SOWING ROOTS
REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1201617
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
The trustees of Sowing Roots are pleased to present their report for the year to 31 December 2024. 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 the 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 second year as a charity, and we have made good progress during the year in delivering against our objectives. Our activities over the second year have focused on the following:
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Workshops based on the Christian calendar – We have delivered 70 workshops for Easter and Christmas, encouraging children to explore these topics from a Christian perspective in a fun and engaging way;
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Topical workshops – We have delivered 99 workshops this year around specific topics, including anti-bullying, Year 6 transition, Storytelling and Wonderful World;
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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;
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Buddy Up to support year 6 students in 1:1 sessions as they prepare for the transition to high school
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Bible stories lunch club with themed games and craft
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Drama Clubs – We played games and developed drama techniques; and
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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 24 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 169 workshops in schools this year to 5,070 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 year was Sowing Roots’ second year of operations and it saw an increase in its financial position, with the support of both regular and one off donations from our supporters. There was a large one off donation towards the end of the year which left the organisation with strong cash reserves going into the new financial year. We are pleased to report a positive financial standing, ensuring that we are able to continue our work into the future.
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Income : Our total income for the year amounted to £19,961. This income was generated primarily through generous donations from individual supporters and church partnerships.
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Expenditure : Our total expenditure for the year was £9,448, with the majority of funds allocated towards salaries and program delivery, including lesson materials, transportation, and staff expenses.
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Reserves : The charity holds £13,632 in reserves at the year-end, an increase from £3,119 in the prior year. 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:
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David Capener, Chairperson
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Louise Coleman, Treasurer
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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 this year by:
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Expanding our partnerships with schools to reach more students across the region;
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Developing new lesson plans and resources that respond to the needs and interests of schools and students; and
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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 over the 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 year and look forward to the year ahead with hope and anticipation.
In conclusion, Sowing Roots has had a successful 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 30 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
David Capener, Chair of Trustees Sowing Roots
SOWING ROOTS
Receipts and payments accounts
For the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
| Receipts Donatons Total receipts Payments Salaries Travel Statonery IT costs Printng Legal and professional fees Materials Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) Opening cash funds Cash funds this year end |
Unrestricted funds £ 19,961 19,961 (7,816) (455) (312) (347) (96) (359) (63) (9,448) 10,513 3,119 13,632 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds £ 19,961 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19,961 (7,816) (455) (312) (347) (96) (359) (63) |
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| (9,448) | |||
| 10,513 3,119 |
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| 13,632 |
SOWING ROOTS
Statement of assets and liabilities As at 31 December 2024 Registered charity number 1201617
| Category Details Cash funds Bank account Total assets Liabilites |
Unrestricted funds 13,632 13,632 - |
Restricted funds - - - |
Total funds 13,632 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,632 | |||
| - |
Signed by:
David Capener Chair of Trustees Date: 30 October 2025
Louise Coleman Treasurer Date: 30 October 2025