**REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: NI608913 (Northern Ireland) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 106814** ## Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 for Murlough House ASC Wylie UBU Ltd Qualified Accountants, Tax & Business Advisors 7 Lisburn Street Royal Hillsborough Co. Down BT26 6AB Murlough House Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ||Page| |---|---| |Report of the Trustees|1 to 4| |Independent Examiner's Report|5| |Statement of Financial Activities|6| |Balance Sheet|7 to 8| |Notes to the Financial Statements|9 to 16| |Detailed Statement of Financial Activities|17 to 18| Murlough House ## Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 2024 has been another interesting year for the ministry of Murlough House, with new dynamics and challenges. The scope of our ministry is operating in a ‘new normal’ post 2022, in two main areas. Firstly the ongoing inflationary pressure that continues to push prices up, and secondly, people have changed their attitude to going away in groups. The net result of this is, that disposable income is reduced and times are tight for many people. Murlough is viewed as a luxury for some and therefore deemed una?ordable to many. The impact of this has been seen as a continued decline in numbers attending as groups, with weekend numbers being hit the hardest. Historically, almost all weekend groups stayed for two nights, but this last year has not only seen a drop in numbers attending, circa 23 to less than 12, but to add to this 40% of the weekends this year were only a Friday into a Saturday. Looking forward at the bookings for 24-25 this drops to only 40% staying the whole weekend. Since the basic workload is the same for one night as it is for two, this is causing a financial stress on the business model. Thankfully we have had a slight increase in groups coming for longer periods during the week, which has helped to compensate. There has also seen an increase in church elders and leadership groups attending, which has been wonderful. These changes are welcome, as the degree of intentionality in the new groups tend to be greater. We have also seen an increase in people coming to run courses, such as Alpha and Christianity explored, holding there away days here, however they all seem to want to use the house on the same Saturday. ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Objectives and aims** Our primary objective is the advancement of religion, specifically the Christian Faith, and as such are aims are: 1. An improved sense of wellbeing and the spiritual, moral and intellectual development for those attending the organised activities at Murlough House, as they enjoy fellowship with others and receive teaching from the Bible. 2. The promotion of Christian values for the benefit of individuals, with those using the various facilities available at Murlough House encouraged to adopt a moral framework where they are good citizens. Murlough House as a charity offers facilities for private retreat, respite, group retreat, and conference facilities to church and para-church groups and individuals in sympathy with our Christian ethos. ## **Staffing** While our team remains very small, it is now adequate for the numbers attending, however if we had more staff we could fill in gaps in the diary, where we are presently unable to take people because we can not expect staff to work 7 days a week. The team is very settled and everyone is here for ministry and not just a job. Our focus remains to treat everyone who comes through the door as if we were serving King Jesus, our aim in everything is to honour Him. We are still struggling with the fact that, for any one of us to have a break, we all need to stop, as the house can not run, even with one less person. In caring for others we also need to care for the team members, if we are to keep going. Page 1 Murlough House Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Significant activities** All the gutterings were needing replaced along with the downspouts. The fibreglass guttering installed by Queens in the 70’s are now past repairing. To date we have been unable to face the capital expenditure, which is increased because of the building being listed. However we were encouraged to apply for a grant this year by the Historic Environment Division, which was for £6k, irrespective of the cost of the job. We took the lowest quote, on the basis that the company was based in Dundrum and were specialists in cast aluminium guttering. It was a major job, but the crew were a pleasure to work with, very respectful and with a minimum of disturbance. The total cost of the job for both the house and the conference room was just under £24k minus the £6k from the grant. We are very blessed that we received a donation from one of the local Charitable Trust’s for £18k prior to the grant becoming available, which was an amazing provision. Another drain on our revenue is maintaining the driveway. One of the 13 restrictive covenants in our lease, states we are responsible for two thirds of the cost of the upkeep of the drive, but without any say in how and when and by whom the work is carried out. Given our use of the driveway is very minor compared to that of the National Trust, we have renegotiated this such