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2023-12-31-accounts

Comasonic Benevolent Fund

Registered charity No: 205813

ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 2023

CONTENTS PAGE
Report of the Chairperson 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 2023 22

2

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

As As chair person and on behalf of the board of trustees (“Trustees” or “Board”) of the Comasonic Benevolent Fund (“CMBF”), I am pleased to present the annual report for the Comasonic Benevolent Fund (“CMBF”) for the year ending 31st December 2023.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Trustees, volunteers and support staff of the CMBF for their continued support this year.

The Trustees are volunteers. They 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 CMBF helps in its small way towards improving the lives of our beneficiaries.

Looking to the future, we have as other small charities challenges ahead but I feel confident that we will continue to assist those in need throughout 2024.

Christine Hilcenko – Chair

8th October 2024

3

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees

Christine Hilcenko Chair Brian Roberts Secretary Rene Pfertzel Treasurer Anne Hoblyn Nicole Vitzthum Denys Julian Rees The British Co-Masonic Trust Ltd (nominated representative - Colin Bleach)

Trustees resigned during & since year ended 31.12.2023

Fiaz Mir - Resigned: 1st June 2023

Trustees appointed during year

None

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

4

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

The trustees present their report with the independently examined accounts of the Comasonic Benevolent Fund for the year ended 31 December 2023. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 14.

1. Constitution and Objectives

The CMBF is a registered charity number 205813. The governing document is a 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 CMBF on 30 October 2004). This supplemental deed specifies the terms under which the property known as Hexagon House 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 “British Federation”).

The Charity’s objects and purposes are:

Within these objects and purposes, Trustees’ priorities are:-

2. Organisational Structure

Management of the Fund falls under three principal headings:

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 2023

3. Financial Review - (Continued…)

Ownership of Hexagon House, which was built in 1899, involves important maintenance costs and associated

administration.

The Fund’s limited financial assets are invested in low-risk deposit accounts and investment bonds, re-invested on maturity.

The 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:

Reserve Policy

The Fund’s reserve policy is to:

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 and all of whom must be members of the British Federation. It comprises:-

6

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (Continued…)

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 of CMBF. 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.

Health and Safety Policy

A policy is in place.

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 collection, handling and storage, correction and retention of personal information held by the Comasonic Benevolent Fund. Limited personal details are retained and include mainly those of for the CMBF’s trustees, volunteers, beneficiaries, the independent examiner and contractors, as applicable. Such information is retained within the retention periods required by law and solely for the purposes of the charity, for inclusion in reports to the Charity Commission and for any other legislative requirement. Enquiries regarding access to personal data are made to the Secretary who provides a subject access request form if necessary.

Safeguarding Policy

The CMBF 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 CMBF 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 CMBF, 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 determined by the Trustees from time to time based on certain criteria and guidelines using certain principles or directions set out from time to time by the Trustees in line with the current objects of the charity.

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 2023

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 levels and have minimal impact on the Fund’s income.

The purpose of the Fund is achieved through:

●the making of financial gifts to members of the British Federation 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, the Trustees ensured they include actions that realistically will help achieve the overall purpose.

There are six important principles/directions taken by the Trustees each year. These remain the same every year:

the Charity does not raise money from the public. All income derives from donations by members of the British Federation, donations from lodges and chapters of the British Federation, legacies from deceased members and rent from properties. A large proportion of this rental income is gifted to third party charities.

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 qualify for financial assistance, provided they meet the aid criteria including (without limitation) the criteria required to benefit from state welfare support.

Management and administration of the Charity, is effected by volunteers (in as much as possible). The CMBF’s policy is that volunteers provide their services or assistance 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 CMBF’s purposes. The trustees of the CMBF 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 2023

5. Public benefit - (Continued…)

Benefit to the public, or section of the public

In making grants to members, the Trustees of the CMBF 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, the 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 (the “Order”), for whom the CMBF originally was set up in 1933. The number of members to receive financial support in 2023 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 CMBF, which is open to all members without cost.

Criteria for selecting third party organisations, including 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 CMBF 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 2023 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.

Income from fund raising activities remained £NIL for the fifth 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.

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 2023

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.

£12,600 was given to UK charities in total. The sponsorship to SPES (for TOGO) for 2023 was £NIL.

In line with our desire to support deprived young children and help them to fulfil 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, 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 CMBF paid for the cost of these calls.

The receipt of donations and the allocation of assistance to the British Federation members is dealt with by the British Federation’s Almoner, who chairs a Board of Benevolence comprising five members, not including herself/himself, drawn from members of the British Federation. This Board of Benevolence is responsible for all welfare issues at the British 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 of the CMBF.

