## **FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**Charity Registration No:     514359** 

Azets Accountants Floor 1, Capital House 8 Pittman Court Pittman Way Fulwood Preston PR2 9ZG 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH** 

## **CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER:   514359** 

## **CONTENTS** 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Charity Information**|**1**|
|**Trustees’ report**|**2 to 11**|
|**Independent examiners report to the trustees**|**12**|
|**Statement of financial activities**|**13**|
|**Balance sheet**|**14**|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|**15 to 29**|





**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **CHARITY INFORMATION** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

|**Charity Name:**|Fulwood Free Methodist Church|
|---|---|
|**Governed By:**|Book of Discipline|
||Approved scheme of the Charity Commission dated 21 April|
||1983 and last amended 9 March 2000|
|**Charity Number:**|514359|
|**Principal Address:**|Fulwood Free Methodist Church|
||Lightfoot Lane|
||Fulwood|
||Preston|
||PR2 3LT|
|**Main Bankers:**|HSBC|
||49A Fishergate|
||Preston|
||PR1 8BH|
|**Solicitors:**|Napthens|
||7 Winckley Square|
||Preston|
||PR1 3JD|
|**Independent examiner:**|Julie Flintoff BA (Hons) FCA|
||Azets|
||Floor 1, Capital House|
||8 Pittman Court|
||Pittman Way|
||Fulwood|
||Preston|
||PR2 9ZG|



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1 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

The trustees are pleased to present their report, together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2023. 

## **Board members/trustees register** 

The trustees serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Name Role Sub-Committee Appointed Retired<br>Rev Ian Winter Senior pastor SLT<br>Dr Philip Johns  Chair of finance  ALT  27/10/2023<br>Mr Matthew Johns Treasurer ALT 15/10/2023<br>Mr David Brown  Lay delegate  SLT<br>Prof D Hamblin ALT<br>Mr Geoff Tomlinson Church secretary ALT<br>Mr Andrew Slack                     SLT<br>Mrs Carol Gornall                  Lay delegate SLT 30/08/2024<br>Mr Stephen Allen  Head of Finance  ALT<br>Mr Tim Mitchell ALT 01/09/2024<br>Mrs Gladys Mahachi  ALT  01/09/2024<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Notes:** 

SLT means Spiritual Leadership Team ALT means Administrative Leadership Team. The Board of trustees comprises the SLT plus the ALT 

## **Governing Document** 

The approved scheme dated 21 April 1983, as amended on 9 March 2000 is the controlling Charity Document (Charity Number 514359) but this Scheme recognises the role of Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church of North America as amended from time to time (Latest version dated 2011). The Church is also part of the GB Conference of the Free Methodist Church, and is under the discipline of the Conference as described in the Book of Discipline. 

## **Appointment of Trustees** 

The Senior Pastor (a Trustee) is appointed by the GB (UK) Conference of the Free Methodist Church. Other Trustees are appointed by a ballot vote of the Church Members present at the Annual Society Meeting (held in June) or any of the other Society Meetings held at other times. They serve for a period of three years, but there is no limit to the period of service if nominated and re-elected at the end if their three year term. Additionally, Lay Delegates are affirmed annually. 

Election requires a 50% majority of the members present. Nominations are invited from church members three months in advance, closing one month later. If there are no or insufficient nominations at the closing date, the Board is empowered to make nominations as a cooperate body. As identified above, the Chair of finance and the Treasurer retired from the Board and left the church in October 2023. Their roles were taken up by other trustees and members in acting capacities to ensure the continuity and smooth organisation of the charity. 

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2 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Trustee Induction and training** 

The first responsibility of a Trustee is to accept a position as a Church Leader, and Church Leadership courses are regularly organised by the Church. It is expected that trustee nominees will already be in leadership roles in church departments or will have participated in a leadership course. The legal responsibilities of trustees are explained by making available copies of the Approved Scheme, the Book of Discipline, appropriate Charity Documents, (eg The Essential Trustee) and a number of internal documents (including The Biblical Basis of Leadership, Decision Making in FFMC, Standing Financial Instructions, the Health & Safety Policy, and the Safeguarding Policy). 

All nominees must already be Church Members and a condition of Church Membership is a requirement to accept and support the scriptural doctrines and principles required of members of the Free Methodist Church, as outlined in the Book of Discipline. Each Trustee is expected to have DBS clearance at appointment, (unless DBS clearance has already been obtained as required by some other role within the Church.) 

## **Organisation** 

Major decisions are discussed and approved at Society Meetings where all church members can vote while non-members who attend the church can attend the Society Meeting but cannot vote. The Board consisting of all elected trustees and the Senior Pastor (a Trustee whose remuneration is specifically allowed for in the Charity Scheme) meets at least 3 times per year, and at other times if necessary. It delegates Spiritual leadership issues to the Spiritual Leadership Team (SLT) which comprises the Senior Pastor, two lay delegates, (Lay Delegates attend and vote at the GB Annual Conference of the Free Methodist Church) plus ordinary members to take the total to a maximum of 8 members (including the Senior Pastor). The Board also delegates general management issues to the Administrative Leadership Team (ALT), some of whom are appointed to a specific role (e.g. Church Secretary, Head of Finance) while three others are appointed “without portfolio” and are given administrative responsibilities from time to time as agreed by the Board. The Board receives minutes from both the SLT, and the ALT, who can also pass major items back to the board for final decisions. 

A Framework Document sets out the principal sub-committee leadership structure so that each ongoing activity of the Church is part of a particular Ministry Group. All of these groups comprise volunteers from the Church congregation, and are led by a Ministry Group Leader, who liaises with the Board. 

A key Ministry Group is the Global Partnership Team who deal with the Church’s giving to other organizations both in the UK and elsewhere in the world. The Church gives a minimum of 15% of its general income to these causes, along with the proceeds of several Gift Days each year. (These are Sundays when the offerings taken on that day are given to a specific cause). This Team’s plans are approved at a Society Meeting. 

In the fourth quarter of the year the Head of Finance heads up a small team to prepare a budget for the following year. This is based on prudent estimates of anticipated income from offerings, together with expected financial requirements which are related to the overall vision of the Church for the following year. This passes to the ALT, the Board and finally to the February Society Meeting when the treasurer also presents (unexamined) financial information relating to the previous year. 

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3 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **Related Parties** 

- 1) From time to time members and trustees are appointed to positions of responsibility in the functioning of the GB (UK) Conference of the Free Methodist Church. (Itself a Registered Charity). The Conference Boards all consist of Free Methodist Pastors and Church Members. 

- 2) Some Trustees are also Trustees of other Christian Charities in Preston. 

