The Lee Old Church Trust Chair’s Report for 2023
The year began for the Trust with a Spring Clean in March. This is always a convivial affair, and many useful tasks of maintenance completed.
An old friend of the Old Church, the engaging John Benjamin provided a superb evening’s entertainment and tuition about diamonds through the last 600 years, from the Elizabethan era to Tiffany and beyond. John also gave valuations for a few attendees. No-one was disappointed!
We attempted a real-time AGM in June, but found that the same problem of a lack of members meant an adjournment as happened last year. It really is a problem, and we need to amend our rules to deal with it. We resumed the AGM in December via Zoom, and completed the necessary business.
The attendance at the next event was a completely different atter; a full house enjoyed “Raise the Curtain” an evening of favourites from the West End, with performances form seasoned artistes. This went down very well, and we hope to persuade Jonny Barr to return soon with his tribute to Lionel Bart.
In the autumn our first quiz for some time was held at the Parish Hall, and proved a great success, as quizzes have a universal appeal. It’s amazing to find out what can be dragged up from our buried knowledge…
The final act was the annual, ever-popular visit from the Fayrfax Consort with a wonderful seasonal selection of old and new material, and the opportunity for audience participation. It gets the Christmas spirit going, and David Ireson never fails to introduce some marvellous fresh songs and carols, interlaced with humorous and moving readings, as well as some traditional fare. We are lucky to be able to call on such talent.
So much for the cultural and fund-raising; the work of the Trust continued with an Autumn Work Party. As with its Spring counterpart, an enjoyable get-together with beneficial outcomes. Work is still outstanding; the roof of the outbuilding needs to be replaced, and the oak doors at the West end of the church doors await final approval. We hope that the action required will be completed very soon.
Financially, thanks to the excellent work by our Treasurer, our reserves are wellmaintained and we try to obtain the maximum returns available from them. Despite increasing electricity costs, we have found ways to mitigate the extra costs.
My grateful thanks to all my fellow Trustees, and we look forward to welcoming new appointments in 2024. Liz Ford stepped down from the role with the thanks of her fellow Trustees; she contributed hugely at a crucial time for the Trust, and was very involved in the transition to CIO status and the banking aspects of that process.
Finally, the building continues to provide a wonderful venue as a consecrated church, with weddings, and a funeral, of local residents.
Tbe Lee Old Church Trust (Regisieredchttrjry NwThber 1182744) Intomt And Ex Dditure AtcouDt for the P¢riod Endin Decem r31 2023 Ineome 2023 Friends. Subs¢riptions Old Church Boxes Donations Reclairn of Tax on covenants and Gift Aid Fund Raising Events- Gross Income Less Associaied Expens¢5 Interest on Building Socicty and Sai'ings Accounts 1,720.(K> 60.27 745.00 511.18 1.900.00 31.70 185. 470.65 4.167.40 -2,238.03 1,85Y).00 1.929.37 -1,472.33 2.774.00 417.67 502.81 Total Receipts 7,739.82 3.507.83 ndlture Lighiing & I ledling StTUCtUTe & Fabric EquipTDent Posiage, Priniin& & Stationery Bank Charges Insurance Chur¢hyard ExTthses 975.46 0.00 114.30 257.00 0.51 884.50 I,(M5.00 ,221.00 958.67 110.37 33.01 0.00 836.76 619.75 Total Payment5 3,276.83 3,779.56 Surplus i DefKit of lJ)eome over Expenditure 4,462.99 -271.73 Bai8nce Sh s at December 31 2023 2023 22 Curr¢ni Accourtl Deposii Accounts 984.93 148.358.39 9.795.94 135,084.39 149,343.32 144,880.33 resented b A eumulAted Fund Balance a¢ Isi January Surplus l Defibi¢ ofincome over Expendiiure 144,880.33 4,462.99 149,343.32 145.152.06 -271.73 144,880.33 R.A. Fowler Trurer Dat¢ Notes: includes expenscs a55ociated with ihe AGM, for which no income wa5 re1ved