**Comasonic Benevolent Fund**
_**Registered charity No: 205813**_
## **ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**
Comasonic Benevolent Fund Hexagon House, 37-39 Surbiton Hill Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4TS **www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk** E: benevfund@freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk T: +44 (0)20 8339 9000
**1**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**CONTENTS**|**PAGE**|
|---|---|
|**Report of the Chairman**|**2**|
|**Legal & administrative information**|**3**|
|**Report of the Trustees**|**4**|
|**Independent examiners' report to the trustees**|**10**|
|**Statement of financial activities (SOFA)**|**11 & 12**|
|**Balance sheet**|**13**|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|**14 to 20**|
|**Appendix 1 - Organisational Structure**|**21**|
|**Appendix 2 - Objectives, actions and targets for 2021**|**22**|
**2**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN**
As chair-person and on behalf of the board it is my pleasure to present the annual report for the CMBF for the year ending 31st December 2021.
I would like to express my gratitude to the trustees, volunteers and support staff of the CMBF for their continued support across the Covid period and beyond. For what has emerged as a difficult time for the entire country due to the Covide restrictions and knock on effect of its economic impact. It continues to be challenging and uncertain times due to restrictions that have affected both the organisation and running for Hexagon House.
The Trustees as volunteers, provide their time, commitment and energy as the vital glue allowing all the other critical parts of CMBF to operate. For this I offer my heartfelt thanks.
The CMBF continues to donate to worthwhile charities and causes, both nationally and internationally. The scale of antecedent of Covid and the resultant lock-downs has effected the level of application for charitable giving thereby reducing the uptake.
Looking to the future, in such uncertain times, the CMBF is likely to be adversely affected by the challenging environment, but I feel confident that we will continue to be relevant and continue to support local charities that meet the criteria.
## **Christine Hilcenko – Chair**
## **20th September 2022**
**3**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **Trustees**
Christine Hilcenko **Chair** Brian Roberts Anne Hoblyn Fiaz Mir Nicole Vitzthum Denys Julian Rees The British Co-Masonic Trust Ltd (nominated representative - Colin Bleach) **Treasurer** Rene Pfertzel **Trustees resigned during year** Pat Harris Resigned: 19th June 2021 **Trustees appointed during year** None
## **Secretary**
Brian Roberts
## **Charity Address**
Hexagon House 37 / 39 Surbiton Hill road Surbiton Surrey KT6 4TS
## **Bankers**
Lloyds TSB Law Courts (300004) Branch 222 Strand London WC2R 1BB
## **Independent Examiner**
Reza Samii Chartered Accountant 5 Calico Row Plantation Wharf London SW11 3YH
**Solicitors**
None appointed
**4**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
The trustees present their report with the independently examined accounts of the Comasonic Benevolent Fund for the year ended 31 December 2021. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 14.
## **1. Constitution and Objectives**
The Comasonic Benevolent Fund is a registered charity number 205813. The governing document is by Trust Deed dated 30 October 1933, with a supplemental deed dated 14 December 2004 relating exclusively to property known as Hexagon House, 37/39 Surbiton Hill Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4TS, (transferred to the Fund on 30 October 2004). This supplemental deed specifies the terms under which the property will be held and relates specifically to its use by the British Federation of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain (formerly known as International Co-Freemasonry Le Droit Humain).
## **The Charity’s objects and purposes are:**
- The relief of poverty and distress among members of the Federation and others, and to assist deprived
- children and young people, up to age of 24 years to achieve their full potential.
- Such other charitable purposes as may be from time to time prescribed in that behalf by the said constitutions laws regulations and rules.
Within these objects and purposes, trustees’ priorities are:-
- The welfare of members of the British Federation who are in need.
- Help for the less fortunate or suffering members of humanity, particularly children.
- Support for deprived children and young people up to and including the age of 24 years to fulfill their
- potential.
## **2. Organisational Structure**
Management of the Fund falls under three principal headings:
- Board of trustees (policy issues, strategic management of the Fund and donations to external
- bodies and charities, including SPES)
- Board of benevolence (management of welfare issues and charitable payments or gifts to
- members of the British Federation, in line with policy)
- Property management (all matters connected with the maintenance of Hexagon House)
A copy of the organisational structure and associated responsibilities is at Appendix 1 on page 21.
## **3. Financial Review**
All persons involved in the management and administration of the Fund, and in pursuing its objects, are volunteers, with the exception of a part-time book-keeper. CMBF also calls on external service providers for chartered Accountant services, part-time admin person, building maintenance / gardening and cleaning services. Consequently, employment costs continued during the year, although these have been kept to a minimum.
