Charity Number: 1207949
Community Baptist Church North Manchester
Known as Community Baptist Church Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts Year Ended 31st December 2024
Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Contents Page
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 3 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 5 |
| Statement of Receipts and Payments | 6 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 |
Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Legal and Administrative Information
Reference
The organisation is called “Community Baptist Church” and is based in the Whitefield area of Bury in Manchester.
The Church was formally registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 22 April 2024, under the name Community Baptist Church North Manchester (CIO number: 1207949).
On 15 July 2024, all assets and liabilities of the previous unregistered charitable trust were formally transferred to the CIO under an Asset Transfer Agreement, authorised by the Charity Commission through a Section 105 Order dated 5 July 2024. The Church continues to operate as a single ongoing charitable entity under the new legal structure, with no break in activities, governance, or financial reporting.
Registered Charity Number 1207949 Website www.communitybaptistchurch.org.uk Principal address 30 Hillsborough Drive Unsworth Greater Manchester BL9 8LF
Church leaders and trustees
Prior to its registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), the Church operated with a recognised leadership structure responsible for the oversight and governance of its charitable activities.
Upon registration with the Charity Commission on 22 April 2024, the individuals serving in that leadership capacity were formally appointed and recognised as the first trustees of the CIO, in accordance with the adopted CIO constitution.
The following individuals served as Church leaders and trustees during the financial year:
Rev Alan Fearnhead Irene Perrella Aimee Forsyth Catherine Fearnhead Mary Perrella Primary bankers Barclays Bank 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Legal and Administrative Information
Independent examiner
Nigel Wyatt BSC FCA Wyatt & Co Chartered Accountants 125 Main Street Garforth Leeds LS25 1AF
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Community Baptist Church
Year ended 31[st] December 2024
Trustees’ Report
Objects of the charity
The principal purpose of the church is the advancement of the Christian message according to Biblical Baptist principles as set out in our Articles of Faith and to encourage others to join with us.
The Church undertakes the following activities:
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Regular public worship, prayer, preaching and teaching each Sunday
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A Sunday school for our children with age appropriate teaching
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A dedicated midweek service focused on prayer and Bible study
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Baptism, for all those who have made a commitment to make Jesus their Saviour
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The Lord’s Supper (Communion), which is normally observed quarterly
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Evangelism through personal communications but also through our leaflet ministry in the local communities of Prestwich, Whitefield and the surrounding areas.
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Pastoral care for the congregation and wider community
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Regular events including guest speakers, Church lunches, ladies days, special services (Easter/Christmas etc)
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the above objects and vision, the charity’s main activities and achievements were as follows: Through the work of the Church, the Christian faith has been communicated to many people. Both adults and our younger folks have benefited from the social aspect of being in Church, and have been uplifted and challenged to see the truth of God through the Christian faith.
A great deal of Christian literature and invites continue to go out to the local community, and many people have had the opportunity to hear more about the good news contained in the Bible and the gospel message.
Overseas missionaries have continued to be supported both financially and with prayer, and we continue to support the Baptist Bible College in Telford.
We continue to develop our website and Facebook page where more information can be gained about both the Church and the Christian faith.
Community Baptist Church formed as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 22 April 2024 and on 15 July 2024 the assets of Community Baptist Church were transferred to the CIO, Community Baptist Church North Manchester. CBCNM has been registered with HMRC so that we can now apply for Gift Aid going forward which will enable us to maximise the impact that we have for our community.
In planning the activities, the trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Financial Review
For the period of 1 January 2024 to the end of the financial year 31 December 2024:
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Total income: £104,569
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Total expenditure: £46,224.
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Total funds on 31 December 2024: £249,904
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The amount held in the savings account which has been reserved for the acquisition of a building and establishment of a full time pastor as at 31 December 2024 was £206,268.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees of every charity are required to establish and record a reserves policy. Reserves are those funds which are designated to meet an emergency situation where a significant source of income has gone or has been reduced, or a significant need to spend has arisen.
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Community Baptist Church
Year ended 31[st] December 2024
Trustees’ Report
Up until now, the Church has not had any separate reserves within the main current account. Although thankfully, the Church has always been well funded and has contained enough funds to cover any eventuality.
Moving forward, and with the Church’s move towards becoming a CIO, it is proposed that a reserve policy will be formally adopted. It is anticipated that this will be at the level of £15,000 within the main current account.
The reserve policy is designed to cover two key risks:
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An amount might be needed to meet an unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need.
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One or more key donors leave the Church leading to a reduction in income. The reserves policy will contain an appropriate amount, equivalent to several weeks of income to allow time to encourage greater giving or to cut back on expenditure.
The operational implementation is the responsibility of the Treasurer who will make sure the current account bank balance does not fall below the reserve level.
However, as a precaution, if the balance is close to the reserve, the Treasurer will report this to the Pastor. Depending on the circumstances, the Pastor and the Treasurer will determine whether the matter is brought to the Trustees
If it does fall below the reserve figure, the Treasurer will note the date, the balance and any relevant circumstances and will notify the Trustees.
