LightSpace Report for year ending 31 March 2021
Chair of Trustees Annual report
Oct 2021
After a hard year where we were unable to go into schools and had to adapt to working online with schools we are pleased that in September we went back into schools and in October we had our first in person Trustee meeting for over a year.
Summary
Looking back over the year it has had highs and lows. We praise God for the legacy from Steve de Visme received in July 2020 as this has enabled us to survive the last year. With this money in our account as well as the government furlough payments we are in a good position to move forward. Many of our personal donors have continued to give through this time and we thank you all so much for that. Many of our church givers were not able to and that is where the legacy payment and the furlough covered the gap. We hope that as furlough comes to an end and Jennie is able to go back into schools and Jennie gets busy again, that the churches will bless us as they have previously. If any churches want information on what we do we have some fabulous new leaflets which we can send to you. Or of course you can have a look at our website: https://lightspace.org.uk/ or talk to me or Jennie.
As I said we did use the furlough scheme. We managed to buy some recording equipment in the summer so that Jennie could record some collective worships for the schools safely from the Autumn. These were very well received but, as you can imagine, these did not take up as much time as going into schools individually. As you can see from Jennie’s report we are going to go with a hybrid approach moving forward. Therefore Jennie has worked approximately half her normal hours most months since September so we have claimed furlough for those hours she couldn’t fill.
Trustees
As trustees we have continued to meet and have said farewell to Rev Nell Shallow as she moves onto a new part of the country. We are thrilled that we have managed to replace her quickly, this is essential for a charity that works with children. Amanda Beckett who is a teacher and attends Harrowby lane Methodist Church agreed to be our new Safeguarding Trustee and has already got stuck into the role!
As Pat Whyte has stepped down as Secretary we have now appointed her as Schools Consultant recognising the wisdom and knowledge she brings to the Trustee board and also as a sounding board for Jennie.
Jess Barnett has surpassed herself with her marketing during lockdown with a number of online fundraisers, for books and the recording equipment.
David Lynn has worked hard to ensure we are moving forward and putting in safe procedures with online banking in place (not an easy feat in lockdown believe me!) Matt Farley is our new representative from Scripture Union and attends our meetings and helps out with practical help and advice.
Volunteers
We had a volunteer commissioning service (delayed a number of times!) in October. It was lovely to see all the volunteers who are now ready to go into schools.
Administration
Lydia Gallaher continues as our Clerk to the Trustees and is ensuring that all our policies and procedures are kept up to date. She is very capable and we feel very safe with her on board.
Schools Work
Jennie has done an amazing job this year with learning how to record Collective Worships and also keep in touch with the staff at the schools this year. Teaching is a hard enough job in normal times but this year has been exceptional and as a result she has is continuing to build a chaplaincy project. In addition she has kept in touch with our lovely volunteers and has been helping them get ready to go into schools when they can.
Now she is back in schools and the children and teachers have welcomed her with open arms. We hope that lasts!
Overall I want to say a massive thank you to you all, Jennie, trustees and Lydia and all our supporters whatever you do for us. We wouldn’t be here without you!
AGM held on Tuesday 22 June 2021
The Trustees have not received any emoluments other than authorised expenses.
Jacqui Hanbury Chair of Trustees
Grantham Christian Ministries Trust working as LightSpace
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
BALANCES b\fwd 31 Mar 2020
EXPENDITURE
| £p Bank Current A/C 7,174.45 INCOME Donations - Personal 6,234.40 Donations from churches/ home groups 2,168.00 Donations from organisations 36.53 Donations via website Wonderful.org 1,000.00 Donations from fundraising 0.00 HMRC Furlough grants 4,955.79 Gift Aid 0.00 Legacy 13,300.00 Grants 0.00 |
£p 7,174.45 27,694.72 34,869.17 |
£p Jennie Fytche - pay 13,344.10 Jennie Fytche - expenses 759.79 HMRC NI & tax - Jennie Fytche 1,001.54 Jennie Fytche - pension (Employer) 715.50 Equipment for Jennie Fytche 800.32 Resources 750.00 Insurance 419.82 GCMT website 43.20 Admin 40.00 Grants 1,300.00 BALANCES c\fwd 31 Mar 21 Bank Current A/C at 31 March 21 15,694.90 Bank statement at 31 March 21 15,694.90 |
£p 19,174.27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34,869.17 | |||
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Report to the Trustees of Grantham Christian Ministries
Charity Number 516836
On the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021
Respective Responsibilities of trustees and examiner: The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement: My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement: In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
Signed:
Date: 27 June 2021
Yvonne Ellis
Name: Yvonne Ellis 12 West Way Allington Gardens Allington Grantham Lincs NG32 2FP