Clarence Park Baptist Church Walliscote Road Weston-super-Mare BS23 1ED
Charity Number 1200257
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston-super-Mare – Charity No. 1200257 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
CHARITY INFORMATION
LEGAL STATUS
Clarence Park Baptist Church was formed in June 1900 and established at the present site in Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare by a Deed of Trust dated 25 July 1904. The Church is registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation under reference number 1200257.
CHURCH ADDRESS
Clarence Park Baptist Church Walliscote Road Weston-super-Mare BS23 1ED
CHARITY TRUSTEES
The governance of the Church is in accordance with the Church Constitution dated 03 July 2022 which is based on the Approved Governing Document agreed between the Charity Commission and the Baptist Union of Great Britain.
The Church is administered by the Minister and Deacons who are the Charity Trustees. During 2024 these were:
Minister and Chair of Trustees Revd Steve Christian (until 31 August 2024) Secretary Elisabeth Speakman (until 14 April 2024) Julie Dawkins (from 14 April 2024) Treasurer Ruth Fuller Deacons Jonathan Brownett Kaye Cooke John Dawkins Keith Newport David Sewell Frances Wedlake (until 14 April 2024) Susannah Weeks Avril Wilson (until 14 April 2024) Tori Harper (from 14 April 2024 Jacky Arnold (from 14 April 2024)
The Secretary and Treasurer are elected annually with no limit to the number of terms they may serve. Deacons are elected for a term of three years and may offer themselves for re-election at the end of the term with no limitation on the number of terms they may serve. No Deacon receives payment other than the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
PROPERTY TRUSTEES
The West of England Baptist Trust Company (West) Limited, Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Bristol BS34 6JW are the holding Trustees of the following properties -
-
Church and Hall at Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1ED
-
Manse at 137 Totterdown Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 4LW
No professional valuation of these properties has been made in recent years and the values shown in the Accounts are the current insured values.
BANKERS
CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Clive Bennett, 14 High Street, Banwell, Somerset BS29 6AE.
CONNECTED CHARITIES
The Church is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the West of England Baptist Association (Webnet) both of which are registered charities. The Church receives no grant funding from either of these bodies.
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston-super-Mare – Charity No. 1200257 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
The principal object of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination to include the advancement of education, community service, and such other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine.
The Church vision is: ‘We seek to bring people to Jesus and together grow in our relationship with God and each other as we serve the community.’ We do this under the strap line WORSHIP God, GROW Together, SERVE Others .
A significant event during the year was the departure, in August, of Steve Christian as Minister after almost twenty-one years of service with the Church. The Trustees immediately put in place procedures to enable the work of the Church to continue, including the holding of regular Sunday services and the provision of pastoral care. In consultation with the Regional Ministers the process was commenced to discern the way forward for the Church and to consider the appointment of a new Minister.
To achieve its objective the Church provides a variety of activities both to its members and to the community generally aiming to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord.
Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship each Sunday, normally at 10.30am. The services are live-streamed on YouTube for those who are unable to attend in person or wish to watch on demand later in the week. There are occasional services at other times which are advertised at the services, in the weekly bulletins, on Facebook groups and on the Church website www.cpbc.co.uk There is a Sunday club programme, usually on the first and third Sunday of the month, for children; the services on the other weeks of the month are aimed for an all age congregation. The Church seeks to be a friendly and welcoming community, and anybody is free to attend any of these services.
The Church runs a series of House Groups for the growth of faith and discipleship in the homes of some members. Details of these can be obtained from the Trustees on request, or at the Sunday services of worship.
The Church is responsible for a Toddler Group which meets on the Church premises on Thursdays, with the purpose of assisting the community and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. Also, on a Thursday, the Church holds a Community Coffee Morning open for anyone to attend where free tea and coffee is served, and people are welcome to come and chat and find help if needed.
There are also groups open for the community to attend which are both social but also Christian in nature. Time Out and The Ladies Friendship Group for women; a Men's Group ; a Craft Group ; a Nomads Group ; a Community Choir (Caprione) ; and a Hand Chimes Group (the Clangers) . A Meet and Mix Group arrange various activities for all but with a particular focus for those having special needs.
Our building is used regularly by a Narcotics Support Group and The Mount Church , an Indian speaking congregation who are part of a church in Bristol. The latter group shares with us in our Christmas community event, Carols around the Tree , and have used our baptistry for services of believers’ baptism.
The Church has joined with the other Baptist Churches in our town to offer Alpha Courses for people interested in discovering more about Christianity. The Deacons have continued to meet with the Church leaderships from Milton Baptist, Worle Baptist, and Bristol Road Baptist Churches to explore how we can better work together for mission within our town and build on the projects that are already being held. A Charitable Incorporated Organisation has been set up to enable this. One combined activity has been taking a lease on a building in Worle, to provide a safe space for the community to experience ‘peace’ in the form of a Renew Centre .
