The Hermitage Trust
Charity Registration Number NIC 106130
Trustees Annual Report
Year Ended 5[th] April 2025
Governing Document: The Hermitage Trust is a charitable organisation which was set up with HMRC Tax Exemption on 15[th] January 1987, under a Declaration of Trust as its governing document. Full U K charitable status was granted on 4[th] March 2015 by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, ref NIC 106130.
Public Benefit: In the year under report the principal activities of the public benefit objectives continued as previously, and were (1) relief of distress and poverty leading to, in general, improved living conditions with additional education, promotion of health initiatives & employment opportunities and (2) the advancement of the Christian faith, through which many poor people and others continue to be freed from bad habits such as drug taking, alcohol misuse and immoral & criminal lives.
Objectives and Activities: Objectives were achieved by awarding small grants and donations, channeled through G B and N I registered charities. During the year some £6,290 in donations and grants were distributed to 7 x organisations in pursuit of the above Activities. Very sadly, however, this figure was down significantly, from £42,207 last year.
Achievements and Performance: The trustees are satisfied that such awards during this financial period were in accordance with the principal objectives of the Trust. Those who benefited have, in consequence, been able to demonstrate positive outcomes emanating from the Trust’ s helpfulness.
Delivery: In relation to the main purposes of The Hermitage Trust, viz the relief of distress and poverty generally, coupled with helping to raise awareness and an understanding of the Christian faith, some vital grant assistance has again been delivered, albeit at a much lower level than previously.
Our operations continue to engage with the general public and leading to, in many instances, good outcomes through programmes that really have made the difference, such as having a positive impact on the lives of young people, regardless of ethnic, social or religious background. As Trustees, it has been good to have experienced awareness first hand regarding a number of these young people whose lives have, literally, been turned around.
Funding/ Income: Very sadly, our normal income has essentially ceased during the year, mainly as a consequence of the misfortune of The Hermitage Trust banking account having been unilaterally closed down by our bankers, thus leaving the work of this Trust most uncertain indeed.
Cont.........
Financial Responsibilities: The Trustees are accountable for keeping proper financial records and are dependable for the continued safeguarding of the assets through the prevention of fraud or in the unlikely event of any other such irregularity. However, our Banker’s unilateral policy decision to withdraw banking facilities without explanation, in this case a banking relationship of impeccable loyalty that had extended as far back as almost four decades is, undoubtedly, having far reaching consequences for our concerned Trustees.
Whilst we have appreciated the CCNI well-timed and succinct joint appeal dated 15th November 2023 to all U K Bank Chief Executives in regard to Charity Banking Access and Customer Service, we are not aware of any effective follow-up and reiterate we would be interested to know what has been the outcome, if any? Our feelings remain that “no one appears to be listening” ! Therefore, the most likely outcome during the year ahead is that the Charity will, very unfortunately, be closed down.
Financial Review: During the year no Trustee claimed any personal expenses or any financial benefits or remunerations of any kind, whether direct or indirect.
Risk Management : The Trustees continue to examine future strategy including any operational risks that the charity might face.
Statements of Compliance: There is not any harm flowing from the purposes of the Trust and, in order to ensure that activities are helping to achieve objectives and provide assistance to beneficiaries, the Trustees continue to give regard to the CCNI Guidance on Public Benefit.
Signed
-----------------------------------Daphne Wright (Mrs) - Trustee 10th January 2026