Shropshire Historic Churches Trust Trustees, Re ort for the Year endad 31 St December 2024 Ob'ectives The charitable objective of the charity is to apply the income and capital of the Trust to the repair, preservation and improvement of the buildings and contents of Shropshire churches and chapels of all Christian denominats'ons. This includes churches that are outside Shropshire but controlled by either of the Archdeaconries of Salop and Ludlow. Many are 'listed' as being of architectural or historical importance. Structure The board of Trustees administer the charity under the tenns of a Trust Deed. They meet quarterfy to review the financial position and the value of the investments that support the reserves, and to consider grant applicab'ons. There must be a minimum of four and a maximum of twenty-five Trustees and the Archdeacons of Salop and Ludlow are 'ex-officio'. Trustees appointed are expected to have some knowledge of the structure of the Church of England and of other denominations and to support our ideals. and we seek as Trustees people whose experience complements that of the existing members of the board. The Charity's address during 2024 was 2 Russell Place, Cross Houses, Shrewsbury, SY5 6EY. Trustees The people holding office during 2024 were: Mr John Clark (Chainnan) Mr John Cole Revd Preb David Crowhurst Mrs Anne Edge Archdeacon Fiona Gibson Mr David Hardham Mrs Angel Hughes (resigned 2411012024) Mr Roger Hughes (resigned 2410412024) Mrs Rachel Pittaway (TaSUrer) Revd Canon William Price Mrs Gwen Sidaway Mr Stephen Winwood Activities There was an Annual Members, Meeting in June providing an opportunity to hear about the Trust's work. There were tours for members and their friends to tell them about the history and architecture of churches and chapels in Shropshire and adjoining counties. This year there was a coach trip to Radnorshire in addition to two tours in Shropshire. We also enjoyed a tour of Holy Trinity, Meole Brace and in particular the opportunity to appreciate its Pre-Raphaelite stained glass
Shropshire Historic Churches Trust Trustees. Re ort for the Year ended 31st December 2024 contd Activities contd We organised the annual Ride*Stride day in September (the Shropshire part of a national cycling and walking event) to raise sponsorship money from participants to support the Trust and to benefit the parb'cipants, nominated churches. We are gratefvl to the National Churches Trust for help with publicity for this event. As in previous years we ran an extensive Gardens Open scheme whereby throughout the spring and summer single gardens or groups of gardens forming a trail were opened to the public for the benefit of the Trust and local parishes. We were parbcularly grateful to garden owners for their willingness to show off their gardens. Publlc beneflt The Trust benefits many churches and chapels, both large and small, with its grant aid. It helps ease the burden falling on those responsible for the repair and maintenance of many of Shropshire's fine churches and chapels. The county has a comparatively small population with many churches in remote areas, and the grants offered encourage these communib'es to embark on projects that may appear daunting. The Trust is increasingly called upon to make buildings more welcoming and comfortable for both congregations and visitors by grant aiding, for example, projects for lighting, heating and access and for community facilities such as kitchens and toilets. By arranging talks and visits the Trust encourages appreciation of our lovely churches and of their architecture, local history, stories and place in the landscape. These events help to promote a wider interest in heritage and the countryside. Visitors to the gardens that are open as part of our programme enjoy their wide variety, the availability and sharing of readily given horticultural advice and knowledge, the sociability and the surroundings. All these factors contribute to the visitors. relaxats.on and wellbeing and to a happy atmosphere. Ride+Stride encourages cyclists and walkers to visit churches other than their own and to enjoy going to different parts of the county. Many churches provide generous hospitality to participants. We were grateful to the Bishop of Hereford forjoining David Hardham, our organiser, on the Bishop's Harley Davidson motorcycle. Many volunteers help distribute the thousands of Gardens Open leaflets, assist in different ways at the gardens when they are open and man churches to welcome participants in Ride+Stride. They give their time willingly and enthusiastically for which we are extremely grateful. The Trustees have given regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit
Shropshire Historic Churches Trust Trustees, Re ort for the Year ended 31st December 2024 contd Financial hi hts During 2024 the Trust has. through its fundraising efforts. been able to consolidate its financial situation and also to maintain previous levels of grant aid to churches. We continued our recruitment campaign through mailing and a presence at our Gardens Open events. This continued the increase in church membership. tsking the total to 217. Trustees attended events to canvas MO individuals to become members, which resulted in a small gain in membership numbers. These membership subscripts'ons have contributed nearly £15.200 to Trust funds and we value the Gift Aid we can claim on individuals, subscriptions. Our Gardens Open scheme raised £38,573 which was shared belween the Trust and the local churches. This was only £400 less than our COrd breaking year in 2023. Ride+Stride also had its best ever year raising nearly £40,000 and it was heartening to see enty-bNO churches participating who raised money for the first time ever or had not done so for long time. As with membership subscriptions we appreciate the generosity of individuals who agree to the Trust claiming GiftAid on their sponsorship. The Millichope Foundation maintsined its support for the Trust with a further donation of £5,000. Our investments continue to perfonn sab"sfactorily. Reserves The policy of the Trust is, subject to market condits'ons. to reduce the level of reserves by up to £70,000 annually for the foreseeable future. This gives us addits'onal funds with which to provide grants. Our reserves are geared to cover, at any given time, at least the total of outstanding grants payments and incurred overheads. Grants Grants paid in 2024 (lated to awards made that year and in previous ones) amounted to £107,070. This figure varies each year according to when churches complete projects and submit invoices for payment. Grants outstanding (awarded but as yet unpaid) at the end of the year totslled £126,700. For 2024 the Trustees kept the maximum grant amount for any one church at £10,000 whilst retaining the right to exceed this figure in exceptional circUmstans. This will enable us to help more churches than hitherto.
