Desertmartin Parish
Church of Ireland
Trustees. Annual Report and Statement of Receipts and Payments,
including Assets and Liabilities
For the year ended 31st December 2024
Charities Number: NIC 104698

Desertmartin Parish (Church of Ireland)
Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024
Contents
Pages
References and administrative details of the Charity
Trustees, report
Independent Examiners, Report to the Trustees
Receipts and payments account
9-13
Statement of assets and liabilities
14-15
Notes to the financial statements
16

Desertmartin Parish (Church of Ireland)
References and administrative details
Charity Name:
Desertmartin Parish (Church of Ireland)
Charity Registration Number:
NIC 104698
Contact Address:
25 Dromore Road, Desertmartin. Magherafelt, BT45 5JZ
Trustees
Mr David Austin
Mrs Lois Austin (Treasurer)
Mrs Barbara Hudson
Mi55 Hilary Hutchinson
Mrs Jacqueline Johnston
Mrs Lois Kane
Mr Harold Bradley
Mr Samuel Hudson
Mr Trevor Kingston
Mr Andrew McKeown
Mrs Pauline Taylor
Mr John Woodward
Mrs Claire Robb (Secretary)
Rev Philip Benson (Chairperson)
Mrs Elizabeth Whitaker
Mr Stuart Whitaker
Prlnclpal Offlce-bearers
Clergylchairperson: Rev Philip Benson
Treasurer: Mrs Lois Austin
Rector's Church Warden: Mrs Elizabeth Whitaker
People's Church Warden: Mr John Woodward
Independent Examiner
Ms Lorraine Craig
69 Churchill Road, Larne, BT40 2EW
Bankers
Dan5ke Bank, Branch Business. P.0. Box 182, Donegal Square West. Belfast. BTI 6JS

Trustees. Annual Report for the year ended 31° De￿rnber 2024
The trustees present the annual report and statements of Receipts and Payments. including Assets
and Liabilities for Desertmartin Parish (Church of Ireland) for the year ended 315t December 2024.
Objectives and Activities
The charitable purpose of the Church of Ireland is the advancement of religion.
The principal function of Desertmartin Parish is to support the advancement of the Christian religion
by promoting, through its work, the whole pastoral, evangelistic, social, and ecumenical mission of the
Church. Being open to and engaging with society, and offering support to those who need help, are
fundamental to the practical delivery of Christianity's benefits.
As a result of its activity in advancing the Christian religion, Desertmartin Parish has custody of
property and records. materials. and artefacts of significance to the cultural and religious heritage.
The select vestry of Desertmartin Parish maintains these.
Achievements. Performance & Public Benefrt
Worshi
and Pra
er
Desertmartin Parish Church is under the incumbency of the Reverend Philip Benson and is part of a
larger group that includes Termoneeny Parish IKnocklou8hrim). The parish offers a wide range of
weekly public acts of worship, including Morning Prayer and the celebration of Holy Communion. Our
worship is conducted in accordance with the Church of Ireland's Book of Common Prayer, and we also
join with our sister parish for the bi-annual "Confirmation" of faith service, led by the diocesan Bishop.
We also provide for baptisms, weddings, funerals, and ongoing pastoral care. Special services
throughout the year include Christmas Carol Services, Lent/Holy Week Services and Advent Services,
which all provide intimate and reflective environments for worship. All are welcome to attend our
worship services.
In addition to our regular services, some parish members are unable to attend church due to illne55
or age. Rev Benson regularly visits such parishioners to celebrate Holy Communion with them and to
offer pastoral care and practical support, either in their homes, hospitals, or nursing homes. We have
also introduced live streamin& allowing those unable to attend our services in person to participate
from home. Thi5 15 particularly important for those who are housebound or unwell.
At present, there are 80 families consisting of 164 individuals. The average weekly combined church
attendance wa5 50, rising during special festivals. We celebrated one baptism during 2024, but no
weddin85 or funeral3.
In addition, the parish has hosted religious services in association with local community groups,
including the Loyal and Masonic orders, such as the Orange Order, and the Royal Black Preceptory.
Rev Philip is also a member of the Board of Governors for Knockloughrim and Magherafelt Primary
Schools and is part of a rota for leading morning assemblies.
Additionally, in association with "Mid Ulster Clergy Together," an ecumenical group representing a
diverse range of Christian denominations within the Mid Ulster council area. we have participated in
community-wide acts of worship and supported the Magherafelt Food Bank Christmas appeal.

