MELKSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT & ## ACCOUNTS for YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2025 Page 0 of 12 Melksham Baptist Church TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 ## Legal & Administrative Information Name of Charity. Melksham Baptist Church Officially "Manse for the Minister of Melksham Baptist Church & Sunday School" Address of Charity: Old Broughton Road Melksham Wiltshire ## SN12 8BX Email: baptist2015@hotmail.com Website: www.melkshambaptistchurch.orq.uk Facebook• www.facebook.com/MelkshamBaptist Charitable Status: Registered with the Charity Commission of England & Wales Registration Number: 261709 ## Bankers ## Natwest plc, Trowbridge Administration: The Church was founded under Trust Deed, originating in 1669. Day to day administration and leadership are the responsibility of deacons (managing trustees). Of the deacons, the church secretary and church treasurer constitute the officers of the church. Decision-making is the collective responsibility of the church members through the Church Meeting; a quorum being represented by thirty percent of the church membership. Trustees During the year 2024/25, Deacons (managing trustees) were: Mr Alan D McFall Resigned 15[th ] June 2025 Miss Caroline Hancock Resigned 15[th ] June 2025 Mr David Payne Resigned 15[th ] June 2025 New Deacons (managing trustees) were elected at the AGM in 2025 Mr Jim Morris Safeguarding Appointed 15[th ] June 2025 Mr Maurice Perry Property Appointed 15[th ] June 2025 Mr Ian Wakeham Treasurer Appointed 15[th ] June 2025 Mrs Mary Wakeham Secretary Appointed 15[th ] June 2025 Page 1 of 12 Melksham Baptist Church TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 ## Custodian Trustees The West of England Baptist Trust Company Limited (WEBTC) are Custodian Trustees, holding in trust the title deeds of the property at Old Broughton Road, known as Melksham Baptist Church and Sunday School; and the property at Western Way known as The Old Baptist Burial Ground. Since April 2019 the church owns, in conjunction with WEBTC, a property at 102 Linnet Lane which serves as the church manse. Following the conclusion of the Pastor's appointment on 31[st ] March 2023, the manse property was successfully rented out from 1[st] June 2023 and continues to be subject to a managed letting agreement on our behalf. Affiliations The Church is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain (1181392) and its regional body, the West of England Baptist Association (1092443) Page 2 of 12 Melksham Baptist Church TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 ## The Church Melksham Baptist Church is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain and to the West of England Baptist Association (also known as "Webnet"). Membership of the Church is open to all who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and whose lives bear evidence of that fact. The usual means by which people become members is through Believers' Baptism. Those desiring to become members are asked to seriously consider the New Testament teaching on baptism, but the Church shall welcome into membership those who earnestly desire to serve and follow Christ and who come from other Christian traditions. The fellowship was formed in 1669 and the building in which we worship today is Grade Il listed, having been built around 1776. ## Objectives The advancement of religion for the salvation of all who believe in Jesus Christ and for the benefit of society in general, both locally and in the wider world. Specifically, making Jesus known in Melksham. ## Principal Aims - Be a worshipping, witnessing community of Christians; ministering to the members, wider congregation and local community including through links with other Christian Churches, schools and other voluntary organisations as appropriate from time to time. Help others come to a closer relationship with their Creator and Saviour. - Support the work in Great Britain of the Baptist Union Home Mission and that overseas of BMS World Mission - Encourage the giving of time and talent to aid and development work, primarily through other charities whose aims are compatible with our own - Maintain the church premises as a safe and sound environment in which we, and other groups to whom we give access, may function; doing so in a manner that preserves the listed building, as far as possible, in its original form ## Policy Statements ## Reserves The policy of the trustees is to retain sufficient reserves to maintain the smooth day to day running of the church. We also need to be in a position to meet our commitments as an employer of the Pastor both during employment and in the event of unexpected cessation. We need to be mindful of the requirement for significant capital expenditure, from time to time, on maintenance of our property portfolio which from 2019 now includes a manse. ## Investment Where the trustees have opportunity to exercise influence over investment decisions, they do so on the strength of advice from the Custodian Trustees, seeking to maximise the annual return over a period of at least ten years and through either Government or ethical stocks. Page 3 of 12 ## Melksham Baptist Church ## TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 