None of these represents a conflict of interest. 

## **Risk Management** 

The trustees are aware of particular risks and take appropriate steps to control these risks and mitigate any impact they might have. 

Budgetary control is actively pursued by preparing an annual budget and by studying the quarterly financial statements prepared by the Treasurer. Then when necessary, spending controls are introduced in addition to regular controls to keep spending within the actual income. 

Insurance policies for buildings, trustees and travel are in place and reviewed from time to time to ensure the values insured are adequate. Changes in the assets are also monitored to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate. 

Protection of the Church Building is strengthened by the fitting of a maintained security system an internal and external CCTV system, (External system recently upgraded to incorporate digital cameras) and a comprehensive fire alarm system. Cash theft from inside the church is minimised by the fitting of appropriate safes for the storage of cash (e.g. offerings before banking, income received for charitable events, or petty cash floats). 

All people working with children and/or vulnerable adults have DBS clearance (renewed every three years where required) and this is complemented by a carefully prepared and implemented Safeguarding Policy. From time to time all people working with children or vulnerable adults have received specific training by Thirty One : Eight (previously Church’s Child Protection Advisory Service). The CCTV installation throughout the premises provides additional protection for all visitors, staff and volunteers. 

The church makes wide use of computers for many of its activities (for which it holds a data protection licence). These computers are replaced as and when necessary to ensure software upgrades can be applied. The Church now uses Churchsuite, a software system which complies with current GDPR requirements, and holds much information about activities and attendees. For example it has been extremely useful during the COVID situation in allowing us to keep in contact with Church attendees who have registered their willingness to be contacted by E-mail. At the end of the year the Church declared the intention to move accounting and book-keeping to the ExpensePlus suite of software from January 2024 onwards. 

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4 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. 

The Fulwood Free Methodist Church was built on the present site some 46 years ago. It is part of a worldwide network of Churches entitled “Free Methodist Churches Worldwide” (HQ Indianapolis, Indiana, USA). Locally it is part of the GB (UK) Conference (FMCUK, Conference Office, 47 High St, Kingswood, Bristol BF15 4AA). Each Church is an individual charity with its own Charity Document while the Spiritual Ethos is laid down in the Book of Discipline, a fact which is recognised in the FFMC Charity Document. 

When planning the charity’s activities for the year, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in particular the specific guidance to charities for the advancement of religion. The main objective of the Charity is the promotion of the Christian Faith in the local community in Fulwood and other parts of Preston. Other worldwide activities are often in conjunction with our sister Free Methodist Churches, or other Christian Charities. Main activities on the Fulwood site are regular Church Services, Youth and Children’s activities and other miscellaneous activities. These are directed by the Senior Pastor, and other ministerial staff, together with Board Members and many other volunteers. All these activities are open for anybody to attend. 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

The buildings on the Lightfoot Lane site have been erected in 3 major developments since opening in 1978, and completed in 2008. 

During the year the staff team comprised the senior, discipleship, & youth pastor who meet weekly to coordinate the smooth running of the church activities., In addition the Church employs two CAP staff, general secretary, building manager and two housekeepers. 

The pastoral staff are given a period of Sabbatical Leave every five years, and funds are provided to facilitate a period of study. 

In 2008 the UK Free Methodist Conference replaced the Conference Superintendent by a National Leadership Team, (NLT), comprising two FMC Pastors. Andrew Gardner, the senior Pastor at Fulwood was appointed to this team, as from Autumn 2012. However, this role ceased on 31 December 2020, when NLT was replaced by a National Leader of FMC UK and Northern Ireland. 

The Church’s many activities are managed through Ministry Groups, each of which is led by a Group Leader. These are described below. Each group reports to the Board and makes minutes of its meetings available to the Board. While it is clear that many activities are aimed at regular church attendees, no activity is “out of bounds” for casual visitors, and some activities are particularly aimed at people who otherwise have no association with the Church. 

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5 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

**The Gatherings Team** takes care of regular Sunday services and weekly prayer meetings (held at 7.00 am, 2.00 pm and 7.00 pm each Tuesday on line.) Prayer requests are brought from a wide range of sources from worldwide disasters to individuals some of whom have no other contact with the church. From September 2015 we have held two services each Sunday morning, except during Covid, and returned to two services in early 2023. Now the second service is live streamed. 

**The Outreach Team** work to extend the message of the Gospel outside the borders of the Church itself. They lead regular events aimed at people enquiring about the Christian Faith such as the Alpha Course. The team also plan special events from time to time which are aimed to be of interest to non-Christians. 

Volunteers from Fulwood are at the forefront of the Street Pastor initiative in Preston. Along with volunteers from other churches, they work with the Police and local authority staff to provide a presence on streets where problems occur. Currently Street Pastors work in several areas of the city.  The Church also operates a CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Centre. This is a national organisation, based in Bradford which aims to help anybody who finds their debt situation unmanageable. It is led in Fulwood by a Centre Manager and Debt Coach, who are supported by a number of volunteers, and they liaise with the Bradford Centre, ensuring that correct debt advice is available to clients. This operation from the Fulwood Church aims to help clients living in the Fylde, Longridge, and North Preston. Some clients are regularly declared debt free. 

**The Children’s, Youth & Families Ministry** delivers an energetic programme covering the ages from birth to eighteen. Some activities take place Sunday Morning (Energise and Ignite) while others take place on weeknights. The weeknight activities attract many children and young people who have no other Church connection, some of whom go on to become regular church attendees. They also manage the weekly Toddler Groups and a Bump and Baby groups which meet regularly during term time. Also a group entitled “Who let the Dads out?” meet monthly on a Saturday morning.  All of these activities are open to all comers, and are managed by volunteers. 

**The Discipleship Ministry** focuses on new Christians and the more mature. They are responsible for the adult and youth Homegroups which aim to supplement the teaching and fellowship presented at Sunday Services. This group is led by the Discipleship Pastor. 

**The Friends and Neighbours Ministry** probably has the widest impact in the area around the Church among non-church people as well as supporting Church attendees in many situations. The Wednesday Lunch Break provides  soup and a sandwich for up to 80 people each week, including a group from a local care home specialising in people with significant learning difficulties. We also have a Food Pantry which is kept topped up on a continuous basis so there is always something available in an emergency. This FFMC Food Bank is also linked to similar projects run by the Preston Christian Action Network and the Salvation Army so we are able to co-operate with others in and around Preston. It also supports the CAP Centre (see above) as an important additional resource for clients seeking debt help. 

