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 2024
Charities Number: N1104300

Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
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
Mr TommyAlexander
Mr RoyAlexander
Mrs Winifred Alexander
Mrs Donna Alexander
Mrs Leeanne Cornett
Mrs Peorl Hall
Mrs Heather Hanna
Principal Office-bearers
Rector & Chairman of Trustees: Rev Colin Darling
HonoraryTreasurer & Honorary Secretary: Mrs Leeanne Cornett
Church Warden - Clergy: Mr Thomas Alexander
Church Warden - People: Mr Roy Alexander
Glebe Warden- Clergy: Mr Roy Alexander
Glebe Warden- People: Mr Thomas Alexander
Independent Examiher
WHR Accountants Ltd
56 Upper English St, Armagh
BT617LG
Bankers
NBL T/A DANSKE BANK
45-48 High St, Portadown, Craigavon
BT62 ILB
Page I

Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31" December 2024
The trustees present the annual report and statements of Receipts and Payments and A55ets and Liabilities for Clare
Parish Church for the year ended 31. December 2024
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, evan8elistic, 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 is undertaken by the seSect vestry of Clare Parish Church.
Achievements, Performance & Public Benefit
Clerical leadership
Rev Colin Darling provides the spiritual and pastoral oversight in Clare Parish Church.
The parish also called upon the experience of various retired clergy and lay readers, licenced to officiate in Amiagh
Diocese, to assist leading services in the absence of the Rev Colin Dalring.
Church Property
The Trustees are generally satisfied that all church properties and grounds are exceptionally well maintained by
Glebe Wardens and assistants.
During 2024, much repair work was carried out to the electric supply to the church hall to facilitate the Christmas
Tree Festival. Additionally, minor repairs to properties were carried out when needed.
Public Worship
Throughout 2024, 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 has increased in size from 2023.
Services were also held to mark special occasions, with members of the public warmly welcomed, such as at Harvest
and Christmas, and including a Piano by Candlelight and Big Sing.
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 familie5.
In addition to regular attendance on Sunday mornings being higher, attendance at major church seNices and
festivals was considerably increased.
Page 2

Saftguardlnq 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 auspices of its
organisations, has been mitigated as far as is possible. There is a 3-person Safeguardin8 Trust panel, chaired by the
Rector, all of whom have received Church of Ireland central training. 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.
Community Leadership
Clare Parish Church members hold leadership positions in other Christian groups not directly associated with the
church.
Servicesfvr Ilfetlme 'Rites ofpassoqe.
Throughout 2024 Clare Parish Church provided or made available to its members, and additionally to other
members of the community in appropriate circumstance, Christian services to mark various life events of
significance, such as marriage, death and baptism.
In 2024, the Parish charged burial fees for one burial/funeral seniice, in line with the published scale for graveyard
buria15 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 1800s, 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. This 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. During 2024 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
a￿ 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.
Communicatlons
The Parish communicates with its members and the wider community using a combination of traditional methods
(church notices, posters, church ma8azines, and electronic methods, Facebook, WhatsApp, texts and email).
Page 3

The Trustees acknowledge the efforts of those involved in posting information and messages 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.
Financial Review
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 £40,887.26 an increase of £3,020.09 from the previous year.
which is explained by an increase in donations, Special Collection and RCB funds.
Account No 2 [repairs accountl had a closing balance of £17,006.06 an increase of £12,292.60 which is explained by
the collection received during the piano by candlelight, Big Sing, special collections such as Harvest and Christmas
Tree Festival opening and closing Carol Services, as well as Gifts and Donations received at the Christmas Tree
Festival.
Account No 3 [Sunday school account] 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 buildin& 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. A
Christmas Tree Festival was held in December 2024, with the specific intention of using funds donated for the event
being allocated to a new kitchen and toilet extension.
With regard to the holdin8 of Reserves, the Trustees believe that it is not within Chrlstlan principle5 or Biblical
8uidelines to retain funds, for some unforeseen, unknown, 'rainy day, 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 Reserves held are restricted as per Financial Review. Should Clare Parish Church ever have non-
earmarked funds in reserve, such reserve 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
2024 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 the￿ 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 2024 can be signed off as a going concern.
Page 4

