The Friends of Coventry Cathedral – Annual Report for Year ended 31[st] December 2023 x
ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2023
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The Friends of Coventry Cathedral – Annual Report for Year ended 31[st] December 2023 x
ANNUAL REPORT
for the year ended 31[st] December 2023
Registered charity number : 1061176 Principal address : Youell House, 1 Hill Top, Coventry CV1 5AB.
PATRONS : His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants of Warwickshire and the West Midlands
PRESIDENT : The Lord Bishop of Coventry
VICE-PRESIDENTS : The Bishop of Warwick, Heather Wallace, Barry Greener, Barbara Mobbs, Louise Campbell, Shirley Willis.
The charity trustees who manage the Charity:
| Office Name Dates CHAIR Martin R Williams Jan-Dec 2023 VICE-CHAIR Phil Morris Jan-Dec 2023 TREASURER William Howard Jan-Dec 2023 SECRETARY Hamish Blair Jan-Dec 2023 MEMBERSHIP SEC. Jim Newton Jan-Dec 2023 Jane M L Williams Jan-Dec 2023 Mandy Wooltorton Jan-Dec 2023 Jane Edwards Jan-Dec 2023 Michael Mogan Jan-Oct 2023 Fraser Watts Jan-Oct 2023 Stuart Fielding Jan-Dec 2023 |
Appointing body Election at the Annual General Meeting |
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The Friends of Coventry Cathedral – Annual Report for Year ended 31[st] December 2023 x
Advisers
Type of advisor Name and address Independent examiner D W Spafford FCCA, 25 Ivybridge Road, Coventry CV3 5PF Bankers HSBC Bank plc, 55 Corporation Street, Coventry CV1 1QJ
Structure, governance, and management
Description of the Charity’s trusts
Type of governing document Constitution adopted on the 28[th] September 1996 and revised 27[th] September 2015 How the charity is constituted An Association Trustee selection method Elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Additional governance issues
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
The Friends Council consists of an annually elected Chair not restricted to a specific term of office. The Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer are elected annually. Other Council members are elected at the AGM for a 3-year term of office, renewable for a further 3-year term before they must stand down. The Council meets a minimum of 4 times a year. |
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| Relationship with any related parties |
The Friends of Coventry Cathedral is an independent body but works closely with the staff and members of the Cathedral. The Chair meets with the Dean regularly. |
| Trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them |
There is a duty for the charity trustees to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to assess the impact of such risks. The Council’s opinion is that risks for its various activities have been identified and appropriate action taken. |
Objectives and activities
| SUMMARY of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document |
The objects of the Friends are to promote the restoration, maintenance, repair and improvement of the fabric, ornaments and furniture of the Cathedral Church of St Michael, Coventry and to maintain public worship and support the ministry of Coventry Cathedral within the diocese and internationally. |
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The Friends of Coventry Cathedral – Annual Report for Year ended 31[st] December 2023 x
| SUMMARY of the main activities in relation to these objects |
MEMBERSHIP We aim to maintain and grow and sustain our annual and life membership. COMMUNICATION We communicate with members by means of our web site and a monthly email bulletin. EVENTS We promote events designed to engage members of the Friends with different aspects of life at the Cathedral, to enable members of the Friends to meet together and also to provide a source of new members and of fund raising. FUNDING The Friends makes grants towards projects and activities that meet our agreed funding guidelines. At the start of each year after Restricted, Designated and Annual Membership Funds are deducted, one half of the remaining balance is made available to fund projects in that year. Applications for funds must be approved by the Cathedral Chapter. |
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Achievements and performance
A SUMMARY of the main achievements of the charity during the year follows.
MEMBERSHIP
Friends Membership Numbers
| Friends Membership Numbers |
Friends Membership Numbers |
Friends Membership Numbers |
Friends Membership Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Full annual | Full life | Total |
| 2023 | 283 | 249 | 532 |
| 2022 | 336 | 246 | 582 |
| 2021 | 355 | 245 | 600 |
| 2020 | 379 | 245 | 624 |
| 2019 | 394 | 246 | 640 |
| 2018 | 403 | 255 | 658 |
| 2017 | 383 | 239 | 622 |
| 2016 | 355 | 233 | 588 |
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The Friends of Coventry Cathedral – Annual Report for Year ended 31[st] December 2023 x
COMMUNICATION
An illustrated monthly e-bulletin newsletter was distributed to members throughout 2023 and paper copies made available upon request to those members who have no access to the internet, who are invited to contribute towards the postage costs . The Friends website was kept up to date so that through the year it always carried the current e-bulletin newsletter.
