Charity Registration No. 236171
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4 Brackley Close Bournemouth International Airport Christchurch Dorset BH23 6SE
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Mrs A H Evans Mr B Roberts Mr C Fleming
Charity number 236171 Principal address 2A Church Road Lower Parkstone Poole Dorset BH14 0NN Independent examiner Harrisons Chartered Accountants Bournemouth International Airport Christchurch Dorset BH23 6SE
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 11 |
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities
The object of the Church is to provide religious services in accordance with the Church Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
For much of 2020 and 2021 Church services were held on Zoom due to Government restrictions. In October 2021 equipment was installed in the Church building to enable the services to continue to be transmitted on Zoom. Since reopening the Church building hybrid services have been held with congregations both in the building and online, enabling more people to access Church services from the local community and further afield in the UK.
In 2021, members also agreed to the design of a new website to enhance our outreach and this was launched in April 2022. In 2022 we also increased our support for UK Christian Science activities including donations towards the UK Summit 2022 and a lecture at the Commonwealth Games.
From 2019 to 2022 the Reading Room was open to the public 3 and a half days a week (except when Government restrictions prevented it) and during 2023 it has been open 3 days a week. The displays and screen in the window can be viewed 24/7 and are regularly refreshed.
In August 2023 the flat above the Reading Room became vacant and members agreed to invest some £20,000 on refurbishment. This included renewing the kitchen, toilet and bathroom, renewing much of the carpeting, redecoration throughout, renewal of the fencing and some minor repairs. A water leak in the ground floor came to light during building works which was repaired but it is now clear that complete rebuilding of the floor of the Reading Room will be needed. Funding from our insurance company has been received towards the cost of renewing the damaged carpet in the Reading Room. Tenants moved into the flat in February 2024. In December 2024 a leak in the cold water pipe in the flat resulted in a considerable amount of water pouring into the Reading Room. The leak was quickly mended and a claim made to our insurance company for the damage caused to the Reading Room. An industrial dehumidifier was used to dry out the Reading Room. Following the water leak the tenants reported an unrelated problem with condensation and mould as well as a damp patch on the top floor bedroom ceiling which is being investigated. It is intended that necessary repairs to remedy the damp and condensation will be carried out. It is also intended that an application will be prepared for funding from the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker Eddy for refurbishing the Reading Room to bring it up to date and improve its utility and attractiveness to the public, including renewal of the flooring.
Financial review
The trustees wish to draw attention to the decrease in donations received this year and the charity making an overall deficit of £4,579 (2023: £7,968) and are grateful in particular to the Dagny Raymond Trust for the generous donation of £24,906
The unrestricted funds are in surplus by £290,823 (2023: £295,402) of which £168,666 is made up of freehold property. The general fund is available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
The designated freehold property fund represents restricted funds utilised at the discretion of the trustees for the purpose of purchasing and improving the freehold property and other assets. Freehold property purchases and improvements, together with revaluation gains and losses on this property, are retained as part of this fund.
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Iru5tees have assessed the rnajor ii5k5 to whth the tharlty ts exposed. and are sattstsj Inal swns ar8 in Flac¢ to tnrtuat8 exptssurè to Ihè mapr ii5k& Struetur•y gov•rnaTKe and manag•mont First Church of Christ. Soenb"sL Poole +s an unlnctrwla organt5ation found&J in 1916 as a branch ofTh8 First Church ofChrisL S¢ientisL in 805ton. Massathu8etts, ffhe Mother Ctwr¢hl. ar is regirytered wih the Charity Commission as Charity No. 236171. The trustees ser¥ed duriro th& and up to th8 datè fAggnattJm of fina¢81 stat8m?nts were.. MrsA M Evans Mr B Roberts Mr C Rerning (Arwinted 24Awl 20231 w tnJst88s sg1gct8d by the merrth8rs in MggtiThJ aThJ a maion.ty vote ofthose pre8enl is $S8ry makè Ihè ses0¢fj. Thert is an Executwe Board conwstiThJ of Ihr9e to fve elected amu* by tha Ch4wth membwship. Officors in addltion lo ccfftlst rA:. al PirÈt and sen Readws bl President ¢1 Llbrarian dl Sun(Jay Schoc4 SLwenfttenl el Clerk t) Twsurer Th• truste8S' vrés appToved by the Board of Trustees. MrsAHEva Trustse
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST. SCIENTIST, POOLE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST. SCIENTIST. POOLE I report to the Injslees on my e¥8minalion ol Ihe financaal stements of Frst Church of Christ. Scientist. Poole Ilhe d)arityl fof the year ended 31 December 2024. R•8ponslbilitie8 anql basi¥ of report As the trustees of the Charity you are respmsible for thg FwaralK)n ol the finanoaal statemenls in aCCrdanCe th th8 rèquirements olthe Charities Act 2011. I report in respect of my examHi3lion of the cali$ finarwial stments wied urhjer section 145 of thg Chartties Act 2011. In carrying out my eXaminab. I ha follmd the Directs given by the Charrty Commission under section 145151{b) of ChanbesAd 2011. Ind•pendont examinerfs statefflent I have completed my exalnination. I confirn that no matters have come to ffly attention in nnecti1)n with the examination giving ffle cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting re(JJrds were not kept in [esFt of the (tsity as re(wred by section 130 of the Charits"es Act 2011. the financial statements do not accorf 7Mth tlb)se reo)rds'. or the financAal statements do not compty with the applicabk requirements rn1ftY the form and content of fInarla1 statements set out in the Charittes (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2t#J8 other than any r8quiremenl that the financ4al statements gNe a true aThJ fair view, is not a matter conside as part of an independent examinth'on. I have no concems and have come auoss no other mattèrs in tx)nneclion with the examination to whi altenlion Should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a propw understanding of the finanual st8lemenls to be reached. Harrisons Ch 4 Brackley Close 8ournemouth Iritemational Airport Christthurch Dor5el 8H23 6SE
