## **SOWING ROOTS** **REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1201617** **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 17 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 The trustees of Sowing Roots are pleased to present their report for the charity's first year of operation, covering the period from 17 January 2023 to 31 December 2023. The vision of Sowing Roots is to share the relevance of the Christian faith with children and young people in creative and exciting ways; to promote personal and spiritual development in children and young people; and to partner with local churches in providing opportunities for children and young people to explore the Christian faith. This report outlines the charity’s activities, achievements, and financial position over its inaugural year. ## Objectives & Activities ## **Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document Para 1.17** To advance the Christian religion in East Cheshire for the benefit of the public through the provisions of lessons and workshops in schools and in such other ways as the trustees consider fit. ## **Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.** This year was our first year as a charity and we have made good progress during the year in delivering against our objectives. Our activities over the first year have focused on the following: - Workshops based on the Christian calendar – We have delivered workshops for Easter and Christmas, encouraging children to explore these topics from a Christian perspective in a fun and engaging way; - Topical workshops – We have delivered workshops this year around specific topics, including the King’s Coronation, anti-bullying, Year 6 transition, Storytelling and Wonderful World; - School Assembles that fit in with the national, school and Christian calendars. We aim to keep students connected to what is happening in the wider world as well as helping them to understand how Christians use the Bible to respond to moral situations; - Drama Clubs – We played games and developed drama techniques; and - Church Visits – We are always delighted to meet with new churches and their leaders, to visit the church and tell others about our work. We believe that churches should be at the heart of our communities, and partnership with churches is very much part of our Sowing Roots’ vision. We, as the trustees of Sowing Roots, confirm that we have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. ## Achievements and Performance ## **Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.** Over the course of the year, we have established relationships with schools across East Cheshire, working with 21 schools by the end of the year. We have enjoyed working with so many schools and school children across many different year groups and we are grateful for the partnerships we have developed with them. We have written and developed many new course materials and have had the privilege of delivering a total of 164 workshops in schools this year to 4,920 school children. Feedback from both students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many requesting additional sessions in the coming year. Through these activities we have been able to promote personal and spiritual development in children and young people and build relationships within the community. ## Financial Review This first year saw Sowing Roots establishing itself with a modest but sufficient financial base. We are pleased to report a positive financial standing, ensuring that we are able to continue our work into the future. - **Income** : Our total income for the year amounted to £5,670. This income was generated primarily through generous donations from individual supporters and church partnerships. - **Expenditure** : Our total expenditure for the year was £2,551, with the majority of funds allocated towards salaries and program delivery, including lesson materials, transportation, and staff expenses. - **Reserves** : The charity holds £3,119 in reserves at the year-end. These reserves will be used to sustain and expand our activities in the upcoming year. The trustees are satisfied with the charity’s financial position and are committed to ensuring that resources are used effectively to maximise the impact of our mission. ## Structure, Governance and Management Sowing Roots is governed by a board of trustees who are responsible for overseeing the charity’s activities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and guiding the overall strategic direction. The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and operates under a constitution and is registered with the Charity Commission. The trustees are: - David Capener, Chairperson - Louise Coleman, Treasurer - Julie Briggs, Trustee Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of Sowing Roots. The board meets regularly to review the charity's progress and make strategic decisions. Day-to-day management is undertaken by a small team of dedicated staff. The charity’s registered number is 1201617 and its registered address is: 32 Westbury Drive Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 8LR ## Plans for the Future Looking ahead to the coming year, Sowing Roots aims to build on the success of its first year by: - Expanding our partnerships with schools to reach more students across the region; - Developing new lesson plans and resources that respond to the needs and interests of schools and students; and - Building more partnerships with churches across East Cheshire. We remain committed to our mission of advancing the Christian religion in East Cheshire for the benefit of the public through the provisions of lessons and workshops in schools and in such other ways as the trustees consider fit. The trustees would like to extend their sincere thanks to all those who have supported Sowing Roots in its first year, including our donors, partner schools and churches, and staff. Without their commitment and generosity, our work would not be possible. We also give thanks to God for guiding and sustaining us through this first year and look forward to the year ahead with hope and anticipation. In conclusion, Sowing Roots has had a successful first year, establishing a firm foundation for future growth. The trustees are confident that with continued support and prayer, we will be able to further advance our mission and impact more lives in the years to come. This report was approved by the board of trustees on 31 October 2024 and signed on their behalf by: David Capener, Chair of Trustees Sowing Roots ## SOWING ROOTS ## Receipts and payments accounts ## **For the period 17 January 2023 to 31 December 2023** |**Receipts**
Donatons
**Total receipts**
Payments
Salaries
Travel
Statonery
IT costs
Printng
Total payments
**Net of receipts/(payments)**
**Opening cash funds**
**Cash funds this year end**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
5,670
**5,670**
(1,673)
(494)
(131)
(127)
(126)
(2,551)
**3,119**
**-**
**3,119**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
**-**
-
-
-
-
-
-
**-**
**-**
**-**|**Total funds**
**£**
**5,670**| |---|---|---|---| ||||**5,670**
**(1,673)**
**(494)**
**(131)**
**(127)**
**(126)**| ||||**(2,551)**| ||||**3,119**
**-**| ||||**3,119**| ## SOWING ROOTS Statement of assets and liabilities **As at 31 December 2023 Registered charity number 1201617** |**Category**
**Details**
Cash funds
Bank account
**Total assets**
Liabilites|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
3,119
**3,119**
-|**Restricted**
**funds**
-
**-**
-|**Total funds**
**3,119**| |---|---|---|---| ||||**3,119**| ||||**-**| Signed by: **David Capener** Chair of Trustees Date: 31 October 2024 **Louise Coleman** Treasurer Date: 31 October 2024