ASHFORD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Ashford Christian Fellowship, which trades as Bright City Church, is a Free Church and member of the Evangelical Alliance. We are a family of people from all over the world who love Jesus. We shine the light of his love and good news in our community and across the nations where we also provide practical and social support. We worship together on Sundays and meet in smaller groups during the week.
Objects
THE CHARITY'S OBJECTS ("THE OBJECTS") ARE FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT AND ARE RESTRICTED TO THE FOLLOWING:(A)TO ADVANCE THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATEMENT OF BELIEFS IN THE SCHEDULE HERETO ATTACHED IN SUCH PARTS OF ASHFORD, THE UNITED KINGDOM OR THE WORLD AS THE TRUSTEES MAY FROM TIME TO TIME THINK FIT AND TO FULFIL SUCH OTHER PURPOSES WHICH ARE EXCLUSIVELY CHARITABLE ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF ENGLAND AND WALES AND ARE CONNECTED WITH THE CHARITABLE WORK OF THE CHARITY;(B)TO PROVIDE OR ASSIST IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN THE INTERESTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE FOR RECREATION OR OTHER LEISURE TIME OCCUPATION OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE NEED OF SUCH FACILITIES BY REASON OF THEIR YOUTH, AGE, INFIRMITY OR DISABILITY, FINANCIAL HARDSHIP OR SOCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WITH THE OBJECT OF IMPROVING THEIR CONDITIONS OF LIFE.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £73,063 for the year ended 31 December 2024, resulting in total net assets of £394,407. The trustees acknowledge that the charity's resources are dependent on donations and fundraising activities, noting this as a factor in their going concern assessment. Most available reserves are held in restricted funds, with unrestricted funds standing at £311,056.
What the accounts disclose
“a reserve of £25,000 is normally maintained in readily available funds.”
“The trustees have considered the financial resources and commitments of the charity and acknowledge that these are dependent on donations and fundraising activities of the church.” — page 5
“Ian Fowkes served as church leader and received the above payments for serving in that capacity, not for serving as trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.” — page 14
“Rachel Fowkes, who is closely related to Ian Fowkes, who is a trustee and a member of key management, received employment benefits totalling £21,359 (2023: £22,971) for working as a pastor of the church.” — page 18
“Alison Hill, who is closely related to Richard Hill, who is a trustee, received employment benefits totalling £11,605 (2023: £11,081) for providing administrative services to the charity.” — page 18
“Rachel Fowkes, who is closely related to Ian Fowkes, who is a trustee and a member of key management, received employment benefits totalling £21,359 (2023: £22,971) for working as a pastor of the church.” — page 18
“Alison Hill, who is closely related to Richard Hill, who is a trustee, received employment benefits totalling £11,605 (2023: £11,081) for providing administrative services to the charity.” — page 18
Policies the charity declares
- Bullying and harassment policy and procedures
- Complaints handling
- Complaints policy and procedures
- Conflicting interests
- Financial reserves policy and procedures
- Internal charity financial controls policy and procedures
- Internal risk management policy and procedures
- Paying staff
- Risk management
- Safeguarding policy and procedures
- Safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries
- Serious incident reporting policy and procedures
- Trustee expenses policy and procedures
- Volunteer management
Property (HM Land Registry)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (19/11/2017)
Trustees
- Angela Davis
- FANI MUKUTUMA
- Ian Fowkes
- RICHARD HILL
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £202k | £238k |
| 31/12/2024 | £301k | £228k |
| 31/12/2023 | £210k | £287k |
| 31/12/2022 | £201k | £209k |
| 31/12/2021 | £250k | £209k |
Common questions
Is ASHFORD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £73,063 for the year ended 31 December 2024, resulting in total net assets of £394,407. The trustees acknowledge that the charity's resources are dependent on donations and fundraising activities, noting this as a factor in their going concern assessment. Most available reserves are held in restricted funds, with unrestricted funds standing at £311,056. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE MAURICE AND HILDA LAING CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £8k |
| WOODLANDS GROUP OF CHURCHES | 1 | £3k |
Charities like this
- GATEWAY CHURCH ASHFORD
- ASHFORD BAPTIST CHURCH, KENT
- THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ASHFORD TOWN
- BRIGHTON ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, HORSHAM
- THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD "CITY OF HIS GRACE"
- CITY CHURCH BRISTOL
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASHFORD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP | £202k | — | 0 | unclear | — | noted |
| GATEWAY CHURCH ASHFORD | £471k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| ASHFORD BAPTIST CHURCH, KENT | £146k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF ASHFORD TOWN | £647k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BRIGHTON ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, HORSHAM | £244k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD "CITY OF HIS GRACE" | £157k | — | 0 | unclear | — | noted |