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2021-12-31-accounts

Company no. 7900649 Charity no. 1149956

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

31 December 2021

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Reference and administrative details

For theyear ended 31 December 2021
Company number 7900649
Charity number 1149956
Registered office and The Dorchester Quaker Meeting House
operational address 8 Holloway Road
Fordington
Dorchester
DT1 1LF
Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during
the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
John Boyle
Diana Harris
Audrey Hart-Roy (Resigned 14 February 2022)
Strawberry Roth
Catherine Thomas (Resigned 10 June 2021)
Company secretary Melissa Turner
Bankers Charities Aid Foundation Ltd Triodos Bank
West Malling Deanery Road
Kent Bristol
ME19 4TA BS1 5AS
Lloyds Bank
Dorchester Birmingham OSC
Ariel House
2138 Coventry Road
B26 3JW
Independent Godfrey Wilson Limited
examiners Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

1

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Objects and activities

The charity’s objects are the furtherance of the general religious and charitable purposes of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain.

The principal activity is the regular holding of meetings for worship in the constituent Local Meetings (LM). The Area Meeting (AM) in 2021 had a total membership of 177 (due to lack of physical meetings the attenders figure is not known). The AM and LM’s continued to meet in 2021 virtually, however, at the time of writing the report, LMs have been holding ‘blended’ meetings with some Friends meeting in person and some via Zoom.

Each LM has a Meeting for Worship for Business at least 6 times a year, feeding any matters relating to the whole AM to AM’s Meetings for Business. The AM sends a member to serve on Meeting for Sufferings, the executive body of Britain Yearly Meeting, and on the Quaker Life Committee. From mid-March 2020 meetings were held virtually via Zoom.

Properties

The titles to all the properties owned by the AM are held by Friends Trusts Limited, as a nominee. There are Quaker Meeting Houses (MHs) in Dorchester, Salisbury, Shaftesbury and Bridport, all owned by the AM. All were surveyed as part of the Heritage Project, supported by English Heritage, during 2016 and each had a professional revaluation of its rebuild value during 2017, totalling £3,140,000 for all buildings.

Dorchester MH has a resident warden accommodated in the flat above the Meeting House. In August 2021, a quinquennial survey was carried out, and the meeting house formed a new group, who have begun a programme of works relating to this report.

Salisbury MH is a Grade 2 Listed building formerly known as Kennet Lodge. In 2010, after renovation, re-styling and modernisation it was renamed Quaker Meeting House. A flat above the Meeting House is commercially let and the income is paid into general AM funds. The Meeting House is taken care of by a part time non-resident Warden and a Lettings Officer. The gardens are maintained by a gardener with some work done by the warden and occasionally other Friends. The rear garden is affiliated with the Quiet Garden Trust.

Shaftesbury’s Meeting House is a mid-20th century bungalow in good condition and its Quaker garden has won awards. It is taken care of by a group of local Friends.

Bridport’s 400-year-old Meeting House had a professional quinquennial survey carried out in October 2021. There is a Burial Ground situated behind the Meeting House and land alongside let out at a peppercorn rent as a small market garden.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Burial Grounds in Shaftesbury and Ashgrove (near Shaftesbury) are also owned by the AM and are covered by Charity Commission Schemes. Half of the Shaftesbury Burial ground forms the garden of a small, privately owned cottage. The lease allowing this is for a term of 75 years. The lease provides the AM with full burial rights on the ground and allows for access by the AM to inspect and maintain the gravestones.

Opportunities and risks

The statement made in this report for the last couple of years still holds, that balancing the needs of an ageing membership with the encouragement and liveliness needed to ensure a steady flow of new members is both an opportunity and a risk – and at times a challenge. It is noticeably more successful in those Meetings with a range of opportunities for discussion and learning, which varies according to the life and energy of each Meeting.

Challenges

Meeting legal requirements

Health and safety, employment legislation, public liability and preventing fraud to our finances or harm to our people, is demanding on the trustees and requires constant vigilance to ensure that it is all taken seriously by members. The trustees consider that this AM does achieve an adequate level of risk management and readily seeks professional advice on matters for which there are no suitably skilled members of the AM. In 2021 a legal dispute relating to property occurred, which was ongoing at the time of this report being written.

