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2024-12-31-accounts

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ending 31 December 2024

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.

1.2 The Governing Instrument of the Association

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. No external bodies are involved in the process.

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 2024 is at Annex A and attendance at Trustee and Management Committee 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: Jenny Ansell (had to stand down in December), John Tipping and Janet Edwards

Insurance Brokers: Howe Maxted GI Ltd, General Insurance Business Division, 17 Hatherley Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 4BP.

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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 the first time was based in Witham. 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 considered at the Management Committee meetings in February and October and/or the Trustee meetings in February, May and October.

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

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 the Membermojo membership system which has mailing list facilities to set up district and association mailing lists, Facebook, X, Instagram, a newsletter and a YouTube channel. In addition, some Districts currently 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 2024

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 shape the actions of the Association, and thanks go out to all of the Officers and

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

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.

The Trustees held eight meetings, one face-to-face, four via video conferencing and three via WhatsApp in which to discuss urgent matters between formal trustee meetings. 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, main focus has been continuing to train Essex ringers to be teachers via the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) day courses and we have run a Module 1 (bell handling) in July and one Module 2F (developing foundation skills) in September. We thank ART for running these day courses. We continue to look at ways to help people who have been on the courses move forward to become practised trainers. The Education Officer and Communications Officer ran a Workshop ‘Recruiting new ringers…and keeping them’ in August.

A member of the sub-committee heads up a Simulator Workgroup to enable the sharing of knowledge about installing and using simulators. The sub-committee has revisited the Education and Training elements of the Bequests Initiative strategy document and will be preparing a report for the February Management Meeting on how to progress towards the targets – to increase membership by 30% and have trained teachers in 75% of towers by 2029.

The Association Training Day in November offered seven courses at towers central to the whole county rather than all in one District, mindful of ‘cash and carbon’ constraints. A team attended the Essex University Freshers Week in October. The team were successful in applying for the ART University Recruitment Package which gives a free place on an M2 course, £250 towards the costs of the Freshers’ Fair and 16 Learning the Ropes logbooks. The Touring Tower was at Essex International Jamboree for six days in July and was manned by volunteers who were mainly Essex members.

Bell Maintenance & Restoration sub-committee did not meet in the year, but a small group of trustees undertook video conferencing meetings in May to review three grant applications with each of the applicants.

The Communication & Public Relations sub-committee have met several times to complete the design and purchase of a banner for use at events. Proposals to redesign the EACR website received trustees’ approval to go ahead and commission an Essex-based company to undertake the work. This includes its construction on a new platform with an updated look and feel, and also the transfer of all of the information from our current website. The new website is likely to be launched in early 2025.

A statement of intent to apply for a grant giving outline details of the project and estimated cost and a single grant application process has been developed to access grants, enabling the trustees to decide which fund any grant should come from.

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

Some towers took part in Bell Sunday on 12 May, where the contribution of bells and Bellringers to the life of the Church was recognised.

A small group undertook a review of the Rules in the year, with regular reports on progress to the Trustees and Management Committee. That work is ongoing.

Following a suggestion in 2018 to update the WWI and WWII Association Memorial in Chelmsford Cathedral with additional names which had come to light. Work with the Cathedral authorities has been ongoing concerning approval of the Portland stone and approval of the detailed lettering layout, carving the lettering and installation of the stone. If completed in time, dedication of the memorial could form part of the service at the 2025 AGM.

The Southern District held an Open Day in July as part of their 55[th] anniversary celebrations, with 26 towers open. 57 visitors raised £1,209 which was distributed equally between the Recruitment & Training Fund and Prittlewell Ringing School.

Initial discussions took place about celebrating the Associations 150[th] anniversary in 2029.

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 meetings and the Trustees meetings. The Technical Adviser carried out several inspections and a number of applications will be forthcoming in 2025 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 £70,810 9 £7,858 £14,162 £26,203 £5,241
10 years £111,652 19 £5,876 £11,165 £70,800 £7,080

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

Summary of grants

Bell Restoration Account

Tower £
Two grants were
approved in the year,
but notyetpayable		 Ardleigh 9.000 Augmentation and refurbishment
Thaxted 918 Installation of amplification system
9,918

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS Registered Charity No: 292250

Bequest Fund Bequest Fund
Tower £
Two grants were paid
in the year		 Touring Tower 2,000 Donation and plaque to the Mobile
Belfries Trust
Great Bardfield 678 Simulator
2,678
Tower £
Four grants were
approved in the year,
but not yet payable		 Ardleigh 12,804 Cost of new bell and fittings
Cathedral Memorial 10,987 The trustees agreed to underwrite the
cost of the memorial less donations
from towers and members
Great Tey 2,996 Ropeguide
Thaxted 918 Installation of amplification system
Recruitment & Training 28,455
Tower £
Seven grants were
paid in the year		 Epping 157 Extend simulator to six bells
Essex University
Freshers Week		 686 Open day stand and hire of mini-ring
North Ockendon 90 Hire of Church Hall for trainingday
Sandon 59 Electrification of simulator
White Roding 200 Towards hire of TouringTower
Great Tey 195 Simbell receiver and transmitter units
Prittlewell 211 Replacement laptopand adaptors
1,602
Tower £
One other grant was
approved in the year,
but notyetpayable		 Ardleigh 4,000 Rope guides and training bells
4,000

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 and Prittlewell in the S District normally run a

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

varied programme of workshops, courses and practical sessions. The Chigwell Ringing Centre in the SW District is currently in abeyance. The Association Training Day was held in November, based in the South Eastern 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 33[rd] Essex Course ran over 3 days in April at a new venue in Witham. Over 90 students took part in 14 groups ranging from bell-handling to steeple-keeping. 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). 18 towers were used from 4 Districts, given the more central location: 9 of which were used for all three days, 2 were used for 2 days and 7 for one day only. The on-line application system again worked well and 100% applications were made on-line. An on-line application system for helpers was also used.

