ST ANDREW'S CHURCH (registered as St Andrew's LEP, Benton - Charity Number 1205615) METHODIST AND UNITED REFORMED LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP BENTON NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Contents: Pa Trustees, Annual Report 1to7 Receipts & Payments Account Statement of Assets and Liabilities Notes to the Financial Statements 9t011 Independent Examiner's Report 12
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Introduction The trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for year ended 31 August 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2015), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities" in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Charity Name St Andrew's LEP, Benton. Charity Number 1205615 Registered by the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 7 November 2023. Trustees Rev H White - Chair (appointed 1 September 2024) Rev G Hume- Chair (resigned 31 August 2024) Mrs M J Burchell Mrs E F Fellows Mrs N Henderson Mr K A Jones (appointed 20 July 2024) Mr P H Martin Mr T A Oliver Miss M E Simpson Miss G E Smith Mr A N Thomas - Secretary Mrs S Thomas Mr R Ward - Treasurer Reference and Administrative details The church building and registered office is situated at Station Road, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8AW. St Andrew's LEP, Benton is a single congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP), created by the merger of Benton Methodist Church and Christ Church United Refomed Church in May 2003. The charity is also known as St Andrew's Church (Methodist and United Reformed LEP), Benton. and St Andrew's Church, Benton. Structure, Governance and Management The model constitution for a single congregational LEP agreed by the Methodist and United Reformed Churches at a national level, in line with the requirements of charity law, has been adopted by St Andrew's Church as its governing document. This was approved by the sponsoring body of North East Churches Acting Together. St Andrew's LEP, Benton is part of the Newcastle Central and East Methodist Circuit and of the Northern Synod of the United Reformed Church. Trustees are elected, or re-elected, at the Annual Congregational Meeting and serve for a period of three years. A chair, secretary and treasurer must be elected by the trustees from within their own number. The trustees are required to meet at least twice a year and such meetings fulfil the functions of the Methodist Church Council and the Elders, meeting in the case of the United Reformed Church. The trustees are responsible for the overall governance of the Charity in accordance with the guidance published by the Charity Commission. The trustees are also legally responsible for the running of the church and must comply with the requirements of the parent denominations covering safeguarding, property management and accounting records. Page 1
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Objectives and Activities The purpose of the Charity is to advance the Christian faith in our local communities in accordance with the principles and practices of the Methodist and United Reformed Churches. The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and, in particular, the guidelines on charities for the advancement of religion. To further and achieve its purpose, the Charity will engage in a range of activities, either on its own or with others, including (but not restricted to): a) the celebration of public worship; b) the teaching of the Christian faith; c) mission and evangelism; d) pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved. e) the provision of facilities with a Christian ethos for the local communities, including (but not restricted to) the elderly, the young and other groups with particular needs. and fj the support of other charities in the UK and overseas. Volunteers We would like to thank all our volunteers who work so hard to ensure that we can carry on with our activities for the benefit of our members, our adherents and our local communities. We also thank everyone who helps to create an inclusive, warm and friendly environment when we meet together. Working together enables us all to live out our Christian faith in a way that will have a positive impact on the lives of others, as we actively seek to show the unity of the people of Jesus Christ through the way we bring together two Christian traditions. Achievements and Performance Worship and Prayer We have continued to be blessed with a rich and varied worship experience over this last year with worship leaders provided by the Methodist and URC churches. Worship at St Andrew's takes place at 10.30 am every Sunday. As Covid restrictions have now been completely lifted, the routines have returned to normal except that the offertory is still collected in a plate beside the door. In communion services we distribute the elements to the seated congregation during worship. The length of the services is about one hour and usually includes five hymns. We have been delighted to welcome many new friends to share worship with us. We have been blessed with excellent worship leaders who have each shared