OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-accounts

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ending 31 December 2023

1. Legal and Administrative Information

1.1 Title of the Charity

The Essex Association of Change Ringers, also known as the “EACR”. Charity number 292250.

The Association is an unincorporated association founded in 1879. It is governed by Rules adopted in May 1985 to allow registration of the Association as a Charity and most recently revised in May 2021.

1.3 Beneficial Area

The boundaries of the Association are those defining the geographical county of Essex prior to 1 April 1965 and include towers in adjacent counties, which are by tradition affiliated to the Association.

1.4 Trustees

The Trustees of the charity are members of the Management Committee and comprise

Election process:

Trustees a) potential candidates are canvassed and nominations proposed and seconded by 1 February prior to the AGM. Nominees are elected by the members of the Association at the AGM in May.

Trustees b) potential candidates are canvassed and nominations are proposed and seconded and elected by their respective District membership at their Annual District Meetings in January or as necessary during the year. No external bodies are involved in the process. The list of the Association’s Trustees at 31 December 2023 is at Annex A and attendance at Trustee meetings at Annex B.

All Trustees are members of the Association and receive a copy of the annual report. Newly appointed Trustees receive copies of the Essential Trustee (CC3) , the Essential Trustee 6 main duties , the Charity Trustee Welcome Pack and are advised to view the Charity Commission’s online ‘5 minute guides’ . All Trustees sign a new Trustee Declaration of Eligibility and Responsibility on taking up their appointment and will do so on an annual basis or when a new Trustee is appointed. All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefit.

1.5 Principal Address

The Charity’s registered address is 16 The Priory, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3JE.

1.6 Principal agents and advisors

Principal Bankers: NatWest Bank, 4-5 High Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1FZ Independent examiners:

Neil Avis and George Thoday to May 2023 and Jenny Ansell and Janet Edwards from May 2023

Insurance Brokers: Howe Maxted Group Ltd, 17 Hatherley Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 4BP

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 1

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

Insurance Advisers: Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc, Benefact House, 2000, Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW.

1.7 Remuneration of Trustees

No remunerations or emoluments were paid to any Trustees.

1.8 Organisation

The Association is governed by the Trustees and administered by them through the Management Committee and its sub-committees and through the Districts and their respective District Committees and District meetings. The Trustees are responsible to the Membership via the AGM. The order of precedence for governance is i) the Trustees, ii) the Management Committee, iii) Districts.

The Trustees meet independently of the Management Committee at least three times per year to review the Association’s activities, its finances, the risks it faces, safeguarding and to consider applications for grants. The Management Committee meets on at least two occasions during the year. The Association is organised into six districts. The districts have their own officers responsible for encouraging good ringing in the churches with bells within their area and working within the charitable objectives of the Association as a whole. Each district is represented by an elected Trustee and each district has four elected officers on the Management Committee. The districts hold their annual meetings in January where they elect their officers. Regular practices, meetings, quarter peals and striking competitions are organised within districts as well as fundraising events with any surpluses going to the Bell Restoration Account (BRA) or the Recruitment and Training Fund.

The Association is affiliated to the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers and loyally abides by the rules and decisions thereof.

2 Objectives and Public Benefit Statement

2.1 Charitable objects

The objects of the Association are as set out in rule 2:

In furtherance of these objectives the Association organises and encourages training sessions and bell ringing competitions. The main Association-level training is the annual 3- day Essex Ringing Course which for a number of years has been based in Coggeshall. There is an Autumn training day hosted by each District in turn but individual training is spread throughout the county. Training at the District level is both ongoing and based on specific training days.

Grants to approved belfry repair and improvement projects are available from the Bell Restoration Account. The Association Technical Adviser is available to discuss the condition of bells and their fittings. The Bell Maintenance & Restoration sub-committee has delegated authority to grant up to £250 for minor works. The Recruitment & Training sub-committee has delegated authority to grant up to £250. Sums above £250 are referred to the Management Committee for support pending Trustees’ approval. Applications are

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 2

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

considered at the Management Committee meetings in February and October and/or the Trustee meetings in February, May and September.

2.2 Public Benefit

The Association’s Objects and Aims are focused towards two areas. First, the support of Christian worship by promoting the ringing of bells for Service and second the preservation of the tradition and heritage of change ringing and supporting the training and development of change ringers from all walks of society. The Association achieves this by:

Many members give up their time and talents in many ways volunteering to help ringing schools, individual towers and bell restoration projects as well as many different recruiting, training, fundraising and maintenance projects in furtherance of the objectives as laid down in the rules.

The Association maintains a website ( www.eacr.org.uk ) which details many of the activities undertaken for its members. The Association has also maintained contact with its members via Facebook, Twitter now X, Instagram, EACR Notices on email, a newsletter and a YouTube channel. In addition, some Districts maintain their own websites and social media outlets.

The public benefits through the preservation of a uniquely UK tradition and heritage, and because we assist them to participate in an inclusive activity that significantly benefits them both physically and mentally.

The Trustees paid due regard to the commission's guidance on public benefit in producing this statement.

2.3 Membership

Membership is open to any person eligible according to the Association’s rules (regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances) interested in bells and bellringing. Our membership categories include Ringing Members (including Juniors), Life Vice-Presidents, Life Members, Non-Resident Members and Associate Members of the Association.

3 Review of Activities and Achievements in 2023

3.1 Overview

The Association aims to offer support to its members to not only ring for Sunday service and practice nights but also to improve and progress their ringing. District events are usually held across the Association including open practices, quarter peal weeks/months, training activities, outings and social gatherings. Whilst the number of people attending these events is difficult to gauge, a broad spectrum of the membership is involved with these and hopefully benefit from the opportunity to ring at different towers and meet other ringers.

