Monton Unitarian Church CIO (Charity No. 1199569) Monton Green Monton Eccles Manchester M30 9NX
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year 1[st] Jan 2024 to 31[st] Dec 2024
The charity’s purpose is as follows:
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To promote a free and inquiring religion through worship of God and the celebration of life, the service of humanity and respect for all creation and the upholding of the Liberal Christian tradition, including by providing a place of worship to serve the community of Monton and Greater Manchester and the surrounding area; and
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To benefit the residents of Monton and Greater Manchester and the surrounding area, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race, or political, religious or other opinions, by advancing education and providing facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for residents.
This is an associational Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and its constitution has been approved by the Charity Commission. It was established in summer 2022, and took over the former charities of Monton Church (Unitarian) and Monton Memorial School Trustees on 1[st] January 2023.
Trustees at the time of this report were:
Irene Hitchcock Rennie McFarlane Colin Morse Lynne Stopani Gloria Taylor Dave Ward-Speers Pam Ward-Speers
New trustees are invited to stand at each AGM, but must already be church members. They must be proposed and seconded by church members. There is also the option for the trustees to co-opt new trustees until the next AGM.
Financial Situation
This was the second year of the CIO, which had seen the assets of both Monton Church (Unitarian) and Monton Memorial Hall Trustees combined into the one new charity. The CIO therefore comprises both properties and the whole graveyard area, and the whole property of Boddan Lodge and the bowling green land.
Our financial situation remains stable – while general income is lower than we’d like, we were boosted by a large legacy from Julian Poynting’s estate of over £13,000, along with continued support from the Manchester District Association and the General Assembly of Unitarian and FC Churches’ Sustentation Fund. Our reserves are sufficient to cover nearly three years’ expenditure should all income cease. The accounts are attached.
Monton Unitarian Church Chairman's Report for 2024
As Chairman of Monton Unitarian Church, it is my privilege to present this report reflecting on the past year. 2024 has been a year of growth, community engagement, and continuity in our mission to provide a welcoming space for worship, fellowship, and outreach.
Worship and Special Services
Our Sunday services have continued to offer spiritual nourishment and reflection. Highlights of the year included our traditional Mothering Sunday Service on 10th March, the Easter Sunday service on 31st March, and the Flower Communion Service on 2nd June. We also celebrated Harvest on 6th of October, followed by our Pledge Sunday on 27th of October, reaffirming our commitment to the church’s financial sustainability.
During December, we once again enjoyed a series of festive services, including the Advent Toy Service and Faith Meal on 1st December, the Blue Christmas Service on 18th December, the Carol Service on 22nd December, and the beautiful Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve – this service saw well over 100 people attend, being held for the first time at 7pm which allowed families with young children to attend as well. These services provided comfort and joy to all who attended.
Community and Social Engagement
Our church community struggled somewhat through this year. Two groups that had been set up, the Chatty Crafters and the Open Mic Night, had to be closed down due to lack of numbers attending, and Film Club also ended, partly because of numbers, partly because of technical problems. The
MUCCers have continued to provide a space for fellowship and social connection, with events such as Desert Island Discs, Poetry afternoons and games sessions.
One of the year's key events was our leading of the Monton Summer Mingle on 6th July in conjunction with the Monton Village Community Association, showcasing our presence within the wider local community. The Heritage Open Day on 15th September also welcomed visitors eager to learn about our church’s history and traditions. And the Jingle Mingle in November combined the MVCA Christmas event with our Christmas Tree Festival – hard work but enjoyable despite torrential rain.
Charitable and Outreach Work
Our commitment to social justice and charitable giving remained strong. The Charity Service for Doctors for Nepal on 1st September raised awareness and much-needed funds – a donation of £700 is to be forwarded. Our Toy Service in December ensured that children in need had gifts for Christmas, and our Harvest Service brought in generous donations for local food banks. Indeed, our support of The Mustard Tree continues all year round.
Governance and Church Leadership
Regular committee meetings have ensured the smooth running of church affairs, with sessions held monthly to address key issues, events, and planning. However, there has been some upheaval – Rennie McFarlane had to step back from the majority of the Treasurer’s work due to personal and work situations, eventually resigning from the post and the committee, which led to some temporary issues with the finances, although these have now mostly been resolved. But the problem with the finances from both 2023 and 2024 meant that we were unable to have our AGM last year as planned, and were unable to file accounts with the Charity Commission. This also partly falls back to having changed Treasurers almost at the same time as changing from two separate charities to a single CIO. However, we can now say, and you can see, that both year’s accounts have now been completed and signed off by the external examiner and we are back on track.
Our participation in the General Assembly from 4th to 6th April allowed us to stay connected with the wider Unitarian movement and gain valuable insights to strengthen our congregation’s mission.
The other main area of activity has been with regard to Boddan Lodge – this was demolished at the beginning of the year, in what felt like record time! This then left us with a lovely open space which we have enjoyed watching members of the public come and use, and which also hosted our Great Get
Together Picnic in June. In the autumn we were successful at linking up with Manchester School of Architecture Live 2025, a programme designed to give architecture students the opportunity to run a real live project, while helping local organisations develop plans for development. While the main part of that work wouldn’t begin until 2025, it was encouraging to know that we had such a group on board.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, we aim to continue fostering a strong sense of community, expanding our outreach, and ensuring our church remains a place of spiritual enrichment and welcome for all. Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, and resources to make Monton Unitarian Church a thriving and loving community.