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston-super-Mare – Charity No. 1200257 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Church does not measure the success of its programmes only in numbers, including financial numbers, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship, encouragement and influence in people’s lives. The Trustees recognise that these are difficult to measure but believe that 2024 was a positive year in the life of the Church and that it will be able to pursue its mission purposes in 2025.
The Church is very fortunate in having people who are willing to give their time and talents to support its life and work. Whether it be leading study groups, setting up and packing away for services and meetings, staffing the office, providing refreshments, making music, supplying flowers, welcoming people into the premises, cleaning or many of the other tasks done quietly day by day. This is truly appreciated, and the Church wishes to record its thanks to all our members and friends for their support.
MEMBERSHIP
| Members at | 01 | January 2024 | 100 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additions | 1 | ||||
| 101 | |||||
| Deletions | Death | 3 | |||
| Transfer | 2 | 5 | |||
| Members at | 31 | December 2024 | 96 |
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Church continues to raise the funds needed to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation. No wider public appeal for funds was made during the year.
Until 31 August 2024 the most significant expense of the Church had been our responsibility for the stipend and housing costs of our Minister, Revd Steve Christian. Following his resignation the manse was not needed for a Minister and he and his family have been renting the premises whilst they look for suitable alternative accommodation and have assumed responsibility for all other expenses relating to the manse.
Financially the Church offerings have been below our expected income but the balance in our reserves has enabled us to continue to operate all our activities. The Trustees are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves, together with ongoing anticipated income, to enable the Church to function effectively in the coming year.
In terms of building maintenance, the necessary repairs and maintenance have been undertaken to keep the buildings in good condition.
The Church has continued to maintain its membership with the wider Baptist family through the Baptist Union, the West of England Baptist Association (Webnet); representatives of the Church have attended their meetings. In the year to 31 December 2024 the Church supported Baptist mission work through donations amounting to £3,010 each to Baptist Union Home Mission and BMS World Mission. In addition, the Church has supported work in the local community such as Foodbank, Christians Against Poverty and elsewhere by responding to requests from national mission partners to help with disaster and poverty relief.
The Church has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and is satisfied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public. All meetings are open to the community at large.
DESCRIPTION OF FUNDS
UNRESTRICTED FUND
General Fund Working fund to meet general running expenses.
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Agape Fund Confidential fund for meeting needs within the fellowship and the community. Legacy Fund Holding fund for legacies pending final disbursement. Fabric Fund General maintenance and repair to the Church premises.
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston-super-Mare – Charity No. 1200257 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Manse Fund General maintenance and repair to the manse. Equipment Fund Upkeep, upgrade and replacement of audio, visual and office equipment. Youth Fund For youth work. Training Fund Income from the invested capital may only be used for training purposes. Agency Funds The Church receives and distributes money for other registered charities, including Baptist Union Home Mission, BMS World Mission, Baptist World Aid, Operation Agri and Spurgeons Childcare. Individual funds are maintained for each charity to ensure that these amounts are separated from normal Church funds. By this means the Church can claim and pass on to those charities any tax rebates received under Gift Aid.
RESTRICTED FUNDS
CHURCH GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS
The various groups and organisations associated with the Church are listed with details of money they have received and paid. All money received and paid out by the groups and organisations has been included in the Statement of Receipts and Payments.
RISK ASSESSMENT AND SAFEGUARDING
The Deacons, as Charity Trustees, are engaged in an on-going programme of risk assessment, including health and safety issues, relating to the Church buildings and the Church activities.
The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and adults at risk are appropriately vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service and receive Baptist Union of Great Britain Excellence in Safeguarding training relevant to their role.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and the United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practices.
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income, resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2023 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
AUTHORISATION
The Annual Report and the accompanying Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 were approved by the Deacons on 04/09/2025 and we are authorised to sign the Report on their behalf.
