Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 2.04.2024 Period start date To 31.03.25 Period end date
Charity name: Bracknell Community Church
Charity registration number: 1207695
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The purpose of the CIO is for the public benefit for the advancement of the Christian Faith in Bracknell, Berkshire and such other parts of the UK as the Charity Trustees may from time to time decide. |
| 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. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Sunday Morning Services, Communitea Coffee morning, youth life groups, children’s Sunday school, alpha courses, life groups, bible courses and worship nights. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm that they have had full regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. They have ensured that the charity’s activities are in line with the legal requirements and principles outlined in the guidance, ensuring the charity operates to provide a clear and tangible benefit to the public in accordance with its charitable objectives. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment
Contribution made by Para 1.38 volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Para 1.20 | Bracknell Community Church has made significant strides in supporting individuals and enriching the wider community through a broad range of initiatives. Below is a summary of the main achievements across various programs and activities: 1. Sunday Services The church's regular Sunday services have provided a place for worship, reflection, and spiritual nourishment. These services are open to everyone, fostering a sense of community and belonging. They serve as a spiritual anchor for many individuals and families, offering guidance, support, and the opportunity to explore and deepen their faith. Impact: Strengthening spiritual life and faith of attendees. Offering a space for personal reflection and connection to God. Providing emotional and psychological support, especially during times of crisis. 2. CommuniTea - Coffee Mornings - The church's coffee mornings have created a welcoming, informal environment where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life from the community can come together for fellowship and conversation. These gatherings provide an opportunity for people to build relationships, share life experiences, and receive social support. |
Impact:
Combatting social isolation, particularly for older adults or those new to the community. Encouraging social inclusion and cross-generational interaction. Offering a space for individuals to discuss personal challenges in a nonjudgmental setting.
3. Bible Courses & Alpha Courses
The church runs Bible courses to provide deeper theological understanding and personal application of scripture. The Alpha course, in particular, offers a welcoming environment for people to explore the basics of Christianity in a conversational setting. These courses have led many individuals to a deeper relationship with God and a stronger understanding of their faith.
Impact:
-
Facilitating spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of Christian teachings.
-
Helping seekers explore the Christian faith in an open and nonpressured environment.
-
Providing a pathway for personal transformation and conversion.
4. Youth Groups
The youth groups serve as a vital support network for young people, helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence with a Christian foundation. These groups foster strong bonds among young individuals and equip them with the tools to make positive choices in their lives.
Impact:
-
Supporting young people in their spiritual, emotional, and social development.
-
Providing mentorship, role models, and a safe space for personal expression.
-
Encouraging positive behavior and moral decision-making among youth.
-
Children's Sunday Kids Work The children's Sunday school program provides age-appropriate teaching on the Bible and Christian values, instilling the foundations of faith at an early age. Through fun, engaging activities, children learn about God's love and how to live according to Christian principles.
Impact:
-
Nurturing the spiritual and moral development of children.
-
Instilling core values such as kindness, honesty, and respect for others.
-
Creating a sense of community and belonging for children and their families.
6. Life Groups
Life groups (small groups) provide an intimate setting for Bible study, prayer, and mutual support. These groups allow individuals to share their personal journeys of faith, discuss scripture, and pray together. They also provide opportunities for people to build deeper, meaningful relationships within the church.
Impact:
-
Strengthening community bonds and creating accountability among members.
-
Supporting individuals in times of personal or spiritual struggle.
-
Encouraging the practice of Christian love, service, and care for others.
7. Worship Nights
Worship nights offer a dedicated space for congregants to come together and express their faith through music, prayer, and reflection. These events foster a sense of unity and create an opportunity for deeper spiritual experiences.
Impact:
Encouraging a vibrant and
participatory worship culture. Strengthening the sense of connection to God and the church community. Providing a spiritually uplifting environment for personal renewal. 8. Christmas Outreach Events
The church's Christmas outreach was a great success with more than 200 people attending. We raised money for our missions partners, and the festive celebrations were for marginalized groups, such as the elderly, or families experiencing financial hardship as well as our local community.
