Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 101581
Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective 1 January 2019).
Reference and administrative details
Address: C/o Miss Elizabeth Reid 15 Broadwater Park Aghalee Craigavon Co. Armagh BT67 0EW Registered Charity Number 101581
Charity Trustees
Rev Paul McAdam Mr Noel Murray Mrs Irene Culbert Mr David Twigg Mr Larry Donaghey Mr John Watson Mr Donald Frazer Mr Norman McAlister Mr Roy Hanna (resigned 09/04/24) Mrs Sylvia Thompson Mrs Jennifer Martin Mr Tom Bradley Mrs Jaqueline Montgomery Mrs Joy Frazer Mr Stephen Montgomery Misss Elizabeth Reid Mr Gavin Murray Mrs Hilary Wilson (appointed 09/04/24)
Principal Office Bearers
Rector Rev Paul McAdam Churchwardens Mrs Hilary Wilson Mr Stephen Montgomery Glebe-wardens Mr Noel Murray Mr Donald Frazer Secretary Mr Norman McAlister Treasurer Miss Elizabeth Reid
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Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
Independent Examiner
John McCleary FCA
McCleary & Company Ltd Chartered Accountants Garvey Studios 14 Longstone Street Lisburn Co. Antrim BT28 1TP
Bankers
Danske Bank
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Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and Activities
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The principal function of Holy Trinity, Aghalee is to support the advancement of the Christian religion. Being open to and engaging with society as a whole and offering pastoral care and support to those needing help are fundamental to the practical delivery of the benefits of Christianity.
As a result of activity in the pursuit of the advancement of the Christian religion, Holy Trinity, Aghalee has custody of certain property, records, materials and artefacts which are of significance to the cultural and religious heritage of the whole community. The maintenance of these is undertaken by the select vestry of Holy Trinity, Aghalee.
Compliance with Public Benefit
The Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities entered into during the year have helped to achieve the parish’s objectives and activities, as well as providing public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable Activities
Under the leadership and pastoral care of the Rector, and with the active participation of a good number of volunteers, the parish continues to carry forward the Christian outreach and pastoral ministry required to sustain a rural parish.
Sunday worship services continue weekly; and occasional special services were held to mark the major Christian festivals etc. Easter Sunday (101); Harvest Thanksgiving (152); Remembrance Sunday (91); Christmas Carol Service (80) and Christmas Eve/Day (50).
Throughout the year. the parish maintained an online presence through use of the parish Facebook page (@AghaleeParish) and Youtube channel. Sunday services were streamed on the parish Youtube channel (40-70 weekly viewers).
The parish maintains artefacts, materials and historic buildings for the benefit of the public and in particular for those appreciative of longstanding Christian heritage. Access to Church buildings is restricted for public safety reasons – however, visitors can access the church by arrangement, when they will be accompanied by a member of the parish.
Access to historical church records can be provided to any member of the public requiring information for research and genealogical purposes.
Aghalee Parish Heritage Project:
Throughout the year, the parish continued the work of our Heritage Development Project involving major restoration work to Holy Trinity Church and promotion of the heritage of the parish, along with its links to the Lagan Navigation and nearby hamlet of Soldierstown.
Aghalee Parish Heritage Project is supported the National Lottery Heritage Fund - with a grant of £185,400 to part-fund this project. The Trustees would like to acknowledge the funding received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will make possible the completion of the delivery stage of this project.
The restoration work to the church building was largely completed by March 2023, however, certain minor elements of the repairwork continued through 2024/5. The contractor was J.S. Dunlop Construction Ltd; and the architect/project supervisor was Leighton Johnston Associates.
In December 2023, a 112-page book entitled ‘Soldiers, Sailors, Saints and Spinners’ was published, telling the story of our parish history and heritage. The book was designed by Jo-Ann Smyth (Evolution Graphics) and printed by Print-It (Moira). The initial 2000 copies of the book were distributed within a few months, and a further print-run of 1000 copies was arranged.
During the year, we continued our series of Heritage Talks on the following subjects:
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March: Canon Jim Campbell – ‘The life and art of Sir John Lavery’
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October: Mr Simon Walker – ‘The life and work of Bishop Jeremy Taylor’
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Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
In April, an outing was organized to the Ulster Museum to view the ‘Lavery on Location’ exhibition; about 50 people enjoyed viewing this collection of paintings by Sir John Lavery.
In September the parish took part in the European Heritage Open Days.
In October, a concert was held in the church hall by the country gospel band, Live Issue.
Work continued to improve our digital archive and parish website, enabling us to share details of our heritage and parish activities. The website can be viewed at: www.aghalee.dromore.anglican.org
Organisations and Activities
Our parish organisations are open to all-comers. In particular, the Mums & Tots, GFS, CLB and Bowling Club usually have many members who are not parishioners; and we are delighted to welcome everyone. Parish organizations are: -
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‘Jigsaw’ Sunday School – welcomes all children and usually meets during service-time each Sunday. Sunday School
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re-commenced in September, under the leadership of a new team of volunteers.