Desertmartin Parish has engaged in "Safe Church- training and is a regTStered "Safe Place" to support
those in our community suffering from domestic violence.
Sunda
School & Mess
Church
Our parish has a well-established Sunday School, open to all children of pre5chool/primary school age.
We also hold regular Messy Church-style events throughout the year. which are open to the broader
community and well attended. Children and young people are an essential part of our parish. Rev
Benson has a regular children'5 addre55 during our worship Servi￿5, and children from the Sunday
School participate in our monthly Worship Together servi￿5.
Other Parish Activities
Other parochial groups include our Bible Study. Ladies Group, Indoor Bowling Club, and Craft and
Chatter Group. These groups draw membership from our parishioners and the wider local community.
We also hold several event5 over the year. including a children's Easter Egg Hunt, an open-air service,
and a Picnic and Parish Dinner.
Over the year, we have continued developing our Parish News magazine, distributed to our
parishioners and freely available at the back of the churches. The rnagazine keeps our parishioners
informed about important matters affecting our parish and includes articles that deepen our
knowledge and faith in Jesus.
Mission and Evon
elism
The church supports mission partners and other local charities, such as Crosslinks. Bishops, Appeal,
Tearfund. local food banks, Poppy Appeal, CMSI, and the Air Ambulance.
Cross-communit Relationshi
The Select Vestry continually works to improve relationships wlth other denomlnations, partlcularly
within the Roman Catholic community. Rev Benson takes an active role in the local clergy groups,
including representatives from many local churches. These groups are inter-denominational, organlse
jolnt events and shared services, and represent their congregations in the public sphere by raising
concerns about soclal Issues. In addition, many of the activities and events we org3ni5ed durin8 the
year were supported by all communty sectors, and everyone was welcome to share in our activities
and 5ervice5.
The Recto
Our rectory is located within the parish boundary and is well-maintained, with regular maintenance to
keep it in good condition. In addition to providing a home for Rev Benson and his family, it is also used
for meetings, pastoral appointments, and other parish activrtie5. Termoneeny Parish assists with a
share of our rectory costs and parochial expenses.
Diocesan S nod
Representatives of the parish sit on the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Synod, providing an essential
link between the parish and the broader structures of the Church of Ireland.
Public Bene
The benefits of public worship include contributing to the spiritual well-being of participants,
reinforcing Christian values. and providing practical sUPPOrt to Struggling local families through
Desertmartin Parish Church's partnerships with specialist support organisations. Our Child Protection