EVENTS in 2023
In arranging a programme the Friends Council was sensitive to the post-Covid lockdown reluctance to attend public meetings that was still evident, though lessening, in 2023. The programme of repair to the nave chairs was ongoing. In 7 of its newsletters during 2023 to its members, the Coventry Society shared (with full acknowledgment) articles from the Friends of Coventry Cathedral newsletter.
March saw the return of a “Friendly Monday” gathering when (in spite of off-putting wet and windy weather conditions) Canon Mary Gregory spoke of “Her Favourite Places”. That month a Friends representative was interviewed on BBC CWR about the recovery of historic photos taken by a freelance photographer, Arthur Cooper, and which the Friends helped to identify. An illustrated expert panel discussion of the Cathedral’s Graham Sutherland tapestry online and in person and organised by the GRAY MCA gallery in London was planned for April but had to be cancelled for lack of support.
In September we hosted a visit by the Friends of Worcester Cathedral that was greatly appreciated by our guests. The October AGM was followed by a well-supported and appreciated talk on “Coronation” by the Rev Canon Adrian Daffern. A sponsored virtual Balloon Race was organised in December to raise funds for the Coventry Cathedral Choir Parents who support tours by our singers. £600 was raised.
The New Year’s Eve service of Evening Prayer was preceded by showing film of the New Year’s Eve 1958 transfer by Provost Howard of a burning light from the crypt of the old Cathedral to his successor, Provost Williams, at the dedication of the Chapel of the Cross in the undercroft of the new Cathedral. The Friends has the only copy of that film of a major stage in the life of our church, and the showing on the anniversary date gave added significance to the worship that followed.
Financial Review
The charity’s policy on reserves.
Our expectation is that funds raised should be expended as soon as possible on the objects of the Friends – the promotion of the worship, work, and fabric of Coventry Cathedral. The policy requirements of the Cathedral mean that the funds raised will
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The Friends of Coventry Cathedral – Annual Report for Year ended 31[st] December 2023 x
not necessarily be advanced on projects within each year. All funds will be used for our charitable objects over a reasonable time period.
The trustees have examined the Charity’s requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation. £4,000 is required for the working capital of the charity. Free reserves are invested for capital growth pending grant requests from the Cathedral Chapter. At the end of the year the free reserves totalled £162,720 which is £158,720 in excess of the working capital required.
During the year our priority has been to ensure that projects financed by the charity are carried out to a high standard and that they accord with the policy of the Cathedral Chapter. Each project is examined carefully to ensure that it falls within the definition of the charity’s objects.
Financial Review
In the year 2023 income amounted to £67,012 (2022 £36,185) and expenditure totalled £6,350 (2022 £29,002) of which £2,868 (2022 £20,000) was to gifts and donations resulting in a surplus of £60,662 (2022 £7183). Our investments gained £7783 (2022 lost £6,357) in the year, resulting in an increase of funds of £68,445 (2022 £826). The total of funds carried forward was £176,747 of which £12,855 is for restricted purposes.
The financial position was helped by a legacies of £52,557 received in the year.
How expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity.
At an initial cost of £2568 the Friends acquired 3 original cartoons by John Hutton of a flying angel engraved on the west screen. A real treasure. The services of a specialist conservator are required to remove the cartoons from their frames and to undertake any conservation work needed before reframing to the latest museum standards. This work (which may take several years) will ensure that the cartoons are a true asset for the Cathedral and will not become a future liability. A gift of £300 to the Organ Fund received from an individual member was made during the year.
DECLARATION
The trustees declare that they have approved the Annual Report above.