Short-term surplus funds are held in an "account, managed by the Baptist Union Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. ## Risk Management A Health & Safety Review is conducted every two years and reported to the trustees. Portable electrical appliance check (PAT) is conducted annually An electrical installation condition report is produced every five years (latest in 2024). A quinquennial (5-yearly) inspection of the property is carried out and reported to trustees and custodian trustees. (This was done in 2024). The previous most significant risk associated with the Defined Benefits section of the Baptist Pension Scheme is no longer relevant since that scheme was closed in October 2024 following a buy out of the liabilities by Just Group. ## Internal Financial Controls We follow the guidelines contained as promoted by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and in the Association of Church Accountants & Treasurers Handbook as far as is practicable for a congregation of our size. ## Conflict of Interest We take care to avoid situations where conflict of interest may arise, whether in letting of contracts (deacons declare/monitor interest) or in making of decisions at church meetings (members absent themselves where necessary). ## Complaint Handling The Church Secretary, involving other deacons or specialists as relevant, initially deals with complaints A record is kept of all correspondence and discussions. Where relevant, we take guidance from the Charity Commission guidelines on Reporting Serious Incidents. ## Safeguarding It is policy for the Pastor, deacons and all involved in leading work with children or vulnerable adults to have attended the complete set of Safeguarding Training sessions to level 3, as recommended by the Baptist Union of Great Britain. DBS checks have been completed on all relevant members in the past and are renewed in line with recommendations (currently after 3 years). Policy and associated procedures were reviewed during the year 2020/21 and were reviewed and updated in July 2025 by the incoming diaconate. ## Data Protection We have a policy and procedures to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (May 2018), and follow updated guidance as issued by the Safeguarding Lead at the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Page 4 of 12 Melksham Baptist Church TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 Brief Review of Church Life in the Year to March 2024 ## Summary Our focus continued to be on our main objective of promoting the Christian faith and way of life, primarily through regular, weekly worship services, to which all are welcome, and which are attended by an average of 20 attendees and through fortnightly "home-group" meetings that are attended by usually 8-10. These meetings focus more on discussion, prayer and Bible study and seek to guide on positive relationships and Christian living. ## Members & Friends At 31[st ] December, church members living locally with whom we are in regular contact number 21 people. Regular attendance at worship has typically been 20. Several clients and helpers from Foodbank joined our worship services at Christmas 2024 and Easter 2025. It continues to be of concern to the leadership and church members that attendance had stagnated; However, we were delighted to welcome 2 new members into the church, Ian and Mary Wakeham who have already made a significant contribution to the life of the church. ## Outreach In Easter 2024, Ian and Mary Wakeham led the church in our first "Tenebrae" service during Easter Week, which was widely advertised within the town. Given the response, a second Tenebrae service including anointing with oil from the Holy Land, was held in April 2025. As mentioned above, our primary contact with "unchurched" members of the local population arises through the Foodbank which operates from our premises and a significant number of the volunteers (and trustees) are regular members of our congregation. We also make our premises available to the local Gateway club who meet on a weekly basis, and we have been delighted to hold special harvest and Christmas carol services suitable to their understanding. The Sparklers group have been meeting regularly every week, providing significant mutual support and raising generous donations for several good causes; the church included. ## Church Growth — Development of Faith In addition to regular teaching during Sunday morning worship, the Bible Study group is attended by approximately half of the membership. ## Other Witnessing It has again been our privilege to support Melksham Foodbank, who became registered with the Charity Commission as a CIO in its own right. ## Management of Premises Our aging church and hall premises remains a financial concern in the medium to long-term, which includes needing to replace one of our boilers in the next 18-24 months. However, we were able to afford some essential maintenance to rectify rainwater ingress to the church and other buildings toward the end of 2024. The new Diaconate are working towards a planned maintenance programme. Page 5 of 12 Melksham Baptist Church TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 ## Public benefit We continue to be