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 2024** ## **Charity No: 251033** RW/19100y24 (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/19100y24 (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 2024** The Trustees present their report and independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. ## **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 three occasions during 2024/2025 to conduct business. It also held its annual assembly at Frenchay in June 2024, with guest of honour Vince McCully, Immediate Past President of the General Assembly, who led discussion and worship. Mrs Sheila Evans of Plymouth represented the District at the General Assembly Meetings in Birmingham in April. The Constitution was amended to enable Council to meet by video-link if circumstances made this necessary. A successful Retreat was held at Hilfield Priory in Dorset, in November 2024, but unfortunately the Intergenerational Retreat was unsubscribed and therefore cancelled. Meetings were held with investors to ensure that investment holdings continue to be both fit for purpose and ethically responsible. Grants totalling £12,250, for 2025, were approved for pulpit supplies or ministry, as follows: |Taunton|£800| |---|---| |Crewkerne|£3,250| |Plymouth|£3,250| |Bridport|£3,250| |Bristol Frenchay|£900| |Bristol UMB|£600| |**TOTAL**|**£12,050**| ## **Financial review** The trustees consider the level of funds held to be sufficient to ensure the continued operation of the Trust. At 31 December 2024, cash in current bank accounts and on deposit with the bank named on page 5 amounted to £86,721. ## **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/19100y24 (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 2024** ## **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 2024 they were: Frances Pitt* President Edgar Mihas* Vice President Kay Millard* Secretary Bob Goddard* Treasurer Revd. John Harley Religious Education and Youth Officer Sheila Evans* Immediate Past President And also, the following representatives (and named deputies in parentheses) appointed to Council by their congregations: Bath Kay Millard* (Roderick Millard) Bridgwater Patricia Fieldhouse (Anne Fieldhouse) Bridport Roger Lake (Angelica Kennard) Bristol Frenchay Peter Bruce Bristol UMB Susan Wildman (Peter Wildman) Crewkerne Gerald Witcher (Ann Butler) Cullompton Linda McCarthy Plymouth Gillian Chapman Sidmouth Robert Crick Stroud & Swindon Revd. Elizabeth Birtles (Pam Jenkinson) Taunton Jay Waite (Kathryn McIntosh) Trowbridge Barbara Smith* (Jocelyn Clay) ## **NOTE: No Council Member may exercise more than one vote.** Honorary Members: Eleanor Dixon Kath Ryder (d. 26.12.2024) 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. Elizabeth Harley Minister Revd. Lindy Latham Minister (retired) Revd. Elizabeth Birtles Minister (retired) Revd. Maria Curtis Minister (retired) Revd. Kate Whyman Minister (retired 31.12.2024) Revd. Michael Dadson Minister (retired) Revd. Peter Godfrey Minister (retired) Mrs Eleanor Dixon Lay Pastor (retired) Mrs Fran Pitt Lay Leader *Those marked with an asterisk are currently members of the Executive Committee. RW/19100y24 (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 2024** ## **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. ## **Fran Pitt President Date:** RW/19100y24 (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 2024, 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: - 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 have come to my attention. ## **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: - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply the accounting requirements of the 2011 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. **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/19100y24 (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 2024** ## _**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**