David Ward-Speers Chairman, Monton Unitarian Church December 2024
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the trustees/ MONTON UNITARIAN CHURCH members of On accounts for the year 31/12/2024 Charity no 1199569 ended (if any) Set out on pages 3
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 /12 /2024 .
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with 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 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 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 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.
| Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): |
10/03/2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| CAROLYN CULLEN | ||
| INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF ENGLAND & WALES (ICAEW) |
October 2018
1
IER
Address:
5 HAWTHORN AVENUE
ECCLES, MANCHESTER
M30 9NE
Section B
Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
October 2018
2
IER
Profit and Loss
Monton Unitarian Church
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover | ||
| Collections | 38,532.49 | 8,642.32 |
| Donation Revenue | 4,162.28 | 14,775.41 |
| Hall Rental | 19,527.00 | 14,294.00 |
| Interest Income | - | 274.31 |
| Rites of Passage | 6,935.00 | 5,311.00 |
| Total Turnover | 69,156.77 | 43,297.04 |
| Cost of Sales | ||
| Casual Labour | 1,100.00 | - |
| Direct Expenses | 1,792.82 | 1,365.00 |
| Direct Wages | 43,293.24 | 24,680.27 |
| Gardening | 7,315.00 | 6,515.00 |
| Warden Costs | - | 2,530.00 |
| Total Cost of Sales | 53,501.06 | 35,090.27 |
| Gross Profit | 15,655.71 | 8,206.77 |
| Administrative Costs | ||
| Audit & Accountancy fees | 625.12 | 606.00 |
| Bank Fees | 180.00 | 160.00 |
| Charitable and Political Donations | 400.00 | - |
| General Expenses | 630.30 | 630.00 |
| Insurance | 11,900.02 | 10,632.55 |
| IT Software and Consumables | - | 507.50 |
| Light, Power, Heating | 21,557.51 | 13,850.99 |
| Minister Expenses | 3,437.50 | 3,475.97 |
| Pensions Costs | 3,780.24 | 5,827.20 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | 61,362.82 | 4,810.00 |
| Staff Training | 360.00 | 1,800.00 |
| Subscriptions | 3,022.72 | - |
| Telephone & Internet | 532.17 | 483.96 |
| Total Administrative Costs | 107,788.40 | 42,784.17 |
| Operating Profit | (92,132.69) | (34,577.40) |
| Other Income | ||
| Building Dilapidation | 6,249.81 | 80,000.00 |
| External Grants | 6,000.00 | 27,817.74 |
| Total Other Income | 12,249.81 | 107,817.74 |
| Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation | (79,882.88) | 73,240.34 |
| Profit after Taxation | (79,882.88) | 73,240.34 |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report Report to the trustees/ MONTON UNITARIAN CHURCH members of On accounts for the year 31/12/2024 Charity no 1199569 ended (if any) Set out on pages 3
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 /12 /2024 .
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with 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 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 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 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.
| Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): |
10/03/2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| CAROLYN CULLEN | ||
| INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF ENGLAND & WALES (ICAEW) |
October 2018
1
IER
Address:
5 HAWTHORN AVENUE
ECCLES, MANCHESTER
M30 9NE
Section B
Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
October 2018
2
IER
Profit and Loss
Monton Unitarian Church
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover | ||
| Collections | 38,532.49 | 8,642.32 |
| Donation Revenue | 4,162.28 | 14,775.41 |
| Hall Rental | 19,527.00 | 14,294.00 |
| Interest Income | - | 274.31 |
| Rites of Passage | 6,935.00 | 5,311.00 |
| Total Turnover | 69,156.77 | 43,297.04 |
| Cost of Sales | ||
| Casual Labour | 1,100.00 | - |
| Direct Expenses | 1,792.82 | 1,365.00 |
| Direct Wages | 43,293.24 | 24,680.27 |
| Gardening | 7,315.00 | 6,515.00 |
| Warden Costs | - | 2,530.00 |
| Total Cost of Sales | 53,501.06 | 35,090.27 |
| Gross Profit | 15,655.71 | 8,206.77 |
| Administrative Costs | ||
| Audit & Accountancy fees | 625.12 | 606.00 |
| Bank Fees | 180.00 | 160.00 |
| Charitable and Political Donations | 400.00 | - |
| General Expenses | 630.30 | 630.00 |
| Insurance | 11,900.02 | 10,632.55 |
| IT Software and Consumables | - | 507.50 |
| Light, Power, Heating | 21,557.51 | 13,850.99 |
| Minister Expenses | 3,437.50 | 3,475.97 |
| Pensions Costs | 3,780.24 | 5,827.20 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | 61,362.82 | 4,810.00 |
| Staff Training | 360.00 | 1,800.00 |
| Subscriptions | 3,022.72 | - |
| Telephone & Internet | 532.17 | 483.96 |
| Total Administrative Costs | 107,788.40 | 42,784.17 |
| Operating Profit | (92,132.69) | (34,577.40) |
| Other Income | ||
| Building Dilapidation | 6,249.81 | 80,000.00 |
| External Grants | 6,000.00 | 27,817.74 |
| Total Other Income | 12,249.81 | 107,817.74 |
| Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation | (79,882.88) | 73,240.34 |
| Profit after Taxation | (79,882.88) | 73,240.34 |