their thoughts and experiences. They regularly comment on the warm welcome they receive from our congregation. In addition to the indoor worship, we have been keen to keep alive the uncertainty and excitement of worshipping outside the church on special occasions. Gavin has continued to present first rate worship online. This takes the form of live streamed worship from St Andrew's on a regular basis. This innovation, introduced in response to the Covid restrictions, has given us a powerful and very convenient way of sharing God's word and the broadcasts have reached many who would not have otherwise been able to feel a part of our family. Gavin has also led worship at the end of our Messy Church sessions which has delighted all those who attend, both young and old. Gavin's leaving service in July was both memorable and very well attended. After worship we shared refreshments and Gavin was presented with a cheque and a book of photographs to remind him of the folk at St Andrew's. This was followed up by a Circuit service in the evening for those ministers and deacons who are leaving. Page 2
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Achievements and Performance (continued) Pastoral Care Apart from the ongoing work of our former minister Gavin, the church has a team of volunteer pastoral carers who each take responsibility to help and keep in touch with a number of our people on a regular basis. The pastoral team meet at least twice a year to review the pastoral needs and ensure that everyone is included in the care coverage. A group of church attenders also seek to pray on a weekly basis for people or situations that would benefit from prayerful interventions. Those involved also share any news that helps to direct the prayers of the group or to direct the prayers of others connected to the church. Other volunteers deliver flowers each week when we become aware of someone being unwell or in need of support and sometimes to celebrate a happy event. Many support each other in different ways by offering care in less organised ways, which might involve giving gifts, cards, food, a phone call or by providing transport when needed. Junior Church Junior Church has been led by two dedicated church volunteers with the regular assistance of one enthusiastic church member and the occasional support of parents. The number of children attending Junior Church continues to fluctuate and there is a wide age range. This year Junior Church has considered both the Old and New Testaments. The children enjoyed the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments, which included a song with actions based on the commandments. The children shared the song with the congregation, encouraging everyone to join in. One week the children considered Ephesians 6:10- 18 so at the end of the service they joined the congregation to display the armour of God that they had created. The children have also been actively involved in helping and supporting our wider community by donating a can of food for every day in Lent, which, together with their donations for Harvest Sunday, were supplied to a local food bank that supports local asylum seekers and refugees. Links with the cradle roll and junior church families have been maintained during school holidays by the delivery of age relevant bible based activity packs, greetings cards and seasonal treats. Cradle Roll Currently we have 8 families who have children on the cradle roll with whom we keep in touch. They all receive the church magazine and the children receive birthday, Easter, and Christmas cards. During the year our minister Gavin officiated at two infant baptisms and two infant blessing and thanksgiving services, after visiting the families involved to talk about the significance of the services. Our cradle roll secretary encourages the families and children to attend relevant church services or events that will help them on their Christian journey. Church Membership and Attendance At the end of the year the membership numbers were calculated to be 107, variously described as Methodist, United Reformed or joint members (those who entered membership after the LEP was formed). Whilst some of our members are now unable to attend church services, we do enjoy welcoming other regular churchgoers or visitors each week. We are normally blessed to have a full congregation of over 70 attenders at Sunday morning services. Church Magazine - "Tidings" We are blessed to have a dedicated editor who puts together a church magazine on 10 occasions each year covering the whole year. The magazine has been a part of church life for many decades and is appreciated by many inside and outside the church far and wide. It is an excellent way to communicate news about the church, community and other worthy topics to church members, adherents, and many others in the community or wider afield. The magazine content features a message from the minister, a diary of church activities, church news and looking forward or back at church related events. It also covers current events at home or abroad that may be of interest from a Christian or community perspective. Many now receive the magazine via email, and printed copies are supplied and delivered where needed. Page 3