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6 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

A weekly activity known as “Inspirations Crafts” attracts ladies from many backgrounds who simply enjoy the sewing and the company of other likeminded ladies, most of whom have no other connection with the church. 

This Ministry also supports the “Men’s Breakfast”, where an invited speaker addresses topics of particular relevance to men. 

Another activity is a weekly carpet bowling group. This has attracted a large cohort of new people and now meets in Cedar, our main worship area as it offers the largest area for bowling lanes. 

The Global Partnership arranges support for many of our mission contacts and in particular allocates the Missions Budget which comprises a minimum of 15% of general church giving. The Team also organises VISA (Volunteers in Service Abroad) Teams. These teams visit the various projects which the church supports and undertake various practical activities while there. 

Another aspect of our missions’ support is the Kibogora Initiative that supports the work of Kibogora Hospital in Rwanda. It has its own ring-fenced bank accounts and raises funds under the title Kibogora Initiative. The main source of funds in 2023/24 was a gift day at Fulwood Free Methodist Church and regular monthly gifts many of which are through the sponsor-a-bed appeal. 

Support was also provided for the Free Methodist Polytechnic in Kibogora. The sponsor-a-pastor scheme has continued to provide scholarships for Rwandans who simply cannot afford to meet their own costs. Funding for this is channelled through the Kibogora accounts, as are other specific gifts for the polytechnic. All the accounts have comprehensive local audit. David Hamblin, one of the Fulwood trustees has now retired from being Vice Chancellor, but remains advisor to the Vice Chancellor of Kibogora Polytechnic and remains in contact, providing advice and support 

. 

Within Rwanda the Kibogora Initiative is part of the Better Together group which seeks to improve communication amongst the various organisations involved in the hospital. This group includes the UK Free Methodist Conference, the Rwanda Free Methodist Conference, representatives of the Kibogora Free Methodist Church and CAHO (Central African Health Organisation: an American Charity which supports the work at Kibogora). The Better Together annual meeting took place in Kibogora in November 2023. One of our church members, Ian Higginbotham, who is Chancellor of Kibogora Polytechnic attended the meeting in person and Dave Brown, Trustee and Lead for our Global Partnerships Team attended both days via zoom from the UK. This proves highly effective in maintaining contact, reviewing progress and encouraging the people on the ground in Rwanda. Better Together will meet in person in November 2024 at Kibogora and both Dave Brown and Ian Higginbotham will be attending in person. We also receive quarterly written reports from Kibogora describing activities undertaken. 

Prior to the covid-19, we arranged to send a team of people to one of the three overseas projects we support each year in rotation. This allows people in our church to see for themselves how effective the projects are and for us to carry a review of effectiveness. As we hadn’t been able to travel for 3 years, we visited all three in 2023/4. In March 2023 a team of 6 people travelled out to Sierra Leone to spend 9 days with the International Aid Hope Church, School and Emmanuel Home projects that we support. The team was able to see first-hand the work that is being supported. In July 2023 a team of 11 went to Kibogora and visited people supported by the Community Programme, Palliative Care and Chaplaincy projects we support. During the time there, our GPT Lead and Trustee, Dave Brown, spent time with the new hospital director to build rapport and with the head of finance to review some aspects of the budget with him. A team of 10 people went to Pan de Vida in Ecuador in November to visit the projects we support there. In April 2024 a team of 5 visited Sierra Leone along with one of International Aid’s Team and spent time with the Emmanual Home, Hope Church and some village outreach programmes. Dave Brown co-led all the teams and was able to review each of the projects whilst there. 

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7 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

For Sierra Leone our donations go via the UK based Charity International Aid Trust (Charity Reg No: 1086597); for Rwanda they go to Kibogora Hospital which is regulated and audited by the Rwandan Ministry of Health; and Pan de Vida is an Ecuadorian legally established non-profit organisation with the ministerial agreement MIES 0058 of September 21st 2007, and is also registered as a 501(c)3 foundation in the USA. 

## **Sale of Land North of Eastway** 

In November 2016, the Land North of Eastway (approximately 13 acres) was sold to Barratts, with planning permission for the erection of 140 dwellings. (This building programme has now been completed) The land was jointly owned with Crown Lane Church. The agreed split of the proceeds was one third to Fulwood Free Methodist Church, resulting in an income of £1,179,928. 

The Board considered the impact of this additional income, and the overall spending plans were approved by members at the Society Meeting in February 2017. This  income has now  been mostly used, with the last major capital spending  being resurfacing and re-lining of the car park in spring 2022. Also an area was marked out for activities such as netball and five-a-side football, mainly for the various youth groups. 

Additional staff members include the CAP Centre Manager, CAP Debt Coach, Youth & Children’s Workers and Discipleship Pastor have been funded from this income, but all staff currently in post are seen to be funded from general income. 

## **Shortfall in giving** 

We have introduced facilities for giving by other means (e.g. online or by card) in order ensure that giving is both easy and in line with modern transaction procedures, and especially to encourage giving by the younger group of our Church. 

Rental of free space is taken up by some regular parties including University of the Third Age, National Blood Transfusion Service and Local Vocals Choir. The rental income is applied to the charitable activities of the Church 

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8 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

A summary of our income and expenditure is set out on page 13. Total receipts from unrestricted funds during the year were £299,194 (2022: £341,188), of which committed giving totalled £264,785 compared to £300,111 in 2022. 

Restricted donations of £135,189 (2022: £95,994) were also received and are detailed in the financial statements in note 20. 

Total expenditure was £507,128 (2022: £501,982) as disclosed on page 13. 

The net result for the year was a deficit of £72,745 compared to £64,800 in 2022. 

Income is mostly derived from free will gifts made to the church by Church Members and other attendees, some of which is designated to specific causes. This income is supplemented by tax refunds on Gift Aided gifts, and occasionally by income from other charities, usually other Christian organisations or grants from public bodies. 

The trustees manage incoming resources by a combination of prudent spending within an annual budget which is set by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board and Church Members. Surplus funds can be invested, but these amounts are usually relatively small and are usually identified for future developments. 

The trustees, by virtue of the regular Board meetings, constantly make judgements and estimates relating to available funds and appropriate allocation of those funds. These are based on regular (four times per year) Income and Expenditure accounts prepared by the Church Treasurer and scrutinised by the Board.  Unexpected demands on these funds can then be handled appropriately. The Trustees, through the Treasurer, keep appropriate records which satisfy the legal requirements placed on trustees. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The accounts show the current state of the finances which the trustees consider to be sound. The trustees are satisfied that the assets of the charity are available and adequate to fulfil the obligations of the Charity. 