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 36,860 | 49,077 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 3,117 | 3,256 |
| Investments | 5 | 21,026 | 13,583 |
| Total income | 61,003 | 65,916 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 6 | 65,582 | 73,884 |
| Total expenditure | 65,582 | 73,884 | |
| Net expenditure and movement in funds | (4,579) | (7,968) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 January 2024 | 295,402 | 303,370 | |
| Fund balances at 31 December 2024 | 290,823 | 295,402 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE BALANCE SHEE[ ASAT31 DEGEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixod as8•t• TangitAè assets 11 172,450 179,647 Current ou•ts Stocks Debiors Investn*nts Cash at bank and in hand 12 13 14 2.022 6.854 70.577 41.9g9 110.156 124.078 121.360 Crwditors.. amounts famlng due wfthln one year 15 15.705) 15.8051 NBt Gurrgnl assets 118,3n 115,155 Total assets current 1sabfilst•s .823 295.402 Funds Oltr ¢harity Unrestricted funds 290,823 295.402 29).823 295,402 financial ststements were aFgfov8d by the Twstees on ........ Mr5 A H Evans TrtyJte•
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is 2A Church Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0NN.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
-
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
-
expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
-
other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Freehold buildings 2% straight line Fixtures and fittings 10% straight line Equipment 5% straight line
Freehold land is not depreciated.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.8 Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell.
1.9 Financial instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and collections | 28,635 | 40,616 |
| Covenants and gift aid | 8,225 | 8,461 |
| 36,860 | 49,077 |
4 Income from charitable activities
| Reading | Reading | |
|---|---|---|
| room | room | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Sales within charitable activities | 3,117 | 3,256 |
5 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other income | 17,730 | 10,150 |
| Interest receivable | 3,296 | 3,433 |
| 21,026 | 13,583 |
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6 Charitable activities
| Church activities Reading room 2024 2024 £ £ Charitable activities 7,622 3,787 Share of support costs (see note 7) 43,932 8,371 Share of governance costs (see note 7) 1,870 - 53,424 12,158 Support costs Support costs Governance costs £ £ Church Activities 52,303 - Legal and professional - 1,870 52,303 1,870 Analysed between Charitable activities 52,303 1,870 |
Total 2024 Church activities Reading room 2023 2023 £ £ £ 11,409 4,888 7,309 52,303 53,705 6,072 1,870 1,910 - 65,582 60,503 13,381 2024Support costs Governance costs £ £ £ 52,303 59,777 - 1,870 - 1,910 54,173 59,777 1,910 54,173 59,777 1,910 |
Total 2023 £ 12,197 59,777 1,910 |
|---|---|---|
| 73,884 | ||
| 2023 £ 59,777 1,910 |
||
| 61,687 | ||
| 61,687 |
7 Support costs
Governance costs includes independent examiners fees of £1,870 (2023- £1,710).
| 8 | Net movement in funds | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
| Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial | |||
| statements | 1,870 | 1,710 | |
| Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets | 7,730 | 7,711 |
9 Trustees
None of the trustees received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 11 Tangible fixed assets Freehold land and buildings Fixtures and fittings Equipment £ £ £ Cost At 1 January 2024 355,676 22,212 9,348 Additions - 533 - At 31 December 2024 355,676 22,745 9,348 Depreciation and impairment At 1 January 2024 180,076 18,165 9,348 Depreciation charged in the year 6,934 796 - At 31 December 2024 187,010 18,961 9,348 Carrying amount At 31 December 2024 168,666 3,784 - At 31 December 2023 175,600 4,047 - 12 Stocks 2024 £ Total stock 2,022 13 Debtors 2024 Other debtors 6,656 Prepayments and accrued income 2,442 9,098 14 Current asset investments 2024 £ Short term deposits 110,156 15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 £ Accruals and deferred income 5,705 |
Total £ 387,236 533 |
|---|---|
| 387,769 | |
| 207,589 7,730 |
|
| 215,319 | |
| 172,450 | |
| 179,647 | |
| 2023 £ 1,930 |
|
| 2023 4,420 2,434 |
|
| 6,854 | |
| 2023 £ 70,577 |
|
| 2023 £ 5,605 |
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FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, POOLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
16 Unrestricted funds
The income funds of the charity include the following unrestricted funds:
| Movement in funds | Movement in funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | |
| 1 January 2024 | resources | expended | 31 December | |
| 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Freehold property fund | 175,600 | - | (6,934) | 168,666 |
| General fund | 119,802 | 61,003 | (58,648) | 122,157 |
| 295,402 | 61,003 | (65,582) | 290,823 | |
| Movement in funds | ||||
| Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | |
| 1 January 2023 | resources | expended | 31 December | |
| 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Freehold property fund | 182,534 | - | (6,934) | 175,600 |
| General fund | 120,836 | 65,916 | (66,950) | 119,802 |
| 303,370 | 65,916 | (73,884) | 295,402 |
The designated freehold property fund represents unrestricted funds utilised at the discretion of the trustees for the purpose of purchasing and improving the freehold property.
17 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - £nil).
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