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Achievements and Performance (continued) Community Outreach 1. Messy Church: These carefully planned meetings reach out beyond our regular attendees and take place every couple of months. At each meeting a wide variety of people, members and non-members, take part in a varied mix of experiments, crafts, and games. The minister then leads a short time of praise before food and refreshments round off the adventure! 2. Weekday Fellowship: This takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Church regulars, often joined by others, meet for inspired and uplifting 'Fellowship and Worship,. Refreshments are provided and the minister normally presides and leads the music, prayers and teaching. 3. 4th Newcastle Girls, Brigade: The group regularly meet in the church each week, is growing in number and is run by trained volunteer leaders who love working with girls and young women and seeing them make new friends, learn new skills, achieve, have fun, and learn more about Jesus week by week. Each age group follows their own appropriate themed programme materials. All girls and young women work towards badges to reward and celebrate their achievements. The programme is quite varied and includes drama, dancing, faith, exploration, and competitions. Activities include sleepovers, outings, special church services, barbecues, award nights and camps. The group has taken part in a Sunday service which included leading the singing and sharing a video podcast of what being brave means to them as women. They all got amazing feedback for their attitude and behaviour during the service and the leaders were very proud of them. 4. Forest Hall Carpet Bowls Club: The club meet each week in the church hall where the equipment is stored. The club is open to anyone who wants to play the game, with a good mix of church members and locals from the community. This provides the opportunity to meet others in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and enjoy some good social contact, fun and competition. 5. Special services: a) Advent and Christmas: The church joined with others to sing carols outside the shops at Forest Hall. Donations of £100 were collected for Christian Aid. Christmas knitted angels were also handed out during the singing. At the 'Carols Around the Tree, event at West Moor a large number of children and adults from many denominations and organisations came along to sing Christmas songs. We were accompanied by a band of musicians and the team included the compere, sound technician, road safety team and, of course, Santa. A collection was taken to be used for the benefit of local children. The Sunday morning service on Christmas Eve was led by Rev. Susan Richardson who wove carols chosen by the congregation into a Christmas story sermon. The Nativity Service in the afternoon was led by our minister Gavin with carols accompanied by a visiting brass band. The Girls, Brigade sang for us while interpreting the words in Makaton, a language of gestures which some people with speech problems find helpful. b) Lent and Easter: A Communion service on Maundy Thursday was led by the Rev. Susan Richardson. After a short service on Good Friday, we joined other local churches in a procession to the local shops at Forest Hall. Others joined us as the Rev. Ben Jarvis led worship. On Easter morning the Rev. David Wilkinson led the service during which he ate a bacon sandwich which he claimed that, just like the resurrection message, your friends won't believe this even though you witnessed it. Everyone was encouraged to "Go, Tell, Trust!" Children took part in an egg hunt and the cross was decorated with daffodils. Page 4
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Achievements and Performance (continued) Community Outreach (continued) 5. Special services (continued): c) Harvest Festival: Our Harvest Festival in September featured a display of harvest produce on a stall erected to resemble a market stall which was later taken to Wallsend for 'Walking With,. We also donated £300 to Commitment for Life and All We Can from our harvest donations plus contributions from the CARE Fund. d) Services at Ashfield Court Care Home: After a request from staff and residents several services, led by Rev. Susan Richardson, have been held at the care home. Visitors sit among the residents, get to know them and encourage them to take part in the singing. 