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2025-03-31-accounts

FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL (Registered Charity No. 517009)

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

and

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Legal & Administrative Information ane: Annual Report of the Trustees — pages 2 to 6 Statement of Trustees responsibilities — page 7 Independent Examiner’s Report — page 8 Statement of Financial Activities — page 9 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 — page 10 Notes to the Accounts — pages 11 to 17

FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL , LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Registered Charity Number: 517009
Principal address: The Old Palace
Deansway
Worcester, WR1 2JD
Patrons:. The Bishop ofWorcester
The Bishop of Dudley
The Archbishop of Birmingham
President: The Venerable Robert Jones
Trustees: MrsSusan Thomas (Chairman)
Mrs Elayne Guest (Vice Chairman)
Mr Brian Davey (Hon. Treasurer)
Mrs Elizabeth Wright (Hon. Secretary)
The Very Revd DrStephen Edwards— Dean
Mr John Drage
Mr Kieran Kettleton
Mrs Anita Mansell
Mr Tolu Peters
Mr Gregory Rowe
Mr Michael Schmeising
Mrs SallyTrepte
Non-voting (co-opted) member(s)
Vacant
Independent Examiner: Sally Bishop FCA
Bishops Accountancy Ltd
Unit 3 Elgar Business Centre
Hallow, Worcester, WR2 6NJ
Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc
4 The Cross
Worcester WR1 3PY
CCLA Investment Management Ltd
One Angel Lane
London EC4R 3AB
Investment Manager: EFG Harris Allday
Church Mews
Ombersely,WR9OEW

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

é

1.Trustees

All the Trustees listed on page 2 of this report served throughout the year ended 31 March 2025. In accordance with the provision of Clause 9 of the Friends’ Constitution the Honorary Treasurer (who is a Trustee) is required to retire at the AGM in September 2025 having served two consecutive periods of three years each. The post of Honorary Treasurer has not been filled at the time. of preparing this report (June 2025). There were no co-opted non-voting members of the committee during the year ended 31 March 2025.

2.Governance and Management

The Trustees determine the policy and strategic management ofthe charity, comply with all other duties of Trustees as defined in the Charities Acts 2011 (as amended by the Charities Act 2022) and meet at least quarterly. Trustees and officers are elected at the Annual General Meeting, apart from the Dean (or alternate member of the Chapter) who is an ex-officio member of the Trustees. The Trustees are supported by two sub-committees: the Finance Committee assists the Treasurer with the oversight of all financial aspects of the work of the charity including the management of the investment portfolio; and the Events Committee is responsible for the organization and delivery of all fund-raising social events of the charity. To ensure continuity and co-ordination across the charity the officers are ex-officio members of each sub-committee.

3.Objectives

The principal objective of the Friends of Worcester Cathedral is to provide financial support for the cathedral by making grants to Chapter, or other groups within the cathedral community with Chapter support. To this end the charity raises funds through subscriptions & donations, receiving grants and legacies, running profitable social events, and the investment of funds.

4.Public Benefit

The Trustees are of the opinion that public benefit is provided by meeting its charitable purposes falling within the Charities Act 2011, and in particular by assisting with the upkeep of the fabric of a magnificent mediaeval cathedral, freely open to all, and by supporting its music, mission, and outreach. The Friends of Worcester Cathedral is a society open to all members of the public and activities are arranged which are open to members and non-members alike.

5.Performance:

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During the year the Trustees have again reviewed the reserves policy and have confirmed the policy first approved on 27 February 2021, as follows:- “The Trustees having reviewed the finances of the charity have noted that restricted funds of £20,132 are for designated purposes only, and that they are held as cash or investments until such time as they are awarded as grants. Of the unrestricted funds (£203,387 as at 31 March 2025) the Trustees think it appropriate to set aside £60,000 as reserves. This policy to be subject to annual review.

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7. Going Concern

The Trustees are confident that the society has sufficient financial resources to continue operating as a going concern, well able to continue in its role of providing financial support for the life and work of the cathedral.

8. Membership:

| The current membership of the society is as follows: Honorary Members 3, Individual Life Memberships 80, Joint Life Memberships 35, Individual Memberships 287, Joint Memberships 109, a total of 514 memberships (= 658 people). Adjusted for deaths, resignations, and new memberships this represents a net gain of 3 memberships this year. Measured over a five-year period there has been a net loss of 34 memberships. In addition, there are currently 2 corporate members, 1 school and 6 PCCs enrolled as Friends of Worcester Cathedral. We are most grateful to them all for their continued support and financial contributions.

