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 2025

Charities Number: N11004300
st
Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025
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 administratlve detalls
Charity Name:
Clare Church of Ireland
Charity Registration Number: NIC104300
Contact Address:
Mavemacullen Road, Clare, Tandragee, Co. Armagh
Trustees
Rev Colin Darling
Mr Tommy Alexander
Mr Roy Alexander
Mrs Winifred Alexander
Mrs Donn(7 Alexander
Mrs Leet7nne Cornett
Mrs Pearl Hall
Mrs Heather Hanna
Principal Office-bearers
Rector & Chairman of Trustees: Rev Colin Darling
Honorary Treasurer & 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 Examiner
WHR Accountants Ltd
56 Upper English St, Amiagh
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 2025
The trustees present the annual report and statement5 of Re￿iptS and Payments and As5et5 and Liabilities for Clare
Parish Church for the year ended 31° December 2025
Obiertives and Artivities
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The printipal funrtion of Clare Parish Church is to support the advancement of the Christian religion by promotin&
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 fundamentsl to the
practical delivery of the benefrts 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
malntenance of whlch Is undertaken by the select vestry of Clare Parish Church.
Achlevements, Performance & Publlc Beneflt
Clencol leadership
Rev Colin Darling provides the Spiritual and pa5towal oversight in aare Parish Church.
The parish also called upon the experience of various retired clergy and lay readers, licenced to offlciate 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 maintslned by
Glebe Warden5 and assistants.
Public Worship
Throughout 2025, Clare Parish Church provided weekly worship on a Sunday morning, occasionally on a Sundav
afternoon or evenin8.
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 Bi8 Sin8.
Other public community se￿iCeS included a Remembrance Day Commemoration and Festival of 9 Lessons and
Carols. These public services allowed the church to open its doors to other cornrnunity members and their farnilies.
In addition to regular attendance on Sunday mornings belng higher, attendance at major church services and
festivals was considerably increased.
Page 2

Safvguarding Trust
In ￿latIon 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
Trustee5 believe that any potential harm from activities carried out on its premises, or under the auspices of its
organisations, has been mitigated a5 far as is possible. There is 8 3-person Safeguarding Trust panel, chaired by the
Rector. all of whom have received Church of Sreland cenlral training. The panel has responsibility for overseein8 the
Parish's adherence to the Safeguarding Trust policie5 and receiving notification about concems anyone may have.
The Select Vestry. incumbent and volunteers are also commiited to upholding good practice in the parish's ministry
with all adults, but in particular with those in need of greater protection.
Commuftity leade￿IP
Clare Parish Church members hold leadership positions in other Christian groups not directly aswciated with the
church.
SeNlcesfvr Ilfvtime'Rites of passage.
Throughout 2025 Clare Parish Church provided or made avallable to its members, and additionally to other members
of the community in appropriate Circumstance, Christian Se￿iCe$ to mark various life events of significance, such as
marriage. death and baptism.
In 2025, the Parish received no burial fees, tholsgh there are published fees for graveyard burials and the erection of
tombstones.
As well as the church building itse￿, which has seen worship on its site and within its building since the 18a)5, 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 Parlsh members.
The graveyard is available and open to all members of the community to come and spend reflettive tlme. or to
come and be peaceful at the pla￿ where a loved one has been laid to rest. During 2025 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 l¢xal residents and those with loved ones interred within.
Moreover, the chuwch building itself is avallable, on request. free of charge, to anyone to ViSlt merely out of interest
or for spiritual purposes and the Trustees Clare Parish Churth welcome individuals and groups from the locality or
further afield for tours, with a local historian available to provide tours, If requested.
Communltotlons
The Parlsh communicates with it5 members and the wider communlty using a combination of traditional methods
(church notlces, posters. thurch magazine5. and electronic methods, Facebook, WhatsAppi texts and email).
Page 3