3.5 Striking Competitions

The Association 6 and 8 bell striking competitions were held in the N District. The 6 Bell competition, held at Gt Easton, was won by Prittlewell. The 8 Bell contest, held at Great Bardfield, was won by the Southern District. Of the two Inter-Association 10 Bell competitions, the Ridgman Trophy was held at Biggleswade in June where the Essex team came third out of six teams. The Essex Trophy was held at Epsom in September, where Essex came first out of six teams.

3.6 Young Ringers

Open Young Ringers practices took place monthly throughout the year (except in August and September) and the commitment, enthusiasm and behaviour of our young ringers was never short of exemplary. The SE England Youth Striking Competition (SEECON), hosted by Hertfordshire at Bushey in April, where the Essex Young Eagles were placed fourth out of seven teams entering. The 13th Ringing World National Youth Contest took place on 6 July in London. Essex Young Eagles rang in the call change competition and we were delighted to come a very creditable 2nd place out of 13 teams entering. 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

The Association has formulated the following policies, which are regularly reviewed: Reserves, Investment and Borrowing Powers, Risk Assessment, Expenses and Petty Cash, Safeguarding, Privacy Policy and Standard of Conduct for EACR Members.

4.1 Reserves

A formal policy on reserves was reviewed and updated at the 1 February 2024 meeting of the Management Committee. It states: The trustees have set a reserves policy which requires that:

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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.

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

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

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.

Following changes to a bank signatory and increasing interest rates, a review of investments took place by the Treasurer to maximise the interest the Association’s accounts receive and to maintain accounts within the FSCS limit.

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. Risks are reviewed at least annually and the risk register is published on the website. 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.

Conflicts of Interest - Members of the Trustees and Management Committees are required to declare any Conflicts of Interest before each meeting.

4.4 Expenses and Petty Cash

The Association’s policies on expenses and petty cash came into effect on 1 January 2012 and was extensively updated in 2022. Both policies are reviewed annually at the October Trustee meeting. They were not amended in 2024.

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.

Following a newsletter article, the Safeguarding Officer approached SAFEcic and met in April. SAFEcic have a history of working with Suffolk County Council on safeguarding and interacted with the Diocese of St Edmundsbury in relation to SCC work. SAFEcic provided an assessment of the Associations safeguarding readiness in relation to the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance, to which all charities are required to follow, as well as Safeguarding and Protecting People guidance from the Charities Commission. They advised the Association’s safeguarding position was good and the Association have thought through many of the important issues. Following a discussion about how the Association worked, and what we have in place already, they made a number of observations.

A subsequent review of the Associations Safeguarding Policy is taking place. The Trustees have agreed to:

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

5. Review of Financial Activities in 2024

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS Registered Charity No: 292250

items of expenditure from the Fund were the annual dinner, insurance and printing the Annual Report. The insurance premium increased slightly from last year which is solely in line with the increased membership. An increased number of pages and inflation has meant the cost of the Annual Report has risen. It is hoped there may be further savings made in printed copies if enough members accept a PDF version.

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Registered Charity No: 292250

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

6 Membership for 2024

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
2024
2023		 N
2024
2023		 NE
2024
2023		 NE
2024
2023		 NW
2024
2023		 NW
2024
2023		 S
2024
2023		 S
2024
2023		 SE
2024
2023		 SE
2024
2023		 SW
2024
2023		 SW
2024
2023		 Total
2024
2023		 Total
2024
2023

2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
107
5
15
-
1
113		 130

14

14

5

1
117		 202

11

6

3

1
178		 177

13

14

2

3
168		 197

7

15

7

2
187		 120

5

9

1

-
110
933

55

73

18

8
873

5
8
9
12
3
4
41

15
12
6
16
16
10
75

-
6
3
2
7
1
19

1
1
1
3
3
-
9
128
1
-
-
134		 164

6

-

-
144		 223

22

-

-
197		 209

6

1

-
201		 228

8

-

-
216		 135

3

-

-
125		 1,087

46

1

-
1,017

2
7
28
7
6
3
53

-
-
-
1
-
-
1

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
129
3
-
136		 170

2

-
151		 244

-

-
225		 216

1

-
209		 236

1

2
222		 138

-

0
128		 1,134

7

2
1,071

-
2
-
4
-
-
6

1
-
1
-
2
3
7
132
137		 172
153		 245
225		 217
213		 239
224		 138
131		 1,143
1,084

Declaration

Approved by the Trustees on 30 January 2025, and signed on their behalf by

Dr A R C Kelso Association Master Miss C J A Mandell General Secretary

Mr A P Brewster Association Treasurer

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ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

Registered Charity No: 292250

ANNEX A

Charity trustees who manage the charity

At 31 December 2024, the Association Trustees comprised:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20		 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 To 6 May “
Courtney Mandell General Secretary From 6 May “
Andrew Brewster Association Treasurer “
Mary Bone Property Trustee “
Paul Cammiade Property Trustee To 6 May “
Christina Brewster Property Trustee From 6 May “
Colin Chapman Property Trustee “
Beth Johnson Education Officer “
Caroline Watts Communications Officer “
Steven Jefferies Technical Adviser To 2 February “
Nigel Taylor Technical Adviser From 6 May “
Simon Ward N District Trustee To 6 January N District Members
David Newton N District Trustee From 6 January “
Stephen Garner NE District Trustee To 13 January NE District Members
Ian Culham NE District Trustee From 13 January “
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 SW District Members

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Registered Charity No: 292250

ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS

ANNEX B

Governance – Trustee attendance at 2024 Trustee and Management Committee Meetings