9. Chairman’s Comments

This year has again been a busy one for the Friends, with a wide variety of social events which bring members together and provide significant income. In July, at our Summer Supper Party we said an early farewell to Bishop John. In July Worcester Cathedral was the venue for Three Choirs Festival during which the Friends hosted a very interesting talk by composer Bob Chilcott, and served tea, coffee and cakes.

Not many think about Christmas during July, but the Friends did, and began the sale of Christmas Puddings during the Three Choirs Festival. Building on a tentative start last year, we expanded the operation considerably selling to members of the congregation, the choral society, and members of the public during the four-day Christmas Fayre in the cloister. It proved most successful, with all puddings sold before the end of the Fayre; it helped us promote the Friends to visitors and made a significant contribution to our funds. This was possible because of the hard work and enthusiasm of Trustee Sally Trepte and her team of helpers, and we are most grateful.

During September the Friends, with the help of others from the congregation, provided the tea following the installation of the Dean, an event where we welcomed over 300 people. The next week we held our Annual General Meeting following which Fiona Keith-Lucas, the cathedral Archaeologist, gave an illustrated talk explaining the current archaeological work being undertaken around the cathedral which was much appreciated.

We have had some excellent talks during the year. In November we welcomed Dr Richard Fisher, whose illustrated talk on Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford cathedrals during the Reformation was much appreciated and was followed by a ploughman’s lunch. In February 2025 Canon Kimberley Bohan gave a most informative talk on the history of St. Oswald’s Hospital, followed by coffee in the Chaplain’s House, and on this occasion we were joined by some of the residents of St. Oswald’s.

In March 2025 the cathedral choir gave an excellent concert in aid of the Friends, which included a performance of John Rutter’s “Psalmfest”, and we were delighted that Sir John and Lady Rutter were able to attend, Sir John speaking eloquently about the role of music in churches and cathedrals. We are most grateful to Director of Music, Samuel Hudson, the organists, soloists, choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks, who made the evening such a musical success.

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The former Precentor, Canon John Paul Hoskins, who was an Honorary member of the Friends, did much in the early stages to facilitate and plan this concert, and we were saddened to hear of his death in April and offer our condolences to his wife and daughter.

in May 2025 we enjoyed a visit to Burford House and Gardens, with an explanatory lecture from the Head Gardener as we enjoyed coffee and cake, followed by our own exploration of the extensive gardens, lunch, and an afternoon visit to St. Mary’s Church, Burford, where its interesting history was enthusiastically related to us by a Church Warden.

Like many other voluntary organizations, we are finding it increasingly difficult to find people who are willing to undertake the many tasks necessary to keep the Friends running efficiently and effectively. When we do, we are grateful, as we are that Sally Trepte has agreed to be the Friends safeguarding lead, where she brings a wealth of experience to the task. We have not yet managed to find a replacement for Brian Davey, our Honorary Treasurer, who must retire in September as he completes his term of office as defined by the Constitution. Our Honorary Secretary, Liz Wright, has for some years combined this role with organizing and running the Events programme, but will now take a wellearned break from running Events, and we are looking for others who can co-ordinate and plan the Events programme. We are also keen to find people with up-to-date knowledge of information technology, to help us extend our use of, for example, our website, electronic communication with members, and record keeping. The Trustees are looking to implement different ways of working, involving more people, to lighten the load on a few individuals. If you wish to discuss ways in which you think you could help the Friends, do please get in touch with me for an informal discussion.

My thanks go to all those who help with the work of the Friends, but especially to Elayne Guest (ViceChairman) and Liz Wright (Honorary Secretary) who put in so much work for the smooth running of the Friends. Finally, thanks to Brian Davey as he completes his term of office as Honorary Treasurer for his keeping of the accounting records, preparing accounts for Independent Examination, being our principal link with the Charity Commission and Investment Managers, help in drafting policy documents and many other smail tasks too numerous to mention; they are all much appreciated by me as Chairman.

Approved by the Trustees + Irby) 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Susan Thomas Chairman

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FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period.

