Acorah Software Products - Accounts Production 19.3.550 false true true 31 October 2024 1 November 2023 No description of principal activity true true true true true 1 November 2024 31 October 2025 31 October 2025 08148539 Dr Margaret Owolabi Mrs Julie Messenger Rev Jennifer Joyce Mr Roger Goodship Mr Cadian Rattray Mrs Kehinde Sokunle Miss Alison Collyer Mrs Ria George Mr Paul Thompson-McHenry Mr Adrian Ravilious 1148705 true false false false false false Spiritual Outreach Mission Events Governance Investment income false true iso4217:GBP iso4217:EUR iso4217:USD xbrli:shares xbrli:pure xbrli:pure 08148539 frs-core:CurrentFinancialInstruments frs-core:WithinOneYear 2025-10-31 08148539 frs-core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments frs-core:BetweenOneFiveYears 2025-10-31 08148539 2024-10-31 08148539 2025-10-31 08148539 2024-11-01 2025-10-31 08148539 frs-core:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2025-10-31 08148539 frs-core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2025-10-31 08148539 frs-core:ComputerEquipment 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08148539 frs-char:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds frs-char:Activity5 2023-11-01 2024-10-31
Company registration number: 08148539
Charity registration number: 1148705
Shenley Christian Fellowship
Trustees' Report and
Unaudited Financial Statements
For The Year Ended 31 October 2025
Contents
Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2—5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 7
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10—19
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Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Dr Margaret Owolabi
Mrs Julie Messenger
Rev Jennifer Joyce (appointed 13/04/2025)
Mr Roger Goodship
Mr Cadian Rattray
Mrs Kehinde Sokunle
Miss Alison Collyer (appointed 13/04/2025)
Mrs Ria George (appointed 13/04/2025)
Mr Paul Thompson-McHenry (appointed 13/04/2025)
Mr Adrian Ravilious (appointed 13/04/2025)
Revd Ross Dilnot - Senior Leader (resigned 07/05/2025)
Charity Number 1148705
Company Number 08148539
Independent Examiner KRW Accountants Ltd
Henge Barn Pury Hill Business Park
Alderton Road
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 7LS
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Trustees' Report
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Objectives and Activities
Aims and Objectives
The charity is led by a group of Trustees who form the Leadership Team. The Minister is the only paid member of the Trustees and as Senior Church Leader his responsibility is to lead the church, together with the Leadership Team, following the model of congregational governance as laid out in the Constitution. 
During this reporting year, due to long-term sickness of the Senior Church Leader and eventual resignation from the role in May 2025, the church was led by the Leadership Team – that grew substantially in April 2025 to accommodate the changed needs relating to governance. From May 2025, a small representative group of the fellowship, including two from the Leadership Team sought to advertise, attract and appoint a new minister. This process remained ongoing during this reporting period.
The charity is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. It also works alongside other churches and denominations in Milton Keynes and beyond, to further the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Charity’s Objectives:
The charity’s objectives are:
The advancement of the Christian faith for the benefit of the public.
The relief of sickness and the preservation of health among people.
The prevention or relief of poverty.
In furtherance of these objectives, the Trustees established a building fund appeal to develop the permanent base with Phase 1 of the build opened in September 2016 and from which the charity operates. At present, plans of the advancement of Phase 2 that would see us incorporating a large auditorium and additional facilities for children and young people activities remains on pause.
The policies that the charity adopted in furtherance of these objectives continue to be consistent with those adopted by the original trust (Shenley Christian Fellowship Trust) which it now embraces.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
The charity seeks to make grant applications when available to various grant making bodies for different ministry projects to further advance the work that they seek to undertake in pastoral support, education, and the building of the second phase of the Church’s building, the Oak Tree Centre, to enable further growth and development.
The charity could not fulfil its objectives without the dedicated and sacrificial support of the many volunteers who are both regular attendees of the church and those who attend the ministry activities but not the church itself. These volunteers are essential to the life of the charity and without them, it would be difficult to exist.
Public Benefit
The charity has provided the following services for the public benefit:
Acorns Family Outreach Ministry
A Winter Night Shelter
Monday Club
Food and Clothing Bank
Youth and Children's Ministry
Sunday Services
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and Performance
Main Achievements
The charities activities continued to grow post pandemic as we maintain a commitment to build spiritual growth across the church family and support several activities focused on community outreach. This mission has continued over this reporting period despite having no minister overall in leadership. What we have experienced, is many people feeling gifted and empowered to step out in faith to support our charity objectives. 
