Clare Parish Church
Church of Ireland Diocese of Armagh
Charity Accounts
for Northern Ireland
Statement of Receipts and Payments
and Assets and Liabilities
Trustees, Annual Report
st
for the year ending 31 December 2023
Charities Number: N11004300

st
Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
Contents
Pages
References and administrative details of the Charity
Trustees, report
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees
Receipts and payments account
Statement of assets and liabilities
10
Notes to the financial statements
11-13

References and administrative details
Charity Name:
Clare Church of Ireland
Charity Registration Number: NIC104300
Contact Address:
Mavemacullen Road, Clare, Tandragee, Co. Armagh
Trustees
Rev Colin Darling (from April 2023)
Rev Elizabeth Cairns (until April 2023)
Mr Tommy Alexander
Mr Roy Alexander
Mr Norman Finch
Mrs WinifredAlexander
Mrs Leeanne Cornett
Mrs Pearl Hall
Prlncipal Office-bearers
Rector & Chairman of Trustees: Rev Colin Darling
HonoraryTreasurer & Honorary Secretary: Mrs Leeanne Cornett
Church Warden - Clergy: MrThomas Alexander
Church Warden - People: Mr Roy Alexander
Glebe Warden - Clergy: Mr Roy Alexander
Glebe Warden- People: Mr Thomas Alexander
Independent Examiner
WHR Accountants Ltd
56 Upper English St, Armagh
BT617LG
Bankers
NBL T/A DANSKE BANK
4548 High St, Portadown, Craigavon
BT62 ILB
Page I

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 Clare
Parish Church for the year ended 31" December 2023
Objectives and Activities
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The principal function of Clare Parish Church is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promoting,
through the work of the parish 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. Clare Parish Church has custody of
property and of records. materials and artefacts of significance to the cultural and religious heritage and
maintenance of which 15 undertaken by the select vestry of Clare Parish Church.
Achievernents, Performance & Public Beneflt
Clerical leadership
Rev Colin Darling was instituted as incumbent in March 2023, with the Rural Dean, Rev Elizabeth Cairns, Rector of
Mullavilly, having spiritual and pastoral oversight up until that point.
The parish also called upon the experience of various retired clergy and lay readers, licenced to officiate in Am)agh
Diocese, to assist leading services.
Church Property
The Trustees are generally satisfied that all church properties and grounds are exceptionally well maintained by
Glebe Wardens and assistants.
During 2022, much repair work was carried out to the adjacent church hall. It was pleasing to officially dedicate this
to the glory of God in a Service of Thanksgiving in 2023.
Publlc Worship
Throughout 2023, Clare Parish Church provided weekly worship on a Sunday morning, occasionally on a Sunday
afternoon or evening.
The Trustees record that the average congregation size in 2023 was 25%- 30% higher than 2022, although it is noted
that this was a period still affected by COVID and without an incumbent.
Services were also held to mark special occasions, with members of the public warmly welcomed, such as at Harvest
and Christmas, and including a gospel evening of music.
Other public community services included a Remembrance Day Commemoration and Festival of 9 Lessons and
Carols. These public services allowed the church to open its doors to other community members and their families.
In addition to regular attendance on Sunday mornings being higher, attendance at major church servi￿5 and
festivals was considerably increased.
Page 2

Safeguordinq Trust
In relation to younger members under 18 and indeed to any members at risk or in need of protection, Clare Parish
Church adheres to the Church of Ireland Safeguarding Trust policies for protection of children and adults. The
Trustees believe that any potential harm from activities carried out on its premises, or under the auSpi￿S of its
organisations, has been mitigated as far as is possible. There is a 3-person Safeguarding Trust panel, chaired by the
Rector, all of whom have received Church of Ireland central trainin8. The panel has responsibility for overseeing the
Parish's adherence to the Safeguarding Trust policies and receiving notification about concerns anyone may have.
The Select Vestry, incumbent and volunteers are also committed to upholding good practice in the parish's ministry
with all adults. but in particular with those in need of greater protection.
Communlty Leadership
Clare Parish Church members hold leadership positions in other Christian groups not directly associated with the
church.
Servicesfor lifetime 'Rites of passoge.
Throughout 2023 Clare Parish Church provided or made available to its members, and additionally to other
members of the community in appropriate circumstance, Christian seniices to mark various life events of
Significance, such as marriage, death and baptism.
In 2023, the Parish charged no fees for funeral services, though there are published fees for graveyard burials and
the erection of tombstones.
As well as the church building itself, which has seen worship on its site and within its building since the 1800$, and
which is cared for and maintained lovingly by dedicated members, Clare Parish Church maintains a working 185 year
old graveyard in a tidy and respectful manner in an area of outstanding calm, peace and beauty. Thi5 is maintained,
managed and presented to a high and commendable standard through the dedication, commitment and sheer hard
work, on a voluntary basis, of Glebe Wardens and some other Parish members.
The graveyard is available and open to all members of the community to come and Spend reflective time, or to
come and be peaceful at the place where a loved one has been laid to rest. Durin8 2023 the gates to the graveyard
were unlocked or left open for the whole year. Local residents are aware they can enter it at any time. The Trustees
are committed to maintain this sensitive support to local residents and those with loved ones interred within.
Moreover, the church building itself is available, on request. free of charge, to anyone to visit merely out of interest
or for spiritual purposes and the Trustees Clare Parish Church welcome individuals and groups from the locality or
further afield for tours, with a local historian available to provide tours, if requested.
Communict7tion5
The Parish communicates with its members and the wider community using a combination of traditional methods
(church notitrs. posters, church magazines, and electronic methods {website (under construction), Facebook,
WhatsApp, texts and email).
Page 3

