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2023-09-30-accounts

(A company limited by guarantee)

Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements

Year ended 30 September 2023

Company no. 4096721 Charity no.1091140

www.csj.org.uk

1

Contents

Legal and Administrative Information .................................................................................................................. 3 Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2023 .......................................................................... 4 Structure and Objectives of the charity ........................................................................................................ 4 Financial Review & Future Developments ................................................................................................... 4 Risk Management......................................................................................................................................... 5 Public Benefit Statement .............................................................................................................................. 5 Reserves Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Investment Powers ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements .................................................................. 6 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Confraternity of St. James Charitable Company .......... 7 Statement of Financial Activities for the Year to 30 September 2023 ................................................................. 8 Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2023 ............................................................................................................ 9 Audit Exemption ................................................................................................................................................... 9 Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023 ................................... 10 Supplementary Report for Members & Supporters ........................................................................................... 17 Refugio Gaucelmo 2023 ............................................................................................................................. 17 Miraz –18[th] Annual Report .......................................................................................................................... 18 General Manager’s Report ......................................................................................................................... 19 Membership Statistics................................................................................................................................ 19

2

Legal and Administrative Information

Status

The Confraternity of Saint James (CSJ) is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 25 October 2000, registered in England & Wales (Company no.4096721), and registered as a charity (no.1091140) on 15 March 2002. The governing documents are the Memorandum and Articles of Association, both as amended on 26 January 2002, 31 January 2004, 29 January 2005 and 30 January 2010. The company grew out of an unincorporated association founded on 13 January 1983 and registered as a charity (No. 294461) on 19 August 1986. The Spanish details shown below are those used in the application to the Spanish authorities for recognition as a charity in Spain.

Honorary President

HE The Spanish Ambassador

Directors and Trustees

Mr A Bull Dr W A Chapman Ms C J Davies Mr R A Dorkings Chairman Mrs M C Essery Co-opted 6 March 2023 Mrs M C T Moseley Miss H M Robinson Mrs S J Sargeant Mrs C Taylor Mr A Ward Mrs P White

General Manager Mrs R E L Diaz-Pinto

Treasurer

Mrs M C Essery

Company Secretary Mr A Ward

Registered Office

27 Blackfriars Road, LONDON SE1 8NY

Telephone 020 7928 9988 Website http://www.csj.org.uk E-mail office@csj.org.uk

Bankers

In UK

CAF Bank 25, Kings Hill Avenue, WEST MALLING. Kent ME19 4JQ

In Spain

Domicilio social Calle Cavario Rabanal del Camino 24722 Santa Colombia de Somos

Domicilio fiscal Calle Corral do Fonte 27229 Miraz Friol

3

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2023

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023. The Board of Trustees confirms that the annual report and financial statements comply with current statutory requirements including the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities.

Structure and Objectives of the charity

The objectives of the CSJ are to advance the education of the public in and to promote the pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostela in the North Western Spanish region of Galicia and the related history, art, architecture and music. Activities have included promoting research, presenting educational programmes, identifying and preserving monuments, providing information on routes, establishing paths, maintaining hostels, and working in close co-operation with other bodies in furthering similar aims and objectives. The trustees continue to pursue all these objectives although, as always, it is not possible to fully quantify how the organisation meets these other than the positive feed-back received both verbally, and in the comments book at each refuge and from returning pilgrims and from those with a personal interest in pilgrimage. As time progresses, the emphasis on what the CSJ concentrates on has and continues to change with the demands of pilgrims.

Under the Articles of the company, the members of the Committee are elected at the Annual General Meeting to serve for a period of two years, half of their number being subject to re-election each year. The directors of the company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees. The Chairman and other honorary officers are appointed by the Committee at its first meeting after the Annual General Meeting. The trustees are more than aware of their overall increasing age profile and are seeking to appoint new trustees over the coming months. As part of the induction process, all new trustees are provided with copies of minutes for the previous 12 months and an introduction to the finances of the organisation is given. They also spend time in the office to familiarise themselves with current procedures.

Financial Review and Future Developments

The CSJ celebrated its 40th anniversary at the start of 2023. We continue to return to a more normal pattern of working with an increase in in-person events, whilst continuing our virtual offerings. Both albergues opened for the full season and there was a further huge increase in demand for pilgrim passports and books and publications via our website. Thanks to many kind donations and the loyalty of our members, we have been able to continue to deliver our aims and objectives.

Overall, we were successful again in generating a net surplus on our accounts for the year ending 30 September 2023 of £3,976 (2022 - £3,302). Encouragingly our general fund generated a surplus of £13,320 (2022 -deficit £6,601). However the two albergues showed deficits in the year. Miraz showed a deficit of £10,083 (2022 surplus £2,989). Rabanal showed a deficit of £1,838 (2022 surplus £3,578) The other restricted funds generated a surplus of £2,577 (2022 £3,336).

