Annahilt Parish Church Diocese of Dromore
Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as Hillsborough/Annahilt & Magherahamlet/The Church Of The Ascension, Annahilt/Down & Dromore/Church Of Ireland
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31[st] December 2023
Annahilt Parish Church Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as Hillsborough/Annahilt & Magherahamlet/The Church Of The Ascension, Annahilt/Down & Dromore/Church Of Ireland
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| References and administrative details | 3 |
| Trustees’ report | 4-6 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 7 |
| Receipts and payments account | 8 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10-17 |
| List of Subscriptions | 18 |
Registered as a Charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103246
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Annahilt Parish Church Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as Hillsborough/Annahilt & Magherahamlet/The Church Of The Ascension, Annahilt/Down & Dromore/Church Of Ireland
References and administrative details
Charity Name: Annahilt Parish Church Charity Registration Number: NIC103246 Contact Address: 35 Cabra Road Hillsborough Co Down BT26 6NB
Trustees
David Brown Aubrey Campbell Robert (Bert) Carlisle Stephen Chapman Leslie Clarke Edwina Crawford Ian Dunn (To 21.3.2023) John Erwin (To 21.3.2023) Patricia Halliday Colin Hassard Linda Hassard (From 21.3.2023) Helen Hill (To 21.3.23) Trevor Hill (To 21.3.2023) Rev. Canon Robert Howard Dr David Keith (To 21.3.2023) William Mathers Avril McKeown Norman Watterson (To 21.3.2023)
Principal Office-bearers
Incumbent: Rev. Canon Robert Howard Hon Secretary: Colin Hassard Hon Treasurer: Patricia Halliday Churchwarden - Rector’s: David Brown Churchwarden - People’s: Stephen Chapman
Independent Examiner
Stephen Patterson BSc (Hons) ACA 12 Steps Road Magheralin BT67 0QZ
Bankers
Danske Bank 62-66 Bow Street Lisburn Co Antrim BT28 1YS
Registered as a Charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103246
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Annahilt Parish Church Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as Hillsborough/Annahilt & Magherahamlet/The Church Of The Ascension, Annahilt/Down & Dromore/Church Of Ireland
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023
The trustees present the annual report and statements of receipts and payments and assets and liabilities for Annahilt Parish Church for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.
Objectives and Activities
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland (as approved by General Synod in 2015) is the advancement of religion. The principal function of Annahilt Parish Church is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting, through the work of Annahilt Parish Church the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. Being open to and engaging with society as a whole and offering support for 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, Annahilt Parish Church has custody of property and of records, materials and artefacts of significance to the cultural and religious heritage, maintenance of which is undertaken by the select vestry.
Achievements, Performance & Public Benefit
In 2023 the Parish’s official membership (those households who are subscribers) stood at 109 family units. However, there are additional households who have called on the Rector’s ministrations although they have no formal link with the Parish or who wish to identify with the Parish without making any official commitment. Pastoral care which generally entails visits and ministry at home and / or in hospital, especially during illness, occasions of bereavement or at other times of crisis is always provided whether people are officially members of the parish or not. There were 2 baptisms, 2 Marriages and there were 4 Funerals.
Each of the following parochial activities implemented the advancement of religion in our community. Worship and prayer were paramount during 2023 which contributed to the spiritual well-being of participants and the reinforcement of Christian values. At the principal Sunday service, the sacrament of Holy Communion was normally celebrated twice monthly, an All Age / Family Service was also usually held one Sunday each month while the Office of Morning Prayer was normally conducted on other remaining Sundays. There was a Service on Ash Wednesday and Ascension Day. On the first Sunday in September, Mr Timothy Howe took up duty as full time Organist & Choir Director at the Parish Church.
Services in Church were resumed during Holy Week. (Tuesday, Maundy Thursday & Good Friday before Easter). On Sunday 7 May a special Service of Celebration took place in the afternoon to mark the Coronation of HM King Charles III, with music led by Baillie’s Mills Accordion Band which was followed by a Picnic at Larchfield Estate, by kind permission. The traditional Harvest Festival Services were held on the last Sunday in September. The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr Ian Ellis, presided and preached at the Morning Service. Following the evening service, a Harvest Supper was held in the Parochial Hall and was very well supported. The annual Christmas Carol Service also took place. The longstanding Christmas / New Year reciprocal arrangement between our Parish and Legacurry Presbyterian Church was not possible this year on account of the ministerial vacancy at Legacurry. However, the First Communion of Christmas went ahead in the Parish Church on Christmas Eve, with the Rector preaching.
The Parochial Hall is a very useful facility which has again more than proved its worth in advancing Christian activity in our parish. Its use will no doubt continue to develop in a post-covid situation. Sunday School continued to meet on Sunday during the Church Service. The Parish Indoor Bowling Club also ran its normal schedule of activity. Meetings of The Mothers’ Union Branch also took place. One Sunday each month (from September to June) following the Church Service, light refreshments were served in the Parochial Hall in support of ‘Christian Aid’. In addition, the hall is used by and for community activities on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, the annual dinner to celebrate Burns’ Night in January in the nearby Larchfield Estate and Grounds was unable to take place. However, the traditional Christmas Fair at the end of November did take place which was both a great social and financial success. The monthly collection of items for the local food-bank continued and proved to be of immense benefit for those in our community who are less fortunate than others.
