Hongkongers City Gospel Centre
Trustees’ Annual report
1. Objectives and Activities
Objectives: The primary objective of the Hongkongers City Gospel Centre in Birmingham is to support and ease the transition of Hong Kong immigrants into British society. This includes providing essential services such as language classes, cultural orientation, and community integration support, all within a Christian framework. We are committed to helping new arrivals overcome challenges related to language barriers, cultural differences, and social integration, while also sharing the Gospel and fostering a sense of community among the Hongkongers in Birmingham.
Activities: Throughout the year, our activities have centred around providing practical support and spiritual guidance to the Hong Kong community in Birmingham.
Key activities include:
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English Language Classes: We established language courses at varying levels, including a specialised ‘Life in the UK’ course, to help newcomers improve their English and better understand British culture.
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Cultural Orientation Trips: We organised trips, such as a day trip to Strafford upon Avon to let Hongkongers about British heritage story of Shakespeare
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Community Seminars: Regular seminars and events were held, focusing on topics like parenting, education, and adapting to life in the UK.
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Religious Services: As a Christian Gospel Centre, we have also conducted regular worship services and Bible study groups to support the spiritual needs of our community.
2. Achievements and Performance
Achievements:
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Successful Registration as a Charity: We successfully registered as a charity on 25th November 2022, allowing us to officially operate and expand our services.
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Community Reach: In the past year, over 250 individuals participated in our English classes, and attendance at our seminars and heritage trips has been robust, with positive feedback from participants.
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Expanded Services: We expanded our services to include tailored support for the specific needs of the Hong Kong community, including assistance with housing and employment.
Performance: Our performance is measured by the impact we have on our community, as reflected in the positive outcomes reported by those we serve. New arrivals have shown significant improvement in their English language skills, better understanding of British culture, and greater integration into the local community. The success of our heritage trips and seminars demonstrates our effectiveness in providing the support needed to ease the transition for Hongkongers settling in Birmingham.
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3. Financial Review
This section is provided as an attachment, it will cover:
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Income and Expenditure: A breakdown of our income sources (donations, grants, etc.) and expenditure (program costs, administrative expenses, etc.).
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Reserves Policy: Our policy on reserves, explaining how we manage and utilise any surplus funds.
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Investment Policy: Any investments held by the charity and the performance of these investments over the past year.
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Financial Position: An overview of the charity’s financial health, including assets, liabilities, and any outstanding commitments.
4. Structure, Governance and Management
Structure: The Hongkongers City Gospel Centre operates under a board of trustees, led by the Charity Trustee Chair, Rev. Lawrence Law. The board is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the charity’s operations.
Governance: Our governance framework is designed to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, while promoting transparency and accountability. The board meets regularly to review the charity’s activities, finances, and overall performance, ensuring that our objectives are being met effectively.
Pingting Chen was resigned on 31st August 2024 and accepted by Charity Trustees members of Rev Tat Ming Lawrence Law, Dr Yan Wong and Rev Yan Ho Kenric Hui approved her resigned on 11th September2024.
Management: Day-to-day management of the charity is handled by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, who work under the guidance of the trustees. Our management practices are focused on delivering high-quality services to our community, while maintaining efficient and responsible use of resources.
5. Reference and Administrative Details
This section will include:
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Charity Name: Hongkongers City Gospel Centre
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Charity Registration Number: 1201155
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Principal Address: 17 Sylvan Avenue Birmingham B31 2PG
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Trustees:
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Bankers and Auditors: Metro Bank, Birmingham
Concluding Reflection
As we reflect on the past year at the Hongkongers City Gospel Centre in Birmingham, we acknowledge a journey characterised by significant milestones and notable challenges. Our mission to support Hong Kong immigrants in the UK has been guided by our core objectives
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of easing their transition into British society and fostering a supportive community within a Christian context.
Throughout the year, we have faced the ongoing challenge of addressing the complex needs of our community. One of the members become a solicitor on 1[st] April 2025 and she like as a volunteer legal advice for newcomers when them need help.
The influx of newcomers from Hong Kong has highlighted persistent issues related to language barriers, cultural adaptation, and social integration. Despite these challenges, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to provide essential services. Our English language classes have empowered over 250 individuals, our cultural orientation trips have broadened their understanding of British heritage, and our community seminars have addressed crucial topics affecting their daily lives. Furthermore, our religious services have continued to offer spiritual support and pastoral care of them.
However, the landscape remains dynamic, and new challenges are always on the horizon. The economic climate, evolving immigration policies, and the ever-changing needs of our community mean that our work is far from over. The financial stability and growth of our charity are crucial as we strive to expand and adapt our services. While our successful charity registration and the positive feedback from our activities signify progress, there is much more to be done.