SIGNED on behalf of the trustees on the 8th August 2024
Martin Royston Williams William Howard Chair Treasurer
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Independent examiners roport on the accounts Report to thg THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL On accounts forthg yoar •nded Cha 1061176 31 Decntsr 2023 Set out on pa 8t015 I report lo the trust on mYeXninakn oftr ofthe at thanty fthe Tntsfi for the year )ded 31 De4Ember 202 Rasponglbilts"es and As ts ikt¥IL$ ttLQt¢g¥. you re¥x%ibk Frwalioft ofth9 awounls in aecrydaneè th• basts of report reqUIr)ts of Ihe CFsrnA(x 2011 Clhe A(f). I r•port in resp¥A imy oxnÉnaion ofth&TrLtsYs ac£ounts oul 5e&ion 145 ofthe 2011 Act GoMmi1 undgr Mknon 1451511b) of th? Aci Indepen¢lert I nave compiew my exawlli[Htii. l that no material Frtterg h¢ clxno to my attcntion examinefs ¢onrBXion the eyanMiyi which gi¥es me Ca to belw8 that ir4 any mat£rial respect ststement xxjunting rd5 vHe not kapt irs SectiC 130 of the Ch8riUes Act,. or the aLuunts dKI not corylyvrth W"cable r9]ulrenis the fonn and oJtrtent of acwnEs set QUÈ in Ihe chare$ (Accounts 8ThJ Re) ReguiatM)ns 2tM)8 other tnan any requrennttstthe aco)urtsgNe a and is not a matter consxleBJ as part ot atteThi shoukl ts drawn in thty rEWt in ortkn to enabk a wpar understanding ofthe getyjunts to tse Slgned: P-ILJ 12 August 2024 Nwne: D W SpaffNO FCCA drnss: 25 [br¥I90 Ro*1 Cov CWJ Spr
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Registered Charity 1061176 Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 Statement of financial activities unrestri Restrictsd Total this funds funds year Total last year Income Donattons and legacies 62,056 2,146 64,202 30,103 Activities for generatin9 funds 2,189 80 2,269 6,059 Interest 541 541 23 Total Income 64,786 2.226 67,012 36,185 Expenditure Costs of raising funds 3,443 39 3.482 9,002 Grants and donations 2.868 20,000 Independent examin8tion fees Total expenditure Net income before transfers TnSferS betwenn funds 3.443 61,343 1,172 2.907 (681) (1,172) 6,350 60,662 29,002 7,183 Net income before investment gain(losses) Net gainsi{losses} on Inveslments 62,515 7.783 70.298 93,594 163,892 (1,853) 60,662 7,183 (6,357) 826 107,476 108,302 7,783 Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward (1.853) 68,445 108 302 176,747 12,855
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Registered Charity 1061176 Balance sheet as at 31 December 2023 funds funds Total th18 year Total last yr Flxed assets Investments Total fixed assets 66,902 66.902 66,902 66,902 59.119 Current assets Stock of books for re-sa Debtors Short term deposlts Cash at bank and in hand 3,319 3.26g 81.140 3,303 3.319 3.269 99.995 3,319 1.639 g,454 Total current assets 97,031 12,855 109,886 49,201 Credrtors: amounts falliftg due within one year (41) (41) (18) Net current assets 96,990 12,855 109,845 49,183 Totsl assets less current liabilities 163,892 12.855 176.747 108,302 hletAssets 163,892 12,855 176,747 108.302 Funds of the Charity Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds 163.892 163.892 12,855 12.855 Total funds 163.892 12,855 176,747 108.302 The Financial Ststem¢nts o pages &1 S were a by tru8tee8 and Signed on their behalf by." Slgnature Full Trame rtin Williams Chair Position Date
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Registered Charity 1061176 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 1. Basis of preparation 1.1 Basis of accounting These accounts have been pr8pared under the historical cost convention wrth items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with: the Statement of Recommended Practice". Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Replsblic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 the Financial Reporting Stan¢Jard applicable In the Unltea Klngdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and with Ind Yiilh and with the Charitie3 Act 2011. 1.2 Change in basis of accounting Theie lias been no Ghange to the aGcounling policies (valuation rules and methods of aGGounting) since last year 1.3 Changes to previous accounts No changes have been rnade to accounts for previous years. 2. Accountlng pollcies INCOME Recognition of income These are included in the Statement of Financial Activrties (SOFA) when: the charity becomes entitled to the income., th8 trustees are virtually certain they will recerve the income. and the monetary value can be measured wtth sufficient reliability. Where income has related expenditu the incomes and ielated expenditure rcported gross in the SOFA. Grants and donations are onFy itFGluded in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entttlement to the income. Income wlth relatsd expenditure Grants and donatlons Tax reclaims on donalions and Income from reclaims are included in the SOFA at the gifts same time as the gfft to which they relate. Voluntsfir help The value of anyvolunteer help received is not included in the accounts. Truatees No remuneration dtrectly or indirectty out of the funds of the charity was paid oi payable fui thv yedl lu aiiy tiublee ur to any person or pp_rsong known to be connected with any of them. This is included in the accounts when receivable. Investment incom• io
