NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION Report and Flnancial Statements For the Year Ended 5th April 2024 Charity number 1094245
Northumberland Masonlc Charlty Assoclatlon Financial Statements For the Year Ended 5th Aprll 2024 Contents Page Trustees, Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet io Notes forming part of the financial statements 11-14 Independent Examiners, Report 15 Paue 2
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2024 The Trustees present their report and examined financial statement5 for the year ended 5th April 2024 at the Annual General Meeting held 18th September 2024. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRLISTEES The Charity Trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees, annual report artrd financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Policiesl. The law applicable to charities in En8land and Wales require5 the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affair5 of the charity and of the incoming resources, and application of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to.. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accountin8 Standards have been followed, Subject to any material departures that must be disclosed and explained into the financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it Is inappropriate to presLJme that the Charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accountlng records that dlsclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safe8uarding the a55ets of the charity and taking reasonable Steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DAlL5 The Charity is the Northumberland Masonic Charity Association, Registered Number 1094245. It5 8overnin8 document is the Trust Deed and Regulations adopted on 25th September 2002 and approved by the Charity Commission on 18th October 2002. The Charity operates from the headquarters of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland and is popularly known as the 'NMCA'. The addre55 of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland is 17 Lansdowne Terrace, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 IHP. Telephone 01912136990, e- mail, provsec@pgln.org Page 3
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION OF TRUSTEE5 Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Association from the membership. The membership of the Association consists of craft lodges or other masonic bodies in Northumberland and freemasons who are members of craft lodges in the province of Northumberland and who voluntarily support the objects of the Association with charitable donations. TRUSTEES INDUCTION AND TRAINING The Trustees are responsible for the administration and control of all aspects of the Northumberland Masonic Charity Association, supported by the secretariat of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland. In the event of a vacancv, a replacement Trustee may be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Association. The Trustees are all senior officer5 of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland and are familiar with the practical work of the Charity as well as the principles of Freemasonry and the objettives of the Charity in accumulating funds towards the next Festival. All investments are made on the recommendations of the Investment Advisers. Training sessions are available at the offices of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland for all new Trustees to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities, the Charity and the context within which it operates. TRUSTEES The serving Trustees during the financial year were J.J. Craigs - Chair S. Cairns - (Ex-officio Secretary) P.M. Smith, FCA- (Ex-officio Treasurer) M.D.E. Auld J. N. Bruce G.D. Burton l.m. Gilberg C. Hume J. R. Ormston (Resigned 30th Nov 20231 B. Rudd (Resigned 20th Sept 20231 K.P. Stannard P. R. Winship (Appointed 30th Nov 20231 BANKERS Barclays Bank PLC, City Office, Percy Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI 4QL. INVESTMENT ADVISERS Brewin Dolphln Ltd. Time Central, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NEI 4SR Page4
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION EXAMINING ACCOUNTANTS BK Plus, Chartered Certified Accountants. 13 Windsor Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HE. VOLUNTARY SERVICES The Charity gratefully acknowledges the voluntary service5 of the following gentlemen - P M Smith FCA- Current Treasurer W E Nesbit - Administration C Hume-Administration FUNDRAISING The Charity does not employ professional fundraisers and accordingly wishes to acknowled8e the contribution of volunteers who have assisted the Fundraisin8 Co-ordinator in organising events approved by the Charity Trustees. OBJECTS OF THE NMCA The objerts of the Charity are to promote any purpose which is exclusively charitable in law and in particular to do so by makin8 8fants to masonic institutions while they remain established for exclusively charitable purposes, or to any other organisatlon established exclusively for charitable purposes as the Trustees from time to time decide. The Charity comprlses two distlnct funds, the General Fund and the Bartlett Fund. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The Trustees are pleased to note that the Association met its main objective which is to make grants to masonic institutions while they remain established for exclusively charitable purposes, or to any other organisation established exclusively for charitable purposes as the Trustees from time to time decide. Durins the current year the charity ha5 donated funds to The Masonic Charrtable Foundatlon toward5 It5 'Fe5tival" which is to be held in 2032. These Grants totalled £275,000.12023 . £275,000). Other Charitable Grant5 of £3,39012023 £7,100) were made during the Flnancial Year. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFITTEST The Charity Commission has set out general prlnciples to be used in as5es5ing the public benefit to be used by UK charities. To ensure it meets these principles. the Trust must be able to demonstrate that its work benefit5 the public or a section of the public, that people on low incomes are able to benefit, and that any private benefit is incidental. The prirnary objective of the Association is to make grants to masonic institutions while thev remain established for exclusive charitable purposes. The Trustees are satisfied that the requirements of the Public Benefit Test are beln8 met. Pase 5
