SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR
(Registered Charity Number 237267)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 1.
TRUSTEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
History
Charney Manor was placed at the disposal of Friends Trusts Limited for use by the Religious Society
Subsequently a scheme for Charney Manor, including the appointment of trustees, was sealed by the
Charity Commissioners on 12 July 1985 under charity reference 237267. Ownership was transferred
to London Yearly Meeting, the governing body of the Religious Society of Friends.
On 4 May 1999 the Charity Commissioners amended the governing document for Charney Manor which
involved the appointment of new trustees. Ownership has been transferred from Britain Yearly
Meeting, successors to London Yearly Meeting, to the new trustees as the governing body for Charney
Manor. Charney Manor has accordingly now been included as an asset on the balance sheet.
Trustees
Trustees are appointed by Trustees on the recommendation of its nominations sub-committee.
The Nominations Sub-Committee ensures that prospective trustees are conversant with the
responsibilities involved. From December 2012, with the agreement of Quaker Life Central Committee
and the Charity Commissioners, the responsibility for finding and appointing Trustees has reverted
to the Trustees of Charney Manor.
The following served as trustees during 2020:-
Deborah Arrowsmith (from 18 June 2020)
Ron Barden - Treasurer (to 8 September 2020)
Nigel Braithwaite
Philip Brown (to 18 June 2020)
Tessa Brown (to 30 December 2020)
Jill Green
Catherine Hilliard
Stewart Jeffrey - Clerk
Brian Morphy – Treasurer (from 24 March 2020)
Barney Rosedale (to 18 June 2020)
Ruth Whitehouse (to 18 June 2020)
Peter Wilkinson (from 18 June 2020)
Custodian Trustee:
Friends Trusts Limited
173-177 Euston Road
London NW1 2BJ
Insurance:
Ansvar Insurance
31 St Leonards Road
Eastbourne
BN21 3UR
Solicitors:
Manches and Co
3 Worcester Street
Oxford
Bankers:
Barclays Plc
17 Market Place
Wantage
Oxon
Independent Examiner
David Stephens BA FCCA
Chartered Certified Accountant
13 Newlands Road
Tunbridge Wells. Kent TN4 9AS
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 2.
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Objects
The land and buildings are to be used for such religious and other charitable purposes of the
Religious Society of Friends as the Managing Trustees think fit and in particular as a venue for
conferences, lectures and other educational purposes.
Activities
The primary activity of Charney Manor is as a residential Conference and Retreat Centre. Programmes
are organised to explore these and other relevant areas:
-
Approaches to prayer and the Bible -
•Personal relationships as a path to spiritual growth •Interfaith dialogue •Concern for the world •Aspects of the arts
During 2020 other church and faith groups used the Manor on a number of occasions and there were
also bookings for arts and spiritual development events. Other bookings were related to education
and training and other charities chose the Manor for management and staff training.
However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic Charney had to close from 23rd March to early September and
again from November to early December.
Except for “The Wonder of Trees” from 13th. to 15th. March all Quaker courses had to be cancelled.
Pandemic processes and guidelines were set in place prior to reopening in September. An additional
marquee was purchased to enable social distancing for conference guests in addition to a marquee
set up for catering.
The curtailment of activities is reflected in the reduction of income from £453,671 in 2019 to
£291,200 in 2020.
On 24th March the Trustees decided an amendment to the constitution so that two thirds of the
Trustees at any one time must be Members of the Society of Friends or Attenders in good standing.
During the year three Trustees were appointed after an induction that included attending a Trustees’
Meeting: Brian Morphy, Deborah Arrowsmith and Peter Wilkinson. During the year four Trustees
completed valued service: Ron Barden, Tessa Brown, Ruth Whitehouse and Barney Rosedale.
Public Benefit
The Trustees are mindful of their duty to ensure that the charity’s activities exist for the public
benefit. They have considered Charity Commission guidance, and are satisfied that the performance
and achievements of the charity during the year, as outlined below, are consistent with this duty.
