Clarence Park Baptist Church Walliscote Road Weston-super-Mare BS23 1ED
Charity Number 1200257
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston-super-Mare – Charity No. 1200257 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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:
Secretary and Chair of Trustees Julie Dawkins Treasurer Ruth Fuller Deacons Jonathan Brownett Elisabeth Speakman (until April 27[th] 2025) Kaye Cooke John Dawkins Keith Newport David Sewell Susannah Weeks (until April 27[th] 2025) Tori Harper Jacky Arnold Katherine (Sian) Roberts (from April 27[th] 2025)
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 -
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Church and Hall at Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1ED
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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 2025
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 .
During 2025, the church has still been without a Minister so the Trustees have continued to ensure the work of the Church has been able to continue, including the holding of regular Sunday services and the provision of pastoral care. In consultation with the West of England Baptist Network (Webnet) Regional Ministers, the process was continued 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 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 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 providing 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 2025 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 2025 was a positive year in the life of the Church and that it will be able to pursue its mission purposes in 2026.
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 2025 | 96 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additions | 3 | |||
| 99 | ||||
| Deletions | Death | 5 | ||
| Transfer/resignation | 15 | 20 | ||
| Members at | 31 December 2024 | 79 |
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. During 2025 the Church supported Baptist mission work through donations 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 2025
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. RESTRICTED FUNDS 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.
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 2025 were approved by the Deacons on 1 April 2026 and we are authorised to sign the Report on their behalf.
Julie Dawkins Ruth Fuller Church Secretary/Trustee Church Treasurer/Trustee 1 April 2026 1 April 2026
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Independent examlner's rnport to the trustees of ClAreDce P•rk Baptlst Church report ts) the trle¢S on my examination ofthe accounts of Ihe claren Park Baplist Church r()T year endcd 31. December 21n5. Responqlbllltles and haslq of rnport As the Chanty trlEe3 of Ihc Chority, you arc reS[K)SIble for thc preparatson of the accounts In accordance wrth thc requirrments of Ihe Chanlies Acl 2011 ('thc Acl). I report in respcd of my exam1r(lOn of the Chanty's ounts carried out under seclion 145 orthc 2011 Acl and in carryin8 oul my C1mMlI0n I have folloiyed all the applicable Dwedions given by the Chunty Commission under scction 145(5)(b) of thc ACL Indepcndent exAmlDer's slAtcment I have LX)mplelcd my cxaminalion l )nfrn that no malcrial m1lters have come to my attents.on In connection Ivith the cxaminalion giving me cause to bclicve thal in any matenal rPeCI. accounling records wcre not kepl in rc.stKcI of thc Charity u required by scclion 130 of the Act: or the accounts do nol accord wilh those records: of the accounts do nol comply with the applicable requirLThents conccrning thc forni and contcnL of accounts sel out m the Charities (Accounts and Rctx)rts) Regulalions 2(X)8 other than any requirement that the accounts gil'e a 'truc and vicw which is nol a matler consldcred as part of an indcpendcnt examinatson. I have DO concerns and have come ocros.s no othcr multcrs In connecljon M'ith Ilie CLninall0n to. Ivhicb 8nenlion should bc In this rcport In ordcr to cnablc o prOr undcr5landing of the accounts lo bc reachcd Clive Bennctt 3 March 2026
Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 December 2025
2025 2024
Monetary Assets
CAF Bank Cheque Account 6,726 54,938
CAF Income Bond 0 0
Baptist Union - 6 Month Deposit A/C 127,741 0
Baptist Union - 3 Months Deposit A/C 106,644 103,481
Baptist Union - 7 Day Deposit Account 13,032 12,899
CAF new CIO Account 47,416 29,799
Petty Cash 41 30
Total 301,600 201,147
Represented by
Unrestricted General Funds 59,144 21,898
Designed Funds 230,637 166,446
Restricted Funds 7,953 7,953
Agency Restricted Funds 3,866 4,850
Total 301,600 201,147
Other Items
Gift Aid Tax Rebates Due 2,367 1,954
Funds held by Church Organisations (18) 5,301 5,273
TOTAL MONETARY ASSETS 309,268 208,374
Fixed Assets (Insured Values)
Church Building & Organ 9,592,301 9,049,340
Furniture & Fittings, Instruments Etc 268,161 201,675
Manse 427,939 403,716
Total Fixed Assets 10,288,401 9,654,731
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2025
RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS for Year ended 31 December 2025
| Notes Unrestricted General Designated Restricted Agency Restricted Total Funds Funds (13) Funds (14) Funds (15) Funds £ £ £ £ 2025 Income Donations & Legacies 2 65,233 56,419 - 2,561 124,213 Investment 3 9,582 5,036 - - 14,618 4 5,685 - - - 5,685 Total Income 80,500 61,455 - 2,561 144,516 Expenditure Ministry 5 (681) 0 0 0 (681) Mission 6 6,853 1,818 - 3,545 12,216 Community 7 2,500 - - - 2,500 Church Premises 8 15,495 2,874 - - 18,369 Manse 9 560 292 - - 852 Fellowship 10 5,543 - - - 5,543 Worship 11 4,574 - - - 4,574 Leadership 12 690 - - - 690 Total Expenditure 35,534 4,984 - 3,545 44,063 44,966 56,471 0 (984) 100,453 (7,720) 7,720 0 Total Funds Brought Forward 21,898 166,446 7,953 4,850 201,147 Total Funds Carried Forward 59,144 230,637 7,953 3,866 301,600 Charitable activities Net income / (Expenditure) Funds Transfer |