Julie Dawkins Ruth Fuller Church Secretary/Trustee Church Treasurer/Trustee 04/09/2025 04/09/2025
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2024
RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS for Year ended 31 December 2024
| Notes Unrestricted General Designated Restricted Agency Restricted Total Funds Funds (13) Funds (14) Funds (15) Funds £ £ £ £ 2024 Income Donations & Legacies 2 72,521 62,420 3,000 6,239 144,180 Investment 3 3,235 5,566 - - 8,801 4 4,251 - - - 4,251 Total Income 80,007 67,986 3,000 6,239 157,232 Expenditure Ministry 5 34,854 - - - 34,854 Mission 6 7,138 787 - 3,020 10,945 Community 7 2,682 - - - 2,682 Church Premises 8 15,417 3,904 - - 19,321 Manse 9 3,057 70 - - 3,127 Fellowship 10 5,440 - - - 5,440 Worship 11 3,848 - - - 3,848 Leadership 12 202 - - - 202 Total Expenditure 72,638 4,761 - 3,020 80,419 7,369 63,225 3,000 3,219 76,813 (7,351) 7,351 0 Total Funds Brought Forward 21,880 95,870 4,953 1,631 124,334 Total Funds Carried Forward 21,898 166,446 7,953 4,850 201,147 Net income / (Expenditure) Funds Transfer Charitable activities |
Total Funds 2023 78,520 3,620 2,730 |
|---|---|
| 84,870 | |
| 44,180 10,707 952 15,599 5,545 4,651 3,445 610 |
|
| 85,689 | |
| (819) 0 125,153 |
|
| 124,334 |
Page 2
Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for Year ended 31 December 2024
1 Basis of Accounts - General Fund
These Accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis and accord with Section 132 of the Charities Act 2011
2 Donations & Legacies
| Offerings Gift Aid Tax reclaimed Donations - General Donation Fabric fund Donation Stone repairs Other Receipts (Legacy) |
Unrestricted General Designated Restricted Agency Restricted Total Funds Funds (13) Funds (14) Funds (15) Funds £ £ £ £ 2024 56,593 2,051 58,644 15,177 1,307 16,484 251 6,239 6,490 - 7,062 7,062 500 52,000 3,000 55,500 72,521 62,420 3,000 6,239 144,180 |
Total Funds 2023 59,701 12,500 3,219 - 3,100 |
|---|---|---|
| 78,520 |
During 2023 all income was Unrestricted except £4,508 Designated
| 3 Investment Income Interest Received Dividend Distribution Capital Revaluation Manse Rent |
35 5,566 5,601 - 0 3,200 3,200 3,235 5,566 0 - 8,801 |
3,658 - 38 - |
|---|---|---|
| 3,620 |
During 2023 all investment income was Unrestricted except £3,584 Designated and £36 Restricted
4 Charitable Activities
| Lettings / Fees - Wedding etc 4,251 4,251 4,251 - - - 4,251 During 2023 all income from Charitable Activities was Unrestricted 5 Ministry Costs Stipend 28,360 28,360 Employers National Insurance - - Employers Pension 2,996 2,996 Staff Travel Expenses 870 870 Other expenses 496 496 Baptist Together - MIT 2,000 2,000 Payroll charges 132 132 34,854 - - - 34,854 During 2023 all Ministry Costs were Unrestricted 6 Mission BMS 3,010 3,010 Home Mission 3,010 3,010 Baptist Unions Subscription 638 638 Churches Together - Other 480 480 Confidential Gifts 787 787 Agency Gifts 3,020 3,020 7,138 787 - 3,020 10,945 |
2,730 |
|---|---|
| 2,730 | |
| 34,450 875 3,943 699 30 4,000 183 |
|
| 44,180 | |
| 2,724 2,724 599 - 460 1,567 2,633 |
|
| 10,707 |
During 2023 all Mission Costs were Unrestricted except £1,567 Designated Funds and £2,633 Agency Restricted
Page 3
Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 7 Community Sunday Club Messy Church Boys Brigade Girls Brigade New Initiatives During 2023 all Community Costs wer 8 Church Premises Insurance Heating & Lighting Appliance Maintenance Water and Sewage Equipment Fund Fabric Fund Church Telephone Charitable Inc Org Fees Stone work repairs |
Unrestricted General Designated Restricted Agency Restricted Total Funds Funds (13) Funds (14) Funds (15) Funds £ £ £ £ 2024 - - - - - - 2,682 2,682 2,682 - - - 2,682 e Unrestricted 6,908 6,908 6,715 6,715 924 924 225 225 13 13 711 711 645 645 - - 3,180 3,180 15,417 3,904 - - 19,321 |
Total Funds 2023 - - - - 952 |
|---|---|---|
| 952 | ||
| 6,530 4,502 972 151 104 2,562 488 290 |
||
| 15,599 |
During 2023 all Church Premises Costs were Unrestricted except Designated Funds (Equipment £104, CIO set up fees £290 and Fabric £2,562)
| 9 Manse Council Tax Insurance Heating and Lighting Manse Repair Fund Manse Repair (non-Fund) Water and Sewage Manse Telephone Other Expenses |
