Annual Report 2024
Since our last AGM so much has happened – the church has continued to grow both in terms of numbers attending and depth of faith and relationship, with a wonderful sense of God’s presence. We have 30 -40 people attending each Sunday and we’re so pleased to have welcomed new members who are lending their support and help in incredible ways. There is a wonderful atmosphere in church services and at all the other events and activities — one of joy and hope, friendliness and warmth.
Of course, there have been some great challenges and sadness as well — especially as we mourn the loss of Gill, Brian, Steve, Ruth Roberts and Geoff Hubbard — who all passed away in the last year. They were dearly loved members and friends of this church who contributed in so many ways to enrich the lives of all of us and this church. They will not be forgotten and although we feel their loss deeply we know that each of them was a Christian and so have been promoted to glory and we will see them again one day.
Growth Track and Connect Groups – launched this year with 2 connect groups starting in September.
Children’s Church
On a Sunday, the children have had great fun acting out bible stories, doing bible related arts and crafts, looking at themes with up to 12 attending – thanks to all those who help out.
Youth Club
Run every Tuesday during term time — up to 25 unchurched children age 7- 11years with a talk, basketball arts and crafts and food activity from pizza to donut making and cake decorating.
Wreath making
This was a three-day event seeing over 100 people enjoying making advent wreathes at the end of November.
Coffee Morning – was relaunched this year and is well attended.
Little Seedlings (Baby and Toddler Group) – started in 2014 and it's very popular and has grown — each Friday a lot of parents that come from Northway, Ashchurch and other local places as well attend with up to 24
1
children. It’s mostly toddlers and some of those parents are now attending other things like art club and the youth club and are enjoying the events that we put on throughout the year.
Family Fun event at Christmas was once again very popular with local families as were the Christmas services.
We’ve had a great Alpha course with people coming closer to faith and growing in their faith – wonderful catering and service.
Prayer meetings on Monday evenings have been very powerful times of worship, prayer, and fellowship.
The stewarding team has done a great job, and the welcome has been amazing. There’s also been some great socials and the sense of family is growing. A huge thanks to the leading preaching team we have here who give so much time and energy to ensuring we are well fed. Also to those who help lead the sung worship — has been such a blessing.
Also we have a new heating system — we’re gonna be nice and toasty this coming winter – it was bought and installed for £10,000 – thank you to all those who contributed!
So much to be grateful for.
2
To the Trustees of Trust Property Held in Connection with Sycamore Chapel Ilndependent Evangelical Church) {Charity} I report on the attached accounts Df the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. 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{21 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Acll and that an independent examination is needed. 11 is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act., follow the procedures laid down in the genoral Directions given by Ihe Charity Commission under section 14515llb) of the 2011 Act., and to state whether particular mallers have come to rny attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried OLJI in accordance with the 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 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 lo whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the staternent below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination. no malter has come to my attention.. {11 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. lo keep accounling records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Acl have not been mel,. or {21 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. 03 Date Signature ROGER FRANK DOWNES FCA for & on behalf of BK Plus Limited, Chartered Certified Accounlants Professional designation{sl Address.. 6 Manor Park Business Centre. Mackenzie Way, Cheltenham, Glouceslershire, GL51 gTX
| Trust Property Held in Connection with | Sycamore | 280833 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel(Independent Evangical Church) | ||||
| Receipts andpayments accounts | CC16a | |||
| 01/01/2023 Period start date For the period from |
To | 31/12/2023 Period end date |
| Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 48,076 5,272 - 3,562 - - 56,910 13 - 13 56,923 3,854 47 1,423 - 3,974 8,350 69 38,322 1,920 57,958 - - - 57,958 - 1,035 - 7,778 6,743 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 48,076 - 5,272 - 3,562 - - - 56,910 13 - 13 56,923 3,854 47 1,423 - 3,974 8,350 69 38,322 1,920 - - 57,958 - - - 57,958 - 1,035 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|
| Donations | 48,076 | 44,813 | ||||
| Legacy | 4 | |||||
| Other income - Gift Aid | 5,272 | 2,377 | ||||
| Standard Earned Income | - | - | ||||
| Collections | 3,562 | - | ||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 56,910 | 47,195 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| Investment income | 13 | 1 | ||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total | 13 | 1 | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||||
