Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31 DECEMBER 2024 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 2024
The Trustees of the Worcestershire Masonic Charity Organisation are pleased to present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
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 2024 until 31 December 2024
SJ Wyer M Dykes K M Evans P Wong Rev J T Parker
None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the Charity and all served without remuneration.
Secretary to the Trustees
J Mulligan
Independent Examiners
J Potter FCA 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 2024
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 2024
Achievements, Activities and Performance
The Charity continued to operate accommodation in Bromsgrove. A high level of occupancy was obtained and the scheme of renovations has continued with flats being redecorated/refurbished as and when they fell vacant. Support for local charities continued this year.
Planned Changes
The Trustees have resolved to:
-
Restructure the Charity and make donations to the Worcestershire Freemasons Charity, for the purpose of making grants for good causes and public benefit.
-
Transfer the majority of the Charity’s assets into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation to undertake the continued objectives of the Charity; subject to the required approvals from the Charity Commission.
-
Transfer out of the charity any potentially non-charitable activity other than activity related to investments.
Financial Review
The accounts for the year show net incoming funds (before unrealised gains/losses on investments) of £(20,071)- a deficit, (2023 - £(181,257)).
Income
Income from all sources amounted to £89,103 (2023 - £102,429) This shows a decrease in total incoming funds..
Expenditure
Expenditure totalled £115,323 (2023 - £263,686). This included donations to the Worcestershire Freemasons Charity which is now responsible for a restricted fund and giving to charities previously supported by this charity. The expenditure also includes the ongoing costs of maintenance at the Ellard Hanson Home.
Principal Funding Sources
The principal funding sources arise through :
-
(i) Donations and legacies from individual freemasons
-
(ii) Investment income derived from the Charity’s portfolio of investments
-
(iii) Licence income from residents of the sheltered accommodation run by the Charity
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 2024
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 or other institutions holding deposits..
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:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP (FRS 102) – (second editionOctober 2019);
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation; and
-
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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 2022 , 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 6 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
S J Wyer
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 2024, 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:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters may have come to our attention.
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:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act and the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
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 Potter FCA P C Band FCA
6 September 2025
Page 5
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted funds Note £ Income Voluntary income – donations 1,325 Investment income 2 10,003 Incoming resources from charitable activities 3 - Total income 11,328 Expenditure Charitable activities 4 49,969 Total expenditure 49,969 Net Incoming/(Outgoing) resources for the year (38,641) Before other recognised (losses)/gains Gains/(Losses) on investments – unrealised 15 - Net Movement in funds (38,641) Reconciliation of funds Fund balances as at 1 January 2024 99,255 Fund balances as at 31 December 2024 14 60,614 |
Restricted funds £ 60 22,056 55,659 77,775 65,353 65,353 12,422 6,149 18,571 1,401,797 1,420,368 |
2024 Total funds £ 1,385 32,059 55,659 89,103 115,322 115,322 (26,219) 6,149 (20,070) 1,501,052 1,480,982 |
2023 Total funds £ 6,752 28,049 67,628 102,429 283,686 283,686 (181,257) 20,056 (161,201) 1,662,253 1,501,052 |
|---|---|---|---|
There were no recognised gains or losses for 2024 or 2023 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 2024
| 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 |
£ 89,705 470,499 560,205 (18,151) |
2024 £ 643,731 295,196 938,927 542,054 1,480,981 60,614 1,420,367 1,480,981 |
2023 £ £ 643,731 289,047 932,778 90,175 593,852 684,027 (115,753) 568,274 1,501,052 99,255 1,401,797 1,501,052 |
2023 £ £ 643,731 289,047 932,778 90,175 593,852 684,027 (115,753) 568,274 1,501,052 99,255 1,401,797 1,501,052 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99,255 1,401,797 |
|||||
| 1,501,052 |
The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20 June 2024 and signed on their behalf by
S J Wyer
Chair of Trustees
Page 7
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31 December 2024
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 and at 33.3% straight line on computer equipment. 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:
-
Voluntary income by way of donations and gifts is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.
-
Income from investments is included in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year it is receivable.
Page 8
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31 December 2024
- Fees and charges for services are accounted for in the year in which services are provided. Fees received in advance are treated as deferred income.