Much good work is done by all the Trustees and those on the Management Committee for the Association, and by all of the District Officers across the Association. The Trustees, Management Committee and District Officers’ Meetings continue to effectively inform and

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 3

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

shape the actions of the Association, and thanks go out to all of the Officers and representatives for their ongoing contributions to the Association. It is the Districts within the Association that undertake the majority of the work in fostering our ringing community to achieve its full potential. They connect the leaves of our members to the roots of the Association, and uphold its aims and objectives.

2023 has been a year of contrasting tone, and has been one in which the activities of ringers across the country have been very prominently displayed to the wider public. Some of the most significant events across the year have shared a royal theme. It has also been significantly a year where much of our efforts have been focused on rebuilding, or continuing to rebuild, our bands following the disruption brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Trustees have moved back to a combination of in-person and online events, meeting five times, twice in February (once via video conferencing), June and October and once by email in September. In whichever form they have taken they have proven, as much as they always have done, to be key to the shaping of our activities as an association as we adapt and thrive into the future. They are the medium through which all members can express their views and help shape the Association’s direction. The Management Committee met twice, in February and October and the Association AGM was held in May.

There are three sub-committees: Communications & Public Relations, Recruitment & Training and Bell Maintenance & Restoration.

The Recruitment & Training sub-committee, which met several times throughout the year, has considered a major grant application from the Training Fund, particularly for training resources for the installation of training bells, a rope guide and associated hardware to improve the recruitment and retention of new ringers. The main focus has been continuing to train Essex ringers to be teachers via the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) day courses and they have run two Module 1s (bell handling) in June and September and one Module 2F (developing foundation skills) in August. Another area has been to support a school lunchtime club at Hatfield Heath. A member of the R&T sub-committee has produced a bank of resources for year 6 age children and the sub-committee are in the process of setting up a Simulator-users group which they hope will expand the ways simulators are used and provide a knowledge base for any towers considering installation. A Training Calendar now exists on the EACR website bringing together all training in the county, crossing District boundaries and a new EACR Resources platform where useful documents, many produced by Essex course tutors, can be found. A member of the sub-committee was also able to get a presence at Essex University Freshers Week, and the sub-committee are in discussion about having bell ringing themed activities at the Essex International Jamboree in July 2024.

Bell Maintenance & Restoration sub-committee met in-person in September to review three grant applications prior to the October trustee meeting.

The Communication & Public Relations sub-committee have met several times to discuss development of two designs for new exhibition/roller banners which will be provided to each of the six Districts as well as other publicity material. Proposals to redesign the EACR website are ongoing in respect of ‘Energising ringing in Essex (ERIE)’ to secure the future of ringing in Essex, recruit, retain and develop the skills of young ringers and train to increase the general ringing ability in Essex.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 4

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

Following receipt of two large bequests, the Master reported on the work of the Bequest workgroup and the Bequests Strategy at the AGM. This was an enormous piece of work involving consultations and surveys to gain feedback from the members. The strategy set out several principles for a spending strategy: including recruitment, training, installations, bells and hardware, communications and public relations covering the main objects of the Association. After a vote, the Bequests Strategy was adopted. The trustees were now seeking a way forward for members and towers to initiate projects and apply for funding from the bequest infrastructure fund by circulating principals for a framework for investment for agreement, providing support to members / towers to initiate projects and a communication strategy. A single application process was being developed to access grants, enabling the trustees to decide which fund any grant should come from.

Many towers took part in the ringing for His Majesty the King’s Coronation on 6 May. This is the first time such an historical event had taken place for over 70 years and which bell ringers across the county embraced in the way only ringers can. Some towers took part in Bell Sunday on 14 May, where the contribution of bells and Bellringers to the life of the Church was recognised, although not well supported due in part to the emphasis placed upon ringing for the Coronation the week before.

3.2 Grants

The Association operates a Bell Restoration Account designed to assist bell restoration projects within the Association. A permanent Bell Maintenance and Restoration subcommittee considers applications for financial assistance towards work for maintenance and improvement of a bell installation to restore bells and their fittings to enable full circle ringing to take place. Grants are also given for augmenting and other ancillary work required to enable full circle ringing to continue or to be carried out and the installation of simulators to support training and practice. The sub-committee meets and makes written recommendations for consideration at the Management Committee meeting in February and October and the Trustees meetings in February, May and September. A grant of £15,000 was paid to Bishops Stortford towards a major augmentation and rehang. Two other grants were approved and paid in the year: £500 to Ashen towards a rehang and refurbishment and a grant of £250 under the Minor Works Scheme was paid to Halstead for clapper refurbishment. One further grant of £700 to Thaxted remains outstanding. The Technical Adviser carried out several inspections and a number of applications will be forthcoming in 2024 and beyond.

Over the last five and ten years, grants have been approved as follows:

Total Average Average BRA
Grants Towers Per Tower pa Income pa
5 Years £60,718 11 £5,520 £12,144 £24,530 £4,906
10 years £82,833 24 £3,451 £8,283 £72,789 £7,279

The level of grants in the past 5 and 10 years is above the BRA income received.

The Recruitment & Training sub-committee has delegated authority to grant up to £250. Sums above this are referred to the Management Committee for support pending Trustees’ approval.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 5

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

3.3 Training

In furtherance of the objectives the Association organises and encourages training sessions and bell ringing competitions. Training ringers is vitally important to maintain ringing in our towers. All six Districts hold regular training events throughout the year.

