The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
THE ASSOCIATION FOR PROMOTING RETREATS
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers
The Association for Promoting Retreats will throughout this report and accounts be referred to as ( the) APR. The charity registration number is 222458.
Principal address: c/o 5 Glebe Park Balderton Newark NG24 3GN Telephone number: 01636 555085 Email and internet addresses: Email: promoting.retreats@gmail.com Website: www.promotingretreats.org
The Trustees at the date of this report are:
Revd Carol Smith (elected Jan 2018 Revd Alison Christian (elected Jan 2018) Ms Susan Parker (co-opted annually)
Mr Stewart McCredie (elected Sept 2017) Dawn Pointing (elected Jan 2020) Revd Nicholas Buxton (elected Oct 2019) Revd Cameron Butland (elected Apr 2021)
No Trustee receives any remuneration from the charity.
The Officers who served during the year are:
President Rt Reverend John Stroyan Chair Revd Carol Smith Vice Chair Revd Alison Christian Treasurer Ms Susan Parker Secretary and Administrator Ms Demelza Henderson
Advisers:
Bankers Lloyds Bank PLC 98 Victoria Street London SW1E 5JL
Independent Examiner Ian Phillips FCA Duncan & Toplis 14 London Road Newark Nottinghamshire NG24 1TW
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
Structure, governance and management :
The Association for Promoting Retreats (APR) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, number 222458. The charity is not required to be registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The APR is an unincorporated association established under a trust deed in 1913. After various prior amendments a replacement Constitution was adopted in November 2012, followed by amendment by resolution of one minor administrative detail in October 2013.
The policy and general management of the affairs of the APR is directed by a committee of Trustees, which meets four times a year. Trustees are elected by members and serve up to three years, being eligible for re-election for two further three-year terms. The Trustees delegate the day to day running of the charity to the Administrator. During the absence of an Administrator roles were delegated to the Trustees.
The APR is a Founder Member of the Retreat Association, a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales with the number 1150792. The Retreat Association also retains its previous registration as an unincorporated association under the Charity Commission registration number 328746, which continues for the purpose only of receiving future legacies.
The Retreat Association brings together the APR with other member groups working with a joint purpose to promote and encourage retreats and Christian spirituality across the denominations.
In compliance with their legal obligation, the Trustees confirm that there have been no serious incidents in connection with APR which required a report to be made to the Charity Commission.
Objectives and activities:
The APR was established and still operates for the advancement of religion by promoting the development of the Christian life through retreats, in particular through the promoting of retreats within the Anglican Churches in the United Kingdom.
The Trustees have taken into consideration the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission, and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. The Trustees consider that the work carried out by the APR, both through the Retreat Association and as an independent charity, continues to be of great public benefit in terms of religion and education. To this end, the APR works to maintain and strengthen its promotion and support for going on retreat, throughout the Church and wider society. In addition to its support of the Retreat Association, the main activities of the APR have included:
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Promoting the use of Anglican retreat houses within the Anglican Church;
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Organising conferences and meetings for Leaders and Spirituality Advisers to the Anglican Church;
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Informing members through distribution of a twice-yearly newsletter, and the annual handbook Retreats published by the Retreat Association;
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Supporting individuals to go on retreat who might otherwise not be able to afford it through a designated bursary fund;
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Organising retreats and other events for members and other events, using subscribers’ retreat premises wherever possible;
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Providing complimentary membership of APR to those recently ordained to the diaconate and priesthood.
Further information about the APR can be found at its website, www.promotingretreats.org.
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
Chairman Annual Report:
At last year’s AGM and following the retirement of Barry Preece as APR Chair, I had the privilege of being welcomed as Barry’s successor. As I assumed the role, it was a busy time for the Association, since because of delays caused by the pandemic, we hosted two retreats last autumn, as well as a Trustee residential at Llangasty retreat house in Wales, this July.
The first retreat was a ‘Leading a Beginners’ Retreat’ weekend, which took place at St Katharine’s Parmoor. APR Trustee, Alison Christian, led a dozen would-be retreat leaders through a number of different prayer practices, whist at the same time offering them useful practical tips for leading retreats once they returned home. Our second retreat was held at St Columba’s House, Woking, and was a delightful multi-sensory look back over Barry Preece’s rich spiritual life and long ministry.
