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← The Confraternity Of Saint James

2024-09-30-accounts

The Confraternity of Saint James (A company limited by guarantee)

Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements Year ended 30 September 2024

Charity number 1091140

Company number 4096721

Contents

Legal and administrative information .......................................................................................... 3
Report of the trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 .................................................. 4
Chair’s report ................................................................................................................................ 4
Structure and objectives of the charity ....................................................................................... 5
Financial review and future developments ................................................................................. 5
Risk management ......................................................................................................................... 5
Public Benefit Statement .............................................................................................................. 6
Reserves Policy ............................................................................................................................ 7
Investment Powers ....................................................................................................................... 7
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements .............................................. 7
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the CSJ ...................................................... 8
Statement of Financial Activities for year ending 30 September 2024 ...................................... 9
Balance sheet as at 30 September 2024 .................................................................................... 10
Audit Exemption ......................................................................................................................... 10
Notes on the Financial Statements for the year to 30 September 2024 .................................. 11
1.
Accounting Policies ................................................................................................................................................ 11
2.
Income from donations and legacies ..................................................................................................................... 12
3.
Membership subscriptions & gift aid ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.
Shop sales ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.
Investment Income ................................................................................................................................................. 12
6.
Expenditure on Charitable Activities ...................................................................................................................... 13
7.
Grants .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
8.
Refugio Gaucelmo, Rabanal del Camino ............................................................................................................... 13
9.
Refugio de Peregrinos de Miraz ............................................................................................................................. 14
10.
Bulletin ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
11.
Staff costs .............................................................................................................................................................. 14
12.
Staff numbers ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
13.
Fixed Assets .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
14.
Stock ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
15.
Debtors .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
16.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year ...................................................................................................... 16
17.
Contingent assets – legacy income ....................................................................................................................... 16
18.
Analysis of charitable funds ................................................................................................................................... 16
19.
Capital Commitments ............................................................................................................................................. 17
20.
Previous year Statement of Financial Activities ..................................................................................................... 18

Page 2 of 18

Legal and administrative information

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.

Honorary President

HE The Spanish Ambassador

Directors and Trustees

A Bull (Resigned 27 January 2024) M T Cavanagh (Appointed 13 May 2024) W A Chapman C J Davies R A Dorkings (Resigned 13 May 2024) M C Essery M C T Moseley H M Robinson (Resigned 13 May 2024) S J Sargeant C Taylor A Ward P White

General Manager R E L Diaz-Pinto (In her absence on maternity leave B Tarring)

Treasurer

M C Essery

Company Secretary 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 (UK) CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling. Kent ME19 4JQ

Page 3 of 18

Report of the trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024

The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the financial statements for the year ending 30 September 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements including the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, and the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK issued in October 2019).

Chair’s report

2024 saw a wide range of changes for the CSJ. Rachael Diaz-Pinto, our general manager, went on maternity leave in February and subsequently gave birth to a healthy baby girl. We welcomed Brendan Tarring as her maternity replacement. Robin Dorkings stepped down as Chair after many dedicated and committed years of service to the CSJ, for which I greatly thank him. I was elected by the board in May to take his place.

These changes have allowed us to reflect on and review many of our practices, policies, and procedures with fresh eyes. Following two trustee strategy days in February and March, we were able to scrutinise and reflect on various aspects of the CSJ, including updating our mission statement to reflect a better sense of the organisation, discussing membership retainment, identifying key areas where we need to update and review our profile within the camino community, identifying what a modern pilgrim needs from us, and profiling key priorities for the future of the charity.

Through direct communication with several associations, we now have much closer ties with our European partners in Galicia and other Jacobean associations and federations both in Europe and around the world. This has led to the Camino Society Ireland writing an article for our Bulletin magazine, encouraging a closer dialogue between us as neighbours. Our regular e-news for our members and for our worldwide supporters and subscribers ensures that we have an ongoing communication and interaction which is, in turn, enabling the support of our regional groups and events around the country.