The Trustees acknowledge the efforts of those involved in publishing material on the web-site, and posting on
FaceBook.
Trustees are satisfied that communication is appropriate and within general guidelines and that record-keeping of
memberfs data meets requirements of GDPR legislation.
Financlal Revlew
Clare Parish Church continues to be financially in a healthy state for a small parish. The parish has three accounts:
Account No l [charity accountl had a closing balance of £37,867.17 an increase of £2851.95 from the previous year,
which is explained by an increase in donations, Special Collection, RC8 funds and one off payment of the NIE
Allowance.
Account No 2 [repairs account] had a closing balance of £4,713.46 an increase of £3,030.00 which is explained by
the collection received during the redemption service for the opening of the refurbished hall, specFal collections such
a5 Harvest and Carol Service as well as Gifts and Donations.
Account No 3 [Sunday school accountl had a closing balance of £390.06 which remains unchanged.
The Trustees are aware of some age-related wear and tear, repairs and improvements that could be made to both
the church building, the parish hall and the small adjacent church house, both internally and externally.
To pay for this work, parishioners have chosen to raise funds, specifically for this purpose and certain projects.
With regard to the holding of Reserves, the Trustee5 believe that it is not within Christian principle5 or Biblical
guidelines to retain funds, for some unforeseen, unknown, 'rainy dav occurrence, over and above what would be
considered prudent to maintain the parish's current properties, or to meet its known ongoing liabilities and financial
commitments. The ReseNes held are restricted as per Financial Revlew. Should Clare Parish Church ever have non-
earmarked funds in reseNe, such reseNe would be considered for use in mission and outreach.
The parish again is in the fortunate position of not having to deal with an issue of deficit following the end of the
2023 financial year. That said, the Trustees do not take lightly the fact that income does not comfortably exceed
outgoings from the General operating account. The Trustees are fully aware of the need to ensure income is
sufficient to Meet liabilities going forward and will continue to carefully monitor the parish's financial position
regularly.
Going Concern
The Trustees have considered the funds available and income sources and are satisfied that there are adequate
funds in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its activities for the foreseeable future. Accordingly the
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 can be signed off a5 a going concern.
Page 4

Structure. Governance and Management Governlng Document and Constitution of the Charlty
Chapter111 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 Selert 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 a5 part of this General Vestry meeting. The Select Vestry normally will hold their posbtions for a
period of one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elected annually and there is no limit on the number of term5
which may be senied.
Pay and rernuneration
The current Incumbent of the Parish re￿iVeS the stipend set by Armagh Diocese for the linked Parishes of Ballymore
& Clare. with both parishes liable for an amount assessed upon them by the Diocese. The Rector a150 receives office
and locomotory allowances in accordance with figures approved by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland.
Organisatlonal Structure
The Select Vestry is responsible for the day to day management of the parish. The Select Vestry consist5 of the
Rector serving in the parish, the churchwardens, the glebe wardens and generally not more than twelve other
members of the general vestry elected at the Easter General Vestry Meeting.
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
deciding how parish funds are to be 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 or the churchwardens. In 2023 the full Select Vestry met on 4 occasions.
The average attendance was lOO%.
Compllance with Public Benefit
The Trustees of Clare Parish Church 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, many of which are
referred to above, have helped to achieve the Parish's objectives and activities, a5 well as providing public benefit.
Page 5

Statement of Trustees, Responslbllltles
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the receipts and payments account and
statement of assets and liabilities in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parish's
transactions and disc105e with reasonable accuracy at any time the asset5 and liabilities of the Parish. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Parish and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on Behalf of the Trustees
Trustee I:
Trustee 2:
Date:
Page 6