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Reglstered Charity 1061176 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 2. Accounting policies continued EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources. Grants payable without performance conditions These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity. Fixed asset investment3 in quoted share3, traded bonds and similar investments are valued at initially at cost and subsequently at fair value (their market value) at the year end. The same treatment is applied to unlisted investments unless fair value cannot be measured reliably in which case rt is measured at cost less impainnent. Creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts Investments Creditors li
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Registered Charity 1061176 Notes to the accounts for the y•ar anded 31 December 2023 3. Analysis of income Unrestricted Restricted funds income funds Total this year Total last year Donations and legacies Membership subscriptions Life Membership Donations and ifts Gift Aid Donations for Cathedral Vestments Donations Organ Fund Hutton An el acies 6.691 835 343 1,630 6,691 835 343 1.630 7,719 250 2,070 1,831 315 1,831 315 4,620 10,000 52,557 52,557 Totsl 62,056 , 64 202 30.103 Activities for gonerating funds Books AMICI Events Cards and photos Archive Film Misc 2,129 2,129 3,065 185 2,111 80 80 60 647 51 Total 2,189 80 2,269 6,059 Intsrest Interest from Savings AICS 541 541 23 Total 541 541 23
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Registsred Charity 1061176 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 4. Analysis of expenditure Unrastrictod Restricted Total this funds funds year Total last year Costs of raising funds offi & Statione Website costs Production of Books etc Bank charges Conference fees Events and conrts Costs 1,676 1,382 1.676 1,382 1,597 115 4,316 117 85 300 85 300 39 39 2,857 Total 3,443 39 3,482 9,002 Grants and donations Cathedral re Hutton an Cathedral Or an Fund 2,568 300 2,568 300 20,000 Total 2,868 2,868 20,000 Trustees No Trustee r1Ved any remuneration or expenses in either this year or the previous year. Independent No payments yre made to the Independent Examiner. examiner 13
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Registered Charity 1061176 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 5. Fixed assets investments Value at beginning of year Additions Net loss on revaluation Value at end of year 59,119 7,783 66,902 Analysis of investments Listed investments 66,902 2023 2022 6. StOGk Books for resale 3,319 3,31g 7. Debtors Analysis of debtors Amounts due within one ear This year Last year Amounts due later than one year This year Last year Income Tax Repayment Other debtors 3,269 Total 3,269 1,639 8. Creditors Analysis of creditors Amounts due within one ear This Last Amounts due later than one ear This Last year Trade creditors Other creditors 41 41 18 18 Total 14
THE FRIENDS OF COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Registered Charity 1061176 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 9 Statement of funds Trdnsfe gains and {losses} Brought forward Carried forward Income Expenditure Unrestricted fund5 Total 93,594 64.786 (3.443) 8,955 163,892 Restricted funds Haiiowing Places 1.172 (1,172) Haigh Chapel 200 200 Music (inc Amici) 6.716 8,71G Choir (39} 41 Hutton Angel Appeal 4,620 (2,568) 2,052 Cathedral Vestments 1,831 1.831 Organ Fund 315 (300) 15 Total 14,708 2.226 (2,907) (1,172) 12.855 Total funds 108,302 67,012 (6,350) 7,783 176,747 The Hallowing Places fund was raisedby Mary Barnes to provide visitors wtth inforniation about the Hallowing Places in the Cathedral Ruins. It has been transferred to the unrestricted funds and used as part payment of the costs of the Cathedral Reflections publication and bookmark that both prornoted the Hallowing Ptaces. The Haigh Chapel fund was given for the refurbishment of the Haigh Chapel in the Cathedral Ruin. The Music (including Amici concerts) fund includes funds raised at AMICI concerts and other donations for Liturgical and Music use only. The Ghoii fund came from &rfents held in 5UPFth of Coventy Cathedr81 Choir. The Hullon Angel Appeal is to conserve the John Hutton Anel cartoons of the Friends. The Cathedral Vestments fund wa8 raised by the Cathedral NeedlgNorkers. The Organ Fund was raised towards the Organ Restoration Fund Appeal. 15
John Hutton Flying Angel The pictures above show the engraved angel in the west screen from both inside (left) and outside (right). The angel design lies across three glass panels and the lower picture shows the three original cartoons used by John Hutton to trace his en- graving on to the glass. They are being conserved by the Friends. (Page 6.)