Kilbride Parish Church
Trustees’ Annual report and statement of receipts and payments, assets and liabilities For year ended 31[st] December 2025
Charities number 103570
Annual report and financial statements for year ended 31[st] December 2025
| Contents: | Page |
|---|---|
| References and administrative details of the charity | 2 |
| Trustees’ report | 3-5 |
| Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees | 6 |
| Receipts and payments account | 7 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9-11 |
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Kilbride Parish Church
References and administrative details:
Charity Name Kilbride Parish Church
Charity registration number 103570 Contact address Kilbride Road Doagh
Trustees
Mrs K Henry Mr J Wilson resigned 16.3.25 Mrs L Lyttle Mr N Cinnamon Mr B Castles elected 16.3.25 Mr W Robinson Mr, I Topping Mr D Holmes Mrs C Ireland Mrs J Lutton elected 16.3.25 Mrs Iris McCormick resigned 16.03.25 Mrs Valerie Bryans Mrs Fiona Charlton Mrs Karen Castles Mrs Avril Nicholl resigned 16.3.25 Mr Jim Johnston Mr James Christy. Mr George McMillan elected 16.3.25 Mr Stewart Henry elected 16.3.25
Principal office- bearers
Clergy: Church Secretary Church Treasurer Church-warden – People Church warden - Glebe
vacant Mr I Topping Mrs L Lyttle Mr S Henry & Mr J Christy Mr B Castles & Mr W Robinson
Independent Examiner
CG Taggart Accountancy Services Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor 17 Cypress Crescent Donaghadee Co Down BT21 0QG
Bankers
Danske Bank 18, The Square Ballyclare, BT39 9BB
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Kilbride Parish Church
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025
The trustees present the Annual report and statements of receipts and payments, assets and liabilities for Kilbride Parish Church for the year ended 31[st] December 2025.
Objectives and Activities
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The principal function of Kilbride Parish Church is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting, through the work of the 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, Kilbride Parish Church has custody of property, records, materials and artefacts of significance to the cultural and religious heritage, the maintenance of which is undertaken by the Select Vestry of Kilbride Parish Church.
Achievements, Performance & Public benefit
During the past year our rector in charge has been active in visiting parishioners and schools within the parish. Those links have resulted in the children of the schools contributing to the display mounted in the church for Remembrance Day and requesting a carol service for them and their families in December. All children of the village were invited to the annual Christmas Tree switch on where they received gifts from ‘Santa.’ Throughout the year our Ladies Group and Watchmen group welcomed guests to their monthly meetings covering topics such as Crime prevention by the PSNI, Mission to Seafarers and local history talks. A Rambling group met every Tuesday between May and September many of whom were from the local community. Our bi monthly magazine was entered into the Communications within the Church of Ireland competition and came second in their category. We have welcomed new members to our church and to our choir following us taking part in European Heritage Day where we opened our 160year-old church to the public for two days. Closer to Christmas our choir joined others from nearby churches to sing at a local shopping centre and at the international airport allowing Christian Aid to collect money for their work and the Charity Abana also to raise money for overseas work. .In December we collected food donations which went to the Trussell Trust, with the shopping trolly overflowing each week. One of our parishioners, Mrs Avril Nicholl, an active member of the church, was awarded the President’s Medal from Riding for the disabled, a charity she has volunteered at for over 30 years, it was presented by Princess Anne who Avril had met previously when she received her MBE. We have a strong safeguarding team in place with 2 past headmistresses joining the Rector and a Group lead volunteer of the Scout movement ensuring that all vulnerable adults and children are kept safe and compliance is up to date.
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Kilbride Parish Church
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 (continued)
Financial review:
The Parish is currently in a healthy financial position. During the past year the numbers attending church have increased and many more members have joined the direct giving scheme increasing the take up to 50% of parishioners who find this a more convenient way to donate to the church. Overall, the Freewill offering has grown by almost 12% although our Gift Aid refund has increased just slightly by 1%. The Rectory continues to be rented and was occupied for 9 months during 2025 adding an additional 20% to last year’s rental figure.
With the sad lack of full-time clergy in the Diocese we are still being cared for by a part time Minister in charge with the accompanying reduction in costs. We are very aware that things can change and are keeping a close eye on overall cost and have reduced our outgoings by 7% over the past year.
