Company registration number: NI043798 Charity Commission NI number: 102190
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Unaudited financial statements
31 March 2025
adbe ¢___—__ GRACEHILL OND SCTIOOI.
Gracehill Old Schoo! Trust Company limited by guarantee
| Contents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Page | ||
| Reference and Administrative Details | 3 | |
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 4-6 | |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 7-8 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 | |
| Balance Sheet | 10-11 | |
| NotestotheFinancialStatements | 12-15 |
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees Peter Thomas Carter Brown Christie Colhoun Dr David John Johnston Roberta Kathleen Thompson William Richard Wray Company number Ni043798 CCN! number 102190 Registered office 8 Montgomery Street Gracehill Co Antrim BT42 2NN Independent examiner Potter Finnegan Limited 27-28 The Courtyard Business Park 190 Galgorm Road Ballymena Co Antrim BT42 1HL Bankers Danske Bank North Business Centre 1-2 Broadway Ballymena Co Antrim BT43 7AA Solicitors Martin King French & Ingram 52 Catherine Street Limavady Co Londonderry BT49 9DB
3
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statements of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
Objectives and activities
Gracehill Old School Trust’s objects are “to preserve and protect for the public benefit, building or structures of interest in and near Gracehill in the County of Antrim and to restore renovate and conserve parkland planned landscapes and other open spaces and land related to such buildings or structures.”
Having overseen its restoration, the Trust now manages Gracehill Old School, the GradeB listed former primary school in the Moravian settlement and Conservation Area of Gracehill. As well as providing sustainable income from rental of portions of the premises and community facilities, the building also houses a reconstructed schoolroom which is open to organised tours and a visitor centre which is open to the public during the building’s opening hours and by arrangement outside normal business hours. This centre outlines the history of the Moravian community and the settlement at Gracehill and contains interpretative panels and exhibits. The Trust facilitates organisations and individuals who wish to visit the village with tours managed by qualified volunteer tour guides.
The Trust has also overseen the renovation of the Village Square, including the reinstatement of the village pond and historic pathways. They have researched and installed a “live” Victorian Post Box-outside the former historic Village Post Office and Shop, which they have now acquired. Having secured funding, a programme of renovating and restoring the building is ongoing. The first phases of this have now been completed securing the fabric of the building and restoring the original village shop, dating from 1787, and the historic living accommodation within the building. The former is now part of the Village tours, and the latter is available for short term rental.
These initiatives directly benefit the users of the community facilities within the Old School and visitors to the interpretative centre and school room. They indirectly benefit those organisations that make use of the organised tours of the village and the tenants who are provided with suitable premises for their businesses. It also has a wider benefit to the community at large through the retention and restoration of buildings of historic significance in a conservation area. These benefits are all recognisable, identifiable, definable, and capable of description and are all beneficial.
The intended beneficiaries are sections of the public who live in the village or visit the village and use its premises. The wider public also benefit through enhanced public understanding of the history of Moravians and the seitlement in Gracehill and through access being granted to historic buildings and architectural features which are also being preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. The restoration and interpretation have directly supported and enhanced World Heritage nomination and was integral to the application and subsequent ICOMOS assessment.
Public benefit statement
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission for Northern freland’s guidance on public benefit, and they believe that this has been met through the achievements outlined in this report.
4
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31 March 2025
Achievements and performance
Gracehill Old School
During the year, activity has continued with an increase in tours and community use of the facility, now having surpassed their pre-pandemic levels.
The Old Shop, 6 Montgomery Street, Gracehill
The building is now operational, hosting regular tours and community activities including acting as a base for the mobile library service in the village with regular activities for senior citizens and school groups. The holiday accommodation is now in use and has also been extensively used by visitors both local and international.
World Heritage Status
The Trust's continued efforts, spearheading the World Heritage nomination locally for over 20 years, that involved Gracehill as a constituent part of the proposed “Moravian Church Settlements” transnational nomination to UNESCO in partnership with Bethlehem (USA), Herrnhut (Germany) and Christiansfeld (Denmark) reached a successful conclusion on 26" July 2024. At the 46" Session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO held in Delhi, India, “Moravian Church Settlements” was inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
The Trust was fortunate to work in close partnership with Gracehill Moravian Church and was successful in achieving significant funding toward the costs of preparing the nomination documentation from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Historic Buildings Division, Department of Communities.