The series of Quaker Guided Retreats arranged by the Trustees and most of the retreats and
conferences organised by other groups (apart from those restricted to particular congregations)
are open to all and are advertised as such. Charney Manor hosts weekend gatherings organised by
Quaker Quest for people who have made enquiries about Quakerism or are considering applying for
membership of the Society of Friends. We are especially pleased to have had our facilities used
by groups who promote peace and conflict resolution in both national and international contexts.
Restrictions to the building
As a Grade 1 listed building there are strict regulations which do not allow alterations to the
fabric of the Manor building. We are not, for example, permitted to install a lift to facilitate
access by disabled persons to meetings in the 13th century Solar on the 1st floor in the Manor.
Maintenance of the property
Regular work to maintain the fabric of the Manor and associated buildings was carried out. The
grounds, gardens and lawns are in good order and much appreciated by the folk attending the
conferences and retreats.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 3.
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Assets
The buildings are: The Manor House, including the Solar and Undercroft dating from the 13th century,
the Manor Barn converted into a main conference facility, the Vokins building which contains
residential accommodation and the Gilletts Cottage for family and self-catering groups. On 2 May
2000 the buildings were professionally valued, on an existing use basis. The balance sheet records
the value of building developments and accumulated depreciation.
In 1987 the Society received a bequest from the estate of Winifred Potter for the charitable purposes
of Charney Manor. The capital is held as a designated fund with the income applied as revenue for
general purposes.
Insurance values, on a replacement basis, with the Congregational and General Insurance plc are:-
Buildings £7,291,840 Contents £414,952
Management
Charney Manor Trustees met on eight occasions during the year to receive reports from the Manager,
the Treasurer, and from its Property Sub-committee on the progress of the maintenance work.
Policy decisions were taken by the Trustees according to Quaker practice by minutes drawn up and
agreed by those present during their meetings. Implementation of the policies was delegated to
the Manager and her team supported by sub-committees of the trustee body, presently the Property
Sub-committee and a Staffing Sub-committee.
The property of Charney Manor and its investments are held by in Friends Trusts Limited as the
Custodian Trustee.
Staff
Gill Peaston is the non-resident manager in charge of the operation of Charney Manor and reports
directly to the Trustee body. She is assisted by a staff of 15 people including an Assistant Manager,
an Office Assistant; and a Resident Warden is also available to help with general duties.
Outlook and subsequent events
While we had budgeted for 2021 to have similar income and expenditure as in 2019 the return to
lockdown in early January and later extension to May 21st will reduce activities very considerably.
However, groups planning to come to Charney have postponed, rather than cancelled, their visits
and interest remains positive. The Government furlough scheme, whereby 80% of salaries of retained
staff are paid, and grants from our local authority have sustained our Conference Centre. Timely
grants from Oxford and Swindon Area Meeting, £10,000, and Burford Local Meeting, £2000, made in
response to the exceptional costs of Covid 19 together with borrowing from Barclays Bank under
the BounceBack loan scheme, £50,000, and selling two fixed term investments, about £25000, have
underpinned Charney’s cashflow.
We continue to maintain the Manor and the grounds to ensure that a good standard is kept throughout.
Investment policy
As Quaker Trustees we follow a similar moderate-risk ethical strategy investment policy to that
of British Yearly Meeting Trustees and Friends Trusts Limited, the central finance bodies of Britain
Yearly Meeting.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 4.
TRUSTEES REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Financial review
The results for the year show net outgoing resources of £64,042 (2019: £45,574) before investment
gains and losses and exceptional item. Incoming resources of £291,200 (2019: £453,671) show a
decrease on last year, due to greatly reduced activity because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Expenditure has decreased this year, due to greatly reduced activity, and a decrease in repair
costs. Staff salaries have been maintained with the support of furlough payments.
