2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number: 250712

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford upon Avon

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Trustee' Report	1 to 3
Independent Examiner's Report	4
Statement of Financial Activities	5
Balance Sheet	6
Notes to the Financial Statements	7 to 15

The trustee present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The purpose and work of the Church is to maintain and spread the truth as set forth in the Bible and interpreted in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and to act in strict obedience to the spirit and letter of the "Manual of The Mother Church."

When planning our activities for the year, the church has considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, and in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

The church carried out its mission to promote the cause of Christian Science to all, by holding Sunday Services, a Sunday School, and Wednesday Testimony Meetings; by opening its Reading Room five days a week as a place for study and the purchase of Christian Science literature; and by holding a public lectures. The church has made a difference through its community outreach in order to help improve people's well-being.

The trustee confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The trustees consider the present level of funding adequate to support the continuation of the charity's aims and services for the forthcoming period.

It is the trustee's opinion that this level is required to take account of any future uncertainties.

The current level of reserves on 31 December 2023 was £647,147 of which £62,286 relates to cash, stocks and prepayment.

The trustees actively review the risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining reserves at current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems, will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

Page 1

Charity Registration Number:	250712
Principal Office:	26 Ely Street
	Stratford upon Avon
	Warwickshire
	CV37 6LW
Trustees	Mrs P J Chatterley
	Mrs J M Bremner-Smith
	Mrs G J Claxton
Other Officers:	Mrs G M Payne, Treasurer
Independent Examiner:	Mr R E Hopkins
	Independent examiner
	57 Windsor Road
	Evesham
	Worcestershire
	WR11 4QF
Accountants:	Stratford Accounting Limited
	57a Henley Street
	Stratford upon Avon
	Warwickshire
	CV37 6PT
The trustees and officers serving	during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustee:	Mrs G M Payne (resigned 31 December 2023)
	Mrs P J Chatterley
	Mr M W Claxton (resigned 31 December 2023)
	Mrs J M Bremner-Smith (appointed 1 January 2024)
	Mrs G J Claxton (appointed 1 January 2024)
Other Officers:	Mrs G M Payne, Treasurer (appointed 1 January 2024)

Page 2

The Church is constituted under a trust deed dated 7 November 1949 and governed under the By-Laws (amended August 2017) and Standing Orders of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford-upon-Avon and under the Manual of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The trustees are selected in line with Article 10 Section I of the Church by laws as follows:

The Church lands, buildings and furnishings (hereinafter referred to as “the Church property”) shall be vested in the Official Custodian (Charity Commission).

The Executive Officers and Trustees of the church as a registered charity shall be an Executive Board of three or more members, all of whom shall be members of The Mother Church and this Church.

The administration of the church as a charity will be vested in those members of the Executive Board in post at any one time, and they will therefore be the Trustees of the church as the term is used in relation to charities….the term ‘trustees’ is generally used rather than ‘Board members’ or ‘the Board.’

The annual report was approved by the trustee of the charity on 25 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

G.J.Claxton

G.J.Claxton (Oct 27, 2024 08:37 GMT) ......................................... Mrs G J Claxton Trustee

Page 3

I report to the trustee on my examination of the accounts of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford upon Avon for the year ended 31 December 2023.

As the charity trustee of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford upon Avon 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 First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford upon Avon'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.

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:

1. accounting records were kept in respect of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford upon Avon as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do accord with those records; or

3. the accounts do comply with the accounting 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.

Robert Hopkins (Oct 26, 2024 18:06 GMT+1) ...................................... Mr R E Hopkins Independent examiner

57 Windsor Road Evesham Worcestershire WR11 4QF

25 October 2024

Page 4

Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 4 Total income Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 13	80,902 1,788 94 82,784 (48,087) (48,087) 34,697 34,697 612,450 647,147	80,902 1,788 94
		82,784
		(48,087)
		(48,087)
		34,697
		34,697 612,450
		647,147

The notes on pages 7 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 5

Tangible assets 8 Stocks 9 Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand 11 12 Unrestricted funds 13	586,233 2,000 107 60,179 62,286 (1,372) 60,914 647,147 647,147 647,147	601,291 2,000 109 11,337
		13,446 (2,287)
		11,159
		612,450
		612,450
		612,450

The financial statements on pages 5 to 15 were approved by the trustee, and authorised for issue on 25 October 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

G.J.Claxton

G.J.Claxton (Oct 27, 2024 08:37 GMT) ......................................... Mrs G J Claxton Trustee

The notes on pages 7 to 15 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford upon Avon meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts.

Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Page 7

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Improvement to property 2.5% reducing balance Furniture and equipment 15% reducing balance Office equipment 33.33% reducing balance Land and Building Nil Organ Nil

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO).

are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Page 8

Grants, including capital grants; Grants from other charities Regular giving and capital donations	66,123 14,779 80,902 22,003	66,123 14,779
		80,902
		22,003

During the year, the church received regular grants from The Christian Science Trust. Total £16,123.

In February 2023, the church also received a one off, £50,000 grant from Colchester Christian Science Society upon their closing.