NORTHUMBERLAND MA50NIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION THE GENERAL FUND Each year one or more masonic provinces are nominated by The Grand Charity of the United Grand Lodge of England to host a 'Festival' in aid of a designated charity. A Festival was last hosted by the Province of Northumberland in October 2021 when the balance of proceeds of fundraising since the previous Festival in 2009 were donated to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution IRMBI}. The designated Charity'for the 2032 Festival Is The Masonic Charitable Foundation. The General Fund is primarily the Festival appeal fund for all freemason5 in the Masonic Province of Northumberland. Occasionally however, the Charlty may wish to render assistance to a non.masonic chartty having an identified financial need, as in the year 2000 when EIOO,000 was donated to The Samaritans of Tyneside and in 2010 when £l.000 was donated to Tiny Lives Special Care Babies. During January 2018 a legacy of £20,000 was received from the Estate of Norman Johnson. This has been used for good causes. In 2023 £11.821 was received upon the closure of Addlson Potter Lodge. The General Fund constitutes the Unrestricted Fund. The principal source5 of income are contributions from Brethren, Ladles, Lodges and other ma50nic organisations within the Province, donations from other provinces, and investment income. It is in the nature of a savings account, the object of which 15 to maximise it5 fundraisin8 income in aid of the charity so designated. The Grand Charity of The United Grand Lod8e of England nominated Northumberland to host a Festival of Charity in October 2021 in aid of the Royal Ma50nlc Benevolent Institution IRMBII. The Festival was held at the Gosforth Park Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne, when it was declared that the proceed5 Of fundraising since the Festival of 2009. amounting to some £3.25m, had been donated to the Royal M350nic Benevolent Institution by the NMCA. THE BARTLETf FUND The Bartlett Fund was established by way of a bequest for the general purpose5 of the Northumberland Masonic Charity Association with consideration beln8 8iven to the Richard Henry Holmes Ma50nic Benevolent Fund and the Trustees of the Scarbrough Court Home, Cramlin8ton, Northumberland. The Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund is a separate charlty whose principal function is to make grant5 to freemasons, widows and dependant5 of freema50ns in distress and to make donations to local non-ma50nic charltles. The Bartlett Fund constitutes the Endowment Fund. Page 6
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION THE BARTLEfT FUND The Bartlett Fund. William Grant Bartlett. a prominent and respected freemason in Northumberland, who dled in 1981, arranged through hls wife's will that upon her demise specific fraction of her residuary estate be given to the Northurnberland Masonic Charity Association for the general purpose5 of that A550ciation. It was M r B3rt1ett's expre55 wish mentioned in the two wills, that without legal obli8ations, the Association considers donations to the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund and the Trustees of the Scarbrough Court Home, Cramlington. Mrs Alexandrina Dewar Wight Bartlett died in 1986 and upon completion of the execution of her estate in 1989 a total sum of £233,933 had been bequeathed to the NMCA. During 2002 a life interest which existed in the estate of James Bartlett Ifather of Wllllam Grant Bartlett) fell in and accordingly a part of the proceeds of that life interest passed into the estate of Alexandrina Dewar Wi8ht Bartlett to be disposed of in accordance with the terms of her will for the residue of her estate. A sum of £4,481 was received by the Association bringing the overall total bequeathed to the NMCA to £238,414.78. FINANCIAL REVIEW Total Incorning Resources amounted to £209,7131£319.554 in 2022-2023) the principal items being Gift Aid donations, income tax recoverable thereon, and other donations, together amountlng to £184,497 and investment income of £25,216. Total Resources Expended amounted to £292,6571£290,610 in 2022-20231. Due to the volatility in the Stock Market and Equities, the value of the Bartlett Fund investment5 as at 5th April 2024 showed a gain on investment of £60.076 (loss of £70,995 in 2023). The Net Movement in Funds for the year, after donations of £278,390.1£282.100 in 2022 -20231, wa5 a decrease of £22,8681£42.011 decrease in 20231. When added to the balance brought forward on 6th April 2023 of £1,071,898 produced balance to be carried forward at 5th April 2024 of £1,049.030, belng Unrestricted Fund (Generall £161,518 and Endowment Fund IB3rtlettJ £887,512. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS Following the success of the October 2021 Festlval in aid of The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, the Grand Charity of The United Grand Lodge have nominated The Provlnce of Northumberland to host a Festival in 2032 in aid of The Masonic Charitable Foundation. The Charity will now focus attention on it5 FFext Festival and accumulate and direct funds towards that Festival. EXAMINATION OF ACCOUNTS The accounts for the year ended 5th April 2024 have been examlned by BK Plu5, Chartered Certified Accountants, whose certificate is attached. Pi8e 7