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The Parish Choir contributes to the worship of the church and offers members a chance to build friendship and enjoy
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singing together. Practice evenings are held frequently on Thursday evenings; and as needed for special occasions such as Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas services.
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Soldierstown Tots Group : usually meets on a Monday morning in the parish youth-hall. It welcomes children of pre-school
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age along with their mums (dads, grannies, grandads, carers – are all welcome!). Some members, who had no previous connection to the church, have found this a very welcoming and engaging group. By nature of the group, attendance fluctuates - but it welcomes from 6-12 children each week.
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Girls’ Friendly Society – usually meet on Monday evenings between September and April. The current enrolment is ~25
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drawn from both parishioners and non-members. There are 7 volunteer leaders who are enthusiastic and encouraging for the girls. The GFS girls also participate in various activities and competitions at Diocesan level.
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Church Lads’ Brigade – also meets on Monday evenings between September and April. CLB has a membership of ~15 - both
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parishioners and non-members. The boys enjoy a great variety of activities and outings.
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Mothers’ Union - is a long-standing organisation within the parish and has ~9 regular members. M.U. meets occasionally on
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the 2nd Tuesday of the months - members enjoy regular outings, Diocesan events, and the chance to meet with other branches. M.U. actively supports of the Women’s Refuge Centre by organizing a collection of toiletries etc.
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Ladies Fellowship usually meets on the 3rd Tuesday evening of each month. The program of activities is progressive and
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imaginative and engages regularly with around 15-20 attendees. Ladies Fellowship is open to all, including those from beyond the church family.
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Men’s Group aims to build friendship and fellowship amongst the men of the parish – meeting on the third Wednesday
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morning of each month, with a program of visiting speakers.
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Soldierstown Bowling Club : competes in the Lisburn & District Indoor Bowling League. Home matches and friendly /
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practice evenings are held on Wednesday evenings in the church hall. The club welcomes all bowlers.
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Midweek Fellowship / Bible Study Group : Usually meets on Wednesday evenings in the Parochial Hall, Aghalee. It is for
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those who wish to explore and share the Christian faith with others, in a friendly, welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
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Also - Sunday Morning “Cup of Tea” usually allows service-goers to meet up before the services to chat in an informal setting.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Review
The income for the parish from various sources was £121,303 with payments of £135,152 giving a deficit of £13,849. The Bank and Cash Balance as at 31 December 2024 was £118,884 (of this balance £88,986 were unrestricted funds, £29,898 restricted funds and £Nil endowment funds).
It is the Trustees’ policy to hold sufficient reserves to cover unexpected emergencies and have adequate funds for maintenance of church property and to further the objectives and activities of the parish.
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Holy Trlnlty Parish Church Aghalee TRUSTEE5' ANNUAL REPORT (continued) Goin8 Concern The Trustees have revlewed the budgets for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are adequate funds In place to ensure the parish can continue its activities and the financial statements for the year ended 3tst December 2024 can be Signed off as a going concern. STrUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governin8 Document and Constltutlon of the Charlty Aghalee Parish is governed and managed in accordance wtth the Constltutlon of the Church of Ireland and the Dloce5an Regulations of the Dlocese of Down & Dromore. Recrultment and Appolntment of Trustms The Trustees of Aghalee Parlsh are the members of the Select Vestry. Chapter111 of the Constltutlon of the Church of Ireland governs Parlshes and Par(Khlal Organlsatlons. All members of the Church of Ireland who are over the age of 18 and are either resident within the parish or live elsewhere but have been accustomed member5 of the congregatlon for at least three months, may register as members of the General Vestry of the parish. allowlng them to attend and vote at meetings of the General Vestry and to stand for elrftion to the Select Vestry. Meetings of the General Vestry are held lat least) annually within three weeks of Easter. Members of the Selert Vestry are elected at the Annual General Vestry meetin8 and hold their positions for a perlod of one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elerted annually and there Is no Ilmlt on the number of terms whlch may be served. The Trustees I Select Vestry so elected are listed at the stsrt of this reporL Organlsatlonal Structure The Select Vestry has been responsible for the day-t045ay management of the parish. The Select Vestry consisted of the Rector, the churchwardens, the glebe-wardens and twefve other members of the general vestry elected at the Annual General Vestry meeting. The Select Vestry Is chalred by the Rector. The Select Vesty has been responsible in the period for making decislons on matters of 8eneral concern and importance to the parish includln8 deciding how the parlsh funds have been allocated. The Select Vestry met 9 tlmes In the period and the average attendance was 12. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILMES The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the ststement of receipts and payments and assets and Ilabilities in accordance wlth appllcable law and regulatlons. The law appllcable to charItS In Northern Ireland wtth Income of less than £250.000 requlres the trustees to prepare a statement of receipts and payments and a ststement of assets and Ilabilitles for each financial year. The trustees are responslble for keeplng accountlng records that are sufficient to show and explaln the parlsh's transartlons and dlsclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the assets and liabilitie5 of the parish. They are also responslble for safeguardlng the assets of the parlsh and hence for tskln8 reasonable steps for the preventlon and detectlon of fraud and other irregularltSes. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 4 March 2025 and sl8ned on its behalf by: Rev Paul McAdam Page 6
Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOLY TRINITY PARISH CHURCH AGHALEE
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under Section 65 of the Charities Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (under Section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act); and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner's report
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
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That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act.