The CMBF owns and occupies the property and land known as Hexagon House in Surbiton, for which there is the usual expenditure on utilities, decoration and maintenance. These costs continue to be met from income received through the letting of office space, the top flat of the house and car parking.
**5**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (Continued…)**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **3. Financial Review - (Continued…)**
Ownership of Hexagon House, which was built in 1899, involves high maintenance costs and associated administration. Some of this is offset by rental income from the Lodges meetings but the CMBF has had a Covid19 dis-benefit, affecting income. With rentals at near zero for the majority of the year, the CMBF’s charitable capability has been affected by this reduction of income and donations from lodges.
The property, Hexagon House, is old and continued investment will be required in the coming years in order to maintain its fabric. Trustees have used the absence of Lodge meetings to make repairs where possible.
The Fund’s limited financial assets are invested in low-risk deposit accounts and investment bonds, re-invested on maturity.
Trustees regularly monitored income and expenditure to ensure compliance with budgetary aims.
## **4. Governance issues and Policy Review**
## **Risk Management**
The main risks to the Fund have not changed and are:
- Closure of the British Federation of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain, formerly known as International Co-Freemasonry
- Loss and reduction in income through non-lettings from Cranhurst Lodge, the car park and the top flat - properties forming part of Hexagon House
- Serious damage to the property or environmental conditions preventing lodge meetings from being held.
- Reduction in the number of lodges hiring Hexagon House
- Change in rating category resulting in higher business rates
- Shortage of volunteers to help with administration and management of the fund
## **Reserve Policy**
The Fund’s reserve policy is to:
- start each year with one year’s estimated expenditure in the bank excluding potential income and invested funds
- retain a reserve of £30,000 to cover annual maintenance, repairs and decorations to Hexagon House and the land in Surbiton Hill Road, including Cranhurst Lodge and an additional £10,000 for annual grants plus £11,000 for routine running costs.
## **Appointment of Trustees**
The Board of Trustees consists of at least three and at least six more individuals, but not limited to this as a maximum, to take on the roles needed. All of whom must be members of the British Federation of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain. It comprises:-
- The Chair
- The Treasurer
- At least seven other elected members.
**6**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (Continued…)**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **4. Governance issues and Policy Review - (Continued…)**
The British Co-Masonic Trust Ltd (a company limited by guarantee) has a representative on the board of trustees. Mr. Colin Bleach is that representative.
Each Trustee has a portfolio of responsibilities (see Appendix 1).
## **Conflict of Interest Policy**
Any conflict of interest must be declared at the commencement of each meeting.
## **Fraud Prevention Policy**
A policy is in place.
## **GDPR Policy**
A policy has been put in place to comply with the revised legislation related to the handling and storage of personal information held by the Comasonic Benevolent Fund. No personal details are retained other than names, addresses and other contact details for trustees, the independent examiner and contractors. Such information is retained solely for the purposes of communication, for inclusion in reports to the Charity Commission and for any other legislative requirement.
## **Safeguarding Policy**
The Comasonic Benevolent Fund does not interact directly with children and vulnerable adults, but donates to charitable organisations that do. One of the principal beneficiaries is SPES Togo, a charity in Togo that provides a home for abandoned children and which clearly requires a safeguarding policy of its own, due to the number of vulnerable children in its care. Trustees of the Benevolent Fund studied their policy carefully and have received a report of its implementation. The implementation report included multiple levels of monitoring, the ability to report locally as well as anonymously. The CMBF, on the basis of these safeguards reported, has agreed to continue payments to SPES Togo.
Similar scrutiny is applied to other charities / organisations which have direct access to children and vulnerable adults and which seek donations.
## **5. Public benefit**
The purpose of the Fund, as stated on page 4, is to relieve poverty and distress amongst members of the British Federation of the Order and others, as well as such other charitable purposes as may be from time to time prescribed in that behalf by the said constitutions laws regulations and rules.
The definition of “others” was amended in 2019 to include persons related to the members of the Order (immediate family) or immediate dependents (by non-marriage).
Assistance to the public is focused on deprived young people up to and including the age of 24 years in order to help them achieve their full potential and the elderly, who have limited capabilities.
**7**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (Continued…)**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **5. Public benefit - (Continued…)**
All lodges contribute 25% of their charitable collections to the CMBF, but these and other donations remain at a very low rate and have minimal impact on the Fund’s income and even more so in the times of Covid-19.
The purpose of the Fund is achieved through:
●the making of financial gifts to members of the British Federation of the International Order Freemasonry for Men and Women _Le Droit Humain_ (formerly known as International Co-Freemasonry) who are poor or distressed and through the provision of welfare support services such as home visits.
●making donations to other organisations and (non-masonic) charities whose aims and objects also relate to helping those who are in poverty or distress, particularly amongst children.
