OPEN ARMS CHURCH LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2023
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2023.
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 charitable company's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The objectives of the charitable company are set out in the Memorandum of Association of Open Arms Church Limited. They include:-
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To advance the Christian faith.
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To relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the distress caused thereby.
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To advance education in accordance with Christian principals.
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To promote and fulfil such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland in deciding what activities the charitable company should undertake.
Achievements and performance
During the year to 31 January 2023 the charitable company received donations and undertook the promotion of their above objectives. The charitable company continues to operate a helpline from the church helping the local community with grocery and prescription deliveries as well as providing meals for those in need.
Other activities included:-
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a holiday bible club for children across the community with volunteers running minibuses to transport children to and from the premises.
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a team of volunteers reaching out to help teenagers, addicts and homeless, specifically around the Bann Boulevard in the evenings.
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Friday lunch for the local community, those in need and the homeless in the area.
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volunteers also cleaned up the streets around the church removing litter, weeds which had grown in alleyways between houses and removing graffiti from neighbouring houses by painting gable walls.
Financial review
The charitable company's financial results are set out in detail on pages 5-12.
There was an overall deficit for the year of £7,736 (2022 - £4,994). Unrestricted funds at 31 January 2023 were £16,380. The charitable company has no restricted funds.
Reserves
The level of reserves will be reviewed annually and built up in stages consistent with the charitable company's overall financial position and its need to maintain its charitable activities. The trustees consider a level of £30,000 to be appropriate.
Structure, governance and management
The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee, governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 10 January 2020. The charitable company is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The charitable company is controlled by its trustees who are directors of the company for the purposes of company law.
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OPEN ARMS CHURCH LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2023 The trustees who served during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were.. Mr R S Foster DrA J Hamilton Mr L A McBride Mr B Milligan MrA Barr (Resigned 1 September 2023) (Resigned 1 September 2023) (Appointed 1 September 20231 {Appointed 1 September 2023) Under the requirement of the Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation, one third of the directors retire from office each year. The minimum number of directors is three and is not subject to any maximum. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the charitable company. All of the trustees are members of the charitable company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of winding up. Organlsatlon The day to day running ofthe charitable company is overseen by the trustees. In preparing this report. the trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the CompaniesAct 2006. Registered offi.. 6 Breagh Lodge Portadown Craigavon Co Armagh BT63 5YW Company Regislralion No,. N1666902 Charity Registration No.. NIC107211 The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Mr R S Foster Trustee