Name 1
Feb		 3
Feb
MCM		 21
Feb		 18
May		 23-24
May		 7-16
June		 11
Aug		 5
Oct
MCM		 19
Oct		 13
Dec		 Total
meetings
attended
Type of meeting Online In
person		 Online Online WhatsApp WhatsApp WhatsApp In
person		 In
person		 Online
Fred Bone P P P P P P P P P P 10/10
MaryBone P P P P P P P P P P 10/10
Andrew Brewster P P P P P P P P P P 10/10
Christina Brewster
Elected 6.5.24		 n/a P P P P P P P 7/7
n/a n/a
Paul Cammiade
Resigned 6.5.24		 P P P n/a n/a 3/3
n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Colin Chapman P P P P P P P P P P 10/10
Ian Culham P P P AA P P P P AA P 8/10
David Hengeli P P P P P P P P P P 10/10
Steven Jefferies
Resigned 2.2.24		 AB n/a n/a n/a 0/1
n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Beth Johnson P P P P P P P AA P P 9/10
Andrew Kelso P P P P P P P P P P 10/10
Sharon Lacey
Resigned 6.5.24		 P P P n/a n/a 3/3
n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Courtney Mandell
Elected 6.5.24		 n/a n/a P P AB AB P P P 5/7
n/a
Steve Nash P P P P P P P P P AA 9/10
David Newton P P P P P P P AA P P 9/10
Maxine Parry P P P P P P P AA P AA 8/10
Nigel Taylor
Elected 6.5.24		 n/a P P P P P AA AA 5/7
n/a n/a
Caroline Watts P P P P P P P P P AA 9/10

Key P – Present AA - Apologies Accepted AB – Absent (no apologies) MCM – Management Committee Meeting

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The Essex Association of Change Ringers

Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Total funds have increased by £16,201 to 31 December 2024 and now stand at £480,250.

Membership has increased by 63 to 1,134. One hundred and forty new members have been elected. 95% of members paid their subscriptions by 30 April (98% in 2023). 47 ringing members, 9 associate and 6 juniors are deemed to have withdrawn from the Association as their subscriptions remained unpaid as at 31 December. Thirteen members have sadly died. Some 3 previously lapsed members have returned. 64% of members paid via Membermojo, 21% paid by BACS and the remainder paid via their District Treasurer. This means 85% of members now pay by electronic means which greatly reduces the burden on District Treasurers. A snapshot of our membership shows 5% are aged 18 or under (up 1%), 5% are 19-25, 14% 26-50, 17% 51-60 (down 2%) and 59% over 61 (up 1%). The average age of our membership is 60 (up 2).

Interest rates: Bank of England base rate has remained steady throughout the year with a 0.25% cut in August to 5%. High Street interest rates, whilst remaining steady in the period, have now started to fall. Following a review of our accounts, I have reinvested monies in a 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond with Cambridge and Counties Bank at 5% interest, a 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver with CAFBank (via Shawbrook Bank) at 4.3% and a 1 Year Fixed Rate Corporate Bond with Saffron Building Society at 4.4%. I have invested £70,000 in a Virgin 12 Month Charity Term Deposit at 4.5% with the excess balance being returned to our nominated bank and the Virgin Charity Deposit Account closed. Our other Notice accounts with Cambridge and Counties and Charity Bank currently offer 4.5% and 3.29% respectively, although these rates are variable and will fall in the New Year. Our day-to-day NatWest Business Current Account and No 2 account still offer free banking while the NatWest Business Reserve offers a variable 1.45%. In summary and at the time this report was written: £58,572 of the Associations funds are available instantly; £134,938 are available with 95- or 100-days’ notice and £273,056 deposited in fixed rate accounts with various maturity dates in 2025. None of the balances exceed the £85,000 FSCS protection limit.

The General Fund had a deficit for the year of £6,089 and stands at £12,018. Income increased due to a rise in district income and annual dinner receipts. The proceeds from the Southern District Open Day were divided equally between the Recruitment and Training Fund and St Mary’s Prittlewell Bell Fund. The main item of expenditure was towards the cost of redesigning the website. The Trustees agreed the £10,200 cost would be underwritten by the General Fund. Two thirds of this cost was paid in the year with the final payment due in the New Year on completion of the work and satisfactory sign-off by the trustees. The Trustees also agreed a budget of £11,000 for the Association’s Memorial in Chelmsford Cathedral. They agreed in principle to make a contribution from the bequest fund towards the memorial with a decision of how much being made closer to the time. The membership has also been invited to contribute to the cost. As last year, the other main items of expenditure from the Fund were the annual dinner, insurance and printing the Annual Report. The insurance premium increased slightly from last year which is solely in line with the increased membership. An increased number of pages and inflation has meant the cost of the Annual Report has risen. It is hoped there may be further savings made in printed copies if enough members accept a PDF version.

The Essex Ringing Course made a surplus of £995 with the balance now standing at £6,489. The Course fee was increased to £65 to incorporate the Eventbrite fee. Income increased by £908 largely due to the increase in fees. Expenditure increased by £743, mainly due to increases in costs associated with hiring a new venue and an increase in tower donations to £20 per halfday session per tower.

The Heath Bequest stands at £330,945 and the Cobb Bequest stands at £72,406. A donation of £2,000 was paid to the Mobile Belfries Trust Touring Tower which will include a plaque inscribed to the memory of Donald Heath and David Cobb and £678 to Great Bardfield for a simulator. Three other grants were approved in the year, £12,804 for a new bell at Ardleigh cast in memory of David Cobb, £2,996 for a rope guide at Great Tey and £918 for the installation of sound amplification at Thaxted but remain outstanding.

The Chigwell Ringing Centre balance remains at £453. The St Mary’s Stansted Mountfitchet Fund has a balance of £4,503. A receipt of £130 was received in quarter peal fees.

The Recruitment and Training Fund has increased by £1,862 to £11,505. Seven grants were approved and paid in the year, £686 to the Essex University Freshers Fair, £211 to the Prittlewell Ringing School to replace their laptop and adaptors, £200 towards the cost of hiring the Touring Tower at White Roding Open Day, £195 to Great Tey for a Simbell receiver and transmitters, £157 to Epping to extend the simulator to six bells, £90 towards the hire of North Ockendon Church Hall for a training day and £59 to electrify the simulator at Sandon. A further grant of £4,000 was approved for rope guides and a training bell at Ardleigh and remains outstanding.

