ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 275682
Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF
2 Broadbridge Business Centre
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CONTENTS
Page 3 Legal and Administrative Information Page 4 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees Pages 5 to 7 Trustees' Report Page 8 Statement of Financial Activities Page 9 Balance Sheet Pages 10 to 16 Notes to the Financial Statements
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
WORKING NAME Poplars Church CHARITY NUMBER 275682 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st April 2022 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st March 2023 TRUSTEES AT 31ST MARCH 2023 K Russon - Chair of trustees since 16.05.2022 F Malloch - retired on 27.04.2022 R Evens K Dawson C Stanford R Hardy A Johnson COMMITTEE MEMBERS H Butcher M Hardy M Bellingham S Hemsall
All trustees and trust committee members have served in office throughout the year and to the date of this report except where shown.
The Trust Committee direct when it is necessary to appoint new trustees and committee members in accordance with Trust Deed 6V1 and 81V. A process of election takes place drawing candidates from a broad range of suitably qualified church members. Names of proposed trustees/committee members are recommended to a church meeting for consideration.
LEGAL STATUS
Unincorporated Charity
GOVERNING INSTRUMENT Declaration of Trust Deed 8th May 1978, Deed of Amendment 10th July 1991.
OBJECTS To promote the advancement of the Christian religion within the United Kingdom and abroad.
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
The Golden Ball 3 Victoria Square Worksop S80 1DX
PRIMARY BANKERS Lloyds TSB Plc 1 Carolgate Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 6BY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of The Poplars Christian Fellowship on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023 set out on pages 8 to 16.
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 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with 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
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: · to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Zita Derbak Sign: Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Date: 29.01.2024 Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
Who are we?
Poplars Church is a relatively small but growing, active and influential faith community in Worksop, North Nottinghamshire. The church runs the normal activities of a church in weekly services, bible studies, prayer and other fellowship groups.
Summary of Trust Objectives:
a) To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs
b) To relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world through the provision of homes and hostels and by such other charitable means as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.
What do we do?
The church continues to express its Christian faith by seeking opportunities to serve the community by the provision of a variety of relevant and effective activities:
1. Providing an opportunity for an informal style of Sunday meeting for worship and clear teaching on the essentials of the gospel as we understand it. This now happens predominately in the Golden Ball, which is a former pub now used by the church since purchased in 2015. The refurbishment of the building is now largely complete, though there is still work ongoing.
2. Members are encouraged to get involved as volunteers with many other community organisations both Christian and secular including, for example, the local Food Bank (which is not church based). There is no record of all this involvement, but it is considerable. It provides for the working out of Jesus’ comment that we are salt and light in the world.
3. Regular meetings are held, usually in member’s homes, to provide for fellowship, informal teaching and pastoral care. These change format and times on a frequent basis to ensure that all who care to can attend.
4 . Input into schools is provided with one of the church leaders taking assemblies and lessons in line with the National Curriculum.
5. A grant from the National Lottery Fund has enabled us to convert one of the cellars into a 'shop', (the room is set out in the style of a shop but no charges are made), for the School Uniform Bank. Other than the flooring all the work is being done by volunteers enabling a high-quality finish within the available resources. This is a joint project between Poplars, From The Heart Charity and Now Church. It is planned to be completed in the early summer of 2023 to provide free school uniform to those in need. The Lottery Fund also provided funding to pay a community worker to run the project.
6. A thriving youth group has been established. This provides a safe place for young people to meet and interact with each other. Work is ongoing to provide facilities and equipment for youth work.
7. We are pleased to offer office, counselling space and other support to 'Joel the Complete Package', Supporting families through pregnancy and parenting after baby loss. Registered Charity No: 1158908
8 . To provide an informal meeting place for both church and community we started The Coffee Connection. This takes place every Wednesday morning and attracts a varied range of people. There is opportunity for informal get togethers as well as craft activities.
9. We joined the Warm Spaces initiative during the winter of 22-23, providing a warm space and free refreshments every Tuesday. We received small grants from Asda and Arnold Clark to support the Coffee Connection and Warm Spaces.
10. We helped to run a Christmas Toy Appeal with Now Church and From the Heart Charity.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
11. We are pleased to make space in the Golden Ball for other community groups; for example: a choir, a U3A Swing Band, The MS Society, A local history group, a photography group, a sling library (for new babies) and other more ad hoc users.
12. None of these groups are specifically church groups. This availability is continuing to grow as the church becomes increasingly integrated into the community.
Public benefit
There are many distinctives and Unique Selling Points that give credence and validity for the on-going existence and work of Poplars as part of the church in Worksop. This would include:
1. A strong desire to see the whole local Christian community acting as one united team.
2. Acting as a catalyst to mobilize the church as mentioned above, to social action such as; drug and alcohol work, schools and community work, and work with the elderly and marginalized.