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION RISK MANAGEMENT The Trustees have assessed the major rlsks to which the Charity Is exposed, In partlcular those relating to the operations of the Fund5, and are satisfied that system5 are in place to mltigate Its exposure to those risks. J.J. Craigs. Chairman 18th September 2024 On behalf of the Board of Trustees Page 8
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARIIY ASSOCIATION Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltles for the year ended 5th Aprll 2024 Unrestrlcted Endowment Fund Fund 2024 2024 (General) (Bartlett) Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Note Income and Expermllture In¢ominB Resources from generated fvnds: Voluntary income.. Donatlons Income Tax recoverable Fundraising Income- Events and artivities Legacies Investment Income= Interest and dividends Bank interest Transfer to Income 157,043 9,979 157,043 9,979 164.772 54.046 2,894 11,821 2,894 11,821 210 78,025 25,216 25,216 2,760 22,013 2,760 25.216 -25,216 Total Incoming Resources 209.713 209.713 319.564 Resources Expended Direct Charitable ExpenditLtre'. Donations to other Charities Legacy Donation Fundraising Expenses.. Events and activities Management and Administration: Direct C05ts- Independent Examiners fees Indirect cosis- General administration expenses Brewin Dolphin Charges 12 278.390 278,390 278,100 4.000 1,200 1.200 1.200 8.402 8.402 4,665 2,746 4.564 4.665 Total Resources Expended 287,992 4,665 292.657 290.610 Net Incoming Re5011rces before gains or losses on Investments {78.279) 14.6651 182.9441 28.944 14et 8ainslllosses} on Investments 60,076 60.076 170,9551 Net Movement In Ftjnds li IY8.279) 65h11 {22,888) Totsl funds brought forward at 6th April 2023 239,797 832.101 1,071,898 1,113,909 Total funds carrled foThvard at 5th Aprll 2024 161.518 887.512 1,049,030 1,071.898 The Statement of flnanclal actlvities Include5 all 8aln5 and105ses In the year. All Incomlns resources and resources expended derlve from contlnulng actlvltles. P41•9
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION Balance Sheet as at 5th April 2024 Unrestrlcted Endowment Fund Fund 2024 2024 (Generall (Bartlett) Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Note Fixed Assets Investments 884,475 884,475 828,542 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank 10,832 156.931 10,832 164,070 31,123 219.364 7,139 167,763 7,139 174,902 250.487 Liabilities Amounts falling due within one year io (6,2451 14,1021 110,347) 17.1301 Net Current Assets 161,518 3,037 164,555 243,356 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 161.518 887,512 1,049,030 1,071,898 Net Assets 161.518 887,512 1.049.030 1,071,898 Funds Unrestricted Fund IGenerall Endowment Fund (Bartlett) li li 161,518 161.518 887,512 239,797 832,101 887,512 161,518 887,512 1,049,030 1,071,898 Approved by the Board of Trustees on 18th September 2024 and signed on its behalf by / IB JJ.Craigs - Chair S.Cairns - { Ex-officio Secretary ) Pa8e 10
NORTHUMBERiAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION Notes formln8 part of the Flnancial Statements for the year ended 5th Aprll 2024 l Accounting Pollcles The principal accounting policies are 5ummarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year. a) Basls of accounllng The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost conventlon, with items recogni5ed at cost or transactlon value unless othenYi5e stated In the relevant note to these accounts. The financial Statements have been prepared accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice . Accounting and Reporting by Charitles preparing thelr accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable Into the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Irela nd IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011. The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. bl Fund Accountlng Unrestricted funds are available for use at the d15cretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the genera5 objectives of the charity. Unrestricted funds include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at the closing quoted market values. Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Restricted funds Include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investrnent assets at the closing quoted market price. ) Income resources All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income. it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Donations are recognised when the charity has received the donation or the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. Le8acy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the 8ranting of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communlcated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift Is In the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised Stock exchange. recognltion Is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable wlth a degree of reasonable acturary and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity. Interest on funds held on deposlt is included when recelvable and the amount can measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the Interest paid or payable by the bank. Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notlfication has been received of the dividend due. Pale 11