The Bell Restoration Account has increased by £7,474 to £41,931. A grant of £9,000 was agreed for the augmentation and refurbishment at Ardleigh and a grant of £918 for the installation of sound amplification at Thaxted, both of which remain outstanding.

Charity shopping fundraising site Easyfundraising continues to make a contribution to our funds. Please encourage members in your Districts to support this simple method of raising funds. Easyfundraising has over 8,100 shops and sites which will donate to the EACR at no extra cost to members.

A Gift Aid and GASDS claim of £1,697 and £247 respectively covering the period from 1 January to 30 November 2024, including some additional claims relating to the previous four years, was received in December.

Andrew Brewster Association Treasurer 16 January 2025

The Essex Association of Change Ringers Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Summary

Summary
St Mary's
Stansted		 Chigwell
Ringing
Centre
(Harry		 2024 2023
Income General
Fund
£		 Essex
Course
£		 Heath
Bequest
£		 Cobb
Bequest
£		 M'fitchet
Fund
£		 Turner
Acc't)
£		 R&T
Fund
£		 BR
Acc't
£		 Total
£		 Total
£
District subscription income 6,011 - - - - - 1,950 - 7,961 7,524
District fundraising
Essex Ringing Course fees
Gift Aid tax recovered/GASDS		 -
-
-		 -
4,954
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 -
-
-		 3,424
-
1,945		 3,424
4,954
1,945		 3,245
3,957
1,638
Annual dinner receipts 2,754 - - - - - - - 2,754 2,216
Bank interest
Other income
Total income		 -
2,132
10,897		 -
298
5,252		 11,765
-
11,765		 2,583
-
2,583		 159
130
289		 -
-
-		 405
2,253
4,608		 1,994
812
8,175		 16,906
5,625
43,569		 6,774
1,911
27,265
2023 8,300 4,344 4,732 1,039 62 - 3,001 6,469 27,947
Expenditure
Insurance
Annual Report
Essex Ringing Course
Grants
Annual dinner expenses
Website redesign project		 1,743
1,856
-
-
2,656
6,799		 -
-
4,257
-
-
-		 -
-
-
2,000
-
-		 -
-
-
678
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
1,598
-
-		 701
-
-
-
-
-		 2,444
1,856
4,257
4,276
2,656
6,799		 2,319
1,450
3,514
15,750
2,234
-
Other expenses 3,932 - - - - - 1,148 - 5,080 7,255
Total expenditure 16,986 4,257 2,000 678 - - 2,746 701 27,368 32,522
2023 11,632 3,514 - - - - 1,613 16,445 33,204
Net surplus/(deficit) (6,089) 995 9,765 1,905 289 - 1,862 7,474 16,201
Transfer between funds - - - - - - - - -
Net increase/
(decrease) in funds		 (6,089) 995 9,765 1,905 289 - 1,862 7,474 16,201
2023 (3,332)
-
(3,332)		 830
-
830		 4,732
-
4,732		 1,039
-
1,039		 62
-
62		 -
(1,473)
(1,473)		 1,388
1,473
2,861		 (9,976)
-
(9,976)		 (5,257)
-
(5,257)		 (5,257)
Assets
Cash at bank/in hand
Stock
Other assets
Liabilities, less than one year
Net assets
Represented by:
Funds		 12,018 6,489 330,945 72,406 4,503 453 11,505 41,931 466,634
2,647
11,905
(936)
480,250
480,250		 460,479
2,152
2,434
(1,016)
464,049
2023 18,107 5,494 321,180 70,501 4,214 453 9,643 34,457 464,049
Grants Summary (approved but unpaid) and Other Commitments
Ardleigh
-
-
-
12,804		 - - 4,000 9,000 25,804
Cathedral Memorial Stone -
-
10,987
-		 - - - - 10,987
Great Tey rope guide
Thaxted sound system		 -
-
2,996
-
-
-
918
-		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-		 -
918		 2,996
1,836
Website redesign (balance) 3,400
-
-
-		 - - - - 3,400
45,023
3,400
-
14,901
12,804		 - - 4,000 9,918

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
Postage
Printing, stationery etc.
ADM expenses
Excess of income over expenditure
2024		 N
NE
NW
S
SE
SW
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
856
1,040
1,616
1,408
1,576
960
7,456
-
-
16
-
8
-
24
20
56
44
52
28
20
220
-
-
4
-
-
-
4
4
24
84
28
32
12
184
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
16
-
16
-
16
16
-
48
-
80
880
1,136
1,780
1,488
1,708
992
7,984
(219)
(278)
(424)
(365)
(419)
(245)
(1,950)
661
858
1,356
1,123
1,289
747
6,034
-
-
6
9
-
-
15
-
-
-
8
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
17
-
-
23
661
858
1,350
1,106
1,289
747
6,011		 2023
£
6,976
64
160
4
212
4
56
80
7,556
(1,835)
5,721
11
1
20
32
2023 713
766
1,212
1,060
1,209
729		 5,689
Bell Restoration Account
Raffles
Teas
Donations
District socials including quiz evenings
Collections
Outings
Training days
2024		 N
NE
NW
S
SE
SW
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
35
-
451
394
-
880
41
150
58
356
90
39
734
285
33
71
62
97
10
558
37
260
-
-
172
-
469
-
-
-
338
76
-
414
-
120
-
145
-
-
265
-
-
82
-
22
-
104
363
598
211
1,352
851
49
3,424
2023
£
748
662
577
959
223
11
65
2023 334
38
882
1,264
600
127		 3,245
TOTAL DISTRICT INCOME
2024		 1,024
1,456
1,561
2,458
2,140
796
9,435
2023 1,047
804
2,094
2,324
1,809
856
8,934

