ANNUAL REPORT
of
ST LUKE’S PROPRIETARY CHAPEL
For the Period 1[ST] January 2024 to 31[ST] December 2024
Registered Charity No: 1174165
Correspondence Address: Culver Court, Venny Tedburn, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3QB
Tel No: 01363 773945 (Ruth Vigers–Committee Treasurer & Trustee) 07778007966 (Fiona Mortimer–Committee Chairman & Trustee)
Email: ruth.vigers@btinternet.com or fionamortimer71@icloud.com
Website: posbury.org.uk
Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc, PO Box 1000, BX1 1LT
Solicitors: Alison Stock, Stephens Scown, Curzon House, Southernhay West, Exeter, EX1 1RS
Independent Examiner of Accounts: H W Martin & Co LLP
Introduction
The Trustees submit their annual report & financial statements for the period 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024.
The Trustees are satisfied with the performance of the charity during the period & the position at the 31[st ] December 2024. They consider that the charity is in a strong position to continue its activities during the coming year & that the charity’s assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations.
Objects of the Charity
The objects for which the charity was founded are ‘the advancement of the Christian religion in accordance with the rites & ceremonies of the Church of England at St Luke’s Proprietary Chapel, Posbury, by maintaining the chapel, its grounds, graveyard and its worship for the benefit of the public.’
Charity Activities & Achievements relevant to the Charity’s Objectives
When planning our activities for the year the Trustees have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and in particular, the specific guidance for charities on the advancement of religion.
The Charity has continued to raise funds to enable it to maintain the fabric of St Luke’s Proprietary Chapel, provide twice monthly services as well as special Festival services, which are widely advertised & open to all. All regular services have been held this year as well as celebrations for Easter, Harvest & Christmas Day. Unfortunately, our regular candlelit Carol Service had to be cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
The church is licensed for Christenings, Marriages & Burials. The number varies but one funeral took place this year.
The church is open all year round, providing a quiet space for contemplation for any members of the public who may wish to visit.
The graveyard & grounds are maintained to a high standard for the benefit of both family & friends visiting loved ones or for visitors to enjoy. Seating is provided & this year we have added a large picnic table in our open space area. As the church is in such a rural location many people enjoy the views around the church whilst out walking or exercising their dogs. We also provide bottled water & a First Aid Kit inside the Church.
The church itself is a Grade II Listed building of some historical interest being built of volcanic stone from the nearby quarry. Links have previously been made with local schools & geological groups.
Charitable Giving
A specific fund-raising event is run each year (auction of produce following Harvest Festival) & the proceeds are donated to a variety of locally based charities. This year the proceeds were donated to the Devon Air Ambulance, who provide emergency support and transport to hospital for those living, working, or visiting rural areas.
Church Fabric
Over the last few years, the Chapel has undergone substantial internal & external refurbishment. This year only minor repairs were required. However, we commissioned a survey by a Chartered Building Surveyor, specialising in historic buildings & his report will guide our future plans. For the moment we are focused on rebuilding our Restoration Fund, ready for any future works, that may be required.
Our long-term goal will be to add toilet facilities which will not only benefit our congregation but also broaden the types of events that we can offer.
Fundraising Activities
Once again, this year the local Gun Club ran a Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot and donated the proceeds to the church.
We also ran a barbecue & refreshment tent at this event, another of their regular shoot days & also for one of the local Ploughing Matches. This is a really good way to meet members of the wider rural community, whilst raising funds for the church.
The Litter Pick did happen this year but on a smaller scale & we hope to continue, as it benefits the local Community, regardless of funds raised.
Safeguarding, Privacy & Risk Assessment
Safeguarding policies for both children & vulnerable adults, in line with statutory legislation are available both in the church & on the website. Our Privacy policy is in line with current GDPR legislation & the Data Privacy Notice is displayed both in the church & on the website. All policies, including a risk assessment of the church building & its associated grounds, are reviewed annually & updated as necessary.
Volunteers
The cleanliness & general appearance of the church make a significant impact on those attending the services & visitors alike. Thanks go to our committee members & volunteers for their hard work, throughout the year. Also, to those who have contributed towards flowers, help raise funds, attend services & events or in any way enabled us to continue the life of this church.
Structure, Governance & Management
St Luke’s Proprietary Chapel is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission.
Trustees:
Mrs Fiona Mortimer, Mr Henry Parker & Ms Ruth Vigers. They meet regularly & administer Funds held in COIF.
Committee:
St Luke’s Proprietary Chapel Committee usually meet 5 or 6 times per year & are responsible for the day to day running of the church, fund-raising & maintenance.
Committee Members:
Mrs Fiona Mortimer (Chair), Ms Ruth Vigers (Treasurer) & Mrs Jennifer Wreford (Minute-taker)
Financial Review (see accounts)
General Fund (unrestricted) – income of £6719.96 was down significantly but expenditure was similarly down to £7475.90, giving an excess of expenditure over income of £755.94. This was due to the significant increase in energy costs & a reduction in income from fund raising events.
