2024-12-31-accounts - Together Church Torbay

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Trustees' Annual Report for the period

Period start date Period end date 1[st] June 2024 31[st] December 2024

From

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name

Together Church Torbay

Other names charity is known by

Registered charity number (if any) 1208849

Charity's principal address Together Church Building St James Road Torquay, Devon Postcode TQ1 4AZ

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
Timothy Nicholas Steer	Chair	1.6.24-date
Stephen John Thieman	Trustee, Elder	1.6.24-date
Jonathan Yandall	Trustee	1.6.24-date
Dr. Jonathan Moffett	Trustee	1.6.24-date
David Ryan	Treasurer	1.6.24-date
Raymond Melvyn Jones	Trustee	1.6.24-date

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
Greg Bell	Church Operations Manager	9 St. James Road, Upton, Torquay

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Peter Clayton, pastor and lead elder

Section B Structure, governance and management

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Description of the charity’s trusts

CIO Governing Constitution Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) CIO How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Appointed by Trustees with input from Church Leadership Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, elected by)

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

The Charity is in the process of changing from a former Trust to a CIO. The Charity is associated with and part of the wider Commission group of churches, which provides support, oversight and resources.

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

Section C

Objectives and activities

Together Church began in 1998 as the Kings Arms church with a passion to make an impact for Jesus in the Torbay Community. The new charity, Together Church Torbay, has now grown to a membership of more than 100 families across Torbay and South Devon.

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

Its objectives are to advance the Christian religion for the benefit of the public, to prevent or relieve poverty and deprivation in Torbay and further afield, and to support the church members in their efforts for the same.

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Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)

Sunday Services, Morning and Evening The church currently meets in two locations, at our own building in Upton and in a rented space in Ellacombe. This allows us to support two different communities. We begin our meetings with songs that reflect our relationship with God. We love God passionately and are deeply grateful to him for all he has done for us. Between songs, various people are welcome to pray or read from the Bible as appropriate. We then have a short personal testimony from a church member or invited guest, speaking about how they have experienced God’s love and power in their lives. On occasion this may be replaced by a specific alternative, such as a two minutes’ silence on Remembrance Sunday. We then typically have a five-minute break. Someone will then teach from a part of the Bible. We are eager to learn what God says to us in the Bible and to know how to live it out. Our preaching is therefore intended to explain what the Bible passage means and to show the impact it has on our lives in the 21[st] century. This is more in-depth in our evening services with extended teaching elements. Our services concludes with tea and coffee. This is also an important part of our services, when there is time to catch up with one another, develop friendships and pray with one another. Life Groups Church is about more than Sunday mornings, and so we also have smaller groups that meet during the week, which focus on being a church family as well as continuing our journey of loving God. Our small groups are called ‘Tens Groups,’ reflecting their rough average membership, and in them we aim to be enjoying life with God, sharing life with one another and offering new life to our friends. Whether we have been Christians for decades or just for days, we all need the help of others if we are to become what God is calling us to be. Tens groups are a forum to make friends, express care for one another and to worship God together and learn how to follow him more closely. They also provide an opportunity for people to serve, and learn how to participate in meetings. Tens Groups each have an appointed leader(s) but the intention is that everyone will play a part in the life and activities of the group. Tens Groups are vitally important in the life of Together Church and the development and support of all church members. Our Tens Groups meet in homes, typically once a week, in various locations in Torbay. Tens Group members also get together at other times when group events are organised. With changes to the church leadership, we have held more whole-church evenings to ensure that we are open and thorough in communicating with the church membership. Children and Young People We are committed to providing the very best care and attention to our children (which includes operating a full Child Protection Policy). Our aim is to provide a fun, friendly context in which they can learn about the relevance God has to their lives. Our 0-18s Groups include a growing Tots group for preschool children and parents on several mornings a week, aiming to reach families across our community. We also run Friday afternoon/evening groups split for primary and secondary school-aged children, run by a dedicated team who plan an action-filled session including worship, drama and fun games. Secondary school age This is our group for young people who attend secondary school. We offer a variety of fun activities and games mixed with worship, teaching and advice and building fellowship.

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Schools work

We have been closely involved with the schools locally, including Upton School and St. Cuthbert Mayne. We continue to provide Bibles for the pupils, run assemblies and have offered the use of our church building as an activity space.

Other groups

We provide a free, collaborative room space and resources for a range of local groups, including a well-attended Tots group for parents and preschool children, Home 4 Good (adoption and fostering support charity) and anger management support. We have also supported the local council with a space for meetings and community groups. In some weeks we have had more than 500 people through the building for various events and activities. We consider being generous with allowing access to our building as an expression of our giving and outreach.

We have established an annual internship opportunity within the church, allowing development and encouragement of our young adults.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

Public Benefit

The Trustees are mindful of the Charity Commission’s guidance on Public Benefit and have taken account it when making decisions. The trustees believe that all of the activities detailed above comply with this guidance, in that no discrimination is made against any individual or organisation.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

policy on grantmaking;
policy programme related investment;
contribution made by volunteers.