a Christian, worshiping presence in the town, and are looking at differing ways of community engagement. Our services and activities are now being actively promoted through Social Media. Our most significant contribution to the local community is to host the Melksham Foodbank and Lifeline CIO — providing storage facilities and a twice weekly collection and distribution and support service to those suffering from food poverty or their representatives. ## Other users of our premises on a regular basis are Zumba weekly fitness dance class, - 2 x weekly choir practice groups, - social club for monthly knitting encouragement, - a weekly Gateway social club for Special Needs individuals - one of the designated Surgery locations for our local MP, and • a local authority polling station. ## Overseas Mission We are formally partnered, through the BMS World Mission organisation, with a mission worker in Peru and another worker in Uganda We continue to provide storage space to Tools with a Mission (TWAM) and members also supported Christian Aid. ## Outlook The significant reduction in ministry-related costs from an accredited minister has enabled our finances to take an immediate upward turn. The activities normally undertaken by an accredited minister has placed a further burden on the church, which has partly been taken up by Ian and Mary Wakeham through regular monthly preaching and running the Bible Study group. By a combination of our own resources and securing the services of a variety of external speakers, we have been able to commence new calendar years with most Sunday services having speakers booked in advance. We are grateful to God for His provision in this regard and to our Pulpit Secretary for her diligence. Despite this past year being a difficult one with the past deacons experiencing significant health issues, there is a generally positive atmosphere when we meet, the outlook is quite encouraging. Approved by Deacons (Managing Trustees) at Diaconate Meeting on 9th Sept 2025 Mary Wakeham, Secretary Page 6 of 12 Melksham Baptist Church TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT 2024/25 ## ANNUAL ACCOUNTS ## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Note: Accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis MELKSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Page 7 of 12 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLANO AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the I accounts Sectlon A Independent Examlner'$ Roport Report lo the trustees MM Oh￿cH On account5 for the year ended Charlly no xA>79Lw Set out on page$ I￿E- 60 (5- 12) I rèport lo the Iruslèès on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'lhe Trust I for the year ended AS the charity'5 Iruslees, you are responsible lor the preparation ol the accounts in accordance with the requirements ol the Charities Act 2011 I IheAcl l. I report in respect ol my examination ol the Trust's aG¢ounls carried out under section 145 ol the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have1011owed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the Act. Ro$ponslblllllo$ and basis of Teport Independent ￿he charity's gr055 income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualrfied lo examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member ol linsert name of applicable listed bodyll. Del8181 l if not applic&ble. I have complel8d my examination. I confirm that no material maiters have corne lo my allenlion in connection with the examination lolher than that disclosed below ') which gives me cause lo believe that in. any material respect., the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 1JU 01 Inè Lharilies ACI., or tne accounis oiu noi accora w11n ine accouniin9 recoros., Qi the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirèments collceming the form and conlenl ol accounts sel oul in the Charities IAccounls and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any reqU1￿ment that the accounts giv& a 'lrue and fair, view which is not a matter ¢onsidered as part ol an independent examination. I have no concèrns and hav8 come across no other mallers in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this reoort in order lo enable a oroDer underslandino of the accounts lo be reached. the words in the brackets if Ihey do not applv. Please SianÈd.' Date., I Name: EfH JIH Relevant professional qyallflcationlsl or body Oct 2018 ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31st March 2025** |Notes
**INCOME**
Donations & Legacies
2
Rental Income
3
Grants
12
Investment Income
4
**TOTAL INCOME**
**EXPENDITURE**
Ministry & Mission
5
Premises
6
Church life
Administration
7
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)
Movment of Funds
**NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)**
**Funds Brought Forward 31 Mar 2024**
**Funds Carried Forward 31 Mar 2025**|Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
TOTAL
Last Year
£
£
£
£
£
29,343
1,866
5,408
36,617
40,680
17,263
17,263
15,864
6,059
6,059
1,167
4,300
322
4,622
3,623
50,906
2,188
11,467
64,561
61,334
1,447
5,351
6,798
8,691
35,215
-
6,059
41,274
32,186
1,207
1,207
1,616
3,774
3,774
1,690
41,643
-
11,410
53,053
44,184
9,263
2,188
58
11,508
17,150
4,298
4,298
-
-