6. Local Charitable Causes: The 'Gift Service, in December went to the Cedaood Trust who support struggling families in Meadow Well, North Shields. We also support 'Walking With, in North Tyneside, with donations to support asylum seekers or refugees who reside in North Tyneside and within our local community. We continued to support an Iranian family seeking asylum in the UK who have been granted refugee status and moved to Sheffield. The family expressed their gratitude in an open letter to the church. "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped us during our 8 months, temporary stay in Palmersville. By the time you are reading this message we will hopefully be in Sheffield, where we have friends, and will have access to an Iranian Christian community. There were constant difficulties and problems to overcome. Thank you to those who helped us with shopping and financial support, with transport to appointments in places we did not know, with understanding of lengthy Home Office letters. Thank you for the donated laptops so we could study, and especially to the kind teachers who helped with provision of books and had patience to help us learn for GCSE English and Maths. Thank you for those who gave us useful household items and floor rugs. Thank you for our visit to the Quayside, and to Whitley Bay to enjoy ice creams. Thank you for bringing us strawberries fresh from the garden. We were very grateful for donated suitcases with wheels, making our onward journey so much easier. And, of course, special thanks to Gavin, who provided us with bicycles which made travelling to St. Andrew's each week so much quicker! Most of all, we thank you for your friendship and making us so welcome.. 7. Special Events: In November Gavin performed his latest songs, available on CD, and showed a film about a Malawian organisation called Eagles which helps farming communities to take charge of their own development. From the sale of CDS Gavin was able to send £400 to All We Can, which supports Eagles and similar enterprises. In January about 40 people participated in the church party, which involved quizzes and team games for all ages and a faith tea. In May we hosted an afternoon tea party for guests of Re-Engage, a charity which supports older folk who are socially isolated. We were asked if we could host not only the guests and the volunteer drivers, but also all the volunteers who host a tea party in their own homes throughout the year. The charity organisers were very grateful for our generosity and efforts to make this an extra special tea party event. In June all ages enjoyed a picnic. Some sat and chatted with Gavin. Some played games organised by Girls Brigade leaders. Those who joined our litter pick in July also enjoyed the cake and drinks afterwards! 8. Coffee Mornings: In September donations and the cake stall raised £303 for Macmillan Cancer Support. In December we raised £310 for Centrepoint, the UK'S leading youth homelessness charity. In April a total of £325 went to the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund which is based at Morpeth. In August, coffee and biscuits were served in the foyer each Saturday. On the first Saturday, designated as a "talents and hobbies" coffee moming, some brought items to illustrate their talents or hobbies. We raised £100 for a special appeal by Action for Children for children who are taken into care. Page 5
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Achievements and Performance (continued) External Community Groups The premises are also used by external groups and some have been carrying out their activities in the church for many years and are well known in the local communities. The activities include children's dancing classes, Tai-chi, Pilates, a singing group, a youth ensemble, an orchestra, and the local Wl. These groups provide many benefits to the local community as well as income for the church. Other local families or groups also book space for children's parties or formal meetings from time to time. One church hall is now used as a Polling Station for local and national elections. The Newcastle Upon Tyne District office of the Methodist Church is also based in the building and provides a quarterly gift towards the church building overheads. The district is comprised of 12 circuits and encompasses the northern part of County Durham, Tyne and Wear, all of Northumberland and part of the Scottish Borders. Charitable Donations We support the connexional funds of the Methodist Church in Britain. The money donated supports the funds for Presbyters and Deacons, Property, Mission in Britain, World Mission and Lay Training. Donations also support the funds for URC Stipendiary Ministers, Commitment for Life, All We Can, Action for Children, the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust, Methodist Homes and housing funds for URC and Methodist retired ministers. The church supports several other UK charities regularly that operate locally or globally. Some help vulnerable children, young people or families and others seek to relieve poverty or suffering caused by inequality or injustice. Some are supported each year and others are supported when disasters occur and emergency appeals are launched. This year money was sent to support local causes through the Cedarwood Trust, the Newcastle West End Foodbank and Walking With in North Tyneside. Money was also used to support appeals for the Middle East crisis, Gaza, the Libya floods and the Morocco earthquake. Church donations are, either made from the church CARE Fund, which represents 2 % of all offerings and related Gift Aid, or by special collections during the year. In total we donated £8,305 this year. More details are provided in the notes to the financial statements, note 5 under Donations and note 10 regarding External Organisations. Governance and Planning