3. Bridge-building and partnership work with police, local authority and MP, education and other statutory agencies to build stronger communities; this would include work with the local strategic partnership, the community and voluntary service and community and voluntary sector forums, and this work puts the church at the heart of the community.
4. Resourcing inter-church activities with infra-structure, staff and premises.
5. Providing a working model of a non-institutional, relational approach to the outworking of faith.
- 6 . Encouraging new forums for partnership, co-operation and collaboration within the church in the district.
Fiancial Review
The Trust is in a healthy position financially, as can be seen from the attached accounts. Our only income is through the offerings and voluntary gifts, usually from members of the church and we give thanks for the generosity that is shown.
Trustees
Two new trustees were recruited during the year. On-line Trustees training was provided for all trustees which was very helpful.
Safeguarding training has been provided for all trustees.
Chairman’s comments
Poplars church is its people – there is nothing else. Whilst the current economic climate has affected Poplars, leading to careful consideration of income and expenditure, we have by the generosity of many, been able to renovate the pub to a good standard and it provides a delightful facility for us as a church but also for differing community groups.
22-23 was a time of recovery following the covid pandemic. Although numbers attending the regular church meetings was initially lower than pre-pandemic, attendances have steadily grown and new people have joined us. Financially we remained stable and able to carry on the work of the church.
I am extremely blessed by the quality and enthusiasm of those who give so unstintingly of their time and talents in order to further the work of God’s Kingdom.
As I look forward to the next year, I am confident that, even in uncertain times but with steadfast commitment to the local community, Poplars will continue to bless the people of Worksop and the surrounding area.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Donations & Legacies 3a Charitable Activities 3b Activities for Generating Funds 3c Investment Income 3d Other Incoming Resources 3e TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Cost of Generating Funds Costs of Charitable Activities 4a Governance Costs 4b TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING/ (OUTGOING) RESOURCES Total Funds Brought Forward Transfers Between Funds 5 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Designated TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2022/23 2021/22 £ £ £ £ 79,533 2,230 81,763 54,316 3,405 - 3,405 7,126 3,205 - 3,205 2,459 154 - 154 122 - 10,400 10,400 1,001 86,297 12,630 98,927 65,024 75,361 6,872 82,233 89,190 4,339 - 4,339 3,695 79,700 6,872 86,572 92,885 6,597 5,758 12,355 (27,861) 304,073 - 304,073 331,933 - - - - 310,670 5,758 316,428 304,073 |
|---|---|
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 10 to 16 form part of these financial statements.
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| Unrestricted | Designated | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 31-Mar-23 | 3!-Mar-22 | ||
| Note | f- | E | E E | ||
| Fixed Assets | |||||
| Tangible Assets | 2 | 274,951 | 274,957 | 274,951 | |
| Current Asset5 | |||||
| Debtors & Prepayments | |||||
| Cash at Bank and in Hand | 37,010 | 5,758 | 42,768 | 30,322 | |
| Total Current Assets | 37,OLO | 5,754 | 42,764 | 30,322 | |
| Creditors: due within one year | 10 | r,2gL | 1,29r | L,2OO | |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 35,7L9 | 5,758 | 4L,477 | 29,r22 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS less current liabilities | 35t719 | 5,758 | 41,477 | 29,L22 | |
| NET ASSETS | |||||
| Funds of the Charity | |||||
| General Funds | 3t0,670_ | 3t0,670 | 304,073 | ||
| Designated Funds | 5,758 | 5,758 | |||
| Restricted Funds | : |
THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern
Basis of Preparation
The 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. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP - FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming Resources
Recognition of Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.
Gifts in Kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated Services and Facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment Gains and Losses
This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees' meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with Performance Conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants Payable without Performance Conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
Support Costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of the resources, eg allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capital employed, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity, these are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
Investments
Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.
Change of Accounting Policies and Rules and Methods of Valuation.
There are no changes to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on a reducing balance over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied per annum are as follows:
Fixtures, Fittings Equipment 25%
No depreciation is charged to freehold property as the property is maintained to such a standard that the estimated residual value is not less than cost.