Going Concern
The trustees have reviewed the budgets for the year and are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure that the parish can continue its activities for a period of twelve months from the date of approval and the financial statements for the year ending 31[st] December 2024 can be signed off as a going concern.
Post Balance Sheet:
Parish funds have held up throughout this year and the sum held in the deposit account for contingencies and our investments through the RCB in Dublin give us confidence for the coming year.
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 of the general vestry of the parish, allowing them to attend and vote at meetings of the general vestry and to stand for election to the select vestry. Meetings of the general vestry are held at least once a year. The Select Vestry is elected as part of this General Vestry meeting. The Select Vestry will hold their positions for a period of one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elected annually and there is no limit on the number of terms which may be served.
Pay and remuneration
As we currently have no resident incumbent, the Minister in charge receives a flat fee which includes his travel expenses. The sexton and organist are self employed See note 5 for details of the amounts expended in the year ended 31 December 2025.
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Kilbride Parish Church Trustees’ annual report for year ending 31[st] December 2025
Organisational structure
The Select Vestry is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Parish and consists of: The member of the clergy serving in the parish, the churchwardens and generally not more than twelve members of the general vestry who are elected at the Easter General Vestry.
The select vestry is chaired by the incumbent or other member of the clergy officiating in the Parish. Select Vestry members are responsible for making decisions on matters of general concern and importance to the parish including how funds are applied.
The select vestry meets at times fixed by the members or by the diocesan synod. Special meetings may be convened at any time by the chairperson on the churchwardens. In 2025 the select vestry met 6 times with an average attendance of 84%.
Compliance with Public benefit;
The Parish has given 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 purpose and objectives, as well as providing public benefit.
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities:
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and statement of receipts and payments and the statement of assets and liabilities in accordance with the applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland with an income of less than £250,000 requires trustees to prepare a statement of receipts and payments and a statement of assets and liabilities for each financial year.
The trustees are responsible for keeping 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 the safeguarding of the assets of the parish and hence for taking steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Rev J McClure
Minister in charge
Ivan Topping
Hon. Sec.
Date
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CG Taggart
ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Kilbride Parish Church
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
-
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 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.
Grace Taggart
CG Taggart Accountancy Services Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
17 Cypress Crescent Donaghadee Co Down
BT21 0QG
10 March 2025
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Kilbride Parish church
Receipts and payments Account for the year ending 31[st] December 2025
| Receipts Freewill Offerings Loose Collections Gifts/donations/grants Gift aid returns Hall hire Bank interest Investment income Income for Charity/third parties Insurance claim Utilities refund - Rent from rectory Total receipts Payments Wages, salaries and other entitlements Diocesan costs and assessments Church running costs Charitable donations/third parties __________ Total Payments Excess of payments over receipts for year Opening balance (see note 2) closing balance (see note 2) |
2025 2024 £ £ 75,333 67,351 3,790 3,161 4,150 4,584 15,275 15,124 1,035 1,400 212 100 2,167 2,124 1,618 2,135 0 2,092 3 1,621 12,296 10,200 115,879 109,892 37,693 35,808 10,395 9,900 24,083 33,816 6,094 4,213 ________ 78,265 83,737 37,614 26,155 52,257 26,102 89,870 52,257 |
|---|---|
Investment income above includes £64 which is restricted (2024: £69). This increased restricted funds from £2,020 at 31 December 2024 to £2084 at 31 December 2025, included in the above balances.
Signed on behalf of trustees:
Rev J McClure
Minister in charge
Ivan Topping
Hon. Sec.
Date
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Kilbride Parish Church Statement of assets and liabilities as at 31[st] December 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cash funds | ||
| Current account | 51,940 | 25,578 |
| Deposit account | 15,004 | 15,004 |
| RB surplus funds account (restricted) | 2,084 | 2,020 |
| Rectory rental | 20,842 | 9,655 |
| Total cash funds (note 2) |
89,870 | 52,257 |
| Debtors – Gift Aid receivable | 14,000 | 13,000 |
| Investments in RCB/CIT unit Trusts | 135,344 | 122,750 |
| Rectory (restricted) | 300,000 | 300,000 |
| (see below) | ||
| Total investments | 435,344 | 422,750 |
| Assets retained for Parish own use (restricted): | ||
| Church hall | 93,671 | 93,671 |
| Parish room (portacabin) | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Less depreciation @ 10% per annum | (22,500) | (20,000) |
| Fixtures and fittings | 55,000 | 55,000 |
| Less depreciation @ 10%per annum | (49,500) | (44,000) |
| Storage unit | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Less depreciation @ 10%per annum | (2500) | (2,000) |
| ___________ | ||
| Total assets retained for Parish’s own use 104,171 | 112,671 |
Signed on behalf of Trustees:
Rev J McClure
Minister in charge
Ivan Topping Hon. Sec.