When setting annual objectives, trustees ensured they include actions that realistically will help achieve the overall purpose.
There are six important points, which remain the same each year:
**the Charity does not raise money from the public.** All income derives from donations by members of the British Federation of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, donations from lodges and chapters of the British Federation, legacies from deceased members and rent from the property. A large proportion of this rental income is devoted to external donations and could not be sustained from internal fund raising alone.
**the Charity does not charge any fees for any of its services.**
## **there are no membership fees, contributions or subscriptions payable.**
**all members of the British Federation of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women qualify for financial assistance,** provided they meet the aid criteria or who need welfare support.
**Management and administration of the Charity, is in the majority provided by volunteers who provide their services free of charge.** Administrative costs therefore are kept to an absolute minimum.
**Donations to external bodies or charities are made only to those whose aims are similar to ours** in respect of the relief of poverty and distress.
## **Identifiable benefit or benefits**
The benefits arise from the provision of financial aid to members of the British Federation and to other organisations and charities, and the provision of welfare support, interest in and contact with sick or elderly members. These benefits are directly related to the Fund’s purpose and trustees ensure that they set annual objectives most likely to achieve them. These objectives are monitored and reviewed throughout the year. It is the view of trustees that no harm or detriment arises from these benefits.
**8**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (Continued…)**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **5. Public benefit - (Continued…)**
## **Benefit to the public, or section of the public**
In making grants to members, trustees have set criteria that must be met before financial assistance is given. These criteria are used to measure the extent of poverty or distress. They are quite strict which, coupled with the fact that only a tiny proportion of our members live at or below the poverty line, means that very few need or qualify for aid. However, a greater number who are sick or elderly do require welfare support, but this is usually of a temporary nature and costs little. For the purpose of alleviating temporary circumstances, loans to cover extraneous circumstances are provided, with a repayment period. Generally no interest is applied.
In making donations to other bodies or charities, trustees assess the degree to which their aims are similar to ours in respect of the relief of poverty and distress. Donations are made only to those that clearly demonstrate that relief.
Benefits are spread across a very small number of members of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, for whom the Fund originally was set up in 1933. The number of members to receive financial support in 2021 was 0 (zero).
Membership of the Order is open to all sections of the public who are 18 years old or more and who are of good character. Members pay a small subscription to the British Federation of the Order, but not to the Comasonic Benevolent Fund, which is open to all members without cost.
Non-masonic charities with aims similar to ours:
● Financial support towards a bursary for a gifted pupil in the Reigate area.
●Abandoned children in Togo, through sponsorship and support for two orphanages, in Lomé and Kpalime. The Fund sponsors four children.
●Other than for the abandoned children in Togo, there are no geographical restrictions for beneficiaries. No fees are charged and the financial benefits are restricted to those who are in poverty or distress.
## **6. Year under Review**
The business plan for 2021 was implemented. A synthesis of this is at Appendix 2 on page 22, with a summary of the results, showing the extent to which our annual objectives were achieved.
2021 saw a drastic decrease in receipts from Lodge rentals, the 25% dues and donations from lodges, down to a total of £448 (a drop due to the pandemic striking at the end of the 1st quarter 2020).
Income from fund raising activities remained nil for the fourth year running as no such activities were arranged.
The top flat of Hexagon House remained let for the period.
Extensive repairs to Hexagon House were enacted.
It is noticeable that the interest on investments and savings accounts has declined in the period.
As in previous years, without the income derived from the property, the Fund could not meet its commitments and would be regarded as a very small charity.
**9**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (Continued…)**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **6. Year under Review - (Continued…)**
There were no grants to members of the British Federation as none were brought to notice as being in need of help. Gifts and cards at Christmas amounted to £105.
£9600 was given to UK charities in total. The sponsorship to SPES (for TOGO) for 2021 was £0.
In line with our desire to support deprived young children and help them to fulfill their potential, £1,600 was again donated to Reigate Grammar School towards the sponsorship of a boy’s education.
Welfare calls were made to members, due to covid, who are house-bound or resident in care homes and no longer able to travel. This is an important aspect of welfare for the sick and elderly who might not need financial assistance but who do need someone to show an interest in their well-being. The Fund paid for the cost of these calls.
The receipt of donations and the allocation of assistance to Federation members is dealt with by the Federation Almoner, who chairs a Board of Benevolence comprising five members, not including herself, drawn from the Federation. This Board is responsible for all welfare issues at Federation level, whereas individual lodge almoners have responsibility at the local level.
Donations to external bodies and charities are decided separately by the board of trustees.
The Fund is a member of the UK Debt Management Office’s Approved Group, which enables it to buy and sell British Government Stocks.
## **7. Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities:**
The Charities Act 2011 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 Fund and the income and expenditure of the Fund for that year.