In preparing these statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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|

FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Friends of Worcester Cathedral

| report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 17.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

| report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirements that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

| have no concerns and have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Sally Bishop FCA Bishops Accountancy Limited Unit 3 Elgar Business Centre Moseley Road, Hallow, Worcester WR2 6NJ Date: 7/7/2025,

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FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

(Registered Charity Number 517009)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Notes
Incoming resources
Voluntary incoming 2 17,909 - 17,909 17,515
resources
Activities generating funds 3 6,640 - 6,640 4,021
Investment income 4 10,781 - 10,781 11,233
Total incoming resources 35,330 - 35,330 32,769
Support costs 5 (7,254) - (7,254) (6,854)
Amount available for grants 28,076 - 28,076 25,915
& reserves
Grants 6 (3,499) (17,500) (20,999) (33,857)
Net incoming/(expended) 24,577 (17,500) 7,077 (7,942)
resources
Gains/(losses) on (1,545) - (1,545) (12,756)
investments
Fund balance at 1 April 2024 181,355 36,632 217,987 238,685
Transfer offunds (1,000) 1,000 - -
(Turner legacy)
Fund balance at 31 March 203,387 20,132 223,519 217,987
2025

9

|

FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

(Registered Charity Number 517009)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Investments 7 203,862 217,490
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 3,622 1,917
Deposit funds 16,664 11,212
Bank current account 2,772 6,308
23,058 19,437
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due
within one year 8 (3,401) (18,940)
Net current assets/
(liabilities) 19,657 497
NETASSETS 223,519 217,987
ACCUMULATED FUNDS
Unrestricted funds 9 203,387 181,355
Restricted funds 9 20,132 36,632
223,519 217,987
Approved atameetingofTrustees held F Futy 2025
Trustee ~ Trustee

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FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL (Registered Charity No.517009)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1. Accounting policies

a.Basis of preparation

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and 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 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

b) Incoming resources

c) Resources expended

d) Investments

e) Accumulated Fund and Reserves Policy

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FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

f) Grants

The Friends make grants to projects put forward by the Chapter or proposed by other groups within the cathedral with Chapter support, and the amounts awarded are treated as liabilities until paid. No time limit is set on projects, but they are subject to a review every two years. If a project is cancelled the funds are released and become available for the charity's stated objectives. Some projects may take a considerable time to complete and may be subject to delays beyond the control of the Chapter or the Friends.

g) Related Party

The Friends of Worcester Cathedral is an independent charity not under the control of the Chapter. Therefore the Friends do not regard the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral as a ‘related party ’as defined in the Charity Commission Statement of Recommended Practice concerning accounts. However, the Dean is an ex-officio Trustee of the Friends, and the Friends work closely with the Chapter to achieve the principal objective of the charity which is to provide financial and other support to the cathedral for the upkeep of its fabric, its music, mission, and outreach.

12

FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

|po
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total
pounds
Funds | 2025 | 2024
eS
SS
|2.Voluntaryincomingresources
| | |
|Subscriptions,donations&gifts
|
429, |
|
4219 |
13,410
|legaciesreceived
|
|867350
[HmecGiftaid
OB T7082
745
|Sundryincome
Pt
fTota:
tog |
7,909 |
7,515
|
OG
|3.Activitiesgeneratingfunds
|
|
|Events&functions
|
852]
E852 | 3,582
|Trading~saleofXmaspuddings |
788 |
|
788
489
fTota:
a |640020
GG
|4.Investmentincome
|OP
[Dividendsreceived S| tt82 |
|
t,82 | 1114 |
[Interestreceived
|
IP
599 | 9
[Totals
tran P0781
1,233
GG
|S.Supportcosts
|
| Printing-Magazine(net ofadverts) |
987,|
| 987023
[Printing&Stationery
|
2a P20
286
|WebsitecostsST
|
85
[IndependentExaminersfee |=~
900—s|S| 00s|| 0
fInsurance87
[Postage
ts |
ttt
885
|Sundrycosts
|
390 |390
[Investment ManagementCosts | 1,281 |
| 28 | 237
[TotaT7258
CO
|6.Grantsapproved
||
|Cathedralmusic
|
500] 17,500 |
17,500 |
|Chapteradmin.
|
00S |T0002,
000
|Displaypanelsgrant
|P8028
|Altarfrontalsgrant
|700
| Quirecushionsgrant(1)
|693
| Quirecushionsgrant(2)
|065
| Quirecushionsgrant(3)
|
600s||
|Portraitframinggrant

|PO
|Stonemasonsgrant
|250
|Bellringersgrant_
|00
[Additionalchairsgrant_
|P88)
|Choirgrant-StJohnPassion
| = |
500
|VWAswarmclothinggrant_
=
|
p99|
|899J
[Totals899
7,500|20,999|83,857| |---|

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FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7. Investments

Valuation by EFG Harris Allday at 31 March 2025

Type % of Market % of Market
portfolio value £ portfolio Value£
2025 2025 2024 2024
Fixed Interest Funds 13.89 28,327 21,700
Funds — Infrastruc. Debt 3,798 3,933
Infrastructure Funds 15,620 18,257
UK Equities 34.75 70,859 32.35 70,359
North American Equities 4,950 4,969
Asia-Pacific Equities 8,677 8,980
GlobalEquitiesFunds 28.47 58,049 31.50 68,503

The original book cost of the investments now valued at £203,862 was £180,082.