In accordance with guidelines issued by the Charity Commissioners the level of reserves have been considered and reviewed at regular intervals by the trustees. At this time our free reserves are £338,654 (note 19). The trustees have agreed on a plan on how some of these reserves will be spent; see page 8 ‘Sale of Land North of Eastway’. 

## **CONCLUSION** 

The trustees are confident that the charity is delivering on its objects and has reserves, plans and processes to ensure that is maintained for the future. 

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9 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **Key management personnel remuneration** 

The trustees consider the board of trustees and pastoral team as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. Details of key management personnel remuneration, trustee expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in note 23 to the accounts. 

Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and record them on the ‘Register of Interests’. 

## **PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS** 

The senior pastor has continued heading up a plan for the future embodied in the acronym CREED (Celebrate, Reach, Establish, Equip, Deploy), and the church has continued this year looking at each section of this vision, and how it will impact the Church in future years. The Church is committed to ensuring access to appropriate pre-existing and in-house developed on-line materials to deepen engagement and discipleship. 

As part of this a new programme began known as LDY (Leader Development Year). This ran from September to the following Summer, and was aimed at younger people who showed potential for future leadership. The first group began in September 2023 and includes two people from FFMC and one person from one of our sister FMC Churches. 

The Trustees intend to move our charitable status to that of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The object of the CIO is the furtherance in the area served by the church of the religious and other charitable work of the Free Methodist Church in the UK and Ireland in accordance with the spirit of the doctrines and usages of the church as set forth in the Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church of America so far as they are applicable and in line with the laws and customs of the UK. 

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10 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Acceptance Accounting Practice). 

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts & Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees 

**S Allen J Spender Trustee Treasurer** 

**Date:** 29 October 2024 

**Date:** 29 October 2024 

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11 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Fulwood Free Methodist Church for the year ended 31 December 2023. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). 

I report in respect of my examination of the charity accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## **Independent examiner’s statement** 

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies. 

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

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) 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. 

**Julie Flintoff BA (Hons) FCA Floor 1, Capital House 8 Pittman Court Pittman Way Fulwood Preston PR2 9ZG** 

**Dated:** 29 October 2024 

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12 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

|**Note**<br>**Income from:**<br>**Donations and legacies**<br>Local community<br>2<br>Wider community<br>2<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Local community<br>3<br>**Investments**<br>Local community<br>4<br>Wider community<br>5<br>**Other trading activities**<br>Local community<br>6<br>**Other**<br>Local community<br>7<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Local community<br>Church Costs<br>8<br>Grants made<br>9<br>Wider community<br>Grants made<br>10<br>Bank charges<br>11<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net income/(expenditure)**<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>19/20<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Total funds carried forward<br>19/20|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>263,242<br>-<br>263,242<br>31,743<br>4,209<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>299,194<br>323,040<br>3,267<br>23,931<br>432<br>350,670<br>(51,476)<br>-<br>(51,476)<br>2,311,692<br>2,260,216|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>35,814<br>97,827<br>133,641<br>-<br>-<br>1,548<br>-<br>-<br>135,189<br>13,726<br>25,622<br>116,876<br>234<br>156,458<br>(21,269)<br>-<br>(21,269)<br>105,813<br>84,544|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**299,056**<br>_320,772_<br>**97,827**<br>_75,515_<br>**396,883**<br>_396,287_<br>**31,743**<br>_33,250_<br>**4,209**<br>_475_<br>**1,548**<br>_405_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>**-**<br>_6,765_<br>**434,383**<br>_437,182_<br>**336,766**<br>_376,536_<br>**28,889**<br>_21,027_<br>**140,807**<br>_103,912_<br>**666**<br>_507_<br>**507,128**<br>_501,982_<br>**(72,745)**<br>_(64,800)_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>**(72,745)**<br>_(64,800)_<br>**2,417,505**<br>_2,482,305_<br>**2,344,760**<br>_2,417,505_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**299,056**<br>_320,772_<br>**97,827**<br>_75,515_<br>**396,883**<br>_396,287_<br>**31,743**<br>_33,250_<br>**4,209**<br>_475_<br>**1,548**<br>_405_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>**-**<br>_6,765_<br>**434,383**<br>_437,182_<br>**336,766**<br>_376,536_<br>**28,889**<br>_21,027_<br>**140,807**<br>_103,912_<br>**666**<br>_507_<br>**507,128**<br>_501,982_<br>**(72,745)**<br>_(64,800)_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>**(72,745)**<br>_(64,800)_<br>**2,417,505**<br>_2,482,305_<br>**2,344,760**<br>_2,417,505_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_396,287_<br>_33,250_<br>_475_<br>_405_<br>_-_<br>_6,765_|
|||||_437,182_|
|||||_376,536_<br>_21,027_<br>_103,912_<br>_507_|
|||||_501,982_|
|||||_(64,800)_<br>_-_|
|||||_(64,800)_|
|||||_2,482,305_|
|||||_2,417,505_|



The notes on pages 15 to 29 form part of these financial statements 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

13 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

|**Note**<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Land and buildings<br>13<br>Fixtures, fittings and equipment<br>14<br>Office Equipment<br>14<br>Motor Vehicles<br>14<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors and prepayments<br>15<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>16<br>**LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**<br>Amounts falling due within one<br>year<br>Creditors and accruals<br>17<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**TOTAL NET ASSETS**<br>21<br>**FUNDS OF THE CHARITY**<br>Unrestricted funds<br>19<br>Restricted funds<br>20|**2023**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**£**<br>1,813,757<br>104,746<br>3,059<br>-<br>1,921,562<br>40,574<br>308,321<br>348,895<br>(10,241)<br>338,654<br>2,260,216<br>2,260,216<br>-|**2023**<br>**Restricted**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>12,046<br>72,498<br>84,544<br>-<br>84,544<br>84,544<br>-<br>84,544|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**1,813,757**<br>_1,813,757_<br>**104,746**<br>_124,583_<br>**3,059**<br>_-_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>**1,921,562**<br>_1,938,340_<br>**52,620**<br>_77,372_<br>**380,819**<br>_416,964_<br>**433,439**<br>_494,336_<br>**(10,241)**<br>_(15,171)_<br>**423,198**<br>_479,165_<br>**2,344,760**<br>_2,417,505_<br>**2,260,216**<br>_2,311,692_<br>**84,544**<br>_105,813_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**1,813,757**<br>_1,813,757_<br>**104,746**<br>_124,583_<br>**3,059**<br>_-_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>**1,921,562**<br>_1,938,340_<br>**52,620**<br>_77,372_<br>**380,819**<br>_416,964_<br>**433,439**<br>_494,336_<br>**(10,241)**<br>_(15,171)_<br>**423,198**<br>_479,165_<br>**2,344,760**<br>_2,417,505_<br>**2,260,216**<br>_2,311,692_<br>**84,544**<br>_105,813_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_1,938,340_|
|||||_77,372_<br>_416,964_|
|||||_494,336_<br>_(15,171)_|
|||||_479,165_|
|||||_2,417,505_|
|||||_2,311,692_<br>_105,813_|
||2,260,216|84,544|**2,344,760**|_2,417,505_|



Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by 

**S Allen J Spender Trustee Treasurer** 

**Date:** 29 October 2024 **Date:** 29 October 2024 

The notes on pages 15 to 29 form part of these financial statements 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

14 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **1. Accounting policies** 

## **Basis of preparation** 

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. 

