With the community, for the community

Fundraising

Review of 2006/07

During the year expenditure exceeded income by around £9600, considerably reducing our reserves. We budgeted for diminishing reserves, but not at that rate. In fact income for the year was only £265 below the budget figure, but expenditure increased considerably, mainly because we decided to increase Lay Worker Jane Parson's paid hours to 30 per week, during Deacon Joan's absence for illness.

Donations from members and friends was almost £1000 lower than in 2005/06 and there was no Circuit fund raising event as in the previous year. Gifts from churches were also smaller than 2005/06. On the bright side, efforts to secure grant aid began to show signs of success, with promises of £6k per year for three years from Roper Rhodes Limited and a grant of £3k from The Medlock Trust. These will become effective in the next financial year.

Strategy for 2007/08

In faith we have taken two big risks for the next five years. The appointment of Deacon Steph Ford for five years until 2011 and the decision to continue to pay Lay Worker Jane for 30 hours per week - a long overdue measure.

The additional costs will be at least £5k per year for the next five years. When the Management Team realised that at that rate our reserves would be gone within a couple of years at most, it was decided to launch a special appeal to members and friends for additional donations, either one- off or regular. The appeal was launched in September and has already met with considerable success.

We shall continue to seek grant aid from other sources, not least of which will be our own Circuit Advance Fund, for additional help towards rental costs for Deacon Steph's home. There will be a major circuit fundraising event in March 2008, when a small team from the circuit will run in the Bath Half Marathon. Your sponsorship will be most appreciated. We have taken these risks in faith and we believe that, with your support, faith will take us forward.

Colin Smith (Hon. Secretary and Fundraiser)

Management Team

  • Chair:
    Rev. Audrey Simpson
  • Project Manager:
    Deacon Stephanie Ford
  • Lay Worker:
    Jane Parsons
  • Hon. Secretary and Fundraiser:
    Colin Smith
  • Hon. Treasurer:
    Michael Priscott (A.C.I.B.)
  • Other Staff:
    Robert Bampfylde
    Mary Gibson
    Gareth James
    Jeff Parsons
    Ruth Taylor
    Michael Way