Ruberslaw Country Parishes
Church of Scotland
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
and
ACCOUNTS
31[ST] DECEMBER 2024
Church of Scotland Congregation No.: 030269 Scottish Charity Registrations No.: SC034629
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Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name: Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland Charity Registration Number: SC034629 Congregation Reference No: 030269 Contact Address:
Website (with linked congregation): www.hobkirkwithRuberslaw.org
Trustees
Minister
Safeguarding Officer
Health and Safety Officer Independent Examiner .
Bankers:
Bank of Scotland, 7 High Street, Hawick, TD9 9DA and Royal Bank of Scotland, Galashiels
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Trustees’ Annual Report
Year ended 31[st] December 2024
The trustees of Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland present their annual report together with accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2024. The information set out on page 2 is part of this report.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Church is administered in accordance with the terms of the Church of Scotland Unitary Deed of Constitution.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The members of the Kirk Session are the charity trustees. The Kirk Session members are the elders of the church and are chosen from those members of the church who are considered to have the appropriate gifts and skills. The minister, who is a member of the Kirk Session, is elected by the congregation and inducted by the Presbytery. If no minister is in office the Presbytery appoints an interim moderator to serve until such time as a minister is appointed.
Organisational Structure
The Kirk Session which meets at least once a year is responsible for the spiritual and temporal affairs within the church. Certain responsibilities are delegated to the Property Committee and the Way & Means Committee.
Objectives and Activities
The Church of Scotland is Trinitarian in doctrine, Reformed in tradition and Presbyterian in policy. It exists to glorify God and to work for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the world. As a national Church, it acknowledges a distinctive call and duty to bring the ordinances of religion to the people in every parish of Scotland through a territorial ministry. It co-operates with other Churches in various ecumenical bodies in Scotland and beyond.
Ruberslaw Parish Church met weekly for Sunday worship in rotation around the three churches of Bedrule, Denholm and Minto, with occasional “Sunday Cafe” services in Denholm Church Hall and additional services as the Church’s calendar requires and for marriages and funerals. There were joint services with the linked charge, Hobkirk and Southdean Parish Church of Scotland. The Kirk Session with the aid of the Worship Group supports the minister by assisting with some services. Youth activities are arranged when possible and the minister holds the local school chaplaincy.
Ruberslaw Parish Church united with Hobkirk and Southdean Parish Church on 30 September 2024 and is now the united charge of Ruberslaw Country Parishes. Weekly Sunday worship is held on alternate weeks in Denholm and Hobkirk Churches with quarterly “Sunday Café” services and monthly Sunday evening reflection services in Denholm Church Hall.
The Ruberslaw and Southdean Guilds offer fellowship and an opportunity to support selected charitable projects. A variety of social and fundraising events are organised in the communities within the parish and Denholm Church Hall is used by a number of community organisations.
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Achievements and Performance
When the minister was absent April to August, was appointed as Interim Moderator. Services were led during this time by the and the Worship Team. United services with Hobkirk and Southdean were held periodically to aid pulpit supply. The Worship Team have also led services when the minster was on annual leave.
Recordings of Church Services continue to be produced and remain available on “YouTube”.
In preparation for the closure of Minto Church, on 1 September 2024 a special service was led by the where the Squadron Standard of the ‘Blues and Royals’ was relinquished to The Trustees of The Robin Chapel, Edinburgh. Members of the congregation attended a Remembrance service at the Robin Chapel on 10 November 2024 where the standard was presented.
The Service of Union was held at Bedrule Church on 6 October 2024 uniting the parishes of Hobkirk and Southdean and Ruberslaw where a number of Elders were presented with Long Service Certificates.
Two Remembrance Sunday Service were held, at Minto Church led by the Worship Team where 50% of the open plate went to First Light and at Hobkirk Church led by the minister. Traditional Acts of Remembrance were led by the Worship Team and the minister at Parish War Memorials at Bedrule, Bonchester Bridge, Chesters, Denholm and Minto. Wreaths were laid by representatives of each community and the 1[st] Denholm Rainbows at Minto.
A Christmas family service was held on 15 December 2024 in Denholm including 1[st] Denholm Rainbows, carol singing at Minto, Christmas Eve Family Service at Southdean, a traditional Watchnight Service in Denholm and Christmas Day service at Bedrule. 50% of the collection on Christmas Eve went to Denholm Primary School and 50% of the Watchnight and Christmas Day Services went to Tiny Changes.
An Easter card which included details of Holy Week activities was distributed to all households in the Parish along with the April to September calendar. The October to December newsletter was published with a description of the pattern of services following the Union. A new Parish Newsletter was designed and distributed to all households in the Parish along with a Christmas Card featuring a picture drawn by a pupil of Denholm Primary School and the calendar of services for January to April 2025.
The website has been updated to include information for the new United Parish and all services and events are published on this and Facebook.
The “Little Fishes” Baby & Toddler Group and Thursday afternoon “Singing for Fun” led by our church organist continue to meet in Denholm Church Hall.
There were 3 parish funerals and 4 weddings during the year.
There are currently 226 members on the Communion Roll, 14 Adherents and 30 on the Supplementary Roll.