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

## **Fund accounting** 

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Trustees and Board are responsible in law. 

Unrestricted funds are those available to the Trustees and Board for general use without restriction, in furtherance of the charity’s objectives. 

Designated funds are those, where donors have expressed a preference, without imposing a trust, or unrestricted funds set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. 

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.  Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund.  Restricted funds are detailed in Note 20. 

No accounts of informal gatherings of church members are included as these are not under direct Board control. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

15 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **1. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **Incoming recognition** 

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. 

Voluntary income received by way of donations and gift aid is included in incoming resources on a receivable basis. 

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/ executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. 

Voluntary Tithes and Offerings are recognised when received by or on behalf of the Church. Covenants are recognised only when received. Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis. 

Grant income is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. 

Income is apportioned between that received from and for the local community in Preston and income for use elsewhere (wider community). 

## **Gifts in kind** 

The church benefits from many voluntary hours and unclaimed out of pocket expenses contributed by a large number of people.  It would be impossible to place a value on these gifts in kind for which we are extremely grateful. 

## **Expenditure recognition** 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Donations payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objects of the Trust. 

Like income, costs are apportioned between those for the local community in Preston and those for elsewhere (the wider community).  Costs are recognised in the period in which they are incurred and are allocated to the particular activity, where the costs relate directly to that activity. 

## **Financial instruments** 

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently at their settlement value. 

## **Basic financial assets** 

Trade and other receivables are recognised at the settlement amount. Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and immediate deposits. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

16 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **1. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **Basic financial liabilities** 

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will result in payment to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discount due. 

## **Value added tax** 

As the charity’s activities are classified as exempt for the purposes of Value Added Tax, the charity is unable to reclaim Value Added Tax which it suffers on its purchases.  Expenditure in these financial statements is therefore shown inclusive of Value Added Tax. 

## **Allocation of support and governance costs** 

Support costs have been differentiated between governance and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to independent examination and legal fees. 

Governance costs and support costs have been identified within notes 12 and 8 respectively. No support costs and governance costs have been allocated against raising funds as an immaterial portion of costs relate to this type of expenditure. The charity has only one type of charitable activity. The trustees have decided to meet all governance and support costs from local unrestricted funds and so no allocation or charge is made to restricted funds for any governance or support related costs. 

## **Valuation of freehold land and buildings** 

The Land and Church Buildings were last revalued and included in the accounts at the valuation for insurance purposes as at 31 December 1997.  All additions since are included at cost.  No information about original cost is available. 

## **Fixtures and fittings and equipment** 

Assets were originally included at an estimated value at 31 December 1997.  Future additions have been included at cost with items under £250 being written off to revenue in the year of expenditure. 

## **Depreciation** 

Depreciation is provided at the following rates based on the estimated useful lives of the fixed assets and the anticipated residual values: 

|Freehold land & buildings|Nil||
|---|---|---|
|Fixtures, fittings & equipment|20%|Per annum reducing balance, or|
||10%|Per annum straight line|
|Office equipment|331/3%|Per annum straight line|
|Motor Vehicles|25%|Per annum reducing balance|



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

17 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **1. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **Pension costs** 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees.  The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity.  The annual contributions are charged to the statement of financial activities and included in staff costs. 

## **Operating lease agreements** 

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against income on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. 

## **2 Income from donations and legacies** 

|**Local Community**<br>Committed giving<br>Anna Snalam<br>ACTS435<br>Christians Against Poverty<br>Leaving gifts<br>Food Bank Community<br>Cedar House<br>Other<br>Funeral collections<br>**Wider Community**<br>Kibogora<br>Gift days - Other<br>Missionary boxes<br>Support Ukraine<br>Savannah & Samuele Cestari<br>Small donations <£1,000<br>**Total**<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>261,654<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,588<br>-<br>263,242<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>263,242<br>300,698|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>4,340<br>90<br>22,431<br>5,914<br>(170)<br>3,186<br>-<br>23<br>35,814<br>77,546<br>19,949<br>-<br>147<br>-<br>185<br>97,827<br>133,641<br>95,589|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**261,654**<br>_300,111_<br>**4,340**<br>_-_<br>**90**<br>_529_<br>**22,431**<br>_14,142_<br>**5,914**<br>_1,709_<br>**(170)**<br>_3,694_<br>**3,186**<br>_-_<br>**1,588**<br>_587_<br>**23**<br>_-_<br>**299,056**<br>_320,772_<br>**77,546**<br>_49,566_<br>**19,949**<br>_17,696_<br>**-**<br>_132_<br>**147**<br>_6,849_<br>**-**<br>_754_<br>**185**<br>_518_<br>**97,827**<br>_75,515_<br>**396,883**<br>_396,287_<br>_396,287_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**261,654**<br>_300,111_<br>**4,340**<br>_-_<br>**90**<br>_529_<br>**22,431**<br>_14,142_<br>**5,914**<br>_1,709_<br>**(170)**<br>_3,694_<br>**3,186**<br>_-_<br>**1,588**<br>_587_<br>**23**<br>_-_<br>**299,056**<br>_320,772_<br>**77,546**<br>_49,566_<br>**19,949**<br>_17,696_<br>**-**<br>_132_<br>**147**<br>_6,849_<br>**-**<br>_754_<br>**185**<br>_518_<br>**97,827**<br>_75,515_<br>**396,883**<br>_396,287_<br>_396,287_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_75,515_|
|||||_396,287_<br>_396,287_|



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

18 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **3 Unrestricted income from charitable activities – Local community** 

|**Church Departments:**<br>Use of premises<br>Preaching gifts<br>**Ministry Groups:**<br>Outreach<br>Youth & Children<br>Friends & Neighbours<br>Families<br>Discipleship<br>Resources<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>5,811<br>-<br>222<br>8,252<br>7,565<br>5,115<br>307<br>4,471<br>31,743<br>33,250|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**5,811**<br>_2,351_<br>**-**<br>_90_<br>**222**<br>_1,727_<br>**8,252**<br>_10,003_<br>**7,565**<br>_10,094_<br>**5,115**<br>_5,013_<br>**307**<br>_180_<br>**4,471**<br>_3,792_<br>**31,743**<br>_33,250_<br>_33,250_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**5,811**<br>_2,351_<br>**-**<br>_90_<br>**222**<br>_1,727_<br>**8,252**<br>_10,003_<br>**7,565**<br>_10,094_<br>**5,115**<br>_5,013_<br>**307**<br>_180_<br>**4,471**<br>_3,792_<br>**31,743**<br>_33,250_<br>_33,250_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_33,250_|
|||||_33,250_|



A description of each Ministry Group can be found within the Trustees Annual Report on pages 6-7. 

