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2021-12-31-accounts

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 1

COUNCIL OF THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2021

Charity No: 251033

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 2

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

CONTENTS

Page
Council Members' Annual Report 3 - 5
Independent Examiners Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Accounts 9 - 13

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 3

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The Trustees present their report and independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Objectives and Activities

The object of the Charity is the encouragement and support of its constituent congregations in the promotion of religion in spirit and in truth.

Achievements and Performance

The Council met on two occasions during 2021/2022 to conduct business, following the lifting of Covid restrictions. It also held its annual assembly at Plymouth in September 2021, when Sheila Evans was elected President.

The President, Edgar Mihas, represented the District at the General Assembly Meetings, which were conducted by Zoom because of Covid restrictions.

A Group to consider the future of the District has been convened and met for the first time, via Zoom, in February 2022. It is facilitated by Helen Mason, Director of Unitarian College Manchester.

A successful Retreat was held at Hillfield Priory in Dorset, in October 2021, and will be repeated in 2022. Grants totalling £11,581 were made to cover net losses, due to Covid lockdown periods in 2020 and 2021, to two chapels which were unable to meet losses from their own reserves.

A one-off grant of £5,000 was made to Bridgwater Chapel from Ilminster Trust designated funds to enable them to have a building survey carried out.

Grants totalling £14,850, for 2022, were approved for pulpit supplies or ministry, as follows:

Bridgwater £1,350
Taunton £500
Cullompton £2,750
Plymouth £2,750
Bristol £7,500
TOTAL £14,850

Financial review

The trustees consider the level of funds held to be sufficient to ensure the continued operation of the Trust. At 31 December 2021, cash in current bank accounts and on deposit with the bank named on page 5 amounted to £152,592.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Western Union of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under number 251033. The charity operates under a constitution ratified in May 2000.

Risk Management

The trustees continuously monitor the risks to which the Trust may be exposed and are satisfied that sufficient controls are in place to deal with any matters that might arise as a result of thereof.

Public Benefit

The charity trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties.

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 4

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Reference and Administrative Details

The Trustees of the Western Union of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches are the members of the Western Union Council. During the year to 31 December 2021 they were:

Sheila Evans President Frances Pitt (from 5 March 2022) Vice President Kay Millard Secretary Bob Goddard Treasurer Revd. Elizabeth Harley Religious Education and Youth Officer Edgar Mihas Immediate Past President

And also, the following representatives (and named deputies in parentheses) appointed to Council by their congregations:

Bath Kay Millard* (Tim Powell)
Bridgwater Patricia Fieldhouse (Anne Fieldhouse)
Bridport Roger Lake (John Hinsley)
Bristol Frenchay Vacant
Bristol UMB Susan Wildman (Peter Wildman)
Cirencester Closed October 2021
Crewkerne Gerald Witcher
Cullompton Linda McCarthy
Plymouth Suzanne Bolton
Sidmouth Robert Crick
Taunton Fran Pitt (Jay Waite)
Torquay Worship Suspended
Trowbridge Barbara Smith*

NOTE: No Council Member may exercise more than one vote.

Honorary Members:

Eleanor Dixon Arthur Brown Kath Ryder

In addition, the following people by reason of their roles or functions were entitled to attend the meetings of the Western Union Council as non-voting members:

Revd. John Harley Minister
Revd. Kate Whyman Minister
Revd. Elizabeth Harley Minister
Revd. Lindy Latham Minister (retired)
Revd. Elizabeth Birtles Minister (retired)
Revd. Maria Curtis Minister (retired)
Revd. Michael Dadson Minister (retired)
Eleanor Dixon Lay Pastor (retired)
Mrs Fran Pitt Lay Leader

*Those marked with an asterisk are currently members of the Executive Committee.

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 5

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity (continued)

Charity Name: The Western Union of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches
Charity registration number: 251033
Registered Office: 26 Fountain Court
West End
Westbury
BA13 3JY
Principal Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd
PO Box 289
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4TA
Independent Examiner: D C Cox FCA, Harwood, Lane & Co
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Units 1 - 4 Crossley Farm Business Centre
Swan Lane
Winterbourne
Bristol
BS36 1RH

Independent Examiner

D C Cox FCA of Harwood, Lane & Co was re-appointed as the Charity's independent examiner during the year and has expressed his willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approval

This report was approved by the Trustees and signed on its behalf.