Total Funds 2024 144,180 8,801 4,251 157,232 34,854 10,945 2,682 19,321 3,127 5,440 3,848 202 80,419 76,813 0 124,334 201,147 |
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2025 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for Year ended 31 December 2025
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 £ £ £ £ 2025 52,946 2,374 55,320 11,617 171 11,788 670 2,561 3,231 150 150 - - 53,724 53,724 65,233 56,419 - 2,561 124,213 |
Total Funds 2024 58,644 16,484 6,490 - 7,062 55,500 144,180 |
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During 2024 income was split as follows: Unrestrcited £72,521, Designated £62,420, Restricted £3,000 and £6,239 Agency Restricted
| 3 Investment Income Interest Received 182 5,036 5,218 Dividend Distribution - Capital Revaluation 0 Manse Rent 9,400 9,400 9,582 5,036 0 - 14,618 During 2024 all investment income was Unrestricted except £5,566 Designated 4 Charitable Activities Lettings / Fees - Wedding etc 5,685 5,685 5,685 - - - 5,685 During 2024 all income from Charitable Activities was Unrestricted 5 Ministry Costs Stipend - - Employers National Insurance 681 - 681 - Employers Pension - - Staff Travel Expenses - - Other expenses - - Baptist Together - MIT - - Payroll charges - - 681 - - - - 681 - During 2024 all Ministry Costs were Unrestricted 6 Mission BMS 2,976 2,976 Home Mission 2,976 2,976 Baptist Unions Subscription 556 556 Churches Together - Other 345 345 Agape Gifts 1,818 1,818 Agency Gifts 3,545 3,545 6,853 1,818 - 3,545 12,216 |
5,601 - - 3,200 8,801 4,251 4,251 28,360 - 2,996 870 496 2,000 132 34,854 3,010 3,010 638 - 480 787 3,020 10,945 |
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During 2024 all Mission Costs were Unrestricted except £787 Designated Funds and £3,020 Agency Restricted
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare
Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Unrestricted General Designated Restricted Agency Restricted Total Funds Funds (13) Funds (14) Funds (15) Funds £ £ £ £ 2025 7 Community Sunday Club - - Messy Church - - Girls Brigade - New Initiatives 2,500 2,500 2,500 - - - 2,500 During 2024 all Community Costs were Unrestricted 8 Church Premises Insurance 7,322 7,322 Heating & Lighting 6,637 6,637 Appliance Maintenance 508 508 Water and Sewage 262 262 Equipment Fund - Fabric Fund 2,874 2,874 Church Telephone 766 766 Charitable Inc Org Fees - - Stone work repairs - - 15,495 2,874 - - 18,369 9 Manse Council Tax - - Insurance 560 560 Heating and Lighting - - Manse Repair Fund 292 292 Manse Repair (non-Fund) - - Water and Sewage - - Manse Telephone - - Other Expenses - - 560 292 - - 852 During 2024 all Manse Costs were Unrestricted except £70 Designated Funds (Manse Repair) 10 Fellowship / Admin Advertising and Publicity - - Photocopier 2,266 2,266 Postage and Stationery 352 352 Website - - Catering 603 603 House Keeping 1,983 1,983 Bank Charges 120 120 Sundry Expenses 219 219 5,543 - - - 5,543 During 2024 all Fellowship / Admin Costs were Unrestricted 11 Worship Preaching Fees 3,224 3,224 Books and Preaching Material 126 126 Organ and Pianos - - Music 70 70 Copyright Licences 1,154 1,154 Sabbatical Preaching Fees - - 4,574 - - - 4,574 During 2024 all Worship Costs were Unrestricted 12 Leadership Baptist Assembly - Ministers Conference - Training 690 690 Deacons training - - 690 - - - 690 During 2024 all Leadership Costs were Unrestricted Total Charitable Activities 35,534 4,984 - 3,545 44,063 During 2024 all Church Premises Costs were Unrestricted except Designated Funds (Equipment £13, Fabric £711 and £3,180 Stone Repairs) |
Total Funds 2024 - - - 2,682 2,682 6,908 6,715 924 225 13 711 645 - 3,180 19,321 1,127 481 550 70 120 384 395 - 3,127 - 2,150 563 465 563 1,555 121 23 5,440 2,095 132 504 144 973 - 3,848 - - 105 97 202 80,419 Page 4 |
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Clarence Park Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare Annual Report and Financial Statements - Year Ended 31 December 2025
| 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 / Meet & Mix Clangers Group Mens Group Christians Against Poverty Flower Fund Operation Agri Weston Food Bank Pickleball Ladies Fellowship Boys Brigade Girls Brigade Community Café 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 Pickle ball 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 3,171 2,545 (1,818) 3,898 131,188 58,760 189,948 11,487 150 (2,874) 3,308 12,071 6,824 (292) 2,208 8,740 6,791 0 2,204 8,995 1,109 1,109 839 839 5,037 5,037 166,446 61,455 (4,984) 7,720 230,637 3,654 3,654 1,299 1,299 3,000 3,000 7,953 0 0 0 7,953 0 445 (400) 45 126 210 (301) 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 95 72 (79) 88 251 245 (324) 172 378 440 (390) 428 0 0 307 307 2 198 (194) 6 0 17 17 144 144 580 800 (747) 633 1,111 1,111 856 856 134 (110) 24 1,000 (1,000) 0 4,850 2,561 (3,545) 0 3,866 301 400 701 2,976 3,677 0 0 2,976 2,976 1,111 1,111 144 144 376 376 274 245 (269) 250 31 225 (227) 29 342 500 (340) 502 323 50 (37) 336 856 856 571 741 (656) 656 359 359 96 305 (261) 140 395 766 (686) 475 4 1,193 (1,130) 67 4,882 4,025 (3,606) 0 5,301 |
Last Year 468 7 475 3,010 3,485 0 0 0 3,010 3,010 |
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