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← St Benedict's Centre

2024-12-31-accounts

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE

Financial Statements

For the year ended 31st December 2024

Registered company number: 10197485 Registered Charity number: 1172320

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details 1
Trustees' report 2
Independent Auditor's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Statement of Cash Flows 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10-13

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered charity number 1172320 (England & Wales):

Registered company number 10197485 (England & Wales): Registered Office: 52 Swan Street West Malling ME 19 6JX

Trustees:

The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

The Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs P Banks Dr K Clarke The Rev Canon C Dench The Rt Revd A Newman (Acting Chair) M Girt M Lodge (Appointed 1 August 2024) Ms G M Broad (Appointed 20 May 2025)

Bankers: NatWest 43 Swan Street West Malling Kent ME19 6HF Independent Examiner: Jane Askew HaysMac LLP 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG

1

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors’ report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are the advancement of the Christian faith for the public benefit in particular, but not exclusively, by providing and establishing a training and retreat centre in the area of Malling Abbey for the local community.

Situated within the grounds of Malling Abbey the St Benedict’s Centre welcomes individuals and groups seeking a place to rest, retreat, study, create, meet and/or work.

Malling Abbey is home to a community of Anglican Benedictine Nuns who continue to embody the Rule of St Benedict in their daily rhythms of prayer, worship, work and study. The St Benedict’s Centre is an exciting collaboration between the Benedictine Community at Malling Abbey and the Diocese of Rochester.

Opened in 2016, the newly developed centre, using the Guest House, the Western Range and the Pilgrim Chapel has well equipped spaces for those wanting personal or professional space and for groups of up to 50 people.

The St Benedict’s Centre is also home to the St Augustine’s College of Theology and is a Diocese of Rochester training location for the Bishop’s Certificate in Foundation for Christian Ministry, Licensed Lay Ministry and Continuing Ministerial Development training.

Following the Benedictine tradition of hospitality we endeavour to offer a warm, whole hearted and sincere welcome to all our guests and those enquiring about the St Benedict’s Centre and Malling Abbey.

St Benedict said: ‘All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ Rule of St Benedict 53:1

At the St Benedict’s Centre, in our close relationship with the Benedictine Community at Malling Abbey, we are eager to reflect the rhythm and pattern of Benedictine community life in and through our hospitality and programme.

The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the activities of the charity in the year have furthered the charity's purposes for the public benefit.

2

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

Achievements and Performance

Programme

The Centre programme continues to offer a wide range of prayer, study and quiet days and individual and led retreats, and this creates a steady flow of different guests. Publicity and marketing of these days remains a challenge, but the monthly programme continues to comprise: Traditional quiet days led by a variety of people on different seasonal or pertinent themes; Wisdom days led by people who carry wisdom in a topic and share this in a way which generates conversation as well as time for reflection. The Benedictine Wisdom days were a popular part of the programme but with the death of Sr Mary John there are no longer any members of the community who feel able to lead these. Mother Anne’s Lectio Divina days continue to draw people who want to embrace elements of the Benedictine tradition. Wisdom days also included seasonal study groups for Lent, led in 2024 by Bishop Adrian on an environmental theme. Arts days featured different expressions of art and enabled people to use more than just words to explore spirituality and faith. Walking with Jesus days provided an opportunity for people to walk and talk around a particular theme of Jesus' teaching or explore the relationship he had with the disciples. The days offered another way for people to share and grow in faith.

Centre activity

Our two core user groups remain St Augustine College of Theology (based on site) and the Rochester Diocese, who use the Centre for their lay formation programme, continuing ministerial development, meetings of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and other meetings. Other church-based groups using the Centre include diocesan groups and parish groups, and there is a growing number of secular organisations using the space for training, development and business meetings – these are groups whose ethos and values are in sympathy with those of the Centre, and we will look to build on these public and private sector bookings in the future. Throughout 2024 the Centre continued to attract a greater number of these external bookings, as trustees focused on the use of the Centre from public sector organisations alongside word-of-mouth referrals.

Wellbeing

The vision of the Centre is to be a place of learning, retreat, spirituality and wellbeing. In 2024 we began to develop a focus on wellbeing and initiated a partnership with the Diocese of Rochester to deliver a dedicated wellbeing programme with a focus on frontline church workers, lay and ordained. Funding has been raised from the Dorothy Kerin Trust for the development phase of this project, which will run through 2025. With a working title of ‘Cascade’, a project development leader has been appointed and a steering group is in place.

Policies and Procedures

During the year the trustees began a full review of the Centre’s policies and procedures, establishing a rolling programme of review moving forward.