The much-postponed Diocesan Spirituality Advisers’ Conference finally took place at Launde Abbey in April, with representatives from 33 different dioceses taking part. Entitled ‘Lost for Words’, the Conference explored spirituality through the media of the arts, poetry, music, dance and silence. Speakers included Rt Revd John Stroyan, Malcolm Guite, Graham Sparkes and Andrew Walker; the worship throughout the conference was enhanced by Janet McDonald’s singing and Celtic harp accompaniment. As well as sharing in times of creativity and a daily rhythm of prayer, delegates also gathered in regional groups to discuss the immediate joys and concerns they were encountering in their own areas.
The APR’s NHS Bursary scheme introduced in July 2020 as our response to the pandemic and in gratitude for the ongoing hard work of NHS and Care workers has been hugely successful. At the last count, more than £21,000 has helped more than 230 health workers go on retreat at APR houses around the country. We have had some heart-rending feedback from some of these retreatants, for example, ‘ I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity to find space and stillness away from the "world". It's given me much needed refreshment and solace at a difficult time ’.
Whilst our NHS Bursary fund was a short-term project, our Centenary Bursary Fund continued to offer financial help to people who want to go on retreat but are unable to afford the full cost. If you think you might benefit from a bursary, do look at our website, www.promotingretreats.org/bursary-fund.
The APR Trustees are continually committed to promoting the value of going on retreat, and at our summer residential, we reviewed our remit to ‘promote’ retreats, to communicate with members, and to increase (and retain) membership. This valuable time away enabled us to refresh our activities and our thinking, that we may better communicate the benefits of APR membership to a younger and more diverse audience as well as to our longstanding members whom we continue to appreciate and to serve. We look forward to furthering APR’s purposes for and with you in the year to come. Thank you for your loyal support.
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
Financial Review:
The accounts, which have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) are set out on pages 6-11.
Total income of £34,273 has increased this year compared with last year of £24,458. Total expenditure has increased to £46,366 compared with last year of £27,104. This increase has occurred due to the lifting of coronavirus restrictions, allowing for the continuation of spiritual adviser conferences (SAC) and other events which incur the majority of income and Expenditure.
The investments show an unrealised profit of £12,917 for the year compared with £30,074 in 2021. This has resulted in an overall net surplus for the year of £824 (2021: £27,428 Surplus). See notes 3 & 8 for further details.
Approved by the Committee of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:
The Reverend Carol Smith, Chair of the Committee of Trustees
Dated:
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees
I report on the accounts of the APR for the year ended 31 March 2022 which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner
The charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. 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.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 of the Act);
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes the review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements 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 examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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● to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the 2011 Act have been met.
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable the proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Ian Phillips FCA Duncan & Toplis Limited Chartered Accountants 14 London Road Newark Nottinghamshire NG24 1TW
Dated:
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022
| Income and Expenditure | Note | Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Total Funds |
Total Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 2021 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | |||||
| Charitable activities | |||||
| -Membership subscriptions | 11,073 | 11,073 | 10,752 | ||
| - | |||||
| -Spiritual Advisers’ conference | 11,403 | - | 11,403 | - | |
| -Events | 4,973 | 4,973 | 230 | ||
| - | |||||
| -Donations and legacies | 1,030 | 1,030 | 3,178 | ||
| - | |||||
| -Investment income | 4,625 | 4,625 | 4,927 | ||
| - | |||||
| -NHS bursary fund | 1,139 | - | 1,139 | 5,266 | |
| -Spiritual Directors | 30 | - | 30 | 106 | |
| Total income | 34,273 | - | 34,273 | 24,458 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | |||||
| Direct charitable expenditure | 2 | 40,586 | - | 40,586 | 25,851 |
| Bursary expenditure | 5,780 | - | 5,780 | 1,253 | |
| Total expenditure | 46,366 | - | 46,366 | 27,104 | |
| Net outgoing resources for the year | (12,093) | - | (12,093) | (2,646) | |
| (Losses)/profits on investments: | |||||
| Unrealised | 3 | 12,917 | - | 12,917 | 30,074 |
| Realised | - | - | - | - | |
| Net movement in funds | 824 | - | 824 | 27,428 | |
| Total fund balance brought forward | |||||
| at 1 April 2021 | 171,588 | - | 171,588 | 144,160 | |
| Total fund balance carried forward | |||||
| at 31 March 2022 | 172,412 | - | 172,412 | 171,588 |
The attached notes on pages 7-10 form part of these accounts
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
| Note | 2022 | 2021 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed Assets | |||||
| Investments | 3 |
160,256 | 157,339 | ||
| Debtors | 4 | 6,901 | |||
| Current Assets | |||||
| General fund | 398 | 5,275 | |||
| Bursary fund | 6,607 | 15,617 | |||
| Cash at bank | 7,005 | 20,892 | |||
| Total Current Assets | 13,905 | 20,892 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
5 | 1,750 | 6,644 | ||
| Net current assets | 12,155 | 14,249 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | 5 | - | - | ||
| after more than one year | |||||
| Net Assets | 172,412 | 171,588 | |||
| Funds | |||||
| General fund Bursary fund (designated) |
6 | 172,015 397 |
155,971 15,617 |
||
| 172,412 | 171,588 |
Approved by the Committee of Trustees on …………………………. and signed on its behalf by:
The Reverend Carol Smith, Chair of the Committee of Trustees
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
1. Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
a) Subscriptions, donations, etc.
