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2020-12-31-accounts

Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 DECEMBER 2020

Charity Registration Number: 210408

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

CONTENTS

Page
Report of the Trustees 1
Report of the Independent Examiners 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes forming part of the Financial Statements 8

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Year ended 31 December 2020

The Trustees of the Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation are pleased to present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the SORP “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS102) in preparing this annual report and financial statements of the Charity. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity’s Deed, the Charities’ Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation Charity Registration Number 210408 Registered Office 94 Birmingham Road Bromsgrove Worcs B61 0DF

Trustees

The following Trustees of the Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation served during the year 1 January 2020 until 31 December 2020:

RC Vaughan SJ Wyer P V Firminger J Crowther M Dykes

None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the Charity and all served without remuneration.

Secretary to the Trustees

I Sharratt

Independent Examiners

JB Coxon ACCA PC Band FCA

Bankers

HSBC plc 47 High Street Bromsgrove Worcs B61 8AW

Page 1

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Year ended 31 December 2020

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Charity is governed under a Trust Deed dated 29 December 1934.

Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees

The power of appointing and removing Trustees is vested with the Provincial Grand Master for the time being of the Masonic Province of Worcestershire. In exercising these powers the Provincial Grand Master gives consideration to the skills mix and any identified skills gap within the existing trustee body.

Trustee Induction and Training

On agreeing to become a Trustee an individual is thoroughly briefed by the co-trustees on the history of the charity, the day to day management, the responsibilities of Trustees and the current objectives and future plans of the charity. A copy of the Trust Deed and latest financial statements are provided.

Risk Management

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining reserves at current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems and investment policy ensures adequate control over the charity’s assets while providing sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions.

Organisational Structure

Matters of policy and management are determined by the Trustees. The day to day operations of the Charity are administered by the Secretary to the Trustees who is responsible to the Trustees.

The Trustees meet in plenary session with a structured agenda at which relevant papers and reports are considered.

Related Parties

Related parties with a number of common Trustees are as follows :

Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire Masonic Library and Museum Leslie and Ivy Pountney Bursary Fund

Objectives and benefits for the public benefit

In shaping the objectives of the Charity and planning its activities, the Trustees have taken into consideration the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

The primary function of the Charity is to act for the benefit of distressed Masons, their widows and children.

The Trust Deed also provides for the Charity to act for the benefit of such Masonic charities or other charitable institutions and objects as the Trustees shall, in duly constituted meeting, from time to time direct.

Page 2

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Year ended 31 December 2020

Achievements, Activities and Performance

The Charity continued to operate the sheltered accommodation in Bromsgrove. A high level of occupancy was obtained and the scheme of renovations continued with flats being redecorated/refurbished as and when they fell vacant. Support for local charities is lower than last year as the 300 Fund which was established to commemorate the creation of the first Grand Lodge in England in 1717 is wound down. In the current year freemasons in Worcestershire concentrated their charitable efforts on supporting Festival 2022 which is in aid of the Masonic Charitable Foundation - one of the largest charities in England which helps beneficiaries locally, elsewhere in the UK, and also overseas.

The charity benefited from an extremely generous unrestricted legacy in 2019 which was not repeated in the current year.

Financial Review

The accounts for the year show net incoming funds (before unrealised gains/losses on investments) of £8,084 (2019 – outgoing funds of £4,232).

Income

Income from all sources amounted to £82,656 (2019 - £129,397). The decrease compared to the previous year is a reflection of the legacy received in 2019, and the masons of the Province concentrating their efforts on supporting the Masonic Charitable Foundation and Festival 2022. Investment income was slightly higher because of increased distributions from COIF funds and increased interest with higher balances being offset by lower rates achieved on deposits. Income from residents in the sheltered accommodation held up well.

Expenditure

Expenditure totalled £74,572 (2019 - £133,629). The drop resulted from the reduced level of activity of the 300 Fund as it was run down. Spending by way of maintenance and improvement of the flats in the sheltered accommodation complex was also lower in the current year. The Heritage Fund was used to make grants to local meeting places to enable them to maintain and improve facilities and to reduce running costs. Support costs and direct costs remained under close control.

Principal Funding Sources

The principal funding sources arise through :

Charity Land and Buildings

The charity owns the residential complex known as Ellard Hanson Court on the Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove.

Page 3

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Year ended 31 December 2020

Investment policy

The investment objectives are for a secure level of income together with capital protection. The Trustees reviewed the charity’s investment policy during the year. The charity is a long-term investor and holds a mixed portfolio of institutional deposits, NS&I products, and funds managed by COIF. No changes were made in the year to the funds held by COIF but changes were made to the institutions holding deposits to achieve better rates.