The Association has two accredited Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) hubs: Ardleigh Ringing School in the NE District and Willingale Ringing Centre in the NW District. Regular ringing centres at Coggeshall in the N District, Prittlewell in the S District and Chigwell in the SW District normally run a varied programme of workshops, courses and practical sessions.

The Association Training Day was held in November, based in the Northern District although towers in other Districts also took part.

There have been many advances in simulator hardware and software in recent years and the functionality that is now available. Many towers are now installing simulator software or dumbbells to train new ringers effectively and to train more ringers than would otherwise be possible.

3.4 Essex Ringing Course

The Association runs the Essex Ringing Course, established in 1991. The 32[nd] Essex Course ran over 3 days in April. Over 80 students took part in 14 groups ranging from bell-handling to grandsire / bob minor and ART M1 – teaching bell-handling – and M2 – teaching rounds to plain hunt. Places were offered on viability of each group and ensuring an appropriate mix of Essex/non-Essex in each group. All applicants under the age of 25 were offered a place (providing that a suitable group was running). 15 towers were used from 5 Districts: 8 of which were used for all three days, 5 were used for 2 days and 2 for one day only. The online application system again worked well and 100% applications were made on-line. An online application system for helpers was also used.

3.5 Striking Competitions

The Association 6 and 8 bell striking competitions were held in the NE District. The 6 Bell competition, held at St Osyth, was won by Kirby-le-Soken. The 8 Bell contest, held at Ardleigh, was won by the NE District. Of the two Inter-Association 10 Bell competitions, the Ridgman Trophy was held at Towcester in June where the Essex team came first. The Essex Trophy was held at Walthamstow, St Mary in September, where Essex came fourth.

3.6 Young Ringers

Open Young Ringers practices took place monthly throughout the year (except in August) and the commitment, enthusiasm and behaviour of our young ringers was never short of exemplary. The SE England Youth Striking Competition, hosted by Surrey at St Mary’s Caterham in April, was won by Essex Young Eagles for the second year running. The 12th Ringing World National Youth Contest took place on 8 July in York. Essex Young Eagles rang in the method competition for the first time and we were delighted to come a very creditable 3rd place out of 8 teams entering. The practices are only possible due to the support of a small but committed group of adult leaders and supporters.

4 Statement of the Charity’s Policies

4.1 Reserves

A formal policy on reserves was reviewed and updated at the 4 February 2023 meeting of the Management Committee. It states: The trustees have set a reserves policy which requires that:

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 6

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

Subscription levels are set to ensure anticipated costs are covered with any surplus being added to General Fund reserves. The Trustees review the policy annually.

4.2 Investment and Borrowing Powers

The Association is committed to maximising the level of income derived from its reserves whilst incurring minimum risk. The current policy of the Charity is to invest excess funds in low-risk building societies and banks all of which are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Reviews are carried out to ensure that the financial institutions continue to provide the best and secure investment opportunities. Currently we hold our deposits in instant access, short-term notice or fixed rate investments with NatWest Bank, CAF Bank (Shawbrook Bank), Cambridge and Counties Bank, Charity Bank, Saffron Building Society and Virgin Money.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 7

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

The Trustees acting though the Management Committee and its sub-committees shall have the power to raise funds by any lawful means other than permanent trading. All monies in the Association's funds not required for day-to-day working purposes are invested or deposited by the Treasurer, as directed by the Trustees. No action involving expenditure in the name or on behalf of the Association shall be taken and no undertakings which would commit the Association to expenditure or other liability shall be made without the prior authority of a resolution of the Trustees or the Management Committee.

4.3 Risk Assessment

The Trustees have completed a review to identify and re-examine the major risks to which they believe the Association may be exposed and take steps to minimise and manage those risks. The Association’s banking deposits are fully protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). All funds are checked before a payment is made to ensure that there is money available to meet expenditure. Bank statements are electronically available to the Treasurer. The Trustees are presented with a statement of income and expenditure and fund balances at the February and October meeting for assurance.

4.4 Expenses and Petty Cash

The Association’s policies on expenses and petty cash came into effect on 1 January 2012. Both policies are reviewed annually at the October Trustee meeting.

4.5 Safeguarding

The Association has adopted the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers Safeguarding Guidelines and produced a Safeguarding Statement in May 2022. The Association Master maintains close links with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) at the Diocese of Chelmsford to share thoughts around issues such as communications between church and ringers, safeguarding and church closures. As Safeguarding Officer, the Master undertook the Local Authority Designated Person training provided by Essex County Council. Safeguarding is a standing item on the Trustees agenda. Working together with the DST, a bell-ringing themed Leadership (Compressed Pathway) Safeguarding Course was successfully trialled by the Diocese but no further courses have taken place.

5. Review of Financial Activities in 2023

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 8

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

been apportioned across the five relevant funds. Our day-to-day NatWest Community Account continues to offer free banking.