Looking forward our commitment remains firm. We recognise the ongoing needs of the Hong Kong community in Birmingham and are determined to continue providing the support they require. Our approach will be flexible and responsive, ready to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. We will leverage our achievements to build a more resilient and effective organisation, ensuring that we can meet the evolving needs of those we serve.
In conclusion, the past year has underscored the importance of our work and the impact we have made. As we enter the new year, we are motivated by our accomplishments and remain dedicated to our mission. We will continue to work diligently, adapt to new challenges, and uphold our commitment to supporting the Hong Kong community in Birmingham with compassion and excellence.
Lawrence Law
Chair of Hongkongers City Gospel Centre
25-5-2025
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HONGKONGERS CITY GOSPEL CENTRE 1201155 Receipts and payments accounts For the period 06/04/2024 05/04/2025 To from
CC16a
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 41,177 3,150 4,787 - 3,909 320 53,343 - 53,343 21,100 9,915 2,310 458 1,129 1,301 1,170 782 11 - - 1,200 - - - 3,909 400 500 44,185 - 44,185 9,158 21,638 30,796 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ 2,337 2,337 - 2,337 12,798 12,798 - 12,798 (10,461) 44,865 34,404 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ 2,337 2,337 - 2,337 12,798 12,798 - 12,798 (10,461) 44,865 34,404 |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 41,177 2,337 3,150 4,787 - 3,909 320 55,680 - - - 55,680 21,100 9,915 12,798 2,310 458 1,129 1,301 1,170 782 11 - - 1,200 - - - 3,909 400 500 56,983 - - - 56,983 - 1,303 |
Total funds to the nearest £ 41,177 2,337 3,150 4,787 - 3,909 320 55,680 - - - 55,680 21,100 9,915 12,798 2,310 458 1,129 1,301 1,170 782 11 - - 1,200 - - - 3,909 400 500 56,983 - - - 56,983 - 1,303 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Offering | 41,177 | 66,774 | |||||
| Special Offering* | 2,337 | 46,671 | |||||
| Other Income | 3,150 | 1,890 | |||||
| Tuition Fee | 4,787 | 7,820 | |||||
| Sudries Income | - | 317 | |||||
| From Cash in Hand | 3,909 | ||||||
| MembershipFee | 320 | ||||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
53,343 | 2,337 | 123,472 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||
| Sub total | - | - | - | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
|||||||
| 2,337 | 123,472 | ||||||
| Rent | 21,100 | 24,300 | |||||
| Salaries | 9,915 | 13,389 | |||||
| Stipend | 12,798 | 1,806 | |||||
| Tutor Fee | 2,310 | 2,501 | |||||
| Printing ,Postages and Stationaries | 458 | 1,450 | |||||
| Books and Equipment | 1,129 | 3,932 | |||||
| Sudries Expenses | 1,301 | 2,561 | |||||
| TravellingExpenses | 1,170 | 1,952 | |||||
| Phone & Network Apps | 782 | 1,007 | |||||
| Love Gifts | 11 | 195 | |||||
| Insurance | - | 453 | |||||
| Refund Tuition Fee | - | 50 | |||||
| Speaker Honoraniums | 1,200 | 1,300 | |||||
| Advertisement Charges | - | 516 | |||||
| Donation | - | 1,500 | |||||
| Chinese Class Material | - | 57 | |||||
| Cash in Hand deposit to Bank | 3,909 | ||||||
| Services Fee | 400 | ||||||
| AccountancyFee | 500 | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 44,185 | 12,798 | 56,969 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
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| **Sub total ** | |||||||
| - | - | - | |||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||||
| 12,798 | 56,969 | ||||||
| 9,158 | (10,461) | - | - 1,303 | 66,503 | |||
| - | |||||||
| 21,638 | 44,865 | 66,503 | |||||
| 30,796 | 34,404 | - | 65,200 | 66,503 |
18/08/2025
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
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| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities |
(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Metro Bank Total cash funds Details Details Details Details Signature |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 30,796 34,404 30,796 34,404 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) Print Name |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
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| Current value (optional) |
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| Current value (optional) |
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| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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18/08/2025
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
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Hongkongers City Gospel Centre
| 05 April 2025 | 05 April 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity no.: | 1201155 | Company no.: |
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 05 Apr 2025
As the charity’s trustees of the Charity, you are responsible for the preparation of
- the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
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I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that:
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Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
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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.
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18 August 2025
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