## STABLES CHRISTIAN CENTRE ## Old Rectory, Bolnhurst, Bedford MK44 2ES Website: www.stableschristiancentre.co.uk Tel: (01234)376237 Charity No: 327398 ## **Annual Report 2024** ## **Overview** Throughout 2024 the project continued to provide training and support to clients and was well attended throughout the year. ## **Governance and Management** The trustees met twice during the year and were available for ongoing support and advice. The health and safety committee met twice during the year and reported to the Trustees. Staff meetings were held monthly and continued to form the basis for the day to day running of the project. ## **Staff** Three members of staff left during the year and it is hoped they will be replaced during 2025. 2 volunteers continued to help with administration jobs, one of them being a member of the Health and Safety Committee. ## **Seed Sowers Project** The Tuesday programme averaged 12 attendees and the Thursday group averaged 5 attendees throughout the year, who were all involved in varying ways in the practical tasks of the project. Thursday clients continued to work well together. One client stated that coming to the stables had helped them feel part of a community and overall clients continue to express how much they value the project. ## **Sales and production** Customers were able to purchase preserves, plants, produce, handmade gifts and cards from the shop throughout the year. The Coffee Shop was able open monthly between May and October and was particularly well attended. We were able to attend a number of external sales and events which were both extremely popular and successful as was our own Christmas Sale. It is hoped that we will continue to attend more external sales and events throughout 2025. We supplied 4 local retail outlets. ## **External liaison** External liaison with local councils, charities, churches and care professionals continued, and we hope to continue this throughout 2025. ## **Building and grounds maintenance, and capital resources** No significant changes were made to the buildings or grounds. ## **Summary** Throughout 2024 the project continued to provide our clients with a structured and nurtured progression towards increased independence, confidence and self- esteem whilst gaining work and social skills in a tranquil and safe and environment. A dedicated and hard-working Staff team have become vital members of the team, establishing positive working relationships with other staff members and clients. Feedback from clients and their carers continued to be extremely positive in terms of how much they value the project. Support by the local communities has continued with Local churches and individuals continuing to give donations. Several grants were awarded throughout the year contributing towards the running costs of the project. It is hoped we will increase our funding applications during 2025. CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts •++ . Section A . Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Bolnhurst Stables Trust On accounts for the year ended 31sI December 2024 Charity no (if any) 327398 Set out on pages 3,4and5 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust.) for the year ended 3111212021 As the Gharity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act.). Responsibilltles and basls of report I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directlons given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner'8 Statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which glves me cause to believe that in, any material respect,, the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reporls) 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. Date: Signed: 23 January 2025 Name: David Dwyer Relevant professional qualification(s) or body {if any): Address: The Forge Keysoe Rd Riseley, Beds. MK44 1DE IER Oct 2018 Sectlon B. Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material malters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidanGe for examiners). Give here brief detalls of any Items that the examiner wishes to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018 Seedsowers, Coffee Shop and Tralnlng Development Project Summary of Income and Expendlture for the year ended 31st De￿mber 2024 2024 2023 2022 Unrestricted RestrScted Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total Restrlcted Income Sales 7,821 7,501 6,980 Donations 12,427 12,226 10,736 Stewardshlp Grants Room Hire 29,021 485 37,700 210 2,000 4,508 159 Course Fees 27,559 29,537 33,094 -48 Gift Aid 14MRC Recovery Bank Interest Mlscellaneous CJRS aalm 2,159 2,862 225 63 2,012 3,334 174 2,175 1,882 66 82,622 92,693 2,000 55,091 4,461 Expendlture Wages 61,176 67,746 1,175 56,781 4,853 Travel Consumables to aid Sales Office Supplles Health & Safety Water Rates Fuel Insurance Repalrs & Maintenance Course Equlpment 3,882 2,319 1,004 311 417 3,053 4,384 486 334 4,275 2,034 882 311 443 3,306 4,332 1,029 94 4,528 2,418 462 221 305 2,793 3,649 3,649 815 1,085 229 83 Tralning costs 185 345 329 HMRC Banl