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 9

Registered Charity No: 292250

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

6 Membership for 2023

District
Ringing
Ringing under 18
Life
Paid life
Life Vice-Presidents
Total ringing
Associates
Associates paid life
Honorary
Non-resident
(transfers)
Non-resident
(elected)
Total		 N
2023
2022		 N
2023
2022		 NE
2023
2022		 NE
2023
2022		 NW
2023
2022		 NW
2023
2022		 S
2023
2022		 S
2023
2022		 SE
2023
2022		 SE
2023
2022		 SW
2023
2022		 SW
2023
2022		 Total
2023
2022		 Total
2023
2022

2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
113
5
15
-
1
110		 117

8

12

6

1
112		 178

8

6

3

1
176		 169

12

16

2

3
155		 187

3

16

7

3
188		 109

4

10

1

-
94
873

40

75

19

9
835

2
4
9
13
3
5
36

12
9
4
17
17
12
71

-
7
3
2
4
1
17

1
1
1
3
3
-
9
134
2
-
-
125		 144

7

-

-
133		 196

28

-

-
193		 202

6

1

-
190		 216

6

-

-
215		 124

3

-

-
112		 1,016

52

1

-
968

1
4
15
9
9
2
40

-
-
-
1
-
-
1

-
1
-
-
-
-
1
136
-
1
126		 151

2

-
138		 224

0

1
208		 209

4

-
200		 222

-

2
224		 127

-

3
114		 1,069

6

7
1,010

-
-
1
2
1
-
3

-
-
-
-
-
3
3
137
126		 153
138		 225
209		 213
202		 224
225		 130
117		 1,082
1,016

Declaration

Approved by the Trustees on 1[st] February 2024, and signed on their behalf by

Dr A R C Kelso Association Master

Mrs S D Lacey General Secretary

Mr A P Brewster Association Treasurer

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 10

Registered Charity No: 292250

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

ANNEX A

Charity trustees who manage the charity

At 31 December 2023, the Association Trustees comprised:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19		 Trustee name Office held Dates acted if not
for whole year		 Name of person (or
body) entitled to
appoint trustee(if any)
Andrew Kelso Association Master Membership
Sharon Lacey General Secretary “
Andrew Brewster Association Treasurer “
Mary Bone Property Trustee “
Paul Cammiade Property Trustee “
Colin Chapman Property Trustee “
Beth Johnson Education Officer “
Caroline Watts Communications Officer From 1 May 2023 “
Vicki Chapman Communications Officer To 1 May 2023 “
Steven Jefferies Technical Adviser “
Simon Ward N District Trustee To 6 January 2024 N District Members
David Newton N District Trustee From 6 January
2024		 “
Stephen Garner NE District Trustee To 13 January
2024		 NE District Members
Ian Culham NE District Trustee From 13 January
2024		 “
Fred Bone NW District Trustee NW District Members
Steve Nash S District Trustee S District Members
David Hengeli SE District Trustee SE District Members
Maxine Parry SW District Trustee From 11 May
2023		 SW District Members
Elizabeth Rayner SW District Trustee To 14 January
2023		 SW District Members

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 11

Registered Charity No: 292250

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

ANNEX B

Governance - attendance at Trustee Meetings

Name February
(via Zoom)		 February
(in person)		 May
(in person)		 September
(via email)		 October
(in person)		 Total meetings
attended
Fred Bone A A A A A 5/5
MaryBone A A A A A 5/5
Andrew Brewster A A A A A 5/5
Paul Cammiade A A AA A A 4/5
Colin Chapman A A A A A 5/5
Vicki Chapman A A 2/2
Stephen Garner A A A A AA 4/5
David Hengeli A A A A A 5/5
Steven Jefferies Ab AA A A AA 2/5
Beth Johnson AA A A A A 4/5
Andrew Kelso A A A A A 5/5
Sharon Lacey A A A A A 5/5
Steve Nash A A A A A 5/5
Maxine Parry A A AA 2/3
Simon Ward AA AA AA A AA 1/5
Caroline Watts A A A 3/3

Key A – Attended AA - Apologies Approved Ab – Absent (no apologies)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Page 12

The Essex Association of Change Ringers

Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Total funds have decreased by £5,247 to 31 December 2023 and now stand at £464,049.

Membership has increased by 59 to 1,069. One hundred and thirty-seven new members have been elected, the highest number since 2000. 56 ringing members, 8 associate and 4 juniors will be deemed to have withdrawn from the Association as their subscriptions remained unpaid as at 31 December. Thirteen members have sadly died. Some 9 previously lapsed members have returned and 6 transferred to non-resident status. For the previous 20 years, membership has averaged 1100 so it is good to see numbers returning to pre-Covid levels. Junior membership has recovered slightly but is still half what it was in 2010, with effort and encouragement it should, hopefully, be possible to increase it further in the next year or two. A snapshot of our membership shows 4% are aged 18 or under, 5% are 19-25 (up 1%), 14% 26-50 (down 1%), 19% 51-60 (up 1%) and 58% over 61. The average age of our membership is 58 (down 1). 98% of members paid their subscriptions by 30 April (86% in 2022). 50% of members paid via Membermojo, 29% paid by BACS and the remainder paid via their District Treasurer.

Interest rates: Bank of England base rate increases, on an average bi-monthly basis throughout the period, has resulted in a significant increase in interest received which has been apportioned across the five relevant funds. Our day-to-day NatWest Community Account continues to offer free banking.

The General Fund has a deficit for the year of £3,332 and now stands at £18,107. Net income increased due to an increase in district income and once again the annual dinner made a small deficit. As last year, the main items of expenditure from the Fund were insurance, youth activities including subsistence costs for the team attending the Ringing World National Youth Contest held in York and printing the Annual Report. Expenditure also included a “one-off” cost for ‘Ring for the King’ enamel lapel badges. The insurance premium increased slightly from last year which is solely in line with the increased membership. In spite of increases in printing costs with a reduction in the number of copies printed and increased revenue from advertisements, the cost of the Annual Report has remained nearly the same. It is hoped there may be a further reduction in printed copies by members accepting the PDF version, however, it appears the vast majority still prefer the printed version.