Risk Management

The trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems and procedures are established in order to manage those risks.

3

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

Personnel

Early in 2024 Melanie Bailey was appointed as Interim Co-ordinator on a 12-month contract to enable the trustees to consider an appropriate longer term staffing structure. Evelyn Chambers was appointed as Housekeeper and Chichi Nwandu continued in her role as Bursar. A number of new volunteers were recruited and inducted early in the year - volunteers remain an invaluable part of the life of the Centre and we are hugely grateful for the time and commitment they give us.

Adrian Newman has continued as Acting Chair. Ven Mike Lodge joined as a trustee towards the end of the year while Ms Gillian Broad joined as trustee in May 2025, bringing the total number of trustees to 8.

Financial review

In the financial year the charity generated income of £125,097 (2023: £114,993). Of this income, £35,822 (2023: £31,101) related to charitable activities, being retreat house bookings both individuals and groups and £48,275 (2023: £51,142) to rental, license and retainer fees. The Charity also received donations/grants totalling £40,754 (2023: £32,214) and other income £246 (2023: £536) during the year.

Total expenditure in the year was £145,534 (2023: £114,426). All expenditure related to charitable activities.

All restricted funds received in 2024 were fully spent during the year. At 31 December 2024 the charity had unrestricted funds of £1,152,609 (2023: £1,173,046) and cash balances of £138,723 (2023: £130,707).

Structure,governance and management

The St Benedict's Centre is a company limited by guarantee (company number 10197485) and was incorporated on 24 March 2016. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 24 March 2016. It is a registered charity with the Charity Commission.

Appointment of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of the St Benedict’s Centre comprises 8 members (2023: 7) who meet at least four times a year to review operations and strategic direction. Constitutionally the appointment of new trustees is the responsibility of the ex officio trustees (Bishop, Diocesan Secretary, Abbess and Visitor), but in practice the appointment process is done by the whole trustee body. Our methodology is as follows:

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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The charity trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose 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 Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence 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.

Provision of information to auditors

So far as each of the Trustees at the time the report is approved are aware:

Approved by order of the board of Trustees:

…………………………………………

M Girt Trustee 28 July 2025

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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of St Benedict's Centre for the year ended 31st December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes.

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 the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”). The trustees are satisfied that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out the examination I have followed the requirements of the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales which is one of the listed bodies.

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

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Jane Askew, FCA HaysMac LLP Statutory Auditor 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG

Date: 8 September 2025

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ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Notes
INCOME FROM:
Donations and grants
3
Charitable activities - retreat house bookings
Charitable activities - rental, license and retainer fees
Other income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
5
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME/ (EXPENDITURE)
FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1 JANUARY
9
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER
9		 2024
2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
£
£
30,754
10,000
35,822
-
48,275
-
246
-		 2024
2023
Total
Total
£
£
40,754
32,214
35,822
31,101
48,275
51,142
246
536
115,097
10,000
125,097
114,993
(135,534)
(10,000)
(145,534)
(114,426)
(135,534)
(10,000)
(145,534)
(114,426)
(20,437)
-
(20,437)
567
1,173,046
-
1,173,046
1,172,479
1,152,609
-
1,152,609
1,173,046

The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements

7

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024

COMPANY NUMBER: 10197485

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Fixed Assets 6 1,003,005 1,004,484
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 7 43,515 53,555
Cash at Bank 138,723 130,707
182,238 184,262
CREDITORS
Amounts Falling Within One Year 8 (32,634) (15,700)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 149,604 168,562
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,152,609 1,173,046
CREDITORS
Amounts Falling Due After One Year - -
NET ASSETS 1,152,609 1,173,046
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Unrestricted Reserves 1,152,609 1,173,046

The directors consider that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2024. These accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the small charity provisions.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

(a) ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its profit or loss for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

The financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 were approved by the Board on 28 July 2025 and are signed on its behalf.

……………………………………………

M Girt

Trustee

The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements

8

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Notes
Net cash provided by operating activities
A
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
year
A: Reconciliation of net movement in funds to
net cash flow from operating activities
Net income/(expenditure)
Depreciation
(Decrease)/increase in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities		 2024
£
8,016
-
130,707
138,723
2024
£
(20,437)
1,479
10,040
16,934
8,016		 2023
£
29,379
-
101,328
130,707
2023
£
567
1,480
22,961
4,371
29,379

9

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Second Edition, 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.

St Benedict's Centre 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(s).

Income

All income is accounted for when there is evidence of entitlement, the income is measureable and receipt is probable.

Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

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.

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term liquid investments in current and deposit accounts.

Creditors and provisions

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.

Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The review of our financial position, reserves levels and future plans gives Trustees confidence the charity remains a going concern for the foreseeable future.

Other Tangible Fixed Assets

Depreciation is provided in order to write off the cost (less any ultimate disposal proceeds at prices ruling at the time of the asset's acquisition) of other fixed assets over their currently expected useful economic lives. All capital expenditure on computer and office equipment over £1k is capitalised and depreciated over 3 years.

10

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost.

No depreciation has been provided on the Company's improvements to the leasehold buildings it occupies. It is the Company's policy to maintain this asset in a continual state of sound repair and to make improvements thereto from time to time. Accordingly the Company considers that the life of this asset and its residual value (based on prices prevailing at the time of the acquistions) are such that their depreciation is insignificant.

2. OPERATING PROFIT

The Operating Profit is stated after charging:

Depreciation 2024
£
1,479		 2023
£
1,480

3. DONATIONS AND GRANTS

Other donations and grants 2024
Unrestricted
£
30,754		 2024
Restricted
10,000		 2024
Total
£
40,754
40,754		 2023
Total
£
32,214
30,754 10,000 32,214

4 STAFF COSTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The average number of employees in the year was 3 (2023: 1). Total staff costs were £45,821 (2023: £18,370).

Reimbursement of one trustee's travel expenses in 2024 was £470 (2023: £216).

11

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

5.
EXPENDITURE
Salaries
Cleaning and gardening
Rates
Utilities
Communications
Insurance
Maintenance
Rent
Bank charges
Miscellaneous
Payment to RDSBF
Refreshments
Management costs
Depreciation
Stationery and office costs
Professional fees
6.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31st December 2024
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31st December 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st December 2023
At 31st December 2024		 2024
Unrestricted
£
45,821
8,912
6,945
28,961
15,729
3,411
7,524
-
480
46
10,466
2,195
1,106
1,479
759
1,700		 2024
Unrestricted
£
45,821
8,912
6,945
28,961
15,729
3,411
7,524
-
480
46
10,466
2,195
1,106
1,479
759
1,700		 2024
Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2024
Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2023
Total
£
18,370
8,368
5,650
25,759
11,687
3,608
8,451
10,000
206
307
10,466
2,065
830
1,480
2,669
4,510
135,534 10,000 114,426
Property
£
1,003,005
-		 Total
£
1,007,444
-
1,003,005 4,439 1,007,444
-
-		 2,960
1,479		 2,960
1,479
- 4,439 4,439
1,003,005 1,479 1,004,484
1,003,005 - 1,003,005

At the Balance Sheet date the gross amount of the property assets held by the Company was £1,003,005. These assets relate to the fit-out of a worship centre and community facility held under a long lease.

7. DEBTORS: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

DEBTORS: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Trade debtors
VAT debtors		 2024
2023
£
£
1,651
1,225
41,864
52,330
43,515
53,555

12

ST BENEDICT'S CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

8. CREDITORS: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Accruals and deferred income
VAT creditors
Other creditors		 2024
£
25,671
3,363
3,600
32,634		 2023
£
2,489
478
12,733
15,700

An income of £20,001 (2023: £nil) for the Wellbeing Project was deferred and included in Accruals and deferred income.

9. RESERVES

RESERVES
At 1 January
Income
Expenditure
As at 31st December		 2024
Unrestricted
funds
£
1,173,046
115,097
(135,534)		 2024
Restricted
fund
£
-
10,000
(10,000)		 2024
Total
reserves
£
1,173,046
125,097
(145,534)
1,152,609		 2023
Total
reserves
£
1,172,479
114,993
(114,426)
1,152,609 - 1,173,046

In 2024 the restricted fund related to grants received from St Mary Abbey towards the rent of the Western Range.

10. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

INCOME FROM:
Donations and grants
Charitable activities - retreat house bookings
Charitable activities - rental, license and retainer fees
Other income
TOTAL INCOME
Raising funds
Charitable activities
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME/ (EXPENDITURE)
FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1
JANUARY
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT 31
DECEMBER		 2023
Unrestricted
£
772
31,101
51,142
536		 2023
Restricted
£
31,442
-
-
-
31,442
-
(31,442)
(31,442)
-
-
-		 2023
Total
£
32,214
31,101
51,142
536
83,551
-
(82,984)		 114,993
-
(114,426)
(82,984) (114,426)
567 567
1,172,479
1,173,046		 1,172,479
1,173,046

13