## **DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST** **REGISTERED CHARITY NO 282790** ## **ACCOUNTS** **For the year 31.12 2024** ## **DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST** ## **REGISTERED CHARITY NO 282790** ||**INDEX**|| |---|---|---| |||**Page**| |**Trust Information**||**1**| |**Trustees' Report**||**2-3**| |**Report of the Independent Examiner**||**4**| |**Receipts and Payments**||**5**| |**Statement of assets and liabilities**||**6**| |**Notes to the Accounts**||**7**| ## **DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST** ||**Trust Information**| |---|---| |REGISTERED CHARITY NO:|282790| |PRESIDENT:|H M Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset| |VICE-PRESIDENTS:|The Lord Bishop of Salisbury| ||The Bishop of Sherborne| ||Sir Philip Williams Bt, DL| ||G A L-F Pitt-Rivers OBE| ||The Archdeacon of Dorset| ||The Archdeacon of Sherborne| ||Mrs V L-F Pitt-Rivers CVO| ||The Viscount Hood| ||R D Allan| ||Major General J O C Alexander CB,OBE| ||P F Moule| |CHAIRMAN:|His Honour D E B Grant| |TRUSTEES:|Mrs S-A Barrett| ||Mrs S Bruce-Payne| ||R B Blaber| ||Dr T P P Connor| ||Mrs L Jones| ||His Honour D E B Grant| ||J Turnbull| ||S D Norman| ||J A M A Selfe| ||J T Smith| ||Sir Andrew Graham Bt, CB, CBE| ||T Sweet-Escott| ||M W M Warren| ||The Reverend Canon A J W Rowland| ||T J Wickson| ||J T Smith| |HON SECRETARY:|J A M A Selfe| |HON TREASURER:|R B Blaber| |BANKERS:|Lloyds Bank PLC| ||1-2 High West St| ||Dorchester| ||Dorset| ||DT1 1UG| ||Central Finance Board| ||CCLA Investments| ||Senator House| ||85 Queen Victoria Streeet| ||London| ||EC4V 4ET| |INDEPENDENT EXAMINER:|PKF Francis Clark| ||Chartered Accountants| ||Towngate House| ||2-8 Parkstone Road| ||Poole| ||Dorset| ||BH15 2PW| Page 1 ## **DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST** ## **Trustees' Report for the year ended 31.12.2024** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Dorset Historic Churches Trust is constituted by Deed of Trust dated 1 March 1960 as varied by a scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 21 January 2004 and by a Deed of Amendment dated 30 May 2007, and is a registered charity, number 282790. Its registered address is Suite 1, Mey House, Bridport Road, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3QY Our former President Mr Angus Campbell CVO retired as Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset in November 2024 and his successor Mr Dooley FRCOG LVO has assumed the role. The power to appoint Trustees is in the Trustees themselves with reserve powers in the President. A list of the current Trustees is on page 1 together with those former Trustees who now hold the non-executive position of Vice-President. ## **Objectives and Activities** The object of the Trust is to assist financially with the preservation, repair, maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction of churches in the administrative county of Dorset and of monuments, fittings, fixtures, stained glass, furniture, ornaments and chattels in such churches and of the churchyard belonging to any such churches. The Trustees decide as a matter of policy from time to time, published on their website, which of those things shall be aided by grants made by them. The Trustees are the governing body (of at least 4 but no more than 20 people) who meet at least 3 times a year and are responsible for deciding which churches should receive grants and how much these should amount to. Applications for grants are handled in the first instance at Deanery Area level and each Deanery Area has a representative. The Deanery Area Representatives also help to distribute the paperwork essential to the administration of an annual Sponsored Ride + Stride. An administrator initiates and supervises this fund-raising event. ## **Preparation of accounts** The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include the revaluation of investments and in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP). ## **Achievement and Performance** Grants totalling £130,550 have been approved for the repair of 26 churches. 