The CMBF 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 Board of Trustees of the CMBF to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the CMBF and the income and expenditure of the CMBF for the relevant financial year.

In preparing those Financial Statements, the Trustees are required to :

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 23rd September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Christine Hilcenko - Chair 8th October 2024

10

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

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:

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: 9th October 2024 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 2023

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		 2023
2022
£
£
0
0
0
0
56,761
38,870
539
534
Funds
Note 3
BUILDINGS FUNDS
Unrestricted		 2023
2022
£
£
0
55
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
55
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
BUILDINGS FUNDS
Note 4
(SPES FUND)
Funds
Restricted		 2023
2022
£
£
0
55
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
55
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
BUILDINGS FUNDS
Note 4
(SPES FUND)
Funds
Restricted		 TOTAL
2023
2022
£
£
478
368
0
0
56,761
38,870
841
1,205
57,300
39,404		 0 58,081
40,444
(12,600)
(32,100)
(40,322)
(46,344)
0
0		 0
0
0		 (13,570)
(32,520)
(40,322)
(46,344)
(113)
(293)
(52,922)
(78,444)		 0 (54,004)
(79,157)
(302)
271		 4,378
(39,039)		 0 55 4,076
(38,713)

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 2023

2023
2022
£
£
Balances B/F from previous
(302)
271
page
Transfers between funds
0
0
Notes 2 & 3
(302)
271
Other Recognised gains/(losses)
Unrealised Gains on revaluation
0
0
Net movements in funds
(302)
271
Brought Forward :
Income Funds
54,612
54,341
Reserves on Transfer of Assets
0
0
Rounding adjustment
0
0
Total funds carried forward
54,311
54,612
Unrestricted
ALMONERS FUNDS
Note 2
Funds		 2023
2022
£
£
Unrestricted
ALMONERS FUNDS
Note 2
Funds		 2023
2022
£
£
BUILDINGS FUNDS
Unrestricted
Funds
Note 3		 2023
2022
£
£
Note 4
(SPES FUND)
Restricted
BUILDINGS FUNDS
Funds		 2023
2022
£
£
Note 4
(SPES FUND)
Restricted
BUILDINGS FUNDS
Funds		 TOTAL
2023
2022
£
£
(302)
271		 4,378
(39,039)		 0 55 4,076
(38,713)
55
0		 (55) 0
0
4,433
(39,039)
250,000
0		 (55)
0		 4,076
(38,713)
250,000
0
254,076
(38,713)
1,738,542 1,777,258
1,003,403 1,003,403
0
(4)
2,996,021 2,741,946

Notes 1 to 9 form part of these accounts

13

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

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
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.		 £
£
£
£
2,750,516
2,500,689
85,278
85,278
2,835,794
2,585,966
10,415
6,053
5,323
5,625
28,844
128,056
118,111
27,572
2,032
2,087
0
0
148,986
157,716
(4,498)
(13,415)
160,227
155,979
2,996,021
2,741,946
1,936,278
1,681,845
2,032
2,087
54,308
54,610
1,003,403
1,003,403
2,996,021
2,741,946
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-23		 £
£
£
£
2,750,516
2,500,689
85,278
85,278
2,835,794
2,585,966
10,415
6,053
5,323
5,625
28,844
128,056
118,111
27,572
2,032
2,087
0
0
148,986
157,716
(4,498)
(13,415)
160,227
155,979
2,996,021
2,741,946
1,936,278
1,681,845
2,032
2,087
54,308
54,610
1,003,403
1,003,403
2,996,021
2,741,946
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-23		 £
£
£
£
2,750,516
2,500,689
85,278
85,278
2,835,794
2,585,966
10,415
6,053
5,323
5,625
28,844
128,056
118,111
27,572
2,032
2,087
0
0
148,986
157,716
(4,498)
(13,415)
160,227
155,979
2,996,021
2,741,946
1,936,278
1,681,845
2,032
2,087
54,308
54,610
1,003,403
1,003,403
2,996,021
2,741,946
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-23
2,585,966
6,053
5,625
157,716
(13,415)
155,979
2,741,946
1,936,278
2,032
54,308
1,003,403
2,996,021
1,681,845
2,087
54,610
1,003,403
2,741,946

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 23rd September 2024 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 2023

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:

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 2023

2.
£
£
INCOME:
25% Dues from Lodges
248
Donations from Lodges
230
478
Charitable activities - fund raising
0
Interest on Investments & savings accounts
302
781
EXPENDITURE: Unrestricted
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Grants to Brethren & Gifts
970
(970)
OTHER EXPENDITURE:
Printing, postage & stationery
36
Travelling expenses
36
Sundries
40
(113)
(1,083)
Net incoming / (outgoing) resources
(302)
before transfers
Transfer between funds - from Building Funds
0
Net Incoming / (outgoing) resources
(302)
ALMONERS FUNDS - Unrestricted
2023
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED		 £
£
123
190
313
0
671
984
2022		 £
£
123
190
313
0
671
984
2022
984
420 (420)
(293)
118
0
175
(713)
271
0
271

16

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

3.
£
£
INCOME:
Rent from lodges and chapters
11,244
Outside Obediences
4,320
15,564
Rent : Cranhurst Lodge
13,129
: Top floor flat
16,380
Car Park
11,520
56,593
Other donations
168
56,761
Interest on Investments & savings accounts
539
57,300
EXPENDITURE: Unrestricted
Direct Charitable Expenditure & Donations
(12,600)
EXPENDITURES:
Establishment Expenses :
General Rates incl. water rates
1,800
1,800
Light & Heat
12,600
- less contributions (Cranhurst)
(79)
- less contributions (1st Floor)
(2,493)
10,029
Gardening expenses
1,860
- less contributions
(490)
1,370
Cleaning & refuse collection
expenses -includes wages & tax
6,214
- less contributions
(876)
5,338
Insurance costs
2,190
- less contributions
0
2,190
Repairs, renewals & maintenance
- repairs & renewals
8,111
8,111
(28,838)
(41,438)
BUILDINGS FUNDS - Unrestricted
2023
Carried forward to page 17
TOTAL INCOME		 3.
£
£
INCOME:
Rent from lodges and chapters
11,244
Outside Obediences
4,320
15,564
Rent : Cranhurst Lodge
13,129
: Top floor flat
16,380
Car Park
11,520
56,593
Other donations
168
56,761
Interest on Investments & savings accounts
539
57,300
EXPENDITURE: Unrestricted
Direct Charitable Expenditure & Donations
(12,600)
EXPENDITURES:
Establishment Expenses :
General Rates incl. water rates
1,800
1,800
Light & Heat
12,600
- less contributions (Cranhurst)
(79)
- less contributions (1st Floor)
(2,493)
10,029
Gardening expenses
1,860
- less contributions
(490)
1,370
Cleaning & refuse collection
expenses -includes wages & tax
6,214
- less contributions
(876)
5,338
Insurance costs
2,190
- less contributions
0
2,190
Repairs, renewals & maintenance
- repairs & renewals
8,111
8,111
(28,838)
(41,438)
BUILDINGS FUNDS - Unrestricted
2023
Carried forward to page 17
TOTAL INCOME		 3.
£
£
INCOME:
Rent from lodges and chapters
11,244
Outside Obediences
4,320
15,564
Rent : Cranhurst Lodge
13,129
: Top floor flat
16,380
Car Park
11,520
56,593
Other donations
168
56,761
Interest on Investments & savings accounts
539
57,300
EXPENDITURE: Unrestricted
Direct Charitable Expenditure & Donations
(12,600)
EXPENDITURES:
Establishment Expenses :
General Rates incl. water rates
1,800
1,800
Light & Heat
12,600
- less contributions (Cranhurst)
(79)
- less contributions (1st Floor)
(2,493)
10,029
Gardening expenses
1,860
- less contributions
(490)
1,370
Cleaning & refuse collection
expenses -includes wages & tax
6,214
- less contributions
(876)
5,338
Insurance costs
2,190
- less contributions
0
2,190
Repairs, renewals & maintenance
- repairs & renewals
8,111
8,111
(28,838)
(41,438)
BUILDINGS FUNDS - Unrestricted
2023
Carried forward to page 17
TOTAL INCOME		 3.
£
£
INCOME:
Rent from lodges and chapters
11,244
Outside Obediences
4,320
15,564
Rent : Cranhurst Lodge
13,129
: Top floor flat
16,380
Car Park
11,520
56,593
Other donations
168
56,761
Interest on Investments & savings accounts
539
57,300
EXPENDITURE: Unrestricted
Direct Charitable Expenditure & Donations
(12,600)
EXPENDITURES:
Establishment Expenses :
General Rates incl. water rates
1,800
1,800
Light & Heat
12,600
- less contributions (Cranhurst)
(79)
- less contributions (1st Floor)
(2,493)
10,029
Gardening expenses
1,860
- less contributions
(490)
1,370
Cleaning & refuse collection
expenses -includes wages & tax
6,214
- less contributions
(876)
5,338
Insurance costs
2,190
- less contributions
0
2,190
Repairs, renewals & maintenance
- repairs & renewals
8,111
8,111
(28,838)
(41,438)
BUILDINGS FUNDS - Unrestricted
2023
Carried forward to page 17
TOTAL INCOME		 £
£
2,410
3,360
5,770
8,651
15,780
8,640
38,840
30
38,870
534
39,404
(32,100)
2022		 £
£
2,410
3,360
5,770
8,651
15,780
8,640
38,840
30
38,870
534
39,404
(32,100)
2022
5,770
8,651
15,780
8,640
38,870
534
39,404
(32,100)
3,619 3,619
5,838
1,895
4,778
3,249
7,346
(103)
(1,406)
2,240
(345)
4,990
(212)
3,249
0
20,294
20,294
(39,673)
(41,438) (71,773)

