REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 269866
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
FOR
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
van Dijk Accountants
11 Trinity Street Bungay Suffolk NR35 1EH
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 12 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
To use the premises known as Quiet Waters, Flixton Road, Bungay, Suffolk for the advancement of the Christian religion as a Christian retreat house, a place of spiritual retreat and refreshment.
Activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to its objects
Many guests come to Quiet Waters for a private and self-managed time of retreat or as part of a group with its own retreat programme. Others will join a retreat event, either a day or a few days, led by an outside organisation or individual. We are also used by local churches and chaplaincies for their 'away-days' and leadership team meetings. In all cases Quiet Waters provides the hospitality, including accommodation and meals as required.
For individual guests, as opposed to groups or those joining a retreat event, we do not want cost to be a barrier and operate on a 'suggested donations' basis. We are immensely grateful to those generous guests who contribute more than the suggested donation as this generous giving supports a bursary fund which enables others with limited means to come and seek God here at Quiet Waters.
We have developed a 'Creative Space' in our cabin in the woods. Creativity takes so many forms - writer, composer, painter, chef, lyricist, carpenter, entrepreneur, filmmaker. Our space is ideal for individuals or small groups to explore worship through creativity, providing an independent space within the grounds of QW yet sharing the same peace and tranquillity of the main house.
The Quiet Waters team lead a daily 'Rhythm of Prayer' with set times of worship, prayer and reflection and will also provide a 'listening ear' and prayer ministry to guests if requested.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Page 1
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Activities and performance
This year has seen some growth as we move out of a time where the Covid pandemic had such an effect. This growth has been hampered because there have been times where the staff team have not been at full strength therefore restricting the opening times of the house. The number of 'bed-nights' and 'day guests' for the last year increased compared to the previous year but is still significantly below pre-pandemic numbers.
Bed-nights 2017/18 1047 2018/19 1217 2019/20 583 2020/21 311 2021/22 637 2022/23 728
Day Guests 2017/18 324 2018/19 299 2019/20 191 2020/21 43 2021/22 157 2022/23 197
Despite these challenges we have achieved an overall break-even position on our core day to day activities.
As of 30 September 2023, the residential team is at full strength. In addition to our residential team, we employ a part-time housekeeper and part-time gardener. This is supplemented by a number of volunteers who help around the house and garden - this voluntary team is much valued and appreciated.
Throughout the year our Team Chaplains have maintained contact with all of the staff. The role of the Chaplains is an important one; living and working in community can be challenging. The Chaplains give the team somebody they can turn to in confidence for advice and support.
As well as assessing our activities through 'bed-nights' and 'day guests' as shown above we collate guest feedback in a variety of ways. It could be on a feedback form, in the visitors' book, by letter/email, on social media or simply a remark. We remain greatly encouraged by the many positive and encouraging comments made. Through this we know that a large number of our referrals come through word of mouth.
We maintain contact with our friends and supporters by making regular posts to social media, through our newsletter and by sending email updates when appropriate. We continue with an online prayer meeting three times a year. In July 2023 we celebrated 50 years of Quiet Waters being in operation and faithfully serving God and its guests. We hosted an afternoon for former team members and trustees as well as current supporters. There was a special time of worship which included two of the original visionaries behind Quiet Waters who are now in their 80s and 90s.
Due to generous giving and legacies we continue to carry out work to secure the fabric of our Georgian grade II listed building. This includes further work as identified in our fire risk assessment. We have developed a constructive relationship with the planning department in East Suffolk Council.
We have a committed and knowledgeable board of trustees who are essential to the effectiveness of the charity. Our work would not be possible without prayer support and the generous giving of our friends and supporters. We are so grateful for their prayers and financial generosity.
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QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Unrestricted income of £87,571 (2022 £49,163) is increased and includes a generous gift of £25,000 and legacies totalling £2,500. Overnight guest numbers have increased at 728 (2022 637) and day guests of 197 (2022 157).
Donations to the Appeal launched in 2021 were £8,402 (2022 £13,476) with work on the building continuing and £9,342 spent during the year. Further promotion of the Appeal is planned during the next financial year.
Unrestricted expenditure was controlled well at £60,114 (2022 £57,526). Expenses will remain under close monitoring. Overall, a break-even position has been achieved on our core day to day activities.
FUTURE PLANS
Regarding the activities of the house, we will continue to provide the peace and space for guests to draw close to God. The residential team will continue to develop their gifts and skills to best serve our guests. This will include promoting the new creative space available in The Cabin.
2022-23 has been a year of some stabilisation after a difficult few years. We are still in a challenging financial climate with utility costs due to rise significantly in October 2023. Alongside the budgetary controls in place, we have a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees which gives us confidence that the work of Quiet Waters will flourish. However, none of this will be possible without the ongoing blessing of God and the faithful prayers of so many. We are thankful for both.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a Declaration of Trust, dated 26th March 1975 and scheme of the 6th March 1987.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
New trustees are recruited and appointed by existing trustees.