The general fund surplus resulted from increases in most income lines and net trading activities. In addition, despite the level of inflation in the year, overall running costs reduced to £71,458 from £72,750. These costs are detailed in note 14.

Membership numbers remained steady. Subscription income in the year increased following the increase in subscription rates. The amount of subscriptions in advance, which is shown as deferred income in creditors see note17, reduced as the calculation was amended to exclude subscriptions paid to 30 June. The gift aid reclaimed on subscriptions and donations also increased. General fund donations increased to £17,831 from £11,582.

Books and publications continue to sell via our online shop. Due to the increased range of commercial guidebooks that are available for the most popular Camino routes, the decision remains to buy these in and concentrate our publishing efforts on the less popular routes. Sales income in the year increased by 55% to £55,887 from £35,852. Details are given in note 6. Pilgrim passport sales increased by nearly 120% to £24,846 from £11,325. Against this expenditure as detailed in note 3a increased by 42% to £37,313 from £26,285.

The expenditure on Miraz during the year exceeded income significantly resulting in a deficit of £10,083. Details are given in note 10. The main element was an increase in building expenditure to £15,071 from £4,833. The Miraz fund is supported by the general fund and at 30 September 2023 was in deficit by £323. The trustees are reviewing the situation and will monitor the figures during the current financial year.

4

The Rabanal fund showed a deficit this year as donations received in the previous financial year were transferred to Spain.

It should be recognised that there will always be a number of members not renewing their subscription. The 3-year discount scheme continues to be popular as can be seen by the volume of membership monies held against future subscription years. Our membership has remained more or less constant over the accounting year. Trustees are conscious that there are a number of English pilgrims on the Camino who are unaware of the existence of the CSJ. The refreshed website, in addition to a stronger social media presence, increased word-of-mouth advertising through our Regional Groups, and renewed efforts to publicise in mainstream media, we hope will go some way to remedy this situation.

The membership software system (known as Maximizer) originally introduced in June 2003 continues to be used, especially with membership renewals procedures. The system enables the membership work to be shared between several members thereby reducing the general risk exposure. It also helps to identify members in a particular geographic area or with a particular expertise. We offer a number of ways to collect membership subscriptions which gives our members a choice to suit them.

Both members and trustees recognise that the primary purpose and duty of the charity is to provide benefit for its beneficiaries and to care for the public at large. In order to maximize this benefit, the members of the CSJ provide a valuable source of expertise and ideas as well as income.

Risk Management

The Company Secretary and Treasurer assist the trustees with ensuring that the CSJ organisation acts responsibly and in accordance with Company and Charity law.

The trustees in the past have considered the most significant risk to this charity is the financial risk related to or arising from the loss of our modestly priced office suite on Blackfriars Road where very major developments are all around Christ Church and the cost of finding alternative premises. A lease for 5 years has been agreed with our landlord and they have indicated that there are no plans for Christ Church other than to support it as required by their founding document. There has also been an increase in our rent. Other risks are reductions in membership and demand for our publications being replaced by online information.

A significant and equally important risk continues to be the loss of key personnel and the unavailability of unpaid volunteers to undertake some of the essential day to day tasks, more paid help becomes necessary. Increasing risks are injury to hospitaleros or pilgrims and/or the loss of or damage to property. All hospitaleros training days include detailed health and safety briefings. Other risks are financial irregularity and incompetence of trustees.

An update of our risk tables is continuing a regular basis. In general terms, the trustees monitor all risks and take appropriate steps. These have included cover/deputies for key personnel and increased insurance cover. The whole of this activity continues to be treated as part of an overall Financial Policy which is conceived as the core element in the development of a business continuity plan.

Public Benefit Statement

The organisation, in summary, provides a “one stop shop” for English speaking pilgrims and as such, provides the public with information and support and so complies with its duty as set out in section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act.

In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging, as the CSJ is heavily dependent on membership subscriptions, donations and the income from its publications and other book sales to cover its operating costs.

The strategies employed to achieve the charity’s aims and objectives are to:

  1. present a broad range of free opportunities for members of the public to learn about the Camino and receive support and advice about making the pilgrimage

  2. provide a range of route guides which offer up-to-date information including producing our own “in house” guides to lesser-known trails

  3. support other organisations and initiatives with similar and complementary aims

  4. work strategically with the authorities in Spain and with other pilgrims' associations across the world to improve the Camino experience for pilgrims

  5. provide facilities for pilgrims at two refugios in Spain, where services are offered on a donation basis

5

allowing people of all incomes to benefit from our shelter and hospitality

  1. celebrate the culture and experiences of the Camino, in words and events, via our e-newsletter and by inviting members and non-members to attend lectures and meet ups

  2. Having put these strategies into action we have, in the year in the year 2022/2023 provided: - a) for the general enquirer

    • Access to our open office, bookshop and library every Thursday

    • Several guided walks and visits organised by Regional Groups around the UK

    • Weekly Virtual Coffee Mornings and Virtual Albergues on Zoom

    • Quarterly Virtual Wine Bars and Book Clubs on Zoom

    • 1 online workshop on Zoom

    • Answers to approximately 10 detailed telephone enquiries each week apart from many quick queries

    • Run a website with information, advice and guidance including online shop dispatching purchase orders Mondays and Fridays (average 45 per day)

  3. b) Sold over 5,000 items through our online shop including tickets for events, guidebooks, literature, and Camino merchandise, as well as a small amount sold in the office at open days and events.