**Reconciliation of Funds**
Total Funds Brought Forward
**14**
**Total Funds Carried Forward**
**14**|**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Total**
**Total**
1,118
0
0
1,118
1,244
7,884
5,499
10,751
24,134
19,488
0
150,230
0
150,230
0
1,345
0
0
1,345
3,883|**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Total**
**Total**
1,118
0
0
1,118
1,244
7,884
5,499
10,751
24,134
19,488
0
150,230
0
150,230
0
1,345
0
0
1,345
3,883| |---|---|---| ||10,347
155,729
10,751
176,827
24,615
200
0
0
200
100
16,554
0
0
16,554
15,328
687
321
0
1,008
7,548|| ||17,441
321
0
17,762
22,976
-1,362
26,275
17,271
42,184
38,704
4,872
-8,704
0
-3,832
-5,285|| ||3,510
17,571
17,271
38,352
33,419
-3,584
172,979
28,022
197,417
35,058
10,751
0
-10,751
0
0
170,418
710,773
277,863
1,159,054
1,123,996|| ||**£177,585**
**£883,752**
**£295,134**
**£1,356,471**|**£1,159,054**| ## **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/19100y24 (Accruals) Harwood, Lane & Co Page - 8 ## **THE WESTERN UNION OF UNITARIAN AND FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES** ## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**Notes**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Fixed Asset Investments
**10**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
**11**
Current Asset Investments
Cash Held in Investment Accounts
Cash at Bank and in Hand
**CREDITORS: amounts falling**
**due within one year**
**12**
**Net current assets**
**Total Assets less Total Liabilities**
**13**
**Capital**
Unrestricted Income Funds
**14**
Endowment Income Funds
**14**|0
152,765
1,553
88,325|**2024**
1,116,350
1,116,350
2,051
130,173
5,210
50,818
188,252
-961
240,121|**2024**
1,116,350
1,116,350
2,051
130,173
5,210
50,818
188,252
-961
240,121|**2023**
971,763| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||971,763
187,291| ||242,643
-2,522|||| |||||| |||**£1,356,471**||**£1,159,054**| |||1,061,337
295,134||881,191
277,863| |||**£1,356,471**||**£1,159,054**| Approved by the trustees and signed on its behalf. **Fran Pitt President Date:** **The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these accounts** RW/19100y24 (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 2024** ## **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**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
70
0
0
70
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,048
0
0
1,048
1,224|**s**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
70
0
0
70
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,048
0
0
1,048
1,224|**s**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
70
0
0
70
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,048
0
0
1,048
1,224|**s**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
70
0
0
70
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,048
0
0
1,048
1,224|**s**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
70
0
0
70
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,048
0
0
1,048
1,224| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||**£1,118**|**£0**|**£0**|**£1,118**|**£1,244**| RW/19100y24 (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 2024** |**3**
**Investment Income**
Interest Income
Dividend Income
B&FUA
- Bath
- Exeter
**4**
**Separate material item of income**
Trowbridge Unitarians