Public Benefit Statement
The Trustees confirm that they have taken into account the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our mission, purpose and objectives and in carrying out the Church activities. We have concluded that the Church operates in compliance with these guidelines.
Plans for the Future
To continue to minister and deliver the Christian message to the people of Prestwich and Whitefield and the wider north Manchester area.
We continue to pray that God may point us in the direction of a new Pastor who will continue to lead and grow the Church. We also pray that at some point down the line, we may have the opportunity to purchase a building which would be suitable for our regular services and activities, but also give us more operational flexibility moving forward to expand and develop our ministries.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees
| Signature | |
| Full name | Catherine Fearnhead |
| Position | Trustee and Church Treasurer |
| Date | 18/09/2025 |
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Independent Examiners Report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Community Baptist Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31st December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Nigel Wyatt BSC FCA Date: 19/09/2025 Independent Examiner 125 Main Street Garforth Leeds LS25 1AF
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Statement of Receipts and Payments
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds |
Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | Funds 2023 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Receipts | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 99,583 | 3,272 | 102,855 | 55,313 | |
| Investment income | 1,715 | - | 1,715 | 1,196 | |
| Other income | - | - | - | 60 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Total Receipts | 2 | 101,298 | 3,272 | 104,570 | 56,569 |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Payments | |||||
| Payments on charitable activities | 3, 8 | 36,665 | 9,559 | 46,224 | 29,870 |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Total Payments | 36,665 | 9,559 | 46,224 | 29,870 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Net Receipts / (Payments) | 64,633 | (6,287) | 58,346 | 26,699 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Net Movement in Funds (Cash) | |||||
| Total funds (Cash) brought forward | 7 | 191,349 | 209 | 191,558 | 164,859 |
| Transfers | (6,464) | 6,464 | - | - | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Total Funds (Cash) Carried Forward | 249,518 | 386 | 249,904 | 191,558 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| Funds Represented By | |||||
| General (Unrestricted) | 43,250 | - | 43,250 | 36,796 | |
| Designated funds | 206,268 | - | 206,268 | 154,553 | |
| Restricted funds | - | 386 | 386 | 209 | |
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ||
| 249,518 | 386 | 249,904 | 191,558 | ||
| ────────── | ────────── | ────────── | ────────── |
These financial statements were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf:
Catherine Fearnhead Name of leader: ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── Signed on behalf of the Trustees: ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── Date of approval: 18/09/2025 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As the accounts are prepared on a cash basis, there is no formal Balance Sheet or Statement of Financial Position. Instead, a statement of assets and liabilities is outlined giving an indication of the charity's assets at the year end.
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Current Assets | ||
| Cash at bank and petty cash | 249,904 | 191,558 |
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|
| 249,904 | 191,558 | |
| Gift aid debtor | 17,750 | - |
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|
| 17,750 | - |
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on a cash basis when receipts and payments take place through the bank account or petty cash.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted income funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the trustees, at their discretion, have set aside resources for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or the term of specific appeal, often known as a ‘special offering’ in the church.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources and the money has been paid.
Resources Expended
Expenditure is recognised on a cash basis when payments have been made through the bank account or by petty cash.
Governance Costs
Governance costs include the preparation and examination of the accounts, trustee meeting expenses, and legal advice relating to governance matters.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
| **2 ** | Analysis of Receipts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations and Legacies | ||||
| Donations - Bible Baptist College | - | 767 | 767 | |
| Donations - General | 99,583 | - | 99,583 | |
| Donations - Missions | - | 2,505 | 2,505 | |
| Gift aid | - | - | - | |
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||
| 99,583 | 3,272 | 102,855 | ||
| Investment Income | ||||
| Bank interest | 1,715 | - | 1,715 | |
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||
| 1,715 | - | 1,715 | ||
| Other Income | ||||
| Other | - | - | - | |
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||
| - | - | - | ||
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||
| Total Income | 101,298 | 3,272 | 104,570 | |
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||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations and Legacies | ||||
| Donations - Bible Baptist College | - | 1,065 | 1,065 | |
| Donations - General | 51,603 | - | 51,603 | |
| Donations - Missions | - | 2,645 | 2,645 | |
| Gift aid | - | - | - | |
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||
| 51,603 | 3,710 | 55,313 | ||
| Investment Income | ||||
| Bank interest | 1,196 | - | 1,196 | |
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||
| 108 | - | 1,196 | ||
| Other Income | ||||
| Other | 60 | - | 60 | |
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||
| 60 | - | 60 | ||
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||
| Total Income | 51,771 | 3,710 | 56,569 | |
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
3 Payments on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Administration costs | 22,309 | - | 22,309 |
| Premises costs | 4,816 | - | 4,816 |
| Missionary donations | - | 9,559 | 9,559 |
| Staffing costs | 9,540 | - | 9,540 |
| Visiting speakers | - | - | - |
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|
| 36,665 | 9,559 | 46,224 | |
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|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Administration costs | 6,683 | - | 6,683 |
| Premises costs | 4,585 | - | 4,585 |
| Missionary donations | - | 5,830 | 5,830 |
| Staffing costs | 8,503 | - | 8,503 |
| Visiting speakers | 4,269 | - | 4,269 |
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|
| 24,040 | 5,830 | 29,870 | |
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4 Volunteers
The church benefits greatly from the voluntary contributions of time and money by its formal members and regular attendees. Please refer to the trustee's report for further details about volunteer contributions to the organisation.
