REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC018710
SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 2 to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 to 13 |
TRUST INFORMATION
Registered Charity number SC018710
Independent Examiner
Hazlewoods LLP Windsor House Bayshill Road Cheltenham GL50 3AT
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and Account 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 published on 16 July 2014.
Objectives
The purposes of the charity are the advancement of the Christian faith and the relief of those in need in the local community and elsewhere.
During the year, Seagate Evangelical Church maintained a Christian presence in the town of Troon through church services and associated activities, the provision of pastoral care to its congregation and the wider community, and the support of 18 (2024: 21) Christian missionary organisations and individuals (see note 4). Church membership at March 2025 was 147 (2024: 129).
All our activities rely on the commitment of volunteers within both Seagate and Meadowgreen Community churches, the Meadowgreen Community Centre and Café 141, with approximately 110 people involved in at least one area of service, as a volunteer or activity leader. The elders and trustees meet on a regular basis to pray and to plan how best to grow the ministry of the church in Troon and wider community.
Pastoral Activities
Our Pastor and Assistant Pastor continued to preach on the majority of Sundays, encouraging the continued spiritual growth of the people who regularly attend Seagate and Meadowgreen Community churches, and also in reaching Troon with the Good News of the Gospel.
Our online Sunday services continue to be broadcast on YouTube and via our website, with people in many diverse locations continuing to watch live on Sunday mornings or in their own time.
Small groups meet regularly for prayer and bible study, with the number of groups increasing from 11 to 12. Congregational prayer times continued throughout the year, praying faithfully and regularly for individual needs and for all the ministries of the church, with some in sessions in person and four sessions each week on Zoom.
Youth Activities
Youth activities have continued over the year with an average of 20-25 attendees and 5 volunteers each week, the range of activities during the year included:
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Speak Life 321 series by Glen Scrivener
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Material from the Bible Project looking at the character of God
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Crepes night
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Heartstart course, learning lifesaving skills
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West Coast Gospel Partnership Youth event, hosted by Seagate
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Attending Magnitude Youth Festival and an Ayrshire Magnitude worship night
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Friday Faith Gang and Monday night study group for girls run during term time.
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Fit for Faith weekly group for boys
Outreach Activities
- Tuesdays at Ten, which is a successful programme of stimulating activities and company for older members of the community continued throughout the year, with 54 attendees on average, supported by 9 volunteers;
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (continued)
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Mainly Music, a weekly music and movement activity run by 13 volunteers for children and their parents/carers, has continued its ministry with 26 families in regular attendance. Snacks are provided for children and tea/coffee/home baking for adults. Gifts are given for birthdays, Easter, Christmas, Day and end of term;
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Seagate partners with two Ayr churches (Riverside and Southside) to support a CAP Debt Centre. Riverside is the lead Church organisation with Seagate providing financial and resourcing support, with four 1:1 befrienders from our congregation. The centre has been extremely well utilised in the year, with 26 individuals/couples coming on board as Clients for Debt help and 10 people helped to become debt free. The area covered by the Debt Centre was expanded during the year to reach further into South Ayrshire and the 6-week CAP Money course will be rolled out across more churches and community groups in the coming year.
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We run a CAP Life Skills course, a 7 week course covering topics such as Money, Organisation, Health & Wellbeing and Relationships.
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The Health and Wellbeing group has continued with a focus on helping our community keep emotionally and physically healthy. We meet weekly for an exercise session at a local gym.
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Lunch Club meets on a Wednesday following our Health and Wellbeing group, and includes participants from that group along with an additional number from the community. We provide a light lunch using food surplus from the local Co-op supermarket as the basis and supplement this with fruit and a hot drink. The group has a real sense of identity and has enjoyed a number of 'days out' including a day trip to Millport and walks including Ben Lomond, Lynn falls, Kildoon hill and Troon-Dundonald Smugglers trail.
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Our annual Wintertainment event, when the church is open to join in the Troon Business Association Christmas celebration, was held in November 2024; over 140 people came to the church to participate in carol singing and crafts, and to enjoy free crepes, home baking, soup and refreshments.
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an employability day to encourage our community to utilise all the support services across our locality.
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We continue to support Marr College by funding them to increase their Breakfast Club from two to three days per week and to provide toiletry bags full of everyday essentials (e.g. toothpaste, sanitary products, shampoo etc.), with the additional support of The Micah Project (another local community charity). We also support parents who have English as an additional language with advocacy at school meetings etc.