The Essex Ringing Course made a surplus of £830 with the balance now standing at £5,494. Eventbrite fees were passed on to students which raised concerns in some quarters. After a review of the Course requirements and unexpected issues relating to the school kitchen, costs relating to tower donations, hire of the school and catering were less than expected.

The excess of income over expenditure on the Recruitment and Training Fund was £1,388. As agreed by the Trustees, the balance on the Harry Turner Account of £1,473 was transferred on 1 January and that Account closed. The Recruitment and Training Fund has therefore increased by £2,861 to £9,643. No grants were approved or paid in the year.

The Chigwell Ringing Centre balance remains at £453. The St Mary’s Stansted Mountfitchet Fund has a balance of £4,214.

The Heath Bequest stands at £321,180 and the Cobb Bequest stands at £70,501.

The Bell Restoration Account has decreased by £9,976 to £34,457. A grant of £15,000 was paid to Bishops Stortford and £500 to Ashen. A grant of £250 under the Minor Works Scheme was paid to Halstead. One further grant of £700 to Thaxted remains outstanding.

Charity shopping fundraising site Easyfundraising continues to make a contribution to our funds. Amazon Smile was discontinued in February. Our members have raised £1,437 through both organisations. Please encourage members in your Districts to support these simple methods of

raising funds. Easyfundraising has over 8,100 shops and sites which will donate to the EACR at no extra cost to members.

The Gift Aid and GASDS claim of £1,368 and £269 respectively covering the period from 1 January to 31 October 2023, including some additional claims relating to 2021 and 2022, was received in November.

Andrew Brewster Association Treasurer 16 January 2023

The Essex Association of Change Ringers Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Summary

Summary
Harry Chigwell St Mary's
Stansted		 2023 2022
Income General
Fund
£		 Essex
Course
£		 R&T
Fund
£		 Turner
Acc't
£		 Ringing
Centre
£		 M'fitchet
Fund
£		 Heath
Bequest
£		 Cobb
Bequest
£		 BR
Acc't
£		 Total
£		 Total
£
District subscription income 5,689 - 1,835 - - - - - - 7,524 7,168
District fundraising
Essex Ringing Course fees
Gift Aid tax recovered/GASDS
Bank interest
Other income
Total income		 -
-
-
-
189
5,878		 -
3,957
-
-
387
4,344		 -
-
-
155
517
2,507		 -
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
62
-
62		 -
-
-
4,732
-
4,732		 -
-
-
1,039
-
1,039		 3,245
-
1,638
786
800
6,469		 3,245
3,957
1,638
6,774
1,893
25,031		 1,474
3,804
1,447
3,041
1,762
18,696
2022 5,453 4,102 1,962 - - 104 2,056 534 4,485 18,696
Expenditure
Insurance
Annual Report
Essex Ringing Course		 1,624
1,450
-		 -
-
3,514		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 695
-
-		 2,319
1,450
3,514		 2,013
1,452
4,019
Grants - - - - - - - - 15,750
-		 15,750 22,759
Other expenses 6,136 - 1,119 - - - - - 7,255 6,707
Total expenditure 9,210 3,514 1,119 - - - - - 16,445 30,288 36,950
2022 9,326 4,019 4,044 - - - - - 19,561 36,950
Net surplus/(deficit) (3,332) 830 1,388 - - 62 4,732 1,039 (9,976) (5,257)
Transfer between funds - - 1,473 (1,473) - - - - - -
Net increase/
(decrease) in funds		 (3,332) 830 2,861 (1,473) - 62 4,732 1,039 (9,976) (5,257)
2022 (3,873)
(100)
(3,973)		 83
-
83		 (2,082)
-
(2,082)		 -
100
100		 -
-
-		 104
-
104		 2,056
-
2,056		 534
-
534		 (15,076)
-
(15,076)		 (18,254)
-
(18,254)		 (18,254)
Assets
Cash at bank/in hand
Stock
Other assets
Liabilities, less than one year
Net assets
Represented by:
Funds		 18,107 5,494 9,643 - 453 4,214 321,180 70,501 34,457 460,479
2,152
2,434
(1,016)
464,049
464,049		 466,256
2,082
1,656
(688)
469,306
2022 21,439 4,664 6,782 1,473 453 4,152 316,448 69,462 44,433 469,306