Policy is in accordance with the Safeguarding Trust policies of the Church of Ireland. We confirm that
we have mitigated any potential harm arising from the parish's activitie5 by adhering to the
reqU1￿MentS of the Church of Ireland Safeguarding Trust policy for the protection of children and
vulnerable adults.
The Parish has carefully considered the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public
benefit to ensure that the activities entered during the year have helped to achieve the Parish's
objectives and activtties and provided public benefrt.
Financial Review
The year's results are set out on pages nine to fifteen, which the Trustees consider satisfactory.
The reserves of the parish are held forthe advancement of its charitable purpose, otherthan restricted
reserves, which are held for a designated purpose.
Going Concern
The trustees have reviewed the budgets for the year ahead. They are satisfied that adequate funds
are in place to ensure that the Parish can continue its activities and that the financial statements for
the year ended 31 December 2024 can be signed off as a going COn￿rn.
Structure. Governance and Management
Governlng Document and Constltutlon of the Charlty
Chapter 111 of the Church of Ireland Constitution governs Parishes and Parochial Organisations. The
Selett Vestry members are the Charity Trustees.
Recrultment 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 one year. Select Vestry members may be re-elected
annually, and there is no limit to the number of terms that may be served.
Pay and Remuneration
The parish does not pay the rector directly. A monthly assessment is paid to the Diocese, which
comprises a stipend. locomotory allowance, employerfs national insurance and employer's clergy
pension contribution. No other trustee receives remuneration, reward, or other private benefit for
carrylng out ihelr trustee responslbility.
Organisational Structure
The select vestry is responsible for the day-to-day management of the parish. The Selert Vestry
consists of the members of the clergy serving in the parish, any curate assistant {"the curate"), the
churchwardens, the glebe wardens and generally not more than twelve other rnembers of the general
vestry elected at the Easter Vestry.

The select vestry is chaired by the parish's incumbent or other clergy member ofPiciating. Its members
are responsible for making decisions on matters of general concern and importance to the parish,
including how parish funds will be applied.
The select vestry meets at times fixed by the members or by the diocesan synod. The chairperson or
the churchwardens may convene special meetings at anytime. In 2024, the Select Vestry met 9 time5,
with an average attendance of 93%.
Compliance wfth Public Beneflt
Desertmartin Parish has carefully considered the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's 8uidance
on public benefit to ensure that the activities entered during the year have helped to achieve the
Parish's objettives and activities and provided a public benefit.
statement of Trustees, Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report, the statement of receipts and
payments, and the statement of assets and liabilities in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations.
The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland with an Income of less than £250,000 requires the
trustees to prepare a staternent of receipts and payments, and of assets and liabilities, for each
financial year.
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records sufPicient to show and explain the Parish's
transactions and always disclose the Parish's assets and liabilities with reasonable accuracy. They are
also responsible for safeguarding the Parish's assets and. hence. fortaking reasonable steps to prevent
and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Slgned on Behalf of the Trustees
Chairperson:
v Philip Benson
Treajurer: Mr3 Lo13 Au3tln
Date: 28th October 2025

Independent Examiners, Report to the Trustees of Desertmartin Parish (Church of
Ireland)
I report on the accounts of the above Trust for the year ended 31st December 2024.
Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for preparing the accounts in accordance with the
Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to:
o 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{9llbl of the Charities Act
o state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basls of the independent examinerfs 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{91(bl of the Charities Act.
My exarnination included a review of the charity's accounting records 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:
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 account5 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 to (41 listed
above, and in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland,
I have found
, o mattfwhat
uire drawing to your attention.
Name:
Ms Lor
Date: 28th October 2025
e Cra18
Address:
69 Churchill Ro
arne, BT40 2EW

Receipts and Payments
Page1 of5
Printad.. 30 Octob&r 2025
Parish of Desertmartin
Period.. 0110112024 to 3111212024
Notes
Unrestricted
Restricted
Ell(k)vffl￿nt
2024
2023
Receipts
Voluntary Giving
Extraordinary General Income
InYe5tment Income
General Parlsh Income
Fundraising Events
Property Related Income
Other Funds Raised
Parish Groups
43,968.32
2,1(Ki.C
216.07
5.159.30
19,571.76
7,8n.82
406.27
655.15
44,623.47
2,1(Kl.(
506.73
5,159.30
19.571.76
7,872.82
406.27
1.386.C(J
81,626.35
43,890.10
43,863.96
377.62
19,546.03
14,438.12
6,092.77
290.66
1,386.
2.331.81
490.74
128,699.34
Totol Rffceipts
79.294.54
Payments
Repair51Upkeep
Staffing Costs
Llght. Heat and Power
Dlocesan Levles
General Parochial Oyerheads
Parochlal Mlnlstry Overtheads
Flnancial and Professional Costs
Fundraising Costs
Donatlons to Charltles and Mlsslons
Parlsh Groups
121.092.06)
I3,2￿.￿1)
11,589.471
135.376.CKI}
15,390.841
12.238.81)
1451.45)
13,807.361
115.(1)I
121,107.061
169,757.241
13,260.801
150.001
11,589.471
11,504.761
135.376.CKII
135.050.001
15,390.841
16,096.471
12,499.601
14,436.301
1451.451
11,246.981
13,807.361
13,026.791
1777.651
11,715.51)
11,702.381
1628.731
(75,962.61) (123,512.781
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
12&J.791
1677.65)
11,702.38}
(2,655.821
Total Payments
173,306.79)
Excejs of R•celptsLv•r payn￿13 b•forn trrf*ts
5.9•7.75
24.019
5.M3.74
S.la6.J6
Transfers
Excess of RKeipts over Payments
5,987.75
1324.01)
,663.74
5,186.56