The AM employs a part time administrator and bookkeeper and uses a firm of accountants (Godfrey Wilson) to manage the accounts. This has enabled us to provide more in-house financial support to our treasurers and has thereby eased the burden on trustees, the clerk and the AM treasurer.

Buildings

The 4 buildings owned by AM are old, and some are listed. This presents a challenge in terms of upkeep, repair and maintenance and results in financial expense as well as significant demands on individuals’ time. This will naturally increase as the building's age further. The programme of quinquennial surveys will give us insight regarding the works that may need acting on. In the medium term, this is something that the AM will need to keep under review.

Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected our Area Meeting; however, we have developed alternative ways of holding worship including using remote technology. This has enabled our Meetings for Worship to continue in modified form, and we shall be using this technology to hold business and committee meetings during this uncertain time.

We have had a significant loss of income from Meeting House hirings. Bearing this in mind the trustees will keep our risks and finances under regular review and take steps as appropriate to protect the life of our Quaker community and our charitable purpose.

The effect over the past 2 years of the Covid-19 pandemic has left LMs without the necessary ‘person power’ for many of the previously nominated posts, including nominations for trustee roles.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Safeguarding

Until recently this has been mostly about keeping our children safe, but at the present time, LMs have few children but an increasing number of very elderly and vulnerable adults. The prevalence of dementia in the population creates its own problems where Meetings for Worship are mostly silent and depend on the involvement and understanding of everyone present. AM has in place a safeguarding representative in each Local Meeting and an AM Safeguarding Coordinator, who is orchestrating specific safeguarding training for individuals within LMs.

Opportunities

There are potential opportunities to increase our outreach and to attract new members amongst those seeking a spiritual path who may find a natural home with Quakers. However, our ability to take advantage of these opportunities depends on the energy and resources of our Local Meetings and the Area Meeting.

The increase in IT equipment purchased by LMs has allowed for a greater number of ‘blended’ meetings, meaning that some Friends who had been unable to previously attend due to illness/lack of transport or disability, have been able to attend more meetings.

Some LMs have learnt about and embraced the ‘Simpler Meetings’ agenda, and made organisational changes towards time limited working groups for some areas of activity. This has encouraged Friends to participate and give of their time and energy more freely.

Public benefit

Quakerism is a way of life, not a religion for Sundays. In accordance with our testimonies, our members and attenders contribute to a wide range of activities in each local community, in local and national organisations and in the worldwide sphere. Quakers are relatively few in numbers but our values are quite widely known and we are often able to achieve influence well beyond what our small size would suggest.

The Religious Society of Friends is part of Churches Together in England and each LM takes part in and contributes to its local Churches Together group – some of these are in Dorset and Wiltshire but others, at the borders of these counties, are in Somerset and Devon. This enables a solid basis for working together or speaking out on local, national and international issues.

In planning activities for the year, the trustees have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.

Employment

The AM is the employer of 3 staff members. One is a part-time administrator/bookkeeper who is responsible for the bookkeeping and for general administrative support and reports to the AM treasurer. Two are part time staff for Salisbury Local Meeting (also members of this meeting), who are responsible for room hirings, and for meeting house maintenance. Their line management is managed by Salisbury Local Meeting.

In 2021, the AM made use of the Government's furlough scheme to pay a portion of the wages for the 2 part time employees of Salisbury Local Meeting, whilst room hire was much reduced.

The AM endeavours to be a good employer, and staff pay is reviewed each year in line with inflation.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Hirings

Our Meeting Houses were able to open again in the latter half of 2021 for hirings for local groups. Some of these would find it hard to be accommodated in other halls because they include people working with issues for example addiction. The charges are kept modest to enable such groups to have access and many groups comment on the peace and calm they feel in our Meeting Houses. The wear and tear on each building and the workload for the warden and those acting in that capacity are of course increased.

Outreach

Each LM aims to undertake some outreach action, often in Quaker Week in October, to ensure that our voice is heard and that local people have opportunities to know where and what we are. A Quaker Meeting is held each year in the Peace garden in Bridport.

Work is ongoing in individual LMs on matters of international concern , many carrying our Peace Testimony into action. Amongst the concerns taken forward are the Palestine/Israel situation, support for Christian Aid, child soldiers, children in prison, poverty in this country, homelessness, food banks, and immigration/refugee matters. Conscientious Objection to militarism is not something just for wartime and there is local support to enable conscientious objection to that part of our taxes that is used for military purposes.