Sheila Evans President Date:

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 6

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2021, which are set out on pages 7 - 13.

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 responsibilty to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My 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 the seeking of 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:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Name of principal: David Cox

Name of firm:

Harwood, Lane & Co Chartered Accountants

Relevant professional qualification or body:

FCA (ICAEW)

Address:

Units 1 - 4 Crossley Farm Business Centre Swan Lane Winterbourne BRISTOL BS36 1RH

Date:

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 7

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

Notes
INCOME
Income from donations & legacies
2
Investment income
3
Separate material item of income
4
Other
5
Total Income
EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on raising funds
6
Expenditure on charitable activities
7
Other
8
Total Expenditure
Other Recognised Gains
Gain/(losses) on Investments
Unrealised
Realised
Net incoming/(outgoing)
resources before transfers
Gross transfers between funds
Reconciliaition of Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward
13
Total Funds Carried Forward
13
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Total
Total
1,149
0
0
1,149
1,248
4,520
1,142
9,551
15,213
16,871
0
74,372
0
74,372
314,034
1,735
0
0
1,735
282
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Total
Total
1,149
0
0
1,149
1,248
4,520
1,142
9,551
15,213
16,871
0
74,372
0
74,372
314,034
1,735
0
0
1,735
282
7,404
75,514
9,551
92,469
332,435
0
0
0
0
0
30,301
0
0
30,301
16,800
165
0
0
165
5,060
30,466
0
0
30,466
21,860
7,511
19,390
36,443
63,344
1,009
0
0
0
0
-326
7,511
19,390
36,443
63,344
683
-15,551
94,904
45,994
125,347
311,258
9,551
0
-9,551
0
0
187,242
664,124
294,377
1,145,743
834,485
£181,242
£759,028
£330,820
£1,271,090
£1,145,743

Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses

There were no recognised gains or losses other than those disclosed in the two reported financial years.

The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these accounts

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 8

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Fixed Asset Investments
10
CURRENT ASSETS
Current Asset Investments
Cash Held in Investment Accounts
Cash at Bank and in Hand
CREDITORS: amounts falling
due within one year
11
Net current assets
Total Assets less Total Liabilities
12
Capital
Unrestricted Income Funds
13
Endowment Income Funds
13
49,834
144,941
152,592
2021
924,551
924,551
49,572
15,730
381,180
446,482
-6,157
346,539
2021
924,551
924,551
49,572
15,730
381,180
446,482
-6,157
346,539
2020
705,418
705,418
440,325
347,367
-828
£1,271,090 £1,145,743
940,270
330,820
851,366
294,377
£1,271,090 £1,145,743

Approved by the trustees and signed on its behalf.

Sheila Evans President Date:

The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these accounts

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 9

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of preparation of accounts

The financial statements 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 (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

1.2 Income recognition

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to that income, it is probably that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

1.3

Expenditure recognition

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocate or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings.

1.4 Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The statement of activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.

All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value.

2

Income from donations and legacies

Income from donations and legacie
Donations and gifts
Gift Aid
Legacies
Grants
Membership subscriptions
s
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
10
0
0
10
4
11
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
1,128
0
0
1,128
1,232
s
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
10
0
0
10
4
11
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
1,128
0
0
1,128
1,232
s
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
10
0
0
10
4
11
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
1,128
0
0
1,128
1,232
s
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
10
0
0
10
4
11
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
1,128
0
0
1,128
1,232
s
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
10
0
0
10
4
11
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
0
1,128
0
0
1,128
1,232
£1,149 £0 £0 £1,149 £1,248