In preparing those Financial Statements, the Trustees are required to :
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Fund
- will continue.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper Accounting Records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the Financial Position of the Fund and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Fund and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 20th September 2022 and signed on their behalf by:
## **Christine Hilcenko - Chair**
**10**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2021.
## **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 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 Charities 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.
**Reza Samii Date: 20th September 2022 Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor**
**5 Calico Row Plantation Wharf Battersea London, SW11 3YH**
**11**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
## FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**Income and endowments from:**
Other trading activities
Investments
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities - direct
Charitable activities -
- establishment costs
Other expenditure
**Net Income / (Expenditure)**
**before transfers**
- C/f to next page
**Total**
Donations & legacies
Charitable Activities
**Total**||**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**190**
_308_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**2**
_682_
**192**
_990_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**(215)**
_(249)_
**(215)**
_(249)_
**Note 2**
**ALMONERS FUNDS**
**Funds**
**Unrestricted**|**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**35,197**
_68,921_
**919**
_1,403_
**Funds**
**Note 3**
**BUILDINGS FUNDS**
**Unrestricted**|**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**100**
_30_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**100**
_30_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**BUILDINGS FUNDS**
**Note 4**
**(SPES FUND)**
**Funds**
**Restricted**|**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**100**
_30_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**100**
_30_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_
**BUILDINGS FUNDS**
**Note 4**
**(SPES FUND)**
**Funds**
**Restricted**|**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**290**
_338_
**0**
_0_
**35,197**
_68,921_
**921**
_2,085_|
||||**36,116**
_70,324_|**100**||**36,408**
_71,344_|
||||**(9,600)**
_(4,727)_
**(21,216)**
_(24,473)_
**0**
_0_|**0**
**0**
**0**||**(9,600)**
_(4,727)_
**(21,216)**
_(24,473)_
**(215)**
_(249)_|
||||**(30,816)**
_(29,200)_|**0**||**(31,030)**
_(29,448)_|
||||||||
|||**(23)**
_741_|**5,300**
_41,124_|**100**|_30_|**5,377**
_41,896_|
_Notes 1 to 9 form part of these accounts_
**12**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
## FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**Balances B/F from previous**
**page**
**Transfers between funds**
**Notes 2 & 3**
**Net movements in funds**
**Brought Forward :**
Income Funds
Reserves on Transfer of Assets
**Total funds carried forward**||**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**Unrestricted**
**ALMONERS FUNDS**
**Note 2**
**Funds**||**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**BUILDINGS FUNDS**
**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Note 3**|**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**Note 4**
**(SPES FUND)**
**Restricted**
**BUILDINGS FUNDS**
**Funds**|**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_
**Note 4**
**(SPES FUND)**
**Restricted**
**BUILDINGS FUNDS**
**Funds**|**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||||**2021**
_2020_
**£**
_£_|
|||**(23)**
_741_|**5,300**
_41,124_||**100**|_30_|**5,377**
_41,896_|
||||**0**
_0_||**0**||**0**
_0_
**0**
_0_|
||||**5,300**
_41,124_||**100**||**5,377**
_41,896_|
||||||||**5,377**
_41,896_
**1,771,881** _1,729,985_
**1,003,403** _1,003,403_|
||||||||**2,780,663** _2,775,285_|
_Notes 1 to 9 form part of these accounts_
**13**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND BALANCE SHEET**
## AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**Notes**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible Assets
**5.**
Investments