  4. c) Contact with the authorities in Spain and other important bodies has included attendance at two in=person conferences in Galicia.

  5. d) Supporting our albergues at Refugio Gaucelmo and Albergue San Martín in providing a traditional pilgrim welcome.

Reserves Policy

The trustees review the level of reserves annually, based on financial results for the current year, the forecast for the following year and the results of the annual review of risks. In particular, they wish to ensure that the charity can continue to fulfil its current objects and activities in the event of a significant fall in membership. Ideally, the charity intends to maintain a level of unrestricted funds which consists of a) a period of 3 months of operating costs (12 months for Rabanal and Miraz due to their seasonal nature) and b) sufficient funds to cover known risks, contingencies and capital expenditure.

General – Unrestricted Funds

The free unrestricted reserves at the year-end were £17,855. The trustees consider the most appropriate level of free reserves at 30 September 2023 would be about £17,500 to pay 3 months of operating costs plus £1,000 for known contingencies. The building of our reserves position will continue in the year 2023/2024. Rabanal – Restricted Income Fund

The level of reserves required to cover 12 months UK operating costs in a normal year is £3,000 which is well covered (£11,639). This is retained for costs incurred in the UK via Blackfriars Road.

Investment Powers

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit. Currently we hold an interest-bearing deposit with the Charities Official Investment Fund and an interest-bearing account with CAF Bank. These are included in cash at bank.

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year. In doing so the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the trustees on 24 January 2024 and signed on their behalf by

M C Essery - Treasurer

6

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Confraternity of St. James Charitable Company

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 30 September 2023 as set out on pages 8 to 16.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

  1. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act

  2. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act) and.

  3. to state whether matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

  2. (a) to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act: and

  3. (b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records,

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

C. D Abrahams Chartered Accountant 19, Lincoln Lane Thorpe-on-the-Hill Lincoln LN6 9BH

7

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year to 30 September 2023

` Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds
Restricted		 Funds Total 2022
General Miraz Rabanal Other
INCOME £ £ £ £ £ £
Notes
Donations & Legacies 4 17,831 1,752
1,882		 3,014 24,479 23,897
Income from Charitable Activities
Subscriptions 5 47,485 -
-		 - 47,485 42,588
Refuges 10 - 15,020
-		 - 15,020 11,992
Income from Other Trading Activities 6 55,887 -
-		 - 55,887 35,852
Other income
Webinars 587 587 2,145
Exchange Gains - -
-		 - - 232
Investment Income 7 301 -
-		 198 499 60
TOTAL INCOME 122,091 16,772
1,882		 3,212 143,957 116,766
EXPENDITURE
Costs of Raising Funds
Book Shop 3a 37,313 -
-		 - 37,313 26,285
Exchange Losses - 82
-		 - 82 -
Expenditure on- Charitable Activities
Complete Financial Running Costs 3b 71,458 26,773
3,720		 635 102,586 87,179
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 108,771 26,855
3,720		 635 139,981 113,464
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) AND NET
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE
YEAR 13,320 (10,083)
(1,838)		 2,577 3,976 3,302
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total Funds Brought Forward 4,535 9,760
13,477		 10,239 38,011 34,709
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17,855 (323)
11,639		 12,816 41,987 38,011

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

8

Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
14
Computers and Office etc
Works of Art
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
15
Debtors
16
Cash at Bank and In Hand
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
17
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
TOTAL FUNDS		 Notes
FIXED ASSETS
14
Computers and Office etc
Works of Art
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
15
Debtors
16
Cash at Bank and In Hand
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
17
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
TOTAL FUNDS		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2022
General Miraz Rabanal Other



£
£
£
£
£
£
908
-
-
1,513
2,421
484
3,900
-
890
-
4,790
4,790
4,808
-
890
1,513
7,211
5,274
9,320
9,320
13,699
9,727
-
-
-
9,727
11,583
25,430
(323) 10,749 11,303 47,159 37,176
44,477
(323) `10,749 11,303 66,206
62,458
(31,430)
-
-
-(31,430)
(29,721)
13,047
(323)
10,749 11,303 34,776 32,737
17,855
(323)
11,639 12,816
41,987 38,011
17,855
(323)
11,639
12,816 41,987
38,011

Audit Exemption

Approved by the trustees on 24 January 2024 and signed on their behalf by

M C Essery - Treasurer

9

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023

1. Accounting policies

(a) Basis of accounting

The trustees have again assessed going concern. General fund reserves have increased during the year and are now approaching the level the trustees deem necessary. The charity continues to enjoy the continued support of the trustees and members and the financial statements have been prepared under the going concern basis of accounting.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015) the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The length of the current and previous accounting periods was one full calendar year.