In June, we joined a newly established association, the Camino Europa Compostela, which is made up of approximately 20 associations located in Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Spain, Finland, France, Romania, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Malta and the UK, with many other countries looking to submit applications for their inclusion at the May 2025 AGM. This organisation was formed to foster our shared values, support partner associations in the provision of information to pilgrims, and to allow co-operation with other associations and civil institutions in the framework of the interests of the Ways of St. James. There is also an opportunity to submit applications for grant-based funding to support our albergues, provide signage, and improve accessibility for pilgrimage routes to ensure they are available to all.

Our connectivity to other pilgrim associations creates a greater understanding and involvement in the worldwide support network which I feel will be of benefit to the CSJ in the future.

Reports from our albergues, Rabanal and Miraz, are included in your AGM papers. These include positive feedback and results, but the albergues do not run themselves - a huge effort and a great deal of logistical planning goes into maintaining and running them as well as planning for future improvements to keep them compliant with new Spanish guidelines. This is all done by a small army of dedicated volunteers and I would like to thank them for their hard work and commitment.

Our own UK sections of the Camino Inglés continue to create increasing opportunities for promoting the idea of walking a camino from your front door. Although this may not be a literal possibility for everyone, the increasing number of routes in the UK makes it possible if you include a short bus or train journey to join up with an established route. The Finchale Camino and St. James Way continue to be developed and publicised – more will be said about this in the afternoon session of the AGM from CSJ members Keith Taylor and David Sinclair, along with Antonio Leira and Lanzada Calatayud Alvarez from the Camino Inglés office in A Coruna, who are actively supporting the development of these routes.

Our online shop is currently being assessed to broaden its appeal and diversify its inventory. Our sale of pilgrim passports has continued to grow beyond our expectations, along with a strong sales record of the updated St. James Way Guide and its accompanying map book.

I want to thank the CSJ staff, Brendan Tarring, Kimberly Saward, and Rose Creeser, all of the many volunteers both in the CSJ office and around the country, our Bulletin editor Robert Clapham, our librarian William Griffiths, and all of our Trustees; it is their support and enthusiasm that continue to make Caminos a reality for so many people. I would also like to give a big thank you to so many of you who have donated so generously to the CSJ and our specific funds that support our albergues, and for your continued membership which enables us to offer this amazing service to so many pilgrims - your funding really does generate a new wave of pilgrims walking along many of the routes you have walked. They are walking in your footsteps. Thank you.

Sue Sargeant (Chair)

Page 4 of 18

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, in the comments book at each refuge, 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 trustees 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 trustees at their 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

Overall, we were successful again in generating a small net surplus on our accounts for the year ending 30 September 2024 of £1,899 (2023 - £3,976). Our general fund generated a surplus of £928 (2023 -surplus £13,320). Encouragingly Miraz returned to generating a surplus for the year of £3,529 (2023 deficit £10,083). Restricted funds, including Rabanal, showed a deficit of £2,558 (2023 surplus £739).

The general fund income decreased in the year to £118,577 from £122,091. Donations fell due to timings with the receipt of several large donations. We were notified of two legacies in the year. A legacy of £1,000 was received in November 2024 and has been accrued in the accounts (note 2). We have also been notified of one residuary legacy. The value of this legacy is uncertain and the legacy has not been accrued (note 17).

Membership income as shown in the SOFA decreased. As detailed in note 3, this mainly related to a reduction in gift aid claimed. Membership numbers have remained steady although subscription income in the year reduced slightly. The amount of subscriptions in advance, which is shown as deferred income in creditors see note 16, reduced due to the cycle of 3 yearly membership renewals. The trustees are currently reviewing the membership structure and membership subscription rates. A report of their findings will be made to the membership. Current membership subscription rates are detailed in note 3.

Books and publications continue to sell via our online shop. Due to the increased range of commercial guidebooks 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 nearly 20% to £66,693 from £55,887. Details are given in note 6. Pilgrim passport sales increased by 35% to £33,682 from £24,846. Publications, driven by the sales of the St James Way Way Guidebook and Mapbook, increased by 25% to £10,124 from £8,075. Against this expenditure on the shop, as detailed in note 6a, increased by 2% to £38,212 from £37,313.

General fund operating costs rose to £79,437 from £71,458 after showing a small decrease in the previous year. The main element of the increase was additional staff costs to cover maternity leave.