**6.**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
**7.**
**Cash at bank and in hand :**
**- Almoners Funds :**
Lloyds TSB - Business
**- Buildings Funds :**
Lloyds TSB - Treasurers
Lloyds TSB - Instant access
Treasury money market A/C
SPES Account - restricted
Cash in hand
**CREDITORS : Amounts falling due**
**within one year**
**8.**
**NET CURRENT ASSETS / (LIABILITIES)**
**TOTAL NET ASSETS / (LIABILITIES)**
**THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY:**
**Unrestricted income funds**
- Building Funds - unrestricted
**9.**
- Building Funds - restricted(SPES)
**4.**
- Almoners Funds - unrestricted
**8.**
- Reserve on transfer of assets -
Building Funds
**9.**|**£**
**£**
_£_
_£_
**2,500,783**
_2,501,044_
**84,166**
_84,166_
**2,584,949**
_2,585,209_
**2,442**
_4,965_
**5,946**
_5,969_
**167,410**
_71,593_
**27,558**
_27,556_
**0**
_87,075_
**2,032**
_1,932_
**47**
_61_
**197,047**
_188,215_
**(9,725)**
_(9,075)_
**195,711**
_190,074_
**2,780,659**
_2,775,283_
**1,720,884**
_1,715,584_
**2,032**
_1,932_
**54,339**
_54,364_
**1,003,403**
_1,003,403_
**2,780,659**
_2,775,283_
**31-Dec-21**
_31-Dec-20_|**£**
**£**
_£_
_£_
**2,500,783**
_2,501,044_
**84,166**
_84,166_
**2,584,949**
_2,585,209_
**2,442**
_4,965_
**5,946**
_5,969_
**167,410**
_71,593_
**27,558**
_27,556_
**0**
_87,075_
**2,032**
_1,932_
**47**
_61_
**197,047**
_188,215_
**(9,725)**
_(9,075)_
**195,711**
_190,074_
**2,780,659**
_2,775,283_
**1,720,884**
_1,715,584_
**2,032**
_1,932_
**54,339**
_54,364_
**1,003,403**
_1,003,403_
**2,780,659**
_2,775,283_
**31-Dec-21**
_31-Dec-20_|**£**
**£**
_£_
_£_
**2,500,783**
_2,501,044_
**84,166**
_84,166_
**2,584,949**
_2,585,209_
**2,442**
_4,965_
**5,946**
_5,969_
**167,410**
_71,593_
**27,558**
_27,556_
**0**
_87,075_
**2,032**
_1,932_
**47**
_61_
**197,047**
_188,215_
**(9,725)**
_(9,075)_
**195,711**
_190,074_
**2,780,659**
_2,775,283_
**1,720,884**
_1,715,584_
**2,032**
_1,932_
**54,339**
_54,364_
**1,003,403**
_1,003,403_
**2,780,659**
_2,775,283_
**31-Dec-21**
_31-Dec-20_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_2,585,209_|
||||_4,965_
_5,969_
_188,215_
_(9,075)_|
||||_190,074_|
||||_2,775,283_|
|||**1,720,884**
**2,032**
**54,339**
**1,003,403**
**2,780,659**||
||||_1,715,584_
_1,932_
_54,364_
_1,003,403_|
||||_2,775,283_|
**The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20th September 2022 and signed on their behalf by:**
**Ms. Christine Hilcenko……………………………...…………… Chair**
**Mr. Brian Roberts…...………..…….……………………………..Trustee**
_Notes 1 to 9 form part of these accounts_
**14**
**THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES:**
## _**a) ACCOUNTING BASIS AND STANDARDS:**_
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified to include the revaluation of the freehold property and in accordance with Accounting Standards in the UK, the Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102, the Charities SORP FRS 102 and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
## _**b) INCOMING RESOURCES:**_
## **Recognition of incoming resources**
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
- the charity becomes entitled to resources;
- the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
- the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
## _**c) EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES:**_
## **Liability recognition**
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
## _**d) TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION:**_
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
Fixtures & fittings - 25% reducing balance Office Equipment - 25% reducing balance
## _**e) PROPERTY REVALUATION:**_
The freehold property is revalued by the Trustees after obtaining professional assistance.
## _**f) RESERVES POLICY:**_
The charity starts each year with one year’s estimated expenditure in the bank excluding potential income and invested funds and in addition;-
The charity retains a reserve of £30,000 to cover annual maintenance, repairs and decorations to Hexagon House and the land in Surbiton Hill Road, including Cranhurst Lodge and an additional £10,000 for annual grants plus £11,000 for routine running costs.