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- Literacies Development Officer; this has led to our church registering to join the WELCOME Churches network, a national network of churches committed to welcoming refugees. We provide support for the ESOL classes, organise events during the school holidays for the families and ensure a welcome box and a welcome plan is provided when new refugees arrive in the community and set up Welcome Cafes.
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In 2024/5 we took a break from the Hampers we have provided over the last few years, instead taking a group of people known to us through a variety of our community out-reach activities for a restaurant fish tea and pantomime show in January. This was a true highlight for many in what can be a difficult period in the midst of winter
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Peaced Together Course ran twice and Going Deeper once in the last year - these are courses for women to explore Christianity through creativity and crafts.
Meadowgreen Centre and Café 141
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Meadowgreen Community Church meets at the Meadowgreen centre each week, with small group and prayer meetings throughout the week;
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At the Meadowgreen Centre, there are also 15-20 lets each month, depending on the season, benefitting the community. The centre is used every day and hosts c. 50 birthday parties each year;
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Café 141 is open 3-4 days per week (usually Wed-Fri) and provides a warm and welcoming facility, which is very well utilised by the local community. The café is manned by 1 full-time, 2 part-time workers and volunteers from the church. There are regular one-off events to engage the community and provide a support mechanism in this part of the town. The café ran at a small deficit in the financial year and productivity actions have been taken to achieve a break-even position in the year ahead.
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Cosy Café was established to assist with energy poverty and increased cost of living, providing a free two course meal and a space to socialise with others once a week at Café 141 from October to March. There has been an average of 40-50 meals provided weekly. In addition, we partner with Co-op supermarket to distribute their food surplus on a weekly basis; this provides attendees with a food bag, including a variety of fresh and tinned foods.
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The centre now has an upgraded office space which allow staff to have a larger and more productive place of work to plan activities and support each other.
Community Fund
The harsh reality of austerity experienced by many of our townspeople, together with an increase in the number of refugees in South Ayrshire, has led to even more of our church community stepping up to provide practical support. The community fund, which was established in 2018, into which designated donations are received, has been able to provide significant support, both financial and practical, on a confidential basis, and to partfund our community worker. The fund has been extinguished in the year and, since community activities now form an integral element of church activities, the Trustees have determined that the Fund should close, with all ongoing and future financial support provided from the General Fund.
Capital Project
The trustees have made further progress with the plan for practical and physical changes to renovate and increase the capacity in our Grade B listed building. In 2021, the options to improve the Seagate building were fully specified, with an architect engaged to explore and outline our options re the provision of a flexible, multipurpose, environmentally friendly, and sustainable Church/Community Hub. The improvement plan has been endorsed by Historic Scotland and approved by South Ayrshire Council, with some design modification.
Phase 1: The replacement of windows in the main sanctuary and front elevation and improving the signage at the front of the Church) commenced in Summer 23 and successfully completed in Summer 2025. Plans for increasing seating capacity in the sanctuary, by changing the layout and building flexible storage in the back hall are now scheduled for Summer of 2026. Phase 2: expansion plan is currently on hold as we consider how to respond to rapid growth, with many new members added to the congregation over the last two years.
Financial review
Gift Aid taxation rebate scheme. Total voluntary income in the year amounted to £345,968 (year ended 31 March 2024: £357,046), of which £24,559 (year ended 31 March 2024: £75,350) related to special giving for the community, church worker and building funds. Interest on funds on deposit of £915 was received (year ended 31 March 2024: £1,241).
Expenditure is incurred in employing staff, maintaining church facilities, providing support to the local community and other missionary/charitable activities. Total expenditure in the year amounted to £405,187 (year ended 31 March 2024: £331,130): £21,157 (year ended 31 March 2024: £28,324) related to community support and £36,662 (year ended 31 March 2024: £23,533) related to supporting other missionary/charitable activities. The resulting deficit for the year was £58,304 (2024: surplus £27,127).
Governing document and organisational structure
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. In accordance with the Trust Deed, trustees are appointed by the powers given to existing trustees and with the consent of a majority of the congregation attending a meeting called for that purpose. Appropriate training is provided to new trustees upon appointment.