Acorns Family Outreach ministry
...CONTINUED
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Main Achievements - continued
This continues to thrive with more families joining the group as some of the existing children move up to attending school. John Chapman continues to lead this ministry as Acorns Family Outreach Worker; leading a team of volunteers who sacrificially give their time each week (term time only) to assist in the running of this ministry. On occasions, we have had to turn families away due to demand as the activity can only operate within safe supervision levels.
Targeted towards children specifically, John Chapman additionally coordinates quarterly Church Family Services and Messy Church which the church views as essential inclusive activities to both ensure that we remain relevant for all age groups and serve as outreach activities for families who have yet to connect with local churches. John is planning for 2026 a Holiday Club in August and already we have several volunteers committed to supporting this development. Should this be successful, we are anticipating that this will be a regular feature in our community offer year on year.
Winter Night Shelter
We partnered again with Winter Night Shelter MK for the 2024 – 25 winter season offering our building to host a group of homeless people overnight. Guests (up to a maximum of 16 persons) were provided with nutrition and slept at the church’s building, the Oak Tree Centre on Sunday evenings. We could accommodate both male and female guests using the main hall and separate meeting rooms. Most weeks saw 10 – 12 persons attend with most of the guests being of the male gender.
Monday Club
The Monday Club, targeted towards more senior aged members of the church and local community continued to provide a safe and enjoyable space and to alleviate loneliness. During this year, this group was led by Roger and Linda Goodship with Beth Dilnot volunteering to oversee refreshments. A stable number of persons attend weekly derived from both the church family and local community with usually 12 – 14 persons in attendance.
Food and Clothing Bank
We reported two years ago that we had commenced a Food and Clothing Bank ministry. This ministry has grown exponentially throughout the year. The Food and Clothing Bank continues to run on the last Friday of each calendar month, with 80 – 100 families accessing these resources each month, reaching many families experiencing significant hardship. The purpose of this ministry is to support families who are struggling financially, offering food from a selection of nonperishable foodstuffs and clothing all free of charge. 
To grow this ministry, the Food and Clothing Bank leader with the support of the Leadership Team at Shenley Christian Fellowship last year progressed this as a community funded activity with its own accounts and accountability and registration with the Charity Commission. Now that finance accounts have been separated from church accounts, this service is now registered as an independent charity with its own Directors. Shenley Christian Fellowship remain committed to this importance of this ministry and will continue to host the Food and Clothing Bank at the Oak Tree Centre free of charge so that it remains central to the public living in the Shenley’s in Milton Keynes. 
During this reporting period, the Food and Clothing Bank have served more than 70 families monthly to help alleviate hardship, with the Lead Director being especially successful in securing food and clothing donations from external agencies.
Youth and Children’s Ministry
Throughout this year we continue to struggle to find leaders or helpers to serve in these ministries. This has resulted in us only being able to offer directed Children’s and Youth / young people’s work twice monthly. Recruiting volunteers to serve in this ministry is not an issue unique to us but one that we are prayerfully seeking solutions to enhance the offer we currently provide.
As reported in our return report for 23 - 24, we leased a Portakabin for use primarily as a resource for teaching youth. This works well for us with good feedback from the youth, teachers and helpers. The cost of this is high so we will in the next year look at alternative solutions to that of the continued leasing of the Portakabin as we currently remain challenged for space for teaching and supporting Children’s and Youth activities.
Sunday Services
Services for worship, bible teaching, testimonies and fellowship continue to be held every Sunday morning at the Oak Tree Centre. Except for family services, we continue to stream our services live via our church Facebook page and continue to be encouraged through the streaming investment we made during 2023 – 24. 
During this reporting period, we have invested in a new sound desk that enhances the audibility of the service for those attending in person as well as those online. We continue to upload the Sunday teaching to our YouTube page after each service, so materials are retained and can be accessed as needed. Throughout the year we have continued to support Café Church and Family Services with the intent to reach as many associated with the church and any guests from the community.
Teaching continues around subjects such as Baptism, offering baptism through submersion as people define this as a personal need.
Building and Governance
The Oak Tree Centre
The use of our building, the Oak Tree Centre, continues to grow. Hire and use of our building continues to be managed by a Centre Manager with the centre now running to almost full capacity. This includes the hire to two other churches that meet on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon respectively who share Statements of Faith similar in principle to that of Shenley Christian Fellowship.