20 grants totalling £113,722 have been paid in the year. £41,000 being the 50% return from Ride + Stride has been paid back to parishes. Some churches and other donors elect to remit all 100% of their funds raised under Ride + Stride to the Trust. The annual Ride + Stride Cycle Ride raised a total of £90,000 of which, on receipt and if requested, half, excluding Gift Aid is donated to the participating churches for their own direct use. A claim for Gift Aid recoverable from HM Revenue & Customs will be submitted in 2025 bringing the total raised above £98,000.. The Charity has no endowments or restricted funds and the whole income and capital of the Trust Fund is available to be applied by the Trustees in their absolute discretion on the charitable purposes of the Trust. In accordance with the provisions of the Charities Act and Accounting Regulations the Investments of the Trust are shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at market value. The Trustees have wide investment powers under the Deed. The majority of investment funds are held by CCLA Investment Management Ltd, One Angel Lane London EC4 R 3AB, in COIF and CBF Church of England funds. (Note 1 ) The Trust's assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of funds and cash deposits. ## **Income** The Trust has been fortunate to have received some sizeable donations and legacies in 2024 totalling £50,000 and continues to achieve outstanding returns from the annual Ride + Stride Event. The sums raised continue to provide a significant contribution to the Trust's funds. We are extremely grateful to all the parishes putting so much effort into making this such a success. Investments managed by CCLA, were overall 4% up on 2023. Page 2 ## **DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST** ## **Trustees' Report on the year ended 31 December 2024 - continued** ## **Expenditure** Grants approved are up from 2023 (£131,000 v £107,000) . ## **Reserves Policy** It is the Trustees' present intention to aim to maintain a reserve in the region of at least £300,000. The Trustees believe that, in general, the Trust's funds should be directed to awarding grants to fulfil its objectives, rather than being accumulated. To maintain some assurance of continued ability to make grant payments in the region of £125,000 per annum, with the potential to support unexpected and urgent major projects, the present level of reserves has been adopted but this is to be kept under review by the Trustees. ## **Risk Assessment** The Trustees are responsible for considering the risks which may impact upon the Charity. The position was again reviewed in detail by the Trustees in 2024. A risk register is in place and reviewed thrice yearly. ## **Public Benefit** The object of the Trust is set out above and a list of grants approved in the year as set out in the notes to the accounts. As required by section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 the Trustees have considered the guidance published by the Charity Commission in respect of public benefit. They believe that the Charity's object, as set out above, falls within the definitions of charitable purposes in the Act and that the activities as set out above contribute to meeting that object. ## **Trustees' Responsibilities** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent - state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by : ## S D Norman on behalf of the Trustees Date: 7 March 2025 Page 3 ## **DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST** ## **Report of the Independent Examiner to the Trustees** I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 5 to 7. ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act - follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 act - 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 within those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required for 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 comply with 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. Adrian Way FCA FCCA (a director of) PKF Francis Clark Chartered Accountants Towngate House 2-8 Parkstone Road Poole Dorset BH15 2PW Date: 10 March 2025 Page 4 ## **DORSET HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT for the 12 months to 31st December 2024** |**RECEIPTS**
**£**
**Voluntary Income**
Donations & Legacies
50,427
8,480
730
Ride & Stride Previous Year
1,223
Ride & Stride Current Year
89,658
Gift Aid
Friends Events
5,095
Friends Events Expenditure
-2,196
**PAYMENTS**
**Ride & Stride**
41,055
1,800
Brochures, Publicity & Friends Annual Events
1,888
Printing and Postage
356
Administration