Reserves policy

The Trustees consider that the level of reserves is appropriate to generate the income required by the Charity for its charitable commitments and to provide for the maintenance of the buildings of Ellard Hanson Court.

Statement of Responsibilities of the Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for preparing an Annual Report of the Trustees and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

.

Approved by the Trustees on 29 September 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

R C Vaughan

Chairman of the Trustees

Page 4

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

We report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2020, which are set out on pages 6 to 14.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiners

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. We are qualified to undertake the examination by being members of professional bodies listed in the Charities Act 2011.

Having satisfied ourselves that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination it is our responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiners’ report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiners’ statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

(1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

J B Coxon ACCA P C Band FCA

29 September 2021

Page 5

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

for the year ended 31 December 2020

Unrestricted
funds
Note
£
Income
Voluntary income – donations
2,061
Investment income
2
3,162
Incoming resources from charitable
activities
3
-
Total income
5,223
Expenditure
Charitable activities
4
11,735
Total expenditure
11,735
Net income/(expenditure) before
(6,512)
other recognised gains
Gains on investments - unrealised
-
Net Movement in funds
(6,512)
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances at the beginning of year
313,313
Fund balances at the end of year
14
306,801		 Restricted
funds
£
50
12,563
64,820
77,433
62,837
62,837
14,596
9,757
24,353
1,334,247
1,358,600		 2020

Total

funds

£
2,111
15,725
64,820
82,656
74,572
74,572
8,084
9,757
17,841
1,647,560
1,665,401		 2019
Total
funds
£
50,826
14,637
63,934

129,397
133,629
133,629
(4,232)
18,522
14,290
1,633,270
1,647,560

There were no recognised gains or losses for 2020 or 2019 other than those included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

All income and expenditure relates to continuing operations.

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.

Page 6

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 December 2020

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
9
Investment assets
15
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank
Current liabilities
Creditors:amounts falling due within
one year
11
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Unrestricted funds
General and Designated
12
Restricted funds
13		 £
2,478
689,191
691,669
(24,249)		 2020
£
643,731
354,250
997,981
667,420
1,665,401
306,801
1,358,600
1,665,401
£
21,660
559,655
581,315
(28,409)		 2019
£
643,731
450,923
1,094,654
552,906
1,647,560

313,313
1,334,247

1,647,560

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on September 2021 and signed on their behalf by

R C Vaughan

S J Wyer

Trustees

Page 7

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 December 2020

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to account for investments which are stated at fair value, and include the results of the charity’s operations which are described in the Report of the Trustees. The financial statements have been prepared in Sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Charities Act 2011 and in compliance with Accounting and Reporting by charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Ireland (FRS 102). The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as

a going concern.

1.2 Fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cost.

Depreciation is provided on the cost less the estimated residual value of fixtures and fittings at the rate of 25% per annum straight line. No depreciation is provided on freehold land or the cost of freehold buildings as, in the opinion of the Trustees, the residual value of the assets are so high and the life span so long that any element of depreciation would not be material.

1.3

Fund accounting

Restricted funds

Restricted funds represent grants and donations which are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

Unrestricted funds and designated funds

Unrestricted funds represent funds that are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity. Such funds may be held in order to finance both working capital and capital investment. Designated funds are those funds which are unrestricted in nature, but which have been designated by the Trustees to be used in a particular manner.

1.4

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Page 8

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 December 2020

1.5

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include independent examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity comprise both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

1.6 VAT

Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities and tangible fixed assets.

1.7 Investments and Investment Gains and Losses

Investments are a form of basic financial instruments and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing market price. All gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise and accounted for through the fund for which they are held. Realised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between opening carrying value (or cost if purchased in the year) and sales proceeds. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between their fair value at the year end and their carrying value. All investment gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.