As noted above the Miraz fund showed a surplus for the year. Uk donations and donativo income during the year both increased. Expenditure on the building decreased substantially. Details are given in note 9. The Miraz fund is supported by the general fund.

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 acknowledge their legal and regulatory obligations and, in reviewing their approach to risk, have consulted Charity Commission guidance. The trustees consider that, as a small charity with few paid staff, the most significant risk was the unavailability of key personnel to undertake the essential day to day tasks and an over reliance on key staff with specialist skills. The trustees are looking at ways to provide cover/deputies as necessary.

Page 5 of 18

Over the past few years Pilgrim passport sales have increased substantially. Without these we would not have built up our reserves. The trustees recognise the charity’s reliance on this income and are looking to safeguard it by ensuring we remain authorised by Santiago cathedral to issue Pilgrim passports. They are also looking to diversify and increase other income.

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. There is 3 years left on our current lease. Our landlord has indicated that there are no plans for Christ Church other than to support it as required by their founding document.

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.

An update of our risk tables is continuing a regular basis. In general terms, the trustees monitor all risks and take appropriate steps to mitigate identified risks.

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

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

  7. 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

Having put these strategies into action we have, in the year 2023/2024 provided:

Page 6 of 18

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 income. 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 of UK operating costs for Rabanal and Miraz) and b) sufficient funds to cover known risks, contingencies and capital expenditure.

General – Unrestricted Funds

The free unrestricted reserves at the year-end were £18,783. The trustees consider the most appropriate level of free reserves at 30 September 2024 would be about £20,000 to pay 3 months of general fund costs. The building of our reserves position will continue in 2024/24.

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 (£10,221). 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 20 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

M C Essery Treasurer

Page 7 of 18

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the CSJ

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 30 September 2024 as set out on pages 9 to 18.

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)

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

  2. (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 UK

Page 8 of 18

Statement of Financial Activities for year ending 30 September 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds
Note General Miraz 2024 2023
Income £ £ £ £ £
Donations & legacies 2 6,544 4,259 2,854 13,657 24,479
Income from charitable activities
Membership subscriptions 3 44,865 - - 44,865 47,485
Miraz Refugioe 9 - 16,728 - 16,728 15,020
Income from Other Trading Activities
Shop sales 4 66,693 - - 66,693 56,474
Investment Income 5 475 - 298 773 499
Total income 118,577 20,987 **3,152 ** 142,716 143,957
Expenditure
Costs of Raising Funds
Shop sales 6a 38,212 - - 38,212 37,313
Expenditure on- Charitable Activities
Operating costs 6b 79,437 17,458 5,710 102,605 102,668
Total expenditure 117,649 17,458 **5,710 ** **140,817 ** 139,981
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds for the year
928 3,529 (2,558) 1,899 3,976
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 17,855 (323)
24,455		 41,987 38,011
Total funds carried forward 18,783 3,206
21,897		 43,886 41,987

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The previous year Statement of Financial Activities is provided in Note 20.

Page 9 of 18

Balance sheet as at 30 September 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Computers and Office etc
13
Works of Art
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Stock
14
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Liabilities
Creditors falling due within one year
16
Net current assets
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds – General
Unrestricted funds – Designated
Restricted funds
Total charity funds		 2024
2023
£
£
2,339
2,421
4,790
4,790
7,129
7,211
12,772
9,320
14,677
9,727
36,840
47,159
64,289
66,206
(27,532)
(31,430)
36,757
34,776
43,886
41,987
18,783
17,855
3,206
(323)
21,897
24,455
43,886
41,987

Audit Exemption

Approved by the trustees on 20 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

M C Essery Treasurer

Page 10 of 18

Notes on the Financial Statements for the year to 30 September 2024

1. Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention and in accordance with the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK issued in October 2019 (FRS102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees have again assessed going concern. General fund reserves have increased during the year. 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.

(b) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Legacies are recognised when the amount receivable can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material (see note 17).

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) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations raised for particular areas of the charity’s work.

(e) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 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.

(f) 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 charity. All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised. Depreciation of computers, related software and other office equipment is charged over four years.

(g) Stock

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value.

(h) 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 1.202 Euros to the £ (2023 – 1.152 Euros to the £).