17

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

£
£
3.
(41,438)
Administration Expenses :
Printing, postage & stationary
0
Accountancy fees
4,140
Book keeping costs
2,240
Legal and professional
1,980
IT, software & web design
54
Administrator fees
2,397
Staff welfare
156
Bank charges
0
Sundries
345
Depreciation on fixtures & fittings
125
Depreciation on office equipment
47
(11,484)
(52,922)
Net incoming / (outgoing) resources
4,378
before transfers
Transfer between funds
55
Net Incoming resources / (outgoings)
4,433
2023
Building
Funds
4.
RESTRICTED FUNDS - SPES FUND
Income
(Restricted)
£
Balance as at 1.1.2023
2,087
Income for the year - Donations from lodges
0
Expenditure
0
Transfer between funds
(55)
Balance as at 31.12.2023
2,032
- represented by the bank balance
BUILDINGS FUNDS - Unrestricted (continued…)
Brought forward from page 16
2023
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED		 £
£
(71,773)
38
3,119
1,910
210
625
0
273
15
252
167
63
(6,670)
(78,444)
(39,039)
0
(39,039)
2022		 £
£
(71,773)
38
3,119
1,910
210
625
0
273
15
252
167
63
(6,670)
(78,444)
(39,039)
0
(39,039)
2022		 £
£
(71,773)
38
3,119
1,910
210
625
0
273
15
252
167
63
(6,670)
(78,444)
(39,039)
0
(39,039)
2022
(39,039)
0
(39,039)
2022
Building
Funds
Income
(Restricted)
£
2,032
55
0
0
2,087

18

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
(Building Funds)
- Unrestricted Funds
Cost or Valuation
At 1st January 2023
Additions during year
Revaluation during the year
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1st January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net Book values
At 31.12.2023
At 31.12.2022		 Freehold
Property
(Investment
Fixtures,
Office
Property)
Fittings
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
2,500,000
37,625
3,959
2,541,584
0
0
0
0
250,000
0
0
250,000
2,750,000
37,625
3,959
2,791,584
0
37,125
3,771
40,896
0
125
47
172
0
37,250
3,818
41,068
2,750,000
375
141
2,750,516
2,500,000
500
188
2,500,689

Freehold Property:

The trustees, after obtaining professional assistance, are of the opinion that the above revalued amount of the investment property fairly represent its market value as at 31st December 2023.

On a historical cost basis, freehold land and buildings would have been included as follows;-

Cost 2023
£
975,000		 2022
£
975,000

19

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 0.45 % Bond
- Maturity date: 28.10.2024
National Savings Income Bonds
As above
INVESTMENTS		 2023
2023
£
£
Almoners
Building
Funds
Funds
(unrestricted)
(unrestricted)
39,096
36,181
10,000
0		 2022
2022
£
£
Almoners
Building
Funds
Funds
(unrestricted)
(unrestricted)
38,518
35,647
10,000
0
49,096
36,181
0
0		 48,518
35,647
578
534
49,096
36,181		 49,096
36,181
2023
2023
£
£
39,096
36,181
10,000
0		 2023
2022
£
£
TOTAL
TOTAL
75,278
75,278
10,000
10,000
49,096
36,181		 85,278
85,278
7.
DEBTORS
Trade debtors - rent & fees receivable
Prepayments and accrued income -
- insurance, business rates & cleaning		 2023
2023
£
£
Almoners
Building
Funds
Funds
(unrestricted)
(unrestricted)
0
9,889
0
526		 2022
2022
£
£
Almoners
Building
Funds
Funds
(unrestricted)
(unrestricted)
0
2,281
0
3,772
0
10,415		 0
6,053