District Income and Expenditure Account

General Fund
Income
Subscriptions
Ringing (full)
Ringing (full) arrears
Ringing (junior)
Ringing (junior) arrears
Associates
Associates arrears
Non-resident
Proportion of paid life membership_(note 1)
Total
To Recruitment and Training Fund(note 1)_
Net income
Expenditure
ADM expenses
Postage
Printing, stationery etc.
Carol service refreshments and donation
Excess of income over expenditure
2023		 N
NE
NW
S
SE
SW
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
904
936
1,424
1,344
1,496
872
6,976
8
-
8
-
8
40
64
20
32
32
48
12
16
160
-
-
-
-
-
4
4
8
28
112
28
24
12
212
-
-
4
-
-
-
4
8
-
8
-
16
24
56
-
16
16
-
48
-
80
948
1,012
1,604
1,420
1,604
968
7,556
(235)
(246)
(372)
(348)
(395)
(239)
(1,835)
713
766
1,232
1,072
1,209
729
5,721
-
-
20
-
-
-
20
-
-
-
11
-
-
11
-
-
-
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
20
12
-
-
32
713
766
1,212
1,060
1,209
729
5,689		 2022
£
6,680
176
140
-
160
-
24
62
7,242
(1,770)
5,472
-
22
5
47
74
2022 688
712
1,153
1,023
1,202
620		 5,398
St Mary Stansted Mountfitchet Fund
Steepleage at meetings
2023		 N
NE
NW
S
SE
SW
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2022
£
77
2022 -
-
77
-
-
-		 77
Bell Restoration Account
Quiz evening
Raffles
Surplus from teas (net of expenses)
Donations
Collections (net of church expenses)
District social
Training days
Surplus on outings
Barbecues and treasure hunts
2023		 N
NE
NW
S
SE
SW
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
613
-
208
-
821
-
-
-
430
318
-
748
18
-
132
512
-
-
662
178
38
72
88
74
127
577
-
-
-
223
-
-
223
138
-
-
-
-
-
138
-
-
65
-
-
-
65
-
-
-
11
-
-
11
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
334
38
882
1,264
600
127
3,245
2022
£
216
412
213
437
33
5
57
-
24
2022 262
81
228
344
422
60		 1,397
TOTAL DISTRICT INCOME
2023		 1,047
804
2,094
2,324
1,809
856
8,934
2022 950
793
1,458
1,367
1,624
680
6,872

General Fund

General Fund
Income
Net district income
Proportion of peal fees_(note 1)_
Profit on sale of badges
Annual General Meeting
Surplus from teas
Expenses
Annual Reports
Annual dinner
Ticket sales
Expenses
Expenditure
Youth Coordinator's reimbursements re EYR (inc RWNYC fee)
Personal accident insurance
Annual Report
Printing
Advertisements
EACR 'Ring for the King' enamel badges
Communication & PR publicity materials
Hire of hall for Trustee/Management meetings
Membermojo - annual fee
Central Council affiliation fees
Subscription to Zoom video conferencing
Donation to Chelmsford Cathedral
Stripe transaction fees (Membermojo)
Treasurer's expenses
Newsletter
Guests at annual dinner
Website hosting and domain name
Secure document shredding
Striking competition expenses
Donation to AGM Choir
Postage
Safeguarding Training
Presentations
Secretary's expenses
Friends of Essex Churches
New members packs
Friends of CCCBR library
Friends of Chelmsford Cathedral
SumUp transaction fees
Ringing World advertisements
Printing and stationery
SumUp Card reader
Trophy engraving
Excess of expenditure over income
Balance at 31 December 2022
Transfer to Harry Turner Account
Balance at 31 December 2023		 2023
£
£
5,689
98
69
107
(73)
34
6
2,216
(2,234)
(18)
5,878
2,189
1,624
1,565
(115)
1,450
1,390
464
323
250
204
183
150
144
143
123
105
95
90
83
50
25
25
21
17
15
12
10
10
9
6
-
-
-
9,210
(3,332)
21,439
18,107
-
18,107		 2022
£
£
5,398
83
7
47
(6)
41
-
2,724
(2,800)
(76)
5,453
3,553
1,552
1,520
(68)
1,452
-
647
340
250
200
173
150
-
71
178
56
96
-
231
30
25
-
-
25
15
2
10
10
-
14
116
95
35
9,326
(3,873)
25,412
21,539
(100)
21,439
9,326
(3,873)
25,412
21,539
(100)
21,439
Essex Ringing Course
Income
Course fees
Gross fees
Eventbrite fees
Net course fees
Raffle
Course clothing
Sales
Cost of sales
Course clothing surplus
Donations
Expenditure
Hire of school and equipment
Tower donations
Catering - Cost of sales (including stock write-off -note 1)
Tutors' dinner
Replacement stays
Ringing World advertisement
Course tutor expenses
Presentations/gifts
Printing and stationery
Miscellaneous
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2022
Balance at 31 December 2023
Harry Turner Account
Transfer` from General Fund_(note 2)
Balance at 31 December 2022
Transfer to Recruitment and Training Fund(note 2)_
Balance at 31 December 2023
Chigwell Ringing Centre
Balance at 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2023
St Mary's Stansted Mountfitchet Fund
District income
Interest received
Balance at 31 December 2022
Balance at 31 December 2023
Heath Bequest
Income
Interest received
Balance at 31 December 2022
Balance at 31 December 2023
Cobb Bequest
Income
Interest received
Estate of David Cobb
Balance at 31 December 2022
Balance at 31 December 2023		 £
3,957
-
288
(262)		 2023
£
3,957
361
26
-
4,344
1,556
1,080
409
142
120
60
60
35
35
17
3,514
830
4,664
5,494
£
-
1,473
(1,473)
-
£
453
£
-
62
62
4,152
4,214
£
4,732
316,448
321,180
£
1,039
-
1,039
69,462
70,501		 £
4,205
(401)
224
(211)		 2022
£
3,804
275
13
10
4,102
1,695
1,215
730
271
-
55
44
-
-
9
4,019
83
4,581
4,664
£
100
1,373
-
1,473
£
453
£
77
27
104
4,048
4,152
£
2,056
314,392
316,448
£
451
83
534
68,928
69,462
Recruitment and Training Fund
Income
Proportion of subscriptions_(note 1)
Bookstall(note 2)
Books -Sales
Books-Cost of sales (including stock write-off -_note 1)
Other -Profit on sale of EACR merchandise
Interest received
Training Day
Gross fees
Tower donations
Eventbrite fees
Training Day surplus
Surplus on training events
Donations
Expenditure
Essex University Freshers Week/Open day stand
Replacement stays
Sponsorship
Presentation
Education Officer's Expenses
Grants paid (over £250)(note 2)
Grants paid (under £250)(note 2)
First Pealer's Club badges
ART workshop and Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre visit
Hire of hall for R&T sub-committee meetings
Youth activities expenses
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2022
Transfer from Harry Turner Fund
Balance at 31 December 2023
Recruitment and Training Grants
Date
Estimated
Approved
Cost
£
Recruitment and Training Fund
Brentwood
Installation of rope guides
02.10.21
2,726
Earls Colne
Installation of simulator
26.02.22
724
Rayleigh
Installation of simulator
02.10.22
700
Total all funds		 Approved but £
1,161
(839)
322
9
630
(400)
(94)
unpaid