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (continued)
Governing document and organisational structure (continued)
The charity is fully independent and has no affiliation to any other body. The charity trust is administered by ten trustees and the church is led by five elders, supported by two full-time employee (Pastor and Assistant Pastor) and four
The café is staffed by a full-time Manager, supported by part-time café assistants.
Reserves policy
The trustees seek to retain sufficient general reserves to committed operational costs totalling £45,000. The trustees have exceeded this target to date.
Going Concern
The trustees have considered the financial future of the charity and, in light of the on-going support committed by both members and adherents, are comfortable it will continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Developing compliance with the enhanced safeguarding regulations has been a key focus. The Trustees have adopted the over-arching 31:8 Safeguarding approach to all policy documents within Seagate. This is a 10-step process to ensure places of worship have established a clear structure and policy framework. A self-audit will be carried out to ensure that processes/policies created are being utilised and, in due course, 31:8 will be invited to undertake an audit of processes/policies put in place. In the on-going economic climate, the risk of falling income from donations is seen as the main on-going risk facing the charity, however increasing donations suggest that this risk is relatively low.
Going Forward
As the Trustees look to the future, we are in a strong financial position and have a growing church with many outreach activities notably into our local community. The key priorities for the Trustees over the next 3 years are as follows; (1) consolidate and optimise the integration of the Meadowgreen activities, including the expansion of Meadowgreen Community Church outreach activities and optimisation of Café 141 operating model to ensure financial sustainability; (2) continue to expand our overall community reach ministries and small group plans (3) develop and implement plans to address the capacity issues at both church locations Seagate and Meadowgreen and (4) ensure our 31:8 Safeguarding strategy and our policies & procedures are robust and sustainable for the longer term.
ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES :
12 December 2025
5
Docusvjn Envelo ID.. 5859752EXDF1408141224)678AD25EAB7 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH I report on the accounts of the charrty for the year ended 31 March 2025 set out on pages 7 to 13. Respertive responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment {Scotlandl Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 las amended). The charrty's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(11 (al to Ic) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibilityto examine the accounts as required under Section 44{1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of the independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006 las amended). 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 you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44{1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 21J)6 Accounts Regulations. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with Regulation 8 of the 2(X)6 Accounts Regulations have not been met; or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 12 December 2025
SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Interest received Total incoming resources OUTGOING RESOURCES Charitable activities Church activities 2 Gifts to missions 4 Community support Interest payable Total outgoing resources Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before other recognised gains Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Net fund movement in the year Total funds carried forward 9 |
Year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total £ £ £ 321,409 24,559 345,968 915 - 915 322,324 24,559 346,883 347,368 - 347,368 36,662 - 36,662 - 21,157 21,157 - - - 384,030 21,157 405,187 (61,706) 3,402 (58,304) 60,039 (60,039) - (1,667) (56,637) (58,304) 158,054 69,008 227,062 (1,667) (56,637) (58,304) 156,387 12,371 168,758 |
Year ended 31 March 2024 Total £ 357,046 1,241 |
|---|---|---|
| 358,287 | ||
| 279,262 23,533 28,324 11 |
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| 331,130 | ||
| 27,157 - |
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| 27,157 | ||
| 199,905 | ||
| 27,157 | ||
| 227,062 |
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC018710
| BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025 Notes TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 6 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 7 Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 8 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted funds general charitable activities designated for capital assets designated for mission support Restricted funds - facilities development - community support TOTAL FUNDS* 9 |
31 March 2025 £ 111,229 51,278 52,802 104,080 (46,551) 57,529 168,758 168,758 45,143 111,229 15 12,371 - 168,758 |
31 March 2024 £ 105,903 51,011 114,642 |
|---|---|---|
| 165,653 (44,494) |
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| 121,159 | ||
| 227,062 | ||
| 227,062 | ||
| 51,505 105,903 646 31,258 37,750 |
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| 227,062 |
- Designated capital assets which will be depreciated in future years; during the year, £9,566 (2024: £32,000) was received in capital grants towards the cost of refurbishment of church windows and redesign of storage facilities. Beyond evidencing completion of the related works, there are no conditions attached to these grants.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 12 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing accounts under FRS102, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. The financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are designated for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of all tangible assets over their expected useful economic life.
