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2026-04-30-accounts

Durham Presbyterian Church Charity Annual Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2026

Contents

1. Trustees’ Annual Report

2. Independent Examiner’s Report

3. Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)

1. Trustees' Report

The trustees are pleased to present their report on the activities of Durham Presbyterian Church during the year. We give thanks to God for His continued faithfulness in sustaining the church and enabling us to fulfil our charitable purpose of advancing the Christian faith through the public worship of God, the teaching of Scripture, pastoral care, evangelism and service to our local community.

Public Worship and Teaching

The regular worship of God remained at the heart of church life throughout the year. Morning services included preaching through Ephesians and Hebrews, while afternoon services continued studies in 2 Kings and Psalm 105 before commencing a new series in Ezra. Midweek meetings continued to provide Bible teaching, fellowship and corporate prayer, including a series in James followed by studies on the fruit of the Spirit.

congregation's continued commitment to gathering for worship and fellowship.

Pastoral Care

The elders and deacons continued to provide pastoral oversight of the congregation through regular visitation, prayer and practical support.

The trustees are grateful for the many members who quietly serve one another through acts of hospitality, encouragement and practical care.

Children's and Family Ministry

The weekly Children's Meeting continued during school term, serving around ten children each week. Teaching was provided through age-appropriate Bible studies, with the younger children following the Go Teach, Come Learn curriculum while older children studied biblical themes through meals recorded in Scripture. The church gives thanks for the children's growing knowledge of God's Word.

Women's Bible Study

The Women's Bible Study continued to meet weekly during school terms, with attendance typically between nine and twelve ladies. During the year the group completed studies in the Sermon on the Mount and Nehemiah before beginning John's Gospel. These meetings have continued to strengthen fellowship while encouraging participants to apply the teaching of Scripture to daily life.

Student Ministry

Student ministry remains a significant area of outreach. The weekly Student Bible Study has now completed its third year and attendance has grown steadily from four students when it began to approximately twenty-three regular attendees. Sunday attendance among university students has also increased significantly, with many becoming actively involved in the life and service of the church.

Alongside the regular Bible studies, the church hosted conferences entitled In His Image and Love: The Greatest Commandment , with preparations underway for the forthcoming

conference, Last Things First . The ministry continues to provide opportunities for discipleship, evangelism and hospitality among students from both the UK and overseas.

While many students joining the church are already Christians, the trustees continue to pray for conversions and for further opportunities to proclaim the gospel throughout Durham.

Church Property and Facilities

During the year several improvements were made to the church premises. Additional sanctuary space was created through internal alterations, external entrance steps were repaired, and electrical improvements included new sockets, lighting and switches.

The trustees have also begun developing a long-term maintenance programme for the church buildings by identifying necessary repairs and obtaining quotations to prioritise future works. Following a generous anonymous donation, significant progress has also been made towards upgrading the church's audio-visual system. These improvements will enhance the quality of sound within the building, improve accessibility for those using the hearing loop, and strengthen the church's ability to provide remote access to services and prayer meetings.

Administration

The church has continued to improve its administrative systems during the year. Work is underway to develop a mobile application to assist members serving on weekly rotas, making schedules and instructions more readily accessible.

The trustees have also continued to investigate options for replacing or refurbishing the sanctuary seating as part of the ongoing maintenance of church facilities.

Governance

During the year John Denning stepped down from serving as a deacon, and the trustees record their sincere gratitude for his faithful service. Peter Matthess was presented to the congregation as a candidate for the o�ice of deacon, with the election process to follow.

trustees also acknowledge that Jonathan Winch will be stepping down from his responsibilities following his move to Oxford and thank him for his service to the congregation.

Looking Forward

The trustees are thankful for the Lord's provision throughout the year. Financial needs have continued to be met, attendance has remained healthy, ministry opportunities have expanded, and many members have exercised their gifts in teaching, hospitality and service. Looking ahead, the church seeks to continue strengthening pastoral care, developing student ministry, maintaining and improving its buildings, and proclaiming the gospel throughout Durham. The trustees ask for continued prayer that the Lord would raise up additional o�icebearers, bring many to saving faith in Christ, and continue to establish Durham Presbyterian Church as a faithful witness to the gospel for generations to come.

6. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Signature: _____

Name: Philip Baiden Position: Trustee Date: 29/06/2026

2. Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Durham Presbyterian Church

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026 which are set out below.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fair view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Name: Liam Richardson

Address: 70 Ballymena Road, Larne, Northern Ireland, BT40 2SG Date: 02/06/2026

3. Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)

For the year ended 31 March 2026

3.1 Income 2025–26 (£) 2024–25 (£)
Banked O�erings 8,180.52 3,460
EFT Giving 9,941.12 2,853
Stewardship / Tithe 46,696.81 17,691
Giving through Stripe — 1,452
Church Holiday 5,032.91 3,601
Total Income 69,851.36 29,057
3.2 Expenditure 2025–26 (£) 2024–25 (£)
Annual Insurance 894.96 844
Accounting Fees 0.00 —
Energy 3,005.94 1,510
Gardening Service 833.50 453
Legal Fees 1,721.40 —
Internet 512.16 241
Council Tax – Payroll 180.58 1,000
Payroll / Stipend 47,948.24 15,413
Pension – Payroll 7,016.00 2,350
HMRC – Payroll — 6,472
Misc (stationery, refreshments etc.) 528.05 121
Outreach & Development 35.00 264
Church Holiday Expenses 4,601.63 3,050
Repairs & Maintenance 487.17 850
Visiting Preacher Expenses 940.00 50
Water 565.33 190
Website Hosting 337.48 133
Deaconal Support 0.00 0
Church Tithe 150.00 —
Health & Hope (Burma) — 0
The Kanes (Wycli�e Ministries) — 0
Total Expenditure 69,757.44 32,942

3.3 Net Movement in Funds

3.3 Net Movement in Funds
2025–26 (£) 2024–25 (£)
Surplus / (Defcit) for the year 93.92 (3,885)

4. Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2026

4.1 Assets

31 Mar 2026 (£) 31 Mar 2025 (£)
Cash at Bank and In Hand 39,930.37 39,612
Debtors 0.00 0
Fixed Assets (Property & Equipment)* — 8,500
Total Assets 39,930.37 48,112

*2025–26 position di�ers because the church property transfer into the CIO had not legally completed by year end and is disclosed in notes rather than recognised as a fixed asset.

*2025 balance from prior signed accounts

4.2 Liabilities and Funds

4.2 Liabilities and Funds
31 Mar 2026 (£) 31 Mar 2025 (£)
Creditors (Unpaid Bills) 0.00 0
Loans / Other Liabilities 0.00 0
Net Assets 39,930.37 48,112
Unrestricted Funds 39,930.37 48,112
Restricted Funds 0.000
Total Charity Funds 39,930.37 48,112

Opening bank balance provided: £39,611.65 Closing bank balance provided: £39,930.37

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Signature: _____

Name: Philip Baiden Position: Trustee Date: 29/06/2026

5. Notes to the Accounts

1. Accounting Policies

The accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom.

All income and expenditure are recognised in the period to which they relate, not when cash is received or paid.

2. Property and Fixed Assets

The church occupies and operates from The Chapel, Laburnum Avenue, Durham, DH1 4HA. The property is valued at approximately £400,000.

although instructions had been given and the matter was with the Deeds O�ice.

year ended 31 March 2026 but is disclosed here for completeness.

3. Fund Accounting

No restricted or designated funds were held during the financial year.

4. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

One trustee, who serves as the minister of the charity, received remuneration for their pastoral role during the year.

This remuneration included:

This remuneration was made in accordance with the charity’s governing document and approved by the trustees in compliance with charity law.

No other trustees received remuneration or reimbursement for expenses.

5. Related Party Transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year other than trustee remuneration disclosed above.

6. Events and Activities

A church holiday took place during the year, generating income of £5,032.91 and incurring expenses of £4,601.63.