5 Independent Examination Fees
Fees payable to the independent examiner for
Fees payable to the independent examiner for 2024 2023 £ £ Independent examination and preparation of the financial 700 660 statements
6 Staff Costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Self employed ministry support | 9,540 | 8,503 |
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|
| 9,540 | 8,503 | |
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
7 Analysis of Charitable Funds
| 1 Jan 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers 31 Dec 2024 | Transfers 31 Dec 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted | |||||
| General | 36,796 | 99,583 | (36,665) | (56,464) | 43,250 |
────────── |
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|
| 36,796 | 99,583 | (36,665) | (56,464) | 43,250 | |
| Designated | |||||
| Building and pastor fund | 154,553 | 1,715 | - | 50,000 | 206,268 |
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|
| 154,553 | 1,715 | - | 50,000 | 206,268 | |
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|
| Total Unrestricted | 191,349 | 101,298 | (36,665) | (6,464) | 249,518 |
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|
| Restricted Funds | |||||
| Missions | - | 2,505 | (7,969) |
5,464 | - |
| Bible Baptist College | 209 | 767 | (1,590) |
1,000 | 386 |
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|
| Total Restricted Funds | 209 | 3,272 | (9,559) | 6,464 | 386 |
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|
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|
| Total Funds | 191,558 | 104,570 | (46,224) | - | 249,904 |
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|
| 1 Jan 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers 31 Dec 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted | |||||
| General | 31,502 | 52,859 | (24,040) | (23,525) | 36,796 |
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|
| 31,502 | 52,859 | (24,040) | (23,525) | 36,796 | |
| Designated | |||||
| Building and pastor fund | 133,357 | - | - | 21,196 | 154,553 |
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|
| 133,357 | - | - | 21,196 | 154,553 | |
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|
| Total Unrestricted | 164,859 | 52,859 | (24,040) | (2,329) | 191,349 |
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|
| Restricted Funds | |||||
| Missions | - | 2,645 | (4,974) |
2,329 | - |
| Bible Baptist College | - | 1,065 | (856) | - | 209 |
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|
| Total Restricted Funds | - | 3,710 | (5,830) | 2,329 | 209 |
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|
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|
| Total Funds | 164,859 | 56,569 | (29,870) | - | 191,558 |
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
Fund Transfers
Building and pastor fund
Transfer to top up the funds held for the purchase of a future building and to fund a full time pastor.
Fund Descriptions
Designated Funds
Funds set aside by the Church for the future purchase of a building and to fund a full time pastor.
Building and pastor fund Funds set aside by the Church for the future purchase of a building and to fund a full time pastor. Missions Money donated for the purpose of mission Bible Baptist College Money donated for the purpose of the Bible Baptist College
8 Trustees Remuneration and Expenses
During the year, two trustees were reimbursed a total of £5,207 for out-of-pocket expenses incurred personally on behalf of the charity. These expenses related to the day-to-day running of the church, including donations made to missionary organisations, legal and visa-related costs, and general operational expenditure. All reimbursements were supported by receipts and were made in line with the charity’s policies. No trustee received any remuneration for their role as a trustee during the year.
During the year, payments totalling £9,360 (2023: £9,360) were made to one trustee (2023: two), Pastor Alan Fearnhead, by way of a weekly stipend. Pastor Fearnhead received £180 per week. These payments reflect their respective responsibilities within the Church, with Pastor Fearnhead undertaking all pastoral and leadership duties.
Pastor Fearnhead is not employed by the charity and is responsible for filing his own tax returns independently. The stipends were approved by the trustees and are accounted for as charitable expenditure in furtherance of the Church’s purposes.
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Community Baptist Church
Year Ended 31st December 2024
Notes to the Financial Statements
| **8 ** | Detailed Payment Analysis | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Administration costs | |||
| Accountant / legal | 21,111 | 4,865 | |
| Church resources | 181 | 693 | |
| Equipment & consumables | 397 | 636 | |
| General church expenses | 86 | 135 | |
| IT | 39 | - | |
| Insurance | 197 | 354 | |
| Licences | 97 | - | |
| Website | 201 | - | |
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||
| 22,309 | 6,683 | ||
| Premises costs | |||
| Rent and room hire | 4,816 | 4,585 | |
| Utilities | - | - | |
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||
| 4,816 | 4,585 | ||
| Missionary donations | |||
| Donations (CBC missionaries) | 7,969 | 5,570 | |
| Donations (non-CBC missionaries) | 1,590 | 260 | |
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||
| 9,559 | 5,830 | ||
| Staffing costs | |||
| Self employed stipend support | 9,540 | 8,503 | |
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||
| 9,540 | 8,503 | ||
| Visiting speakers | |||
| Visiting speakers - expenses | - | 2,019 | |
| Visiting speakers - love offering | - | 2,250 | |
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||
| - | 4,269 | ||
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||
| Total Payments | 46,224 | 29,870 | |
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