The Trustees consider that the reserves remain adequate to Charney Manor’s needs and in view of
our anticipated activities the Accounts are prepared on a going concern basis.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds equivalent to three
to six months unrestricted expenditure. This has helped us to remain solvent since having to close
down Charney Manor in compliance with the Government’s policy in combating the coronavirus
pandemic.
Support from Charitable Trusts
Charney Manor continues to receive donations in support of its work from other parts of the Religious
Society of Friends in Britain. This is of great benefit although this is not considered material
within the context of these accounts.
The Jenepher Gillett Trust continues to support the Bursary Fund and the cost of promoting our
Quaker Guided Retreats.
On behalf of the Trustees
S Jeffrey
----------------------- 27th. May 2021
Stewart Jeffrey (Clerk)
5.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS - CHARNEY MANOR
I report on the financial statements of the Society of Friends – Charney Manor for the year ended
31 December 2020, in respect of an examination carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act
2011.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The 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 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act)
and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible
for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act; -
- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 of the Act; and -
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
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
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to
keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and to prepare accounts which
accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have
not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding
of the accounts to be reached.
D Stephens 31 May 2021
.................................... .......................
David Stephens BA FCCA Dated
Chartered Certified Accountant
13 Newlands Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN4 9AS.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 6.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Desig- Unres- Total Desig- Unres- 2019
nated tricted nated tricted
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Notes
£ £ £ £ £ £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Income & endowments from:
Donations & legacies 4 - 52,100 52,100 - 15,130 15,130
Investments - 826 826 - 961 961
Charitable activities 3 - 152,429 152,429 - 434,990 434,990
HMRC Furlough (2020) - 85,845 85,845 - 2,590 2,590
_____ _______ _______ _____ _______ _______
Total Incoming Resources - 291,200 291,200- 453,671 453,671
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Charitable activities
Conference expenses 5 - 337,211 337,211 - 479,267 479,267
Quaker course costs 7 - 9,868 9,868 - 10,838 10,838
Governance 8 _ - 8,163 _ 8,163- 9,140 _ 9,140
Total Resources Expended - 355,242 355,242- 499,245 499,245
Net(Outgoing)Resources - ( 64,042) ( 64,042) - (45,574) (45,574)
Investment gains/(losses)10 (13,273) - ( 13,273) 52,058 - 52,058
______ ______ _______ ______ ______ ______
Net Movement in Funds (13,273) ( 64,042) ( 77,315) 52,058 (45,574) 6,484
Exceptional Item 18 - 5,000 5,000 - (11,858) (11,858)
FUND BALANCES B/FORWARD 373,834 1,343,479 1,717,313 321,776 1,400,911 1,722,687
_______ _________ _________ _______ _________ _________
FUND BALANCES C/FORWARD 360,561 1,284,437 1,644,998 373,834 1,343,479 1,717,313
_______ _________ _________ _______ _________ _________
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 7.
BALANCE SHEET
AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
2019
Notes
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets 9 1,385,981 1,420,955
Investments 10 285,865 299,138
_________ _________
1,671,846 1,720,093
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock 2,800 3,150
Debtors 11 4,171 17,199
Cash at bank & in hand 96,001 111,567
_______ ________
102,972 131,916
CREDITORS: Amounts Falling
Due Within One Year 12 ( 66,566) ( 75,806)
_______ ________
NET CURRENT ASSETS 36,406 56,110
_______ ________
CREDITOR: Amounts Falling
Due More than One Year 17 ( 63,254) ( 58,890)
_________ _________
TOTAL ASSETS £ 1,644,998 £ 1,717,313
_________ _________
Unrestricted funds 13 1,644,998 1,717,313
Total funds £ 1,644,998 £ 1,717,313
_________ _________
In preparing these financial statements as trustees we hereby confirm:
(a) that for the year in question the trust was entitled to the exemption conferred by section
145 of the Charities Act 2011 and
(b) we acknowledge our responsibilities for:
maintaining proper accounting records and for preparing accounts which have been prepared in
accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
B Morphy 27 May 2021
.......................... ..........................