2.
Investment income
COIF distributions
Interest
3.
Incoming resources from charitable activities
Surplus on sales of paraphernalia and sundry income
Licence fees		 2020
£
6,000
9,725
15,725
2020
£
-
64,820
64,820		 2019
£
6,284
8,353
14,637
2019
£
50
63,884
63,934

Page 9

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year ended 31 December 2020

4. Expenditure on charitable activities

Home and
Restricted
Unrestricted
Donations
General
£
£
Unrestricted
Other donations and grants
20,071
4,180
Utilities and insurance
17,368
190
Cleaning
2,130
-
Telephone
100
-
Repairs and maintenance
9,777
1,075
Other costs
1,440
-
50,886
5,445
Support costs (Note 5)
11,951
6,290
Total
62,837
11,735
5.
Support costs
Home
General
£
£
Employee and other costs
11,951
1,776
Rent
-
1,800
Computer support/licences
-
582
Stationery, postage and printing
-
161
Photocopying
-
173
Professional fees
-
1,156
Telephone
-
310
Sundries
-
332
Total
11,951
6,290
6.
Employee costs and numbers
Salaries and related costs
The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year was:
Sheltered accommodation
Administration
There are no employees earning more than £60,000
2020

Total

£

24,251

17,558

2,130

100

10,852
1,440

56,331

18,241

74,572

2020
Total
£
13,727
1,800
582
161
173
1,156
310
332

18,241

2020
£
13,735

2020
No.
1
2
3		 2019
Total
£
28,493
16,220
2,470
100
65,855
2,055
115,193
18,436
133,629
2019
Total
£
13,920
1,800
362
115
180
1,272
325
462

18,436
2019
£
13,920
2019
No.
1
2
3

Page 10

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year ended 31 December 2020

7. Related party transactions

No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year (2019 - None).

8. Taxation

As a charity, the Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation, is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 478 of the Taxes Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen within the charity.

9.
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold
Fittings and
Buildings
Fixtures
£
£
Cost
As at 1 January 2020
643,731
6,224
Additions in year
-
-
Disposal in year
-
-
At 31 December 2020
643,731
6,224
Depreciation
As at 1 January 2020
-
6,224
Charge for year
-
-

At 31 December 2020
-
6,224
Net Book Value
As at 31 December 2020
643,731
-
As at 31 December 2019
643,731
-		 Total
£
649,955
-
-
649,955

6,224
-
6,224
643,731
643,731


Page 11

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year ended 31 December 2020

2020
£
10.
Debtors
Other Debtors
2,478

Of the debtors shown above £Nil (2019 - £14,866) is due after more than one year.
11.
Creditors: amounts due within one year
2020
£
Creditors and Accruals
24,249

12.
Unrestricted funds
1 January Incoming Outgoing
2020 resources resources
Transfers
£
£
£
£
General funds
213,313
4,723
(11,235)
-
Designated 100,000 - -
-

313,313
4,723
(11,235)
-

 2019
£
21,660

2019
£
28,409
31 Dec
2020
£
206,801
100,000
306,801

The designated fund comprises monies donated by masons meeting in Bromsgrove following the sale of their property in that town. The trustees have designated it as a fund to be used in the event of worthwhile causes being identified which would not or could not normally be met out of general funds.

Page 12

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year ended 31 December 2020

13. Restricted funds

1 January 1 January Incoming Outgoing 31 Dec
2020 resources resources Transfers 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Yorke-Brookes Fund 27,143 375 (441) - 27,077
Ellard Hanson Fund 952,304 68,373 (42,122) - 978,555
Heritage Fund 331,786 18,392 (9,175) - 341,003
Other Restricted Funds 23,014 50 (11,099) -
 11,965
Total 1,334,247 87,190 (62,837) -
 1,358,600

The Restricted Funds are held for the following purposes:

Yorke-Brookes Fund – to assist Freemasons in need to meet their obligations to their Mother Lodge and Chapter.

Ellard Hanson Fund – this fund represents monies donated to acquire and maintain the fabric of the sheltered accommodation situated in Bromsgrove.

Heritage Fund – to maintain and improve facilities at Masonic buildings in the Province of Worcestershire so as to maintain the Masonic heritage of such buildings for the public good. Tercentenary Fund – to make donations to local charities and worthwhile causes in Worcestershire in commemoration of the 300[th] anniversary of the founding of the first Grand Lodge in England. Other – these represent funds donated for specific causes nominated by the donors and which are accumulated and subsequently paid over to such causes.

14. Analysis of net assets between funds

Investments at fair value
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities		 Restricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
Total
£
£
£
344,250
10,000
354,250
643,731
-
643,731
381,100
310,569
691,669
(10,481)
(13,768)
(24,249)
1,358,600
306,801
1,665,401

Page 13

WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Year ended 31 December 2020

15. Investments

Cost
At 1 January 2020
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2020
Fair Value Adjustment
At 1 January 2020
Investment gain of year
At 31 December 2020
Fair Value at 31 December 2020		 2020
£
392,986
-
(106,430)
286,556

57,937
9,757

67,694

354,250
 2019
£
391,789
1,197
-
392,986
39,415
18,522
57,937
450,923

Page 14