| 47,196 | ||||||
Support Costs - Heat, Light and Power |
3,854 | 1,940 | ||||
| Support Costs - Printingand Stationery | 47 | 5,825 | ||||
| Support Costs - Telephone and Computer | 1,423 | 420 | ||||
| Support Costs - Equipment Hire and Rental | - | 832 | ||||
| Support Costs - Maintenance | 3,974 | 3,586 | ||||
| Support Costs - General Expenses | 8,350 | 4,807 | ||||
| Management & Admin - Bank Charges | 69 | 63 | ||||
| Management & Admin - Gross Wages | 38,322 | 31,499 | ||||
| Charitable Giving | 1,920 | - | ||||
| - | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 57,958 | 48,972 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | ||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||
| 48,972 | ||||||
| - 1,035 | - | - | - 1,035 | - 1,776 | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| 7,778 | - | - | 7,778 | 9,554 | ||
| 6,743 | - | - | 6,743 | 7,778 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
03/05/2024
1
| Section B Statement of | assets and liabilities at the end of the period | assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Details Bank Current account Bank Deposit account Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 6,713 - 30 - - - 6,743 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
|||
| Date of approval |
|||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
03/05/2024
2
To the Trustees of Trust Property Held in Connection with Sycamore Chapel Ilndependent Evangelical Church) {Charity} I report on the attached accounts Df the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. 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{21 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Acll and that an independent examination is needed. 11 is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act., follow the procedures laid down in the genoral Directions given by Ihe Charity Commission under section 14515llb) of the 2011 Act., and to state whether particular mallers have come to rny attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried OLJI in accordance with the 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 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 lo whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the staternent below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination. no malter has come to my attention.. {11 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. lo keep accounling records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Acl have not been mel,. or {21 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. 03 Date Signature ROGER FRANK DOWNES FCA for & on behalf of BK Plus Limited, Chartered Certified Accounlants Professional designation{sl Address.. 6 Manor Park Business Centre. Mackenzie Way, Cheltenham, Glouceslershire, GL51 gTX
| Trust Property Held in Connection with | Sycamore | 280833 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel(Independent Evangical Church) | ||||
| Receipts andpayments accounts | CC16a | |||
| 01/01/2023 Period start date For the period from |
To | 31/12/2023 Period end date |
| Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 48,076 5,272 - 3,562 - - 56,910 13 - 13 56,923 3,854 47 1,423 - 3,974 8,350 69 38,322 1,920 57,958 - - - 57,958 - 1,035 - 7,778 6,743 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 48,076 - 5,272 - 3,562 - - - 56,910 13 - 13 56,923 3,854 47 1,423 - 3,974 8,350 69 38,322 1,920 - - 57,958 - - - 57,958 - 1,035 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|
| Donations | 48,076 | 44,813 | ||||
| Legacy | 4 | |||||
| Other income - Gift Aid | 5,272 | 2,377 | ||||
| Standard Earned Income | - | - | ||||
| Collections | 3,562 | - | ||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 56,910 | 47,195 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| Investment income | 13 | 1 | ||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total | 13 | 1 | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||||
| 47,196 | ||||||
Support Costs - Heat, Light and Power |
3,854 | 1,940 | ||||
| Support Costs - Printingand Stationery | 47 | 5,825 | ||||
| Support Costs - Telephone and Computer | 1,423 | 420 | ||||
| Support Costs - Equipment Hire and Rental | - | 832 | ||||
| Support Costs - Maintenance | 3,974 | 3,586 | ||||
| Support Costs - General Expenses | 8,350 | 4,807 | ||||
| Management & Admin - Bank Charges | 69 | 63 | ||||
| Management & Admin - Gross Wages | 38,322 | 31,499 | ||||
| Charitable Giving | 1,920 | - | ||||
| - | ||||||
| - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 57,958 | 48,972 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | ||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||
| 48,972 | ||||||
| - 1,035 | - | - | - 1,035 | - 1,776 | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| 7,778 | - | - | 7,778 | 9,554 | ||
| 6,743 | - | - | 6,743 | 7,778 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
03/05/2024
1
| Section B Statement of | assets and liabilities at the end of the period | assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Details Bank Current account Bank Deposit account Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 6,713 - 30 - - - 6,743 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
|||
| Date of approval |
|||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
03/05/2024
2