13,561
2,110
-
58
11,508
17,150
24,735
10,381
509
35,626
18,476
38,296
8,271
567
47,134
35,626| |---|---| Page 9 of 12 ## **MELKSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH** ## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 31st March 2025** |Notes
**Statement of Assets and Liabilities**
**Fixed Assets**
Property & Other Fixed Assets
9
**Cash**
Baptist Union Corporation
Cash at Bank
**Liabilities**
Mission payments
11
Loans from WEBT Co Ltd
9|31-Mar-25
31-Mar-24
5,498,476
5,313,072
8,271
7,949
38,863
27,677
47,134
35,626
567
509
57,941
65,318
58,508
65,827| |---|---| Page 10 of 12 ## **MELKSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the Year Ended 31st March 2025** ## **1 Accounting Policies** The accounts have been prepared under the Historic Cost convention and recored on a Receipts and Payments basis ||||Unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|TOTAL|Last Year| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||£|£|£|£|£| |**2 **|**Donations & Legacies**||||||| ||Sunday Offerings||5,553|||5,553|8,127| ||Gift-Aided Offerings||16,781|||16,781|16,118| ||Tax refund||6,389|||6,389|5,498| ||Donations||620|1,866|11,467|13,954|10,738| ||Fundraising||-|||-|-| ||Legacies||-|||-|200| ||||**29,343**|**1,866**|**11,467**|**42,676**|**40,680**| ||Last year, designated income totalled £2,555,||restricted income totalled £7,591, with the balance of £30,534||||being unrestrict| |**3 **|**Rental Income**||||||| ||Manse Rental||12,045|||12,045|9,998| ||Church Premises||5,219|||5,219|5,866| ||||**17,263**|**-**|**-**|**17,263**|**15,864**| ||Last year, all £15,864 was unrestricted income||||||| |**4 **|**Investment Income**||||||| ||Dividends|8|4,300|||4,300|3,500| ||Bank Interest||322|||322|123| ||||**4,622**|**-**|**-**|**4,622**|**3,623**| ||Last year, all £3,623 was unrestricted income||||||| |**5 **|**Ministry & Mission**||||||| ||Minister's expenses||-|-|-|-|285| ||Preaching Fees||1,440|-|-|1,440|980| ||Pension||7|-|-|7|12| ||Donations to outside organisations||||11,410|11,410|7,414| ||||**1,447**|**-**|**11,410**|**12,857**|**8,691**| ||Last year, £7,414 was designated expenditure,||with the balance of £1,277 unrestricted expenditure||||| |**6 **|**Premises**||||||| ||Manse Costs||971|||971|10,601| ||Loan repayments||12,000|||12,000|11,200| ||Utilities||6,805|||6,805|3,628| ||Insurance||3,591|||3,591|3,508| ||Cleaning||362|||362|422| ||Repairs, Renewals & Improvements||9,534||6,059|15,593|230| ||Equipment / Repairs||1,951|||1,951|2,598| ||||**35,215**|**-**|**6,059**|**41,274**|**32,186**| ||Last year, all £32,186 was unrestricted expenditure||||||| |**7 **|**Administration / support costs**||||||| ||Stationery & postage||247|||247|471| ||Licences||632|||632|252| ||Professional Fees||2,896|||2,896|362| ||||**3,774**|**-**|**-**|**3,774**|**1,085**| ||Last year, all £1,085 was unrestricted expenditure||||||| Last year, designated income totalled £2,555, restricted income totalled £7,591, with the balance of £30,534 being unrestricted ## **8 Dividends** Dividends received is froim the "Ann Tyler / Rushall" fund, administered by WEBA (Webnet), the proceeds of which are divided among three baptist churches, of which Melksham Baptist Church is one. The total current fund is valued at 31st December 2024 of £488,302 Page 11 of 12 ## **MELKSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH** ## **ANALYSIS OF FUNDS** ## **for the Year Ended 31st March 2025** ## **9 FIXED ASSETS** The church and contents has been valued on the basis of insured value to give a more accurate valuation than open market. The manse, as a domestic dwelling, has been vauled at open market value. |**Insurance Values**
Church Buildings
Pipe Organ
Contents|2025
2024
4,959,082
4,814,631
94,299
91,553
110,095
106,888| |---|---| ## **Burial Ground - Western Way, Melksham** No meaningful value is available so it has not been included in the these statements ## **Manse - 102 Linnet Lane, Melksham** Purchased in April 2019 at a cost of £250,000 in conjunction with West of England Baptist Trust Company. A loan was created with WEBTC of £100,000, with a repayment terms £12,000 pa over 10 years. When the current loan is repaid, WEBTC will hold 60% interest in the property, and Melksham Baptist Church 40% 2025 2024 Market Valuation (31 March) 335,000 300,000 |**10 Designated Funds**
Reserve Fund
**11 Restricted Funds**
Alabare
Baptist Union / WEBA
Bible Society
BMS
Cancer - Macmillan
Cancer - RUH FF
Cancer - STARS
Christian Aid
Crisis Fund
CSW
Leprosy Mission
MAF
Melksham FoodBank
MFoC/Bless M
SPI/OCC
Spurgeons
Tear Fund
TLG
TWAM
Welcome Churches
WHCT
Grants Received
12
**12 GRANTS RECEIVED**
Grants Received Over £1000
Benefact Trust
WHCT
Grants £1000 or under
**TOTAL GRANTS RECEIVED**|**31-Mar-24**
7,949|**Income**
**Expenditure**
**Transfers**
**31-Mar-25**
322
-
-
8,271
2,188
-
4,298
-
8,271
£
£
£
£
442
-446
-
25
1,549
-1,566
-
72
90
-90
-
-
1,999
-1,983
-
137
-
0
-
30
-30
-
-
-
0
-
220
-175
-
45
80
0
-
278
60
-60
-
-
-
0
-
114
-165
-
-
405
-405
-
-
-
0
-
-
0
-
200
-200
-
10
10
-10
-
-
140
-140
-
-
20
-30
-
-
-
0
-
50
-50
-
-
6,059
-6,059
-
-
11,467
-11,410
-
567
2,100
2,000
1,959
6,059| |---|---|---| ||10,381|| ||£
29
90
-
122
-
-
-
-
198
-
-
51
-
-
-
10
-
-
10
-
-|| ||509|| |||| Page 12 of 12