1,127 1,127 481 481 550 550 70 70 120 120 384 384 395 395 - - 3,057 70 - - 3,127 |
2,075 430 825 1,123 54 351 565 122 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,545 |
During 2023 all Manse Costs were Unrestricted except £1,123 Designated Funds (Manse Repair)
| 10 Fellowship / Admin Advertising and Publicity - - Photocopier 2,150 2,150 Postage and Stationery 563 563 Website 465 465 Catering 563 563 House Keeping 1,555 1,555 Bank Charges 121 121 Sundry Expenses 23 23 5,440 - - - 5,440 During 2023 all Fellowship / Admin Costs were Unrestricted 11 Worship Preaching Fees 2,095 2,095 Books and Preaching Material 132 132 Organ and Pianos 504 504 Music 144 144 Copyright Licences 973 973 Sabbatical Preaching Fees - - 3,848 - - - 3,848 During 2023 all Worship Costs were Unrestricted 12 Leadership Baptist Assembly - Ministers Conference - Training 105 105 Deacons training 97 97 202 - - - 202 During 2023 all Leadership Costs were Unrestricted Total Charitable Activities 72,638 4,761 - 3,020 80,419 |
28 2,150 201 - 387 1,584 110 191 |
|---|---|
| 4,651 | |
| 570 319 492 268 923 873 |
|
| 3,445 | |
| - 240 370 - |
|
| 610 | |
| 85,689 | |
| Page 4 |
Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 13 Designated Funds Agape Fund Legacy Fabric Manse Equipment CIO Youth Stone work Total 14 Restricted Funds Training Fund Capital Training Fund Interest Youth Total 15 Agency Funds BMS World Mission BMS Birthday Home Mission Baptist World Aid Build social Club Clangers Group Mens Group Christians Against Poverty Flower Fund Operation Agri Weston Food Bank Pickleball Ladies Fellowship Boys Brigade Girls Brigade Steve C Leaving gifts Total 16 BMS Donations Birthday Scheme Envelopes, Boxes Etc Christmas Post Box BMS Relief Fund Total Gifts Budget Giving Total Giving to BMS 17 Home Mission Envelopes, Boxes Etc Christmas Post Box Other Receipts Total Gifts Budget Giving Total Giving to BMS 18 Church Organisations Boys Brigade Boys Brigade Camp Fund Build Social Club Clangers Community Coffee Morning CPBC Men's Group (Donation Record) Flower Fund Girls Brigade Ladies Friendship Group Ladies "Time Out" Group So Crafty Group Tots and Toddlers Caprione Choir |
Opening Balance Income Expenditure Fund Transfer closing Balance 1,755 2,203 (787) 3,171 73,622 57,566 131,188 9,048 (711) 3,150 11,487 4,792 (70) 2,102 6,824 4,705 (13) 2,099 6,791 1,109 0 1,109 839 839 8,217 (3,180) 5,037 |
Last Year 361 351 |
|---|---|---|
| 95,870 67,986 (4,761) 7,351 166,446 |
||
| 3,654 3,654 1,299 1,299 3,000 3,000 |
||
| 4,953 3,000 0 0 7,953 |
||
| 0 7 (7) 0 0 468 (342) 126 0 0 0 0 0 377 140 (422) 95 253 239 (241) 251 297 401 (320) 378 0 0 307 307 0 760 (758) 2 0 50 (50) 0 100 44 144 297 663 (380) 580 1,611 (500) 1,111 856 856 1,000 1,000 |
||
| 1,631 6,239 (3,020) 0 4,850 |
||
| 468 7 475 3,010 3,485 0 0 3,010 3,010 908 908 742 742 376 376 335 193 (254) 274 53 218 (240) 31 296 336 (290) 342 328 115 (120) 323 856 856 298 780 (507) 571 268 947 (856) 359 75 885 (864) 96 337 655 (597) 395 (2) 3,516 (3,510) 4 4,872 4,129 (3,728) 0 5,273 |
||
| 712 | ||
| 2,724 | ||
| 3,436 | ||
| 0 161 |
||
| 161 | ||
| 2,724 | ||
| 2,885 | ||
Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2024
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 December 2024
| Monetary Assets CAF Bank Cheque Account CAF Income Bond Baptist Union - 1 Year Deposit A/C Baptist Union - 3 Months Deposit A/C Baptist Union - 7 Day Deposit Account CAF new CIO Account Petty Cash Total Represented by Unrestricted General Funds Designed Funds Restricted Funds Agency Restricted Funds Total Other Items Gift Aid Tax Rebates Due Funds held by Church Organisations (18) TOTAL MONETARY ASSETS Fixed Assets (Insured Values) Church Building & Organ Furniture & Fittings, Instruments Etc Manse Total Fixed Assets |
2024 54,938 0 0 103,481 12,899 29,799 30 201,147 21,898 166,446 7,953 4,850 201,147 1,954 5,273 208,374 9,049,340 201,675 403,716 9,654,731 |
2023 8,812 0 75,263 22,951 12,611 4,697 |
|---|---|---|
| 124,334 | ||
| 21,880 95,870 4,953 1,631 |
||
| 124,334 | ||
| 6,166 4,872 |
||
| 135,372 | ||
| 7,214,077 201,675 321,839 |
||
| 7,737,591 |