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That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records.
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That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act.
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That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
John McCleary FCA Chartered Accountants Ireland McCleary & Company Ltd Chartered Accountants Garvey Studios 14 Longstone Street Lisburn Co. Antrim BT28 1TP
Date:
4 March 2025
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Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Note Receipts Donations and Legacies 2 Charitable Activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Investment Income 5 Other 6 Payments Charitable Activities 7 Total Net Income/(Expenditure) Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Funds brought forward Funds carried forward 8 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ £ 90,084 5,819 95,903 - 15,869 15,869 1,919 - 1,919 288 - 288 7,324 - 7,324 99,615 21,688 121,303 107,080 28,072 135,152 107,080 28,072 135,152 (7,464) (6,384) (13,849) (7,464) (6,384) (13,849) 52,180 (52,180) - 44,715 (58,564) (13,849) 44,271 88,462 132,732 88,986 29,898 118,884 |
2023 £ 95,412 90,153 1,775 349 4,853 192,542 192,823 192,823 (281) (281) - (281) 133,014 132,733 |
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HolyTrinity Parish Churth Aghalee BALANCE SHEEr for the year ended 31 December 2024 Unrestrlrted Restrfrted Funds Fund5 2024 2023 Funds Reconclllatlon Bank and Cash at start of year Net movement in funds 44.271 44,71S 88,462 58.564 132.732 13,849 133,014 12811 Bank and cash at end of year 88.986 29,898 118,884 132,733 Bank & Cash Balances Bank Deposlt Accounts Bank Current Accounts Cash In Hand 118,879 132,696 37 118.884 132,733 The flnanclal ststements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for Issue on 4 March 2025 and were $18ned on Its behalf by: Rev Paul McAdam Page 9
Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The FInancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
All items of income and expenditure recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities have been accounted for on a cash receipts basis.
TAXATION
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
FUND ACCOUNTING
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donar or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Loose collections Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacies and bequest Recorded giving |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ £ 57,924 - 57,924 1,481 - 1,481 20,586 5,819 26,405 10,092 - 10,092 - - - 90,084 5,819 95,903 |
2023 £ 53,070 1,360 30,952 10,030 - 95,412 |
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Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
31 December 2024
3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Ministry and support staff costs Other Income Grants 4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 5. INVESTMENT INCOME Rents received Donations to Mission and charities Governance costs 6. OTHER INCOME Congregational running expenses Deposit interest 7. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ £ - 15,869 15,869 - 15,869 15,869 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ £ 1,919 - 1,919 1,919 - 1,919 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ £ 288 - 288 288 - 288 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ £ 7,324 - 7,324 7,324 - 7,324 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ £ £ 61,298 - 61,298 43,171 23,195 66,365 1,537 4,878 6,414 1,074 - 1,074 107,080 28,072 135,152 |
2023 £ 90,153 90,153 2023 £ 1,775 1,775 2023 £ 349 349 2023 £ 4,853 4,853 2023 £ 55,353 135,770 854 846 192,823 |
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Holy Trinity Parish Church Aghalee
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd)
31 December 2024
8. FUND BALANCES
| Fund Unrestricted Funds General fund Restricted Funds Development fund Project fund Coffee bar Ladies fellowship Bowling club Mums and tots Orange Order Breast Cancer Now Royal British Legion Total |
Balance at start Receipts Payment Surplus/ (Deficit) Transfer £ £ £ £ £ 44,271 99,615 107,080 - 36,806 52,180 52,180 - - 52,180 (52,180) 33,307 16,353 22,941 - 26,720 - 996 674 - 1,670 - 975 - 110 - 865 - 967 301 630 - 638 - 37 182 214 - 5 - - 202 202 - - - - 3,731 3,731 - - - - 244 244 - - - 88,462 21,688 (28,072) 82,077 (52,180) 132,732 121,303 (135,152) 118,884 - |
Balance at end £ 88,986 - 26,720 1,670 865 638 5 - - - 29,898 118,884 |
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A restricted fund described as the "Development Fund" amounting to £52,180 has been transferred to unrestricted funds in the year. The Trustees have determined that these funds are to be used for the general running of the church and should therefore be classed as unrestricted.
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