Independent Examlners Report to the Trustees of Clare, Church of Ireland
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 8-13
Respectlve responsible of charity trustees and examlner
As the charivs 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
Follow the procedure5 laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 6519)(b) of
the Charities Act
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examinerfs report
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was
carries out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Commission for Northern Ireland under section
65{9)(b) of the Charities Art.
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 conslderation of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and
seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concernin8 any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material mattes have come to my attention glving ma cause to believe:
l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examinerfs statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters {11 to14) listed above and, in
connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matter5
that require drawing to your attention.
Name:
Position:
Addre55:
Date: IK . g,
Page 7

Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31" December 2023
Restrlcted
Funds
2023
Endowment
Funds
2023
Total
2022
Total
2023
Funds
2023
Re￿[ ts
Donations & plate
collection
10,397.66
8.644.50
10.397.66
Proceeds from
Fund Ralsin8
Events
Le8aclÈs
Bank & Deposit
interest
82.12
108.40
82.12
Investment income
Rental of premises
Sale of assets
Sale of
investments
Grants
Receipts from
General Trustees
Other Receipts
640.00
1,238.09
640.00
Receipts from
Parish
Or8anlsation's
Totsl Recel
ts
11,119.78
9,990.99
10,397.66
Page 8

Note
Restrlcted
Funds
2023
Endowment
Funds
2023
Total
2022
Totsl
2023
Funds
2023
Pa
Wages and Salaries
1030.00
1030.00
Diocesan
Costs/Assessment
1958.05
1,692.41
1958.05
Church Running
Costs
3943.79
3,531.48
3943.79
Glebe Costs
Parish Centre Costs
Adminlstration
Costs
100.00
270.24
100.00
Fundraising Costs
Charltable
Donations
1236.00
492.00
1236.00
Payments from
Parish
Organisation's
8267.84
5,986.13
8267.84
Total Pa
ents
Excess of Receipts
over Payments for
the year before
transfers
Excess of Recelpts
over Payments for
the year
2851.94
4,IXI4.86
2851.94
On Behalf of the Trustees
Trustee I:
Trustee 2:
Page 9

Statement of Assets and Liabllltles as at 31" December 2023
Unrestrlcted
Funds
2023
Restricted
Funds
2023
Endowment
Funds
2023
Total
2023
Total
2022
Cash Funds
Current Accounts
Deposit Accounts
Total Cash Funds
Investment Assets
Equity Investment5
Other Listed Investments
Investments in RCB / CIT
Unit Trusts
Other unlisted
investments
Investment Properties
Total Investment Assets
849.35
849.35
635.21
849.35
849.35
635.21
Assets retained for the
Parish's own use
Parish Centre
Glebe House
Fixtures and Fittings
Total Assets retained for
the Parish's own use
On Behalf of the Trustses
Trustee I:
-Jk
Trustee 2:
n(E
Page 10

Notes to the flnanclal statements for the year ended 31 December 2023
l. Accountlng policies
Set out below are the principal accounting policies which have been adopted in the compilation of the Receipts and
Payments Account and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
(a) Receipts and Payments Account
All items of income and expenditUTe included within the Receipts and Payments Account have been accounted
for on a cash receipts basis.
Ib) Staternent of Assets and Liabilities
{1) Assets retainedfor the Parish's own use
The assets of the Parish, retained for its own use comprise:.
Church Building and Graveyard
Fixtures and fittings
The Church Buildin8 and Graveyard 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.
ii) Investments
Fixed asset investments comprising investment properties, investments in equities (ordinary shares) and investment
in RCBICIT Unit Trusts are initially recorded at Cost and are 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.
Page 11

Notes to the financlal statements for the year ended 31rt December 2023 (contlnued)
2. Reconclllatlon of Cash Funds
Total Cash Funds
Beginning of the year
Receipts for the Year
Payments for the Year
Total Cash Funds at end of
the year
at
3. Movement In Funds
Atljan
Incoming
2023 Resources
Outgolng
Resources
At 31 Dec
2023
Transfers
Endowment funds
Restrlcted funds
Flower Fund
New Hall Fund
Youth worker Fund
Unrestricted funds
Designated Fabric Fund
Designated Music Fund
Sunday School Fund
General Fund
Nil
Total funds
Page 12

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31" December 2023 (continued)
4. Collertions for Third Parties
2023
2022
Bishops, Appeal
Poppy Appeal
LEMOS
Crosslinks
Leprosary Mission
Nl Children's Hospice
Christian Aid
Mullavilly Parish
Total
585.00
100.00
100.50
100.50
230.00
71.00
71.00
60.00
60.00
250.00
loo.00
1236.00
492.00
The above amounts have been included in Receipts for the Year under"2023" and in Payments for the year under
"2023"
5. Transactlons with the Trustees
No trustee or a person related to a trustee had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by
the charity during the year.
6. Governance Costs
Governance costs of £100 were incurred during the year of which £100 relates to fees paid to the independent
examiner. Governance costs are included within Administration costs in the Receipts and Payments Accounts.
Page 13