The Trustees continue to meet three times each year to discuss church business with the focus on governance, compliance, safeguarding, finance, and any significant property issues. The delegated Property and Finance Committee continue to meet at least every two months throughout the year to discuss day to day property matters and finances. Congregational meetings are also held every four months to allow everyone from the congregation an opportunity to discuss church matters at first hand and receive reports from the Trustees or others about the life of the church. The church also extends an open invitation to join the Outreach Group, which meets on a regular basis, to consider how to reach out into the local community and celebrate special events in accordance with our Christian ethos and values. The Church Building Complex The building complex covers a large worship area and two large halls on the ground floor, which are all interconnected, with several side rooms and two kitchens. The upper level covers a smaller area with two rooms used as offices and one room set aside for general activities. A dedicated team of volunteers look after the routine maintenance of the building and routine cleaning is done by an outside cleaning firm. A total of £45,672 was paid out for repairs and maintenance, which included all statutory safety checks required during the year. The expenditure is detailed in note 5 of the notes to the financial statements. The Bequest, Building and Legacy funds were utilised together with two grants to cover most of the significant one-off costs. This included replacing or repairing windows to make the building complex more energy efficient and eco-friendly. It also covered major remedial work inside and outside the building. We were also able to improve the ambience of the church and the worship experience for the congregation through the purchase of much needed new equipment and furnishings. Page 6
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Financial Review The main headline is that our offerings decreased by 2.5 % in 2024, after the sad loss of some faithful supporters, compared to a significant increase of 11 % in the previous year. Gift Aid continues to provide substantial extra income. The offerings and Gift Aid of £68,834 accounted for 60 % of church income. Lettings income of £19,814 remains healthy and represents 17 % of church income. We have benefitted from the increase in deposit interest rates providing income of £2,312. Other receipts totalling £17,771 includes two grants for £13,059 which were provided towards the costs of replacing or repairing windows to make the building more energy efficient and eco-friendly. Overall, the church had a deficit of £12,982 in 2024 compared to a surplus of £13,887 in 2023. Total receipts of £114,014 in 2024 were inflated by the grants of £13,059 compared to total receipts of £96,410 in 2023. Similarly, total payments of £126,996 reflect the significant one-off costs of £38,736 incurred in 2024, compared to total payments of £82,523 in 2023. Circuit Assessment contributions increased to £56,000 and accounted for 81 % of overall offerings and 49 % of total receipts. The trustees decided to use the money in the Bequest, Building and Legacy funds, totalling £34,082, towards any expenditure that was not covered by the grants, as detailed in note 5 of the notes to the financial statements. This was a very effective and relevant way to use these funds in a year of exceptional expenditure; involving remedial work to rectify serious damp or drainage problems, upgrading emergency lighting and the installation of new windows, new blinds and TV monitors. Church ambience and the worship experience in the chapel has also been greatly improved. Reserves Policy General Funds The Trustees aim to hold in reserve sufficient funds to cover six months of projected expenditure. partly as working capital and partly to cover committed expenditure if income is severely disrupted, or to cover unexpected major property repairs. In terms of unrestricted general funds available at the year end, the balance of £61 ,749 equates to about half of the significant expenditure for year ended 311812024. There are no designated funds at the year end. Restricted Funds The CARE Fund balance of £340 represents money from donors to support regular giving to specific charities and special collections for disasters or emergencies where the church exercises its discretion to raise funds. The church also supports the fund by transferring 2 % of offerings and related Gift Aid to cover connexional giving and other gifts. The money is not held in reserve and will be donated to charitable causes as determined by the church congregation and trustees within the next year. The Flower Fund balance of £347 represents money from donors to be spent on flowers for church services. The money is not held in reserve and will be spent as and when required on church flowers within the next year. The church does not hold any Endowment Funds. The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees by the chair: Name Reverend Helen White Signature Date 16" 0dJkn- 102 Page 7