Quaker prison ministers’ visits have been significantly reduced since March 2020 due to Covid-19. Ministers were able to report on the position at HMP Guys Marsh only. From March 2020 to July 2021 they were not able to visit, but kept in touch by phone and letter, and with other chaplains around the country. Between July-November 2021 monthly meetings for worship took place, and ministers have been able to visit as prison visitors on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the situation is not yet opening up due to continuing Covid-19 cases in prison.

Achievements

Our AM membership during 2021 stayed steady. There is a growing interest in exploring a spiritual journey by many people in their middle years and some seek this in the non-creedal setting of a Quaker Meeting. This inflow has diminished in some LMs in the last 4 years but grown in others, possibly reflecting the relative energy and liveliness of the Meeting. Discussion and teaching groups within our LMs support these individuals in their explorations. Many old and new Quaker Courses and Conferences have not taken place this year, so Friends have been unable to attend.

Quaker educational experience is also open to our young Friends , in Summer 2021 the Junior Yearly Meeting Gathering was held online.

Sustainability

The AM and LMs have significantly reduced printing and the use of paper, using online secure storage sharing platforms for documents/policies, and using email as the main method of communication.

Sustainable transport is encouraged: including the use of public transport to travel to meetings/training courses etc. Local and Area Meetings are often attended by individuals who either walk/cycle or use public transport, where possible. The increase of virtual/blended meetings for business and worship over the past 2 years, has significantly reduced our carbon footprint with less need to travel.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

DSWAQM intends to further encourage all means of reducing our carbon footprint, in particular by arranging energy assessments of Local Meeting Houses, and acting on them. We aim to facilitate energy saving and use of green energy sources by the Meeting Houses and individual Friends. Local Meetings encourage the reduction of the use of plastics, and promote the three pillars of “reduce, reuse and recycle”.

Both Dorchester Meeting House and Salisbury Meeting House have photovoltaic solar panels installed on the roof, the figures from Dorchester MH 2021, report that we have saved CO2 15,490.7kg, or the equivalent to 709 trees being planted.

Finance and accounting principles

Dorchester, Salisbury, Shaftesbury and Lyme Regis LM’s have their own treasurer, bank account and income and expenditure accounts. Weymouth LM has a Collector and their accounts are handled by Dorchester Meeting. Financial decisions are taken at the LM for business in accordance with Quaker principles and following the relevant guidance in Quaker Faith and Practice.

In November 2021 Bridport LM decided to amalgamate their bank accounts with that of the AM thereby not needing an LM Treasurer. Bridport LM now rely on the services of the AM bookkeeper and they have reported that this change has simplified and streamlined many processes, easing the burden on individual Friends within this LM.

For some LMs, obtaining financial information can be a challenge, as not all LMs have online access to their bank accounts. This can result in delays in financial information being obtained.

There is a Memorandum of Understanding between AM and LMs which sets out the principles of the relationship, including financial delegation. The LM accounts are collated with those of the AM to form the complete picture of the financial position of the whole AM. This is a somewhat complicated process but is the historic practice in Quaker Area Meetings. The AM Accountants together with the treasurer and our bookkeeper support the trustees in ensuring that these historic practices are managed, that the AM’s annual accounts are correctly prepared and that the process of financial management is adequately addressed throughout the year.

Investments

All investments of the AM are managed by Investing Ethically Ltd. The AM disinvested in fossil fuel extraction, as far as is possible for a small organisation, during 2016, achieving a 95% withdrawal from any fund that in any way supports fossil fuel extraction. This has not had a major deleterious effect on the income achieved from investments.

Our AM treasurer and trustees have regular engagement with our financial planner at Investing Ethically Ltd, which has given us the opportunity to revisit our objectives and plans. Given the continual changes in current investment and political environments, it has been useful to reflect on how changes might influence our own plans for the future. With this in mind, the trustees have undertaken the following actions: revisited our financial objectives, revisited our ethical objectives, revisited our tolerance of investment risk, reviewed our income level and the sustainability of our income demands upon our portfolio and discussed future plans for capital and income spending. Feedback from these trustee discussions has been shared with our financial planner. We have made some changes in 2021 to streamline the structure of our investments and facilitate simpler accounting. Other than these changes the Trustees have taken the view that our current investment strategy remains appropriate to our risk appetite and needs, and no substantive changes have been made.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Income

The main sources of income are from individual members, from room hirings (much reduced in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels due to Meeting Houses being largely closed for half of the year to hirers), and from investment income. This income is used to carry out our objectives, supporting Quaker work locally, nationally and internationally. Our properties require significant sums to be spent on maintenance, normally our income from hiring and from designated funds adequately covers this when regular hirings are taking place.

