## **Richmond & Putney Unitarian Church CIO**
**Ormond Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6TH Charity number: 1200204**
## **Annual Report**
## **2025**
## **CONTENTS**
- **CHARITY INFORMATION Page 2**
- • **LIST OF MEMBERS Page 3** • **CHAIR’S REPORT Page 4** • **FINANCIAL REPORT Page 6**
**1**
## **CHARITY INFORMATION**
**MINISTER:** Rev. Simon Ramsay **OFFICERS:** CHAIR: Catherine Pinto TREASURER: Mark Richardson SECRETARY: Julie Langridge-John
**TRUSTEES:** Sally Bevan, Charles Labia, Julie Langridge-John, Catherine Pinto, Mark Richardson **CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE:** British and Foreign Unitarian Association (B&FUA) (General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches) **INDEPENDENT** Mr W. Featherstone, 114 Dunkirk Avenue, Desborough NN14 **EXAMINER:** 2PN **BANK:** NatWest, 22 George Street, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1JW **SOLICITOR:** Mr Vincent Hambleton-Grey, Baron Grey Solicitors, Richmond Langtry House, 441 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2EF
## **GOVERNANCE**
The governance of Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church CIO is based on the Charity Constitution of 5 June 2022.
## **OBJECTS**
The Objects of the CIO are to advance the Unitarian and Free Christian religion for the public benefit as defined by clause 3(2) of the Constitution.
## **MEMBERSHIP**
There are currently 45 members of the Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church, of whom 35 are standard voting members, listed below.
**2**
## **MEMBERS OF RPUC – April 2025**
Standard members have RUPC and GA voting rights
Standard members Armstrong, Mary Pinto, Cath Arrol, Heather Pinto, Lily Berryman, Marilene Richardson, Mark Bevan, Sally Stanbridge, Alex Booth, Michael Sharapova, Asma Bowers, John Strachan, David Chamberlain, George Tuckman, Lawrence Coyle, Brian Turnbull, Scott Diana (Anon.) Watson, David Halnan, Penny Watson, Louisa Holland, Janet Hoskins, Gareth Associate members Knight, David Collins, Emma Labia, Charles Ferris, Kay Langridge-John Julie Hoskins, Kay Lewis, Trevor Lewis, Trudy Lloyd-Lawrence, Adrian McClosky, Kay Lloyd-Lawrence, Kitty McClosky, Patrick Lord, Margaret Murrells, Steve Mamok, Anne Martin, Bruno Honorary members McGrane, Christine Duchac, Dawn McPherson, Douglas Riley, Linda Meyer, Helen Scott, Pamela Meyer, Jack
Honorary members Duchac, Dawn Riley, Linda Scott, Pamela
**3**
## **CHAIR’S REPORT for the 2024 calendar year**
This year has been one of growth, change, and progressing community connections for Richmond and Putney Unitarians.
At our Annual General Meeting in April 2024 we saw significant leadership and governance transitions, extending our deepest gratitude to David Watson, for his seven years of dedicated service as Chair. A new Chair, Catherine Pinto, and Secretary, Julie Langridge-John, were welcomed, and we welcomed Sally Bevan as a new trustee. Mark Richardson remained as Treasurer, and Charles Labia as a trustee, which helped to support continuity during this time of change.
Following our move to a CIO, as the residual admin work was drawing to a close, there was a significant moment in the history of RPUC, when the Richmond Free Church Trust, which has provided our church's foundational trust deed since our origin in 1895, was formally dissolved on 15 December 2024.
Change can be challenging, but our community endeavours to work in the spirit of collaboration. To further support the efficient running of our church, the Trustees engaged a minute taker to enhance administrative transparency and record-keeping.
Louisa Watson, was thanked for her five years of commitment to editing _The Flame_ monthly newsletter and duly passed that torch onto Julie, who accepted the challenge and produced a new-look _Flame_ , moving to bi-monthly editions.