...CONTINUED
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Main Achievements - continued
Hirers continue to grow and change as their needs change with many community hirers remaining committed to using our facilities. During this reporting period, Shenley Christian Fellowship Outreach Directors (SCFO) engaged in a review of rental costs for accommodation as some hirers have been with us over many years and have benefitted from a lower than inflationary costs charge. The SCFO Directors have examined ways to increase income from accommodation and bring our charges more in line with other similar community-based centres. With the increased income from use of the building by external hirers and increased rental charges, the Trustees at the end of this reporting period, have agreed a change in balance of payments to maintain the use of the building. 
This is the first time in the ten years of the building being opened that we have examined allocation of funding in such a manner. From November 2025 we have agree that costs to the building will be jointly shared between SCFO and SCF. This is a change from the 30% (SCFO) and 70% (SCF) agreed on the opening of the building. Longer term we expect that this will have positive impact on the financial stability for SCF.
We continue to pause the building of Phase 2 until finances are more buoyant. During this reporting period, we have continued to repay loan requirements from the original Phase 1 building with one loan reaching its final payment in summer 2026 and the second loan on a trajectory to be repaid in 2030. 
We acknowledge that the longer we wait to commence building on Phase 2 (incorporating a 450-seat auditorium, youth areas and further offices), costs for new building will continue to escalate, making progress with Phase 2 a challenge.
Future Plans
The Oak Tree Centre – The Trustees recognise that there is an increasing need to build Phase 2 of the Oak Tree Centre. This is reflected specifically in our current need to lease use of a Portakabin for use with Youth ministry. Accommodation remains challenging and should we see significant growth, will require us as Trustees alongside of the SCFO Directors to find solutions to these challenges.
Leadership and governance – we have this year sought to increase the size of the leadership team and hence Trustees as all members supported through election onto the leadership team are also Trustees. We continue to seek the right people, under God’s guidance to increase the giftings of various ministries within the church. During this reporting period, five new members joined the Leadership Team. Records with the Charity Commission have been kept current of active Trustees and members of the leadership team.
Since spring 2024, with the support of the church congregation, we moved from a position of membership to one of partnership. The practicalities of how this will be implemented to meet the needs of the Baptist Association’s congregation governance model have continued to become transparent throughout this reporting period and this in parts is reflected in our Articles of Association. We do however recognise, in the absence of a Senior Minister that we have not yet had the opportunity to revisit our Articles of Association and commit to undertaking this under anticipated new church leadership in the next reporting period to more clearly reflect the structure and governance of the church.
Life groups – Under the direction of one of the Leadership Team, the purpose and potential for ‘doing life together’ is being heard across the church. This has led to a slight increase in persons attending these groups, but we appreciate that there is still much to be done to promote these important groups across the church.
Safeguarding – we continue to be diligent in the work of safeguarding for the church. The use of the NSOCC’s Safeguarding training continues to prove invaluable as has the Safeguarding reporting package that we subscribe to - MyConcern.
Staff – The church employs a small team of personnel in distinct roles including the Oak Tree Centre Manager, Bookkeeper, Acorns Families Outreach Pastor, Cleaner as part-time staff in addition to a full-time minister (although noting that this position has not been active during this reporting period). In addition, we contract on small factional hours three persons for publicity and website administration, general administration and gardening.
Mission Support Giving – We continue to commit a sizeable proportion, representing almost 12% of our general income to other charities that have a Christian Ethos including Bridgebuilder Trust, MK Money Lifeline, Baptist Home Mission, Moorlands Bible College and two overseas missionaries working with Scripture Union. A small team oversee this ministry and review giving options annually.
Data Protection – We believe we comply with the Data Protection Policy under the government’s General Data Protection Regulations and continue to use the IT package ‘Church Suite’ to assist in the handling of our data and communications.
The Trustees believe that we have achieved our objectives this year through the activities outlined above and are eager to develop the many good areas of work that are in progress.
Financial Review
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Financial Position
The General Fund of the Shenley Christian Fellowship income was £131,399 (2024: £170,655) whilst the General Fund expenditure, excluding transfers was £117,030 (2024: £152,137).