(b) Donations and similar incoming resources

These are included in the year in which they are receivable, (which is when the charity becomes entitled to the resource), and any conditions for receipt are met; the trustees are reasonably certain that they will receive it; and the trustees are reasonably certain that the value can be reliably measured. Incoming resources from tax claims are included within the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the funds are received, and a claim can be made. Subscriptions paid in advance under the discounted membership scheme are recognised in the membership year to which they relate.

(c) Investment income

Income from investments is included in the SOFA in the year in which it is receivable.

(d) Resources Expended

All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for it. All costs have been directly attributed to one of the functional categories of resources expended in the SOFA. The charity is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT.

(e) Tangible Fixed Assets & Depreciation

Fixed assets currently include Works of Art both historic and contemporary. Depreciation is not charged on these as their residual value is considered to be higher than their carrying value. The library is held in the unincorporated association for the time being for the benefit of the public and does not form part of the assets of the company. All expenditure on the Refugio at Miraz is written off as spent including any improvements on the building, on the basis that any expenditure is of a purely charitable nature and of no future major financial value to the Confraternity. All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised. Depreciation of computers, related software and other office equipment is charged over four years.

(f) Exchange Rates

Moneys received and paid in Euros are converted at the actual exchange rate on the transaction date with the exception of moneys received and paid at Miraz on a daily basis where the seasonal midpoint exchange rate is used. The exchange rate used at the accounting date was 1.152 Euros to the £. (2022 – 1.137 Euros to the £).

10

2. Restricted and Designated Funds

Rabanal
Miraz
Ted Dickinson Fund
St Christopher Fund
St James Fund
Technology Fund		 At 1 Oct 2022
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Expenses At 30 Sep 2023
£
£
£
£
13,477
1,882
3,720
11,639
9,760
16,772
26,855
(323)
2,455
88
-
2,543
4,473
889
-
5,362
3,311
102
635
2,778
-
2,133
-
2,133
33,476
21,866
31,210
24,132

The Miraz Fund is a designated fund, the remaining funds are restricted funds.

Rabanal Fund – for capital projects, upkeep of the fabric and miscellaneous expenses at Refugio Gaucelmo. A separate bank account is kept at Banco Abanka in Ponferrada which, due to the joint venture with the Amigos del Camino del Bierzo is not consolidated within these accounts. The credit balance on this account at the accounts date was €32,128 (£27,889) and on 1 October 2022 €12,175. (£10,708).

Miraz – Funds are held on behalf of the Refuge at Miraz. A bank account is held at Santander in Friol but operated from Blackfriars Road to pay expenses such as electricity, telephone and insurance. This account also receives cash locally via donativos from pilgrims.

Ted Dickinson Fund - raised by special subscription in memory of a member who died in 1994. It is for helping pilgrims in financial hardship and associated purposes.

St. Christopher Fund – founded in 2002 to enable frail or elderly pilgrims to take a companion with them to Santiago.

St James Way Fund – set up in 2022 to pay for the installation of a cross and support the pilgrim way from Reading to Southampton.

3. Expenditure on Charitable Activities

(a) Bookshop

Publications
Books
Postage
Other Items
Assistance
Marketing
Pilgrim passports		 2023
£
6,819
8,361
6,762
3,231
7,550
990
3,600
37,313		 2022
£
4,671
5,929
5,247
3,874
4,349
-
2,215
26,285

11

(b) Running Costs

Bulletin
Library
Miraz
Rabanal
St James
Website
Office Running Costs		 2023
£
3,745
2,515
26,773
3,720
635
4,484
60,714
102,586		 2022
£
3,693
1,999
12,991
1,438
-
3,653
63,405
87,179

4. Donations

General donations increased in the year to £17,831 (2022 £11,582). These are funded from the many generous voluntary contributions made by members in addition to their subscriptions and other supporters.

There were no legacies received in the year.

5. Subscriptions & Gift Aid

Subscription income increased in the year following the increase in subscription rates. Tax reclaimed on subscriptions and general fund donations also increased and amounted to £9,470 (2022 £8,571). Gift Aid tax claims are recognised when a claim can be made, hence when members are paying 3 years subscription, only a claim is made in the first year.