Throughout the year, we have continued to expand our presence within the wider community while deepening our spiritual practice. Notable events included:
- The Richmond May Fair – Our participation in this local event was a resounding success, strengthening relationships within the community and receiving donations, which covered our costs plus a modest profit to support church activities.
- Ministerial Milestone & Lay Leadership Development – We joyfully celebrated Rev Simon Ramsay’s 20th anniversary in ministry, acknowledging his long-standing commitment and leadership. Additionally, Julie Langridge-John, a valued member of RPUC, successfully completed the Lay Leader Foundation Course.
- Diverse Worship and Cultural Enrichment – By welcoming guest speakers, musicians and singers, we have broadened the scope of our worship experiences, offering a rich variety of perspectives.
- Supporting Families – Our Sunday School and Crèche continue to strengthen, reinforcing our commitment to being an inclusive, family-friendly congregation.
- Mindfulness and Wellbeing – Our weekly Elemental Mind sessions integrate traditional mindfulness practices with scientific insights from neuroscience, offering a valuable space for spiritual and personal wellbeing; the Journaling group has
**4**
continued to thrive, gathering monthly for a time of shared reflection online; and Dance for Health has remained popular as a weekly class for people living with neurodiverse conditions or general mobility issues.
- The Connections group met regularly in 2024, organising events ranging from our stall at the May Fair to two Death Cafes and a well-attended Christmas dinner celebration, and this year’s annual Labyrinth and Christmas Eve Carol Concert were hugely successful, each having seen a great turnout.
Our commitment to interfaith dialogue and collaboration remained a cornerstone of our work. In March, our Minister was the MC at an Iftar dinner at Richmond Guildhall, hosted by The Dialogue Society. Events such as these underscore our dedication to fostering meaningful relationships across religious and philosophical traditions.
The Trustees continue their work to manage premises matters. Following the extensive rewiring of the church’s electrical system and installation of a new fire alarm system in 2023, in 2024 it was time once again to commission a quinquennial survey to assess the long-term needs of our building. As a result of that survey, which took place in August, a fire risk assessment was then carried out in October. Mark Richardson has been leading on the schedule of works resulting from both surveys.
It is difficult to succinctly communicate all that has been achieved in the course of a year, but there is much to be celebrated and much to look forward to.
**5**
## **FINANCE REPORT (2024)**
2024 saw RPUC finances recover well from the exceptional deficit of -£30,165 at the end of 2023. Our 2024 total income of £91,612 was up by £12,127 compared to 2023, and total expenditure of £89,504 was down from last year by £22,602, so the dent in our savings, mainly caused by the essential electrical works, has been restored.
The increase in income was largely due to healthy growth in our lettings income – the total of £66,836 was up £8,000 from 2023, an indication that the trustees’ decision to budget £3000 for a part-time Lettings officer was very much worthwhile.
LDPA, GA and Highgate Hill grants of £10,600 were up by £2,900 on last year, and a £1,000 bequest from Brian Franklin is acknowledged with sincere gratitude.
Following last year’s decrease in congregational donations to £8,204 total, we’ve seen an increase this year of £965 to £9,169, which is back in line with 2022 donations (£9,161).
Although overall expenditure was down, there were some increases to be met, such as the £2,940 fee for the Quinquennial Survey, a substantial increase from the last survey though alleviated somewhat by a grant of £600 from the John Gregson Trust, and there was an 8% minister’s stipend increase, as recommended by the GA.
We expect to see expenditure grow due to premises projects resulting from the Quinquennial Survey, to be spread over the next few years; the first of which are budgeted for in 2025, including works already underway resulting from the fire assessment survey.
The trustees are grateful to Mark Richardson for his diligence in the role of Treasurer, and to RPUC’s accountant, Liz Savage.