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Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Together Church has met together regularly in various settings for worship, prayer and friendship. We have also hosted a variety of events to which guests have been invited, including guest services, social events, and a Carol Service. We have held regular activities for the children and young people in the church. We also supported our young people in attending the Spree church event in Exeter.

As a result of these activities we have seen a number of people, of all ages, come to faith in Jesus Christ. Existing church members have developed both their faith and support for one another. We organised a church camping weekend together, which was a great opportunity for fellowship and worship together. We continue to develop our processes and procedures, prioritising Safeguarding.

2: Relief and Support

Church members have supported one another through a variety of difficult or challenging life situations. The church has also supported local care initiatives and build a network of involved local churches, including the ongoing Living Room project at St. Mary Magdalene.

3. Ellacombe site

The church is looking to expand our support to the Ellacombe community, and we continue to look for a permanent situation as well as ways to better meet local needs. The former CofE church in Ellacombe may be available as a location, subject to agreement from other parties.

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Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the

charity’s policy on reserves

It is Together Church’s intent to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds (if possible) which equates to at least two months’ unrestricted payments to cover emergency situations which arise from time to time. This will need to be built up over a period of several years, to manage ongoing costs.

We would still aim to retain three months’ if possible, though increased staffing costs make this a long-term aim.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;

The principal source of income for Together Church Torbay is from its members, who give as they feel appropriate. We may also receive contributions from other sources, for example a gratuity from another church if one of our team has preached there.

The trustees confirm, in accordance with the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012, that at the year end the CIO did not have outstanding guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured on the assets of the CIO.

investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Full name(s) Timothy Nicholas Steer Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Chair

Date 1/10/25

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Receipts & Payments Statement

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Receipts
Donations & Legacies
Donations 41,017 16,451 57,467 0
Gift Aid 4,504 0 4,504 0
Grants 0 1,000 1,000 0
Charitable Activities
Event Income 0 0 0 0
Investments
Bank Interest 138 0 138 0
Trading Activities
Rental Income 0 0 0 0
Sales 0 0 0 0
Other
Loans Received 0 0 0 0
Other Income 6,440 0 6,440 0
Sale of Fixed Assets 0 0 0 0
Sale of Investments 0 0 0 0
Total receipts 52,098 17,451 69,549 0
Payments
Charitable Activities
Activities 6,083 0 6,083 0
Admin 2,318 0 2,318 0
Advertising 0 0 0 0
Bank Charges 25 0 25 0
Event Costs 994 0 994 0
Gifts Given 3,738 0 3,738 0
Other Expenditure 93 0 93 0
Premises 2,015 0 2,015 0
Staff Costs 27,080 0 27,080 0
Governance Costs
Governance Costs 0 0 0 0
Other
Fixed Asset Purchases 0 0 0 0
Loans Repaid 0 0 0 0
Money Invested 0 0 0 0
Total payments 42,346 0 42,346 0
Net Receipts / Payments (before 9,752 17,451 27,203 0
transfers)
Fund Transfers In 300 6,000 6,300 0
Fund Transfers Out 6,300 0 6,300 0
Net Movement of Cash Funds 3,752 23,451 27,203 0
Total Cash Funds Brought Forward 0 0 0 0
Total Cash Funds Carried Forward 3,752 23,451 27,203 0
Represented By
General (Unrestricted) 3,752 0 3,752 0
Together Church transfers 0 0 0 0
(Unrestricted)
Together Tots (Restricted) 0 1,000 1,000 0
Ellacombe Fund (Restricted) 0 22,451 22,451 0
----- End of picture text -----

Asset & Liability Statement

----- Start of picture text -----
Cash Assets
Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
General (Unrestricted) 3,752 0 3,752 0
Together Church transfers (Unrestricted) 0 0 0 0
Together Tots (Restricted) 0 1,000 1,000 0
Ellacombe Fund (Restricted) 0 22,451 22,451 0
Other Monetary Assets
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Gift Aid 0 0 0 0
Stock 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0
Investment Assets
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Property 0 0 0 0
Investment Accounts 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0
Fixed Assets
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Land & Buildings 0 0 0 0
Music & PA Equipment 14,250 0 14,250 0
Computers & IT 5,020 0 5,020 0
Furniture 3,821 0 3,821 0
Motor Vehicles 0 0 0 0
Liabilities
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Loans Outstanding 0 0 0 0
Pension Payment Owed 0 0 0 0
HMRC Payments Owed 0 0 0 0
Independent Examination Fee Due 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0
----- End of picture text -----

Signature

These accounts have been approved by the trustees, and are signed on their behalf by: Name: Timothy Steer

Signature

Date: 27/10/2025

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Together Church Torbay Charitable Incorporated Organisation no. 1208849

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Together Church Torbay - a Charitable Incorporated Organisation for the period ended 31[st] December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees 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 Charity’s accounts 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 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: Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or The accounts do not accord with those records.

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.

I P Barrett FCA FCIE

Barretts Chartered Accountants 22 Union Street Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 2JS 24[th] October 2025

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