20

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

8.
CREDITORS-amounts falling due within
one year:-
Trade creditors
Other Creditors- related undertaking
Accruals
Building
Funds
9.
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Income
(unrestricted)
£
Balance as at 1.1.2023
156,845
Surplus / (deficit) for year
- Buildings Funds
4,433
- Almoners Funds
0
Balance as at 31.12.2023
161,278
RESTRICTED FUNDS - SPES FUND
Balance as at 1.1.2023
Transfer between funds
Balance as at 31.12.2023
- represented by the bank balance		 8.
CREDITORS-amounts falling due within
one year:-
Trade creditors
Other Creditors- related undertaking
Accruals
Building
Funds
9.
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Income
(unrestricted)
£
Balance as at 1.1.2023
156,845
Surplus / (deficit) for year
- Buildings Funds
4,433
- Almoners Funds
0
Balance as at 31.12.2023
161,278
RESTRICTED FUNDS - SPES FUND
Balance as at 1.1.2023
Transfer between funds
Balance as at 31.12.2023
- represented by the bank balance		 8.
CREDITORS-amounts falling due within
one year:-
Trade creditors
Other Creditors- related undertaking
Accruals
Building
Funds
9.
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Income
(unrestricted)
£
Balance as at 1.1.2023
156,845
Surplus / (deficit) for year
- Buildings Funds
4,433
- Almoners Funds
0
Balance as at 31.12.2023
161,278
RESTRICTED FUNDS - SPES FUND
Balance as at 1.1.2023
Transfer between funds
Balance as at 31.12.2023
- represented by the bank balance		 2023
£
Almoners
Funds
(Restricted /
unrestricted)
0
0
0		 2023
£
Building
Funds
(unrestricted)
1,498
0
3,000		 2022
2022
£
£
Almoners
Building
Funds
Funds
(Restricted /
(unrestricted)
unrestricted)
0
5,521
0
4,524
0
3,370
0 4,498 0
13,415
R

 Building
Funds
eval'tion
(unrestricted)
£
1,525,000
250,000
0		 Almoners
Funds
Income
(unrestricted)
£
54,610
0
(302)		 Reserves on
transfer of
assets
Total
(unrestricted)
£
£
1,003,403
2,739,858
0
254,433
0
(302)
161,278 1,775,000 54,308 1,003,403
2,993,989
2023
Building
Funds
Income
(Restricted)
£
2,087
(55)
2,032

21

THE CO-MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 - (Vacancy) 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 BUSINESS PLAN FOR 2023

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023

APPENDIX 2

Purpose

●The relief of poverty and distress among members of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain, British Federation and others and to assist deprived children and young people, up to and including the age of 24years – to achieve their full potential – and such other charitable purposes as may from time to time be prescribed in that behalf by the said constitutions regulations and laws

Aims

● To be a leading Masonic charity in Great Britain

Priorities Objectives Steps to Achieve Action by Time
Scale		 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

 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; a figure of up to
£2,000 to be repaid within a timescale individually agreed; but within 12 months. To meet the usual conditions
applied regarding eligibility.		 All members of
Committee unless
otherwise stated.		 On-going
unless other
timescale
stated.
2. Provide pastoral care to all
members who are known to
need such care		  Provide occasional visits 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.
 Regular communication by email, phone or post and including other forms of digital media		 All members of
Committee unless
otherwise stated.		 All ongoing
unless
otherwise
stated
Help for the less
fortunate or suffering
members of
humanity,
particularly children
1. Support national charities,
other bodies, organisations 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.
1.  Identify suitable national and local charities, bodies, organisations and individuals.
 To make a donation of up to 25% of the annual surplus in 2023 (as a guideline) and of 2022 in addition.
.
2.  Identify worthy causes anywhere in the world and allocate appropriate funds.
 Sponsor four SPES children in Lomé, Togo, until self-sufficient.
 Monitor world catastrophes and donate funds accordingly..
.

All members of
Committee unless
otherwise stated		 All ongoing
unless
otherwise
stated
Give support to
children and young
people up to and
including the age of
24 years to fulfil their
full potential.
1.Support Local, National and
International Charities, other
bodies, organisations,
individuals and other causes,
whose aims are related to the
achievement of potential.		 3. Identify suitable Local, National and International Charities, other bodies, organisations, individuals or
causes
 Make donations up to 25% (as a guideline) of the annual surplus in 2023 and of 2022 in addition.
All members of
Committee unless
otherwise stated		 All ongoing
unless
otherwise
stated
OUR VALUES 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