Ilminster Trust
Yeovil Trust
Cirencester Trust
**5**
**Other**
Retreat Payments
Intergenerational Retreat Payments
Collection at Annual Meeting
Trowbridge (return of funds)
Miscellaneous
CAF Bank Sweeping Payments
**6**
**Expenditure on raising funds**
Donations|**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
3,307
2,683
0
5,990
2,020
4,577
2,816
2,430
9,823
9,944
0
0
2,637
2,637
2,385
0
0
5,684
5,684
5,139|**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
3,307
2,683
0
5,990
2,020
4,577
2,816
2,430
9,823
9,944
0
0
2,637
2,637
2,385
0
0
5,684
5,684
5,139|**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
3,307
2,683
0
5,990
2,020
4,577
2,816
2,430
9,823
9,944
0
0
2,637
2,637
2,385
0
0
5,684
5,684
5,139|**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
3,307
2,683
0
5,990
2,020
4,577
2,816
2,430
9,823
9,944
0
0
2,637
2,637
2,385
0
0
5,684
5,684
5,139|**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
3,307
2,683
0
5,990
2,020
4,577
2,816
2,430
9,823
9,944
0
0
2,637
2,637
2,385
0
0
5,684
5,684
5,139| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||**£7,884**|**£5,499**|**£10,751**|**£24,134**|**£19,488**| ||**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
150,230
0
150,230
0||||| ||**£0**|**£150,230**|**£0**|**£150,230**|**£0**| ||**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
1,185
0
0
1,185
1,105
0
0
0
0
575
0
0
0
0
118
0
0
0
0
2,000
140
0
0
140
0
20
0
0
20
85||||| ||**£1,345**|**£0**|**£0**|**£1,345**|**£3,883**| ||**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
200
0
0
200
100||||| ||**£200**|**£0**|**£0**|**£200**|**£100**| RW/19100y24 (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 2024** |**7**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Grants
- Taunton
700
0
0
700
600
- Cullompton
3,000
0
0
3,000
2,750
- Bridport
3,000
0
0
3,000
0
- Plymouth
3,800
0
0
3,800
3,500
- Bridgwater
0
0
0
0
1,500
Safeguarding Support Membership
150
0
0
150
109
Travelling expenses
958
0
0
958
1,101
Premises hire
195
0
0
195
185
Annual meeting
105
0
0
105
50
GA booking fee & expenses
340
0
0
340
350
WU Annual Assembly expenses
348
0
0
348
308
Training meeting expenses
0
0
0
0
0
Bursaries - Worship Study Course
0
0
0
0
0
Independent examiner
918
0
0
918
888
Honorariums
1,200
0
0
1,200
1,050
Postage, stationery & other expenses
368
0
0
368
232
Website & Sleeper Phone
72
0
0
72
425
Society of St Francis (Retreat)
1,400
0
0
1,400
2,250
Retreat refund
0
0
0
0
30
**£16,554**
**£0**
**£0**
**£16,554**
**£15,328**
**8**
**Other**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Bank charges
547
321
0
868
5,385
CAF Bank Sweeping Payment
0
0
0
0
5
Annual meeting gifts
0
0
0
0
40
Send a Child to Hucklow
0
0
0
0
118
Trowbridge Fellowship Seed Funding
0
0
0
0
2,000
Miscellaneous
140
0
0
140
0
**£687**
**£321**
**£0**
**£1,008**
**£7,548**|**7**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Grants
- Taunton
700
0
0
700
600
- Cullompton
3,000
0
0
3,000
2,750
- Bridport
3,000
0
0
3,000
0
- Plymouth
3,800
0
0
3,800
3,500
- Bridgwater
0
0
0
0
1,500
Safeguarding Support Membership
150
0
0
150
109
Travelling expenses
958
0
0
958
1,101
Premises hire
195
0
0
195
185
Annual meeting
105
0
0
105
50
GA booking fee & expenses
340
0
0
340
350
WU Annual Assembly expenses
348
0
0
348
308
Training meeting expenses
0
0
0
0
0
Bursaries - Worship Study Course
0
0
0
0
0
Independent examiner
918
0
0
918
888
Honorariums
1,200
0
0
1,200
1,050
Postage, stationery & other expenses
368
0
0
368
232
Website & Sleeper Phone
72
0
0
72
425
Society of St Francis (Retreat)
1,400
0
0
1,400
2,250
Retreat refund
0