Current subscription rates are: -

I year

Individual Members UK and Europe £35.00
Household UK and Europe £40.00
3 years
Individual Members UK and Europe £94.50
Household UK and Europe £108.00

12

6. Books, Publications and Other Sales

Publications
Books
Kindle
Postage
Other Items
Pilgrim passports		 2023
£
8,075
11,138
523
8,268
3,037
24,846
55,887		 2022
£
4,276
7,383
416
4,830
7,622
11,325
35,852

7. Investment Income

Investments which generate income consist of one interest-bearing deposit account with the Charities Official Investment Fund and one interest-bearing account with CAF bank.

8. Grants

There was 1 grant made in the year. This was made for managing the library and was given to an unincorporated association, registered charity number 294461. The grant amounted to £2,515 (2022 £1,999).

9. Refugio Gaucelmo, Rabanal del Camino

Payments made from funds held by CSJ in the year related to transfers made in respect of donations received in prior years amounting to £3,000 plus a small allocation of £720 towards the salary costs at Blackfriars Road. Donations included £235 (2022 £826) Gift Aid claimed.

Due to the partnership with the Amigos as set out in note 2, pilgrim donations and related expenditure on food, hospitality, cleaning etc. in Spain are for the benefit of the Refugio at Rabanal and do not form part of the Confraternity funds or its accounts, any surplus is put towards overheads such as electricity, bank charges, repairs etc.

13

10. Refugio de Peregrinos de Miraz

Income
Donations
Donativos
American Pilgrims
Gift Aid
Expenditure
Building Upkeep
Food and Taxis
Power etc
Phones
Work Party
Insurance
Sundries
Salary allocation		 2023
£
1,560
15,020
192
16,772
2023
£
15,071
5,736
2,242
655
571
1,778
720
26,773		 2022
£
1,998
9,674
4,171
137
15,980
2022
£
4,833
3,243
1,464
1,084
948
518
206
695
12,991

11. Bulletin

The Bulletin is published half yearly – March and September, many copies are now being sent electronically.

12. Salary Costs:

Personnel ( inc pensions)
Less Allocated to Refuges		 2023
£
39,170
1,440
37,730		 2022
£
41,743
1,390
40,353

14

13. Running Costs (General Fund)

Personnel
Accommodation
Office Running Costs
Finance Charges
Member Meetings & Sundry
Bulletin
Library
Website		 2023
£
38,927
11,142
6,115
2,801
1,729
3,745
2,515
4,484
71,458		 2022
£
41,736
10,348
6,373
2,800
2,148
3,693
1,999
3,653
72,750

Personnel costs include a total of £nil (2022 - £664) paid to 0 (2022 2) trustees for reimbursed personal travel expenses.

Governance cost was £35 paid for the Data Protection licence.

14. Fixed Assets

Costs
At 1 Oct 2022
Additions
At 30 Sep 2023
Depreciation
At 1 Oct 2022
Charge for year
At 30 Sep 2023
Net Book Value
At 1 Oct 2022
At 30 Sep 2023		 Works of Art
£
4,790
-
4,790
-
-
-
4,790
4,790		 Office
Equipment
£
16,276
2,293
18,569
15,792
356
16,148
484
2,421		 Total
£
21,066
2,293
23,359
15,792
356
16,148
5,274
7,211

Works of Art comprise a medieval oak carving of Saint James (valued at £3,400) and an embroidered banner (valued at £500), both in the assets of the General Fund, and an icon of Saint James (valued at its cost of £890, covered by donations in memory of Stephen Badger) in the Rabanal Fund.

Office equipment includes items with a cost of £1,513 purchased using funds raised through the Technology Appeal. These items were purchased in September 2023 and have not been depreciated in the financial year.

15

15. Stocks

Publications
Books
Other Items
Pilgrim passports
16.Debtors
Prepayments
Accrued Income and Other Debtors
17.Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade Creditors
Deferred Income - Subscriptions in Advance		 2023
£
2,959
3,216
1,260
1,885
9,320
2023
£
1,515
8,212
9,727
2023
£
6,750
24,680
31,430		 2022
£
3,693
5,239
3,312
1,455
13,699
2022
£
1,549
10,034
11,583
2022
£
3,286
26,435
29,721

18. Deferred Income

Subscriptions paid in advance total £24,680 and relate to the years 2024 (paid from 1 July 2023), 2025 and 2026. These have been shown as falling due within 1 year as the actual subscription has been received.

19. Stocks

Stocks have been valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value.

20. Movement in Funds – Statement of Financial Viability

The levels of trading income, subscriptions and donations mean that there are only modest funds carried forward.

21. Capital Commitments

There are no capital commitments outstanding at the accounting date.

16

Supplementary Report for Members & Supporters

The main report gives information required by the Charity Commission and by the Companies Acts. This supplementary report is intended for all those supporters, past, present and future, who are interested in more detailed information on the CSJ’s activities.