## **4 Unrestricted income from investments – Local community** 

|Bank deposit Interest<br>Interest on tax repayments<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>4,045<br>164<br>4,209<br>475|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**4,045**<br>_436_<br>**164**<br>_39_<br>**4,209**<br>_475_<br>_475_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**4,045**<br>_436_<br>**164**<br>_39_<br>**4,209**<br>_475_<br>_475_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_475_|
|||||_475_|



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

19 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **5 Restricted income from investments – Wider community** 

|Deposit interest – Kibogora<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>1,548<br>405|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**1,548**<br>_405_<br>_405_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**1,548**<br>_405_<br>_405_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_405_|



## **6 Unrestricted income from other trading activities – Local community** 

|Fulwood Free Music<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>_-_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**-**<br>_-_<br>_-_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_-_|



## **7 Unrestricted income from other – Local community** 

|Profit on sale of assets<br>Miscellaneous income<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,765|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**-**<br>_400_<br>**-**<br>6,365<br>**-**<br>_6,765_<br>_6,765_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**-**<br>_400_<br>**-**<br>6,365<br>**-**<br>_6,765_<br>_6,765_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_6,765_|
|||||_6,765_|



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

20 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **8 Expenditure on charitable activities – Local community – Church costs** 

||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Total**|**Funds**|
||**2023**|**2023**|**2023**|_2022_|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|_£_|
|Gatherings (note 8a)|||||
|Other|259|-|**259**|_735_|
|Discipleship (note 8b)|2,661|-|**2,661**|_1,749_|
|Resources/Support costs|||||
|Technical resources|5,765|-|**5,765**|_5,953_|
|Building & grounds|1,202|-|**1,202**|_575_|
|Catering|13,826|-|**13,826**|_9,058_|
|Flowers|163|-|**163**|_190_|
|Printing & office costs|5,752|-|**5,752**|_6,111_|
|Running costs|21,897|-|**21,897**|_21,636_|
|Repairs & maintenance|14,222|-|**14,222**|_13,580_|
|Safeguarding|2,219|-|**2,219**|_757_|
|Consumables|4,009|-|**4,009**|_4,032_|
|Bank charges|492|-|**492**|_442_|
|Payroll charges|696|-|**696**|_636_|
|Salaries|||||
|Pastoral|114,237|-|**114,237**|_138,245_|
|Youth & Children|23,465|-|**23,465**|_33,396_|
|Christians Against Poverty|-|13,726|**13,726**|_17,486_|
|Admin & Housekeeping|46,310|-|**46,310**|_51,613_|
|Sundry expenses|434|-|**434**|_598_|
|Conference levy|13,071|-|**13,071**|_10,848_|
|Depreciation|23,681|-|**23,681**|_23,862_|
|Governance costs (note 12)|8,190|-|**8,190**|_8,190_|
|Outreach|530|-|**530**|_2,607_|
|Youth & Children|10,784|-|**10,784**|_11,246_|
|COVID expenditure|12|-|**12**|_295_|
|Travelling costs|858|-|**858**|_557_|
|Safeguarding staff|-|-|**-**|_13_|
|Sabbatical|100|-|**100**|_-_|
|Friends & Neighbours|5,315|-|**5,315**|_6,240_|
|LDY|1,004||**1,004**|_-_|
|Subscriptions|450||**450**|_-_|
|Life ins & income protection|-|-|**-**|_3,926_|
|Families|1,436|-|**1,436**|_1,960_|
||323,040|13,726|**336,766**|_376,536_|
|For 31 December 2022|359,028|17,508||_376,536_|
|Note 8a<br>Gatherings include|travelling expenses|and visiting preachers costs.|||
|Note 8b<br>Discipleship includes teaching materials and training.|||||



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

21 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **9 Expenditure on charitable activities – Local community – Grants made** 

|**Donations:**<br>Cedar House<br>Ministry to Asians in Preston<br>Preston Youth For Christ<br>Preston Street Pastors<br>Christians Against Poverty<br>Food Bank Community<br>Savannah & Samuele Cestari<br>Leaving gifts<br>ACTS435<br>Anna Snalam<br>Christian Unions<br>Small donations under £1,000<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>100<br>3,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>167<br>3,267<br>8,899|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>3,186<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>11,052<br>-<br>142<br>6,988<br>90<br>4,135<br>-<br>29<br>25,622<br>12,128|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**3,186**<br>_2,500_<br>**-**<br>_100_<br>**100**<br>_-_<br>**3,000**<br>_2,500_<br>**11,052**<br>_6,231_<br>**-**<br>_3,798_<br>**142**<br>_2,857_<br>**6,988**<br>_812_<br>**90**<br>_529_<br>**4,135**<br>_-_<br>**-**<br>_500_<br>**196**<br>_1,200_<br>**28,889**<br>_21,027_<br>_21,027_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**3,186**<br>_2,500_<br>**-**<br>_100_<br>**100**<br>_-_<br>**3,000**<br>_2,500_<br>**11,052**<br>_6,231_<br>**-**<br>_3,798_<br>**142**<br>_2,857_<br>**6,988**<br>_812_<br>**90**<br>_529_<br>**4,135**<br>_-_<br>**-**<br>_500_<br>**196**<br>_1,200_<br>**28,889**<br>_21,027_<br>_21,027_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_21,027_|
|||||_21,027_|



## **10 Expenditure on charitable activities – Wider community – Grants made** 

Funding is mainly undertaken via partner organisations or for emergency relief. 