Bell Restoration Account

Income
District income
Gift aid - income tax reclaimed on subscriptions and other donations
Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS)
Interest on tax repayment
Bank interest
Collection at the Annual General Meeting
Raffle at the Annual Dinner
Donations
Proportion of peal fees_(note 1)
Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile
Refreshments at Trustee/Management meetings
EACR Clothing
Sales
Cost of sales
Bookstall(note 2)
Books -
Sales
Books- Cost of sales (including stock write-off -_note 1)
Other - Profit on sale of EACR merchandise
Expenditure
Bell restoration grants_(note 1 & 2)_
Public liability insurance
Handbell insurance
Excess of expenditure over income
Balance at 31 December 2022
Balance at 31 December 2023		 £
1,368
269
1
202
(192)
-
-
-
-		 2023
£
3,245
1,638
786
278
182
110
98
88
34
10
-		 £ 2022
£
1,397
1,313
134
- 1,447
454
294
338
10
83
189
13
35
225
395
(360)
778
(565)
213
12
6,469 4,485
15,750
647
48		 19,100
413
48
16,445 19,561
(9,976)
44,433		 (15,076)
59,509
34,457 44,433
Bell Restoration Grants
Date
Estimated
approved
cost
£
Bell Restoration Account
Ashen
rehang and refurbishment
26.02.22
3,413
Bishops Stortford
rehang in new frame and fittings
03.10.20
115,119
revised specification
26.02.22
6,337
Great Chishill
rehang, refurbishment and augmentation
02.10.21
65,813
Halstead
clapper refurbishment (MWG)
28.02.23
308
Sandon
rehang and refurbishment
02.10.21
39,319
Thaxted
installation of amplification system
26.02.22
1,800
West Hanningfield
rehang and new fittings
03.10.20
45,874
additional works to treble pit
26.02.22
3,077
Total all grants		 Brought
Carried
forward
2023
forward
Paid
£
£
£
£
500
-
-
500
11,500
-
-
11,500
3,500
-
-
3,500
-
-
-
-
-
250
-
250
-
-
-
-
700
-
700
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16,200
250
700
15,750
Approved but unpaid		 £
-
-
-
9,000
-
5,000
-
4,600
500
2022
19,100

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2023

Fixed assets(note 3)
Current Assets
Stocks
Books
Badges
Ringing course consumables
Ringing course clothing
Prepayments
Public liability insurance
Website hosting
Ringing World
Essex Ringing course
Other debtors
Accrued interest receivable
Easyfundraising and Amazon Smile
Cash at bank
NatWest Community Account
NatWest Business Reserve Account
CAF/Shawbrook Bank Matured Funds Account
Cambridge & Counties 95 Day Notice Account
Cambridge & Counties 18 Month Fixed Rate Bond
Charity Bank Ethical 100-Day Notice Account
Saffron Building Society Maturity Corporate Savings Account
Virgin Charity Deposit Account
Cash in hand
Bookstall
Liabilities:amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Balance of paid life membership subscriptions
Subscriptions paid in advance
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Funds
General Fund
Essex Ringing Course
Recruitment and Training Fund
Harry Turner Account
Chigwell Ringing Centre
St Mary's Stansted Mountfitchet Fund
Heath Bequest
Cobb Bequest
Bell Restoration Account		 £
1,735
307
110
-		 2023

£
£
-

1,621

324

119

18
2,152

486

69

80

-
681

971

50
1,753

1,422

42,383

85,000

50,898

32,534

85,452

84,000

84,491
460,411

76
68
465,065

592

96
1,016
464,049
464,049
18,107
5,494
9,643
-
453
4,214
321,180
70,501
34,457
464,049		 2022

£
-




2,082




635


1,021








466,180

76
487
70
64
60
1,727
26
3,005
30,265
85,000
52,068
33,380
87,724
84,000
84,969
68
992
24
469,994


688
469,306
469,306
21,439
4,664
6,782
1,473
453
4,152
316,448
69,462
44,433
469,306

