2025-12-31-accounts - Wisbech Masonic Benevolent Fund CIO

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THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND Charity Commission registered no. 1199199

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 December 2025

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

Contents Page

for the year ended 31 December 2025

INDEX

Legal and Administrative Information	1
Trustees' Annual Report	2 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report	5
Statement of Financial Activities	6
Balance Sheet	7
Notes to the Financial Statements	8 to 14

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

CHARITY INFORMATION

Charity Commission registered no. 1199199

Registered Address

The Wisbech Masonic Centre Lynn Road Wisbech PE13 3DB

Correspondence Address

P Walter Conkers Fen Road Newton in the Isle Wisbech Cambs. PE13 5HT

Trustees

M J Humphrey Chair P Walter Treasurer G P Aldrich D Broker S Button R Cawston D K M Coupland A J Faulkner B Kett J R C Pallant

Ex Officio Officer

A M Clifton Secretary

Independent Examiner

K.J. Maggs B.A., F.C.A. Chartered Accountant, Spalding, Lincs., PE11 3HE.

Bankers

National Westminster Bank Plc Bede House 11 Western Boulevard Leicester LE2 7EJ

Investment managers

CCLA Fund Managers Limited One Angel Lane London EC4R 3AB

Page 1

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The Wisbech Masonic Benevolent Fund was constituted by Trust Deed dated 14 November 1983, which registered as a Charity on 24 October 1984 (Registered Charity Number 290352), before converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 7 June 2022 (Registered Charity Number 1199199).

Objectives and Activities

The charitable objects of The Wisbech Masonic Benevolent Fund are to provide, both directly and indirectly, relief of such poor and distressed Masons or their poor and distressed widows and children, or to, or for the benefit of such Masonic charities or other charitable institutions, societies and objects as they shall decide.

The policy of the charitable trust continues to be to seek additional finance and support from local masons to further its charitable objects. They aim to maintain and improve the property owned and used as Masonic meeting places, thereby enabling local freemasons to exercise the twin virtues of benevolence and charity through their donations to the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Cambridgeshire Masonic Benevolent Association, individual Lodge Almoners and local charitable and worthy causes.

Each year the trustees review the charity’s objects and activities to ensure that they continue to reflect its aims. In carrying out this review, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Trustees

The trustees named on page 1 served during the year.

Appointment of trustees is governed by the Trust Deed of the charity. The charity has a trustee board of 10 elected members, plus one or more ex officio officers.

Investment powers

The Trust Deed authorises the trustees to make and hold investments, but no such investments are presently held.

Public Benefit, achievements during the year and future developments

The trustees have given due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit, with the charity's objectives of the provision, both directly and indirectly, relief of such poor and distressed Masons or their poor and distressed widows and children or to, or for the benefit of such Masonic charities or other charitable institutions, societies and objects as they shall decide.

The trustees consider that the performance of the charity this year has been satisfactory and all objects have been met.

During 2025, the trustees completed the signature of a long-term lease (69 years) of the former Wisbech Magistrates Building. The proceeds of the sale of the existing Masonic Premises at the Crescent Wisbech have funded the works to adapt newly leased building to suit the needs of Freemasonry in Wisbech. These works are now largely complete and full-time occupancy and use of the new premises for Masonic activities commenced in September 2025.

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Financial Review

The results for the charity for the financial year are detailed on pages 6 to 14.

Income revenue is provided by:

(a) Contributions from the Lodges who use the facilities;
(b) The Profit from the Members Only bar;
(c) Fundraising by a Sub-Committee;
(d) Masonic donations;
(e) Masonic grants; and
(f) Interest earned on the Charity’s cash deposits.

Overall, total reserves have increased from £223,601 last year to £520,376 this year.

The Administration Fund has a closing balance of £42,111. Although this represents a increase from the previous year of £787, the Fund remains sufficient to fulfil the ongoing objects of the Charity in line with the Trustees Reserves Policy.

