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2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 283068 (England and Wales)

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees M K J Steed
D J Medlock
M C Parting
Charity number (England and Wales) 283068
Principal address 153 Wokingham Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG6 1LW
Independent examiner Frances Wilde FCCA DChA
Warner Wilde Limited
Chartered Certified Accountants
4 Marigold Drive
Bisley
Surrey
GU24 9SF

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 14

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The Trust is established to advance the Christian religion. The church’s policy remains that of pursuing those objectives in an unrestricted manner. These aims are of benefit to the local community not only in providing a place of local worship but also additional community amenities which have been used by outside organizations.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The pattern of church services continues as before. As anticipated the regular Sunday evening meeting has been temporarily suspended due to a lack of attendance particularly during the winter months. Access to the Sunday morning meeting remains available via zoom, however, it is no longer available for the Tuesday evening prayer meeting

The main change in demographics has been a decrease in the number of 18 – 30s, although that trend started longer ago than last year. Overall numbers remain largely unchanged. Sunday school and youth work continues to be a major activity in the church

Other meeting during the week have continued with a good attendance in the various home groups. A couple of the House Group leaders are considering standing down so it is likely that some type of reorganization may be required next year.

The ladies meeting is well attended and the periodic men’s breakfast event attracts a good attendance.

The main house at 153 continues to be used for a wide range of church activities. There are a number of Ukrainian individuals staying at the house; it is possible this may change as the they look to develop more permanent residence in the UK.

The overall outreach to the Ukrainian refugees has continued throughout the year. A lot of work has been done to provide practical help and sponsorship. This may need to change as the needs of the individuals changes. The coffee morning continues twice monthly in the hall. A number of Ukrainian families attend the church meeting on a Sunday on a regular basis.

The outreach meetings in the shopping precincts at Reading and Woodley continue to take place on a regular basis. There have been changes in the personnel involved in the team but it is working well and smoothly.

The New Life Conference at Quinta was extremely well attended by members of the church. The church continues to supply a significant amount of leadership, support and resources for this event.

Boys Camp and Girls House party also took place at Rora during the year. Both camps were very successful with about 90 boys and girls attending.

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Property Developments and Funding

There are a number of potential building projects planned for 2025 – 26. The 3 external windows on the kitchen side of the hall are rotten and need replacing. The replacement of the hall carpet will be considered; this could be a significant cost of around £12,000 - £15,000.

Volunteer Working

All of the activities in the church are run and co-coordinated by members of the church. Church members regard this as part of their normal church life and service to the community. They do not see themselves as “volunteers” in the sense it is normally interpreted. There are no helpers that are not church members, so under these circumstances it was not deemed necessary to have a policy on volunteer working.

Complaints

The majority of concerns raised by individuals are dealt with at source by the individuals responsible for that particular area. Any serious concerns are raised with the Eldership and dealt with appropriately. There is a safeguarding policy for the protection of Vulnerable Adults and Children which was recently updated.

There have been no serious complaints or safeguarding issues raised during the year.

Financial review

The church continues to be financially dependent on the free will offerings made by church members. There continue to be no employed positions in the church and all the work required to run the church is carried out on a voluntary basis.

Overall income increased marginally from £122,238 to £122,320. As expected, the total outgoings decreased significantly from £142,258 to £107.772. This decrease in outgoings was achieved despite gifts increasing from£57,579 to £71,366. Therefore, there was a surplus of £14,548 for the year. This has helped to offset a few years of deficit.

The financial improvement year on year was achieved by a significant decrease in the cost of building maintenance and renovation: down from £43,000 to £4750 this year.

Having completed so much work on the two houses the previous year there were no significant building costs this year. Most of the cost was due to repair work on the men’s toilet in the church hall and replastering of the hall kitchen ceiling.

Reserves Policy

It remains the policy of the Trustees to use as much of the funds available to assist individuals and groups locally and world-wide in the promotion of the Christian message whilst retaining sufficient funds to meet the regular commitments of the Trust. In view of the consistent pattern of income and expenses and the response to the recent appeal to raise specific funds to cover special costs the Trustees will continue its practice of not setting aside any reserves for unforeseen occurrences.

Risk Management / Safeguarding

ECT and the Trustees take the wellbeing and health and safety of all personnel involved with the functioning of the ECF church seriously. The trustees and leadership are committed to having the relevant policies reviewed and communicated to ensure that safeguarding policies are adhered to.

The role of Church Treasurer has been successfully passed over to Mike Parting and others. Tim Shuttleworth will remain as an internal consultant on the financial areas of the church.

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

An initial review of our activities regarding GDPR legislation has taken place. The recommendations from the report written by Andy Watson are being considered by the Trustees. An action plan is being developed.

The Trustees will review the risk management register at the meeting in November 2025.

The latest safeguard training was carried out in March 2025.

The Safeguarding Policy was updated in April 2024.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a trust governed by a Deed of Trust dated 29th June 1981.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: M K J Steed

D J Medlock

M C Parting

Appointment of Trustees is governed by the Trust deed. Existing Trustees are authorized to appoint new Trustees to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death. They can also appoint additional Trustees.

The trustees are continuing to consider the appointment of additional Trustees.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Investment Powers

The Trust deed empowers the Trustees to make and hold investments using the general funds of the charity. No such investment is currently held.

Eldership

The current individuals continued in post as Elders during this period:

Paul Moorcroft Michael C Parting Peter Cowling Daniel Towers Matthew Steed

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. M C Parting Trustee Date: .............................................

