Charity registration number 512541 (England and Wales)
FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees A E Cross (Chairman) D Alldred R Alexander A Bamber A Davies Other officers G R Horstman Provincial Grand Master D Walsh Deputy Provincial Grand Master J Miller Assistant Provincial Grand Master B Travers Provincial Grand Registrar C E Lewis Secretary D L Berry MBE Treasurer H Waddell Provincial Grand Almoner S C Simpson Grants Administrator Charity number (England and Wales) 512541 Principal address 2 Oakhill Close West Derby Liverpool L12 0JR Independent examiner Xeinadin North West Limited First Floor, The Foundation Herons Way Chester Business Park Chester Cheshire CH4 9GB Bankers Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 12 |
FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".
Objectives and activities
The object of the Charity is the relief of distressed Mark Master Masons and their dependents and such other Charitable Institutions, Societies and objects as the Trustees shall determine, and to distribute charitable grants to worthy causes in the Province of Cheshire.
The management of the Charity is under the control of the Trustees who are assisted by the committee members.
There have been no changes in the objectives and organisation of the Charity since the last report.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Usage of traditional masonic fund raising activities.
Significant activities include proceeds of raffles at formal dinners, a 1000+ club, fund raising dinners and lodge contributions.
Social investments
Social investment is for the betterment of the people of Cheshire.
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Grant making policy
All grants are considered by the committee and approved or rejected based on compliance with the charity's objectives and available funds.
Volunteers
All time given to the charity by individuals is on a volunteer basis.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
The trustees consider the performance of the Fund to be satisfactory enabling the objectives of the Charity to be met.
Financial review
The charity continues to enjoy good support from the members of the Province of Cheshire Mark Masons and their friends, which along with the consistent income stream from the designated fund investments generated income during the year £53,286 (2024: £45,743). This has enabled the trustees to distribute £20,206 (2024: £57.172) to Masonic and non-Masonic causes during the year.
The trustees are satisfied with the charity’s state of affairs and of its ability to continue to operate in its present capacity with total funds of £626,388 (2024: £564.059) at the balance sheet date.
Going concern
The Trust is a going concern, does not have any borrowings and always maintains a liquid surplus.
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
Reserves policy
The fund accumulated over many years from donations received and fund raising activities organised by the Mark Master Masons of Cheshire was established as a Designated Fund on 31 October 2005. This fund now provides income for distribution to worthy causes and individuals within the remit of the Trust Deed over the three-year rolling cycle. The Trustees have confirmed their commitment to maintain this Designated Fund into the future so as to safeguard the availability of funds for distribution.
There are no funds in deficit.
Principal funding sources
The principle funding source is the members of Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Cheshire.
Investment policy
The Charity’s investments are managed by Investec under a full discretionary management agreement aimed at maximising the return on investments, whilst maintaining the capital value.
Major risks
The major risks to which the Charity is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate these risks.
Structure, governance and management
The Charity is constituted under a Deed of Trust dated 12 March 1982 and constitutes an unincorporated charity. It is a Registered Charity (No: 512541).
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: A E Cross (Chairman)
D Alldred R Alexander A Bamber A Davies
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
New trustees are appointed by the board of trustees as arising. As all appointees are experienced in charitable work, no formal induction and training is deemed necessary.
All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits.
Organisational structure
The organisation consists of trustees and committee members. Details of trustees and other officers are provided in the Legal and Administrative Information section.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
A E Cross (Chairman)
Trustee
1 April 2026
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Fund of Benevolence of Mark Master Masons of Cheshire (the charity) for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Alastair J Jeffcott BA FCA 1 April 2026 Xeinadin North West Limited
First Floor, The Foundation Herons Way Chester Business Park Chester Cheshire CH4 9GB
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 24,687 | 19,426 |
| Other trading activities | 3 | 57 | 256 |
| Investments | 4 | 28,542 | 26,061 |
| Total income | 53,286 | 45,743 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Raising funds | 5 | 2,831 | 2,524 |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 21,605 | 58,899 |
| Total expenditure | 24,436 | 61,423 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | 11 | 33,479 | 53,271 |
| Net income and movement in funds | 62,329 | 37,591 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 November 2024 | 564,059 | 526,468 | |
| Fund balances at 31 October 2025 | 626,388 | 564,059 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Investments | 13 | 573,815 | 540,371 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 14 | 250 | 350 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 53,173 | 24,128 | |||
| 53,423 | 24,478 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 15 | ||||
| one year | (850) | (790) | |||
| Net current assets | 52,573 | 23,688 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 626,388 | 564,059 | |||
| The funds of the charity | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 16 | 626,388 | 564,059 | ||
| 626,388 | 564,059 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 1 April 2026
A E Cross (Chairman) Trustee
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Fund of Benevolence of Mark Master Masons of Cheshire is constituted under a Deed of Trust dated 12 March 1982 and constitutes an unincorporated registered charity.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
1.6 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 24,687 | 19,426 |
| Income from other trading activities | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other income | 57 | 256 |
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3 Income from other trading activities
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
4 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Income from listed investments | 28,542 | 26,061 | |
| 5 | Expenditure on raising funds | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Fundraising and publicity | |||
| Other fundraising costs | 2,831 | 2,524 | |
| 6 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Masonic | Masonic | ||
| benevolence | benevolence | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | |||
| Donations | 20,206 | 57,172 | |
| Other costs | 316 | 721 | |
| 20,522 | 57,893 | ||
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 7) | |||
| Support | 1,083 | 1,006 | |
| 21,605 | 58,899 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 21,605 | 58,899 |
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
7 Support costs allocated to activities
| 7 Support costs allocated to activities |
||
|---|---|---|
| Administration costs Bank charges Subscriptions Room hire Postage and stationery Governance costs Analysed between: Masonic benevolence 8 Net movement in funds The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements |
2025 £ 100 - - 45 278 660 1,083 1,083 2025 £ 660 |
2024 £ - 20 179 49 128 630 |
| 1,006 | ||
| 1,006 | ||
| 2024 £ 630 |
9 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
10 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
| There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. |
11 Gains and losses on investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Gains/(losses) arising on: | £ | £ |
| Revaluation of investments | 33,479 | 53,271 |
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
12 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
13 Fixed asset investments
| Listed | |
|---|---|
| investments | |
| £ | |
| Cost or valuation | |
| At 1 November 2024 | 540,371 |
| Additions | 102,426 |
| Valuation changes | 33,479 |
| Disposals | (102,461) |
| At 31 October 2025 | 573,815 |
| Carrying amount | |
| At 31 October 2025 | 573,815 |
| At 31 October 2024 | 540,371 |
Fixed asset investments revalued
The historic cost of listed fixed asset investments was £507,936 (2024: 505,482).
14 Debtors
| 14 Debtors |
||
|---|---|---|
| Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors 15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 250 2025 £ 850 |
2024 £ 350 |
| 2024 £ 790 |
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FUND OF BENEVOLENCE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF CHESHIRE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
16 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 November 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses At 31 £ £ £ £ General funds 564,059 53,286 (24,436) 33,479 Previous year: At 1 November 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses At 31 £ £ £ £ General funds 526,468 45,743 (61,423) 53,271 |
October 2025 £ 626,388 October 2024 £ 564,059 |
|---|---|
17 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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