Separate collections are made in some LMs for charities whose work is in sympathy with Quaker values and testimonies.

Total income for the year amounted to £94,856 (2020: £109,086), including £9,567 restricted funds.

The statement of financial activities shows net income of £5,962 (2020: net income of £24,037).

Reserves

An updated reserves policy was prepared during 2016. As part of this, the trustees considered that they should maintain reserves of 12 months normal expenditure, which equates to circa £120,000. At 31 December 2021, total reserves amounted to £2,179,748 (2020: £2,173,786) and were made up as follows:

Endowment funds
Restricted funds
Invested in freehold property
Designated for meeting house maintenance
General funds
Unrestricted funds:		 £
354,135
413,261
944,526
48,367
419,459
2,179,748

Use of surplus funds

Supporting Quaker work through Britain yearly meeting

In 2021 donations totalling £20,000 were made to support the work of Britain Yearly Meeting. These funds contribute to the work of BYM including Quaker Peace and Social Witness, Quaker Life, Quaker Stewardship and other central work. This means that we are able to look beyond our Local and Area Meetings and engage with Quaker work nationally and internationally. This is something that our members value highly and that also contributes to our influence on local issues and outreach in our local communities.

Building reserve/ support for Quaker Housing Trust (QHT).

The Area Meeting has held since 2016 a Treasurer’s Reserve account with Triodos Bank, the income from which has been used to support the work of the Quaker Housing Trust, reflecting our AM concern to support social housing. The funds in this account, currently totalling £98k, can be added to or withdrawn at any time needed by the AM. In 2019 the Area Meeting agreed to regard the funds deposited in this account as a buildings reserve to be used to support major works which may arise in respect of our buildings. Meanwhile, any interest continues to be allocated, by a decision taken each year by the AM, to the Quaker Housing Trust.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Future plans

These have been referred to throughout this report. With the ageing membership of the Area Meeting, allowance has to be made for the loss of income as older members, many of whom are the most generous contributors to the Meeting, die. Legacy income cannot be relied on and may have restricted purposes. Nevertheless, there have been legacies received during 2021. It is not wise for the AM to have expensive plans for the future but we are exhorted ‘to be open to new light, from whatever source it may come’. In this spirit we will endeavour to be adventurous with our available funds.

There is an increasing urgency to work towards Simpler Meetings, and it is the aim of BYM that this should be achieved across the country. In 2022 we would like to encourage any suggestions put forward by LMs towards achieving some reduction in the complexity of our number of posts and our business administration. It has been a great help to Area and Local Meetings to have employed an administrator/in-house bookkeeper. This has reduced cost and streamlined and eased our processes, and we are looking for this to continue in 2022.

Structure, governance and management

The Area Meeting (AM) is a registered charity, number 1149956. The Area Meeting is the administrative body for 6 Local Meetings (LMs), consisting of Shaftesbury, Salisbury, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Weymouth & Portland, of whom all but the last 2 have their own Meeting Houses. Meeting Houses are owned by the Area Meeting.

The Area Meeting was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee, number 07900649 on 6 January 2012. Its financial year is aligned to the calendar year, which for Quakers is also the financial year.

The Company’s trustees/directors (referred to as simply ‘trustees’) are each appointed by the Area Meeting for a triennium, in the Quaker tradition. All trustees are eligible for re-appointment up to a maximum consecutive service of 9 years and the Articles of Association are based on the standard Quaker constitution for a charity.

All our Meetings for Worship and Business are held in the manner of Friends, as described in the book ‘Quaker Faith and Practice’. The trustees meet quarterly and the AM meets 6 times a year, at rotating LM venues, keeping all Friends informed of its business and agreeing together its strategy and policy. The trustees present a report with a copy of their minutes at each meeting. The AGM of the Company took place within the AM held in May 2021.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been in existence since 2014, setting out the respective roles of AM and LMs in order to ensure good governance and financial management.