Organisational structure
The day-to-day operation of the charity is vested in the residential team but subject in every case to the general supervision of the trustees.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
269866
Principal address
Quiet Waters Flixton Road Bungay Suffolk NR35 1PD
Page 3
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
Trustees
S J Harris J M Harris P N Dunning T P Jenkins (resigned 1.1.23) J A Dean K J Males S E Deall (appointed 28.10.22)
Independent Examiner
van Dijk Accountants 11 Trinity Street Bungay Suffolk NR35 1EH
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 21 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
P N Dunning - Trustee
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Quiet Waters Christian Retreat House
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Quiet Waters Christian Retreat House (the Trust) for the year ended 30 September 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J P van Dijk
van Dijk Accountants 11 Trinity Street Bungay Suffolk NR35 1EH
21 June 2024
Page 5
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 72,434 Other trading activities 2 14,982 Investment income 3 155 Total 87,571 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 4 60,114 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 27,457 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 9,157 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 36,614 |
Restricted funds £ 8,402 - 378 8,780 10,389 (1,609) 861,945 860,336 |
30.9.23 Total funds £ 80,836 14,982 533 96,351 70,503 25,848 871,102 896,950 |
30.9.22 Total funds £ 56,132 13,437 17 69,586 62,484 7,102 864,000 871,102 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
BALANCE SHEET
30 September 2023
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 8 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted fund £ - 37,334 (720) 36,614 36,614 36,614 |
Restricted funds £ 825,000 35,336 - 35,336 860,336 860,336 |
30.9.23 Total funds £ 825,000 72,670 (720) 71,950 896,950 896,950 36,614 860,336 896,950 |
30.9.22 Total funds £ 825,000 46,822 (720) 46,102 871,102 871,102 9,157 861,945 871,102 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 21 June 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
P N Dunning - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 7
QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
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 a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost 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.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
| OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| 30.9.23 | 30.9.22 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fees | 14,405 | 11,969 |
| Shop income | 577 | 568 |
| Apartment | - | 900 |
| 14,982 | 13,437 | |
continued...
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QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
| INVESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 30.9.23 | 30.9.22 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit account interest | 533 | 17 |
| RAISING FUNDS | ||
| Raising donations and legacies | ||
| Support costs | 30.9.23 £ 70,503 |
30.9.22 £ 62,484 |
4. RAISING FUNDS
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2023 nor for the year ended 30 September 2022.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2023 nor for the year ended 30 September 2022.
6. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 30.9.23 Residential team member 4 Housekeeper 1 Gardener 1 6 |
30.9.22 4 1 1 6 |
|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 35,720 Other trading activities 13,437 Investment income 6 Total 49,163 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 57,526 |
Restricted funds £ 20,412 - 11 20,423 4,958 |
Total funds £ 56,132 13,437 17 69,586 62,484 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
| 7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023 NET BOOK VALUE At 30 September 2023 At 30 September 2022 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other creditors 10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund Freehold property valuation TOTAL FUNDS |
continued Unrestricted fund £ (8,363) 17,520 9,157 At 1.10.22 £ 9,157 36,945 825,000 861,945 871,102 |
Restricted funds £ 15,465 846,480 861,945 30.9.23 £ 720 Net movement in funds £ 27,457 (1,609) - (1,609) 25,848 |
Total funds £ 7,102 864,000 871,102 Freehold property £ 825,000 825,000 825,000 30.9.22 £ 720 At 30.9.23 £ 36,614 35,336 825,000 860,336 896,950 |
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
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QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 87,571 Restricted funds Restricted fund 8,780 TOTAL FUNDS 96,351 Comparatives for movement in funds At 1.10.21 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 17,520 Restricted funds Restricted fund 21,480 Freehold property valuation 825,000 846,480 TOTAL FUNDS 864,000 Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 49,163 Restricted funds Restricted fund 20,423 TOTAL FUNDS 69,586 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (60,114) 27,457 (10,389) (1,609) (70,503) 25,848 Net movement At in funds 30.9.22 £ £ (8,363) 9,157 15,465 36,945 - 825,000 15,465 861,945 7,102 871,102 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (57,526) (8,363) (4,958) 15,465 (62,484) 7,102 |
|---|---|
continued...
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QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund Freehold property valuation TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.10.21 £ 17,520 21,480 825,000 846,480 864,000 |
Net movement in funds £ 19,094 13,856 - 13,856 32,950 |
At 30.9.23 £ 36,614 35,336 825,000 860,336 896,950 |
|---|---|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds | Incoming Resources resources expended £ £ |
Movement in funds £ |
|---|---|---|
| General fund | 136,734 (117,640) |
19,094 |
| Restricted funds | ||
| Restricted fund | 29,203 (15,347) |
13,856 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 165,937 (132,987) |
32,950 |
11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 September 2023.
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QUIET WATERS CHRISTIAN RETREAT HOUSE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 30 September 2023
| 30.9.23 | 30.9.22 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | ||
| Donations and legacies | ||
| Gifts | 39,110 | 28,831 |
| Donations | 34,832 | 23,010 |
| Gift aid | 6,894 | 1,624 |
| Govt grants | - | 2,667 |
| Other trading activities | 80,836 | 56,132 |
| Fees | 14,405 | 11,969 |
| Shop income | 577 | 568 |
| Apartment | - | 900 |
| Investment income | 14,982 | 13,437 |
| Deposit account interest | 533 | 17 |
| Total incoming resources | 96,351 | 69,586 |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Support costs | ||
| Management | ||
| Employment costs | 26,349 | 20,669 |
| Household | 9,503 | 10,140 |
| Shop costs | 463 | 471 |
| Utility and insurance | 14,847 | 14,302 |
| Building maintenance | 15,272 | 11,219 |
| Office supplies | 2,501 | 1,725 |
| Finance costs | 661 | 497 |
| Sundries | 187 | 2,741 |
| Governance costs | 69,783 | 61,764 |
| Accountancy | 720 | 720 |
| Total resources expended | 70,503 | 62,484 |
| Net income | 25,848 | 7,102 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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