Date
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Kilbride Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2025
1. Accounting policies
Set out below are the principal accounting policies which have been adopted in the completion of the Receipts and Payments Account and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
a) Receipts and Payment account
All items of income and expenditure included within the receipts and payments account have been accounted for on a cash receipts basis.
b) Statement of Assets and Liabilities
i) Assets retained for Parish own use
The assets of the parish, retained for its own use comprise:-
| b) Statement of Assets and Liabilities i) Assets retained for Parish own use The assets of the parish, retained for its own use comprise:- |
|
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| Restricted funds | Restricted funds |
| Church Hall 93,671 | 93,671 |
| Rectory 225,000 |
225,000 |
| Storage unit 2,500 | 3,000 |
| Parish Room (portacabin) 2, 500 | 5,000 |
| Fixtures and fittings 5,500 | 11,000 |
| Church building See below | See below |
The Church building and furniture are deemed to be Heritage assets as defined by the Charities SORP (FRS102).
These Heritage assets are not included in the statement of assets and liabilities as information on the cost or valuation is not available and such information cannot be obtained at a cost commensurate with the benefit to the users of the accounts and to the Parish.
The Church Hall is recognised at cost of construction/acquisition. No depreciation has been provided on the parish centre buildings as the current estimated residual value is not less than its carrying value and the remaining useful life currently exceeds 50 years.
The Rectory is recognised cost of acquisition. No depreciation value has been provided on the Rectory as the current estimated value is not less than its carrying value and the remaining useful life currently exceeds 50 years.
The Storage unit is recognised at cost of acquisition as at October 2020 and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over a 10-year period.
The Parish room is recognised at deemed cost (estimated value at 31[st] December 2016) and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 years.
Fixtures and fittings are recognised at deemed cost (estimated value at 31[st] December 2016) and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 years.
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Kilbride Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 (continued)
ii) Investments
Fixed asset investments comprising investment properties, investments in equities (ordinary shares) and investments in RCB/CIT Unit trusts are initially recorded at cost and then
subsequently stated at fair value at each year end date. Investments in unquoted investments are recorded at cost and are assessed annually for impairment.
The rectory, which is currently rented out, is recognised at a current value of around £300,000. Depreciation is not currently provided on investment property measured at fair value.
| 2. Reconciliation of Cash funds: | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ |
|
| Total cash funds at beginning of year | 52,257 | 26,102 |
| Receipts for year | 115,815 | 109,892 |
| Payments for year | (78,265) | (83,737) |
| Total cash funds at end of year | 89,807 |
52,257 |
| 3. | ||
| Investment Assets | 2025 | 2024 |
| Investments in RCB/CIT Unit Trusts: | £ | £ |
| At beginning of year | 122,750 | 118,999 |
| Increase / (reduction) in value | 12,594 | 3,751 |
Of the total of £ 135,344 (2024: £122,750), £62,228,relates to restricted funds (2024 £55,670) and £73,116 to unrestricted funds (2024: £67,080).
| 4. Collections for Third parties | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Christian Aid | 1,002 | 882 |
| Lent rural deanery service | 0 | 502 |
| Women’s aid | 0 | 750 |
| All Saint’s church fireappeal | 616 | 0 |
The above amounts have been included in Receipts for the Year under ‘Income for Charity/third parties’ and in payments for the year under ‘Charitable Donations/third parties.
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Kilbride Parish Church
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 (continued)
5. Transactions with the Trustees
No trustee or person related to a trustee received remuneration, benefits or reimbursement of expenses nor had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
6. Governance costs
Governance costs of £2,133 (2024 - £1,265) were incurred during the year of which £400 (2024 - £475) relates to fees paid to the independent examiner. Governance costs are included within the Church running costs in the receipts and payments account.
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