In summary

Trustees, professionals, LMs and AM have worked well together to carry out all the business of the year, whilst still observing the right ordering and good Quaker business practices. Tasks such as responsibility for our properties and the legislation that is associated with this are delegated by trustees to LMs but monitoring this is an ongoing task that requires a regular calendar of work.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charitable company during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 17 June 2022 and signed on their behalf by

SRoth Diana Harris Diana Harris - Trustee

Strawberry Roth - Trustee

9

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 December 2021, which are set out on pages 11 to 30.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides ad hoc bookkeeping, payroll and consultancy services to the charitable company. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2016, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Date: 20 June 2022 Rob Wilson FCA Member of the ICAEW For and on behalf of: Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

10

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Endowment
Note
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
-
Other trading activities
4
-
Investments
5
-
Total income
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
2,840
Charitable activities
-
Total expenditure
7
2,840
Net gains / (losses) on investments
23,272
Net income / (expenditure)
20,432
Transfers between funds
(5,787)
Net movement in funds
8
14,645
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
339,490
Total funds carried forward
354,135		 Restricted Unrestricted
£
£
3,218
51,991
-
32,149
6,349
1,149
9,567
85,289
-
1,820
25,562
96,137
25,562
97,957
2,916
11,277
(13,079)
(1,391)
-
5,787
(13,079)
4,396
426,340
1,407,956
413,261
1,412,352		 2021
Total
£
55,209
32,149
7,498
94,856
4,660
121,699
126,359
37,465
5,962
-
5,962
2,173,786
2,179,748		 2020
Total
£
77,420
24,674
6,992
109,086
5,235
111,142
116,377
31,328
24,037
-
24,037
2,149,749
2,173,786

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 16 to the accounts.

11

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2021

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
14
Net current assets
Net assets
15
Funds
16
Endowment funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
Total charity funds		 £
12,184
353,463
365,647
(7,317)		 2021
£
1,299,726
521,692
1,821,418
358,330
2,179,748
354,135
413,261
992,893
419,459
2,179,748		 2020
£
1,325,220
487,729
1,812,949
10,980
355,267
366,247
(5,410)
360,837
2,173,786
339,490
426,340
1,011,987
395,969
2,173,786

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477(2), and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

12

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2021

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 17 June 2022 and signed on their behalf by

SRoth

Diana Harris

Strawberry Roth - Trustee

Diana Harris - Trustee

13

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

1. Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves and considering the implications of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount 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, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

d) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

e) Funds 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 to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

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Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

1. Accounting policies (continued)

f) 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.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

g) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated in full to charitable activities.

h) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Freehold property (buildings) 50 years straight line Land Not depreciated

Buildings are assumed to have a £nil residual value. Residual land values have been estimated based on insurance rebuild costing surveys and Land Registry value guides. These estimates are updated with reference to quinquennial building surveys. There was no change in 2021.

i) Investments

Investments held at the year end are valued at the current market value at that date. Investment income from dividends is included in incoming resources while realised and unrealised losses and gains on investments are shown separately on the statement of financial activities (SOFA). Realised gains and losses are calculated on investment disposals during the year as the difference between the opening market value and the proceeds received on sale. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated on investment holdings at the year end as the difference between the closing market value and the opening market value or purchase value during the year.

j) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

k) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

15

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

1. Accounting policies (continued)

l) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

m) Financial instruments

The charitable company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

n) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key source of estimation uncertainty that has a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements is depreciation as described in note 1 (h) above.

16

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities

Endowment
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
-
Other trading activities
-
Investments
-
Total income
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
-
Charitable activities
1,234
Total expenditure
1,234
Net gains / (losses) on investments
19,392
Net income / (expenditure)
18,158
Transfers between funds
-
Net movement in funds
18,158
3.
Income from donations and legacies
Donations and gift aid
Legacies
Total donations and legacies
Prior period comparative:
Donations and gift aid
Legacies
Total donations and legacies		 Restricted
£
£
10,825
66,595
-
24,674
4,669
2,323
15,494
93,592
-
5,235
18,446
91,462
18,446
96,697
3,337
8,599
385
5,494
-
-
385
5,494
Restricted
£
£
3,218
51,028
-
963
3,218
51,991
Restricted
£
£
825
35,220
10,000
31,375
10,825
66,595
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 2020
Total
£
77,420
24,674
6,992
109,086
5,235
111,142
116,377
31,328
24,037
-
24,037
2021
Total
£
54,246
963
55,209
2020
Total
£
36,045
41,375
77,420

