REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1202187
Trustees' Report and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
for
Eternity Church Downham Market
Stephenson Smart (East Anglia) Limited Chartered Accountants 22-26 King Street King's Lynn Norfolk PE30 1HJ
Eternity Church Downham Market
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 12 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 13 to 14 |
Eternity Church Downham Market
Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025. The accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and applicable Charity Commission guidance.
Objects and activities of the charity
Objects (as set out in the charity's constitution)
The objects of the Church are for the benefit of the public:
-
a) to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time may think fit;
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b) to relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time think fit; and
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c) to advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time may think fit.
The main activities undertaken in relating to those objects during the year
Holding regular meetings Operating separate men's and women's ministries
Starting a Sunday School Supporting young people to attend Christian events Promoting worship, prayer and teaching Developing the use of the hall for community groups Operating the Downham Market and District Foodbank Sponsoring children abroad, through the charity Compassion UK
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in managing the activities of the charity.
The main achievements during the year
During the year, the church saw 30% growth in terms of its Sunday congregation. This included a rise in the number of children attending, and so the church relaunched its Sunday School in September 2025.
Two of the church leaders undertook Ministry Training with the Assemblies of God, and the church also developed its links with other churches, both locally and nationally. These initiatives have enhanced the provision of spiritual leadership to the congregation.
The hire of the church hall increased during the year, particularly during weekday evenings. Regular hirers included groups such as archery, baton twirling and Council-led projects, enabling the building to serve the wider community in a meaningful way.
The Downham Market and District Foodbank successfully supported people in need in the local community throughout the year. The foodbank distributed 13,448.2kg of food, received 13,492.22kg in donations and provided 1,149 food parcels over the year. In partnership with Downham Market Churches Together, the Christmas Dinner in a Box initiative supported over 50 families with Christmas hampers, providing practical help and hope during the festive season.
The church continued its partnership with Compassion UK, sponsoring 10 children in poverty, mainly in Ethiopia, to enable them to gain access to healthcare, education and nutritional support.
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Trustees' Report for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
Financial review
Policy on Reserves
The charity aims to maintain a minimum general reserve of £10,000 over the value of non-liquid assets as this is considered adequate for day-to-day transactions.
Financial Performance and Adequacy of Assets
The trustees consider the financial performance by the charity during the year to have been satisfactory. The trustees are satisfied that the charity's assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations.
Structure, governance and management Governing document
The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England & Wales. The governing document of the charity is the constitution of the CIO as approved by the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW).
The governing document is dated 06 March 2023.
There are no restrictions in the governing documents on the operation of the charity or on its investment powers other than imposed by Charity Law.
The trustees are all individuals.
Reference and administrative details
The charity name
The legal name of the charity is: Eternity Downham Market
The charity's areas operation and UK charitable registration
The charity is registered in England & Wales with the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW) with charity number 1202187. The charity does not operate in any overseas jurisdictions.
Principal address
Sovereign Centre Trafalgar Industrial Estate Sovereign Way Downham Market PE38 9SW
Telephone: (01366) 384474 Email: office@eternitydownham.co.uk Website: www.eternitydownham.co.uk
The trustees in office on the date the report was approved were:
Mr N D Butt (Chair) Mr A Loxley-Beck Mr A MacQueen (appointed 23.3.2025) Mr C Bacon (appointed 5.1.2026)
All of the trustees are also members of the charity. Trustees are recruited from within the church’s congregation.