Receipts and Payments
Parish of Desertmartin
Page2of5
Pnntad: 30 Octobar 2025
1. Voluntary Glvlng
2024
2023
Weekly envdope5
Annual donations
Other general donatlons
LC￿ Collection5
Standing orders
Gift day5
Gift aid Lix recovered- regular gmng
Donations for specific wrpose5
Bishops Appeal annual collection
Bishop5 Appeal response collect1(￿$
Poppy Appeal collection
nday charity collertiOfL%
20,924.94
520.(J)
25.(K)
1,169.05
8.29).(KJ
5,865.iJ)
6.499.33
1,042.65
190.
22,139.28
50.(
1,478.66
7,459.00
5,420.(KI
5.228.65
419.20
350.(M)
441.81
103.50
2C(I.(K)
137.50
44.623.47
43.8(X).10
2. Extraordlnary General Income
2024
2023
Non.recurring onfroff grants
Vlntaqe Rally grants
Rural Hall Grant Scheme
525.IXI
1,575.Q)
1,680.CI)
945.Q)
41,238.96
43.863.96
3. Investment Income
2024
2023
Dlvfdends
Bank and building soclety interest
88.18
418.55
81.29
296.33
506.73
377.62
4. General Parlsh Income
2024
2023
Parish magazine (JyTrations
Funeral ¢S)natlons
Graveyard fees
Parish dinner C¢mtrl￿t￿)ns
Termoneeny parLKhial share
Tern￿neenY rectory share
Rate5 refund
Training cost contributions
215.LXI
230.(M)
30.(KJ
1,9￿.
500.00
3,591.15
13.216.04
38.84
70.CKJ
392.50
2,741.55
1,780.25
5.159.30
19,546.03
5. Fundraising Events
2024
2023
Speoal Fundraising Events
Vintage Rally
Vintage Rally - sponsorship (217121
Vintage Rally - sp)nsorship {2023)
Vlntage Rally- SWVAKshlp {2(r24)
Tln can coll
2,409.60
8.510.16
5,147.12
4,815.CQ
3.780.
4,645.tKI
3.585.iX)
276.CQ
Parish quiz
422.C
420.00