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Earley Charitable Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Frances Wilde FCCA DChA

Warner Wilde Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 4 Marigold Drive Bisley Surrey GU24 9SF Date: 19[th] January 2026

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
75,497
43,871
Charitable activities
4
1,948
614
Investments
5
390
-
Total income
77,835
44,485
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
55,561
52,211
Total expenditure
55,561
52,211
Net income/(expenditure)
22,274
(7,726)
Transfers between
funds
-
-
Net movement in
funds
9
22,274
(7,726)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
146,986
13,681
Fund balances at 31 March
2025
169,260
5,955		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
119,368
75,195
41,558
2,562
2,890
2,276
390
319
-
122,320
78,404
43,834
107,772
94,817
47,441
107,772
94,817
47,441
14,548
(16,413)
(3,607)
-
(543)
543
14,548
(16,956)
(3,064)
160,667
163,942
16,745
175,215
146,986
13,681		 Total
2024
£
116,753
5,166
319
122,238
142,258
142,258
(20,020)
-
(20,020)
180,687
160,667

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
14
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
15
Unrestricted funds
16		 2025
£
22,651
55,544
78,195
(2,000)		 £
99,020
76,195
175,215
5,955
169,260
175,215		 2024
£
21,009
35,562
56,571
(2,151)		 £
106,247
54,420
160,667
13,681
146,986
160,667

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

.............................. M C Parting Trustee

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Earley Charitable Trust is a trust.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land & buildings 2% straight line on buildings, 0% on land Fixtures & fittings 10% straight line Motor vehicles 20% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 75,497 43,871 119,368 75,195 41,558 116,753

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Charitable activities
Sale of goods
448
-
Services provided under
contract
1,500
-
Other income
-
614
1,948
614		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
448
717
-
1,500
2,173
-
614
-
2,276
2,562
2,890
2,276		 Total
2024
£
717
2,173
2,276
5,166

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 390 319
6 Charitable activities
Charitable
Charitable
Expenditure Expenditure
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation and impairment 7,226 5,371
Church fellowship and teaching 55 513
Youth and schools work 1,701 1,638
Community support 579 2,167
9,561 9,689
Grant funding of activities (see note 7) 72,546 59,829
Share of support costs (see note 8) 23,897 69,670
Share of governance costs (see note 8) 1,768 3,070
107,772 142,258
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 55,561 94,817
Restricted funds 52,211 47,441
107,772 142,258

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Grants payable
Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2025 2024
£ £
Grants to institutions:
Avail Mission 3,670 2,800
Hope in Africa - 1,000
- 2,800
World Outreach - 3,790
Living Waters 1,500 1,000
Reading University Christian Union - 500
Reading Schools 3,550 -
Warwick University Christian Union - 500
Medair UK - Ukraine trauma kits - 2,897
8,720 15,287
Grants to individuals 63,826 44,542
72,546 59,829
8 Support costs allocated to activities
2025 2024
£ £
Church running costs 3,329 4,688
Motor vehicles 2,386 1,973
Maintenance and property costs 4,674 46,850
Utilities 9,241 9,716
Insurance 4,267 4,501
Building costs - 1,942
Governance costs 1,768 3,070
25,665 72,740
Analysed between:
Charitable activities 25,665 72,740
2025 2024
Governance costs comprise: £ £
Independent Examination fees 1,516 1,400
Legal and professional - 1,482
Bank fees 252 188
1,768 3,070

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements 1,516 1,400
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 7,226 5,371

10 Trustees

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold land
& buildings
Fixtures &
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
250,747
7,907
At 31 March 2025
250,747
7,907
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
147,304
5,104
Depreciation charged in the year
6,364
862
At 31 March 2025
153,668
5,966
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
97,079
1,941
At 31 March 2024
103,443
2,804
13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Motor
vehicles
£
12,934
12,934
12,934
-
12,934
-
-
2025
£
19,158
3,493
22,651		 Total
£
271,588
271,588
165,342
7,226
172,568
99,020
106,247
2024
£
17,043
3,966
21,009

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
-
2,000
2,000		 2024
£
751
1,400
2,151

15 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Mission Ministries 27 3,670 (2,300) - 1,397
Buildings 1,643 2,000 (1,593) - 2,050
Minibus - 550 (65) - 485
Support for named individuals 12,011 38,265 (48,253) - 2,023
13,681 44,485 (52,211) - 5,955
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Mission Ministries 147 1,080 (1,200) - 27
Buildings 2,727 12,224 (13,308) - 1,643
Minibus 188 662 (1,393) 543 -
Support for named individuals 13,683 29,868 (31,540) - 12,011
16,745 43,834 (47,441) 543 13,681

Mission Ministries - formerly known as Love Gifts. This is for Missionary & Ministry support.

16 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 146,986 77,835 (55,561) - 169,260

THE EARLEY CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16 Unrestricted funds (Continued)
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 163,942 78,404 (94,817) (543) 146,986
17 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets 99,020 - 99,020
Current assets/(liabilities) 70,240 5,955 76,195
169,260 5,955 175,215
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets 106,247 - 106,247
Current assets/(liabilities) 40,739 13,681 54,420
146,986 13,681 160,667

18 Related party transactions

The following related party transactions occurred during the year:

Peter Cowling (trustee of Reach / Learn4life): Learn4life received £3,550 (2024 £2,750) in gifts to support Christian schools' ministry.

James Moorcroft (son of elder): Gifted £100 while occupying the church house as part of church ministry.