Charity Reglstration No: 247217 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST Re ort of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements th For the Year Ended 5 A ril 2025
THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THEYEAR ENDED S- APRIL 2025 CONTENTS Pages Reference and administrative details Report of the Trustees Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 9-12
Page I THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST REFERENCE AND ADMINIStRATIVE DAlLs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5- APRIL 2025 CHARITY NAME The Down Gospel Trust REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 247217 TRUSTEES Mr. A. Lamming Mr. J.A. Nunn Mr. L. Pocock Mr. H.R. Turner (Chairl appointed 10.04.2024 Mr.T.VanAs resigned 16.04.2025 TREASURER Mr. J.A. Nunn PRINCIPAL ADDRESS CIO Mr. J.A. Nunn, 150 London Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3BB INDEPENDENT EXAMINER AND ACCOUNTANT Keith F. Pavev, 8roadoak Accounting Services, 6 The Oaks. Wembdon Rise, Bridgwater, Somer5et. TA6 7QL. BANKERS HSBC, 2 Market Place, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3HE.
Page 2 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5- APRIL 2025 The Trustees present their Report along with the Financial Statements of the Charity for the Year Ended 5 April 2025. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 9 and comply WFth the Trust Deed and applicable law. Strurture Governance and Mana ement Governin Document The Charity is controlled by a Deed of Trust, and constitutes an Unincorporated Charity. The Down Gospel Trust is constituted by a Deed of Trust dated 24 May 1965, subsequent amending Deeds, and most recently by a Deed of Variation dated 9 January 2015. The Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 19, April 1966 under Charity Registration Number- 247217. Recruitment and A ointment of New Trustees The TrLtstees who have seNed during the year and since the year end are set out on page l. None of the Trustees. nor any person connected with them, received any remuneration or expenses from the Charity in the Year. nor in the preceding financial year. The Trust operates five Gospel Ha115 and Trustees are chosen from among the regular congregation of the halls. NewTrustees are nominated by the existingTrustees or by the congregation and must be appointed by unanimous resolution of the congregation. They are selected according to their skills and experience and are expected to use both in furthering the objects of the Charity. Checks are made to ensure the Trustee5' eligibility to act and incoming Trustees are made aware of their responsibilities by the existing Trustees. who ensure that new Trustees read the Trust Deed and relevant Charity Commission guidance. Wider Network The Trustees maintain informal links with Trustees of similar Charities with a view to pooling experience considered useful in pursuing the objects of the Charity. Risk Mana ement The Trustees have identified and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and confirm that they have established systems or procedures to manage and mitigate those risks. Ob'ectives and activlties Ob'ectives and aims The charitable purposes of the Charity are the advancement of the Christian religion forthe public benefit. including by the carrying on of the service of God in accordance with the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible as followed by those Christians forming part of the world-wide fellowship know as the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (the "Brethren") and any other charitable purposes connected with Brethren. The core dottrine of the Brethren and proper practices in furtherance of certain aspects of dortrine are summarised in two schedules to the Trust Deed. Publlc benefft The Trijstees confim that they have complied with their duty under section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance to charities on public benefit. and in accord with the further detail on Page 3 under"Spreading the Gospel message".