**15**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**2.**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME:**
25% Dues from Lodges
**10**
Donations from Lodges
**180**
**190**
Charitable activities - fund raising
**0**
**Interest on Investments & savings accounts**
**2**
**192**
**EXPENDITURE: Unrestricted**
**Direct Charitable Expenditure**
Grants to Brethren & Gifts
**0**
**0**
**OTHER EXPENDITURE:**
Printing, postage & stationery
**105**
Sundries
**110**
**(215)**
**(215)**
**Net incoming / (outgoing) resources**
**(23)**
**before transfers**
Transfer between funds - from Building Funds
**0**
**Net Incoming / (outgoing) resources**
**(23)**
**ALMONERS FUNDS - Unrestricted**
**2021**
**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**|_£_
_£_
_272_
_36_
_308_
_0_
_682_
_990_
_2020_|_£_
_£_
_272_
_36_
_308_
_0_
_682_
_990_
_2020_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_990_|
||||
||_0_|_0_
_(249)_|
||_69_
_180_||
||||
|||_(249)_|
|||_741_
_0_|
|||_741_|
**16**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND**
## **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**3.**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME:**
Rent from lodges and chapters
**178**
Outside Obediences
**80**
British Federation
**0**
**258**
Rent : Cranhurst Lodge
**13,750**
: Top floor flat
**11,829**
Car Park
**9,360**
**35,197**
**Grant - Kingston Council**
**0**
**35,197**
**Interest on Investments & savings accounts**
**919**
**36,116**
**EXPENDITURE: Unrestricted**
**Direct Charitable Expenditure & Donations**
**(9,600)**
**EXPENDITURES:**
**Establishment Expenses :**
**BUILDINGS FUNDS - Unrestricted**
**2021**
**TOTAL INCOME**|_£_
_£_
_3,161_
_990_
_4,000_
_8,151_
_13,750_
_14,100_
_7,920_
_43,921_
_25,000_
_68,921_
_1,403_
_70,324_
_(4,727)_
_2020_|_£_
_£_
_3,161_
_990_
_4,000_
_8,151_
_13,750_
_14,100_
_7,920_
_43,921_
_25,000_
_68,921_
_1,403_
_70,324_
_(4,727)_
_2020_|
|---|---|---|
||_8,151_
_13,750_
_14,100_
_7,920_||
||||
|||_68,921_
_1,403_|
|||_70,324_|
|||_(4,727)_|
||||
|**EXPENDITURES:**
**Establishment Expenses :**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|General Rates incl. water rates
**1,111**
Light & Heat
**5,809**
- less contributions (Cranhurst)
**(146)**
- less contributions (1st Floor)
**(1,811)**
Gardening expenses
**800**
- less contributions
**(400)**
Cleaning & refuse collection
expenses -includes wages & tax
**3,034**
- less contributions
**(312)**
Insurance costs
**3,120**
- less contributions
**(596)**
Repairs, renewals & maintenance
- repairs & renewals
**5,206**
**Carried forward to page 17**|**1,111**|**1,111**
**3,852**
**400**
**2,722**
**2,524**
**5,206**
**(15,815)**
**(25,415)**||_1,088_|_1,088_
_2,798_
_1,040_
_1,756_
_2,309_||
||**5,809**
**(146)**
**(1,811)**|||_4,537_
_(1,530)_
_(209)_|||
||**800**
**(400)**|||_1,600_
_(560)_|||
||**3,034**
**(312)**|||_2,077_
_(321)_|||
||**3,120**
**(596)**|||_2,995_
_(686)_|||
|||||_10,311_|||
||||||_10,311_||
||||||||
|||||||_(19,302)_|
||||||||
||||**(25,415)**|||_(24,029)_|
**17**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**£**
**£**
**3.**
**(25,415)**
**Administration Expenses :**
Communication costs
**0**
Printing, postage & stationary
**25**
Accountancy fees
**2,905**
- under / (over) provision in respect of
**0**
prior year
Book keeping costs
**1,516**
Administrator fees
**230**
Staff welfare
**76**
Bad debts written off
**213**
Sundries
**175**
Depreciation on fixtures & fittings
**222**
Depreciation on office equipment
**39**
**(5,401)**
**(30,816)**
**Net incoming / (outgoing) resources**
**5,300**
**before transfers**
Transfer between funds
**0**
**Net Incoming resources / (outgoings)**
**5,300**
**2021**
**Building**
**Funds**
**4.**
**RESTRICTED FUNDS - SPES FUND**
**Income**
**(Restricted)**
**£**
**Balance as at 1.1.2021**
**1,932**
**Income for the year - Donations from lodges**
**100**
**Expenditure :**
**0**
**Balance as at 31.12.2021**
**2,032**
_- represented by the bank balance_
**BUILDINGS FUNDS - Unrestricted (continued…)**
**Brought forward from page 16**
**2021**
**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**|_£_
_£_
_(24,029)_
_563_
_0_
_2,400_
_(84)_
_880_
_1,000_
_64_
_0_
_0_
_296_
_51_
_(5,171)_
_(29,200)_
_41,124_
_0_
_41,124_
_2020_|_£_
_£_
_(24,029)_
_563_
_0_
_2,400_
_(84)_
_880_
_1,000_
_64_
_0_
_0_
_296_
_51_
_(5,171)_
_(29,200)_
_41,124_
_0_
_41,124_
_2020_|_£_
_£_
_(24,029)_
_563_
_0_
_2,400_
_(84)_
_880_
_1,000_
_64_
_0_
_0_
_296_
_51_
_(5,171)_
_(29,200)_
_41,124_
_0_
_41,124_
_2020_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
||||_(29,200)_|
||||_41,124_
_0_|
||||_41,124_|
|||||
||||_2020_|
||||**Building**|
||||**Funds**|
||||**Income**|
||||**(Restricted)**|
||||**£**|
|||||
||||_1,902_|
|||||
||||_30_|
|||||
||||_0_|
|||||
|||||
|||||
||||_1,932_|
|||||
**18**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND**
## **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**5.**|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
**(Building Funds)**
**- Unrestricted Funds**
**Cost or Valuation**
At 1st January 2020
Additions during year
**At 31 December 2020**
**Depreciation**
At 1st January 2020
Charge for the year
**At 31 December 2020**
**Net Book values**
**At 31.12.2020**
_At 31.12.2019_|**Freehold**
**Property**
**(Investment**
**Fixtures,**
**Office**
**Property)**
**Fittings**
**Equipment**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**2,500,000**
**37,625**
**3,824**
**2,541,449**
**0**
**0**
**0**
**0**|
|---|---|---|
|||**2,500,000**
**37,625**
**3,824**
**2,541,449**|
|||**0**
**36,736**
**3,669**
**40,405**
**0**
**222**
**39**
**261**|
|||**0**
**36,958**
**3,708**
**40,666**|
|||**2,500,000**
**667**
**116**
**2,500,783**|
|||_2,500,000_
_889_
_155_
_2,501,044_|
The trustees, after obtaining professional assistance, are of the opinion that the above carrying values fairly represent the property's market value as at 31st December 2020 and 2021.