The Trustees acknowledge the efforts of those involved in publishing material on the web-slie and postlng 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 financialty in a healthy state for a small parish. The parish has three accounts..
Account No I Icharity accountl had a closing balance of £29,805.18 a decreose of £16,0216.60 from the prevlous
year. although the￿ has been an increase in donations, Special Collertlon and RCB funds. The decrease is explained
by the Selert Vestry unanimou51y agreeing to open and transferrin8 £20,￿0 into a Shawbrook Bank l year deposit
account.
Account No 2 Irepairs/buildings accountj had a closing balance of £23,960.62 an increase of £6,955.26 which is
explalned by the collectlon recelved durlng the plano by candlelight. special collections such as Harvest and Carol
Seryice as well as Gifts and Donatlons.
Account No 3 Isunday school accountl had a c105ing balance of £39).C6 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 ch05en to raise funds, specifically for this purpose and certain projects.
With regard to the holdlng of Reserves. the Trustees believe that it is not wlthln Christian principles or Biblical
guideline5 to retsin fund5, for some unforeseen, unknown, 'rainy dav occurren￿. over and above what would be
tonsidered prudent to maintain the parish's currenl 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 resetve, such reseNe would be considered for use in mission and outreach.
The parish a8ain is in the fortunate position of not having to deal with an issue of deficit followin8 the end ot the
2025 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 Tru5tee5 are fully aware of the need to ensure income is
sufficient to meet liabilities going forward and will continue to carefully monitorthe parish's financial position
regularly.
Golng 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 Decembei 2025 can be signed off as a going concern.
Page 4

Strurture, Governanc• and Man48ement Governlng Document and Constitution of the Charlty
Chapter111 of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland 8overns Parishes and Parochial Organisation. The Selert
Vestry members are the Charity Trustees.
Recruitment and Appolntment of ￿lett Vestry (Trustees)
All members of the Church of I￿land who are over the age of 18 and are either resident within the parish or live
elsewhere but have been accustomed member5 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 parlsh, allowing them to attend
and vote at meetings of the general vestry and to stand for election to the select vestry. Meetings of the Beneral
vestry a￿ held at least once a year. The Select Vestry 15 elerted as part of thi5 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 Ilmlt on the number of termswhich may be seNed.
Pay and remuneratlon
The current Incumbent of the Parish recelves the stipend set by Armagh D*)cese for the linked Parishes of Ballymore
& Clare, with both parishes liable for an amount assessed tspon 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.
There is no financial commttment on Clare Parish to contribute to the maintenance andlor repair of the Rectory, if
necessary. or towards the Local Council property rates, as the Rectory is wholly owned by Ballymore Parish.
Organisational 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 churchwarden5, 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 chalred by the Incumbent or other member of the clergy offlclatlng in the parlsh. Select Vestry
members are responsible for making decisions on matters of general concern and importance to the parish including
decidinB how parish funds are to be applied.
The Select Vestry meets Ot 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 2025 the full Select Vestry met on 3 occasions.
The avera8e attendance was 90%.
Compllan¢e wlth Publ1¢ Benefit
The Trustees of Clare Parish Church have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern
Ireland's Buidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities entered into durin8 the year, many of which are
referred to above, have helped to achieve the Parish's objectives and activities. as well as providin8 public benefit.
Page 5

Statement of Trustees, Responslbllltles
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Tru5tees' Report and the re￿IPtS and payments account and
statement of assets and Ilabilities In accordance with applicable law and regUlat￿n5.
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that are sufficlent to show and explain the Parish's
transactions and disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the assets and liabilitles of the Parlsh. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Parish and hence for takin8 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 Trurtees of Clare, Church of Ireland
I report cn the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2025 whlch are set out on pages 8-13
Respertive responsible of charlty trustee5 and examiner
As the charltvs trustees you a￿ responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordance with the Charities Act INorthern Ireland) 2C(J8,
It Is my responsibility to..
Examine the accounts under Section 65 of the Charitles Act
Follow the procedures laid down In the general Oirections Biven by the CommSssion under section 651911bl of
the Charities Act
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basi5 of Independent eKamlnerf5 report
I have examined your charity accounts as requlred under section 65 of the CharStSes Act and my examination wa5
carries Out in accordance with the general Directions glven by the Commi55ion for Northern Ireland under Section
6519}Ibl of the Charlties Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the Charlty and a comparison of the accounts
presented with those records. It a150 included consideration of any unusual items or disclosu￿S in the accounts. and
seekin8 explanations from you as charlty trustees ¢oncerning any such matter5.
My role is to state whether any materlal 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 accountin8 records
3, That the accounts do not comply with the ac¢ountlng requirements of the Charities Act
4. That there is further Snformation needed for a proper understandlng of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examSnerfs Statement
I have completed my exarnination and have no concems in respect of the maiters111 to141 Ilsted above and, in
connection with following the Directrons of the Charity Comrnis5ion for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters
that requlre drawlng to your attention.
Name:
aLLp_
Position." c £ ￿4) Act￿￿￿j
Address: s￿ E-
Date.. ISl¢>wIioL
Page 7

