Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 3 Jan 2020 To 31 Dec 2020
Charity name: FRONT LINE NAVAL CHAPLAINS
Charity registration number: 1187195.
Objectives and Activities
To advance the education of the public in the subject of the history of Royal Navy Chaplaincy; in such ways as the charity trustees think fit, including by:
a. research into the history of Royal Navy Chaplaincy and its contribution to the wellbeing of the Naval Service, naval service veterans and their families; in particular, but not limited to, the impact of such ministry during armed conflicts, and
b. the creation and secure storage of an archive of relevant learning and material, in both digital and physical forms, to illustrate and evidence that history, and
c. the dissemination and publication of that material and knowledge through the use of information media such as the internet, books, photographs, exhibitions, conferences and lectures.
The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
Achievements and Performance
In this first year of operation the charity planned to concentrate on the Falklands War, undertaking three initial in-depth interviews with former Royal Navy chaplains, all of who were involved in the war. The restrictions
imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic meant that only a single, albeit excellent, interview, along with a superb supporting portfolio of photographs, was completed; nevertheless this has been sufficient to validate the format and demonstrate the value of the work. Full transcripts of the interview have been made, and selected excerpts and photographs curated into a moving and thought-provoking audio-visual exhibition, supported by a striking publicity stand.
The exhibition was, once again due to pandemic-related restrictions, able to be used on only one occasion. This single showing of the exhibition gave 50 serving Naval Chaplains, and a number of other personnel at RNAS Yeovilton the opportunity to discover and reflect on some of the practical, personal and theological practicalities of ministry on board a warship in action. Amongst comments which demonstrate the value of the work are:
I learned about the difficulty moving around the ship at action stations, and about the chaplain helping to care for the wounded: it brought home both the difficulty and the value of the chaplain's ministry.
Insights into the pressures on the family back home were a reminder of the conflicting pressures on all on board at a time of intense danger and activity.
The description of
the funeral on South Georgia brought home how a chaplain can help to maintain humanity even in the midst of war.
Selected elements of the material have been used in the charity’s website (https://fnc.org.uk/); presenting a forward leaning presence which aims to interest researchers, veterans, practitioners and more casual visitors and which can – in future – generate interest in hosting an exhibition of the charity‘s material.
It is the trustees’ view that in general research of the quality needed cannot be done virtually, or subject to Social Distancing. The enforced pause in this activity has allowed the charity to refine a robust digital archive solution.
Financial Review.
The charity is in a satisfactory financial position. The charity needs zero reserves, as it has no ongoing liabilities. The trustees have no uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern.
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
n/a
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, governed by a Foundation model constitution. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years by a resolution of the trustees at a properly constituted meeting of the trustees.
Reference and Administrative details
Charity name FRONT LINE NAVAL CHAPLAINS Other name the charity uses n/a Registered charity number 1187195 Charity’s principal address 99 Eggbuckland Road Plymouth PL3 5JR
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
Name of person (or body) Trustee name Offce Dates acted entitled to appoint trustee 1 Simon Springett Chair From 3 Jan 2020 The trustees 2 John Spurr Secretary From 3 Jan 2020 The trustees 3 Paul Springett Treasurer From 3 Jan 2020 The trustees
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signatures Full names Simon Paul Springett John James Spurr Position Chair Secretary Date 23 Jan 2021 23 Jan 2021
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Front UThi N•v•l Ch•plal 1107195 Recei ts and ments accounts CC16a For Pfk 01u1• To 314)•c.20 Section A Receipts and payments Unmtrbct•d lund8 Endowmenl lund$ lund¥ Totsl funds La8t year A1 R•1 Grants or AR) 4115 S,115 5.115 5.115 ol ¢Ji 135 Sub total 1Jl3 1J13 A4 Asset And In¥¢strn•nt Sub total 1 J13 Net olrewpwpayments) A5 TranJfor• b•tw••n fund• A6 C•#h lundg It yr end C••h lund• thi• yur end ££a£ . CCXX R1 ISS)
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unr•$trlet•d fund• Aestrlcted fund• t• £ Endowm•nt lund• Tot•1 c•sh fvnd• UnrMtrlth•d fund• R••trlet•d funds Endowm•nt funds Det8il$ 10 rA•r••l E lo nmrwt t Det8ils Delails B4 A$ts retsln•d lor th• charlty's own u•• Oeiails BS Ll*bllltl•• 01Kl¥a021 Date of sPe1)cT& X R2 I IM1r2021