Brooklands Gospel Centre
Trustees Report for the 12 month period ended 5 April 2025
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
William McNaughten
The Trustees of Brooklands Brethren Assembly (the Assembly) submit their annual report and financial statement for the 12-month period ended 5" April 2025.
Charity Name:
Brooklands Brethren Assembly (known as Brooklands Gospel Centre)
Registered Charity NIC 103022 (25 August 2015)
HMRC Charity Reference No. XN 48584
Address: Brooklands Crescent, Dundonald BT16 2P)
Correspondence Address: 34 Greengraves Road, Dundonald BT16 1UZ
Trustees:
| Robert Hair | Andrew Morrison |
|---|---|
| Philip Magee | William Patterson |
| Edward Mcintosh | Ernest Russell |
| WilliamMcNaughten | NormanWilson(deceasedJuly2024) |
Elders:
Norman Wilson (until July 2024), Gary Campbell, Gordon Halliday, Edward McIntosh and William McNaughten
Bank: AIB (NI)
Independent Examiner: Denise Teer FCA
Solicitors: MacCorkell Legal & Commercial, 8-10 Longstone Street, Lisburn BT28 1TP
Structure, Governance and Management
The Assembly is an independent local church constituted by a Trust Deed executed on 10 February 1976.
Although the Trustees have legal responsibility for the affairs of the Assembly, the dayto-day spiritual care and practical matters are overseen by the Elders. The Trustees meet at least once per year and the Elders meet at least once per month to discuss Assembly matters.
The Trust Deed provides for the appointment, retirement and removal of the Trustees. The Assembly has appointed Denise Teer FCA as Independent Examiner of the financial statements and the Trustees thank Denise for her willingness to fulfil the role and for the time taken to examine the Assembly records and prepare her report.
Risk ; Financial - The Assembly relies entirely on the income received from freewill offerings and gifts, without which the Assembly would not be able to achieve its objectives. These offerings are sufficient to cover the costs associated with the current level of activities, however, should there be a reduction in income, the Trustees would implement a cost reduction programme to ensure the financial stability of the Assembly. The Assembly also holds cash reserves to meet unexpected necessary expenditure.
The Trustees are thankfulfor the continued generous level of giving by the members. Reputational— Activities with children constitute the main risk. This is mitigated through a Child Protection Policy which is actively and routinely monitored.
Objectives and Activities
The Trust was established for the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the public in accordance with biblical principles and practice (as outlined in the First Schedule of the Trust Deed). The Trust considers that promotion of the Christian faith has a transformative and beneficial effect on society both locally and worldwide.
The Assembly organises a range of activities including (but not restricted to):
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Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
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- Prayer Meetings
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Bible Teaching & Bible Studies
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Public services for the explanation of the teachings of Jesus Christ
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Reports of Missionary activities within UK and abroad
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Children Activities
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Ladies Activities including fellowship and craft
The Assembly provides financial and practical support to several Christian workers within the UK and abroad.
Achievements and Performance
The objectives of the Assembly are spiritual and qualitative and are therefore, in many respects, difficult to measure. However, the following comments are worthy of consideration:
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The Assembly has been pleased to share the gospel in a variety of ways, within its own building, with adults and children. During the year there have been regular attendances at these meetings, and the Assembly engages with the local community to encourage others to avail of the opportunity to attend and benefit.
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The Assembly continues to support missionary activities in Northern Ireland and throughout the world.
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Toassist in promoting good community relations, and support the legal authorities, the Assembly regards the encouraging of good Christian ethical behaviour as an important part of all teaching, and this applies to both adult and children activities.
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The Assembly makes gifts in cases of identified needs both locally and internationally, including disaster relief.
The Assembly has had regard to the statutory guidance in respect of the Public Benefit Requirement published by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
Financial Review
The Trustees are content with the financial results for the year with a cash surplus of £4,211 being recorded (2024 surplus £4,199). The Assembly continues to maintain a healthy cash position (£41,599 at the year end).
An annual report is presented to the Assembly to explain in detail the income and expenditure associated with the operations of the Assembly.
The Trustees have established the position of Treasurer for the Assembly which is held by a suitably qualified and experienced person. Controls are in place to manage the
finances and help detect and prevent error or fraud. Management Accounts are
reported quarterly to the Elders for approval.
As the Assembly is recognised as a charity by HMRC, it has no liability to taxation on its charitable activities.