Subscriptions, donations, and tax recoverable on payments under gift aid are accounted for when received by the APR. During the year to 31st March 2022 there were 295 full members and 185 concessionary members.
b) Investment income
Investment income is included in the accounts when received.
c) Investments
Investments are included in the accounts at market value.
d) VAT
The APR is not registered for VAT and the irrecoverable VAT is written off in the accounts.
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
| NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022 3. Investments 2022 Assets are held with The Central Board of Finance of the Church of England as follows: £ Investment fund shares Market value at 1 April 2021 157,339 Value of shares sold in year (10,000) Unrealised investment profit/(loss) 12,917 Market Value at 31 March 2022 160,256 4. Debtors 2022 £ Prepayments 6,901 6,901 2. Direct charitable expenditure 2022 Charitable expenditure £ Donations - Contributions paid to the Retreat Association 5,900 APR administrator 7,896 Publicity & website 887 Newsletters/postage 1,352 RA journal and cost of events 9,132 Bank charges - NHS bursary 9,985 IT software and consumables 186 Travelling and meetings 1,199 Independent examination fee 2,262 Stationery and office expenses 1,787 Total direct charitable expenditure 40,586 |
2021 £ - 6,000 7,406 573 1,155 3,754 15 3,194 126 - 3,105 3,629 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 25,851 | ||
| 2021 £ 147,265 (20,000) 30,074 157,339 2021 £ - - |
||
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2022
| 5. Creditors Amounts falling due within one year: Accruals Donations payable Amounts falling due after more than one year: Donations payable 6. Reserves Assets from balance Sheet General fund at 1 April 2022 Bursary fund at 1 April 2022 Planned expenditure Yearly cost of administration Running costs Project allocation – Bursary Contingency Surplus |
2022 £ 1,750 - 1,750 2022 £ - £ 15,000 50,000 10,000 |
2021 £ 2,644 4,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 6,644 | ||
| 2021 £ - |
||
| £ 172,015 397 172,412 (75,000) (20,000) 77,412 |
At present the Trustees consider that a surplus of around £60,000 should be maintained, and is justified because:
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It is important to maintain a year’s expenditure;
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Membership income is decreasing because member numbers are declining, and the Trustees have agreed to maintain existing rates of subscription until at least 31 March 2023.
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The Trustees need to underwrite the costs of major events such as the biennial diocesan Spirituality Advisers’ Conference, next taking place in April 2022.
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The Association for Promoting Retreats 2021-2022 Report and Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2022
6. Trustee expenses
Trustee travel expenses totalled £1,199 (2021: £Nil) during the year. All trustee expenses are reimbursed when incurred.
7. Donation commitments
During the year ended 31[st] March 2019, a maximum future donation of £15,000 was committed to be paid over three years to the RA fundraiser. A final payment of 4,000 was paid during the year ended 31[st] March 2022 and no further amounts are expected to be paid.
8. Exceptional items
During the year, an unrealised profit was made on investments of £12,917 (2021: £30,074).
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