0
0
0
30
**£16,554**
**£0**
**£0**
**£16,554**
**£15,328**
**8**
**Other**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Bank charges
547
321
0
868
5,385
CAF Bank Sweeping Payment
0
0
0
0
5
Annual meeting gifts
0
0
0
0
40
Send a Child to Hucklow
0
0
0
0
118
Trowbridge Fellowship Seed Funding
0
0
0
0
2,000
Miscellaneous
140
0
0
140
0
**£687**
**£321**
**£0**
**£1,008**
**£7,548**|**7**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Grants
- Taunton
700
0
0
700
600
- Cullompton
3,000
0
0
3,000
2,750
- Bridport
3,000
0
0
3,000
0
- Plymouth
3,800
0
0
3,800
3,500
- Bridgwater
0
0
0
0
1,500
Safeguarding Support Membership
150
0
0
150
109
Travelling expenses
958
0
0
958
1,101
Premises hire
195
0
0
195
185
Annual meeting
105
0
0
105
50
GA booking fee & expenses
340
0
0
340
350
WU Annual Assembly expenses
348
0
0
348
308
Training meeting expenses
0
0
0
0
0
Bursaries - Worship Study Course
0
0
0
0
0
Independent examiner
918
0
0
918
888
Honorariums
1,200
0
0
1,200
1,050
Postage, stationery & other expenses
368
0
0
368
232
Website & Sleeper Phone
72
0
0
72
425
Society of St Francis (Retreat)
1,400
0
0
1,400
2,250
Retreat refund
0
0
0
0
30
**£16,554**
**£0**
**£0**
**£16,554**
**£15,328**
**8**
**Other**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Bank charges
547
321
0
868
5,385
CAF Bank Sweeping Payment
0
0
0
0
5
Annual meeting gifts
0
0
0
0
40
Send a Child to Hucklow
0
0
0
0
118
Trowbridge Fellowship Seed Funding
0
0
0
0
2,000
Miscellaneous
140
0
0
140
0
**£687**
**£321**
**£0**
**£1,008**
**£7,548**|**7**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Grants
- Taunton
700
0
0
700
600
- Cullompton
3,000
0
0
3,000
2,750
- Bridport
3,000
0
0
3,000
0
- Plymouth
3,800
0
0
3,800
3,500
- Bridgwater
0
0
0
0
1,500
Safeguarding Support Membership
150
0
0
150
109
Travelling expenses
958
0
0
958
1,101
Premises hire
195
0
0
195
185
Annual meeting
105
0
0
105
50
GA booking fee & expenses
340
0
0
340
350
WU Annual Assembly expenses
348
0
0
348
308
Training meeting expenses
0
0
0
0
0
Bursaries - Worship Study Course
0
0
0
0
0
Independent examiner
918
0
0
918
888
Honorariums
1,200
0
0
1,200
1,050
Postage, stationery & other expenses
368
0
0
368
232
Website & Sleeper Phone
72
0
0
72
425
Society of St Francis (Retreat)
1,400
0
0
1,400
2,250
Retreat refund
0
0
0
0
30
**£16,554**
**£0**
**£0**
**£16,554**
**£15,328**
**8**
**Other**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Bank charges
547
321
0
868
5,385
CAF Bank Sweeping Payment
0
0
0
0
5
Annual meeting gifts
0
0
0
0
40
Send a Child to Hucklow
0
0
0
0
118
Trowbridge Fellowship Seed Funding
0
0
0
0
2,000
Miscellaneous
140
0
0
140
0
**£687**
**£321**
**£0**
**£1,008**
**£7,548**|**7**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Grants
- Taunton
700
0
0
700
600
- Cullompton
3,000
0
0
3,000
2,750
- Bridport
3,000
0
0
3,000
0
- Plymouth
3,800
0
0
3,800
3,500
- Bridgwater
0
0
0
0
1,500
Safeguarding Support Membership
150
0
0
150
109
Travelling expenses
958
0
0
958
1,101
Premises hire
195
0
0
195
185
Annual meeting
105
0
0
105
50
GA booking fee & expenses
340
0
0
340
350
WU Annual Assembly expenses
348
0
0
348
308
Training meeting expenses
0
0
0
0
0
Bursaries - Worship Study Course
0
0
0
0
0
Independent examiner
918
0
0
918
888
Honorariums
1,200
0
0
1,200
1,050
Postage, stationery & other expenses
368
0
0
368
232
Website & Sleeper Phone
72
0
0
72
425
Society of St Francis (Retreat)
1,400
0
0
1,400
2,250
Retreat refund
0
0
0
0
30
**£16,554**
**£0**
**£0**
**£16,554**
**£15,328**
**8**
**Other**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Bank charges
547
321
0
868
5,385
CAF Bank Sweeping Payment