17

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

4. Income from other trading activities

Income from other trading activities
Meeting house hiring's
Salisbury flat lettings
Other income
Total other trading activities		 Restricted
£
£
-
20,637
-
8,898
-
2,614
-
32,149
Unrestricted		 2021
Total
£
20,637
8,898
2,614
32,149		 2020
Total
£
15,418
7,545
1,711
24,674

All income from other trading activities was unrestricted in the prior year.

5. Income from investments

Income from investments
Endowment
£
Interest and dividends
-
Prior period comparative:
Endowment
£
Interest and dividends
-		 Restricted
£
£
6,349
1,149
Restricted
£
£
4,669
2,323
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 2021
Total
£
7,498
2020
Total
£
6,992

6. Government grants

The charitable company received government support under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to fund charitable activities. The total value of such grants in the period ending 31 December 2021 was £2,485 (2020: £330). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to this grant.

18

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

7. Total expenditure

BYM contribution
Other donations
Meeting support costs
Meeting house costs:
Equipment and furniture repairs
Insurance
Repairs, maintenance and garden
Rent, rates and utilities
Survey costs
Depreciation
Staff costs (note 9)
Fundraising costs
Letting agents fees
Investment management costs
Legal fees
Independent examination
Bookkeeping fees
Administration costs
Sub-total
Allocation of support and governance costs
Total expenditure		 Raising funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
36
1,122
3,502
-
-
-
-
4,660
-
4,660		 Charitable
activities
£
18,218
1,166
2,011
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21,395
100,304
121,699		 Governance
costs
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,420
4,468
1,868
9,756
(9,756)
-		 Support costs
£
-
-
-
116
4,911
10,746
13,199
5,222
25,494
19,827
-
-
-
11,033
-
-
-
90,548
(90,548)
-		 2021 Total
£
18,218
1,166
2,011
116
4,911
10,746
13,199
5,222
25,494
19,827
36
1,122
3,502
11,033
3,420
4,468
1,868
126,359
-
126,359

19

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

7. Total expenditure - prior period comparative

BYM contribution
Other donations
Meeting support costs
Meeting house costs:
Equipment and furniture repairs
Insurance
Repairs, maintenance and garden
Rent, rates and utilities
Depreciation
Staff costs (note 9)
Fundraising costs
Letting agents fees
Investment management costs
Legal fees
Independent examination
Bookkeeping fees
Administration costs
Sub-total
Allocation of support and governance costs
Total expenditure		 Raising funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
419
1,248
2,765
803
-
-
-
5,235
-
5,235		 Charitable
activities
£
10,000
3,674
2,818
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16,492
94,650
111,142		 Governance
costs
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,940
3,409
6,826
13,175
(13,175)
-		 Support costs
£
-
-
-
1,249
4,460
15,799
14,876
25,494
19,597
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
81,475
(81,475)
-		 2020 Total
£
10,000
3,674
2,818
1,249
4,460
15,799
14,876
25,494
19,597
419
1,248
2,765
803
2,940
3,409
6,826
116,377
-
116,377

20

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

8. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation
Trustees' reimbursed expenses
Independent examiner's remuneration:
Independent examination (including VAT)
Other services (including VAT)
Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
Salaries and wages		 2021
£
25,494
Nil
3,420
3,755
2021
£
19,827		 2020
£
25,494
Nil
2,940
3,409
2020
£
19,597

9. Staff costs and numbers

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the current or prior year. The key management personnel of the charity are deemed to be the trustees, none of whom were remunerated.