Bookkeeping
663
**Grants**
Grants paid in the year
**Support Costs**
Annual Report
1,359
Postage, Stationery and Travel
528
438
Insurance
450
515
343
Bookkeeping
942
Meetings
795
**Governance**
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
**Net movement in cash funds**
**Sale and Purchase of Investments**
**Cash funds last year end**
**CASH FUNDS THIS PERIOD END**
Just Giving Fees
Bank Charges
Friends Subscriptions
Parochial Church Councils
**Activities For Generating Funds**
Independent Examiners
Sales of notecards
Honoraria
Marketing & Website
**Investment Income**
**Deposit Account Interest**
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**
50% Return To Churches|**£**
**£**

23,378

7,735

1,053
59,637

580

84,714
90,881
15,553

3,955

-1930
2,899
310
11,410
7,845
**£188,535**

39,336

1,800

2,096

518
-


1,200
45,762
113,722

3,465

670

159

450

562

377

635

326
5,370
1,674
**£166,528**
22,007
60,000
211,217
**£293,224**
**2024**|**£**



32,166


85,294
13,742


2,025
199
9,625
5,475
**£148,526**




-

44,950
104,000








6,644
1,607
**£157,201**
8,675
-
84,000
-
303,892
**£211,217**
**2023**| |---|---|---| **Page 5** 1 ## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**Cash Funds**
Lloyds Bank Main Account
Lloyds Bank Ride & Stride
CBF Deposit Account
Nationwide Building Society
**Investment Assets**
CBF Investment Fund
COIF Charities Global Equities Fund
**Total Assets**
**Liabilities**
Grants Awarded But Not Drawn
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES**|**As at**
**31 Dec 2024**
48,217
3,093
241,814
100|



293,224
279,821
93,558
**£666,603**
158,328
**£508,275**|**As at**
**31 Dec 2023**
15,528
40,854
129,735
25,100





|



211,217
332,373
88,580
**£632,170**
149,000
**£483,170**| |---|---|---|---|---| **Page 6** 2 |**GRANTS**
**Church**
**Corsham St Mary**
**West Orchard St Luke**
**Gussage St Michael**
**Wimborne St John**
**Weymouth St Paul**
**Affpuddle St Laurence**
**Shapwick St Bartholomew**
**Lychett Minster**
**Okeford Fitzpaine St Andrew**
**Radipole St Aldhem**
**Pimperne St Peter**
**Okeford Fitzpaine St Andrew**
**Stock Gaylard St Barnabus**
**Ashmore St Nicholas**
**Iwerne Minster St Mary**
**Wyke Regis All Saints**
**Steeple St Michael**
**Chaldon Herring St Nicholas**
**Broadwey St Nicolas**
**Worth Matravers**
**Church Knowle**
**Owermoigne**
**Beer Hacket**
**Okeford Fitzpaine**
**Stoke Abbott**
**Weymouth Holy Trinity**
**Wraxall St Mary**
**Alderholt St James**
**Fontmell Magna St Andrew**
**Ibberton St Eustace**
**Kinson St Andrew**
**Loders St Mary Magdelene**
**Melbury Abbas St Thomas**
**Radipole St Anne**
**Salway Ash Holy Trinity**
**Shillingstone Holy Rood**
**Tolpuddle St John the Evangelist**
**Wareham St Martin**
**Chickerell Christian Worship**
**Allington St Swithun**
**Caundle Marsh St Peter & St Paul**
**Cheselbourne St Martin**
**Church Knowle St Peter**
**Powerstock St Mary**
**Sydling St Nicholas**|**Outstanding**
**Approved**
**Paid**
**Written**
**Outstanding**
**Year**
**at 31.12.2023**
**in period**
**in year**
**back in period**
**Granted**
£
£
£
£
£
5,000
5,000
2019
1,500
1,500
-
2020
12,000
12,000
2020
4,500
4,500
2020
7,000
7,000
-
2021
3,000
3,000
-
2021
6,000
6,000
-
2021
7,000
7,000
2022
6,000
6,000
-
2022
5,000
5,000
2022
9,000
9,000
2022
5,000
5,000
-
2022
5,000
3,000
2,000
-
2022
12,000
12,000
-
2022
6,000
6,000
-
2023
15,000
15,000
-
2023
15,000
15,000
2023
15,000
3,722
11,278
2023
10,000
10,000
2023
5,000 5,000
-
2024
12,000 12,000
-
2024
8,000
8,000
2024
5,000 4,000
1000
-
2024
5,000
5,000
2024
5,000 5,000
-
2024
5,000 5,000
-
2024
2,500 2,500
-
2024
5,000
5,000
2024
6,000 6,000
-
2024
5,000
5,000
2024
5,000
5,000
2024
500 500
-
2024
6,000
6,000
2024
1,000 1,000
-
2024
7,000
7,000
2024
4,000 4,000
-
2024
6,000
6,000
2024
5,000
5,000
-
2024
5,000
5,000
2024
12,000
12,000
2024
750
750
2024
2,500
2,500
2024
4,000
4,000
2024
3,300
3,300
2024
5,000
5,000
2024
**£149,000**
**£130,550**
**£113,722**
**£7,500**
**£158,328**| |---|---| **Page 7** 3