Tours
The number of tours has continued to increase again in 2025, with a noticeable increase in international visitors, no doubt prompted by the media interest generated by our World Heritage Success.
Financial review
The financial results are as set out on 9-11 of the accounts. The challenges faced by the trustees in 2024.25 are likely to continue and will require ongoing monitoring.
Structure, governance and management
Gracehill Old School Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. The company was incorporated on 6 August 2002. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objectives and powers of the company and is governed by its Articles of Association. The liability of the members is limited in that every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while he/she is a member or within one year after he/she ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before he/she ceases to be a member and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding-up and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories amongst themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding £1.
5
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31 March 2025
The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. The trustees who have served during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Peter Thomas Carter Brown
Christie Colhoun
Dr David John Johnston Roberta Kathleen Thompson William Richard Wray
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
This report was approved by the board on 30 October 2025 and signed on behalf of the board by:
iid ae Dr David John Johnston Trustee
6
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Gracehill Old School Trust Year ended 31 March 2025
We report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied ourselves that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:
-
° examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008:
-
e 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
-
e state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
We have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and our 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. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe:
-
That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006
-
That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
-
That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the 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
-
That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
7
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Gracehill Old School Trust Year ended 31 March 2025
Independent examiner's statement
We have completed our 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, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
hotles Fianesen Lk Potter Finnegan ttd@ Charteréd Accountants
27-28 The Courtyard Business Park 190 Galgorm Road Ballymena Co Antrim BT42 1HL
30 October 2025
8
Gracehill Old School Trust
Company limited by guarantee
Statement of Financial Activities Year ended 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | ||||||
| Donationsand legacies | 32,438 | - | 32,438 | 6,738 | ||
| Charitable activities | - | - | - | - | ||
| Othertrading activities | 4 | 72,639 | - | 72,639 | 65,964 | |
| investments | 91 | - | 91 | 23 | ||
| Grants and otherincome | 35,144 | 20,000 | 55,144 | 89,678 | ||
| Total incoming resources | 140,312 | 20,000 | 160,312 | 162,403 | ||
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Raising funds | - | - | - | - | ||
| Charitable activities | - | (6,147) | (6,147) | (22,493) | ||
| Otherexpenditure | 5 | (105,851) | - | (105,851) | (91,942) | |
| Total expenditure | (105,851) | (6,147) | (111,998) | (114,435) | ||
| Netmovement infunds | 34,461 | 13,853 | 48,314 | 47,968 | ||
| Reconciliation offunds | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 594,842 | (6,610) | 588,232 | 540,264 | ||
| Retained fundsattheend ofthe year |
—ss«G29,303~s=“‘7«243=~=~«««s BAG) TE |
=StC«CSBB23D |
All the activities of the company are from continuing operations.
The notes on pages 12 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
9
Gracehill Old School Trust
Company limited by guarantee
Balance Sheet
31 March 2025
| Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Total funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| . | funds | funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| Tangible assets |
7 | 1,146,517 | - | 1,146,517 | ||
| Total fixed assets | 1,146,517 | - | 1,146,517 | 1,149,339 | ||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Debtors | 8 | 14,854 | - | 14,854 | 14,355 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | - | 7,243 | 7,243 | 5,520 | ||
| Total current assets | 14,854 | 7,243 | 22,097 | 19,875 | ||
| Liabilities | ||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear |
9 | (49,403) | ~ | (49,403) | (70,249) | |
| Net current | (34,549) | 7,243 | (27,306) | (50,374) | ||
| assets/(liabilities) | ||||||
| Total assets less current liabilities |
1,111,968 | 7,243 | 1,119,211 | 1,098,965 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling | 10 | (482,665) | - | (482,665) | (510,733) | |
| due after more than one | ||||||
| year | ||||||
| Netassets | 629,303 | 7,243 | 636,546 | 588,232 | ||
| Charityfunds | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 11 | 629,303 | - | 629,303 | 594,842 | |
| Restricted funds | 11 | - | 7,243 | 7,243 | (6,610) | |
| Total charityfunds | 629,303 | 7,243 | 636,546 | =588,232 |
For the year ending 31 March 2025, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors’ responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
10
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Balance Sheet (continued)
31 March 2025
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and in accordance with FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’.
These financial statements were approved by the board and authorised for issue on 30 October 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
----- Start of picture text -----
—
tr~_
Dr David John Johnston
Trustee
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
.