The Special Repairs Fund now stands at £108,570, having decreased in the year by £43,995 reflecting beneficial interest rates offset by the temporary draw down of £50,000 of funds to support the programme of adaptation works at the new premises.

Total expenditure on the programme of works and related capital acquisitions in 2025 amounted to £203,564. This has been funded by disposal of freehold property, legacies, general donations and gifts in kind.

During 2025, charitable donations of £2,400 were made to the various local charities as detailed in note 7 to the financial statements.

The Joint Lodge Social Committee (JLSC) fund raising activities raised £8,531 in 2025 (£1,786 net of costs).

The trustees consider that the funds available are sufficient to permit the Trust to continue in the long term, given the continued support of the local Masonic lodges and brethren. The level of reserve in the Administration Fund and the Special Repairs Fund will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis in line with the Trustees Reserves Policy.

Reserves

It is the policy of the charity to maintain the Administration Fund at a level, which equates to at least 12 months 'Operating Costs' and to increase the amount held in the Special Repairs and Development Fund on a regular basis to provide sufficient funds for substantial items of repair and to manage the risk and opportunities inherent in the terms of the long term lease agreed for the new premises.

Based on this criteria, at 31 December 2025, the Administration Fund is showing a surplus £6,760. The level of funds in the Capital Fund and the Special Repairs and Development fund will be consolidated once the current Capital programme of works is concluded

The other funds should be in surplus as they are accruing to establish the level of work which can be done or which developments can be undertaken.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

The trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and, where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate those risks. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to assure compliance with Health and Safety regulations in respect of members, visitors and all third parties.

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Trustees Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Going concern

The trustees believe that the charity is a going concern and do not foresee any possible hinderance to this status currently.

Approval

This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’) and has been approved by the trustees on 23 April 2026 and signed on their behalf.

M J Humphrey Chair

P Walter Treasurer

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 14.

Responsibilities and basis 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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.

Dated: 28 April 2026 .

K.J. Maggs B.A., F.C.A. Chartered Accountant Spalding

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
Capital Admin Special
fund fund Repairs fund Unrestricted Unrestricted
Note £ £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
Legacies 6,417 - - 6,417 -
General donations 15,180 - - 15,180 4,370
Gifts in kind 8,400 - - 8,400 -
Charitable activities
Contributions 4 - 14,048 - 14,048 12,770
Social Activities - 8,531 - 8,531 2,068
Trading activities
Bar sales 5 - 13,459 - 13,459 11,825
Hire of Hall - 100 - 100 100
Investment income
Bank interest 759 - 6,005 6,764 7,394
TOTAL INCOME 30,756 36,138 6,005 72,899 38,527
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Donations 7 - 2,400 - 2,400 3,520
Social Activities - 6,745 - 6,745 -
Trading activities
Bar purchases 5 - 6,760 - 6,760 4,948
Support costs
Premises and equipment 8 10,537 13,447 - 23,984 13,207
Administrative expenses 9 - 4,999 - 4,999 101
Governance costs
Independent examination - 1,000 - 1,000 400
Legal and professional fees - - - - 252
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 10,537 35,351 - 45,888 22,428
Disposal of Freehold property 269,764 - - 269,764 -
NET INCOME 289,983 787 6,005 296,775 16,099
Transfers between funds 13 50,000 - (50,000) - -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 339,983 787 (43,995) 296,775 16,099
Fund balances as at: 14
1 January 2025 29,712 41,324 152,565 223,601 207,502
31 December 2025 369,695 42,111 108,570 520,376 223,601
----- End of picture text -----