Average head count 2021
No.
3.00		 2020
No.
3.00

10. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

21

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

11. Tangible fixed assets

Bridport
Dorchester
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2021
400,000
41,365
Additions in year
-
-
At 31 December 2021
400,000
41,365
Depreciation
At 1 January 2021
38,400
-
Charge for the year
6,400
-
At 31 December 2021
44,800
-
Net book value
At 31 December 2021
355,200
41,365
At 31 December 2020
361,600
41,365
12. Investments
Listed investments:
Market value at 1 January 2021
Additions
Disposals proceeds
Realised gains / (losses)
Unrealised gains / (losses)
Investment manager fees
Market value at 31 December 2021
Other investments - loan:
At 1 January 2021
Repaid during the year
At 31 December 2021
Total investments
Freehold property		 Salisbury
Shaftesbury
£
£
909,624
165,080
-
-
909,624
165,080
132,436
20,013
16,592
2,502
149,028
22,515
760,596
142,565
777,188
145,067
2021
£
487,729
-
-
-
37,465
(3,502)
521,692
-
-
-
521,692
(meeting houses)		 Total
£
1,516,069
-
1,516,069
190,849
25,494
216,343
1,299,726
1,325,220
2020
£
459,166
-
-
-
31,328
(2,765)
487,729
27,000
(27,000)
-
487,729

22

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

13. Debtors

Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income		 2021
£
3,746
4,763
3,675
12,184		 2020
£
1,731
3,958
5,291
10,980

14. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year

Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Other taxation and social security
Analysis of net assets between funds
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Investments
354,135
Current assets
-
Current liabilities
-
Net assets at 31 December 2021
354,135
Prior period comparative
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
Investments
335,136
Current assets
4,354
Current liabilities
-
Net assets at 31 December 2020
339,490
Endowment
funds
Endowment
funds		 Restricted
funds
£
355,200
48,277
9,784
-
413,261
Restricted
funds
£
361,600
55,146
9,594
-
426,340		 Designated
funds
£
944,526
48,367
-
-
992,893
Designated
funds
£
963,620
48,367
-
-
1,011,987		 2021
£
886
5,559
872
7,317
General
funds
£
-
70,913
355,863
(7,317)
419,459
General
funds
£
-
49,080
352,299
(5,410)
395,969		 2020
£
1,222
3,939
249
5,410
Total
funds
£
1,299,726
521,692
365,647
(7,317)
2,179,748
Total
funds
£
1,325,220
487,729
366,247
(5,410)
2,173,786

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

23

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

16. Movements in funds

Movements in funds
Endowment funds
Poor funds - capital
George Inn - capital
Educational fund - capital
Shaftesbury burial ground - capital
Marnhull burial ground - capital
Dunster Trust - capital
Total endowment funds
Restricted funds
George Inn - income
Educational fund - income
Dunster Trust meeting house
Dunster Trust general funds
Monies donated by BYM
Ann Dannatt’s fund
Poor funds - income
Marnhull burial ground - income
Total restricted funds		 At 1
January
2021
£
4,354
270,411
22,950
24,556
-
17,219
339,490
935
-
361,600
55,146
-
8,659
-
-
426,340		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,595
374
-
1,248
3,218
-
81
51
9,567		 £
(19)
(1,964)
(166)
(152)
(12)
(527)
(2,840)
-
(20)
(6,400)
(11,033)
(3,218)
(4,891)
-
-
(25,562)
Expenditure		 £
1,234
-
-
(9,070)
3,512
(1,463)
(5,787)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers
between
funds		 £
158
18,188
1,993
327
131
2,475
23,272
-
-
-
2,916
-
-
-
-
2,916
Investment
gains /
(losses)		 £
5,727
286,635
24,777
15,661
3,631
17,704
At 31
December
2021
354,135
5,530
354
355,200
48,277
-
3,768
81
51
413,261

24

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

16. Movements in funds (continued)

Movements in funds (continued)
Designated funds:
Meeting houses
Meeting Houses major works fund
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds		 At 1
January
2021
£
963,620
48,367
1,011,987
395,969
1,407,956
2,173,786		 Income
£
-
-
-
85,289
85,289
94,856		 £
(19,094)
-
(19,094)
(78,863)
(97,957)
(126,359)
Expenditure		 £
-
-
-
5,787
5,787
-
Transfers
between
funds		 £
-
-
-
11,277
11,277
37,465
Investment
gains /
(losses)		 £
944,526
48,367
At 31
December
2021
992,893
419,459
1,412,352
2,179,748

25

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

16. Movements in funds (continued)

Purposes of endowment funds

Poor funds - an amalgamation of five historic trusts which became a permanent endowment under the respective Charity Commission scheme. The income is restricted (see below).