On a historical cost basis, freehold land and buildings would have been included as follows;-
|Cost|**2021**
**£**
**975,000**|_2020_
_£_
_975,000_|
|---|---|---|
**19**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND**
## **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**6.**
Bank of Ireland: 1 year fixed term bond: b/f
National Savings Income Bonds: b/f
Interest earned during year
**Represented by:**
Bank of Ireland 0.75 % Bond
National Savings Income Bonds
**As above**
**INVESTMENTS**||**2021**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**Almoners**
**Building**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**(unrestricted)**
**(unrestricted)**
**38,518**
**35,647**
**10,000**
**0**|_2020_
_2020_
_£_
_£_
_Almoners_
_Building_
_Funds_
_Funds_
_(unrestricted)_
_(unrestricted)_
_37,948_
_35,121_
_10,000_
_0_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**48,518**
**35,647**
**0**
**0**|_47,948_
_35,121_
_570_
_526_|
|||**48,518**
**35,647**|_48,518_
_35,647_|
|||**2021**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**38,518**
**35,647**
**10,000**
**0**|**2021**
**£**
**TOTAL**
**74,166**
**10,000**
**84,166**|
|||**48,518**
**35,647**||
|**7.**
**DEBTORS**
Trade debtors - rent receivable
Prepayments and accrued income -
- insurance||**2021**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**Almoners**
**Building**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**(unrestricted)**
**(unrestricted)**
**0**
**222**
**0**
**2,220**|_2020_
_2020_
_£_
_£_
_Almoners_
_Building_
_Funds_
_Funds_
_(unrestricted)_
_(unrestricted)_
_0_
_2,694_
_0_
_2,271_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**0**
**2,442**|_0_
_4,965_|
**20**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**8.**
**CREDITORS-amounts falling due within**
**one year:-**
Trade creditors
Other Creditors- tenant's deposit
Other Creditors- tenant's rent paid in advance
Accruals||**2021**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
**Almoners**
**Building**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**(Restricted /**
**(unrestricted)**
**unrestricted)**
**0**
**818**
**0**
**2,625**
**0**
**3,438**
**0**
**2,845**|_2020_
_2020_
_£_
_£_
_Almoners_
_Building_
_Funds_
_Funds_
_(Restricted /_
_(unrestricted)_
_unrestricted)_
_0_
_613_
_0_
_2,625_
_0_
_3,438_
_0_
_2,400_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**0**
**9,725**|_0_
_9,075_|
|**9.**
**UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**
**Balance as at 1.1.2021**
**Surplus / (deficit) for year**
- Buildings Funds
- Almoners Funds
**Balance as at 31.12.2021**|**(**|**Building**
**Funds**
**Income**
**R**
**unrestricted)**
**£**
**190,584**
**5,300**
**0**|**Building**
**Funds**
**eval'tion**
**(unrestricted)**
**£**
**1,525,000**
**0**
**0**|**Almoners**
**Funds**
**Income**
**(unrestricted)**
**£**
**54,362**
**0**
**(23)**|**Reserves on**
**transfer of**
**assets**
**Total**
**(unrestricted)**
**£**
**£**
**1,003,403**
**2,773,352**
**0**
**5,300**
**0**
**(23)**|**Reserves on**
**transfer of**
**assets**
**Total**
**(unrestricted)**
**£**
**£**
**1,003,403**
**2,773,352**
**0**
**5,300**
**0**
**(23)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||||
|||**195,884**
|**1,525,000**|**54,339**||**1,003,403**
**2,778,629**|
|**RESTRICTED FUNDS - SPES FUND**
**Balance as at 1.1.2021**
**Surplus / (deficit) for year**
**Balance as at 31.12.2021**
_- represented by the bank balance_||**2021**
**Building**
**Funds**
**Income**
**(Restricted)**
**£**
**1,932**
**100**|
|---|---|---|
|||**2,032**|
||||
**21**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE**
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
