday clubs provided engaging opportunities for children and young people to learn about faith in a fun and interactive way. Often healthy food was provided for parents, children and carers. The Minister serves as a School Governor and leads Collective Worship at the school fortnightly.
- Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: Bible study sessions/courses and prayer meetings were held, encouraging spiritual growth among attendees.
- Community Engagement: The Shared Front Room and donation box cafe is open daily serving warm drinks, soup and cakes. Fortnightly community breakfasts for men and regular meals with entertainment for Older Persons have helped strengthen relationships within the church and the wider community. Festivals Angels from the church supported the four main music festivals held in Upton - Blues, Jazz, Folk and Sunshine, offering a wellbeing space, a donation box cafe, and a venue for open mic and ‘Rising Stars’ young performers. ‘Barrels of Carols’ in two local pubs was very well received and brought a lot of joy at Christmastime.
Page 2
## **Achievements**
- Increased Membership: The Church experienced a modest increase in membership, with several new members joining during this period. The church celebrated a dedication, a wedding and six believer baptisms.
- Community Engagement: The outreach programmes reached over 200 individuals, providing essential services and support to the community. 96 Ukrainian Refugees were supported by the church community both practically and spiritually as they moved to the town through the Homes for Ukraine programme.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local charities and organisations enhanced our outreach efforts, allowing us to serve a broader demographic. These included Malvern Foodbank, Age UK, Platform Housing, Citizen’s Advice, and the local policing team.
- Sustainability Initiatives: We implemented eco-friendly practices within our operations, promoting sustainability within the church community. The Community Fridge enabled local people and businesses to donate fresh, good-quality surplus food that would otherwise be wasted. The donated food is then made freely available for local people to come and collect at no cost.
## **Future Plans**
- Enhance our outreach to address emerging community needs.
- Expand youth and children’s programme to engage more young people in our activities partnering with YMCA.
- Increase our fundraising efforts and grant applications to support ongoing and new initiatives and significantly, the restoration of our Grade II chapel. The anticipated cost will be around £1300000.
- Continue to foster partnerships with other organisations to maximise our impact in the community.
-Replace lighting throughout with LED lights resulting in substantial cost savings and a reduced environmental impact.
## **Conclusion**
The Trustees are grateful for the continued support from our congregation and the local community, which enables us to fulfill our mission. We remain committed to serving God and our community, and we look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
## **Acknowledgments**
The Trustees would like to thank all volunteers, members, and supporters for their dedication and contributions during this reporting period. Your efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of many.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
## **Financial review**
During the year income was £249,755, and expenditure £69,936. As a result the cash held by the charity increased by £179,819, of which £90,760 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.
Page 3
## **Reserves policy**
To ensure that UBC has enough financial reserves for the foreseeable shortfall in income and allows for the most likely unforeseen expenditure, it has been decided by the Trustees to hold a minimum financial reserve of £12,000. It is therefore agreed to hold a minimum of £12,000 in our General Funds in readiness for any unforeseen expenditures &/or to cover any shortfalls in income. At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £90,760 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.
## **Governance**
Responsibility for setting policy and for making operating decisions rest with the trustees who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity. New trustees are recruited and appointedby the existing trustees, by a majority vote.
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
## **Approval**
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
## KjBarber
___________________________ KjBarber (May 9, 2025 13:32 GMT+1) KATHRYN BARBER
May 9, 2025 Date:_______________________
Page 4
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF**
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Upton upon Severn Baptist Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 July 2024 on pages 6 to 9 following.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’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 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and 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.
## Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (May 12, 2025 10:47 GMT+1)
Sarah Crispin Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
> Date: May 12, 2025
Page 5
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024**
|Notes
**_Income receipts_**
Donations
Other grants
Income from courses and events
Income from letting of facilities
Bank interest
Transferred from Trust
Transferred from Upton Youth Forum
Other
**_Total receipts_**
**_Payments_**
2
3
**_Total payments_**
Transfers between funds
5
**Net movement in funds**
Cash funds as at last year end
**Cash funds at this year end**
A
Net of receipts / (payments) before
Payments
in
relation
to
charitable
activities undertaken directly
Grants
paid
in
relation
to
charitable
activities undertaken by others|General
Designated
Funds
Funds
£
£
31,816
-
-
-
6,038
-
4,375
-
5,956
-
76,532
7,206
11,785
-
150
-
136,652
7,206
52,347
1,134
5,539
-
57,886
1,134
78,766
6,072
5,921
-
84,687
6,072
-
-
84,687
6,072
Unrestricted Funds|Restricted
Funds
£
24,607
21,229
830
-
-
59,232
-
-
105,898
10,233
683
10,917
94,981
(5,921)
89,060
-
89,060|2024
£|
|---|---|---|---|
||||56,423
21,229
6,868
4,375
5,956
142,970
11,785
150|
||||249,755|
||||63,714
6,222|
||||69,936|
||||179,819
-
|
||||179,819
-
|
||||179,819|
The notes on pages 8 - 9 form part of these accounts.