that we now pay only one third. However this is still an annual cost of around £3-4k. The NT, as an organisation, have a policy of taking the lowest quote for any job, which rarely proves to be the best long term solution. Having engaged a local contractor to do the work, the head ofice refused to use them on the basis that they did not have the necessary accreditation to perform the work. On further investigation, it turned out that there were no firms with the accreditation in Northern Ireland, as no one required it and it was just an extra cost. As a result they ended up engaging a GB accredited firm, who then subcontracted the job back to the original company in Northern Ireland and charged the NT, and indirectly us, an additional 20% for the privilege. Frustrating! ## **Volunteers** We have a new volunteer who is semi retired and is donating his Monday morning to helping out. He is highly professional and self motivated and has quickly formed a routine, and is brilliant. The lady who was volunteering in the house has lost her job and so we are currently paying her to help support her as she applies for new jobs. We also have a lady who comes very regularly, more for the friendship and support she receives and has been a great asset. ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** ## **Bookings** Bookings remain strong, with the majority of groups booking the same slot for next year and some wanting to book several years ahead. The problem remains that the vast majority want the same dates. July and August are sparse because many people are on vacation and December and January are very slow as everyone’s mind is on Christmas in December and they are then broke in January. For every booking we take we have to turn away more than twice the number. This we find difficult at a personal level, as we hate turning people away, and some people take it personally and think we are choosing to not accept them, which is totally unfounded.. Another notable change has been a reduction in individuals coming on private retreat. This we believe is due to the cost, even though we make it known that, for those who need to come, finance should never be a barrier. Often those in the greatest need are the least likely to request help. We had to increase our prices following the last board meeting, on their advice. This was for two reasons. Firstly we were not covering our costs, and secondly we were well below the cost of other places offering similar services. On the back of this increase we then looked for excuses to make discounts to help people, such as those in ministry, seniors and a couples discount where the second person came at half price. Page 2 Murlough House Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** ## **Imbibe Coffee Shop** The coffee shop is now used for groups who request it, as part of their stay, as well as when we are really busy and do not have space in the house for all those who want to come so it is being used by second groups as a meeting space. It has also been used for holding a Christianity explored course. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Financial position** We are very grateful to the Lord for his provision, such that our finances remain healthy once again this year, but only due to a generous donations from a Christian Trust and several corporate supporters. Since gifts can not be relied upon, we need to pay special attention to two main areas going forward. The first is the need to increase our income, and secondly reducing costs. Earnings are limited by group size, as we have very few ‘open days’, i.e. days when the house is unoccupied. The independently reviewed account are attached as an appendix to this report. ## **CONCLUSIONS** God is good, all the time and many people are being blessed just by being able to get away and to be here! Continuing increases in costs make keeping the house running a challenge, but we keep looking up and we are still here. Numbers are up in terms of total occupancy but still need to increase if the house is to become self sustaining. Cancellations have been a major difficulty and represents a loss of circa £20k over the year. A move to one night weekends has also reduced income significantly, as it is all the work for half the income. Economically the house only survives on the generosity of others, which is not a sustainable position long term. We, as a couple, continue with other commitments and health challenges, still need more help, or others to take over the role of custodians of the house. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** ## **Registered Company number** NI608913 (Northern Ireland) ## **Registered Charity number** 106814 ## **Registered office** 7 Robin Hill Dundrum Newcastle Down BT33 ONU ## **Trustees** The Trustees have not changed during the year ## **Company Secretary** D Preston Page 3 Murlough House Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner** ASC Wylie UBU Ltd Qualified Accountants, Tax & Business Advisors 7 Lisburn Street Royal Hillsborough Co. Down BT26 6AB Approved by order of the board of trustees on 10 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by: JKH Forbes - Trustee Page 4 ## Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Murlough House I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 30 September 2024, which are set out on pages six to sixteen. ## **Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner** As the charity's trustees (and also the directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, 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 Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under Section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act - state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **Basis of the independent examiner's 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(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The 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 matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: 1. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records 3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) 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. Mr ASC Wylie FCA ASC Wylie UBU Ltd Qualified Accountants, Tax & Business Advisors 7 Lisburn Street Royal Hillsborough Co. Down BT26 6AB 10 June 2025 Page 5 Murlough House ## Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |2024
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
59,896
Other trading activities
2
114,550
Investment income
3
40
**Total**
174,486
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Cost of generating voluntary income
17,138
**Charitable activities**
Support costs
114,408
Governance costs
32,698
**Total**
164,244
**NET INCOME**
10,242
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
184,997
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
195,239|2023
Total
funds
£
124,297
68,528
5| |---|---| ||192,830| ||16,819
122,182
15,741| ||154,742| ||38,088
146,909| ||184,997| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 6 Murlough House ## Balance Sheet ## 30 September 2024 |2024
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
9
98,134
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
10
2,889
Cash at bank
98,650
101,539
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
11
(4,434)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
97,105
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
195,239
**NET ASSETS**
195,239
**FUNDS**
12
Unrestricted funds:
General fund
195,239
**TOTAL FUNDS**
195,239|2023
Total
funds
£
103,273
-
85,235
85,235
(3,511)
81,724
184,997
184,997
184,997
184,997| |---|---| The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 September 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for - (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and - (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. The notes form part of these financial statements continued... Page 7 Murlough House ## Balance Sheet - continued 30 September 2024 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 10 June 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: JKH Forbes - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 8 Murlough House Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': - the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows; - the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d); - the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c); - the requirements of paragraphs 12.26, 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A; - the requirement of paragraph 33.7. ## **Income** All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. ## **Expenditure** Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Improvements to property - 2% on cost Plant and machinery - 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings - 20% on cost ## **Taxation** The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. continued... Page 9 Murlough House Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** ## **Fund accounting** Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. ## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. ## **2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES** |Fee income
Retreat income
Coffee shop income
Conference income
US Team income
Other Income
**INVESTMENT INCOME**
Deposit account interest
**SUPPORT COSTS**
Management
£
Support costs
114,038
Governance costs
-
114,038|2024
£
-
88,142
2,798
2,866
16,674
4,070
114,550
2024
£
40
Governance
Finance
costs
£
£
784
(414)
-
8,818
784
8,404|2023
£
1,053
66,202
-
1,041
-
232|2023
£
1,053
66,202
-
1,041
-
232| |---|---|---|---| |||68,528|| |||2023
£
5
Totals
£
114,408
8,818|2023
£
5| |||123,226|| ## **3.** ## **4. SUPPORT COSTS** continued... Page 10 Murlough House Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **4. SUPPORT COSTS - continued** Support costs, included in the above, are as follows: ## **Management** |Wages
Pensions
Insurance
Light and heat
Phone, internet & website
Post, stationery & office
Sundries
Coach Hire
Depreciation of tangible and heritage
assets
Repairs & maintenance
**Finance**
Bank charges
**Governance costs**
Support
Governance
costs
costs
£
£
Legal & professional
-
4,675
Accountancy
(414)
4,143
(414)
8,818|2024
Support
costs
£
54,102
734
8,633
14,803
4,033
555
248
6,690
9,445
14,795
114,038
2024
Support
costs
£
784
2024
Total
activities
£
4,675
3,729
8,404|2023
Total
activities
£
54,574
537
7,809
13,855
2,069
568
1,116
5,906
11,681
19,162
117,277
2023
Total
activities
£
-
2023
Total
activities
£
1,586
4,060