**6**
## **Richmond & Putney Unitarian Church CIO Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st December 2024**
|**2023**
**Incoming Resources**
Total Funds
[see Note 1]
8204.21 Raised by congregation
967.77 Dividends and Interest
58805.87 Income from premises
7700.00 Grants for ministry
3307.11 Weddings & Other
500.00 Net Hire Deposits
**79484.96 Total**
**79484.96 Total Incoming Resources**
**Resources Expended**
[see Note 2]
36631.31 Ministry
[see Notes 2 & 3]
1606.50 Music
58537.23 Premises
14061.15 General
1270.00 Subscription and donations
**112106.2 Total Resources Expended**
**-32621.23 Net Incoming/-Outgoing**
0 Net Fund transfers
2455.78 Investment Gains/-Losses
**-30165.45 Net Movement in Funds**
Balances brought forward
292892.38 1st January 2024
**Balances carried forward**
**262726.93 31st December 2024**|**2024**
Unrestricted Funds
Designated Funds
General
Bequests
Maintenance
Charity &
Total Funds
& Deposits
Development
9168.97
9168.97
764.84
764.84
66835.82
66835.82
10600.00
10600.00
3142.67
1000.00
4142.67
100.00
100.00
**90512.30**
**1000.00**
**100.00**
**0.00**
**91612.30**
**90512.30**
**1000.00**
**100.00**
**0.00**
**91612.30**
39934.06
39934.06
1718.00
1718.00
31252.67
31252.67
15242.67
15242.67
1357.00
1357.00
**89504.40**
**89504.40**
**1007.90**
**1000.00**
**100.00**
**2107.90**
0.00
6316.60
6316.60
**7324.50**
**1000.00**
**100.00**
**8424.50**
**175895.81**
**59383.83**
**4211.25**
**23236.04**
**262726.93**
**183220.31**
**60383.83**
**4311.25**
**23236.04**
**271151.43**|
|---|---|
## **Balance Sheet**
for the year ended 31st December 2024
## **Assets**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2023 2024
Fixed Assets
168000 Manse at purchase price 168000.00
70117.43 Investments at market value 76434.03
238117.43 244434.03
Current Assets
24809.50 Cash at bank and on deposit 26917.40
24809.50 26917.40
less Creditors and Payments in Advance
-200 amounts falling due within one year -200.00
262726.93 Total assets less current liabilities 271151.43
Capital and Reserves
27447.29 Designated funds 27547.29
235279.64 General funds 243604.14
262726.93 271151.43
Valuation of Investments
Historic Value at Value at Gain/Loss
cost 31/12/2023 31/12/2024 on year
233.75 M&G Charifund Accumulation units 12643 70117.43 76434.03 6316.6
12643 70117.43 76434.03 6316.6
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
Notes for the year ended 31st December 2024
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2023 Note 1 2024
Total Analysis of Income General Designated Total
Raised by congregation
4315.00 Service Collections (reg don.) 3939.97 3939.97
2170.08 Service Collections (loose cash) 3022.27 3022.27
1452.81 tax recovered 1368.13 1368.13
266.32 Gift day/Other Donations 838.60 838.6
8204.21 9168.97 9168.97
Dividends and interest received
0.00 Common investment funds 0.00 0.00
967.77 COIF Deposit Fund interest 764.84 764.84
967.77 764.84 764.84
Premises
43475.87 Use of church & hall 47720.32 47720.32
15330.00 Car parking 19115.50 19115.50
58805.87 66835.82 66835.82
Grants
For ministerial purposes
6700 Putney Fund per LDPA 6700.00 6700.00
1000 LDPA/GA Sustentation Fund 2900 2900
0 Highgate Hill Church Fund 1000.00 1000.00
7700 10600.00 10600.00
Miscellaneous
3070.00 Weddings, namings and funerals 1750.00 1750.00
237.11 Sunday morning coffee & publications 340.46 340.46
0.00 Bequest 1000.00 1000.00
0.00 Other income 1052.21 1052.21
3307.11 4142.67 4142.67
78984.96 Total from regular sources 91512.30 0.00 91512.30
Other
500 Net Hire Deposits 100.00 100.00
500
79484.96 Total Incoming Resources 91512.30 100.00 91612.30
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
Notes for the year ended 31st December 2024
## **2023 Note 2**
## **2024**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Total Analysis of Expenditure Total
Ministerial
36055.88 Cost of ministry (stipend, pension, expenses) 39420.37
575.43 Visiting preachers 513.69
36631.31 [See Note 3] 39934.06
Church music
1050 Musicians 1265.00
556.5 Organ and piano tuning 453.00
1606.5 1718.00
Premises
9363.78 Utilities 7344.75
35574.55 Upgrade work (Church & Manse) 3093.29