Common Fund of £3567.00 was paid in full.
Restoration Funds (Restricted) received £837.43 through donations, fundraising, gift aid & interest, however the periodic survey & the provision of additional outdoor seating cost £940.00.
Reserves Policy
Funds held in COIF (Investment income units & Deposit Account) are administered by the Trustees & are to provide for the maintenance of the chapel, grounds & graveyard if the Committee is no longer able to do so. The value of these investments can fluctuate but increased in value this year & £1171.04 was received in dividends & interest.
Trustee…………………………………………Fiona Mortimer
Trustee…………………………………………Ruth Vigers Dated: 04.05.2025
ST LUKE'S PROPRIETARY CHAPEL POSBURY REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 December 2024 April 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF Report to the trustees ST LUKE'S PROPRIETARY CHAPEL, POSBURY On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 CHARITY No. 1174165 Set out of pages pages 1 to 3. I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act") I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examinaiion, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by Ihe Charity Cornrnission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examlner'8 ststement I have completed my exarnination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered a part of an independent examination. I have no concerns 8nd have come across no other matters in connection with the examination of which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgned Date H W MARTIN & CO LLP Lloyds Bank Chambers, Crediton, Devon.
ST LUKE'S PROPRIETARY CHAPEL, POSBURY GENERAL FUND INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT For the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 INCOME: Church collections Gift Aid Donations Non Gift Aid donations Funerals and Wedding fees Churchyard upkeep grant {CHPC) Ginfest Cook Book Sale Harvest Auction BBQS BBQS Wayleave Miscellaneous Income Amazon Smiles Inland Revenue - Gift Aid Inland Revenue - GASDS 1,405.37 2,364.72 1,715.24 2,435.00 69.02 1,074.00 159.00 200.00 1,614.76 5.00 202.00 10.00 205.00 897.28 512.64 9.47 Gun Club Mid-Devon Ploughing 9.47 20.00 33.23 608.75 372.56 8,159.03 605.14 351.34 6,719.96 EXPENDITURE: Heating and lighting Organist Insurance Deanery expense Common Fund contribution Fund raising expenses Graveyard upkeep Fire extinguishers Website annual fee Altar candles & wafers Devon Air Ambulance donation Flowers RBL - poppy wreath Devon Historic Churches Trust Sundries 2,023.49 150.00 925.01 24.00 3,567.00 301.68 1,410.39 150.00 894.24 40.00 3,466.00 1,983.78 590.00 73.54 164.10 59.02 202.00 200.00 179.70 50.02 205.00 25.00 25.00 93.71 7,475.90 9,326.78 EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE (755.94) <1,167.75)
ST LUKE'S PROPRIETARY CHAPEL, POSBURY RESTRICTED FUNDS INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT For the year endod 31 December 2024 2024 2023 RESTORATION FUND Balance brought forward COIF Charitiès Invagtmonl Fund 924240001T COIF Charities Inveslmenl Fund 924240001C 46,486.15 39,754.69 1518.g2 incomè units Deposit Fund 46,486.15 39,754.69 INCOME Charities Investment Fund interest & dividends Gift Aid donations Non gift aid donations Fund raising DHCT - Grant DHCT - 50% of funds raised Crediton Church Corp - interest VAT refund Bank interest Inland Revenue - Gift Aid Inland Revenue- Gift Aid- GASDS Charities Investment Fund units value increasel(decrease) 1,171.04 300,00 309.30 1,040.02 704.16 3,000.00 12.50 101.35 59,85 75.00 80,78 471,48 48,966,10 14.71 176.04 2,785.09 47,576.06 EXPENDITURE Repairs and Refurbishments Picnic table 600.00 340.00 1,089.91 1940.00) {1,089.91) Balance carrled forward 48.026,10 46,486.1 S
ST LUKE'S PROPRIETARY CHAPEL, POSBURY BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 CURRENT ASSETS Lloyds TSB.. General Fund - current account Restoration Fund - current account Restoration Fund - 30 day notice 1,046.86 4,023.01 5,082.89 1,769.01 4,165.17 5,023.04 10,152.76 10,957.22 COIF Charities Investmenl Fund.. 30,823.90 7,940.51 38,764.41 30,352.42 6,769.47 37,121.89 Deposit Fund balance Add.. Sundry debtors - HMRC 1,103.30 1,157.35 50,020.47 49,236.46 CURRENT LIABILITIES Sundry creditors 50,020.47 49,236.46 Represented by: General Fund Balance brought forward less.. Excess of expenditure over income 2,750.31 3,918.06 (755.94) (1,167.75) 1,994.37 2,750.31 Restricted Funds Restoration Fund - 48,026.10 46,486.15 48,026.10 46,486.15 50,020.47 49,236.46