Page 6
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024**
|Notes
**A Cash funds**
Cash at bank with immediate access
Notice deposits
**B Other monetary assets**
Gift aid due to charity
Other debtors
**C Liabilities**
**Falling due within one year**
Fee for Independent Examination
**D Assets retained for charity's own use**
Land and buildings - church
Land and buildings - manse, No. 45
Land and buildings - No. 47
Furniture and equipment|General
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
36,751
-
47,936
6,072
84,687
6,072
6,157
-
-
-
6,157
-
1,440
-
1,440
-
Unrestricted Funds|Restricted
funds
£
-
89,060
89,060
4,835
-
4,835
-
-
Fund to
which asset
belongs
General
General
General
General|2024
£|
|---|---|---|---|
||||36,751
143,068|
||||179,819|
||||10,992
-|
||||10,992|
||||1,440|
||||1,440|
||||Current
value
£|
||||2,396,001
543,695
308,179
37,043|
||||3,284,918|
Land and buildings are included at insurance value.
## **E Guarantees and secured debts**
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
KjBarber ___________________________________ KjBarber (May 9, 2025 13:32 GMT+1) KATHRYN BARBER May 9, 2025 Date:_______________________
The notes on pages 8 - 9 form part of these accounts.
Page 7
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024**
## **1 Accounting policies**
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
|**2**
**Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly**
Employment costs (see note 4)
Ministry expenses
Youth and children's work
Outreach activities
Events
Rent
Maintenance of buildings & equipment
Utilities
Insurance
Admin costs
Building Project
**3**
**Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others**
Grants for:
Mission Giving: BMS
Mission Giving: Home Mission
Mission Giving: Mission Giving General||Unrestrict|Designated
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,134
-
-
-
-
1,134
-
-
-
-
ed Funds|Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
4,696
1,040
-
-
-
-
-
4,497
10,233
-
-
683
683|Total
2024
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||General
funds
£
30,397
517
767
-
4,335
-
3,386
6,272
3,260
3,413
-
52,347
1,920
2,535
1,084
5,539||||
||||||30,397
517
767
4,696
5,375
-
4,520
6,272
3,260
3,413
4,497|
||||||63,714|
||||||1,920
2,535
1,767|
||||||6,222|
## **4 Transactions with related parties**
Amy Wearing served as the church leader and was paid £30,397 for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee; this payment is permitted by the charity's governing document.
Page 8
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024**
## **5 Movement of funds**
|**vement of funds**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|General funds
Designated funds
Fabric Fund
Restricted funds
Building Fund
Ukraine
Household Support
UBC Mission - Place of Grace
UBC Mission - Teams 4U
Maggs Centre
Soul Children's Choir
Shared Front Room
Other restricted grants
Total funds|Opening
balance
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|Transferred
from Trust
£
76,532
7,206
7,206
25,762
697
-
200
-
-
-
32,573
59,232
142,970|Receipts
£
60,120
-
-
23,568
-
17,450
-
453
136
830
2,100
2,129
46,666
106,786|Payments
£
(57,885)
(1,134)
(1,134)
(4,497)
(131)
(1,308)
-
(553)
(236)
(830)
(2,502)
(860)
(10,917)
(69,936)|Transfers
£
5,921
-
-
(950)
-
(1,034)
-
100
100
-
(4,137)
-
(5,921)
-|Closing
balance
£
84,688
6,072|
|||||||6,072|
|||||||43,883
566
15,108
200
-
-
-
28,034
1,269|
|||||||89,060|
|||||||179,819|
BUILDING FUND - Monies donated for our Building Restoration and Development Project UKRAINE - to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and hosted locally in our area
HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT - for the running costs of the foodbank and other household support initiatives at Upton Baptist Church UBC MISSION - Place of Grace funds are for a project in Thailand.
UBC Mission - Teams 4U funds are for a Christmas shoebox appeal.
MAGGS - Monies donated specifically for Maggs Day Centre, Worcester
SOUL CHILDREN CHOIR - A specific grant from Upton Blues Festival and monies paid by participants to enable a trip to a music festival in Manchester
OTHER RESTRICTED GRANTS - other small grants for specific items or activities
Transfers from the Shared Front Room and Household Support funds to General Funds reflects shared costs such as utilities, insurance and building maintenance which have been allocated to these activities.
The transfer from the Building Fund to General, UBC Mission and Maggs Centre relates to money raised at the 2024 Gift Day. This money was raised for the Building Project but with an agreed proportion to be given away to other causes.
Page 9
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF**
## **Upton upon Severn Baptist Church**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Upton upon Severn Baptist Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 July 2024 on pages 6 to 9 following.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’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 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and 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.
## Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (May 12, 2025 10:47 GMT+1)
Sarah Crispin Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
> Date: May 12, 2025
Page 5