General Fund

Income
Net district income
Annual dinner receipts
Southern District Open Day
Chelmsford Cathedral Ringers Memorial donations
Striking Competition receipts
AGM receipts
Annual Report advertisements
Profit on sale of badges
Proportion of peal fees_(note 1)_
Sale of Annual Reports
Expenditure
Website redesign project costs
Annual dinner expenses
Annual Report
Personal accident insurance
Southern District Open Day
Transfer to Recruitment and Training Fund
St Mary's Prittlewell Bells Fund
SumUp transaction fee
Membermojo - annual fee
Trustee/Management meetings - hire of hall
Zoom subscription to video conferencing
CCCBR affiliation fees
Stripe transaction fees (Membermojo)
Communication & PR publicity materials
Treasurer's expenses
Newsletter
Chelmsford Cathedral donation
Annual dinner - guests
Donation in memoriam of J E G Roast
Website hosting and domain name
Striking competition expenses
AGM expenses
Youth Coordinator's reimbursements re EYR (inc RWNYC fee)
National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) subscription
AGM choir donation
Postage
Trophy engraving
Printing and stationery
SumUp transaction fees
Friends of Essex Churches
Friends of CCCBR library
Friends of Chelmsford Cathedral
New members packs
Secretary's expenses
Ringing World advertisements
EACR 'Ring for the King' enamel badges
Secure document shredding
Safeguarding Training
Presentations
Excess of expenditure over income
Balance at 31 December 2023
Balance at 31 December 2024		 2024
£
£
6,011
2,754
1,209
350
222
196
135
20
-
-
10,897
6,799
2,656
1,856
1,743
604
604
1
1,209
300
286
218
214
195
177
165
151
150
140
100
93
90
89
79
56
50
42
30
22
17
15
10
10
9
9
6
-
-
-
-
16,986
(6,089)
18,107
12,018		 2023
£
£
5,689
2,216
-
-
-
107
115
69
98
6
8,300
-
2,234
1,565
1,624
-
-
-
-
250
323
183
204
144
464
143
123
150
105
-
95
83
73
2,189
-
50
25
-
-
9
15
10
10
12
17
6
1,390
90
25
21
11,632
(3,332)
21,439
18,107		 2023
£
£
5,689
2,216
-
-
-
107
115
69
98
6
8,300
-
2,234
1,565
1,624
-
-
-
-
250
323
183
204
144
464
143
123
150
105
-
95
83
73
2,189
-
50
25
-
-
9
15
10
10
12
17
6
1,390
90
25
21
11,632
(3,332)
21,439
18,107
8,300
-
2,234
1,565
1,624



-
250
323
183
204
144
464
143
123
150
105
-
95
83
73
2,189
-
50
25
-
-
9
15
10
10
12
17
6
1,390
90
25
21
11,632
(3,332)
21,439
18,107
Essex Ringing Course
Income
Course fees
Raffle
Donations
Course clothing
Sales
Cost of sales
Expenditure
Hire of school and equipment
Tower donations
Catering - Cost of sales (including stock write-off -note 1)
Tutors' dinner
Presentations/gifts
Ringing World advertisement
Printing and stationery
Replacement stays
Course tutor expenses
Miscellaneous
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2023
Balance at 31 December 2024
Heath Bequest
Income
Interest received
Expenditure
Mobile Belfries Trust
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2023
Balance at 31 December 2024
Cobb Bequest
Income
Interest received
Expenditure
Great Bardfield
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2023
Balance at 31 December 2024
Bequest Grants (Heath and Cobb)
Date
Estimated
approved
cost
£
Bequest Fund
Ardleigh
cost of new bell and fittings
21.02.24
12,804
Great Bardfield
simulator
19.10.24
678 (revised)
Great Tey
rope guide
19.10.24
6,996
Thaxted
installation of amplification system
19.10.24
2,755
Touring Tower - Mobile Belfries Trust
donation and plaque
18.05.24
65,000
Total all grants
St Mary's Stansted Mountfitchet Fund
Income
Interest received
Donation from Stansted Mountfitchet Bellringers Fund
Balance at 31 December 2023
Balance at 31 December 2024
Chigwell Ringing Centre
Balance at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2024
Harry Turner Account
Balance at 31 December 2023
Transfer to Recruitment and Training Fund
Balance at 31 December 2024		 £
275
(257)
Approved but unpaid		 2024
£
4,954
260
20
18
5,252
1,980
1,520
421
190
62
60
24
-
-
-
4,257
995
5,494
6,489
£
11,765
2,000
9,765
321,180
330,945
£
2,583
678
1,905
70,501
72,406
Paid
£
-
678
-
-
2,000
2,678
£
159
130
289
4,214
4,503
£
453
£
-
-
-		 £
288
(262)		 2023
£
3,957
361
-
26
4,344
1,556
1,080
409
142
35
60
35
120
60
17
3,514
830
4,664
5,494
£
4,732
-
4,732
316,448
321,180
£
1,039
-
1,039
69,462
70,501
2023
Brought
Carried
forward
2024
forward
£
£
£
-
12,804
12,804
-
678
-
-
2,996
2,996
-
918
918
-
2,000
-
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,396
16,718		 -
£
62
-
62
4,152
4,214
£
453
£
1,473
(1,473)
-

Recruitment and Training Fund

Income
Proportion of subscriptions_(note 1)
Training day fees
Southern District Open Day
Bookstall
Books Sales
BooksCost of sales (including stock write-off -_note 1)
Other -Profit on sale of EACR merchandise
Interest received
ART University Recruitment Grant
Donations
Other training events
Expenditure
Grants paid
Under £250_(note 2)
Essex University Freshers Week
Training day
Tower donations
Eventbrite transaction fees
Sponsorship
Essex International Jamboree
Hire of hall for R&T sub-committee meetings
Workshops
Replacement stays
Presentation
Expenses
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2023
Transfer from Harry Turner Fund
Balance at 31 December 2024
Recruitment and Training Grants
Date
Estimated
approved
cost
£
Recruitment and Training Fund
Ardleigh
rope guides and training bells
_21.02.24
9,468
Epping
extend simulator to six bells
30.05.24
314
Essex University Freshers Week
open day stand and mini-ring
18.05.24
686
Great Tey
Simbell receiver & transmitter units
13.10.24
195
North Ockendon
hire of Church Hall for training
12.01.24
90 (revised)
Prittlewell
replacement laptop and adapters
13.10.24
211
Sandon
electrification of simulator
30.03.24
59
White Roding
towards hire of Touring Tower
21.07.24
200
Total all grants		 £
1,456
(1,021)
435
9
912
686
550
129
Approved but unpaid