|**Donations:**<br>Kibogora<br>Overseas Missionary Fellowship<br>Pan de Vida<br>Open Doors<br>Sierra Leone<br>Small donations <£1,000<br>Support Ukraine<br>Tear Fund<br>Safe families for children<br>Sports Reach<br>Christian Unions<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>7,500<br>-<br>4,000<br>-<br>1,483<br>1,448<br>6,000<br>1,000<br>2,000<br>500<br>23,931|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>95,474<br>-<br>7,000<br>-<br>14,000<br>49<br>353<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>116,876|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**95,474**<br>_60,019_<br>**7,500**<br>_10,100_<br>**7,000**<br>_14,000_<br>**4,000**<br>_4,000_<br>**14,000**<br>_-_<br>**1,532**<br>_150_<br>**1,801**<br>_6,643_<br>**6,000**<br>_6,000_<br>**1,000**<br>_1,000_<br>**2,000**<br>_2,000_<br>**500**<br>_-_<br>**140,807**<br>_103,912_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**95,474**<br>_60,019_<br>**7,500**<br>_10,100_<br>**7,000**<br>_14,000_<br>**4,000**<br>_4,000_<br>**14,000**<br>_-_<br>**1,532**<br>_150_<br>**1,801**<br>_6,643_<br>**6,000**<br>_6,000_<br>**1,000**<br>_1,000_<br>**2,000**<br>_2,000_<br>**500**<br>_-_<br>**140,807**<br>_103,912_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_103,912_|
||25,589|78,323||_103,912_|



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

22 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **11 Expenditure on charitable activities – Wider community – Other costs** 

|Bank Charges – Kibogora<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>432<br>-|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>234<br>507|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**666**<br>_507_<br>_507_|
|---|---|---|---|



## **12 Governance costs – Local Community** 

|Accountancy fees<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>8,190<br>8,190|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**8,190**<br>_8,190_<br>_8,190_|
|---|---|---|---|



## **13 Fixed assets – Freehold land and buildings** 

|Cost/Valuation at 1 January 2023<br>Additions<br>Cost at 31 December 2023|**Land &**<br>**Church**<br>**Buildings**<br>**£**<br>1,813,757<br>-|
|---|---|
||**1,813,757**|



## **Valuation of freehold land and buildings** 

The original Land and Church buildings were revalued and included in the accounts at valuation for insurance purposes as at 31 December 1997. All additions since that date have been included at cost.  No information about original cost is available. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

23 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **14 Fixtures, fittings, equipment and motor vehicles** 

|**Cost**<br>At 1 January 2023<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>**31 December 2023**<br>**Depreciation**<br>At 1 January 2023<br>Charge for year<br>Depreciation on disposals<br>**31 December 2023**<br>**Written down value at**<br>**31 December 2023**<br>Written down value at<br>31 December 2022|**Fixtures,**<br>**fittings &**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**<br>367,187<br>3,020<br>-<br>370,207<br>242,604<br>22,857<br>-<br>265,461<br>104,746<br>124,583|**Office**<br>**Equipment**<br>**£**<br>7,581<br>3,883<br>-<br>11,464<br>7,581<br>824<br>-<br>8,405<br>3,059<br>-|**Motor**<br>**Vehicles**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total**<br>**£**<br>**374,768**<br>**6,903**<br>**-**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**381,671**|
|||||**250,185**<br>**23,681**<br>**-**|
|||||**273,866**|
|||||**107,805**|
|||||**124,583**|



## **15 Debtors and prepayments** 

|Tax refund on Gift Aid<br>Prepayments<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>37,180<br>3,394<br>40,574<br>62,671|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>12,046<br>-<br>12,046<br>14,701|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**49,226**<br>_73,707_<br>**3,394**<br>_3,665_<br>**52,620**<br>_77,372_<br>_77,372_|
|---|---|---|---|



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

24 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **16 Cash at bank and in hand** 

|**Local Community**<br>Current account<br>Lunch petty cash<br>Capital reserve account<br>Community account<br>Covenant account<br>Parents and Toddlers petty cash<br>Restricted account<br>Stripe account<br>Cash pending bank cash<br>**Wider Community**<br>Kibogora<br>For 31 December 2022<br>**17**<br>**Creditors and accruals**<br>Other creditors<br>Accruals<br>PAYE/NI<br>For 31 December 2022|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>14,774<br>163<br>272,396<br>-<br>8,720<br>367<br>(4,795)<br>957<br>35<br>15,704<br>308,321|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>13,963<br>-<br>-<br>18,468<br>-<br>-<br>40,067<br>72,498|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**14,774**<br>_24,152_<br>**163**<br>_18_<br>**272,396**<br>_278,352_<br>**13,963**<br>_-_<br>**8,720**<br>_11,744_<br>**367**<br>_324_<br>**13,673**<br>_33,228_<br>**957**<br>_-_<br>**35**<br>_270_<br>**55,771**<br>_68,876_<br>**380,819**<br>_416,964_|**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**14,774**<br>_24,152_<br>**163**<br>_18_<br>**272,396**<br>_278,352_<br>**13,963**<br>_-_<br>**8,720**<br>_11,744_<br>**367**<br>_324_<br>**13,673**<br>_33,228_<br>**957**<br>_-_<br>**35**<br>_270_<br>**55,771**<br>_68,876_<br>**380,819**<br>_416,964_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_416,964_|
||325,852<br>**Unrestricted**<br> <br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>641<br>9,600<br>-<br>10,241<br>15,171|91,112<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|_416,964_<br>**Total Funds**<br>**2023**<br>_2022_<br>**£**<br>_£_<br>**641**<br>_575_<br>**9,600**<br>_10,040_<br>**-**<br>_4,556_<br>**10,241**<br>_15,171_<br>_15,171_|_416,964_|
|||||_15,171_|
|||||_15,171_|



__________________________________________________________________________________ 

25 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **18 Financial instruments** 

||||**Total Funds**|**Total Funds**|**Total Funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**2023**||_2022_|
|||||**£**|_£_|
|**Carrying amount of financial assets**||||||
|Debt instruments|measured at settlement value||**49,226**||_73,707_|
|**Carrying amount of financial liabilities**||||||
|Creditors measured at settlement value|||**10,241**||_10,615_|
|**19**<br>**Analysis of unrestricted charitable funds**||||||
||**At**<br>**Incoming**|**Resourced**|||**At**|
||**01.01.23**<br>**resources**|**expended**|**Transfers**|**31.12.23**||
||**£**<br>**£**|**£**|**£**||**£**|
|**General Fund**||||||
|Free reserves|373,352<br>299,194|(326,989)|(6,903)|338,654||
|**Designated Funds**||||||
|Property Asset Fund|1,938,340<br>-|(23,681)|6,903|1,921,562||
|**Total**|2,311,692<br>299,194|(350,670)|-|2,260,216||
|**General Fund:**|The ‘free reserves’ of the charity|after allowing for all designated funds.||||
|**Designated Funds:**|Whilst remaining part of the unrestricted funds, this expenditure has||||already|
||been utilised and is therefore not|available as part of the free||reserves.||