Refugio Gaucelmo 2023

We welcomed over 3,000 pilgrims to Gaucelmo last year, an increase of some 500 since the year before. The average donation was €9,5. The U.S.A. led the way with over 500 followed by Italy, France, Spain, South Korea, Germany and the U.K. Two other long-haul pilgrim countries were Australia and Canada, each with over 100, and Japan with 62.

A huge thank you to our 36 hospitaleros who came from the U.K., the U.S.A., Ireland, the Netherlands and Italy. We could not offer the hospitality to our pilgrims without their selfless help and dedication. A special shout out to Fiona Busbridge who was a member not only of both the working parties, along with Ray Woolrich, but was an hospitalera in the opening and the closing duties.

Our hospitalero co-ordinator, Julie Davies, continues to make herself available as the first line of support for our volunteers which includes her weekly Friday morning phone call to the albergue. No sooner do we close in November than she begins working on the teams for the following year. A special thank you, Julie, for all you do. Our premises’ co-ordinator Ray Woolrich resigned at the end of the season. We thank Ray for all the extra responsibilities he took on last year. Our three new members, Andrew Horsey, Sharon Berry and Stefano Casaregola have stepped in seamlessly to their new roles.

For convenience sake, the Rabanal Committee continues to hold meetings on Zoom but it was especially nice to see our hospitaleros in person to London in November for the returned hospitaleros’ day. Our training day for our 2024 teams will also be in person in London on the 10 February. This follows a gap of four years due to Covid when we had to rely on Zoom.

Our finances are in a healthy state thanks in part to the generosity of our sponsors in the Sponsor a Week scheme. We also received an especially large donation from the Australian Friends of the Camino and this emphasises the international nature of Gaucelmo which for years has benefitted financially as well as with volunteers from our sister organisations in Ireland and Canada.

There was a frustrating delay of over two months in the installation of the new hot water boiler which led to the temperature of the water for showers being dependant on how much sun our solar panels could generate throughout April and May. We are most grateful to the patience of our hospitaleros who were on duty during this difficult period. We felt immensely proud to hear that, such was the desire to stay in Gaucelmo, pilgrims arriving in that period to hear the news all opted to spend the night. This harked back to the early 90s when we regularly catered for large numbers indoors and campers in the huerta without the luxury of warm showers.

The other major expense last year involved the repositioning of the piping connecting the solar panels to the boiler. As for 2024, we will be installing a new kitchen water heater, a cooker, two extra electricity sockets in the entrance, and portable heaters for the hospitalero bedrooms. The balcony will also be repainted.

Susana’s help is indispensable in helping us restock items when, as is the case nowadays, most of our volunteers do not bring their cars. Her husband Ramón and his identical twin Amando are invaluable in sorting out smaller building problems. I have good reason to thank many times over Whatsapp for instant communication with our solar panel engineer, electrician, painter, plumber, fumigator, industrial engineer, insurance agent and last, but by no means least, Cristina at the Mesón with her reassurance and finger on the pulse of everything that is happening in Rabanal. Without exception, they contribute to making the maintenance of Gaucelmo viable all these hundreds of miles away. Oh and I forgot to mention Amazon dot es!

In March we were honoured with the presence of Bishop Jesús Fernández, our landlord from the Diocese of Astorga, at our AGM with the Amigos del Camino de Santiago del Bierzo, our sleeping partners in running Gaucelmo. Cristina’s father, Antonio senior, was especially delighted to welcome him to the Mesón for a post meeting lunch.

Father Juan Antonio at the small Benedictine outreach monastery next door is an English speaker which helps in cementing the excellent relationships between the two institutions in the village.

On the subject of language, a lecturer of English at Santiago University, Ainoa Polo Sánchez, has begun offering free weekly lessons on Zoom which is geared to hospitaleros with no Spanish or only a basic level so we look forward to seeing how this develops and thank her for this new undertaking.

In closing, I would like to thank all the members of the Rabanal Committee for their unstinting help in helping to make Refugio Gaucelmo such a special place of welcome for pilgrims on the Camino Francés.

Paul Murray (Chair)

17

Miraz–18[th] Annual Report

Here is my report on the pilgrim season at albergue San Martin in 2023. We looked after 1503 pilgrims from the beginning of April until the end of October. This is an increase of 175 pilgrims from 2022 which is encouraging, and donations increased to an average of €10.66 per pilgrim. Nearly 25% of pilgrims were Spanish, with Germany, Italy and France making up another 20%. Pilgrims from the UK made up 3.65%. The rest came from all over the world; east and west; north and south, and this makes us a truly international albergue!

The pattern of numbers seems to have changed somewhat. Early spring was quiet with few pilgrims walking by. The poor weather probably affected numbers but we also have to contend with the "variant" near Baamonde which directs pilgrims to bypass Miraz. It is difficult to say how many take this new route as there are no figures available but it undoubtedly has a bearing on pilgrim traffic passing through Miraz.