Bell Restoration Account

Income
District income
Bank interest
Gift aid - income tax reclaimed on subscriptions and other donations
Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS)
Interest on tax repayment
Annual Dinner raffle
AGM collection
Easyfundraising
Trustee/Management meeting refreshments
EACR Clothing
Sales
Cost of sales
Donations
Proportion of peal fees_(note 1)
Expenditure
Public liability insurance
Handbell insurance
Bell restoration grants(note 1 & 2)
Excess of income over expenditure
Balance at 31 December 2023
Balance at 31 December 2024
Bell Restoration Grants
Date
Estimated
approved
cost
£
Bell Restoration Account
Ardleigh
augmentation and refurbishment
_21.02.24
46,440
Thaxted
installation of amplification system
19.10.24
2,755
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
Halstead
clapper refurbishment (MWG)
28.02.23
308
Total all grants		 £
1,697
247
1
48
(41)
Brought
Carried
forward
2024
forward
£
£
£
-
9,000
9,000
-
918
918
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Approved but unpaid		 2024
£
3,424
1,994
1,945
373
291
86
55
7
-
-		 £ 2023
£
3,245
786
1,368
269
1 1,638
182
278
88
34
10
110
98
202
(192)
8,175 6,469
653
48
-		 647
48
15,750
701 16,445
7,474
34,457		 (9,976)
44,433
41,931 34,457
Paid
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
£
-
-
500
11,500
3,500
250
2023
-
9,918
9,918		 - 15,750

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2024

Fixed assets(note 3)
Current Assets
Stocks
Books
Badges
Ringing course consumables
Prepayments
Public liability insurance
Essex Ringing course
Website hosting
Ringing World
Other debtors
Accrued interest receivable
Easyfundraising
Cash at bank
NatWest Business Current Account
NatWest Business Current Account No 2
NatWest Business Reserve Account
CAF/Shawbrook Bank 12 Month Fixed Rate Saver Account
Cambridge & Counties 95 Day Notice Account
Cambridge & Counties 1 Year Fixed Rate Business Bond
Charity Bank Ethical 100-Day Notice Account
Saffron Building Society 1 Year Fixed Rate Corporate Bond
Virgin Money 12 Month Charity Term 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
Heath Bequest
Cobb Bequest
St Mary's Stansted Mountfitchet Fund
Chigwell Ringing Centre
Recruitment and Training Fund
Bell Restoration Account		 £
2,268
271
108		 2024

£
£
-

1,735

307

110
2,647

487

60

70

64
690

1,727

26
11,215

3,005

-

30,265

85,000

52,068

33,380

87,724

84,000

84,969
466,566
68
481,186

992

24
936
480,250
480,250
12,018
6,489
330,945
72,406
4,503
453
11,505
41,931
480,250		 2023

£
-



2,152




681


1,753









460,411
68
501
85
61
43
11,179
36
1,880
-
56,692
85,000
50,307
33,816
84,631
84,240
70,000
912
24
465,065


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

Notes to the Accounts

1 Accounting policies a) The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS102) ), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102. b) Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. c) Grant monies from the Bell Restoration Account/Recruitment & Training Fund/Bequest 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) The Management Committee agreed to amend the peal fee to zero from 1 January 2024. Total peal fees £- (2023: £196). 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. 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. 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. 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) . Harry Turner Account - 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 from 1 January 2023. Education Fund - This fund was redesignated at 1 January 2019 and the income and capital balances transferred to a new Recruitment and Training Fund as agreed by a Motion, approved at the 2018 AGM. 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. 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. 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: 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 (transferred to the Recruitment and Training Fund in 2023) (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 Prittlewell, the Southern 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. Two roller banners, PR materials and storages box held by each District..

A Saxilby Simulator, gifted to the Association, on loan to St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall. Simbell receiver and two transmitters held by Simon Mann (Great Tey)

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.

5 Other matters

No remunerations or emoluments were paid to any Trustees or to the independent examiners.

Expenses of £311 were reimbursed to 5 trustees (2023: £261 to 4 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 £197 were reimbursed to 4 volunteers (2023: £299 to 5 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.

THE ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS TEN YEAR COMPARATIVE FIGURES