Shropshire Historic Churches Trust Trustees. Re ort for the Year ended 31st December 2024 contd Grants contd The thirty-two grants awarded in 2024 totalled £139,750. the highest being £10.000 (four churches) and the lowest £850. They take into account the nature of the work (from both the architectural and historical viewpoints) and the viability of the church or chapel in the local community. Besides the 'tradits'onal' applications to remedy leaking roots, rotten timbers and defective stonework we have considered requests for organ repairs, electrical improvements, repairs to bells, installation of kitchen and toilet facilits"es, clock repairs, conservation of family memorials and rebuilding of churchyard walls. Without this help projects stretch the churches, financial resources and the grants support the Dioceses of Lichfield and Hereford in the work they do to bring people into their churches. As part of its policy of supporting churches the Trust continues to contribute towards the funding of the Church Buildings Support Officer for Hereford Diocese. This is an English Heritage appointment and we are committed to it for a three-year tenn. Concluslon The Trustees consider that the charity is in a sound financial position and well equipped to support this very important part of our heritage. John Clark Chairman Date:
CHARITY COMMISSIO FOR ENGtANO AND WALE Shropshire Historic Churches Trust 101690 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the perlod 1stJanuary 2024 To 31st December Section A Receipts and payments UnrÈstrtctÈd funds Restrictèd fund5 Endovmnt tunds Tot41 fun La year tothE nearest i• •w•s¢£ oth•Mr•st£ A1 Recel mbershtp I1 ¢)ftAd DOnab"0 aThJ Lew¥ Gorden scheme Tours 16,194 5,980 18.390 2.377 40.0 115,194 6,980 18.398 2.377 40,0158 14A33 6,814 192S4 3.327 30fft55 1hOO Ride and Strkle irKI SpoThsor8hip Intereston In¥trneIl 11.07• 1•.310 Sub total ross incom8 AR) •B.149 •8,14• •12 2 A55et and Invesinnl sales. Wthjrawal from knveslmont Fund 40.000 Sub total 40,OOQ 13&149 1¥8,14• 91.672 eidèth ihem• Tourn Ride and Strll•- PCC •h•r• 73 2AY3 1271 16,424 111.070 4,JeO 103 3.883 2,782 14P6 100321 8,091 1271 &an15 bj churGht$ 111.070 4,310 103 Tru8texpenses Fund rai81n9 colts Sub total 135,701 1Y5.7•1 138,438 A4 Pss•t and Itw•stm•nt ¥e t4ble Sub total 138.701 136.701 138.438 Net ofrncel[p8yMents) 41887 AS Transferts betV4••n ¢uThd• Cash lunits la51 >rar end Cash ndS thls year •nd 49n W7 9.425
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds Restricted End0vAt Categories Details b)nArn£ Bl Cash fund• 9.425 Totalcash fvnds funds funds ton•4r••t£ funds Details Details ••tb• B3 Invo8lm•nta8••ts 584,764 Detalls 84 A890ts rntslned forthe charty'8 own u80 kndtowl*h Wh•n A• Details BO Ll•blMI•• Sp3nature pr7t Name Dats of
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust (Charity registration number 101690) I report to the trustees on myexamination of the accounts of Shn)pshire Historic Churthes Trust for the year ended 31 Dernber 2024 vthich are set out on pages 8 and 14. Respeclfve responsfibllfides ofthe tnistees and examiner s the charity's trustees you are rwonsible for the PTeparntion of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act2011 Cthe ChaTltiesActJ. The charitys ttiistees consider thatan auditis not TEqUiTed for thts year under section 144 of the Chaities Act and that an independent examination is needed It is my responsibility b) exarnine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; follow the prOdUlEs laid down In the Genern] Directsons gven bythe Charlty Commission under section 145(5)0)) of the Charities Actr, and state whether particular matters have come to my attentio Basls oflndependent MInerfs report My examlnatlon was canled out in accordance wlth the General Dirertions &Ven by the Charlty Q)mml&slon An exwnination indudes a leW of the accounting lty by the dwity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also indudes consfideratlon of any unusual Items or disclosures In the accounts, and seeklng explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be reqUId in an audlL and consequently. no oplnion Is glven as towhetherthe accounts presenta'trueand frair" vlew and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statementbelow. Independentexamlnerfs statement I have completed my¢¥amhHt50Th I confirni thatno materta matters hCOmet0 myattentlon In connection with the examination which we me se to believe thac in any materlal respect accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Charities ACL or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have nOConrn5 and havecome no OtherMatte Sn connection with the MI[On kn whlch attention should be th?wn In this reportin onler to enable a properunderstanding of the accounts to be reached. 20 RAenue StNeots Camknidgthire PE19 IDT Date 30th August 2025