George Inn fund - the capital originally arises from a gift from William Scott dated 28 July 1693. It has been enhanced by the increase in value of investments, especially the sale of 27 St. George Street, Sherborne in 2011. The income is restricted (see below).

Educational fund - (formerly Somerset Friends) - the fund was created on the dissolution of the Friends Somerset Charities in 2010. The income is restricted (see below).

Shaftesbury Burial Ground - the capital was raised from the granting of a lease of half of the burial ground. The income is unrestricted, though by decision of the Area Meeting the first call on this income is the needs of the burial ground.

Marnhull Burial Ground - a permanent endowment derived from the sale of a historical Quaker burial ground. The income is restricted (see below).

Dunster Trust - the Dunster Trust formerly owned the Meeting House in Bridport. The Meeting House and supporting investments were subsequently taken over by the Area Meeting. The investments comprised a permanent endowment element and an element of available restricted funds (see below).

26

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

16. Movements in funds (continued)

Purposes of restricted funds

George Inn fund - income may be used for the maintenance of meeting houses and burial grounds. Surplus income may be paid to the Poor Fund.

Educational fund - (formerly Somerset Friends) - income may be used for the relief of poverty, provision of educational and travel costs and the service of truth without limitation.

Dunster Trust (Meeting House and general funds) - the income from the permanent endowment and the available (restricted) funds may be spent on the upkeep and maintenance of Bridport Meeting House, and for educational purposes.

Monies donated to BYM - ad-hoc donations from Friends to be allocated to BYM contributions from Local Meetings.

Ann Dannatt's fund - legacy of £10,000 donated in 2020 for all premises spending for Shaftesbury Local Meeting House and burial ground.

Poor funds - income may be used for the relief of poverty among Friends within the Area Meeting.

Marnhull Burial Ground - the income from the permanent endowment may be used for the upkeep of Meeting Houses within the Area Meeting.

Purposes of designated funds

The net book value of meeting houses not funded from restricted funds is shown as a separate designated fund to distinguish them from the free reserves of the charity. The trustees have set aside funds as a reserve towards major works required on meeting houses.

Transfers between funds

Transfers between funds are to correct some small discrepancies on opening endowment fund balances and to reallocate funds held in the general investment account to the Dunster Trust fund.

27

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

16. Movements in funds (continued)
Prior period comparative
Endowment funds
Poor funds
George Inn - capital
Educational fund
Shaftesbury burial ground
Dunster Trust - capital
Total endowment funds
Restricted funds
George Inn - income
Educational fund - income
Dunster Trust meeting house
Dunster Trust general funds
Local Area small funds
Monies donated by BYM
Ann Dannatt’s fund
Total restricted funds		 At 1
January
2020
£
5,588
255,463
22,039
21,023
17,219
321,332
-
-
368,000
53,956
3,999
-
-
425,955		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,204
465
-
-
-
825
10,000
15,494		 £
(1,234)
-
-
-
-
(1,234)
(3,269)
(465)
(6,400)
(2,147)
(3,999)
(825)
(1,341)
(18,446)
Expenditure		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers
between
funds		 £
-
14,948
911
3,533
-
19,392
-
-
-
3,337
-
-
-
3,337
Investment
gains /
(losses)		 £
4,354
270,411
22,950
24,556
17,219
At 31
December
2020
339,490
935
-
361,600
55,146
-
-
8,659
426,340

28

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

16. Movements in funds (continued)
Prior period comparative
Designated funds:
Meeting houses
Meeting Houses major works fund
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds		 At 1
January
2020
982,714
48,367
1,031,081
371,381
1,402,462
2,149,749		 Income
-
-
-
93,592
93,592
109,086		 (19,094)
-
(19,094)
(77,603)
(96,697)
(116,377)
Expenditure		 -
-
-
-
-
-
Transfers
between
funds		 -
-
-
8,599
8,599
31,328
Investment
gains /
(losses)		 963,620
48,367
At 31
December
2020
1,011,987
395,969
1,407,956
2,173,786

29

Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Quaker Meeting

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2021

17. Financial instruments at fair value

Financial instruments at fair value
2021
£
Financial assets measured at fair value
521,692
Financial assets measured at fair value comprise listed investments only.		 2021
£
521,692		 2020
£
487,729

18. Related party transactions

There were no related party transaction in current or prior financial year.

30