Christie Sé6lhoun
Trust
----- End of picture text -----
The notes on pages 12 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
11
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025
1. General information
The company is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is 8 Montgomery Street, Gracehill, County Antrim, BT42 2NN.
- Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015)’, issued in July 2014 and the Companies Act 2006.
- Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through profit or loss.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Income
Income is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods supplied and services rendered, net of discounts and Value Added Tax.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Any tangible assets carried at revaiued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in capital and reserves, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in profit or loss. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any previously recognised revaluation increase accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset. Where a revaluation decrease exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains accumulated in capital and reserves in respect of that asset, the excess shall be recognised in profit or loss. ;
12
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Land and buildings - Nil Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 15% — straight line
if there is an indication that there has been a significant change in depreciation rate, useful life or residual value of tangible assets, the depreciation is revised prospectively to reflect the new estimates.
Government grants
Grants are credited to deferred revenue. Grants towards capital expenditure are released to the Statement of financial activities over the useful life of the assets. Grants towards revenue expenditure are released to the statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.
4, incoming resources from trading activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Rental income | 35,288 | - | 35,288 | 37,501 |
| Electricity and gas recharges | 32,369 | - | 32,369 | 27,923 |
| Other income | 4,982 | - | 4,982 | 540 |
| 72,639 | - | 72,639 | 65,964 |
- Total other expenditure
| Unrestricted | Restricted | TotalFunds | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Insurance | 4,171 | - | 4,171 | 1,255 |
| Premises expenses | 45,953 | - | 45,953 | 43,729 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 35,044 | - | 35,044 | 21,272 |
| General admin expenses | 2,179 | - | 2,179 | 1,475 |
| Legal and professional fees | 3,129 | - | 3,129 | 7,091 |
| Bank interest& charges | 11,678 | - | 11,678 | 11,802 |
| Depreciation offixed assets | 3,697 | ~ | 3,697 | 5,318 |
| 105,851 | 105,851 | 91,942 |
6. Taxation
The company is a registered charity and does not carry out a trading activity. It is therefore exempt from taxation.
13
Gracehill Old School Trust Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
7. Tangible assets
| Fixtures | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freehold | fittings and | |||
| property | equipment | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Cost | ||||
| At 1 April 2024 Additions |
1,140,504 - |
48,088 875 |
1,188,592 875 |
|
| At 31 March 2025 | 1,140,504 | 48,963 | 1,189,467 | |
| Depreciation | ||||
| At 1 April 2024 | - | 39,253 | 39,253 | |
| Charge forthe year | - | 3,697 | 3,697 | |
| At31 March 2025 | - | 42,950 | 42,950 | |
| Carrying amount | ||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 1,140,504 | 6,013 | 1,146,517 | |
| At 31 March 2024 | 1,140,504 | 8,835 | 1,149,339 | |
| 8. | Debtors | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Trade debtors | 8,498 | 42,275 | ||
| Other debtors | 6,356 | 2,080 | ||
| 14,854 | 14,355 | |||
| 9. | Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Trade creditors | 12,044 | 14,539 | ||
| Bank loans and overdrafts | 28,186 | 32,785 | ||
| Social security and othertaxes | - | 3,034 | ||
| Loans from trustees | 5,500 | 17,000 | ||
| Othercreditors | 3,673 | 2,891 | ||
| 49,403 | 70,249 |
14
Gracehill Old School Trust
Company limited by guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
| 10. | Creditors: amounts falling due aftermore than oneyear | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Bankloansandoverdrafts | 102,175 | 102,493 | |
| Deferred income | 380,490 | 408,240 | |
| 482,665 | 510,733 |
11. Summary of funds reconciliation
| Opening | Closing | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Balance | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General | 594,842 | 140,312 | (105,851) | - | _629,303 |
| 594,842 | 140,342 | (105,851) | - | 629,303 | |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| World Heritage application | (6,610) | 20,000 | (6,147) | - | 7,243 |
| (6,610) | 20,000 | (6,147) | - | 7,243 | |
| 588,232 | 160,312 | (111,998) | - | 636,546 |
- Going Concern
The trustees have considered the cashflow position of the Trust and are satisfied that sufficient funds are in place to allow the Trust to continue to operate within agreed facilities for the period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
The financial statements have therefore been prepared on the going concern basis and have not been amended in any way to reflect any impact of any potential going concern issues.
15