NORTHUM8ERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION Notes forming part of the Flnancial Statements for the year ended 5th Aprll 2024 dl Expendlture recognitlon Liabilities are recognised as expenditure a5 soon as there is a legal or constructive obligatlon committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliablv. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings. e) Fixed asset investrnents Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of financial activities Sncludes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year. The Trust does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments. The main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatillty In equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions. the attitude of investor5 to investment risk, and change5 in sentiment concerning equitie5 and withln particular sectors of sub sectors. fl Realised 8alns and losses All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their opening carryinB value or their purchase value if acquired Subsequently to the first day of the financial year. Unre31ised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses are combined In the Staternent of Financial Activities g} Irrecoverable VAT Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred. 2 Related Party Transactlons There were no transactions directly or indirectly involving any Charity Trustee. or anyone else who is related to the Charity, or anyone who Is either connetted wlth a Charity Trustee or to a person who is related to the Charity. Neither the Trustees nor any other such person received any form of remuneration or other benefit. No reimbursement of expenses has been made to any of the Trustees. 3 Net InGomlng Resources for the Year This is stated after charging.. 2024 2023 Independent Examlners, Fees 1,200 1,200 4 Independent Examiners, Fees Fees In respect of the year ended 5th April 2024. Pole 12
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION Note5 formln8 part of the Flnancial statements for the year ended 5th Aprll 2024 5 Taxation As a charity. Northumberland Masonic Charity Association Is exempt from tax on Income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or $256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gain5 Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity 6 General Adminlstration The Charity has no direct employees or property. Its operation 15 3 small part of the work of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland and it therefore makes an annual global contribution towards the cost of secretarial services, office accommodation and general overheads, 7 Transfers between Funds The Charity resolved at its Annual General Meeting in June 1999 that the net income of the Bartlett Fund be donated to the NMCA General Fund by way of a transfer between funds. 8 Flxed Asset Investments Unrestrlcted Endowment Fund Fund (Genèral {Bartlett) Market Value 5th April 2024 884,475 Market Value 5th April 2023 828,542 The market value is based upon a year end valuation by Brewin Dolphin Ltd. The Trustees agreed for Brewln Dolphin to actively manage the Bartlett Fund and and £4,66512023: £4.5641 h35 been charged to the fund for this. Brewin Dolphin Ltd have invested the fund as follows.'_ 2024 2023 UK Bonds Overseas Bonds UK Equitles Oversea5 Equities Other markets Property Cash 100.942 38,397 158.178 459,209 81,198 18,910 27,641 12 77.676 35,384 182,038 360,473 124,286 17,970 30,715 18 52 22 15 884,475 100 828.542 100 Page 13
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITY ASSOCIATION Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 5th Aprll 2024 9 Debtor5 & Prepayments (Genèral) {Bartlett) 2024 2023 Income tax recoverable Sundry debtors 7,930 2,902 7,930 2,902 28,704 2,419 10,832 10.832 31,123 10 Llabllitles: Amounts falllng due wSthln one year (General) (Bartlett) 2024 2023 Accountancy Fees 2024 General Admin Fees Brewin Dolphin Ltd 1.200 5.045 1,200 5,045 4,102 1,200 2,350 3,580 4,102 6,245 4.102 10,347 7.130 11 Movement In Funds Balance Movement In 6th Aprll Incomlng 2023 Resources Outgolng Balance 5th April 2024 Unrestricted Fund (Generall Endowment Fund (Bartlett) 239,797 832,101 209,713 60,076 1287,992) 14,665) 161.518 887,512 1,071,898 269.789 1292.657} 1,049,030 12 Donations to other charltles 2024 2023 Masonic Chartiable Foundatlon RNLI Other 275,ClOO 3,390 275,000 3.100 278,390 278.100 During the year a donation of £275,000 was made to The Ma50nic Charitable Foundation 12023 . £275,000). £3,390 was paid to the RNLI from a fundrai51ng walk. Pa8e 14
NORTHUMBERLAND MASONIC CHARITh ASSOCIATION Reglstered Charlty No. 1094245 Independent examlners. report to the TNstees of NorthumberlaDd Masonlc Charlty Assodatlon I reporton the accounts of the Charity forthe year ended 5 April 2024 whlch are set out on pages 3 to 14. Respectfve responslbllltles of trustee5 and examlner The charitys trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The chariV5 trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination Is needed. The charitrfs gross income exceeded £25.000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by bein8 a quallfled memberof the ICAEW. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under sectlon 145 of the Charlties Act, follow the procedures lald down in the general Dlrection5 given by the Charlty Commlsslon under section 1451S)Ib) of the Charltles Act, and State whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Bas15 of Independent examlners. report My examination was carrled out in accordance wlth the 8eneral Dlrectlons glven by the Charity Commisslon. An examination Includes a revSew ofthe accounting records kept bythe charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wrth those records. It also Includes consideratlon 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 if glven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair viev/ and the report is limited to those matters set out In the statement below. Independent examiners, statement In connection with rny examination, no matter has come to myattentlon: which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any materlal respert, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act" and to prepare accounts which accord wlth the attountin8 records and comply with the accountin8 requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and princlples of the Charlties SORP IFRS102} have not been met. or to whlch, in my opinion, attention should be drawn In order to enable a proper understandln8 of the accounts to be reached. MJGI FCA BK Plus Umlted 13 WindsorTerra Newcastle Upon Tyne NE24HE If"W30 Page 15