Total accumulated funds at the end of the year were as follows:
SCF General Funds £100,191 (2024: £119,396)
Restricted Funds £1,386,748 (2024: £1,344,858)
In addition, restricted funds given to the charity received in the year amounted to £49,711 (2024: £67,117) and as shown in the accounts are principally attributed to the Building Fund. However, in accordance with the direction given by the Charity Commission, all the funds are treated as ‘restricted’ within these accounts for reporting of the charity.
Reserves Policy
Restricted Funds were used to further the aims of the fellowship in accordance with the restrictions placed upon the gifts by the donors. The Family Fund continues to be used to relieve poverty and hardship in specific cases for those within the fellowship where needs exist. Details of the sources and use of the restricted funds are detailed in the accounts. Restricted Giving income shown in these accounts includes, where appropriate, an allocation from the Gift Aid that Shenley Christian Fellowship receives that is appropriate to the circumstances of the donation.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained to be sufficient to meet all the financial obligations to the charity in terms of rent due for the property, salaries in lieu of notice for employees, and other essential expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that in the event of a significant reduction in funding, they will be able to continue the Charities current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout this period of reporting. The policy of the charity is to hold funds sufficient to cover three months of normal expenditure.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales with company number 08148539, and was established on 18 July 2021. On 22 July 2013, the original charitable trust, Shenley Christian Fellowship Trust, charity number 1015402 (governed by the Declaration of Trust dated 3 March 1992 and the Supplementary Declaration of Trust 1 December 1999) was officially linked with the charitable company and was initially treated as forming a part of it. The funds of Shenley Christian Fellowship Trust are shown in these accounts as a restricted fund of the Reporting Charity.
The charity is governed by its Articles of Association as amended by special resolution dated 27 June 2013.
Trustee Selection Methods
The Chair of Trustees or Senior Pastor would meet with new Trustees to induct them into the role, taking them through the Trustee manual.
Small Company Rules
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mrs Julie Messenger
Trustee
28 July 2026
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Shenley Christian Fellowship
We report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
We have completed our examination. We confirm that no matters have come to our attention in connection with the examination giving us cause to believe:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
We 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.
28 July 2026
Henge Barn Pury Hill Business Park
Alderton Road
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 7LS
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Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)
2025 2024
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies 3 127,351 49,067 176,418 230,753
Charitable activities:
Spiritual - - - 5
Outreach 3,412 - 3,412 5,735
Events 451 - 451 242
Investments 4 185 644 829 1,037
131,399 49,711 181,110 237,772
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds 6 - - - (1 )
Charitable activities: 6
Spiritual (84,438 ) (21,406 ) (105,844 ) 59,782
Outreach (8,818 ) - (8,818 ) (44,943 )
Mission (13,570 ) - (13,570 ) (35,676 )
Events (6,930 ) - (6,930 ) (6,486 )
Governance (3,274 ) (19,989 ) (23,263 ) (30,754 )
(117,030 ) (41,395 ) (158,425 ) (58,078 )
NET INCOME 14,369 8,316 22,685 179,694
Transfers between funds 17 (33,574 ) 33,574 - -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (19,205 ) 41,890 22,685 179,694
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward 119,396 1,344,858 1,464,254 1,284,560
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17 100,191 1,386,748 1,486,939 1,464,254
The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)
2024
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds
Notes £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies 3 170,467 60,286 230,753
Charitable activities:
Spiritual 5 - 5
Outreach - 5,735 5,735
Events - 242 242
Investments 4 183 854 1,037
170,655 67,117 237,772
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds 6 - (1 ) (1 )
Charitable activities: 6
Spiritual (80,618 ) 140,400 59,782
Outreach (33,184 ) (11,759 ) (44,943 )
Mission (31,039 ) (4,637 ) (35,676 )
Events (6,486 ) - (6,486 )
Governance (810 ) (29,944 ) (30,754 )
(152,137 ) 94,059 (58,078 )
NET INCOME 18,518 161,176 179,694
Transfers between funds 17 (17,650 ) 17,650 -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 868 178,826 179,694
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward 118,528 1,166,032 1,284,560
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17 119,396 1,344,858 1,464,254
The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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Balance Sheet
2025 2024
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets 10 54,775 1,656,811 1,711,586 1,725,586
Investments 11 2 - 2 2
54,777 1,656,811 1,711,588 1,725,588
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 12 2,332 - 2,332 4,537
Cash at bank and in hand 45,340 71,948 117,288 166,676
47,672 71,948 119,620 171,213
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 13 (2,258 ) (83,881 ) (86,139 ) (99,726 )
NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) 45,414 (11,933 ) 33,481 71,487
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 100,191 1,644,878 1,745,069 1,797,075
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year 14 - (258,130 ) (258,130 ) (332,821 )
NET ASSETS 100,191 1,386,748 1,486,939 1,464,254
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Restricted Funds 1,386,748 1,344,858
Unrestricted Funds 100,191 119,396
TOTAL FUNDS 17 1,486,939 1,464,254
For the year ending 31 October 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
On behalf of the board
Mrs Julie Messenger
Trustee
28 July 2026
The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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Notes to the Financial Statements
1. General Information
Shenley Christian Fellowship is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 08148539 and registered charity number 1148705 . The registered office is .