Recelpts and payD￿nts A¢wunt for the year ended 31 December 2025
Note
Restrfcted
Funds
2025
Endowment
Funds
2025
Totsl
2024
Total
2025
Funds
2025
DonatifM)s & plate
collectlo
13,660.34
10,839.40
13,660.34
Proceeds from
Fund Raising
Evènts
Legacie5
Bank & Deposit
interest
128.24
101.85
128.24
Investment income
Rental of premises
Sale of assets
Sale of
Investments
Grants
Receipts from
General Trustees
other Receipts
40.Crf)
Receipts from
Parish
Organlsation's
Total Recel
13,788.58
10,981.25
13,788.58
Page 8

UnrestrfKted
Funds
2025
Re5trfded
Funds
2025
Endowment
Funds
2025
T¢)tsl
2024
Total
2025
Pa
Wages and Salaries
190.00
iio.c
190.00
Diocesan
CostslA%sessment
2.580.48
2,329.56
2.580.48
Church Running
Costs
2.720.70
3,715.26
2,720.70
1,140.00
1,040.CK)
1.140.00
Honorartum
Parish Centre Costs
Admlnistration
Costs
125.C(I
125.
125.lY)
Inve5trnent
Account
Charitsble
Donations
20,010.00
20,010.00
3,039.
641.50
3,039.(
Payments from
Parish
Organisatlon's
9,795.18
7,961.32
29,805.18
Total Pa
ents
Exoss of Rocelpts
over p￿entS for
the year before
transfers
Excess ol RecelptS
(fftr Paymèntsfor
the year
3,993.40
2,851.94
On Behalf of the Trustees
TN$tee I:
Trustee 2:
Page 9

Statement of Assets and Uabllltles as at 3111 December 2025
Unrestrirted
Funds
2025
Restrlrted
Funds
2025
Endowment
Funds
2025
Total
2025
Total
2024
Cash Funds
Current Accounts
Deposit Accounts
Total Cash Funds
21.924.34
21,924.34
21,924.34
21.924.34
1.872.50
1.872.50
Investment Assets
Equity Investments
Other Listed Investments
Investments in RC8 / CIT
Unit Trusts
Other unlisted
investments
Investment Properties
Total Investment Assets
Assets retsined for the
Parish's own use
Parish Centre
Glebe House
Fixtures and Fittings
Total Assets retslned for
the Parish's own use
On Behalf of the Trustees
Trustee I:
Trustee 2:
Page 10

Notes to the flnanclal slaternents for the year ended 31° December 2025
l. Accounting pollcles
Set out below are the principal accounting policres which have been adopted in the compilation of the Receipts and
Payments Atcount and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
(al Receipt5 and Payments Account
All items of income and expenditure included within the Recelpts and Payments Account have been accounted
for on a cash receipts ba515.
(b) Statement of Assets and Liabilities
(l)Assets retoinedfor the Parfsh's own use
The assets of the Parish, retained for its own use comprise: _
Church Building and Graveyard
Fixture5 and fittings
The Church Building and Graveyard are deemed to be Heritage assets as deflned by the Charltles SORP
{FRS1021
These Heritage a55ets are not included in the statement of assets and liabilities as information on the cost or
valuation is not available and such information Cann￿ be obtsined at a cost commensurate with the benefit
to the users of the accounts and to the parish.
11} Investments
Fixed asset investments comprising investment properties, inve5tment5 in equitie5 (ordinary sharesl 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 flnandal statements for the year ended 31sr D￿eM￿r 2025 (continued)
2. Reconclllation of Cash Fund5
Total Cash Funds
Be8inning of the year
Receipts for the Year
Payments for the Year
Total Cash Funds at end of
the year
at
40,887.26
24,870.66
3. Movement In Funds
Atljan
Incomlng
2025 Resources
Oirtgolng
Resources
At 31 Dec
2025
Transfers
Endowment funds
nll
Restricted funds
Flower Fund
New Hall Fund
Youth worker Fund
Nll
Unrestrlcted furrtts
Designated Fabric Fund
Designated Music Fund
Sunday School Fund
General Fund
Totsl funds
Page 12

Note5 to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 (contlnued}
4. Collertlons for Third Parties
2025
2024
Nl Childrens Hospice
Poppy Appeal
LEMOS
Simon Community
Women's Aid
Christian Aid
Newry H05plce
British Heart Foundation
Total
125.00
IPendingl
iio.00
511.00
511.00
329.00
906.CKI
105.00
so.c
386.50
Ico.00
641.50
2A92.th)
The above amounts have been included in Receipts for the Year under"2025" and in Payments for the year under
"2025".
5. Transactions with the Trustees
No trustee or a person related to a trustee had any personal interest in any contrnct 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. Govemance costs a￿ included within Administration costs in the Receipts and Payments Accounts.
Page 13