Notes to the Accounts

1 Accounting policies

a) The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (March 2005). b) Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. c) Grant monies from the Bell Restoration Account/Recruitment & Training Fund are paid when an agreed project has been completed to the satisfaction of the Technical Adviser/Education Officer or such persons in whom authority is vested by the Trustees. d) Subscriptions for paid life membership are taken to the General Fund in twenty equal annual instalments. Upon the death of a life member, any balance is taken to the General Fund. e) Unless requested otherwise, all donations, legacies and other voluntary income are taken to the Bell Restoration Account. In 2019, the Management Committee agreed that significant bequests should be unrestricted. Following a rule change in 2021, it is now the responsibility of the Trustees to decide how best to administer such bequests. f) Fixed assets are initially recorded at cost or estimated value at time of donation. g) Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation, less estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life. h) All money in the Association's funds not required for day-to-day working purposes is invested or deposited by the Treasurer, as directed by the Trustees. i) Interest received from all the interest paying accounts are apportioned to the Bell Restoration Account, Recruitment and Training Fund, St Mary's Stansted Mountfitchet Fund, Heath and Cobb Bequests in the ratio of their respective capital sums. j) 25% of ringing and non-resident subscriptions are taken to the Recruitment and Training Fund until further notice as agreed at the October 2018 Management Committee meeting. k) 50% of peal fees are taken to the Bell Restoration Account. Total peal fees £196 (2022: £166). l) All funds are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (up to a value of £85,000). 2 Funds General Fund - this fund covers the administration and management of the Association's activities and is spent in whichever way the Trustees in charge of the charity see fit, in accordance with the stated objectives of the charity. Essex Ringing Course - this account covers the income and expenditure of the annual Essex Ringing Course. Recruitment and Training Fund - income to this fund is used for the purposes of providing grant aid for recruitment and training projects to be determined and managed by the Trustees and running educational and training events. The Recruitment and Training Sub-Committee has delegated responsibility to authorise grants up to a maximum of £250. Grants over £250 are authorised by the Trustees. Harry Turner Account - originally set up with a legacy, this fund was used to replace technical and educational equipment. At the February 2022 Management Committee Meeting it was agreed to close the fund and transfer the balance to the Recruitment & Training Fund. This took effect as from 1 January 2023. Chigwell Ringing Centre (formerly known as Chigwell Ringing School) - this fund, set up with a grant received from Essex County Council 'Arts in Essex', is for a ringing school based at St Mary's, Chigwell (note 3) . St Mary's Stansted Mountfitchet Fund - the fund, together with the accumulated interest, is to be used for the running expenses, repairs and refurbishments to Stansted's bells, fittings and ropes and in the event of the bells becoming totally unringable the funds shall be used, at the discretion of the Trustees, for other Association towers for the same purposes but not for social purposes. The Trustees shall look favourably upon any request for funds by the Friends of St Mary's or the Churches Conservation Trust and make an appropriate donation bearing in mind that the preservation of the Church and its amenities are essential for the continuation of bellringing. Heath Bequest - the capital in this fund was bequeathed from the estate of Donald Heath and was received in 2020. This sum, together with accumulated interest, will be used for specific projects as agreed by the Trustees. Cobb Bequest - the capital in this fund was bequeathed from the estate of David Cobb and was received in 2021 and 2022. This sum, together with accumulated interest, will be used for specific projects as agreed by the Trustees. Bell Restoration Account - income to this fund is used to fund grants and other expenditure incurred in connection with the restoration and improvement of bells, bell frames and fittings. In 2022, the Trustees/management Committee agreed to transfer profit from the sale of books to the Recruitment and Training Fund. This took effect from 1 January 2023. The Bell Maintenance and Restoration Sub-Committee has delegated responsibility to authorise grants for minor works up to a maximum of £250. Grants over £250 are authorised by the Trustees. 3 Fixed assets The Association owns an overhead projector (fully depreciated) in the possession of the Property Trustees. The following assets have been fully written off. A SumUp Solo Card Reader, purchased from the General Fund. Three projectors in the possession of the Treasurer, Education Officer and the Ringing Course Administrator and an odd struckness meter held by the Technical Adviser, all purchased from the Harry Turner Account (note 2) . A ringing simulator and laptop installed at the Ringing Centre in St Mary's, Chigwell (note 2) . 4 Other property The Association also owns the following items not shown in the accounts. One Master's badge of office in the possession of the Master of the Association. Set of twelve handbells in a case (insured value £6,086) in the possession of the Association Master. A six bell, an eight bell and a ten bell trophy in the possession of Kirby-le-Soken, the North Eastern District and the Surrey Association respectively. Books, videos and documents in the Association library in the possession of the Property Trustees. One display board, a banner stand, a seven panel folding display board and a large storage box in the possession of the Communications Officer. The Communications Officer is also in possession of ten roller banners pending distribution to each of the Districts. Each District has its own storage box of PR materials. A Saxilby Simulator, gifted to the Association, on loan to St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall. Two Listening to Ringing CD's and Come On! Listen to it! with associated DVD, self-laminating name badges and HDMI VGA adaptor cable in the possession of the Ringing Course Administrator. Each district owns a six bell striking competition trophy. The North Eastern, North Western, Southern, South Eastern and South Western districts also own call change striking competition trophies.

Expenses of £261 were reimbursed to 4 trustees (2022: £108 to 3 trustees) covering mileage, stationery, postage, computer consumables and other expenses. Expenses of District Officers are shown in the District Income and Expenditure Account and other Officers are shown in the funds relevant to their respective Offices. Expenses of £174 were reimbursed to 4 volunteers (2022: £38 to 2 volunteers) covering mileage and stationery and other expenses not shown elsewhere

Expenses are refunds by a charity of legitimate payments which a trustee, officer or volunteer has had to meet personally in order to carry out his or her trustee duties. In some cases, these expenses may be paid in advance. Reimbursement to trustees, officers or volunteers for purchases they have personally and properly made on behalf of the charity are not counted as expenses and are accounted for as part of the charity’s general expenditure.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

We report on the attached accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiners

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 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is our responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiners’ report

Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 seeking 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 we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiners’ statement

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention

Ms Jenny Ansell 44 Crown Road Billericay Essex CM11 2AE

Mrs Janet Edwards 181 High Street Kelvedon Essex CO5 9JD