Reconciliation ofmovement in fixed asset investments
Carrying value at 1 April 2024 217,490
Additions at cost 10,016
Disposals at carryingvalue (20,845)
Net loss on revaluation (2,799)
Carryingvalueat31March2025 203,862

8. Creditors

Falling due within one year

(There are no creditors falling due after more than one year)

==> picture [389 x 89] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Po a ee
Balance of Christ in Majesty Sculpture Grant } 12,745
Balance of Quire cushions grant Poe 4,065
SSCS~—~Ss—sSSC‘
Aca SSCS CSY
3,401 18,940
----- End of picture text -----

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FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

  1. Movements in Funds

|PO
nvestricted | Restricted | Total
pnd
| Funds | Funds f
[BalanceatiAprilzoza
|
| Unrestricted
Cit
T8355
| Restricted—Edelegacy (forcathedralmusic)
Ss|; |
25,558 | 25,558
| Restricted—Reece
legacy~(forcathedralmusic)
| sss-~—s|= 1074_| 1,074
|Total:
—C—i‘iL:CS 8,355
86,632 ||
217,98
———.
|
|
|
(After losses on investments)
|Expendedresources-Unrestricted
| (20,753) | = | 00,753)
Pp
Restricted
|
S500) |
7,500
[Balanceat31March2025,
||
[Unrestricted
Cs
387 |
204,387
|Restricted-Edelegay
9,082
|
19,032
[Restricted-Reecelegay
| TCdT
|Restricted-TurnerLegacy
S (000) —s| SS
00—s|
-CC
[Totals
C—C—“‘isi‘iYLCSCSCsi203,3887 |
20,032
| 223,519| |---| |Comparatives formovements in funds (2024)| |Po
inrestricted | Restricted | Total
puns
| Funds | Funds€
[BalanceattApril2023—
|
| Unrestricted=
sCidT:Csf
TS 183,053
|_Restricted—-Edelegacy (forcathedralmusic)
ss|
= | 25,558 | 25,558
|_Restricted—Reece
legacy—(forcathedralmusic)
|
ss-~—s| 30,074 | 30,074
|Total:
CC—Ci‘L:CSCsit3,053 | 55632 | 238,685
[
Incoming resources(afterlossesoninvestments) | 20,018 | - T2003
|Expendedresources-Unrestricted
=| (2,721) =|
Cid (7)
|
Restricted
|
(9,000) | (19,000)
[Balanceat3iMarch202a4
| TCT
[Unrestricted
T8855
|
80855
| Restricted-EdeLegacy =
CT
8B |SSC
|
ted-Reecelegay =
|
C-StoreS
tc
[Total:
CTC82355|86,632|
217,987|

15

FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10. Restricted funds

Restricted funds represent the unexpended balance of legacies received and held in trust for purposes specified by the legators; the Ede legacy ‘for music and the organs’, and the Reece legacy for ‘choral music’. Of the original legacies amounting to £145,874 received in 2011, grants amounting to £126,742 have been approved in the years up to 31 March 2025. An additional £1,000 was added to restricted funds this year being the Turner legacy ‘for cathedral music’.

  1. Analysis of assets between funds

See a ee eta aee bi eea eece Creditors: falling due within one year (3,401) ; oo: (3,401)

12. Trustees

The Trustees did not receive any remuneration for the year ended 31 March 2025 and no honoraria or expenses were paid to Trustees during the year (as in 2024).

13. Employees

The society had no employees during the year (as in 2024).

14. Government Grants

No government grants were received during the year (as in 2024).

15. Eleanor Shaw Trust

The Society may earn income each year from the Eleanor Shaw Trust of a variable amount depending upon the Trust’s income. This has reduced significantly in recent years and is now accounted for on a cash basis. No income was received from this source in the year to 31 March 2025.

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FRIENDS OF WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16. Comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities (2024)

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Incoming resources
Voluntary incoming resources 17,515 - 17,515
Activities generating funds 4,021 - 4,021
Investment income 11,233 - 11,233
Total incoming resources 32,769 - 32,769
Support costs 6,854 - 6,854
Amount available for grants
and reserves 25,915 - 25,915
Grants 14,857 19,000 33,857
Net incoming/(expended) 11,058 (19,000) (7,942)
resources
Gains/(losses) on investments (12,756) - (12,756)
Fund balance at 1 April 2023 183,053 55,632 238,685
Fundbalanceat31March2024 181,355 36,632 217,987

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