Brian Morphy (Treasurer) Dated
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 8.
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1. Basis of preparation
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at
cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with:
the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014
and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and
Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and with the Charities Act 2011.
2. Accounting policies
a) Incoming resources are generally recognised on a receivable basis and are reported gross of
related expenditure, where the amounts are reasonably certain and when there is adequate certainty
of receipt.
The following policies are applied to particular categories of income:
-
Dividends and interest are accounted for when received and are included in the accounts inclusive of recoverable tax. -
All grants and voluntary income are accounted for gross when receivable, as long as they are capable of financial measurement. -
Legacies and donations are accounted for when receipt is probable.
b) Resources expended are accounted for gross, and when incurred they are classified under headings
that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to
particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use
of resources:
-
Charitable expenditure comprises direct expenditure -
Governance costs include those costs, such as independent examiner’s fees, associated with constitutional and statutory requirements. -
c) Fixed assets are included at cost. Small items are written off in year of purchase.
d) Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of all fixed assets over their anticipated useful
lives. It is calculated at the following rates:
Equipment 33.3% straight line
Motor Vehicle 25% straight line
Buildings
Land Nil
Charney Manor is a Grade 1 listed building and the trustees are committed to ensuring that it is
maintained in good order for the future.
e) Investments are included in the accounts at market value at the balance sheet date. Gains or
losses arising on revaluation in market value are charged or credited in the Statement of Financial
Activities as they arise.
f) Stock is valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 9.
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
g) Designated funds are amounts that have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for
a specific, but not legally binding, purpose.
h) Money purchase pension scheme contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities
as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. Contributions, including
additional contributions, totalling £13,179 were made during the year (2019: £14,401).
i) Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.
j) Debtors are measured at settlement amount after any trade discounts.
2020 2019
3 Charitable Activities £ £
Accommodation 132,586 369,140
Gilletts Barn 17,982 29,485
Quaker courses 883 16,317
Quaker meetings and other income 978 20,048
_______ _______
£ 152,429 £ 434,990
4Donations and Legacies
Donations & gifts 27,100 15,130
Legacies - -
Grants 25,000-
£ 52,100 £ 15,130
5 Attributable conference expenses
Salaries and wages 192,479 220,263
Food 14,780 44,643
Housekeeping and laundry 7,388 15,409
Rates 2,179 7,098
Insurance 11,014 10,886
Light and heat 25,623 30,748
Repairs and replacements (see note 6) 24,512 64,019
Garden upkeep 2,793 3,266
Printing, postage, stationery, telephone & computer 9,421 12,766
Travel and transport 549 1,781
Miscellaneous 5,103 3,156
Bursaries 44 841
Depreciation 34,974 34,974
Items for resale 144 1,407
Staff training 1,145 1,619
Advertising 5,031 8,568
Bookings & conference expenses 32 17,823
_______ _______
£ 337,211 £ 479,267
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 10.
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
6 Repairs and replacements £ £
Electrical 2,362 2,842
Plumbing 222 18,553
Other services and maintenance 2,680 7,687
Decorating, building and walls 601 5,687
Fire and safety precautions 3,511 3,525
Quinquennial 13,862 21,251
Plant & Equipment - Kitchen 1,274 4,474
______ ______
£ 24,512 £ 64,019
7 Quaker course organisation costs
Course administration costs (salaries) 8,624 8,624
Course organiser, bursary help and travel 1,2442,214
£ 9,868 £ 10,838
8 Governance costs
Salaries 5,900 6,692
Bank charges 1,080 565
Independent examination 920 905
Committee travel 263 978
______ ______
£ 8,163£ 9,140
9 Tangible fixed assets
Land & Motor Total
Buildings Vehicle Equipment
£ £ £ £
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2020 1,926,414 2,100 55,793 1,984,307
Additions - - - -
_________ _____ _____ _________
At 31 December 2020 1,926,414 2,100 55,793 1,984,307
_________ _____ _____ _________
Depreciation
At 1 January 2020 508,258 2,100 52,994 563,352
Charge for the year 33,574 - 1,400 34,974
________ _____ ______ _________
At 31 December 2020 541,832 2,100 54,394 598,326
________ _____ ______ _________
Net book value
At 31 December 2020 £ 1,384,582 - 1,399 1,385,981
_________ ____ _____ _________
Net book value
At 31 December 2019 £ 1,418,156 - 2,799 1,420,955
_________ ____ _____ _________
The closing net book value represents fixed assets used for direct charitable purposes.