Receipts and Payments
Page3of5
Printod.. 30 Ociobar 2025
Parish of Desertmartin
19.571.76
14.438.12
6. Property Related Income
2024
2023
Rent from land5 or l)uildings
Church hall lettings - charital￿e
objectives
Sexton's hcNJse rent
Rent land - W Hutrhlnson
Rent land - G Flerning
Rent land - S Marron
Rent land . tÈsertrrHrtin FC
952.78
120.C(J
4.160.04
450.ry)
4,160.04
450.1
360.
1,450.(KI
51X).IXI
1,CiKI.(L)
7,8n.82
6,092.77
7. Other Funds Ralsed
2024
2023
Sundry Inc￿
406.27
406.27
8. Parlsh Groups
2024
21T13
BowLin8 Club Income
Ladles Gulld Inc{￿e
275.(
1.111.11)
4W.74
1,386.Cil
490.74
9. Repalrslupkeep
2￿4
2023
Church repairs and maintenance
Church light and pjwer
Church broadband
Church decoration
Hall repa1￿ and malntenance
Hall light and kMIV+pr
Rectory repalr5 and malntenarKe
Rectory heatlng
Bulldln£ repalrs and maIntena￿e
Building light and power
Upkeep of grwn(ts
Upkeep of graveyard
112.861.60}
{1,873.iJ))
1377.10)
I,865.￿￿)
137,992.iJ))
{102.25)
14,042.00)
{3,785.00)
1898.Cll)
{1.140.291
{1,588.50)
1358.361
(11,719.¢J))
{231.641
1662.401
12,911.(Kll
1170.WI
1969.761
ai
11,285.401
(1,211.(Kll
121.107.1)61
(4,821.001
(69,757.24)
10. Staffln8 Costs
2024
2023
Clerical
Lay
11.260.80}
(2,CKQ.CKJ)
(50.Cill
13,260.80)
(So.￿)}
11. Llght, Heat and Power
2024
2023
Rate5
Water Rates
11,489.13)
(1W.341
(1,317.18)
{187.58

Receipts and Payments
Page4of5
Printed: 30 October 2025
Parish of Desertmartin
{1,589.47)
11.504.76)
12. Dlocesan Levles
2024
2023
Di(K&in Lw . Stsndard
135.376.(Xll
{35.050.(￿)
{35.376.LKII
(35,050.￿)
13. General Parochial Overhead5
2024
2023
rr software
Photocopying
Phot(Kopier lease
Equipment - servicing and repair5
Equlpment - new
Insurances
{462.12)
(611.31)
(468.44)
(240.￿)
(1,373.(M))
{2,235.97)
{5,390.84)
{798.(￿)
1468.441
1327.40}
12,421.491
12,081.14)
16,096.47)
14. Parochlal Mlnfstry Overheath
2024
2023
Other worshlp related costs
Clergy and stafl trainin8
Communlty Lwllthng actfvlty
Sunday Schwl
Par15h dinner expenses
C￿Muni0n ware
574.371
{233.73)
{420.(KI)
1369.70)
1387.73)
{1,140.00)
(1,885.141
1513.311
IZ16.921
11.195.001
{2,499.601
(4,436.301
15. Flnanclal and Professlonal Costs
2024
2023
Audit and acctyjntancy
Legal fees
Other professional fees
Bank fees and charge5
1570.001
1396.th)1
150.CQ)
1131.981
1269.47}
1280.981
1451.45}
11,246.981
16. Fundralsing Costs
2024
2023
Fundraising costs
Vintage Rally expense5
(201.50)
13.605.86)
1204.901
12,821.89}
{3.807.36)
13,026.791
J. UVllaLIVII3 LV Liiai ILie3 aiiu MlSSlUIIS
2024
2023
tk)nations to other charities
Donation5 to Bishops AptEal
t¥)nation5 to Pijppy Appeal
{427.651
1350.fAIi
{694.201
{946.81)
{74.501
{1.715.511
1777.65)
18. Parlsh Groups
Z024
2023

Receipts and Payments
Page5of5
Printed.. 30 Octobar 2025
Parish of Desertmartin
2024
2023
Pthwiing Club expenses
Ladies Guild experfjes
{296.24)
11.4LY+.14)
(82.581
(546.15)
11,7(ll.38)
1628.73}