Ringing subscription 2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
8.00
District Income
Subscriptions
Ringing (full)
7,620
7,544
7,576
7,616
7,712
7,328
7,040
6,856
7,040
7,480
Ringing (junior)
244
196
188
200
236
232
172
140
164
224
Friends/Associates
120
116
124
112
104
140
148
160
216
184
Non Resident
40
80
80
24
16
16
-
24
56
16
Proportion of paid life
80
80
184
62
57
57
62
62
80
80
Total
8,104
8,016
8,152
8,014
8,125
7,773
7,422
7,242
7,556
7,984
Transfer to BRA/R&TF (from 1/1/19)
1,996
1,976
2,007
1,975
2,005
1,908
1,818
1,770
1,835
1,950
Net income
6,108
6,040
6,145
6,039
6,120
5,865
5,604
5,472
5,721
6,034
Expenses
142
97
142
106
104
50
5
0
32
23
Excess of income over expenditure
5,966
5,943
6,003
5,933
6,016
5,815
5,599
5,472
5,689
6,011
General Fund
Income
District net income
5,966
5,943
6,003
5,933
6,016
5,815
5,599
5,398
5,689
6,011
Peal fees
118
120
122
78
96
18
18
83
98
-
Annual dinner
50
96
61
63
187
-
224
(76)
-
-
Annual dinner receipts
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,216
2,754
AGM receipts
102
32
155
45
99
-
(19)
41
107
196
Car stickers, badges and pens
8
19
13
21
19
5
3
7
69
20
Open Day
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,209
Cathedral memorial donations
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
350
Striking Competition receipts
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
222
Annual Report advertising
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
115
135
Sale of Annual Reports
9
12
15
9
-
3
-
-
6
-
Total income
6,253
6,222
6,369
6,149
6,417
5,841
5,825
5,453
8,300
10,897
Expenditure
Dinner guests
166
200
78
178
210
-
180
56
105
140
Central Council affiliation fees
150
150
150
200
200
200
200
200
204
214
Central Council Representative's expen
-
-
450
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hire of hall - Committee
176
156
156
160
180
80
120
340
323
286
Secretary's expenses
34
45
13
69
41
34
30
25
17
9
Treasurer's expenses
53
69
48
84
114
94
65
71
143
165
Annual dinner expenses
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,234
2,656
Annual Report :
Printing
1,320
1,544
1,409
1,532
1,514
1,586
1,531
1,520
-
-
Advertisements
(212)
(200)
(91)
(114)
(91)
(175)
(91)
(68)
-
-
Annual Report
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,565
1,856
AGM expenses
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
73
89
Open Day
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,209
Postage, printing and stationery
25
35
25
25
28
-
26
141
25
64
Friends of CCCBR Library
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Newsletter
156
161
136
148
156
106
113
178
123
151
Ringing World Advertisements
119
100
134
87
58
27
8
14
6
6
Donation to Cathedral
125
150
150
150
150
-
-
150
150
150
Comms and PR publicity materials
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
647
464
177
Membermojo - annual fee
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
250
250
300
Striking competition expenses
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
231
83
90
Subscription to Zoom video conferenci
-
-
-
-
-
-
173
173
183
218
Friends of Chelmsford Cathedral
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Personal accident insurance
1,580
1,617
1,814
1,848
1,848
1,444
1,511
1,552
1,624
1,743
Youth Coordinator's expenses
255
97
428
159
909
12
1,272
3,553
2,189
79
Website hosting and domain name
60
126
72
15
56
56
67
96
95
93
Website redesign project
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,799
Donation to AGM Choir
25
25
30
30
30
-
-
30
50
50
Stripe/SumUp fees
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
153
212
Ring for the King badges
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,390
-
Other
209
101
51
75
217
29
15
147
163
210
Total expenses
4,261
4,396
5,073
4,666
5,640
3,513
5,240
9,326
11,632
16,986
Excess of income over expenditure
1,992
1,826
1,296
1,483
777
2,328
585
(3,873)
(3,332)
(6,089)
Balance brought forward
15,209
17,101
18,827
19,273
20,656
21,333
24,927
25,412
21,439
18,107
Transfer to Public Relations account
-
-
(750)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Transfer from Public Relations accoun
-
-
-
-
-
1,366
-
-
-
-
Transfer to Harry Turner Account
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
-
-
Balance carried forward
17,101
18,827
19,273
20,656
21,333
24,927
25,412
21,439
18,107
12,018
Education Fund
Increase in capital
-
-
-
35
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance brought forward
2,533
2,533
2,533
2,533
-
-
-
-
-
-
Balance carried forward
2,533
2,533
2,533
2,568
-
-
-
-
-
-
Interest received
39
50
38
30
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sponsorship
(165)
(135)
(240)
(60)
-
-
-
-
-
-
General 24/01/2025		 7,620
7,544
7,576
7,616
7,712
7,328
7,040
6,856
7,040
7,480
244
196
188
200
236
232
172
140
164
224
120
116
124
112
104
140
148
160
216
184
40
80
80
24
16
16
-
24
56
16
80
80
184
62
57
57
62
62
80
80
8,104
8,016
8,152
8,014
8,125
7,773
7,422
7,242
7,556
7,984
1,996
1,976
2,007
1,975
2,005
1,908
1,818
1,770
1,835
1,950
6,108
6,040
6,145
6,039
6,120
5,865
5,604
5,472
5,721
6,034
142
97
142
106
104
50
5
0
32
23
5,966
5,943
6,003
5,933
6,016
5,815
5,599
5,472
5,689
6,011
5,966
5,943
6,003
5,933
6,016
5,815
5,599
5,398
5,689
6,011
118
120
122
78
96
18
18
83
98
-
50
96
61
63
187
-
224
(76)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,216
2,754
102
32
155
45
99
-
(19)
41
107
196
8
19
13
21
19
5
3
7
69
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,209
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
350
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
222
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
115
135
9
12
15
9
-
3
-
-
6
-
6,253
6,222
6,369
6,149
6,417
5,841
5,825
5,453
8,300
10,897
17,101
18,827
19,273
20,656
21,333
24,927
25,412
21,439
18,107
12,018
-
-
-
35
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,533
2,533
2,533
2,533
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,533
2,533
2,533
2,568
-
-
-
-
-
-
39
50
38
30
-
-
-
-
-
-
(165)
(135)
(240)
(60)
-
-
-
-
-
-

THE ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS TEN YEAR COMPARATIVE FIGURES