Registered as a Charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103246
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Annahilt Parish Church Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as Hillsborough/Annahilt & Magherahamlet/The Church Of The Ascension, Annahilt/Down & Dromore/Church Of Ireland
The Report following the 2019 Quinquennial Inspection of the Church and Rectory was on the agenda of the Select Vestry and its recommendations continue to be acted upon. The construction of toilet facilities at the rear of the Church building and a new entrance to the Parochial Hall site were completed. The Dedication of this and other construction and
maintenance work by the Bishop took place when he and Mrs McClay visited the Parish on the First Sunday in Advent. The routine maintenance of the Parochial Hall and the Rectory continued throughout the year. The Select Vestry remain committed to the upkeep and development of all parochial property and assets for the future benefit of the Parish and the public.
Various steps were taken throughout the year to ensure that the Parish is compliant with GDPR regulations.
Financial Review
The Parish currently holds cash balances of £119,650 at the year end, comprising of unrestricted funds of £28,343 restricted funds of £89,891 (Parish) and £1,416 (Bowling Club).
Total Parish expenditure exceeded income in the year and returned net deficit of £62,690. These figures however need further explanation.
The deficit in the general Parish finances was £10,216 which included a bequest from the estate of the late Professor Aileen Stockdale.
During the year £8,570 was spent in completion of the toilets to the rear of the church building. A project which has long been awaited and has now brought our church and churchyard into the twenty-first century.
At the end of 2023, we had also spent £61,678 on the construction of a new vehicular access to the Parish Hall car park. The work is nearing completion and has already proved valuable with vastly improved sight-lines when entering and exiting the car-park. We wish to thank Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Community Facilities Fund for a grant of £10,000 towards this project.
During the autumn of 2023 the Select Vestry and Finance Committee held a FWO renewal campaign “Giving in Grace” aiming to stabilise the financial situation from 2024. Only 23% of Parishioners have replied, resulting in promises of increases of approximately 27% of the total increase we were looking for. The Select Vestry is cognisant of the fact that we have a declining and ageing parishioner base and will continue to prudently manage the financial resources of the Parish and continue to take steps to address the financial position over the coming months.
We are very grateful for the funds from the Dept. of Communities over previous periods which have kept the Parish solvent to date.
The Treasurer continues to seek appropriate opportunities for grant-aid towards special projects.
Going Concern
The trustees have reviewed the budgets for the year ahead and are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its activities during 2024 and the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 can be signed off as a going concern.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document and Constitution of the Charity
Chapter III of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland governs Parishes and Parochial Organisation. The Select Vestry members are the Charity Trustees.
Recruitment and Appointment of Select Vestry (Trustees)
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 members of the congregation for at least three months, may register as members
Registered as a Charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103246
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Annahllt Parish Churth Reglstered with the Charity Commisslon for Northem Ireland as Hillsl>oroughlAnnahilt & MagherahamletnhÈ Church of The AscenSit. AnnahiltlDown & Dromorelchurch Of Ireland of the General Vestry of the Parish. This allows them to attend and vote at meetings of the General Vestry and to stand for election to the Selett Vestry. Meetings of the General Vestry are held at least once a year. The Selett Vestry is elected as part of this General Vestry meeting. The Selertvestry will hold their positions for a period of one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elerted annuallyand there is no limit on the number of terms which may be served. Pay and Remuneration The Stipend paid to the incumbent is in accordance with figures approved bythe General Synod of the Church of Ireland. The Incumbent of the Parish of Annahllt is shared with the Parish of Magherahamlet. Stipend and related costs and costs relating to the running of the Rettory are split between the Parishes on a 'A and A basis respettively, Locomotory allowance is above that approved by the General Synod in view of the distan between the two Parishes. The Stipend and related costs contained in the attached accounts {see note 61 rÈlate only to the Annahilt portion. Organisatlonal Strurture The Select Vestry is responsible for the day- t¢>day management of the Parish. The Select Vestry conslsts of the Incumbent of the Parlsh. the churchwardens. the glebewardens and not more than twelve other members ofthe General Vestry elected at the General Vestry meeting. The Select Vestry Is chaired by the incumbent or other member of the cler8y ol(latIng in the Parish. Select Vestry member5 are responsible for maklng decisions on matters ofgeneral concem and importance to the Parish including deciding how Parish funds are to be applied. The Selert Vestry meets at times fixed by the members or by the dioan synod (generally on a monthly baslsl. Special meetings may be convened at any time bythe Chairperson orthe churchwardens. The Select Vestry met nine time5 during the year and the average attendance was 78%. Compliance wlth Publlc Benefit The Charlty Commission for Northern Ireland has provided guidance on public benefft. The Parish has given careful consideration to this to ensure that the artivitles entered into during the year have helped to achieve the Parish's objectives as well as providin8 publlc benefit. Statement of Trusteeg Responsibilitles The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Report and the statement of receipts and payments and statement of assets and liabilities in accordance with applicable law and regulation The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland with income of less than £250,1)JO requires the trustees to prepare a statement of recelpts and payments and a statement of assets and liabilities for each financial year. The trustees are responsible for keepin8 accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parish's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the assets and liabilities of the Parish. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Parish and hence, for takn'ng reasonable Steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irre8ularities. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Colin Hassard Hon Secretary Trustee Date: Patrlda Halllday Hon Treasurer Trustee Dats: Jsli la Registeredus a C'hariti. ii'iih T1 Charili-' ( ijiiiniissiupifor loi-lherpi Ireland YICIIIJ ?46