Page 3 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5- APRIL 2025 CONTINUED Main Actwities and achievements The Trust provides and maintains five Gospel Halls where religious meetings are held by the local Brethren community. Details of the origins, teachings and way of life of the Brethren can be found on their website - www. mouthbrethrenchristi8nchurch.or and in the schedules to the Trust Deed. The Trusvs main achievements this year have been to maintain the Gospel Halls held, for the continuing use of the congregation and visitors. It has a150 encouraged works by the congregation, as described below. Meetin Meetings normally held at the Gospel halls include the Lord's Supper (Communion), Gospel preachings, Bible readings and Bible addresses. There is a structured weekly schedule of meetings and, depending on the particular meeting, between 20 and 800 people normally attend these occasions. The meetings are attended by the regular congregation and most are open to other properly disposed visitors. The notice board outside the Hall welcomes visitors and displays times of Gospel preaching5, along with a telephone number for those seeking further information or help. Gospel tratt5, which are distributed by street preachers, also display this information. Bibles and an extensive range of other Christian reading material are on display at the halls and visitors are free to help themselves. readln the Gos el messa e and the life of a Christian The Gospel Halls are a base from which the regular congregation and others who attend the meetings are encouraged to spread the Christian Gospel, in word and deed. Members of the congregation participate in a programme of street preaching and Gospel tratts are provided free of charge by the Charity to such preachers and to be handed out to interested members of the public. Such preachings took pla regularly twice a week throughout the year from two locations in Chippenham and with over ten congregation members regularly preathing. In addition, members of the congregation have undertaken public benefit and outreach work in accord with the Public Benefit Report attached. This included keeping verges cut and areas tidy and litter free including some byways in the vicinity of the principal Gospel Hall, with freelabour and, where appropriate machinery. Refreshments were also provided for a charitable Scarecrow Festival in Kington Langley. Members of the congregation have also supported a separate charity. the Rapid Relief Team, irb its activities in the local area. This included providing hot catering and refreshments for a Bath Walk of Life event at Biadford-on-Avon, a Fire Service incident, a Wilts Air Ambulance event, a Heals activity day* Methodist Church event, a SAR training event, and a WILSAR missing person search. In carrying out this work, the congregation considers itself to be living out its faith in prattice, as particularly exemplified in the following extract from the schedule to the Trust Deed on living a Christian Life-_ We seek and are encouraged to live exemplary lives in all our relationships with others in the wider Community (including former Brethren), in accordance with the teachings of Holy Scripture11 Tim 2..21.
Page 4 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5- APRIL 2025 corinNUED Feadin the Gos I messa and the Ilfe of a Christian Continued We regularly go out from our homes to preach on the streets. to distribLEte Christian literature and engage with the wider community lincluding former Brethren) in order to present eternal salvation, available to all men by farth in Jesus Christ.12 rim 4:2}. We seek as members of the publicto lead Christian lives as husbands and wives, parents. children. employers. employees and neighbours. Icol 3.22-25, Col 4.11. The preservation and protection of the family untt is fundamental and children are prized 05 a blessingfrom God. (Psalm 127-3-51. The elderly are valued members ofthe community. forwhom both their family and the wider community are expected to care. Holy Scripture commands us to be good neighbours to others, and deal with all other people lincluding former Brethren) openly, honestly and fairly and consistent with these principles, we should give our time. talents and money to aSSi5t those in need in the wider community, in so far as reasonable given our abilities and our available resources. (Matt 7..12, Matt 22-39. Eph 4.281. Volunteers The Down Gospel Trust relies on volunteers to carry out the management. administration and, whe appropriate. general maintenance work. The Trust has no paid staff or paid Trustees. Fundin Funding is sought through gifts and donations from the congregation. Grants are sometimes reteived from other charitable trusts with complementary objectives. Gift aid is also claimed on relevant gifts. Flnanclal review Financlal sitlon In the Year ended 5, April 2025 the Trust had a deficit amounting to £62,125 of Incoming Resource5 against Resources Expended (after Depreciation charged of £104.8771- Totsl voluntary Income received this Year was £114.783 compared to £122.805 in the Year to S, Aprll 2024. Monies held on Bank Accounts at the year end totalled £103,953. All Funds held were Unre5trirted Funds. Reserves The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments. The Trustees have a programme of raising further funds by way of donations and collettions. and if necessary loans, in order to fund intended projects. and to facilTtate repayment of existing lending. The congregation is kept regularly informed of needs accordingly, including matters referred to in the paragraphs below. Free reseNes at the year end were £104,220, which will assist the further Intentions referred to below. Actlv slnce the Year End and Plans for Future Perfods The Trust plans to continue all the current activities. The Trust is continuing to look for a site for a further Gospel Hall. It is also pursuing options in relation to The Plough Inn adjoining the principal Gospel Hall site.
