The Trustees of Coningsby Hospital Annual Report to December 2024 Charity Number 218679
The Charity
The Charity exists to continue the aims of its benefactor, Sir Thomas Coningsby, who in 1614 provided individual homes for twelve ex- servitors from the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. In 1984 the twelve almshouses were converted to six almshouses to provide improved 20thC living conditions.
The Charity currently operates to provide support to those who are elderly or infirm, to relieve poverty and to advance education and religion for the public benefit. The proposal, mentioned in the 2023 Annual report, of a merger with the Hereford Cathedral Almshouse Charity is now currently with The Charity Commission.
The Buildings
As noted in the annual report for previous years the Hospital buildings including Sir Thomas Coningsbys adjacent coachmans house, serving as a further almshouse, are Listed Grade II*.
The Residents
At the beginning of 2024 there were nine residents living in the six original almshouses and the adjacent attached coach house comprising six ladies and three gentlemen. The residents provide a monthly rent for their accommodation which is ringfenced for maintenance of their homes. The trustees pay for the central heating and hot water for the six almshouses served by a central gas boiler.
During the year one of our lady residents died. Her place will be taken by another lady on our waiting list after renovation work on the property is complete.
The Chapel and Museum
The Knights Hospitaller building houses the Chapel and medieval museum. The Chaplain, The Revd Prebendary Andrew Talbot-Ponsonby, conducts a service of the Eucharist or Matins on the first Tuesday in each month. This service is open to the residents and trustees and also the general public.
The early 13thC Knights Hospitaller building also includes the museum on two floors. The museum is open to the public from 11am to 3pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to October annually. There is no charge for admission and we receive no local grant support and so the museum relies solely on donations from visitors for income. The museum is the only extant museum dedicated to St.John outside the HQ of the Order of St.John in Clerkenwell London.
During the 2024 season we had 1010 visitors including private group visits.
Maintenance
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i) A wrought iron and steel gate has been installed between the Hospital and the adjacent Rose Garden, previously part of the long demolished Dominican Priory. The priory Rose Garden is open to the public and the gate serves to maintain the privacy of the Hospital residents.
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ii) All the roof gutters have been cleaned
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iii) The Coningsby Hospital website has been updated iv) Minor electrical improvements works were carried out to almshouses nos.3 and 6
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v) It has been found necessary to carry out a major internal renovation of No.6 almshouse, previously the home of our deceased resident. This currently ongoing work has involved the participation of all building trades except a glazier.
Peter Harris – Chairman and Trustee December 2024
CONINGSBY HOSPITAL - ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024
Balance Sheet as of 31 March 2024
| ASSETS | 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | £ Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Assets | |||
| CCLA - COIF - inc | 20,343.31 | 18,631.92 | 1,711.39 |
| M&G Charity Multi Asset - acc | 35,961.16 | 48,773.33 | -12,812.17 |
| Total Other Assets | 56,304.47 | 67,405.25 | -11,100.78 |
| Current Assets | |||
| Other Current Assets | |||
| Other Prepayments | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Prepaid insurance | 1,364.60 | 1,228.91 | 135.69 |
| Total Other Current Assets | 1,364.60 | 1,228.91 | 135.69 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | |||
| Cash in hand | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| HSBC Current Account | 8,067.57 | 8,974.02 | -906.45 |
| HSBC Deposit Account* | 13,173.89 | 7,904.27 | 5,269.62 |
| Total cash at bank and in hand | 21,241.46 | 16,878.29 | 4,363.17 |
| Total Current Assets | 22,606.06 | 18,107.20 | 4,498.86 |
| Current Liabilities | |||
| Other current liabilities | |||
| Accruals** | 1,956.90 | 732.30 | 1,224.60 |
| Deferred income*** | 0.00 | 7,100.00 | -7,100.00 |
| Total Other Current Liabilities | 1,956.90 | 7,676.00 | -5,719.10 |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 22,606.06 | 23,490.01 | -883.95 |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 78,910.53 | 90,895.26 | -11,984.73 |
| NET ASSETS | 78,910.53 | 91,081.13 | -12,170.60 |
| Capital and Reserves | |||
| Fund balance b/f | 74,875.25 | 74,875.25 | 0.00 |
| Investment gains from 1 April 2017 | -5,097.69 | 7,551.06 | -12,648.75 |
| Retained surplus from 1 April 2017 | -3,926.88 | 6,720.81 | -10,647.69 |
| Profit for the year | -19,378.74 | -10,951.03 | -8,427.71 |
| Shareholders funds | 78,910.53 | 91,081.13 | -12,170.60 |
- includes legacy from Ege Parker
** electric and gas
*** deferred income 22/23 Mumford Trust grant money
01981540388 email: ikpgmp@gmail.com Greening's Acre Little Birch Hereford, HR2 8BD 15 January 2025 The Trustees Coningsby Hospital Museum 110 Widemarsh Street Hereford, HR4 9HN I have examined the accounts for the Coningsby Hospital for the year to 31st March 2024 and can confirm that the are in agreementwtth the bank statements and other dixuments supplied. The details can now be submitted to the Charity Commission annual return. l.K. Porter Independent Examiner