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Eternity Church Downham Market Trustees, Report for the Year Ended 30 September 2025 The following persons served as trustees during the year ended 30 September 2025 Mr N D Butt (Chair) Mr A Loxley-Beck Mr A MacQueen (appointed 23.3.2025) Mr W J Clere (resigned 31.10.2025) Independent Examiner Stephenson Smart (East Anglia) Limited Chartered Accountants 22-26 King Street King's Lynn Norfolk PE30 IHJ Approved by order of the board of trustees on . and signed on its behalf by: Mr N D Butt- Trustee and Chair
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Eternity Church Downham Market Indepenilent examiner's report to the trustees of Eternity Church Downham Market I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Etemity Church Downham Market (the Trust) for the year ended 30 September 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responstble for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirernents of the Charitie5 Act 20111'the Art'l. I report in respert of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 01 the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent èxamirter's statement I have cotnpleted my exarnination. I confiTrn that no Tnaterial matters have corne to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respecr.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act.. or the accounts do not accord with those records- or the accounts do not comply with the applrcable requirements conceining the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requiremeni that the accounts give a true and fair view which 15 riot a matter considered a5 part of an independent examination. I have no concern5 and have come across fbo Other rnatters in convbection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in thi5 report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Dan Jastrzebski FCA CTA Stephenson Smart (East Anglial limited Chanered Accountanrs 22-26 King Street King's Lynn Norfolk PE30 IHJ 19 June 2026
Eternity Church Downham Market
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Income and endowments from Donations and legacies 70,451 13,357 Charitable activities Foodbank - 53,581 Investment income 2 5,182 - Other income 55 - Total 75,688 66,938 Expenditure on Charitable activities Foodbank - 27,474 General fundraising 22,864 - Other 56,998 18,753 Total 79,862 46,227 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (4,174) 20,711 Transfers between funds 8 17,114 (17,114) Net movement in funds 12,940 3,597 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 750,379 92,143 Total funds carried forward 763,319 95,740 |
Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Income and endowments from Donations and legacies 70,451 13,357 Charitable activities Foodbank - 53,581 Investment income 2 5,182 - Other income 55 - Total 75,688 66,938 Expenditure on Charitable activities Foodbank - 27,474 General fundraising 22,864 - Other 56,998 18,753 Total 79,862 46,227 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (4,174) 20,711 Transfers between funds 8 17,114 (17,114) Net movement in funds 12,940 3,597 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 750,379 92,143 Total funds carried forward 763,319 95,740 |
Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ Income and endowments from Donations and legacies 70,451 13,357 Charitable activities Foodbank - 53,581 Investment income 2 5,182 - Other income 55 - Total 75,688 66,938 Expenditure on Charitable activities Foodbank - 27,474 General fundraising 22,864 - Other 56,998 18,753 Total 79,862 46,227 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (4,174) 20,711 Transfers between funds 8 17,114 (17,114) Net movement in funds 12,940 3,597 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 750,379 92,143 Total funds carried forward 763,319 95,740 |
30.9.25 Total funds £ 83,808 53,581 5,182 55 142,626 |
30.9.24 Total funds £ 75,997 62,173 3,212 52 141,434 55,313 19,345 82,981 157,639 (16,205) - (16,205) 858,727 842,522 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 22,864 56,998 79,862 (4,174) 17,114 12,940 750,379 763,319 |
27,474 - 18,753 46,227 20,711 (17,114) 3,597 92,143 95,740 |
27,474 22,864 75,751 126,089 16,537 - 16,537 842,522 859,059 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Eternity Church Downham Market Balance Sheet 30 September 2025 30.9.25 Total funds 30.9.24 Total funds Unrestrirted funds Restricted funds Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 730,301 730,301 739,486 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank 186 117,468 37,052 95,740 132,792 37,052 95,740 132,792 117,654 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year (4,034) (4,034) (14,618) Net current assets 33,018 95,740 128,758 103,036 Total assets less current liabilities 763,319 95,740 859,059 842,522 NET ASSETS 763,319 95,740 859,059 842,522 Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 763,319 95,740 750,379 92,143 Total funds 859,059 842,522 The fina ial statem (I Iè Is2 ts were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on and were signed on its behalf by: Mr N D Butt- Trustee and Chair The notes form part of these financial statements
Eternity Church Downham Market
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
- Freehold property - 2% straight line Plant and machinery - 33% p.a. reducing balance, 25% p.a. reducing balance, 15% p.a. reducing balance and 10% p.a. reducing balance
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
2. Investment income
| 30.9.25 30.9.24 £ £ Income from letting and licensing of property 3,867 1,950 Deposit account interest 1,315 1,262 5,182 3,212 |
30.9.25 30.9.24 £ £ Income from letting and licensing of property 3,867 1,950 Deposit account interest 1,315 1,262 5,182 3,212 |
30.9.25 30.9.24 £ £ Income from letting and licensing of property 3,867 1,950 Deposit account interest 1,315 1,262 5,182 3,212 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,182 | 3,212 |
3. Trustees' remuneration and benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2025 nor for the year ended 30 September 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2025 nor for the year ended 30 September 2024.
4. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Income and endowments from Donations and legacies 65,405 10,592 Charitable activities Foodbank - 62,173 Investment income 3,212 - Other income 52 - Total 68,669 72,765 Expenditure on Charitable activities Foodbank - 55,313 General fundraising 19,345 - Other 65,959 17,022 Total 85,304 72,335 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (16,635) 430 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 767,014 91,713 |
Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Income and endowments from Donations and legacies 65,405 10,592 Charitable activities Foodbank - 62,173 Investment income 3,212 - Other income 52 - Total 68,669 72,765 Expenditure on Charitable activities Foodbank - 55,313 General fundraising 19,345 - Other 65,959 17,022 Total 85,304 72,335 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (16,635) 430 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 767,014 91,713 |
Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Income and endowments from Donations and legacies 65,405 10,592 Charitable activities Foodbank - 62,173 Investment income 3,212 - Other income 52 - Total 68,669 72,765 Expenditure on Charitable activities Foodbank - 55,313 General fundraising 19,345 - Other 65,959 17,022 Total 85,304 72,335 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (16,635) 430 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 767,014 91,713 |
Total funds £ 75,997 62,173 3,212 52 141,434 55,313 19,345 82,981 157,639 (16,205) 858,727 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85,304 | 72,335 | ||
| (16,635) 767,014 |
430 91,713 |
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
| 4. Comparatives for the statement of financial activities - continued Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Total funds carried forward 750,379 92,143 5. Tangible fixed assets Freehold Plant and property machinery £ £ Cost At 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025 747,792 7,950 Depreciation At 1 October 2024 13,090 3,166 Charge for year 8,440 745 At 30 September 2025 21,530 3,911 Net book value At 30 September 2025 726,262 4,039 At 30 September 2024 734,702 4,784 6. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 30.9.25 £ Trade debtors - |
Total funds £ 842,522 Totals £ 755,742 16,256 9,185 25,441 730,301 739,486 30.9.24 £ 186 |
Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|
| 842,522 |
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
7. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors |
30.9.25 £ 1,634 - 2,400 4,034 |
30.9.24 £ 12,102 208 2,308 |
|---|---|---|
| 14,618 |
8. Movement in funds
| Movement in funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net | Transfers | |||
| movement | between | |||
| At 1.10.24 | in funds | funds | At 30.9.25 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 464,065 | (4,174) | 17,114 | 477,005 |
| Designated fixed asset | 286,314 | - | - | 286,314 |
| 750,379 | (4,174) | 17,114 | 763,319 | |
| Restricted funds | ||||
| Foodbank | 85,021 | 29,151 | (18,432) | 95,740 |
| Heart for the home | 7,122 | (8,440) | 1,318 | - |
| 92,143 | 20,711 | (17,114) | 95,740 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 842,522 | 16,537 | - | 859,059 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 75,688 | (79,862) | (4,174) |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Foodbank | 66,938 | (37,787) | 29,151 |
| Heart for the home | - | (8,440) | (8,440) |
| 66,938 | (46,227) | 20,711 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 142,626 | (126,089) | 16,537 |
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
8. Movement in funds - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Net | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| movement | ||||
| At 1.10.23 | in funds | At 30.9.24 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 480,700 | (16,635) | 464,065 | |
| Designated fixed asset | 286,314 | - | 286,314 | |
| 767,014 | (16,635) | 750,379 | ||
| Restricted funds | ||||
| Foodbank | 76,151 | 8,870 | 85,021 | |
| Heart for the home | 15,562 | (8,440) | 7,122 | |
| 91,713 | 430 | 92,143 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 858,727 | (16,205) | 842,522 | |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | ||
| resources | expended | in funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 68,669 | (85,304) | (16,635) | |
| Restricted funds | ||||
| Foodbank | 72,765 | (63,895) | 8,870 | |
| Heart for the home | - | (8,440) | (8,440) | |
| 72,765 | (72,335) | 430 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 141,434 | (157,639) | (16,205) |
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
9. Related party disclosures
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 September 2025.
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
| Income and endowments Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Investment income Income from letting and licensing of property Deposit account interest Charitable activities Grants Other income Compensation for criminal damage Total incoming resources Expenditure Charitable activities Gross wages and salaries Temporary staff Foodbank costs Meeting and ministry costs Outreach costs Refreshments Grants to institutions Grants to individuals Other Gross wages and salaries Pension costs Rent payable Light, heat and water Insurance costs Telephone, fax and internet Printing, postage and stationery Sundry expenses Carried forward |
30.9.25 £ 83,808 3,867 1,315 5,182 53,581 55 142,626 26,577 1,800 897 7,005 1,733 2,032 7,847 2,447 50,338 20,468 530 10,313 7,479 3,536 1,203 1,060 1,581 46,170 |
30.9.24 £ 75,997 1,950 1,262 3,212 62,173 52 141,434 47,313 4,571 8,000 4,251 871 1,322 6,493 1,837 74,658 25,785 238 8,582 5,486 3,414 1,041 1,228 5,418 51,192 |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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Eternity Church Downham Market
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
| Other Brought forward Training and welfare Travel and subsistence Cleaning and waste management Premises repairs, renewals and maintenance Subscriptions to periodicals Software licences and computer expenses AOG fee Accountancy fees Bank charges Freehold property Plant and machinery Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure) |
30.9.25 £ 46,170 1,366 284 4,793 5,159 243 2,807 983 4,761 - 8,440 745 75,751 126,089 16,537 |
30.9.24 £ 51,192 848 836 8,012 7,977 903 3,040 423 265 111 8,440 934 82,981 157,639 (16,205) |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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