The rates applicable are: Building Improvements - 10 Years Equipment - 3 - 10 Years
Estimation uncertainty and judgements
The trustees make estimates and judgements concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will by definition, seldom equal the actual results. There are no material estimates and assumptions that are expected to have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. COSTS INVOLVED IN CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
Charitable activities unrestricted general funds
Salaries 220,501 148,598
Cost of sales 24,234 17,934
Staff travel and expenses 1,718 2,025
Insurance 9,924 7,131
Utilities 25,235 25,955
Telephone and internet 1,588 1,365
Facilities / Building maintenance 10,407 9,570
Audit visual equipment 906 675
12,989 21,209
Training/Support costs 7,040 5,136
Accountancy & legal costs 936 12,526
Sundries 8,763 5,938
324,241 258,062
Charitable activities unrestricted designated funds
Depreciation 23,127 21,200
Total resources expended 347,368 279,262
2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 203,419 139,369
Social security costs 10,479 5,030
Other pension costs 6,603 4,199
220,501 148,598
Average monthly number of employees during the year: 2025 2024
Engaged in charitable activities 13 9
----- End of picture text -----
3. STAFF COSTS
No trustee received any remuneration, other benefits or expenses during the current or prior year.
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. GIFTS TO MISSIONS
| The following gifts were made during the year: Mission International Scripture Union Scotland Echoes International - Malcolm Open Doors Scottish Bible Society Hope for Glasgow Bethany Christian Trust Broken Chains Echoes International - Young Dayspring Christian Trust Mission Aviation Fellowship Brass Tacks Gospel Literature Outreach Operation Mobilisation The Smiles Foundation Christians in Sport UCCF Tearfund Meadowgreen Foundation Miscellaneous smaller grants |
2025 £ 16,766 2,003 1,788 1,785 1,765 1,705 1,655 950 950 950 925 925 900 900 885 885 825 - - 100 36,662 |
2024 £ 5,067 1,580 1,480 1,625 1,695 1,745 670 1,800 865 740 765 765 863 863 670 - 700 670 670 300 |
|---|---|---|
| 23,533 |
The Independent Examiner fee is £500 (year ended 31 March 2024: £500).
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
6. FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Freehold Land Building improvements £ £ 1 185,693 - 20,800 1 206,493** £ £ - 90,257 - 16,959 |
Freehold Land Building improvements £ £ 1 185,693 - 20,800 1 206,493** £ £ - 90,257 - 16,959 |
Computer & other equipment £ 34,663 7,653 42,316 £ 24,197 6,168 |
Total £ 220,357 28,453 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 248,810 | ||||
| £ 114,454 23,127 |
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| - £ 1 1 |
107,216 £ 99,277 95,436 |
30,365 £ 11,951 10,466 |
137,581 | |
| £ 111,229 |
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| 105,903 |
** Freehold land represents the price paid in 2023 to acquire the land at the Meadowgreen Centre. The Trustees have considered the carrying value of the land and buildings and have concluded that no value should be recognised above the price paid: the acquired land is zoned for community use, therefore having no value beyond its current value in use as a community centre & café since the activities carried out in the community buildings are not expected to generate profits.
7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Gift aid rebate due from HMRC Prepayments 8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Taxation and social security Pension liabilities Other creditors and accruals |
2025 £ 40,167 11,111 51,278 2025 £ 3,915 1,807 40,829 46,551 |
2024 £ 39,681 11,330 51,011 2024 £ 3,721 976 39,797 44,494 |
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SEAGATE EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds: general Unrestricted funds: designated capital asset fund (a) Unrestricted funds: designated for mission support (b) Restricted funds: facilities development (c) Restricted funds: community support (d) |
At 1 April 2024 Movement in year Transfers in year At 31 March 2025 £ £ £ £ 51,505 (37,698) 31,336 45,143 105,903 (23,127) 28,453 111,229 646 (881) 250 15 31,258 9,566 (28,453) 12,371 37,750 (6,164) (31,586) - 227,062 (58,304) - 168,758 |
|---|---|
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a) £111,229 (2024: £105,903) funds designated for capital assets which will be depreciated in future years
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b) £15 (2024: £646) funds designated for future missionary giving
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c) £12,371 (2024: £31,258) funds reserved for facilities refurbishment work
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d) £Nil (2024: £37,750) funds reserved for community support **
** The Community Fund has been fully utilised in the year. Community support is now fully embedded in the activities of the church and will be supported from General Funds in future.
10. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
There have been no transactions with related parties during the year (2024: £Nil).
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