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 Licence fees |
2024 £ 6,149 25,910 32,059 2024 £ 55,659 |
2023 £ 6,143 21,907 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 28,050 | |||
2023 £ 67,628 |
Page 9
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 December 2024
4. Expenditure on charitable activities
| 4. Expenditure on charitable activities |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Home and Restricted Unrestricted Donations General £ £ Other donations and grants 5,544 41,073 Utilities and insurance 29,522 130 Cleaning 1,820 - Repairs and maintenance 25,354 152 Other costs 2,680 - 64,920 41,355 Support costs (Note 5) 433 8,614 Total 65,353 49,969 5. Support costs Home General £ £ Employee and other costs - 2,254 Rent - 1,800 Computer support/licences - 1,027 Stationery, postage and printing - 686 Photocopying - 153 Professional fees 428 1,488 Telephone - 225 Sundries 5 981 Total 433 8,614 6. Employee costs and numbers Salaries and related costs The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year was: Sheltered accommodation Administration |
2024 Total £ 46,617 29,652 1,820 25,506 2,680 106,275 9,047 115,322 2024 Total £ 2,254 1,800 1,027 686 153 1,916 225 986 9,047 2024 £ 2,254 2024 No. 0 1 1 |
2023 Total £ 186,160 29,505 1,980 52,310 1,020 270,975 12,711 283,686 |
|
| 2023 Total £ 2,040 1,800 3,148 243 230 2,339 573 2,338 12,711 |
|||
| 2023 £ 2,040 2023 No. 0 1 1 |
There are no employees earning more than £60,000
Page 10
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 December 2024
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 (2023 - 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 year.
9 . Tangible fixed assets
| Cost As at 1 January 2024 Additions in year Disposal in year At 31 December 2024 Depreciation As at 1 January 2024 Charge for year At 31 December 2024 Net Book Value As at 31 December 2024 As at 31 December 2023 |
Freehold Buildings £ 643,731 - - 643,731 - - - 643,731 643,731 |
Fixtures and Fittings £ - - - - - - - - - |
Office Equipment £ - - - - - - - - - |
Total £ 643,731 - - |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 643,731 | |||||
| - - |
|||||
| - | |||||
| 643,731 643,731 |
Page 11
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 December 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||||||
| 10. | Debtors | |||||||
| Loans | 88,051 | 90,001 | ||||||
| Other Debtors | 1,654 | 174 | ||||||
| 89,705 | 90,175 |
|||||||
| Of the debtors shown above loans of £88,051 (2023 - £90,001) is due after more than one year | and | |||||||
| £80,000 is secured with a charge on property. The balance of £8,051 | is repayable over 5 | years. | ||||||
| 11. | Creditors: amounts due within one year | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| £ | £ | |||||||
| Creditors and Accruals | 18,151 | 115,753 | ||||||
| 12. | Unrestricted funds | |||||||
| 1 January Incoming | Outgoing 31 | Dec 2024 | ||||||
| 2024 resources | resources | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| General funds | 99,255 | 11,328 | (49,969) | 60,614 |
Page 12
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 December 2024
13. Restricted funds
| 1 January | IncomingOutgoing | IncomingOutgoing | 31 |
December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | resources | resources | Transfers | 2024 |
|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
|
| Yorke-Brookes Fund | 26,376 | 773 | (824) | - | 26,325 |
| Ellard Hanson Fund | 1,005,209 | 73,770 | (59,809) | - | 1,019,170 |
| Heritage Fund | 362,961 | 11,596 | - | 374,557 |
|
| Other Restricted Funds | 7,251 | 60 | (6,996) | - | 315 |
| Total | 1,401,797 | 86,199 | (67,629) | - | 1,420,367 |
Included in “Outgoing resources” above are gains on investments of £247 for Yorke Brookes Fund. Included in “Incoming resources” above are gains on investments of £5,902 for the Heritage Fund.
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 accommodation situated in Bromsgrove.
Heritage Fund – to maintain and improve facilities at Masonic buildings in the Province of Worcestershire; to maintain the Masonic heritage of such buildings for the public good. 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
| Restricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 643,731 | - | 643,731 |
| Investments at fair value | 295,196 | - | 295,196 |
| Current assets | 481,440 | 78,765 | 560,205 |
| Current liabilities | -- | (18,151) | (18,151) |
| 1,420,367 | 60,614 | 1,480,981 |
Page 13
WORCESTERSHIRE MASONIC CHARITY ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ended 31 December 2024
| 15. Investments Cost At 1 January 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 December 2024 Fair Value Adjustment At 1 January 2024 Investment gain/(loss) for year At 31 December 2024 Fair Value at 31 December 2024 |
2024 £ 206,556 - 206,556 82,491 6,149 88,640 295,196 |
2023 £ 286,556 - 80,000 206,556 |
|---|---|---|
| 62,435 20,056 |
||
| 82,491 | ||
| 289,047 |
Page 14