However, as spring turned to summer, more and more pilgrims spent the night with us and we received glowing testimonials from many of them. The feedback always mentions the welcome and care taken by the hospitaleros towards the pilgrims, as well as an appreciation of the albergue itself and its lovely garden. By offering a traditional welcome that relies on a “donativo”, we are under no commercial duress and can therefore receive and care for pilgrims whatever their financial status. By having hospitaleros on site throughout the season means that pilgrims can stay the night in peace and security in the knowledge that there is someone to take care of them. We have a fully equipped kitchen, so this encourages pilgrims to cook and share their meal in the “sala”, bringing different groups together and creating a happy atmosphere.

As summer progressed into autumn, pilgrim numbers increased further, and on several occasions we were completely full. The weather in early autumn was particularly warm and sunny, so those pilgrims who were walking the last 100kms were confident that they would not be sloshing through rain and mud. By the time mid-October arrived, the weather changed and the rains came barrelling down from the West coast, and pilgrims arrived soaked to the skin, delighted to be able to dry off in front of the log burning stove.

The albergue itself has been repainted and now looks very smart. It complements the new aluminium fence depicting pilgrims arriving at the albergue. This not only secures the property but also creates an attractive visual aspect as pilgrims arrive at the albergue. We must thank the American Pilgrims on the Camino who so generously donated $3000 to erect this necessary barrier that separates the lane from the garden.

We did however, have various technical challenges for part of the season - the telephone kept cutting out, causing frustration all round as pilgrims couldn't ring in and the hospitaleros couldn't ring out. After several visits from Intermax, it was discovered that one of the nearby trees had grown so tall that it was blocking the signal on the antenna. Once the pole was raised above tree level, we had no further problems.

We also encountered problems with the water filtration system that needed a thorough overhaul. We now have a monthly visit from Foncalsa, the company who inspect albergues and hostals on behalf of the Xunta, to check that everything is in good working order. Because we are situated in such a rural area, surrounded by cattle, sheep and goats, the authorities are anxious to ensure that there is no legionella in the water. Therefore, the chlorine levels and water temperature in the taps have to be checked on a daily basis and noted down on the official spreadsheet; not difficult but a bit time consuming. The important thing is to keep both pilgrims and volunteers safe and healthy.

So far as future expenditure is concerned, the metal railings that lead up the ramp to the front door will have to be replaced as they have become rusty and corroded. We have asked for an estimate for this, but as they should also be made of aluminium, I fear the quote may be quite high. Galicia is a very damp part of Spain, hence the rust, and as they have lasted for 18 years, it is time for replacement.

I am delighted to welcome two new members to the Miraz Committee – Jane Innis and Phil Lee-Thomas. They are a hugely welcome addition to our team and I know that they will add some much needed youth and vigour I would now like to take this opportunity to thank all the hospitaleros for their hard work in making San Martin such a special place to stay. We are the face of the CSJ on the Camino del Norte and your support and dedication for all things Mirazian greatly enhances our profile, both with pilgrims as well as Santiago itself. I must also add my heartfelt thanks to the supporters of Sponsor-a-Week. Their generosity does so much to defray the cost of running the albergue and without this support, we would find it more of a struggle to maintain our high standards. You are most welcome to sponsor a week in 2024!

When I first volunteered at Miraz, we used to sleep on bunk beds in a small back room where the stores were kept, usually accompanied by mice who much appreciated the boxes of rice and sugar, and we had to get up in the middle of the night to feed the range with pine cones in order to keep it alight, as in those days it was the only form of heating. Now, it’s hot water and central heating with all the other mod cons, which certainly makes it more comfortable but also adds to the running costs! I have to say that I rather miss those spartan days when we shared a “sopa gallega” with the pilgrims. Now we are required to have a cooking licence to provide food for the pilgrims, so rules and regulations abound, and those easy-going days are long gone.

The Working Party will be going out in mid-March to make everything ready for re-opening our doors on Palm Sunday; a week earlier than usual because of Easter falling at the end of March. Let’s hope that pilgrims continue to appreciate the warm welcome and tranquil atmosphere that we offer at San Martín.

Priscilla White (Chair)

18

General Manager’s Report

This year has seen many highlights including the Confraternity’s 40th birthday at the start of 2023. We have run various in person events in London, including the Constance Storrs lecture from Peter Stanford in December, the Annual General Meeting, three practical pilgrim days and a fundraising concert and lunch with guitarist Morgan Szymanski in July. Our Regional Groups have continued to offer a varied programme of events to members around the country, including Practical Pilgrim Days in Bath and Manchester, talks, walks, Zoom meetings and social meet ups.