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT Unrestricted Designated Restricted funds funds funds Total Total 3110812024 3110812023 Notes RECEIPTS Offerings and Tax recovered Bank and CFB interest & Investment Income Lettings Other receipts Total Receipts 68,834 2,312 19,814 10,445 101,405 68,834 2,800 19,814 22,566 114,014 74,332 1,794 15,873 4,411 96,410 488 12,121 12,609 PAYMENTS Circuit Assessment or Share Donations Repairs and Maintenance Utilities (Insurance, water charges, heat & light) Other Payments Total Pa ments 56,000 56,000 6,822 45,672 15,113 3,389 126,996 50,000 2,289 16,385 10,729 3,120 82,523 6,822 31,751 4,264 15,113 2,937 78,314 9,657 452 39,025 9,657 NET RECEIPTS I PAYMENTS 23,091 9,657 26,416 12,982 13,887 Balance brought forward 1 September Transfers (to CARE Fund) Balances carried forward 31 Au 40,035 1,377 61,749 9,657 25,726 1,377 687 75,418 61,531 ust 62,436 75,418 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 AUGUST 2024 Unrestricted Designated Restricted funds funds funds Total Total 3110812024 3110812023 MONETARY ASSETS Barclays Current Account Cash in Hand Central Finance Board Accounts: General Deposit Account Building Deposit Account Trustees for Methodlst Church Purposes.. Model Trust Bequests - Trust 11470 Total Moneta Assets 5,081 82 687 5,768 82 6,928 101 56,586 56,586 44,407 7,999 15,983 75,418 61,749 687 62,436 ASSETS FOR CHURCH PURPOSES Land & Buildings Contents 4,375,246 198,322 4,573,568 4,268,567 193,486 4,462,053 Total Assets for Church Pur oses There are no other monetary or investment assets to report Liabilities (External Or anisations) 1,000 FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS Balance brought forward 1 September 1,000 1,000 Donations received for external organisations 1,483 1,483 Donations passed to external organisations 2,483 2,483 Balance still to be aid at 31 Au ust 6,067 5,067 1,000 There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown Page 8
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ACOUNTING POLICIES The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, Section 133 using the receipts and payments basis and in accordance with the Methodist Church guidelines. 2. TRUSTEE PAYMENTS There were no payments made to or on behalf of the trustees. 3. INVESTMENTS There are no endowments or investments upon which to report. 4. ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS Unrestricted Designated Restricted funds funds funds 5,528 370 1,780 46,980 2,320 11,856 68,834 2,312 Total Total 3110812024 3110812023 5,528 5,769 370 600 1,780 1,015 46,980 48,402 2,320 2,660 11,856 15,886 68,834 74,332 2,312 1,027 83 269 405 498 2,800 1,794 3,800 3,500 1,990 1,890 14,024 10,483 19,814 15,873 13,059 2,896 1,000 140 676 598 1,387 1,560 1,250 22,566 Detailed Recei ts Sunday Collections - Loose Cash Sunday Collections - Cheques Sunday Collections ~ Envelope Scheme Bank Standing Orders Cheques By Post Gift Aid - Tax Recovered Offerin s and Tax Recovered - Totals General Fund - CFB Deposit Account Building Fund - CFB Deposit Account Be uest Fund - TMCP Trust Account TMCP & CFB Interest - Totals Newcastle Methodist District Office Internal Organisations External Groups Notes 83 405 488 2,312 3,800 1,990 14,024 19,814 5,733 2,896 1,000 140 676 Lettings - Totals Grants Insurance Claims & Refunds Legacies, Bequests & Gifts URC Northern Synod General Receipts & Donations Flower Fund Donations Special Collections, Donations & Fundraisers Christian Aid Appeals Other Charitable Appeals Other Recei 7,326 269 429 1,156 635 1,922 598 1,387 1,560 1,250 12,121 ts - Totals 10,445 4,411 Receipts Grand Totals 101,405 12,609 114,014 96,410 Notes regarding receipts are: 1. Offerings have decreased by 2.5 % compared to a significant increase of 11 % in the previous year. 2. Gift Aid claims are up to date. 2024 was lower than 2023 because of claims from 2022 paid in 2023 (circa £4k). 3. This covers the donations from 4th Newcastle Girls, Brigade and Forest Hall Carpet Bowls Club. 4. Extra money was generated from one-off rentals and regular user group rents that increased this year. 5. Circuit provided £5,733 retrospectively to reimburse general funds paid out in 2023 on Community Hall windows The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust grant of £7,326 was towards the cost of stained glass window repairs. 6. Several claims were made covering water flood damage and accidental damages to church car park walls. 7. This mainly covers collections donated from special services, such as funerals or baptisms. There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown Page 9