**Property Asset Fund:** The property assets fund is the value of the unrestricted funds already spent and represented by the tangible assets of the charity. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

26 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **20 Analysis of restricted charitable funds** 

|**Revenue Funds**<br>**Local Community:**<br>Free Voices Choir<br>Food bank community<br>Youth & Children<br>Christians Against Poverty<br>Cedar House<br>Funeral donations<br>Catherine’s child giving<br>ACTS435<br>Ian & Joanna gift<br>Anna Snalam<br>Vicky gift<br>Sue & Graham gift<br>**Wider Community:**<br>Kibogora<br>Pan de Vida<br>Shoe box appeal<br>Missionary Boxes<br>Savannah<br>Craft Inspirations<br>India<br>Christian resource centre<br>Support Ukraine<br>Haiti<br>Sierra Leone<br>**Capital Fund**<br>**Local Community:**<br>Development fund monies|**At**<br>**01.01.23**<br>**£**<br>43<br>1,529<br>31<br>22,786<br>-<br>6<br>500<br>-<br>1,709<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>64,995<br>(467)<br>28<br>334<br>142<br>2,211<br>1,773<br>179<br>206<br>126<br>9,682|**Income**<br>**And**<br>**Tax**<br>**Recover-**<br>**able**<br>**£**<br>-<br>(170)<br>-<br>22,431<br>3,186<br>23<br>-<br>90<br>2,613<br>4,340<br>635<br>2,666<br>79,094<br>11,030<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>185<br>-<br>-<br>147<br>-<br>8,919|**Expend-**<br>**iture**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(24,778)<br>(3,186)<br>(29)<br>-<br>(90)<br>(4,322)<br>(4,135)<br>-<br>(2,666)<br>(95,708)<br>(7,000)<br>(28)<br>-<br>(142)<br>(21)<br>-<br>-<br>(353)<br>-<br>(14,000)|**Capital**<br>**Expend-**<br>**iture**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**At**<br>**31.12.23**<br>**£**<br>**43**<br>**1,359**<br>**31**<br>**20,439**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**500**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**205**<br>**635**<br>**-**<br>**48,381**<br>**3,563**<br>**-**<br>**334**<br>**-**<br>**2,375**<br>**1,773**<br>**179**<br>**-**<br>**126**<br>**4,601**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||105,813<br>-<br>105,813|135,189<br>-<br>135,189|(156,458)<br>-<br>(156,458)|-<br>-<br>-|-<br>-<br>-|**84,544**<br>**-**|
|||||||**84,544**|



## **Revenue Funds** 

The individual revenue funds, the purposes of which are detailed above, received income during the year from donations containing restrictions. These donations are used for the continuation of the individual projects listed. 

## **Capital Fund:** 

## **Development Fund** 

The development fund originally represented amounts given to the church to build the new annexe and equip it. As the annexe is now complete, gifts to the development fund were used for the repayment of the bank loan, taken out to partially fund the annexe costs. The bank loan is now fully repaid; the remaining funds have been used for development of the property. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

27 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359** 

**NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**__________________________________________________________________________________** 

## **21 Analysis of net assets between funds:** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>1,921,562<br>Current assets<br>348,895<br>Current liabilities<br>(10,241)<br>Long term liabilities<br>-<br>2,260,216<br>For 31 December 2022<br>2,311,692<br>**22**<br>**Summary of wages and salaries**<br>Total remuneration for the year amounted to:<br>Main Church – Pastors<br>Main Church – Administration<br>Main Church – Youth & Children<br>Main Church – Christians Against Poverty<br>The average number of paid staff for the year were:<br>Main Church:<br>full time employees<br>Main Church:<br>part time employees<br>Administration:  part time employees<br>Domestics:       part time employees|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>84,544<br>-<br>-||**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**1,921,562**<br>**433,439**<br>**(10,241)**<br>**-**|**Funds**<br>_2022_<br>_£_<br>_1,938,340_<br>_494,336_<br>_(15,171)_<br>_-_<br>_2,417,505_<br>_2,417,505_<br>_2022_<br>_£_<br>_138,245_<br>_51,613_<br>_33,396_<br>_17,486_<br>_240,740_<br>_2022_<br>_£_<br>_3_<br>_5_<br>_1_<br>_1_<br>_10_|**Funds**<br>_2022_<br>_£_<br>_1,938,340_<br>_494,336_<br>_(15,171)_<br>_-_<br>_2,417,505_<br>_2,417,505_<br>_2022_<br>_£_<br>_138,245_<br>_51,613_<br>_33,396_<br>_17,486_<br>_240,740_<br>_2022_<br>_£_<br>_3_<br>_5_<br>_1_<br>_1_<br>_10_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||84,544||**2,344,760**||_2,417,505_|
||105,813||**2023**<br>**£**<br>**114,237**<br>**46,310**<br>**23,465**<br>**13,726**<br>**197,738**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**4**<br>**5**<br>**1**<br>**1**<br>**11**||_2,417,505_|
||||||_2022_<br>_£_<br>_138,245_<br>_51,613_<br>_33,396_<br>_17,486_<br>_240,740_<br>_2022_<br>_£_<br>_3_<br>_5_<br>_1_<br>_1_<br>_10_|
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||



No employee earned over £60,000 in the year. 

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and pastoral team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £114,237 (2022: £138,245). 

28 



**FULWOOD FREE METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 514359 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **23 Trustee remuneration and expenses** 

The pastor of the Church is also a trustee under the charity scheme sealed in March 2000. That scheme allows for payment of trustees, and in that role they received remuneration and expenses from the Church as detailed below: 

|I Winter<br>Gross salary<br>Pension contributions (money purchase scheme)|**2023**<br>**£**<br>**44,342**<br>**3,547**<br>**47,889**|_2022_<br>_£_<br>_34,501_<br>_2,760_|
|---|---|---|
|||_37,261_|



The aggregate donations received without conditions from trustees were £42,500 (2022: £69,000). 

Vicky Johns, wife of a trustee, received remuneration in her role as secretary during the year of £12,976 (2022: £16,093). 

No other trustees have received any remuneration in the year. Insurance premiums of £85 (2022: £85) were incurred by the charity during the year in respect of indemnity insurance for the trustees. The charity also has insurance premiums totalling £980 (2022: £980) to cover travel by trustees and non-trustees. 

## **24 Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

29