We have continued to run a paired back version of our virtual event programme which was introduced during the pandemic, offering monthly events from coffee morning and wine bar to virtual albergue and our quarterly book club, which enable us to support pilgrims from the comfort of their homes. We also offered a one-off Zoom seminar and Q&A about the Camino Ignaciano by author Murray Stewart, and a separate Zoom Q&A session with the late John Brierley following his talk at our 2023 AGM.

We have welcomed many pilgrims face-to-face on our Thursday open days, with pilgrims from around the world coming to seek advice from our committed team of volunteers and to consult the bookshop and library.

We set up a new Technology Appeal in July to buy our own equipment for hybrid events. The appeal was very successful and thanks to the generosity of donors, we have been able to purchase a significant amount of equipment, including a projector, screen, camera, microphones and amplifier. This will enable us to provide higher-quality events for pilgrims, whether they join us in person or on Zoom, and to continue to provide information and opportunities for those living further from London to benefit from.

Work has continued on the Camino Ingles in the UK, overseeing pilgrim stamps being designed and provided to establishments on the routes and updating the resources available to pilgrims walking the St James’ Way. We plan for continued development on this, and other, routes in the UK.

Looking ahead to next year, we have new publications and events in the pipeline, and look forward to a continued focus on shaping our work to meet the evolving demands and needs of post-pandemic pilgrims.

Membership Statistics

Membership at 30 September 2023 stood at 1,147 paying members (1,155 at 30 September 2022) plus 21 honorary members and 48 exchange subscriptions with kindred organisations.

The paying members were split as follows (September 2022 numbers are shown in brackets): -

Individual Individual Household Household Group Group
UK 738 (711) 257 (281) 8 (7)
Europe 26 (27) 6 (9) - (-)
Rest of World 88 (91) 24 (29) - (-)
Total 852 (829) 287 (319) 8 (7)

19

Analysis of financial running costs -

As it is very difficult to allocate expenses between purely charitable and overhead costs, there have been grouped together so as to show all the appropriate expenses under one heading.

Personnel Costs
Salaries & NI
Pension – General Manager
Travel & Subsistence
Accommodation
Rents
Insurance
Depreciation
Office Maintenance
Office Equipment < £500
Less Library Recharge
Office
Telephone
Post
Printing & Stationery
Computer Support & Consumables
Other
Legal & Professional
Bank Charges
Accountancy Support - Retainer
Credit Card Charges
Member Meetings
Sundry
Advert - staff
Total		 2023
Total
£
36,855
875
1,197
38,927
11,020
1,408
356
368
169
-2,179
11,142
884
153
1,529
3,549
6,115
157
85
432
2,716
808
332
-
4,530
60,714		 2022
Total
£
39,264
1,089
1,383
41,736
9,832
1,383
336
631
-
-1,834
10,348
812
432
1,802
3,327
6,373
129
88
432
2,712
261
551
775
4,948
63,405

20

Members Statistics
Region
UK
Beds Bucks Herts
Bristol SW
Cambridgeshire
Channel Islands
Cotswolds
Cumbria
Devon & Cornwall
Dorset & Wessex
Hampshire
N. Ireland
Isle of Man
Kent
Leics Northants
Lincolnshire
London & Middlesex
Mancs/Lancs/Cheshire
Norfolk Suffolk Essex
Notts Derbys
Northeast
Scotland
Surrey
Sussex
Thames Valley
Wales
W Midlands
Yorkshire
Europe
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Rep. of Ireland
Spain
Switzerland
Rest of World
Africa
Asia
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
USA
TOTALS
Honorary
Individual
Household
Group
Exchange
Total
1
29
16
-
-
46
-
28
12
1
-
41
-
17
4
-
-
21
-
2
2
-
-
4
-
6
2
-
-
8
-
5
4
-
-
9
1
31
12
-
1
45
-
28
10
-
-
38
-
43
12
1
-
56
-
7
1
-
-
8
-
4
-
-
-
4
-
25
11
-
1
37
-
16
3
-
1
20
-
4
3
-
-
7
5
128
37
2
3
175
-
37
21
1
-
59
2
32
14
-
-
48
-
12
2
-
-
14
1
17
7
-
-
25
1
52
12
-
1
66
3
35
17
-
-
55
-
36
9
-
-
45
1
36
12
-
1
50
-
18
10
-
-
28
1
62
13
3
-
79
-
28
11
-
1
40
16
738
257
8
9
1,028
-
-
1
-
-
1
-
-
1
-
2
3
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
4
-
-
4
8
-
-
2
-
3
5
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
2
2
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
2
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
2
-
-
1
3
1
3
-
-
1
5
4
9
2
-
19
34
-
-
-
-
2
2
5
26
6
-
36
73
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
2
1
-
-
3
-
18
9
-
-
27
-
9
1
-
2
12
-
4
4
-
-
8
-
55
9
-
-
64
-
88
24
-
3
115
21
852
287
8
48
1,216

21