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 5. ANALYSIS OF PAYMENTS Unrestricted Designated Restricted funds funds funds 56,000 Total Total 3110812024 3110812023 56,000 50,000 1,133 1,089 200 200 700 125 300 200 300 200 250 125 450 1,800 Detailed Pa ments Notes Circuit Assessment or Share - Totals Methodist & URC Connexional Funds Methodist & URC Annual Pledges Action for Children All We Can - Methodist Relief and Development Commitment for Life- URC Trust MHA - Methodist Homes Local Charitable Causes Christian Aid Appeals Disasters Emergency Committee Appeals Other National Charitable Appeals Donations - Totals 1,133 200 700 300 300 250 450 1,800 350 1,689 6,822 1,689 6,822 3,456 285 29,347 3,287 1,379 1,220 564 3,646 2,145 343 45,672 4,539 6,618 2,719 1,237 15,113 45 407 483 313 2,289 3,432 245 8,323 903 386 989 468 979 450 210 16,385 4,429 3,907 1,686 707 10,729 44 561 630 295 136 465 468 138 84 299 3,120 Cleaning Contractors Garden Maintenance Building Complex Repairs & Renewals Electrical Systems Checks, Repairs & Ren, Fire & Lightning Systems Checks & Repair Heating System Checks & Repairs Lift Insurance, Servicing & Repairs Equipment Repairs & Renewals Furnishings Repairs & Renewals Toilet, Cleanin & Sund su plies & re airs Repairs and Maintenance - Totals Insurance Gas Electricity Water 3,456 285 5,837 910 437 672 564 1,237 23,510 2,377 942 368 180 2,409 2,145 343 4,264 4,539 6,618 2,719 1,237 15,113 9,657 31,751 Utilities - Totals Bequest Fund - TMCP Administration Charge Flower Fund Expenditure Copyright Licences Website costs Telephone & Broadband Printing, Postage, Stationery & Hymnbooks Preacher, Steward & Organist Fees & Expenses Communion supplies Outreach (Re-Engage tea, messyfjunior church) Sundries ( ifts, buffets, first aid & prayer books) Other Pa ments - Totals 45 407 483 313 920 249 64 161 747 2,937 920 249 64 161 747 3,389 452 Pa ments Grand Totals 78,314 9,657 39,025 126,996 82,523 Notes regarding payments are: 1. Includes Methodist & URC funds for Ministers, Mission, Property, Training, LWPT & retired ministers housing. 2. Includes the Cedarwood Trust, Newcastle West End Foodbank & Walking With in North Tyneside. 3. Includes appeals for the Middle East crisis, Gaza, the Libya floods and the Morocco earthquake. 4. Includes replacing or repairing windows, safety repairs, damp remedial work, blinds, chapel TVS & laptop. 5. New energy contracts commenced in January 2024 with increased costs, after three years on very low rates. There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown Page 10
ST ANDREW'SLEP, BENTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 6. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENT FOR THE YEAR Notes 0110912023 Recei ts Pa ments Transfers 3110812024 Unrestricted General Fund Designated Legacy Fund Restricted Bequest Fund Building Fund CARE Fund Flower Fund Northumbria Historic Churches Trust 40,035 101,405 78,314 1,377 61,749 9,657 9,657 15,983 7,999 1,588 156 405 83 4,197 598 7,326 16,388 8,082 6,822 407 7,326 1,377 340 347 Totals 75,418 114,014 126,996 62,436 Notes regarding funds and fund movement are: 1. Unrestricted funds may be used by the church trustees for any ordinary church purpose. 2. The Legacy Fund represented money from bequest or legacy donations that were unrestricted. The fund was used this year to help cover building costs, as shown in the detailed analysis of payments. 3. The restricted Bequest and Building funds were utilised to meet significant one-off costs, as shown in the detailed analysis of payments, in accord with the terms of the bequest and building fund stipulations. 4. The CARE Fund represents money from donors to support regular giving to specific charities and special collections for disasters or emergencies where the church exercises its discretion to raise funds. The church supports the fund by transferring 2 % of unrestricted offerings and related Gift Aid to the fund. 5. The grant was towards the cost of stained glass window repairs in the Chapel and was paid out immediately. 7.SUMMARY OF INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS REPORTING TO THE TRUSTEES The gross income of the church, including the receipts below, does not exceed the Accruals threshold. The funds below are Restncted. 0110912023 540 4,962 Receipts 1,500 2,054 Payments Adjustment 3110812024 1,703 337 2,489 4,482 Forest Hall Carpet Bowls Club 4th Newcastle Girls, Brigade 45 Totals 5,502 3,554 4,192 45 4,819 8. MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS For information only. Money not included in receipts and payments account - held in Barclays Gurrent account 0110912023 Receipts Payments 3110812024 295 295 1,000 310 250 303 325 Action for Children Asylum Seekers Centrepoint Christian Aid Macmillan Cancer Support MS Research and Relief Fund 1,000 310 250 303 325 Totals 1,483 2,483 There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown Page 11
ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 DECLARATIONS I confirm that the financial statements on pages 8 to 11 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees. Richard Ward - Treasurer- Signed Date The trustees approved the financial statements on 16 October 2024. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees by the chair, Reverend Helen White 16JiO Signed Date INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity St Andrew's LEP, Benton ("the Trust") for the year ended for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages 8 to 11. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention (olh•E* in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or 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. Signed Name: Emma Louise Gourley Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ACCA Page 12