Page 5 REpoKr F THE TRUSTEES E YEAR ENDED S- APRIL 2025 CONllNUED Statement bilities The Tfustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the Financia5 Statements in accordance with applicable law and Unsted Kingdom Actounting Stsndards (United Kingdorn Generally Accepted Accounting Prarticel. The law applicable to charleS In England and Wales. the Charitles Art 2011. Charlty (Accounts and Reports) Re8ulations and the provislons of the Trust Deed require the Trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each finarKlal year whith give a true and fair view of the stste of affairs of the Charty and of the incomin8 resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. of the charity for that perlod. In preparin8 those Finanaal Ststements, the Trustees a required to select 5ultable accounting poliaes and then apply them consistently: observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP: make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. prepare the Flnanual Statements on the going concèm basis lesS It is inapproprlate to presume that the Charlty w511 Coffinue In buslne The Trustees are reSnSIble for keepin8 Proper accountin8 records whlch disc105e wlth reasonablè accuracy at any time the finanaal positlon of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply wrth the Charities Art 2011. the Charity (Accounts and Reportsl Regulatlons and the provlsions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safe8uarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taklng reasonable steps for the PretIOn and detection of fraud and other Irre8ularltles. All transactions have been reviewed and approved bytwo Trustees. On behalf of the board: Trustee ailiiliozs
Page 6 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5- APRIL 2025 I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Down Gospel Trust forthe year ended 5, April 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 12. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBIUTIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The Charl5 Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111.the ACVI. I report in respect of my examination of the Trusys accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Dirertions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. BASIS OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINEWS REPORT My examination was carried out in accordance wwth the General Direction5 glven 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 you as 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 statements below. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connertion with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. 11 Accounting record5 were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act- or 21 The accounts do not accord with those records; or 31 The accounts 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 requirementthat the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a matter considered at part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connertion 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. Keith F. Pavey, Broadoak Accounting Setvices, 6The Oaks, Wembdon Rise. Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 7QL. Date: yb Ottober 2025
Page 7 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST srATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5- APRIL 2025 Year to 05.04.2025 Year to 05.04.2024 ALL rrEMS RELATE TO UNREsTRlED FUNDS INCOME FROM Contributions from the Congregation Gift-Aid Donations Tax Refunds on Gift-Aid Other Donations- Individuals Company Donations Payroll Giving Interest Received 37,000 26,030 6,507 5,570 39,183 493 1,738 37,200 24,095 6,024 3,795 51,100 591 1,765 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 116.521 124,570 EXPENDITURE ON PROPERTY RUNNING COSTS Council Tax, Water & Sewerage Light and Heat Repairs, Maintenance & Security Grounds Maintenance Cleaning and Consumables Waste Disposal Telephone and Broadband Insurance Professional Expenses Sundry Training Depreciation 3,280 24,102 14,056 5,010 819 505 1,367 8,689 6,325 60 3,613 16,161 11,087 2.640 937 397 920 8,533 3,558 923 450 96,449 104,877 169,090 145.668 OTHER CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Congregation- Covid Test Kits Conference Travel & other costs Donations- Parish Council 1,071 1,800 493 2,534 1,263 GOVERNANCE COSTS Accountancy and Independent Examiner Professional Support Costs 2.290 3.902 2,565 2,754 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED Note 7 178,646 154,784 DEFICIT FOR THEYEAR 162,1251 130,2141 TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 2.414.750 2.444,964 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 2,352,625 2,414,750 The note5 on pages 9 to 12 form a part of these Financial Statements. All of the above activities are classed as continuing and there are no gains or losses other than those included above.