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these accounts

Page 6

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

BALANCE SHEET

AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
Note £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS 10 602,242 29,712
CURRENT ASSETS
Bar stock 5 2,842 1,860
Debtors - -
Prepayments and accrued income 1,074 1,505
Prepayments in respect of property - 11,948
Cash at bank 11 326,380 188,973
Cash in hand 11 886 251
331,182 204,537
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due
12 8,548 10,648
within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS 322,634 193,889
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due
after more than one year
Lease liability (404,500) -
TOTAL ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES 520,376 223,601
FUNDS 14
Unrestricted
Capital fund 369,695 29,712
Admin fund 42,111 41,324
Special Repairs fund 108,570 152,565
520,376 223,601
520,376 223,601
----- End of picture text -----

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 23 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by:

M J Humphrey Chair

P Walter Treasurer

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these accounts

Page 7

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1. Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

(a) Basis of preparation of financial statements

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity.

(b) Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Donations receivable are allocated on the basis of the donors' wishes. If a purpose is specified then it is a restricted fund for that purpose. If a specific purpose is determined by the Trustees a Designated fund will be used.

(c) Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.

Investment income is recognised in the accounts when the amount can be measured reliably and the Charity's right to receive payment is established.

Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognised when receivable and are included at fair value. They are not deferred over the life of the asset.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102).

(d) Expenditure recognition

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

Charitable activities expenditure include all resources applied by the Charity in undertaking its charitable objectives as opposed to support costs.

Support costs are those that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs and governance costs.

Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.

(e) Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

Page 8

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

(f) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows.

Freehold property - 50 years straight line Leasehold property - over the remaining expected term of the lease Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 10 years straight line

Freehold land was not depreciated.

(g) Leases

Leases are recognised as right-of-use assets with a corresponding liability at the date from which the leased asset is available for use. The leases are typically for fixed periods in excess of one year but may have extension options. The trustees initially recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments, discounting by applying the charity's incremental borrowing rate which is similar to the expected increments in rent payments.

(h) Stock

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slow-moving stock where appropriate.

(i) Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements, which is sufficient with the level of reserves of the Charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

j) Taxation

Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

k) Liquid investments

Cash at bank includes short term investments which are highly liquid investments and are effectively cash, i.e. they include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year.

2. Trustees Remuneration, Expenses and Control

There were no remuneration or expenses paid to any of the Trustees during the year (2024 - £nil). The Charity is controlled by the Trustees as a body. No individual Trustee has control over the Charity.

3. Related Party Transactions

There are no related party transactions during the year (2024 - £nil).

Page 9

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

4. Contributions

2025
Unrestricted
£
Lodge No 809
5,280
Lodge No 6125
5,280
Lodge of Instruction No 809
160
Lodge of Instruction No 6125
160
Chapter
792
Mark
792
Rose Croix
792
Royal Arc Mariners
792
14,048
5. Bar account
£
£
Sales
13,459
Cost of sales
Purchases
7,742
Opening stock
1,860
9,602
Closing stock
(2,842)
(6,760)
49.8%
6,699
6. Investment income
2025
Unrestricted
£
COIF Account - Special repairs and improvements fund
6,005
National Westminster Bank Account - Capital fund
759
6,764
7. Donations
2025
Unrestricted
£
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
-
Alan Hudson Treatment Centre
500
Meadowgate Academy - Swimming pool
500
Evolution Health
400
Feed Fenland
400
3 Coly Cambridgeshire ACF
300
Baby Basics West Norfolk
300
2,400
Unrestricted
2025

2024
Unrestricted
£
4,800
4,800
145
145
720
720
720
720
12,770
£
£
11,825
5,232
1,576
6,808
(1,860)
(4,948)
58.2%
6,877
2024
Unrestricted
£
7,394
-
7,394
2024
Unrestricted
£
2,700
820
-
-
-
-
-
3,520
Unrestricted
2024