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Parish of Desertmartin
Page1of1
Printed." 29 October 2025
As of 29 October 2025
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
fund5
En¢knm￿nt
fund5
2024
2023
Bank & Deposit Balances
Bank & deposit balance5 brought fon¥ard
Excess of Receipts over pa￿ents for the year
Transfers betiyeen funds
54,754.36
5.987.75
19,198.06
(324.01 }
73,952.42
5.663.74
68,765.86
5,186.56
Bank & deposit balance5 carrled forward
1,742.11
18,874.05
79.616.16
73.952.42
Investfflent A55et5
CIT Unlt Trusts
242.14
242.14
220.86
RCB Unit Trusts
14,401.88
14,401.88
14,139.37
Assets Retained for Charity's Own
Use
Parish Hall
174.920.79
6KI.697.63
62.016.18
127,368.45
125,(NJ).111
174.920.79
680,697.63
62,016.18
127,368.45
125.C¥XI.thI
Rectory
Sextons House
School House
Glebe Land IFarm)

Bank Balances
st
1st January 2024- 31 December 2024
Opening Balance
Closing Balance
31" December 2024
Increase/Decrease
st
l January 2024
£26,595.00
Sustention Account
{Nol Account)
General Account
{No2 Account)
Farm Account
£26.907.87
+ £312.87
£11,064.38
£11.226.70
+ £162.32
£7,825.05
£10,585.05
+ £2760
{No3 Account)
Church Hall Account
{No4 Account)
Investment Account
£9,723.43
£12.177.70
+ £2,454.27
£17.066.11
£17,355.93
+ £289.82
Bowling Club Account
£842.53
£821.29
- £21.24
Ladies Guild Account
£835.92
£541.62
- £294.30
Total Bank Balances
£73,952.42
£79.616.16
+ £5,663.74
Signed on Behalf of the Trustees
Chairperso
Rev Philip Benson
Treasurer: Mrs Lois Austin
Date: 28th October 2025

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st Deomber 2024
Accounting Policies
Set out below are the principal accounting policies adopted in the compilation of the Receipts and Payments Account
and the Statement of Assets and tiabilities.
(a)
Recelpts and Payments Account
All income and expenditure items induded wtthin the Receipts and Payments Atcount have been accounted for on a
cash receipts ba5iS.
{bl
Ststement of Assets and Liabilltie5
{11 Assets retalned for the Parfsh's own use
The assets of the Parish. retained for its own use. comprise-
Church Building and Graveyard
Parish Hall
Glebe House {rectoryl
Sexton's House
School House
Glebe Land
The Church Building and Graveyard are deemed to be Heritage assets as def5ned by the Charities SORP
IFRS102}. These Heritsge assets are not Included in the statement of assets and liabllltSes as
information on the cost or valuation is not available, and such information cannot be obtalned at a cost
commensurate with the benefltto the users ot the accounts and the parish.
The Parish Hall was built in 1981. There are no reliable records of its construction cost, and the
valuation approach for such a building lacks sufficient reliability- Therefore. the building does not need
to be recognised in our statement of assets and liabilitie5. However. we have provided the insurance
value placed on it by our insurers.
The Glebe House Irectoryl. Sexton's House, and School House are recognlsed at cost based on the
insurance value. which the Select Vestry deems to represent the value of the properties on 1st January
2024. The Select Vestry maintains these buildin8s in 8ood repair, and the current estimated residual
value is not less than their bookJcarryin8 value. The remainin8 useful lives of the buildings exceed 50
years.
The Glebe Land has been valued at a value that the Select Vestry deemed to represent the value of the
land on the 31st of December 2024.
11) Investments
Fixed-asset investments comprising investment properties, equities (ordinary shares), and RC8/CIT Unit Trusts are
initially recorded at cost and subsequently ststed at fair value at each year*nd. Unquoted investments are recorded at
cost and assessed annually for impairment.
2. Transartlons wlth the Trustees
No trustee received any remuneration during the year. No trustee or a person related to a trustee had any personal
interest in any contract or transartion entered into by the tharity during the year.
3. Governance Costs
Governance costs of £0 were Incurred during the year. including £0 in fees paid to the independent examiner.
Governance costs are included wÉthin Administration costs in the Receipts and Payments Accounts.