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Balance brought forward 934 808 723 441 - - - - - -
Balance carried forward 808 723 521 411 - - - - - -
Total 3,341 3,256 3,054 2,979 - - - - - -
Recruitment and Training Fund(from 1 January 2019)
Income
Transfer from Education Fund - - - - 2,979 - - - - -
Transfer from Harry Turner Fund - - - - - - - - 1,473 -
Proportion of subscriptions - - - - 2,005 1,908 1,818 1,770 1,835 1,950
Interest received - - - - 62 35 51 53 155 405
Surplus on sale of books - - - - - - - - 331 444
In memorium Bernard Sadler - - - - - 500 - - - -
Association Training Day - - - - - - (59) 117 630 938
Handbell Day - - - - - - (45) - - -
Other - - - - 214 15 235 22 50 871
- - - - 5,260 2,458 2,000 1,962 4,474 4,608
Expenditure
Grants - - - - - - 544 3,659 - 912
Association Training Day expenses - - - - - - - - 494 679
Sponsorship - - - - 180 - - - 120 150
Replacement stays - - - - - - - - 236 52
Essex University Freshers Week - - - - - - - - 660 686
Expenses - - - - - 130 - 385 103 267
180 130 544 4,044 1,613 2,746
Excess of income over expenditure 5,080 2,328 1,456 (2,082) 2,861 1,862
Balance brought forward - - - - - 5,080 7,408 8,864 6,782 9,643
Balance carried forward - - - - 5,080 7,408 8,864 6,782 9,643 11,505
Bell Restoration
Income
Districts 3,804 3,354 3,005 2,554 2,070 1,217 864 1,397 3,245 3,424
PCC Donations 5 5 - - - - - - - -
Proportion of subscriptions 1,996 1,976 2,007 1,975 - - - - - -
AGM collection 208 264 274 258 302 - - 294 278 291
Covenants/gift aid 1,665 1,628 1,705 1,619 1,630 1,428 1,290 1,447 1,638 1,945
Donations 217 230 30 202 225 50 48 10 110 -
Interest received 929 899 767 1,151 1,345 1,014 451 454 786 1,994
Raffle at annual dinner 201 240 270 310 246 - 241 338 182 373
Surplus on sale of books 161 194 163 234 304 88 40 225 - -
Proportion of Peal fees 118 120 122 78 96 18 18 83 98 -
Easyfundraising/Amazon Smile - 90 271 382 124 77 139 189 88 86
In memoriam Betty Matson - - 2,000 - - - - - - -
EACR Clothing - - - - 76 19 24 35 10 7
Other 85 116 60 153 84 29 19 13 34 55
9,389 9,116 10,674 8,916 6,502 3,940 3,134 4,485 6,469 8,175
Expenditure
Grants 3,025 10,560 800 5,000 - 7,884 17,984 19,100 15,750 -
Insurance 318 321 332 340 353 356 357 413 647 653
Handbell insurance 58 58 58 59 60 61 48 48 48 48
3,401 10,939 1,190 5,399 413 8,301 18,389 19,561 16,445 701
Excess of income over expenditure 5,988 (1,823) 9,484 3,517 6,089 (4,361) (15,255) (15,076) (9,976) 7,474
Balance brought forward 55,869 61,857 60,034 69,519 73,036 79,125 74,764 59,509 44,433 34,457
Balance carried forward 61,857 60,034 69,519 73,036 79,125 74,764 59,509 44,433 34,457 41,931
Balance Sheet
Stocks 1,620 1,649 1,950 1,808 1,680 1,918 1,770 2,082 2,152 2,647
Other debtors and prepayments 1,424 2,737 2,004 1,567 1,308 1,612 1,565 1,732 2,434 11,905
Cash and bank accounts 90,614 88,917 99,091 106,033 115,541 427,688 485,103 466,180 460,479 466,634
Other creditors (1,078) (975) (791) (1,544) (1,208) (704) (878) (688) (1,016) (936)
92,580 92,328 102,254 107,864 117,321 430,514 487,560 469,306 464,049 480,250
Represented by
General Fund 17,101 18,827 19,273 20,656 21,333 24,927 25,412 21,439 18,107 12,018
Essex Ringing Course 4,479 4,637 3,939 4,447 4,792 4,848 4,581 4,664 5,504 6,489
St Mary's Stansted Mountfitchet Fund 3,467 3,522 3,568 3,854 3,999 4,028 4,048 4,152 4,214 4,503
Recruitment and Training Fund (was E 3,261 3,176 2,974 2,979 5,080 7,408 8,864 6,782 9,643 11,505
Bell Restoration Account 61,858 60,035 69,519 73,036 79,125 74,764 59,509 44,433 34,457 41,931
Heath Bequest - - - - - 312,813 314,392 316,448 321,180 330,945
Cobb Bequest - - - - - - 68,928 69,462 70,501 72,406
Harry Turner Account 1,056 873 973 1,073 1,173 1,273 1,373 1,473 - -
Chigwell Ringing School 642 642 642 453 453 453 453 453 453 453
Public Relations Account 716 616 1,366 1,366 1,366 - - - - -
92,580 92,328 102,254 107,864 117,321 430,514 487,560 469,306 464,059 480,250

Membership

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

General 24/01/2025

THE ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF CHANGE RINGERS TEN YEAR COMPARATIVE FIGURES

Ringing (full)
Ringing (junior)
Associates
Life and Hon Life
Life Vice Presidents
Non-resident		 2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
968
962
957
952
974
920
863
852
892
951
62
49
46
50
59
58
43
36
40
55
28
27
30
29
28
35
34
41
54
46
66
68
69
70
68
67
71
72
75
73
6
7
7
7
8
8
9
9
9
8
1,130
1,113
1,109
1,108
1,137
1,088
1,020
1,010
1,070
1,133
12
17
14
9
11
8
9
6
13
9
1,142
1,130
1,123
1,117
1,148
1,096
1,029
1,016
1,083
1,142

General 24/01/2025

Independent Examiners. Report to the Trustees of the Essex Association of Change Ringers We report to the trustees on our examination of the financial statements of the Essex Associalion of Change Ringers ('the charity'l for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes. This report is made solely to the charty's trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullesl extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibilty to anyone other than the charity and the charily's truslees as a body, for our work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charty you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Acl 2011 ('the Act,). We report in respect of our examination of the charity's financial statements ca￿led out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out our examination we have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)(b) of the Act. An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence thal would be required in an audit and conseqLAently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, we express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a 'true and fail view and our report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiners, statemenl. Independent examinerfs statement We have completed our examination. We confimi that no material matters have come to our attention in connection with the examination giving us cause to believe that in any material respect-. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charty as required by section 130 of the Act,. or the financial statements do not accord with those records. We 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 financial statements to be reached. JOHN TIPPING F.C.C.A. 39 Finchley Road Westcliff-on-sea SSO 8AD JANET EDWARDS 181 High Street Kelvedon C05 9JD 30 January 2025 Page 30