0
0
0
0
5
Annual meeting gifts
0
0
0
0
40
Send a Child to Hucklow
0
0
0
0
118
Trowbridge Fellowship Seed Funding
0
0
0
0
2,000
Miscellaneous
140
0
0
140
0
**£687**
**£321**
**£0**
**£1,008**
**£7,548**|**7**
**Expenditure on charitable activities**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Grants
- Taunton
700
0
0
700
600
- Cullompton
3,000
0
0
3,000
2,750
- Bridport
3,000
0
0
3,000
0
- Plymouth
3,800
0
0
3,800
3,500
- Bridgwater
0
0
0
0
1,500
Safeguarding Support Membership
150
0
0
150
109
Travelling expenses
958
0
0
958
1,101
Premises hire
195
0
0
195
185
Annual meeting
105
0
0
105
50
GA booking fee & expenses
340
0
0
340
350
WU Annual Assembly expenses
348
0
0
348
308
Training meeting expenses
0
0
0
0
0
Bursaries - Worship Study Course
0
0
0
0
0
Independent examiner
918
0
0
918
888
Honorariums
1,200
0
0
1,200
1,050
Postage, stationery & other expenses
368
0
0
368
232
Website & Sleeper Phone
72
0
0
72
425
Society of St Francis (Retreat)
1,400
0
0
1,400
2,250
Retreat refund
0
0
0
0
30
**£16,554**
**£0**
**£0**
**£16,554**
**£15,328**
**8**
**Other**
**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
Bank charges
547
321
0
868
5,385
CAF Bank Sweeping Payment
0
0
0
0
5
Annual meeting gifts
0
0
0
0
40
Send a Child to Hucklow
0
0
0
0
118
Trowbridge Fellowship Seed Funding
0
0
0
0
2,000
Miscellaneous
140
0
0
140
0
**£687**
**£321**
**£0**
**£1,008**
**£7,548**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||**£16,554**|**£0**|**£0**|**£16,554**|**£15,328**| ||**2024**
**2023**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Total**
**Total**
547
321
0
868
5,385
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
40
0
0
0
0
118
0
0
0
0
2,000
140
0
0
140
0||||| ||**£687**|**£321**|**£0**|**£1,008**|**£7,548**| ## **9 Staff costs** The charity had no paid employees. Total expenses reimbursed to council members in the year was £754 (2023 - £760). Honorariums were paid to the secretary amounting to £300 (2023 - £300), treasurer amounting to £300 (2023 - £300), RE co-ordinator amounting to £300 (2023 - £300), and to the Website Manager amounting to £300 (2023 - £150). |**Fixed Asset Investments**
Historical Cost at 31.12.2024
Market Value at 31.12.2024|**2024**| |---|---| ||**£686,766**| ||| ||**£1,116,350**| **10** RW/19100y24 (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 2024** |**11**
**DEBTORS**
Investment Income
**12**
**CREDITORS: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
Bank Overdraft
Accruals
**13**
**Analysis of fund balances**
**between the net assets**
**Unrestricted**
Fixed Assets
100,795
Current Assets
79,312
Current Liabilities
-2,522
**£177,585**
**14**
**Movement in funds**
**Brought**
**Forward**
**Income**
**Unrestricted Funds**
**_General Funds_**
170,418
10,347
**_Designated Funds_**
_Trowbridge Fund_
311,775
0
_Ilminster Fund_
26,266
1,388
_Yeovil Fund_
372,732
2,681
_Cirencester Fund_
0
151,660
**£881,191**
**£166,076**
**Endowment Funds**
Cowl Street Fund
2,872
180
Crediton/Christchurch/
Colyton Chapel Funds
6,073
259
B&FUA Investments
- Bath Fund
62,566
2,637
- Exeter Fund
134,831
5,684
Shepton Mallet Cowl
Street Chapel Fund
9,684
270
Crediton Ministers Fund
61,837
1,721
**£277,863**
**£10,751**
**Total**
**£1,159,054**
**£176,827**|**11**
**DEBTORS**
Investment Income
**12**
**CREDITORS: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
Bank Overdraft
Accruals
**13**
**Analysis of fund balances**
**between the net assets**
**Unrestricted**
Fixed Assets
100,795
Current Assets
79,312
Current Liabilities
-2,522
**£177,585**
**14**
**Movement in funds**
**Brought**
**Forward**
**Income**
**Unrestricted Funds**
**_General Funds_**
170,418