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.
The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
2.2. Financial Reporting Standard 102 - Reduced Disclosure Exemptions
The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":
  • the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows and Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17 (d);
  • the requirements of Section 11 Financial Instruments paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48 (a) (iii), 11.48 (a) (iv), 11.48 (b) and 11.48 (c);
  • the requirements of Section 12 Other Financial Instruments Issues paragraphs 12.27, 12.29 (a), 12.29 (b), 12.29A and 12.30;
  • the requirements of Section 26 Share-based Payment paragraphs 26.18 (b), 26.19 to 26.21 and 26.23;
2.3. Going Concern Disclosure
The trustees have not identified any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern.
2.4. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2.5. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. 
Donations and Legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date.  In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met.  Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Investment income
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Charitable activities
Charitable activities income relates to the Church cafe income, the Nursery provision income and events held at the premises.
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2.6. Resources Expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 
Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs being allocated on the basis of time spent, with depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the assets use.  Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of it's activities and services for its beneficiaries.  It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to those activities and such costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance and constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.
2.7. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold 1% on cost once brought into use
Plant & Machinery 25% straight line
Computer Equipment 25% straight line
2.8. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
2.9. Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax as all its income is charitable and applied for charitable purposes.
2.10. Pensions
The charitable company operates a defined pension benefit scheme. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
The Church is an employer participating in a pension scheme known as the Baptist Pension Scheme (the Scheme), which is administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Ltd).  The Scheme is a separate legal entity and the assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.
For any month, each participating employer in the Scheme pays contributions as set out in the Schedule of Contributions in force at the time.
The Scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102.  This is because it is not possible to attribute the Scheme's assets and liabilities to specific employers and meant that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme.  The pension costs charged to the SoFA in the year are contributions payable towards benefits and expenses accrued in the year, plus any impact of deficiency contributions (see below).
The minister is eligible to join the scheme.
From January 2012, pension provision is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan with the Scheme.  In general members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members' Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Legal and General Life Assurance Society Limited.  In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provide income protection for Scheme members in the event that they are unable to work due to long term incapacity.  This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva plc.  The further 4% contribution rate is reduced to 3% for Employers Contributions made to the Segregated DC arrangements.
Benefits in respect of service prior to 12 January 2012 are provided through the Definied Benefit (DB) plan within the Scheme.  The main benefits for pre-2012 service were a defined benefit pension of one eightieth of Final Minimum Pensionable Income for each year of Pensionable Service, together with additional pension in respect of premiums paid on Pensionable Income in excess of Minimum Pensionable Income.  The Scheme previously known as the Baptist Minister Pension Fund started in 1925, but was closed to future accrual of defined benefit on 31 December 2011.
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2.11. Borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are initally recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs.  Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing.
Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date.