Page 8 BAIANCE AT 5- APRIL Asat 05.04.2025 Asat 05.(4.2024 TANGIBLE FIXED Freehold Property Furniture, Fittings and Equipment Note 2 2.204.871 43.534 2.295.236 34,476 Ai FIXED 2.248.405 2.329,712 CURRE rir Debtors Piepayments Bank Account5 3,765 6,119 103,953 2,954 6,432 80,243 113,837 89,629 LESS: RRENT UABIUTIE5 Amount Falll D Wlthln Creditors AccrLtals ne Year 2,957 3,595 9.617 4,591 RR 104.220 85.038 2.352,625 2.414,750 Represented by:" - UNRESTRicfED FUNDS General Fund 2.352.625 2.414,750 2.352.625 2,414,750 The Unaudited Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees of The Down Gospel Trust on the undermentioned date. and were signed on their behalf bv Trustee Qi111120ZS Date The Notes on Pages 9 to 12 fomi part of these Financial Statements.
Page 9 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025 ACCOUNTING POUCIES 1.1 8asis of Financial Statements The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Second edition of the 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 IFRS 1021 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021, and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The functional currency of the Charity is Sterling l£l- The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. 1.2 Incomin Resources Donations are recognised in the Year in which there is entitlement and probability of receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is only deferred when the Charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future year. Gift-aid 15 added to the value of the donations to which it relates. Donated services are recognised as income and expenditure in the financial statements when organisations or individuals offer their services and support pro bono. The value of these donated services to The Down Gospel Trust is considered to be equal to market value which would be paid were the services formally procured. Investment Income is accounted for on a receivable basis. 1.3 Resource5 Ex ended Expenditure is included on an accruals basis. Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources. Charitable activities comprise those costs directly attributable to the fulfilment of the Charitable objects. 1.4 Governance and Su ort costs Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the Charity and costs related to statutory requirements. Governance and support costs are allocated to charttable attivtties on the basis of capacity Used. 1.5 Tan ible Fixed Assets and De Freehold Pro Tangible Fixed Assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Freehold Land is not depreciated. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost. less estimated residual value, of each 35set over tts expected useful life as follows:_ Freehold Property- Kington Langley and at The Plough Inn - 4% per annum- StraiEht line basis Freehold Property- Gospel Hall, Stanton St. Quintin- 4% per annum- Straight line basis Freehold Property- Other Halls- Not charged as overall value exceeds book value Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment- 25% per annum- Reducing balance basis 1.6 Taxation The TrL¢St is a registered Charity and is not liable to United Kingdom taxation on charitable activities, provided Income falls wtthin the Charitable exemptions and is spent on charitable purposes. 1.7 Funds All Funds are General Unrestricted Fund5 and are free for the Trustees to use for any purpose in furtherance of the Trusvs charitable objects. reciation 1.8 Goin Concern The Trustees consider thatthere are no material uncertainties about the Charivs ability to continue as a going concern. The Trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.
Page 10 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5- APRIL 2025 CONTINUED 2. TANGIBLE FIXED 5[r5 lal These Comprise Freehold Land and Buildin Furniture, Fittings and ui Total COST As at 06.04.2024 Additions 3,208,613 194,232 23,570 3,402,845 23,570 As at 05.04.2025 3.208.613 217,802 3,426,415 DEPRECIATION As at 06.04.2024 Charge for Year 913,377 90,365 159,756 14,512 1,073,133 104,877 As at 05.04.2025 1,003,742 174,268 1,178,010 BOOKVALUE As at 05.04.2025 2.204,871 43,534 2.248,405 As at 05.04.2024 2.295.236 34,476 2,329.712 Ibl TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs FREEHOLD LAND AND BUILDINGS Comprise:_ Asat 06.04.2024 Additions at Cost Depreciation for Year Asat 05.04.2025 NET BOOKVALUE Meeti Halls Goldney Avenue, Chippenham 137.051 137,051 Hill Corner Road, Chippenham 154.938 154.938 Cocklebury Road, Chippenham 163,933 163.933 Kington Langley, Chippenham 1.149,188 73.689 1,075,499 At Woodbarn Farni. Stanton St. Quintin 199,886 2,866 197,020 Pro Lan le At The Plough Inn, Chippenham oinin Kin on 490.240 13,810 476,430 2.295,236 90.365 2,204,871