## **APPENDIX 1**
**Board of Trustees** Chair + 8 other Trustees (inc. The British Co-Masonic Trust Ltd)
**Trustees' Responsibilities**
1st Trustee - Chair - Control and coordination inc. donations to outside bodies, SPES and other charities 2nd Trustee - Treasurer - Finances and budgets. (Investments; fundraising; book-keeping (with employed assistant); insurance cover) 3rd Trustee (Secretary) - Legal issues & responsibilities and compliance with law; policy drafting; trustee liability; leases / rentals; car park and grounds 4th Trustee - Business planning; performance monitoring; evaluation and review 5th Trustee - Charity Commission liaison 6th Trustee - Fed Almoner - see below 7th Trustee - Property Management - maintenance of house & contents, stock control, but not maintenance of grounds and equipment; emergencies ; health & safety; Gift Aid; Website 8th Trustee - British Co-Masonic Trust Ltd 9th Trustee - (Vacancy) Annual Report **Board of Benevolence** Federation Almoner + 5 members **Responsibilities** * Management of Almoner's A/c * Welfare of members * Visits to aged and infirm * Grants to sick, elderly and in need * Liaison with lodges * Support & guidance to lodge almoners
**22**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND ASSESSMENT OF TARGETS IN BUSINESS PLAN FOR 2021**
## FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**Priorities**|**Objectives**|**Steps to Achieve**|**Action by**|**Timescale**|**Any issue**
**Identified on review**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Welfare of
members of
the British
Federation
who are in
need|1 Provide
financial
assistance to
all members
who are
known to
need it.
2 Provide
pastoral care
to all
members
who are
known to
need such
care|*****Supplement the income to a maximum of
£140 for single brethren and £150 per couple
per month; with the capacity to go above these
figures if not in receipt of state aid. This is for
all members in-capable of self care due to age
or infirmity, according to agreed criteria.
*****Donate up to 15% of annual surplus to the
Almoner’s Fund (when required).
*****Provide emergency funds up to a maximum of
£2,000 to members suffering genuine financial
hardship as a one-off – through no fault of their
own, according to agreed criteria.
*****A provision to grant an interest free loan
facility to brethren who are in financial need; of
a figure up to £2,000 to be repaid within a
timescale individually agreed; but within 12
months. To meet the usual conditions applied;
regarding eligibility.
*****Provide occasional visits and/or gifts to elderly
and/or infirm members not in need of regular
assistance, to benefit their general well being
or to meet a specific need.
*****Liaise and communicate with elderly and
infirm members who are not able to attend
lodges due to age or infirmity.|All members of
Committee
unless otherwise
stated|
On-going
unless other
timescale
stated||
**23**
## **THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND**
## **ASSESSMENT OF TARGETS IN BUSINESS PLAN FOR 2021 (Continued…)**
## FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2021
|**Priorities**|**Objectives**|**Steps to Achieve**|**Action by**|**Timescale**|**Any issue**
**Identified on review**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Help for the
less
fortunate or
suffering
members of
humanity,
particularly
children
Give
support to
children
and young
people up
to and
including
the age of
24 years to
fulfil their
full
potential.
**OUR**
**VALUES**|1 Support
national
charities,
other bodies
,organisation
s and
individuals;
whose aims
are to relieve
poverty and
distress, in
areas local to
lodges in the
British
Federation.
2 Support
worthy
causes
anywhere in
the world.
Support
Local,
National and
International
Charities,
other bodies,
organisations
, individuals
and other
causes,
whose aims
are related to
the
achievement
ofpotential.|*****Regular communication by email; phone or
post and including other forms of digital media.
*****Identify suitable national and local charities,
bodies, organisations and individuals.
*To make a donation of up to 25% of the
annual surplus in 2022 (as a guideline) and of
2021 in addition..
*****Identify worthy causes anywhere in the world
and allocate appropriate funds.
*****Sponsor four SPES children in Togo, until
self-sufficient.
*****Monitor world catastrophes and donate funds
accordingly.
*****Identify suitable Local, National and
International Charities other bodies,
organisations, individuals or causes.
*****To make donations up to 25% (as a guideline)
of the annual surplus in 2022.and of 2021 in
addition.
**1 Compassion, care and empathy**
**2 Belief in the dignity of all**
**3 Transparency**
**4 Speed and efficiency in dealing with**
**identified needs**|All members of
Committee
unless otherwise
stated|
All ongoing
unless
otherwise
stated||