## 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