Page 11 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 51H APRIL 2025 CONTINUED 2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASS5 Icontinuedl Icl FREEHOLD PROPERTY Land Registry Title Numbers of the Freehold Property owned are as follows- Goldney Avenue, Chippenham Hill Corner Road, Chippenham Cocklebury Road, Chippenham Kington Langley, Chippenham At The Plough Inn, Kington Langley, Chippenham Wt113047 Woodbarn Farm, Stanton St. Quintin 457251 wr 266821 164617 WT 144165 WT 242181 3. INDEPENDENT &XAMINER'S FEES Year to Year to 05.04.2024 05.04.2025 These were: 2,290 2,565 4. TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES No Trustee received any remuneration or other benefits for service5 rendered in the Year, or the preceding year. Expenses incurred were reimbursed. if applicable, at cost, with no benefit whatsoever arising. 5. EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS The Trust had No employees in this year or the preceding year. The Trust relies on volunteers to carry out Management, Administration and certain Maintenance work. 6. DONATED SERVICES There were no donated services expended in this year or the preceding year. 7. RESOURCES EXPENDED These were:_ Year to 05.04.2025 Year to 05.04.2024 Dirert Costs Support Costs Governance Costs 172,454 3.902 2.290 149,46S 2,754 2,565 178,646 15,784
Page 12 THE DOWN GOSPEL TRusr NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMErirs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025 CONTINUED 8. MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS Year to 05.04.2025 Yearto 05.04.2024 General Fund Unrestricted Fund5 Opening Balance Incoming Resources Resources Expended 2,414,750 116.521 1178,6461 2,444,964 124,570 1154,7841 Closing Balance 2,352,625 2,414.750 There were No Restritted Funds at any time in the 2 Years to 5, April 2025. 9. RELATED PARTY TRANSAcfioNS Donations were received from Trustees and parties connetted thereto, in the following totals:_ Year to 05.04.2025 Year to 05.04.2024 9,297 28,435 10. POST BALANCE SHE EVENTS AND CAPITAL COMMITMENTS No Capital commitments have been entered into to date, since the year end. The Trust is continuing to look for a site for a further Gospel Hall. It is also pursuing options in relation to The Plough Inn adjoining the principal Gospel Hall 51te.
The Down Gospel Trust Charity No 247217 Public Benefit & Outreach th For the year to 5 April 2025
One of the Trust's principal activities that furthers its objective's is providing a facility for the coordination of outreach work into the wider community. This report details some of the work carried out by the Trust and its volunteers duringthe th yearto 5 April 2025. Gospel trarts and literature available from the Gospel Hall A comprehensive range of gospel tracts. literature and Bibles is made available and maintained in a display located in the foyer of the Trust's principal Gospel Hall. This is advertised on a notice board located atthe street entrance. Street Preaching The gospel message is preached in the Chippenham town centre twice a week from two strategic locations. we have over ten Preachers from our community who regularly attend these open air preachings. Support for Local Communlty Members of our congregation have been involved in supporting numerous local causes during the year, a few examples are: Providing cakes and refreshments in June 24 forthe Scarecrow Festival in Kington Langley which raises money for local charities and projerts. Keepingverges cut and general area neat, tidy, and free from litter in Malmesbury road- the vicinity of our principal Gospel Hall. Rapld Relief Tearn 'RRT' The Trust is an active supporter of the RRT charity with 48 of our congregation being registered volunteers and involved in their regular charitable work and the Trust making monthly monetary donations. Some of the RRT work our congregation's volunteers have been involved in during this period are- Providing hot catering and refreshments for: th Bath Walk of life charity event at Bradford on Avon 12 May th Fire service while tackling fire at Compton Bassett recycling site on 9 Jun th Wilts Air Ambulance- Summer at the Base event. 9 Aug Heals Activity Day- Monkton Park. Chippenham. 22. Aug Sheldon Road Methodist Church event. 30th Nov. th SAR Training event in Longleat Forest. 18 Jan.
WILSAR- missing person search in Chippenham. l and 8 March 0208 3917625 1 action.uk@rrtglobal.org l.. vNjw.rrtglob