Impact:
Promoting generosity, compassion, and social responsibility among church members. Creating a sense of hope and joy during a time that can be difficult for many individuals. 9. Mission Partners
We support other charitable organisations in the UK and overseas with the same purpose, involved in community uplift, helping the poor, education. Wider Benefits to Society:
| | Social Cohesion:The church's |
|---|---|
| programs foster a sense of unity, | |
| building connections among people | |
| from different social, economic, and | |
| cultural backgrounds. This helps | |
| strengthen the social fabric of the | |
| broader community. | |
| | Volunteerism and Charity |
| Work:The church's outreach | |
| programs encourage volunteerism | |
| and community service, promoting | |
| values of generosity, kindness, and | |
| social responsibility. Volunteers | |
| contribute their time, resources, and | |
| talents to meet the needs of others. | |
| | Support for Vulnerable Groups:The |
| church's charitable initiatives, | |
| including food banks, clothing | |
| drives, and housing support, directly |
| assist those in need. The church |
|---|
| plays a vital role in filling gaps in |
| social safety nets, particularly for |
| marginalized or disadvantaged |
| groups. |
| Mental Health and Well- |
| Being:Many of the church's |
| programs, such as coffee mornings, |
| life groups, and worship nights, |
| provide a sense of belonging and |
| emotional support, which contribute |
| to improved mental health and |
| overall well-being. |
| Moral and Ethical |
| Leadership:Through its Bible |
| courses, youth programs, and life |
| groups, the church instills values |
| that encourage ethical behavior, |
| respect for others, and a |
| commitment to justice and equality. |
| In conclusion, Bracknell community church |
| has made a significant difference in the lives |
| of its beneficiaries, offering both spiritual |
| and practical support. Its contributions go |
| beyond individual transformation, |
| benefiting society as a whole through |
| fostering social cohesion, encouraging |
| volunteerism, and supporting vulnerable |
| populations. Through its diverse programs, |
| the church has become an anchor for |
| individuals and families, nurturing their |
| faith while also addressing immediate and |
| long-term social needs. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 |
Other
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Total income from donations into unrestricted funds for the year to 31 March 2025 was £76,046. No comparatives are provided as this was the first year of Bracknell Community Church operating as a CIO. Total costs paid were £71,138 resulting in a net surplus of £4,908. Opening funds of £3,847 were also contributed resulting in a net cash position of £8,755 as at 31 March 2025. Claims from Gift Aid declarations relevant to the year totalled £12,398, which were submitted and received after the year-end date. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Our policy is to hold cash reserves sufficient to cover a) the amounts committed to be paid to our mission partners and other charitable organisation for the next 12 months (based on 10% of gross income); and b) any short term accruals e.g. payroll liabilities. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | As at 31 March 2025, cash reserves were £8,755. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 |
Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 |
|
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Bracknell Community Church |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1207695 |
| Charity’s principal address | |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Reimers | Chair | |||
| AndyRobinson | ||||
| David Ritchie | ||||
| Abigail Howe | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
| ·.1UN ~ CHARITYCOMMISSIONlr ~ FORENGLANDANDWALES......_----------------~-------- Receipts and payments accounts Fort~,::eriodI I ToI '· |
·.1UN ~ CHARITYCOMMISSIONlr ~ FORENGLANDANDWALES......_----------------~-------- Receipts and payments accounts Fort~,::eriodI I ToI '· |
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CC16a | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A Receipts and | payments Unrestricted |
Restricted | Endowment | Totalfunds | Lastyear | ||||||
| funds tothe nearest £ |
funds to the nearest |
£ | funds to the nearest£ |
tothe nearest £ | tothe nearest | £ | |||||
| A1Receipts | - | ||||||||||
| Donations | - 76,046 |
76,046 - |
|||||||||
| Initial transfer in | - 3,847 ---- |
3,847 ---- |
|||||||||
| Subtotal(Gross mcomefor AR) |
79,893 | 79,893 | |||||||||
| A2Assetand investment sales, | |||||||||||
| (see table). _~uD_rora, |
- - - |
- j |
. I | ||||||||
| Total receipts | I | 79,8931 |
_1_____ -1 |
-'------11 |
79,8931I | ·I | |||||
| A3 Payments Charity administration Venue Human Resources Ministerial Mission partners Discretionary-events etc |
1,183 8,118 738 48,542 4,479 8,078 -- - |
1,183 8,118 738 48,542 4,479 8,078 --- |
|||||||||
| . | |||||||||||
| Subtotal | 71,138 | 71,138 | |||||||||
| A4 Asset and investment | |||||||||||
| ourchases_{see_table) | |||||||||||
| -- | |||||||||||
| Subtotal | - | ||||||||||
| _Totalpayments_I | 71,1381 |
...1___ ..,-1 |
.. 1___ __.-11 |
71,13811..i___ ... -] |
|||||||
| Netofreceiptsl(payments) | 8,755 ..,_____--, |
8,755 | |||||||||
| ASTransfers betweenfunds | |||||||||||
| A6Cashfundslastyear end Cash fundsthisyearend |
8,755 .._. |
8,755 |
| _C:,_t,-.c,ories | Details | Endowment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1Cashfunds | Bank account | tonearest£ 8,755 |
to | nearest£- | - | funds to~est£ |
| Total cash funds | 8,755 | |||||
| (agree balances with receipts and payments | ||||||
| account(s)) | ||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | ||||
| funds | funds | funds | ||||
| Details | tonearest£ | to | nearest£ | to nearest£ | ||
| B2Othermonetaryassets | Gift aid due | 12,398 | ||||
| . | ||||||
| . | ||||||
| . | ||||||
| . | ||||||
| . | ||||||
| 83Investmentassets | Details | Fundtowhich asset belonas |
Cost(optional) | Current value (optional| |
||
| Details | Fundtowhich asset belonas |
Cost(optional) | Current value Cootional| |
|||
| B4Assetsretainedforthe | ||||||
| charity'sownuse | ||||||
| Details | Fundtowhich liabilitv relates |
Amountdue Cootional| |
When due (ontional| |
|||
| B5Liabilities | ||||||
| Signed by oneortwo trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Signature | PrintName | Dateof a roval |
|||
| D"' ✓'D_I<,,Ct,_,c | ||||||
| 4i~lCtfJIL | ~E | |||||
| CCXXR2accounts (SS) | 2 | 28/06/2025 |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Bracknell Community Church On accounts for the 31[st] March 2025 Charity no 1207695 year ended (if any) Set out on pages 1-2 1-(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 / 03 /2025 .
- Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report 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 I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) 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.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Signed: Date: Name: Timothy Ivor Kingcott Relevant professional Chartered Institute of Management accountants (CIMA) qualification(s) or body (if any):
Address: 19 Brockenhurst Road, Martins Heron, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 9FJ.
1
October 2018
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
October 2018
IER