Page 10

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

8. Premises and equipment

Redecoration Repairs and Maintenance Insurance Electric Gas Water Rates Cleaning Fire Protection Alarm Maintenance Depreciation Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets Administrative expenses Telephone Licence Fees Legal and professional Fees Sundry Expenses	2025 Unrestricted £ - 1,206 4,651 2,394 656 395 815 3,198 - 132 12,117 (1,580) 23,984 2025 Unrestricted £ 31 579 4,386 3 4,999	2024 Unrestricted £ - 545 4,978 1,909 318 316 298 2,843 110 192 1,698 - 13,207 2024 Unrestricted £ - 79 - 22 101

9. Administrative expenses

10. Fixed assets

Cost Additions Disposals Depreciation Charge for the year Depreciation on disposals Net book value Carried forward at 31 December 2025 Carried forward at 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2025 Brought forward at 1 January 2025 Brought forward at 1 January 2025	Land £ 1,380 - (1,380) - - - - - - 1,380	£ 29,188 - (29,188) - 6,424 - (6,424) - - 22,764 Hall and Dining Room	Leasehold property £ - 584,917 584,917 - 8,477 - 8,477 576,440 -	Furniture etc £ 22,872 23,874 (11,736) 35,010 17,304 3,640 (11,736) 9,208 25,802 5,568	Total £ 53,440 608,791 (42,304) 619,927 23,728 12,117 (18,160) 17,685 602,242 29,712

Page 11

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

11. Cash at bank and Cash in hand

COIF Account National Westminster Business Reserve Account National Westminster Current Account Social Committee Account Cash at bank Social Committee Bar float Cash in hand Cash in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year Lease liability Trade Creditors Accruals Independent examiners fee	2025 Unrestricted £ 107,720 176,429 38,313 3,918 326,380 2 385 499 886 2025 Unrestricted £ 500 463 6,885 700 8,548	2024 Unrestricted £ 151,716 - 32,224 5,033 188,973 1 250 - 251 2024 Unrestricted £ - 258 9,990 400 10,648

12. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year

13. Transfers between funds

Page 12

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

14. Funds

The Administration Fund ( Admin Fund ) is at an unrestricted fund used to ensure that remaining funds in the charity are able to cover at least twelve months 'Operating Costs'.

The Special Repairs and Development Fund ( Special Repairs Fund ) relates to unrestricted funds retained for substantial items of repair and to provide funds to contribute to the remodelling of its Grade 2 listed property within the next ten to fifteen years.

The Capital fund relates to unrestricted funds used to acquire the fixed assets of the charity. It will retain any funds received for that specific purpose.

Analysis of net assets between funds

2025 Fixed assets Current assets Cash at bank and Cash in hand Fixed assets Current assets Cash at bank and Cash in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year	Capital fund £ 602,242 - 172,885 (932) (404,500) 369,695 29,712 - - - 29,712	Admin fund £ - 3,916 45,811 (7,616) - 42,111 - 15,313 36,659 (10,648) 41,324	£ - - 108,570 - - 108,570 - - 152,565 - 152,565 Special Repairs	Total £ 602,242 3,916 327,266 (8,548) (404,500) 520,376 29,712 15,313 189,224 (10,648) 223,601

Page 13

THE WISBECH MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

15. Comparative figures - year ended 31 December 2024

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies General donations Charitable activities Contributions Social Activities Trading activities Bar sales Hire of Hall Investment income Interest TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities Donations Trading activities Bar purchases Support costs Premises and equipment Administrative expenses Governance costs Independent examination Legal and professional fees TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET (EXPENDITURE) / INCOME Transfers between funds NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS	Capital fund £ - - - - - - - - - 1,698 - - 1,698 (1,698) - (1,698)	Admin fund Total £ £ £ 3,520 850 4,370 12,770 - 12,770 2,068 - 2,068 11,825 - 11,825 100 - 100 - 7,394 7,394 30,283 8,244 38,527 3,520 - 3,520 4,948 - 4,948 11,509 - 13,207 101 - 101 400 - 400 252 252 20,730 - 22,428 9,553 8,244 16,099 50 (50) - 9,603 8,194 16,099 Special Repairs fund Unrestricted funds

Page 14