3129.40 Insurance 3475.97
4593.42 Repairs and Maintenance and gardening 9929.81
0.00 Telephone 0.00
3582.08 Cleaning and supplies 4782.85
2294.00 Caretaking 2626.00
58537.23 31252.67
General
2.65 Printing, postage and stationery 807.62
185.00 Inquirer and Unitarian 185.00
1369.70 IT costs 1786.58
700.00 Conferences 550.00
400.00 Examiner's fee 400
1550.00 Wedding fees 1500.00
2556.00 Bookkeeping 2556.00
3000.00 Bookings Administrator/Clerking 3160.00
537.80 Children's Church & safeguarding 240.00
3760.00 Legal Fees 0.00
0.00 Quinquennial Survey 2940.00
0.00 Christmas lunch 1117.47
14061.15 15242.67
Subscriptions and donations
1120 G A - Quota 1120.00
150 Other subscriptions and donations 237.00
1270 1357.00
112106.19 Total Resources Expended 89504.40
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Statement of Financial Activities**
Notes for the year ended 31st December 2024
|**2023**
33762.98
2292.90
36055.88
4260.00
1555.14
5815.14
575.43
42446.45|**Note 3**
Cost of Ministry
**Minister**
Stipend & Pension
Expenses
Manse Upgrade work (included in Premises costs)
Manse running costs (included in Premises-(repairs) costs)
41871.02
Visiting Ministers
**Total cost of ministry**|**2024**
36477.09
2943.28
39420.37
1700.00
3019.66
4719.66
44140.03
513.69
513.69
44653.72|
|---|---|---|
## **Note 4**
Accounting policies
## Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities, and applicable accounting standards. In accordance with the guidelines for smaller charities they have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
## Collections and donations
All congregational giving and donations are included on a cash received basis.
## Capital expenditure
This is charged either to the expenditure for the year or to the appropriate designated fund
## Other expenditure
Details of staff costs, administration costs and support costs will be found in the preceding notes. There was one full time employee of the Church at the year end. The significant volume of voluntary contribution to the life of the Church by members of the congregation is not quantified in these accounts.
## Independent examination
The examiner's fee (£200) is noted in the accounts at the appropriate place.
## Adequacy of funds
With the exception of the permanently endowed funds the amounts in all funds are short term assets. The Legacy and General funds reflect the historic need to fund the manse purchase.
## Transfer of Assets from RPUC to RPUC CIO
Richmond & Putney Unitarian Church (RPUC) became a CIO - Richmond & Putney Unitarian Church CIO (RPUC CIO) on 1 August 2023. The assets of RPUC were regarded as being retrospectively transferred on 31 December 2022, so that between 1 January 2023 and 31 July 2023 RPUC acted as the steward on behalf of RPUC CIO.
**Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts**
## **Report to the Directors of the Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church CIO**
On the accounts for the year ending 31[st] December 2024
Set out in the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, and associated notes for that period.
## **Responsibility of the Examiner**
It is my responsibility to:-
- ❖ examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
- ❖ to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145 (5) b of the Act) and
- ❖ to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of my report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you, as Trustees, concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Statement by the Independent Examiner**
In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention:-
- I. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements have not been met - that is to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act and to prepare account in accordance with those records, and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act - or
- II. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
William Featherstone, F.R.S.A., A.C.I.B..
5[th] March 2025
114 Dunkirk Avenue Desborough NN14 2PN
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