CATCH THE FIRE, FARNBOROUGH
Providing Christian worship, teaching, discipleship and leadership training
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure for the year, resulting in unrestricted general reserves falling to a negative balance of £28,334. This position is below the trustees' stated policy target of approximately three months' unrestricted expenditure, which equated to £45,744 at year-end. Despite the deficit, the trustees have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis, indicating no immediate material uncertainty regarding the charity's ability to continue operating.
What the accounts disclose
“At the year-end this equated to approximately £45,744 compared to the actual general reserves of -£28,334.” — page 6
“One trustee, Christopher Bird, received remuneration of £50,000 (2024 - £47,400) during the year in his role as senior pastor. The charity also contributed £4,000 (2024 - £3,792) of pension contributions into Mr Bird’s pension.” — page 14
“Mr Bird’s spouse, Rachel Bird, received remuneration of £50,000 (2024 - £47,400) during the year in her role as senior pastor. The charity also contributed £4,000 (2024 - £3,792) of pension contributions into Mrs Bird’s pension.” — page 14
“One trustee, Christopher Bird, received remuneration of £50,000 (2024 - £47,400) during the year in his role as senior pastor. The charity also contributed £4,000 (2024 - £3,792) of pension contributions into Mr Bird’s pension.” — page 14
“Mr Bird’s spouse, Rachel Bird, received remuneration of £50,000 (2024 - £47,400) during the year in her role as senior pastor. The charity also contributed £4,000 (2024 - £3,792) of pension contributions into Mrs Bird’s pension.” — page 14
“One trustee, Christopher Bird, received remuneration of £50,000 (2024 - £47,400) during the year in his role as senior pastor. The charity also contributed £4,000 (2024 - £3,792) of pension contributions into Mr Bird’s pension.” — page 14
“Mr Bird’s spouse, Rachel Bird, received remuneration of £50,000 (2024 - £47,400) during the year in her role as senior pastor. The charity also contributed £4,000 (2024 - £3,792) of pension contributions into Mrs Bird’s pension.” — page 14
Trustees
- Rev Christopher Birdchair
- Abraham Marais
- Christine Widdowson
- DAVID ANDREW RICHARDS
- Jonathan Clarke
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £253k | £263k |
| 31/12/2024 | £226k | £259k |
| 31/12/2023 | £203k | £220k |
| 31/12/2022 | £228k | £213k |
| 31/12/2021 | £143k | £140k |
Common questions
Is CATCH THE FIRE, FARNBOROUGH financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net expenditure for the year, resulting in unrestricted general reserves falling to a negative balance of £28,334. This position is below the trustees' stated policy target of approximately three months' unrestricted expenditure, which equated to £45,744 at year-end. Despite the deficit, the trustees have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis, indicating no immediate material uncertainty regarding the charity's ability to continue operating. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.