10,347
**_Designated Funds_**
_Trowbridge Fund_
311,775
0
_Ilminster Fund_
26,266
1,388
_Yeovil Fund_
372,732
2,681
_Cirencester Fund_
0
151,660
**£881,191**
**£166,076**
**Endowment Funds**
Cowl Street Fund
2,872
180
Crediton/Christchurch/
Colyton Chapel Funds
6,073
259
B&FUA Investments
- Bath Fund
62,566
2,637
- Exeter Fund
134,831
5,684
Shepton Mallet Cowl
Street Chapel Fund
9,684
270
Crediton Ministers Fund
61,837
1,721
**£277,863**
**£10,751**
**Total**
**£1,159,054**
**£176,827**|**11**
**DEBTORS**
Investment Income
**12**
**CREDITORS: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
Bank Overdraft
Accruals
**13**
**Analysis of fund balances**
**between the net assets**
**Unrestricted**
Fixed Assets
100,795
Current Assets
79,312
Current Liabilities
-2,522
**£177,585**
**14**
**Movement in funds**
**Brought**
**Forward**
**Income**
**Unrestricted Funds**
**_General Funds_**
170,418
10,347
**_Designated Funds_**
_Trowbridge Fund_
311,775
0
_Ilminster Fund_
26,266
1,388
_Yeovil Fund_
372,732
2,681
_Cirencester Fund_
0
151,660
**£881,191**
**£166,076**
**Endowment Funds**
Cowl Street Fund
2,872
180
Crediton/Christchurch/
Colyton Chapel Funds
6,073
259
B&FUA Investments
- Bath Fund
62,566
2,637
- Exeter Fund
134,831
5,684
Shepton Mallet Cowl
Street Chapel Fund
9,684
270
Crediton Ministers Fund
61,837
1,721
**£277,863**
**£10,751**
**Total**
**£1,159,054**
**£176,827**|**2024**
0|**2024**
0|**2023**
2,051
**£2,051**
**2023**
73
888
**£961**
**Total**
1,116,350
242,643
-2,522
**£1,356,471**
**Carried**
**Transfers**
**Forward**
10,751
177,585
0
320,883
0
28,231
0
382,975
0
151,663|**2023**
2,051
**£2,051**
**2023**
73
888
**£961**
**Total**
1,116,350
242,643
-2,522
**£1,356,471**
**Carried**
**Transfers**
**Forward**
10,751
177,585
0
320,883
0
28,231
0
382,975
0
151,663| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||**£0**||**£2,051**|| ||||**2024**
1,604
918|||| ||||**£2,522**||**£961**|| ||||**Designated**
**Endowment**
720,421
295,134
163,331
0
0
0|||| |||**£177,585**|**£883,752**|**£295,134**|**£1,356,471**|| |||**Income**
10,347
0
1,388
2,681
151,660|**Realised/**
**Revenue**
**Unrealised**
**Expenditure**
**Gains**
-17,441
3,510
0
9,108
0
577
0
7,562
-321
324|||| ||**£881,191**|**£166,076**|**(£17,762)**|**£21,081**|**£10,751**|**£1,061,337**| ||2,872
6,073
62,566
134,831
9,684
61,837|180
259
2,637
5,684
270
1,721|0
74
0
109
0
4,904
0
10,568
0
219
0
1,397||-180
2,946
-259
6,182
-2,637
67,470
-5,684
145,399
-270
9,903
-1,721
63,234|| ||**£277,863**|**£10,751**|**£0**|**£17,271**|**(£10,751)**|**£295,134**| |||||||| ||**£1,159,054**|**£176,827**|**(£17,762)**|**£38,352**|**£0**|**£1,356,471**| RW/19100y24 (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 2024** ## **15 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. ## **Cirencester Fund** Following a decision made in 2023 by the remaining trustees of the Cirencester Trust Fund to close this trust, the Western Union was entrusted with the financial assets. These were transferred to the Western Union in 2024 on the understanding that these would be used primarily to support Unitarianism within Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire, and thereafter within the Western Union District as a whole. In the case of the latter, this would be in accordance with the Cirencester Trust's former practice of favouring the use of these funds to further publicity and outreach within the district. ## **16 Related Party Transactions** There were no related party transactions in the year ended 31 December 2024. RW/19100y24 (Accruals)