3. Income from Donations and Legacies
2025
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Donations and gifts 109,317 45,271 154,588
Gift aid 18,034 3,796 21,830
127,351 49,067 176,418
2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Donations and gifts 137,926 60,286 198,212
Gift aid 32,541 - 32,541
170,467 60,286 230,753
4. Investment Income
2025
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Bank interest receivable 185 644 829
2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Bank interest receivable 183 854 1,037
5. Net Income/(Expenditure)
The net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned 15,303 15,678
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6. Analysis of Expenditure
2025
Activities undertaken directly Support costs
(see note 7 )
Total
£ £ £
Spiritual 11,486 94,358 105,844
Outreach 3,859 4,959 8,818
Mission 1,718 11,852 13,570
Events 679 6,251 6,930
Governance - 23,263 23,263
17,742 140,683 158,425
2024
Activities undertaken directly Support costs
(see note 7 )
Total
£ £ £
Raising funds - 1 1
Spiritual (27,366 ) (32,416 ) (59,782 )
Outreach 25,404 19,539 44,943
Mission 6,962 28,714 35,676
Events 1,331 5,155 6,486
Governance - 30,754 30,754
6,331 51,747 58,078
7. Support Costs
2025
Spiritual Outreach Mission Events Governance Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
Employee costs 29,945 4,959 11,852 6,251 - 53,007
Premises expenses 25,699 - - - - 25,699
General administration 23,996 - - - - 23,996
Depreciation 15,303 - - - - 15,303
Interest payable - - - - 19,989 19,989
Governance costs (585) - - - 3,274 2,689
94,358 4,959 11,852 6,251 23,263 140,683
2024
Raising funds Spiritual Outreach Mission Events Governance Total
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Employee costs - 28,530 16,404 13,262 5,155 - 63,351
Premises expenses - (87,564) - - - - (87,564)
General administration 1 15,643 - 13,884 - - 29,528
...CONTINUED
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Depreciation - 10,975 3,135 1,568 - - 15,678
Interest payable - - - - - 29,944 29,944
Governance costs - - - - - 810 810
1 (32,416 ) 19,539 28,714 5,155 30,754 51,747
8. Staff Costs
Staff costs were as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 43,698 50,502
Other pension costs 2,416 4,562
46,114 55,064
No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.
9. Average Number of Employees
Average number of employees during the year was: 5 (2024: 5)
5 5
10. Tangible Assets
Land & Property
Leasehold Plant & Machinery Fixtures & Fittings Total
£ £ £ £
Cost
As at 1 November 2024 1,856,987 23,305 5,671 1,885,963
Additions 1,303 - - 1,303
As at 31 October 2025 1,858,290 23,305 5,671 1,887,266
Depreciation
As at 1 November 2024 132,454 22,252 5,671 160,377
Provided during the period 14,952 351 - 15,303
As at 31 October 2025 147,406 22,603 5,671 175,680
Net Book Value
As at 31 October 2025 1,710,884 702 - 1,711,586
As at 1 November 2024 1,724,533 1,053 - 1,725,586
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11. Investments
Unlisted
£
Cost or Valuation
As at 1 November 2024 2
As at 31 October 2025 2
Provision
As at 1 November 2024 -
As at 31 October 2025 -
Net Book Value
As at 31 October 2025 2
As at 1 November 2024 2
Subsidiaries
Details of the charitable company's subsidiaries as at 31 October 2025 are as follows:
Name of undertaking Registered Office Class of shares held Direct holding Indirect holding
SCF Outreach Ltd England Ordinary 2.00% -
The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of the subsidiaries listed above was as follows:
Capital and Reserves Profit/(loss)
£ £
SCF Outreach Ltd 12,298 3,179
12. Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Due within one year
Amounts owed by group undertakings 7 -
Other debtors 2,325 4,537
2,332 4,537
13. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 114 419
Bank loans and overdrafts 64,737 64,737
Other creditors 19,223 27,787
Taxation and social security - 881
Accruals and deferred income 2,065 5,902
86,139 99,726
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14. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year
2025 2024
£ £
Bank loans 258,130 332,821
15. Loans
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
2025 2024
£ £
Amounts falling due within one year or on demand:
Bank loans 64,737 64,737
2025 2024
£ £
Amounts falling due between one and five years:
Bank loans 258,130 332,821
Baptists Together Loan is denominated in pounds sterling with a nominal interest rate of 5% (2024: 7%).  The carrying amount at year end is £307,866 (2024: £367,558).
The loan is secured by fixed charges over the charity's buildings.
Baptist Building Fund Loan in denominated in Pounds sterling with a nominal interest rate of 0% (2024: 0%) and the final installment is due in 2026.  The carrying amount at year end was £15,000 (2024: £30,000).
16. Pension Commitments
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company in an independently administered fund.
During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £2,416 (2024: £4,562).
At the balance sheet date contributions of £NIL were due to the fund and are included in creditors.