The land and buildings of Charney Manor were capitalised at open market value as at May 2000.
Subsequent additions have been included at cost. Land to the value of £300,000 is included and
not depreciated.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 11.
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
10 Investments 2020 2019
Analysis of investments at 31 December 2020 by category of holding:
Government securities - -
Unit trusts and fixed interest investments 285,865 299,138
_______ _______
£ 285,865 £ 299,138
Analysis of movements in investments:
Market value at 1 January 2020 299,138 247,080
Gains/(losses) ( 13,273) 52,058
_______ _______
Market value of investments at 31 December 2020 £ 285,865 £ 299,138
Included in the investments portfolio at 31 December is the following significant holding:
BMO Responsible UK Equity 2 Acc. – market value at 31 December 2020 £260,026.
11 Debtors
Trade debtors - 8,499
Prepayments 2,884 8,700
Other debtors 1,287 -
_____ ______
£ 4,171 £ 17,199
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors 4,501 8,585
Other taxes and social security costs 15,813 18,390
Other creditors 1,887 349
Deposits in advance 44,365 48,482
______ ______
£ 66,566 £ 75,806
13 Unrestricted funds
Designated Funds Unrestricted and general funds
Capital Building Freehold Income and
Account Repair Property Expenditure 2020 2019
Fund Fund Account
At 1 January 2020 353,834 20,000 1,418,156 ( 74,677) 1,717,313 1,722,687
Incoming resources - - - 291,200 291,200 453,671
Resources expended - - ( 33,574) (321,668) (355,242) (499,245)
Extraordinary item - - - 5,000 5,000 ( 11,858)
Gains on investment ( 13,273) - ___--( 13,273) _52,058
At 31 December 2020 £340,561 £ 20,000 £ 1,384,582 £(100,145)£ 1,644,998 £ 1,717,313
Represented by:
Investments 285,865 - - - 285,865 299,138
Tangible fixed assets - - 1,384,582 1,399 1,385,981 1,420,955
Net current assets 54,696 20,000 - (38,290) 36,406 56,110
Long term liability -- ___ -(63,254) ( 63,254) _( 58,890)
At 31 December 2020 £340,561 £ 20,000 £ 1,384,582 £(100,145)£ 1,644,998 £ 1,717,313
Capital account:
Represents the Winifred Potter bequest, the income from which is used for the charitable purposes
of Charney Manor.
Building repair fund: To meet the future cost of repair work.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS – CHARNEY MANOR 12.
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
14 Trustee expenses
During the year trustees and committee members received£263 (2019: £978) for travelling costs.
15 Staff costs 2020 2019
Wages and salaries 180,090 210,365
National insurance contributions 9,370 10,813
Pension contributions 13,179 14,401
Pension liability 4,364 -
_______ _______
£ 207,003 £ 235,579
No employee received £60,000 p.a. or more. All staff are employed by the charity.
Trustees received no remuneration in the year (2019: nil).
Average number of full and part time employees 15 18
16 Controlling party
The charity remains under the control of the Trustees.
17 Pension scheme
The charity pays into a defined contribution pension scheme.
2020 2019
The contributions made in the year are as follows: £ 13,179 £ 14,401
The charity’s liability to the Pensions Trust at September 2020 was £ 63,254.
Provision is included in these accounts.
18 Exceptional Item
Planning and architectural refund of costs of £5,000 for the proposed Dining Hall Project previously
written off.