Strurture, Governance and Management Governlng Document and Constltutlon 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 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 and who subscribe a
minimum of £50 per annum, 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 normally 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
The Current Incumbent of the Parish receives 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 also 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 consists 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 2024 the full Select Vestry met on 3 occasions.
The average attendance was 90%.
Compliance wlth Publlc Benefit
The Trustees of Clare Parish Church have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northem
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 activitie5, as well as providing public benefit.
Page 5

Statement of Trustees, Respon51bllltles
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 disclose with reasonable accuraci at any time the assets 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 Examiners Report to the Trustees of Clare, Church of Ireland
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 8-13
Respective responslble of charity 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
Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9){b) of
the Charities Act
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent exam5nerfs 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 I￿land 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 mattes have come to my attention giving 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 matters111 to14) 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.
Name:
Position:
Address: w SI}￿1]
L&-
Date: E. Zts
Page 7

Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31" December 2023
Note
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
Restrlcted
Funds
2024
Endowment
Funds
2024
Total
2023
Total
2024
Recei
Donations & plate
collection
10,839.40
10,397.66
10,839.40
Proceeds from
Fund Raising
Events
Legacies
Bank & Deposit
interest
101.85
82.12
101.85
Investment income
Rental of premises
Sale of assets
Sale of
investments
Grants
Receipts from
General Trustees
Other Receipts
40.00
640.00
40.00
Receipts from
Parish
Organisation's
Totsl Recei
10,981.25
11,119.78
10,981.25
Page 8

Note
UNestrkted
Funds
20Z4
Restrlcted
Funds
2024
Endowment
Funds
2024
Totsl
2023
Total
2024
Pa
Wages and Salaries
1.150.00
1,030.00
Diocesan
Costs/Assessment
2,329.56
1,958.05
Church Running
Costs
3,715.26
3,943.79
Glebe Costs
Parish Centre Costs
Administration
Costs
125.00
loo.00
Fundraisin8 Costs
Charitable
Donations
641.50
1,236.00
Payments from
Parish
Or8anisation'5
7,961.32
8,267.84
Totsl Pa ments
Excess of Rtteipts
over Payments for
the year before
transfers
Excess of Receipts
over Payments for
the year
3,019.93
2,851.94
On Behalf of the Trustees
Trustee I:
Trustee 2:
Page 9

ststement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31° December 2023
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
Restricted
Funds
2024
Endowment
Funds
2024
Total
2024
Total
2023
Cash Funds
Current Accounts
Deposit Accounts
Total Cash Funds
Investment Assets
Equity Investments
Other Listed Investments
Investments in RCB / CIT
Unit Trusts
Other unlisted
investments
Investment Properties
Total Investment Assets
1,872.50
1,872.50
849.35
1,872.50
1.872.50
849.35
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 Trustees
Trustee I:
Trustee 2:
Page 10

Notes to the flnanclal statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
l. Accountlng pollcles
Set out below are the principal accounting policies which have been adopted in the compilation of the Re￿iptS and
Payments Account and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
(a) Receipts and Payments Account
All items of income and expenditure included within the Receipts and Payments Account have been accounted
for on a cash receipts basi5.
(b) Statsment of Assets and Llabllltles
(i) 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 Building 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 propertie5, investments in equities (ordinary shares} and investment
in RCB/CIT 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

st
Notes to the financlal statsments for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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
Outgoing
Resources
At 31 Dec
2023
Transfers
Endowment funds
Restricted 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 2024 (continued)
4. Collections forThird Parties
2024
2023
Bishops, Appeal
Poppy Appeal
LEMOS
Crosslinks
Christian Ald
Mullavilly Parish
British Heart Foundation
Total
585.00
loo.00
100.50
100.50
250.00
loo.00
105.00
50.00
386.50
ioo.crf)
641.50
1236.00
The above amounts have been included in Receipts for the Year under"2024" and in Payments for the year under
"2024"
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 £125 were incurred during the year of which £125 relates to fees paid to the independent
examiner. Governance costs are included within Administration costs in the Receipts and Payments Accounts.
Page 13