Library sales	1,788 1,788 806	1,788
		1,788
		806

Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits	94 94 9	94
		94
		9

Page 9

Library purchases Rates Light, heat and power Repairs and maintenance Telephone and fax Computer software and maintenance costs Printing, postage and stationery Trade subscriptions Sundry expenses Cleaning Advertising Accountancy fees Other services Legal and professional fees Bank charges Insurance Depreciation, amortisation and other similar costs Allocated support costs	3,975 248 2,502 2,649 779 396 437 298 161 1,529 559 1,084 5,137 360 145 1,653 16,191 9,984 48,087 39,747	3,975 248 2,502 2,649 779 396 437 298 161 1,529 559 1,084 5,137 360 145 1,653 16,191 9,984
		48,087
		39,747

Page 10

Trustee remuneration	9,984 9,984 6,848	9,984
		9,984
		6,848

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

Page 11

At 1 January 2023 Additions At 31 December 2023 At 1 January 2023 Charge for the year At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022	15,045 - 15,045 - - - 15,045 15,045	16,309 327 16,636 6,412 1,533 7,945 8,691 9,897	- 804 804 - 268 268 536 -	636,890 - 636,890 61,340 14,389 75,729 561,161 575,550	800 - 800 - - - 800 800	669,044 1,131
						670,175
						67,752 16,190
						83,942
						586,233
						601,292

Page 12

Stocks Prepayments Cash on hand Cash at bank Trade creditors Accruals General	612,450	82,784	2,000 107 30 60,149 60,179 72 1,300 1,372 (48,087)	2,000
				109
				30 11,307
				11,337
				- 2,287
				2,287
				647,147

Page 13

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Stratford upon Avon Notes to the Financial Statements forthe Year Ended 31 De￿mber 2023 (continued) Balance at 1 January 2022 Balance at 31 December 2022 Incoming resources Resources expended Unrestricted funds General 629 379 22 818 39.747 612.450 Page 14

Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets	586,233 62,286 (1,372) 647,147 601,291 13,446 (2,287) 612,450	586,233 62,286 (1,372)
		647,147
		601,291 13,446 (2,287)
		612,450

Page 15

Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income Total income Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	80,902 1,788 94 82,784 (48,087) (48,087) 34,697 34,697 612,450 647,147	22,003 806 9
		22,818
		(39,747)
		(39,747)
		(16,929)
		(16,929) 629,379
		612,450

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 16

Collections Grants - other agencies Library sales Interest on cash deposits Library purchases Trustees remuneration Rates Light, heat and power Repairs and maintenance Telephone and fax Computer software and maintenance costs Printing, postage and stationery Trade subscriptions Charitable donations Sundry expenses Cleaning Travel and subsistence Advertising Accountancy fees Other services Legal and professional fees Bank charges Insurance Depreciation of fixtures and fittings Depreciation of office equipment Depreciation on improvement to property	14,779 66,123 80,902 1,788 1,788 94 94 (3,975) (9,984) (248) (2,502) (2,649) (779) (396) (437) (298) - (161) (1,529) - (559) (1,084) (5,137) (360) (145) (1,653) (1,534) (268) (14,389) (48,087)	17,011 4,992
		22,003
		806
		806
		9
		9
		(1,856) (6,848) (415) (1,793) (2,177) (671) (232) (48) - (350) (106) (1,133) (18) (494) (678) (4,523) (300) (165) (1,436) (1,746) - (14,758)
		(39,747)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 17

FCCS 2023 CHARITY ACCOUNTS

Final Audit Report

2024-10-27

Created: 2024-10-26 By: Angie Withers ([e-mail]) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAhj3vsbovR2FRV7yM92VpAeZ_wJYAwjmG

"FCCS 2023 CHARITY ACCOUNTS" History

Document created by Angie Withers ([e-mail])

2024-10-26 - 2:30:40 PM GMT- IP address: 213.105.228.248

Document emailed to Gwen Claxton ([e-mail]) for signature

2024-10-26 - 2:30:43 PM GMT

Document emailed to Robert Hopkins ([e-mail]) for signature 2024-10-26 - 2:30:43 PM GMT

Email viewed by Gwen Claxton ([e-mail])

2024-10-26 - 2:33:29 PM GMT- IP address: 81.154.224.214

Email viewed by Robert Hopkins ([e-mail])

2024-10-26 - 5:02:09 PM GMT- IP address: 66.249.93.10

Document e-signed by Robert Hopkins ([e-mail])

Signature Date: 2024-10-26 - 5:06:26 PM GMT - Time Source: server- IP address: 18.171.192.227

Signer Gwen Claxton ([e-mail]) entered name at signing as G.J.Claxton 2024-10-27 - 8:37:42 AM GMT- IP address: 81.154.224.214

Document e-signed by G.J.Claxton ([e-mail])

Signature Date: 2024-10-27 - 8:37:44 AM GMT - Time Source: server- IP address: 81.154.224.214

Agreement completed.

2024-10-27 - 8:37:44 AM GMT