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost 01-Apr-22 Additions Cost at 31-Mar-23 Depreciation 01-Apr-22 Charge Depreciation at 31-Mar-23 Net Book Value 31-Mar-23 Net Book Value 31-Mar-22 |
Freehold Freehold Fixtures Land & Land & Fittings & Restricted Total Buildings Buildings Equipment Equipment 2022/23 £ £ £ £ £ 207,000 67,951 274,951 - - - - - 207,000 67,951 - - 274,951 - - - - - - - - - - - - 207,000 67,951 - - 274,951 207,000 67,951 - - 274,951 |
|---|---|
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows:
31st March 2023: None
31st March 2022: None
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| Note a) Donations & Legacies Gifts, Tithes & Offerings Gift Aid Tax Recoverable b) Charitable Activities Activities & Projects CAP Golden Ball Holiday c) Activities for Generating Funds Hall Hire d) Investment Income Bank Interest e) Other Incoming Resources Sundry Income |
Unrestricted Designated TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2022/23 2021/22 £ £ £ £ 59,425 2,230 61,655 54,316 20,108 - 20,108 - 79,533 2,230 81,763 54,316 1,721 - 1,721 618 60 - 60 540 1,624 - 1,624 5,858 - - - 110 3,405 - 3,405 7,126 3,205 - 3,205 2,459 3,205 - 3,205 2,459 154 - 154 122 154 - 154 122 - 10,400 10,400 1,001 - 10,400 10,400 1,001 |
|---|---|
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
| Note a) Costs of Charitable Activities CAP Conference Equipment Costs Gifts, Grants & Blessings Golden Ball Costs Office Costs Outreach Rent & Rates Resources & Fabric Salaries & Wages Staff Expenses Sundry Expenses Telephone & Internet Costs The Children & Youth Utility Costs b) Governance Costs Bank Charges Insurance Costs Independent Examiners Fees Legal & Professional Fees |
Unrestricted Designated TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2022/23 2021/22 £ £ £ £ 219 - 219 720 164 - 164 - 324 - 324 558 - 5,024 5,024 11,123 2,320 - 2,320 1,677 763 - 763 571 4,465 - 4,465 561 - - - 696 6,641 - 6,641 13,680 45,028 1,848 46,876 45,883 3,208 - 3,208 3,410 262 - 262 646 3,042 - 3,042 2,447 2,146 - 2,146 1,670 6,779 - 6,779 5,550 75,361 6,872 82,233 89,190 318 - 318 284 1,467 - 1,467 1,304 1,200 - 1,200 1,200 1,354 - 1,354 907 4,339 - 4,339 3,695 |
|---|---|
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
5. DESIGNATED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
| Grants Blessings |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-22 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-23 £ £ £ £ £ - 10,400 6,217 - 4,183 - 2,230 655 - 1,575 - 12,630 6,872 - 5,758 |
|---|---|
PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR
| Building Fund - Golden Ball Specific Gifts |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-21 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-22 £ £ £ £ £ 176,480 5,858 8,315 174,022 - - 424 1,223 2,033 386 - 176,904 7,081 10,348 173,637 - - |
|---|---|
The Designated funds are represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as detailed above.
6. RESTRICTED FUNDS
The Charity held no restricted funds during this or the previous financial year.
7. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Assets Net Current Assets |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-23 31-Mar-22 £ £ £ £ 274,951 - 274,951 274,951 35,810 5,758 41,568 29,122 - 310,761 5,758 316,519 304,073 |
|---|---|
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
8. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| Cash at Bank & In Hand 9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS Sundry Debtors |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-23 31-Mar-22 £ £ £ £ 37,010 5,758 42,768 30,322 37,010 5,758 42,768 30,322 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-23 31-Mar-22 £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Independent Examiners Fee Payroll |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-23 31-Mar-22 £ £ £ £ 1,200 - 1,200 1,200 91 - 91 - 1,291 - 1,291 1,200 |
|---|---|
11. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR
The Charity held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial year.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
| Gross Wages & Salaries Employer's National Insurance Costs Pension Contributions |
2022/23 £ 46,483 - 393 46,876 |
2021/22 £ 45,883 - - 45,883 |
|---|---|---|
Average number of employees who were engaged in each of the following activities:
| Charitable Activities | TOTAL 2022/23 2 2 |
TOTAL 2021/22 2 2 |
|---|---|---|
The Charity operates a PAYE scheme to pay all employed members of staff and no employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2021/22: None). The Charity also employs members of staff on a self employed basis.
13. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.
14. RISK ASSESSMENT
The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
15. RESERVES POLICY
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 held. The trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
16. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
16. ACQUISITION OF LAND & BUILDING
During the financial year the Trustees of The Poplars Christian Fellowship sought guidance and advice regarding the acquisition of Land & Buildings at 3 Victoria Square, Worksop, S80 1DX. On the 18th June 2015 the acquisition of the Land & Building was completed and the Charity acquired the Land & Buildings at the above address at a cost of £207,000, which was settled in full.
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