17. Movement in Funds
As at 1 November 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers As at 31 October 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund 119,396 131,399 (117,030 ) (33,574 ) 100,191
Restricted funds
Restricted 1,344,858 49,711 (41,395 ) 33,574 1,386,748
Total funds 1,464,254 181,110 (158,425 ) - 1,486,939
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As at 1 November 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers As at 31 October 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund 118,528 170,655 (152,137 ) (17,650 ) 119,396
Restricted funds
Restricted 1,166,032 67,117 94,059 17,650 1,344,858
Total funds 1,284,560 237,772 (58,078 ) - 1,464,254
18. Transactions with Trustees
The following trustees have been paid remuneration or have received other benefits from the charity or related entity:
Name of trustee Legal authority Remuneration Pension Contributions 2025 Total
£ £ £
Revd Ross Dilnot Regulatory body permission 22,834 2,416 25,250
During the previous year the following trustees have been paid remuneration or have received other benefits from the charity or a related entity:
Name of trustee Legal authority Remuneration Pension Contributions 2024 Total
£ £ £
Revd Ross Dilnot Governing document provision 43,476 4,562 48,038
In addition the charity owns a 20% interest in the property owned by the Senior Church Leader personally which was acquired at a cost of £52,770 and is shown in these accounts in fixed assets.  The Charity is entitled to a 20% share of any uplift in value between the purchase date and the date of sale.  The entitlement will only arise on the sale of the property and is secured in favour of the Charity by way of a second mortgage charge.
No other trustee (or persons connected to them) recieved any remuneration or had expenses reimbursed during the year.
No trustee expenses have been incurred.
19. Related Party Disclosures
The charity holds the shares in SCF Outreach Ltd which is a trading company.
SCF Outreach made a donation of £3,664 to the funds of Shenley Christian Fellowship during this year.
20. Company limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.
Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £1.
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Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account)
2025 2024
Total funds Total funds
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
Donations and gifts 154,588 198,212
Gift aid 21,830 32,541
176,418 230,753
Charitable Activities:
Spiritual
Community services - 5
- 5
Outreach
Community services 3,412 5,735
3,412 5,735
Events
Community services 451 242
451 242
Investments
Bank interest receivable 829 1,037
829 1,037
181,110 237,772
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
Sundry expenses - (1)
- (1)
Charitable Activities:
Spiritual
Staging fundraising events (5,260) (8,473)
Subcontractor costs (1,718) (1,405)
Support and administration costs (4,508) 37,244
Wages and salaries (560) (4,260)
Trustees' salaries (15,941) (17,705)
Trustees' pension - defined contribution schemes (2,416) (4,562)
Trustees' fees (6,893) (2,003)
Travel and subsistence expenses (4,135) -
Rent (7,686) 107,465
Light and heat (11,724) (7,523)
Water rates (818) (748)
Repairs and maintenance (3,171) (9,037)
Cleaning (2,300) (2,593)
Insurance (842) (828)
Printing, postage and stationery (50) (372)
...CONTINUED
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Advertising and marketing costs (389) (426)
Other marketing costs (175) (161)
Telecommunications (2,867) (2,727)
Other services (1,894) (3,970)
Subscriptions (585) -
Bank charges (410) (240)
Charitable donations (16,784) (6,920)
Sundry expenses - 1
Depreciation of computer equipment (351) (508)
Depreciation of freehold land and property (14,952) (10,467)
Independent examiner's fees 585 -
(105,844) 59,782
Outreach
Staging fundraising events (2,141) (2,485)
Subcontractor costs (1,718) (1,404)
Support and administration costs - (21,515)
Wages and salaries (10,473) (4,219)
Trustees' salaries - (5,901)
Travel and subsistence expenses 5,514 (6,284)
Depreciation of computer equipment - (145)
Depreciation of freehold land and property - (2,990)
(8,818) (44,943)
Mission
Subcontractor costs (1,718) (1,404)
Support and administration costs - (5,558)
Wages and salaries (10,473) (7,361)
Trustees' salaries - (5,901)
Travel and subsistence expenses (1,379) -
Charitable donations - (13,884)
Depreciation of computer equipment - (73)
Depreciation of freehold land and property - (1,495)
(13,570) (35,676)
Events
Staging fundraising events (106) -
Subcontractor costs (573) (468)
Support and administration costs - (863)
Wages and salaries (6,251) (5,155)
(6,930) (6,486)
Governance
Bank loan interest (19,989) (29,944)
Independent examiner's fees (3,274) (810)
(23,263) (30,754)
(158,425) (58,078)
NET INCOME 22,685 179,694
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