TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
BALLINTOY PARISH CHURCH (NIC 102113)
C/O THE HON. TREASURER Mr ALISTAIR McMULLAN
169A WHITEPARK ROAD, BUSHMILLS, Co. ANTRIM. BT57 8SS
1 ST JANUARY 2023 – 31ST DECEMBER 2023
TRUSTEES:
Rev P Barton, Mr S Browne, Mr L Heaney, Mrs H Heaney, Ms J Heaney, Mr H McAlister, Mr A McAlister, Mrs E McAlister, Mr R McCaw, Mrs I McIntyre, Mr A McMullan, Mr A McMullan, Mr R Rodgers, Mrs S Walker.
FINANCES:
With all income and expenditure taken into account for the year, the Parish finances for all accounts show a deficit of -£15,586. The main reason for the deficit was due to the completion of the work to the tower, with a final cost of £83,676.
The Freewill Weekly Offering has decreased by £762 on the previous year to £23,449. We are grateful to the generosity and faithfulness of our parishioners during this year and over the years. As in many other Churches, the decline in numbers of the congregation is a constant source of concern.
Fundraising events have been held over the year and again necessity focussed on the refurbishment of the Church. Our sincere thanks are due to the small team of planners and workers who have achieved great success since the project began 3 years ago. The Afternoon Tea, Male Voice Choir, Praise Evening, Christmas Coffee, private gifts, and other sources raised approximately £9,326 in 2023. The Grant awarded from the National Churches Trust of £36,147 greatly assisted in the renovation of the tower. We are thankful to all involved in achieving this grant and to Manor Architects for their professional guidance.
The total glebe rental income and land income raised £21,430, a similar figure to the previous year. Renovations to the Hill Cottage have been completed, which will generate rental income from this little property in such a beautiful location. The glebe land income from Coolmaghera and Ballintoy raised a substantial £14,430. We appreciate as always, the work of the Glebe Wardens in the management of these very important sources of income.
Running costs have remained like previous years. Significant additional expenditure on the refurbishment work at Hill Cottage has been a challenge for the Parish in the short term. Further progress with the Heritage Lottery application will hopefully help us plan for the continuing Refurbishment Project of the Church and Sexton’s House.
All invoices in 2023 were paid when received and in full. Following all transactions the cash held in all accounts at the end of the year were as follows:
General Account - £16,150.09
Hall Account - £1,438.07
Refurbishment Account - £47,377.68
Rectory Account - £26,363.58
Total Cash Funds at 31/12/2023 - £91,330
The security and safeguarding of all monies are important to the Trustees and all cash is counted and recorded under dual control, as well as all payments.
MANAGEMENT:
The finances are managed by the Hon. Treasurer who reports back to the 14 Trustees at the monthly Select Vestry meetings or in between if necessary.
PURPOSE:
The principal function of the Parish is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting through the work of the Parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, social and ecumenical. All the functions of the Parish relate to the advancement of religion through holding regular worship and communicating with and caring for parishioners of all ages, especially the sick and elderly and others in our community. The Parish has the custody of some historical items. The maintenance of these and of the various buildings is undertaken as a secondary charitable purpose.
PUBLIC BENEFIT:
The Trustees have complied with their duties in line with the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit statutory guidance. Regular worship and reaching out into the community as well as other activities, both social and fundraising, have been carried out through the year to fulfil our Statement of Public Benefit. The Parish Hall is used regularly by other organisations in the area and those with a cross community religious membership. Funds have been raised in support of other charities such as Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Mother’s Union, Christian Aid, Bishops Appeal, and the Royal British Legion.