Page 11 of 18

2. Income from donations and legacies

Gifts
Legacy		 2024
£
12,657
1,000
13,657		 2023
£
24,479
-
24,479

The income from donations and legacies was £13,657 (2023: £24,479) of which £6,544 was general donations (2023: £17,831), £4,259 related to the refuge in Miraz (2023: £1,752) and £2,854 was restricted (2023: £4,896).

The charity benefits greatly from the involvement and enthusiastic support of its volunteers. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP, the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.

3. Membership subscriptions & gift aid

Subscription income decreased slightly in the year down to £37,457 from £38,015 in 2023. Tax reclaimed on subscriptions and general fund donations also decreased to £7,408 (2023 £9,470). The decrease was due to the reduction in donations and membership subscriptions. Gift Aid tax claims are recognised when a claim can be made, hence when members are paying 3 years subscription, a claim is made in the first year for the full amount received.

Current subscription rates are:

Type Region Rate
1 year
Individual Member UK and Europe £35.00
Household UK and Europe £40.00
3 years
Individual Member UK and Europe £94.50
Household UK and Europe £108.00

4. Shop sales

Publications
Books
Kindle and webinars
Postage
Other Items
Pilgrim passports		 2024
£
10,124
8,685
344
9,739
4,119
33,682
66,693		 2023
£
8,075
11,138
1,110
8,268
3,037
24,846
56,474

5. 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.

Page 12 of 18

6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities

(a) Shop

Publications
Books
Postage
Other items
Assistance
Marketing
Pilgrim passports
b) Operating costs
Bulletin
Library
Miraz
Rabanal
St James
St Christopher
Technology fund
Website
Office costs		 2024
£
5,260
5,271
9,325
1,987
10,582
399
5,388
38,212
2024
£
3,428
2,606
17,458
3,127
1,400
587
596
4,837
68,566
102,605		 2023
£
6,819
8,361
6,762
3,231
7,550
990
3,600
37,313
2023
£
3,745
2,515
26,855
3,720
635
-
-
4,484
60,714
102,668

(b) Operating costs

The office costs include governance costs of £35 paid for the Data Protection licence.

7. 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 £2,606 (2023 £2,515).

8. Refugio Gaucelmo, Rabanal del Camino

Payments made from funds held by CSJ in the year related to the Hospitaleros Thank You and Training Days and a small allocation of £720 towards the salary costs at Blackfriars Road. Donations included £128 (2023 £235) Gift Aid claimed.

The Refugio is run as a joint venture partnership with the Amigos del Camino del Bierzo. Pilgrim donations and related expenditure on food, hospitality, cleaning etc. in Spain are solely for the benefit of the Refugio at Rabanal and are not consolidated in the charity accounts. The surplus is put towards overheads such as electricity, bank charges, repairs etc.

Page 13 of 18

9. Refugio de Peregrinos de Miraz

Income
Donations UK including gift aid
Donativos Spain
Expenditure
Building upkeep
Food, household and travel
Oil, gas and water
Phones
Insurance
Sundries
Exchange difference
Salary allocation		 2024
£
4,259
16,728
20,987
2024
£
4,440
5,753
3,462
519
630
1,627
307
720
17,458		 2023
£
1,752
15,020
16,772
2023
£
15,071
5,736
2,242
655
571
1,778
82
720
26,855

10. Bulletin

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

11. Staff costs

Salaries
Pension costs		 2024
£
53,508
1,631
55,139		 2023
£
38,908
875
39,783

No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: nil)

The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year Personal travel expenses of £115 (2023: £nil) were reimbursed to 1 (2023: nil) trustees.

Page 14 of 18

12. Staff numbers

The average monthly headcount was 3.6 staff (2023: 2) and the average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees during the year were as follows:

Shop sales
Membership and office		 2024
No.
0.4
1.7
2.1		 2023
No.
-
1.2
1.2

13. Fixed Assets

Costs
At 1 Oct 2023
Additions
At 30 Sep 2024
Depreciation
At 1 Oct 2023
Charge for year
At 30 Sep 2024
Net Book Value
At 1 Oct 2023
At 30 Sep 2024		 Works of Art
£
4,790
-
4,790
-
-
-
4,790
4,790		 Office
Equipment
£
18,569
870
19,439
16,148
952
17,100
2,421
2,339		 Total
£
23,359
870
24,229
16,148
952
17,100
7,211
7,129

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 £2,383 purchased using funds raised through the Technology Appeal. The depreciation on these amounts amounted to £596 in the financial year. This has been charged to the Technology Appeal, which is a restricted fund.