5,646| |---|---|---| continued... Page 11 Murlough House ## Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **5. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)** Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): ||2024|2023| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |Depreciation - owned assets|9,444|11,681| ## **6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2024 nor for the year ended 30 September 2023. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 September 2024 nor for the year ended 30 September 2023. ## **7. STAFF COSTS** The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: ## **8.** ||2024|2023| |---|---|---| |Administration|7|6| |No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.||| |**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**|**ACTIVITIES**|| |||Unrestricted| |||fund| |||£| |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**||| |Donations and legacies||124,297| |Other trading activities||68,528| |Investment income||5| |**Total**||192,830| |**EXPENDITURE ON**||| |Cost of generating voluntary income||16,819| |**Charitable activities**||| |Support costs||122,182| |Governance costs||15,741| |**Total**||154,742| |**NET INCOME**||38,088| continued... Page 12 Murlough House Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **8. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued** |||Unrestricted| |---|---|---| |||fund| |||£| ||**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**|| ||Total funds brought forward|146,909| ||**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED**|| ||**FORWARD**|184,997| |**9.**|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**|| |Improvements
to
Plant and
property
machinery
£
£
**COST**
At 1 October 2023
90,218
66,087
Additions
-
690
At 30 September 2024
90,218
66,777
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1 October 2023
14,435
49,978
Charge for year
902
5,543
At 30 September 2024
15,337
55,521
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 30 September 2024
74,881
11,256
At 30 September 2023
75,783
16,109
**10.**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Trade debtors|Fixtures
and
fittings
£
33,383
3,615
36,998
22,002
2,999
25,001
11,997
11,381
2024
£
2,889|Totals
£
189,688
4,305| |---|---|---| |||193,993| |||86,415
9,444| |||95,859| |||98,134| |||103,273| |||2023
£
-| continued... Page 13 Murlough House ## Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** |Social security and other taxes
Pension
Accruals and deferred income
**12.**
**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
At
1/10/23
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
184,997
**TOTAL FUNDS**
184,997
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
174,486
**TOTAL FUNDS**
174,486
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
At
1/10/22
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
146,909
**TOTAL FUNDS**
146,909|2024
2023
£
£
1,147
-
190
-
3,097
3,511
4,434
3,511
Net
movement
At
in funds
30/9/24
£
£
10,242
195,239
10,242
195,239
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(164,244)
10,242
(164,244)
10,242
Net
movement
At
in funds
30/9/23
£
£
38,088
184,997
38,088
184,997| |---|---| continued... Page 14 Murlough House Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
192,830
192,830|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(154,742)
38,088
(154,742)
38,088| |---|---|---| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**TOTAL FUNDS**|At
1/10/22
£
146,909
146,909|Net
movement
in funds
£
48,330
48,330|At
30/9/24
£
195,239| |---|---|---|---| ||||195,239| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
367,316
367,316|Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(318,986)
48,330
(318,986)
48,330| |---|---|---| continued... Page 15 Murlough House Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 ## **13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 September 2024. Page 16 Murlough House Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
Donations
**Other trading activities**
Fee income
Retreat income
Coffee shop income
Conference income
US Team income
Other Income
**Investment income**
Deposit account interest
**Total incoming resources**
**EXPENDITURE**
**Cost of generating voluntary income**
Bank interest
**Other trading activities**
Consumables and provisions
**Charitable activities**
Donations
**Support costs**
**Management**
Wages
Pensions
Insurance
Light and heat
Phone, internet & website
Post, stationery & office
Sundries
Coach Hire
Depreciation of tangible and heritage assets
Repairs & maintenance|2024
£
59,896
-
88,142
2,798
2,866
16,674
4,070
114,550
40
174,486
-
17,138
23,880
54,102
734
8,633
14,803
4,033
555
248
6,690
9,445
14,795
114,038|2023
£
124,297
1,053
66,202
-
1,041
-
232| |---|---|---| |||68,528
5| |||192,830
105
16,714
15,000
54,574
537
7,809
13,855
2,069
568
1,116
5,906
11,681
19,162| |||117,277| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 17 Murlough House ## Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024||| |---|---|---| |**Management**
**Finance**
Bank charges
**Governance costs**
Legal & professional
Accountancy
Total resources expended
**Net income**|2024
£
784
4,675
3,729
8,404
164,244
10,242|2023
£
-
1,586
4,060| |||5,646| |||154,742| |||38,088| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 18