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 10

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

3
Investment Income
Interest Income
Dividend Income
B&FUA
- Bath
- Exeter
4
Separate material item of income
Trowbridge Unitarians
Ilminster Trust
Yeovil Trust
5
Other
Retreat Payments
GA Booking Fee (refund)
Miscellaneous
M Savory - WS Course (contra)
6
Expenditure on raising funds
Donations
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
611
0
0
611
990
3,909
1,142
2,253
7,304
7,349
0
0
2,313
2,313
2,704
0
0
4,985
4,985
5,828
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
611
0
0
611
990
3,909
1,142
2,253
7,304
7,349
0
0
2,313
2,313
2,704
0
0
4,985
4,985
5,828
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
611
0
0
611
990
3,909
1,142
2,253
7,304
7,349
0
0
2,313
2,313
2,704
0
0
4,985
4,985
5,828
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
611
0
0
611
990
3,909
1,142
2,253
7,304
7,349
0
0
2,313
2,313
2,704
0
0
4,985
4,985
5,828
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
611
0
0
611
990
3,909
1,142
2,253
7,304
7,349
0
0
2,313
2,313
2,704
0
0
4,985
4,985
5,828
£4,520 £1,142 £9,551 £15,213 £16,871
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
74,372
0
74,372
314,034
£0 £74,372 £0 £74,372 £314,034
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
1,685
0
0
1,685
0
0
0
0
0
272
0
0
0
0
10
50
0
0
50
0
£1,735 £0 £0 £1,735 £282
2021
2020
Unrestricted
Designated
Endowment
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
0
0
0
0
0
£0 £0 £0 £0 £0

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 11

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

7 Expenditure on charitable activities Expenditure on charitable activities 2021 2020
Unrestricted Designated Endowment
Funds Funds Funds Total Total
Grants
- Taunton
500 0 0 500 500
- Cullompton 2,750 0 0 2,750 2,750
- Bristol Group 7,500 0 0 7,500 7,500
- Plymouth 2,750 0 0 2,750 2,750
- Bridgwater 1,375 0 0 1,375 1,375
Covid Fund Grants 11,581 0 0 11,581 0
Travelling expenses 329 0 0 329 61
Premises hire 75 0 0 75 0
Annual meeting 50 0 0 50 0
GA booking fee & expenses 0 0 0 0 272
WUCDO expenses 0 0 0 0 0
Training meeting expenses 0 0 0 0 55
Bursaries - Worship Study Course 420 0 0 420 0
Independent examiner 828 0 0 828 816
Honorariums 600 0 0 600 600
Postage & stationery 118 0 0 118 121
The Inquirer - Grant 0 0 0 0 0
Society of St Francis (2020 Retreat) 1,425 0 0 1,425 0
£30,301 £0 £0 £30,301 £16,800
8 Other 2021 2020
Unrestricted Designated Endowment
Funds Funds Funds Total Total
Bank charges 115 0 0 115 60
Annual meeting gifts 0 0 0 0 0
M Savory - WS Course (contra) 50 0 0 50 0
Bridgwater grant (Ilminster Fund) 0 0 0 0 5,000
£165 £0 £0 £165 £5,060
9 Staff costs
The charity had no paid employees. Total expenses reimbursed to council members in the year
was £217 (2020 - £237). Honorariums were paid to the secretary amounting to £300 (2020 -
£300), and to the treasurer amounting to £300 (2020 - £300).
10 Investments 2021
Historical Cost at 31.12.2021 £526,746
Market Value at 31.12.2021 £924,551