14. Stock

Publications
Books
Other Items
Pilgrim passports		 2024
£
2,771
3,973
1,533
4,495
12,772		 2023
£
2,958
3,216
1,261
1,885
9,320

Page 15 of 18

15. Debtors

Prepayments
Accrued income and other debtors
Accrued Income - Legacies
egacies accrued include £1,000 which was received in November 2024.
reditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade Creditors
Deferred Income - Subscriptions in Advance		 2024
£
4,112
9,565
1,000
14,677
2024
£
6,570
20,962
27,532		 2023
£
1,515
8,212
-
9,727
2023
£
6,750
24,680
31,430

Legacies accrued include £1,000 which was received in November 2024.

16. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Subscriptions paid in advance total £20,962 and relate to the years 2025 (paid from 1 July 2024), 2026 and 2027. These have been shown as falling due within 1 year as the actual subscription has been received.

17. Contingent assets – legacy income

As at 30 September the charity had been notified of one residuary legacy. The value of this is uncertain as it depends on the amount received from the sale of a property. Due to this uncertainty the legacy has not been accrued.

18. Analysis of charitable funds

(a) Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds

General fund
Designated Miraz fund		 At 1 Oct 2023
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Expenses
At 30 Sep 2024
£
£
£
£
17,855
118,577
(117,649)
18,783
(323)
20,987
(17,458)
3,206
17,532
139,564
(135,107)
21,989

(b) Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds – previous year

General fund
Designated Miraz fund		 At 1 Oct 2022
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Expenses
At 30 Sep 2023
£
£
£
£
4,535
122,091
(108,771)
17,855
9,760
16,772
(26,855)
(323)
14,295
138,863
(135,626)
17,532

Page 16 of 18

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.

(c) Analysis of movements in restricted funds

Rabanal fund
Ted Dickinson Fund
St. Christopher Fund
St James Way fund
Technology fund		 At 1 Oct 2023
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Expenses
At 30 Sep 2024
£
£
£
£
11,639
1,709
(3,127)
10,221
2,543
133
2,676
5,362
840
(587)
5,615
2,778
361
(1,400)
1,739
2,133
109
(596)
1,646
24,455
3,152
(5,710)
21,897

(d) Analysis of movements in restricted funds – previous year

Rabanal fund
Ted Dickinson Fund
St. Christopher Fund
St James Way fund
Technology fund		 At 1 Oct 2023
Incoming
Resources
Outgoing
Expenses
At 30 Sep 2024
£
£
£
£
13,477
1,882
(3,720)
11,639
2,455
88
2,543
4,473
889
5,362
3,311
102
(635)
2,778
-
2,133
-
2,133
23,716
5,094
(4,355)
24,455

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 €32,904 (£27,374) and on 1 October 2023 €32,128 (£27,889).

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.

19. Capital Commitments

There are no capital commitments outstanding at the accounting date

Page 17 of 18

20. Previous year Statement of Financial Activities

Note
Income
Donations & legacies
2
Income from charitable activities
Membership subscriptions
3
Refuge
9
Income from Other Trading Activities
Shop sales
4
Investment Income
5
Total income
Expenditure
Costs of Raising Funds
Shop sales
6a
Expenditure on- Charitable Activities
Operating costs
6b
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds for the year
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
General
Miraz
2023
£
£
£
£
17,831
1,752
4,896
24,479
47,485
-
-
47,485
-
15,020
-
15,020
56,474
-
-
56,474
301
-
198
499
122,091
16,772
5,094 143,957
37,313
-
-
37,313
71,458
26,855
4,355
102,668
108,771
26,855
4,355 139,981
13,320 (10,083)
739
3,976
4,535
9,760
23,716
38,011
17,855
(323)
24,455
41,987

Page 18 of 18