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 12

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

11
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within
one year
Bank Overdraft
Accruals
12
Analysis of fund balances
between the net assets
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
119,584
Current Assets
62,487
Current Liabilities
-828
£181,243
13
Movement in funds
Brought
Forward
Income
Unrestricted Funds
General Funds
187,242
7,404
Designated Funds
Trowbridge Fund
328,527
0
Ilminster Fund
21,563
1,142
Yeovil Fund
314,034
74,372
£851,366
£82,918
Endowment Funds
Cowl Street Fund
2,747
148
Crediton/Christchurch/
Colyton Chapel Funds
6,064
199
B&FUA Investments
- Bath Fund
69,937
2,313
- Exeter Fund
150,716
4,985
Shepton Mallet Cowl
Street Chapel Fund
8,790
258
Crediton Ministers Fund
56,123
1,648
£294,377
£9,551
Total
£1,145,743
£92,469
11
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within
one year
Bank Overdraft
Accruals
12
Analysis of fund balances
between the net assets
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
119,584
Current Assets
62,487
Current Liabilities
-828
£181,243
13
Movement in funds
Brought
Forward
Income
Unrestricted Funds
General Funds
187,242
7,404
Designated Funds
Trowbridge Fund
328,527
0
Ilminster Fund
21,563
1,142
Yeovil Fund
314,034
74,372
£851,366
£82,918
Endowment Funds
Cowl Street Fund
2,747
148
Crediton/Christchurch/
Colyton Chapel Funds
6,064
199
B&FUA Investments
- Bath Fund
69,937
2,313
- Exeter Fund
150,716
4,985
Shepton Mallet Cowl
Street Chapel Fund
8,790
258
Crediton Ministers Fund
56,123
1,648
£294,377
£9,551
Total
£1,145,743
£92,469
11
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within
one year
Bank Overdraft
Accruals
12
Analysis of fund balances
between the net assets
Unrestricted
Fixed Assets
119,584
Current Assets
62,487
Current Liabilities
-828
£181,243
13
Movement in funds
Brought
Forward
Income
Unrestricted Funds
General Funds
187,242
7,404
Designated Funds
Trowbridge Fund
328,527
0
Ilminster Fund
21,563
1,142
Yeovil Fund
314,034
74,372
£851,366
£82,918
Endowment Funds
Cowl Street Fund
2,747
148
Crediton/Christchurch/
Colyton Chapel Funds
6,064
199
B&FUA Investments
- Bath Fund
69,937
2,313
- Exeter Fund
150,716
4,985
Shepton Mallet Cowl
Street Chapel Fund
8,790
258
Crediton Ministers Fund
56,123
1,648
£294,377
£9,551
Total
£1,145,743
£92,469
2021
0
828
2021
0
828
2020
5,341
816
£6,157
Total
924,551
347,367
-828
£1,271,090
Carried
Transfers
Forward
9,551
181,242
0
345,921
0
25,537
0
387,570
2020
5,341
816
£6,157
Total
924,551
347,367
-828
£1,271,090
Carried
Transfers
Forward
9,551
181,242
0
345,921
0
25,537
0
387,570
£828 £6,157
Designated
Endowment
474,147
330,820
284,880
0
0
0
£181,243 £759,027 £330,820 £1,271,090
Income
7,404
0
1,142
74,372
Realised/
Revenue
Unrealised
Expenditure
Gains
-30,466
7,511
0
17,394
0
2,832
0
-836
£851,366 £82,918 (£30,466) £26,901 £9,551 £940,270
2,747
6,064
69,937
150,716
8,790
56,123
148
199
2,313
4,985
258
1,648
0
367
0
815
0
8,258
0
17,795
0
1,246
0
7,962
-148
3,114
-199
6,879
-2,313
78,195
-4,985
168,511
-258
10,036
-1,648
64,085
£294,377 £9,551 £0 £36,443 (£9,551) £330,820
£1,145,743 £92,469 -£30,466 £63,344 £0 £1,271,090

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)

Harwood, Lane & Co

Page - 13

THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

14 DESIGNATED FUNDS

Trowbridge Fund

Following the closure of the Chapel at Trowbridge, in September 2019 the Western Union was entrusted with the net proceeds of the sale of the bungalow in which the services and the congregational activities there had been held, on the understanding that this money was to be used primarily to support Unitarianism within Trowbridge and it surrounding area.

Ilminster Fund

Following closure of the Ilminster Trust in late 2019, the Western Union received some assets which were allocated to the Western Union on the understanding that they would be used primarily to support Unitarian chapels and churches in Somerset.

Yeovil Fund

In late September 2020, the Western Union was entrusted with the care of the funds resulting from the closure of the former Yeovil Trust and the sale of its property. The wishes of the former trustees at Yeovil are that this money should be used primarily to support Unitarianism within the County of Somerset, and thereafter within the District.

15 Related Party Transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year ended 31 December 2021.

RW/19100y21 (Accruals)