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Trustees’ Annual Report (cont) Year ended 31[st] December 2024
Financial Review
Although times are continuing to be challenging, since the Union with Hobkirk and Southdean we have seen a slight increase in income, with the help of fund raising, car boot sales, quiz nights, sale of greetings cards and calendars. It is felt we are in a reasonably healthy position, the joint income increased by £9,126 to £41,216. Expenditure has again been restricted to essential maintenance only, repairs were required to the Denholm Church Clock at a cost of £2,884 and this was totally covered by a Grant from Langhope Rig Community Fund via Denholm Community Council. Our electricity costs still remain high. There is a combined surplus of £3,403 compared to a deficit of £1,627 Ruberslaw and £2,862 from Hobkirk & Southdean – this did include the extra expense of the Digital Hymnal. As a United Charge we must continue to keep income steady and control expenditure. It is anticipated that in 2025 there will be additional expenditure required within the Manse, the Property Committee are looking at this at the moment.
The trustees reviewed the congregation’s investments policy when considering the budget for the year and made no changes. In a year when markets were steadier and the restructuring of how the investments are held in the central funds has led to the value of our investments increasing by £26,723 (£19,714 from Hobkirk & Southdean) to £129,110.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who continues to support the life and work of the Church.
Reserves Policy
It is the Trustees’ policy to hold reserves to cover approximately one year’s General Fund expenditure together with necessary reserves for fabric expenditure. The Church is responsible for the upkeep of the churches at Bedrule, Denholm, Hobkirk, Minto and Southdean, and for the Manse situated in Denholm. These are old buildings, listed as of architectural interest, where the need for substantial works may arise at any time. In the circumstances fabric reserves of £200,000 are considered desirable. At the year-end General fund stood at £66,201 (including £29,551 from Hobkirk and Southdean) which is considered adequate. The designated Fabric Fund together with a revenue balance with the Church of Scotland General Trustees, stood at £96,705 (including £9,659 from Hobkirk & Southdean). Legacies and benefactions are sought to enhance this fund. A capital sum of £254,369 held by the Church of Scotland General Trustees is only available to the congregation if exceptional circumstances arise that persuade its trustees to release it.
Ruberslaw Guild held £300 of restricted funds at the year-end. The remainder, apart from a working balance, is disbursed in March each year to the congregation’s General funds and to Church of Scotland Guild projects. Hobkirk & Southdean Guild held £1,021 of restricted funds at the year-end.
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Trustees’ Annual Report (cont) Year ended 31[st] December 2024
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees, being the members of the Kirk Session must prepare an annual report and accounts which give sufficient detail to enable an appreciation of the transactions of the Church during the financial year. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which, on request, must reflect the financial position of the Church at that time. This must be done to ensure that the trustees’ annual report and accounts comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and Regulations for Congregational Finance 2007 (revised 2008) approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and must take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees, being the Kirk Session and signed on their behalf on 25[th] March 2025.
Session Clerk
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 16.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(D) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual item or disclosures in the accounts, and seek explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts be reached.
Date: 21[st] March 2025
Denholm,
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Receipts and Payments Account
Year ended 31[st] December 2024
| Note Receipts 4a,6a Donations Legacy/Grants Fundraising Bank & Deposit Interest Investment Income Contributions to costs for use of premises Sale of Assets Receipts from General Trustees Total Receipts Payments Fundraising costs 5a Charitable activities 5b,6b Event costs 5c Other Costs Purchase of investments 5d Total Payments Excess of Receipts over Payments For the year before transfers Transfers 4b,6c Excess of Receipts over Payments for the year |
General Funds 2024 £ Designated Funds 2024 £ Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Restricted Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ 30,460 30,460 1,357 31,817 26,948 2,884 2,884 2,884 2,435 2,435 2,435 1,760 710 1,144 2,536 3,680 3,680 2,358 |
|---|---|
| 36,923 2,536 39,459 1,357 40,816 31,776 400 400 400 314 3,796 3,796 3,796 803 |
|
| 400 3,796 4,196 4,196 37,323 6,332 43,655 1,357 45,012 32,893 925 925 925 797 36,014 3,313 39,327 1,413 40,740 34,198 35 |
|
| 36,939 3,313 40,252 1,413 41,665 35,030 384 3,019 3,403 (56) 3,347 (2,137) - |
|
| 384 3,019 3,403 (56) 3,347 (2,137) |
|
Note: The receipts and payments recorded above exclude sums received for and disbursed to other charities, see Note 7.
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Statement of Balances
At 31[st] December 2024
| Note Bank & Deposit Balances 3,8 Bank & deposit balances brought forward Movement in the year: Excess of Receipts over Payments For the year Bank & deposit balances carried forward Investments at Market value 3,9 |
General Funds 2024 £ Designated Funds 2024 £ Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Restricted Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2023 £ 21,710 7,362 29,072 1,377 30,449 13,031 384 3,019 3,403 (56) 3,347 (2,137) |
|---|---|
| 22,094 10,381 32,475 1,321 33,796 10,894 |
|
| 42,786 86,324 129,110 102,387 |
The accounts on pages 8 to 16 were approved by the Trustees, being Kirk Session on 25[th] March 2025.
For and on behalf of the Trustees
– Session Clerk
– Treasurer
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Notes to the accounts
1. Accounting Policies and other notes
a. Ministers stipend
All Church of Scotland congregations contribute to the National Stipend Fund which bears the costs of all ministers’ stipends and employer’s contributions for national insurance, pension and housing and loan fund. Ministers’ stipends are paid in accordance with the national stipend scale, which is related to years of service. For the year under review the minimum stipend was £31,642 and the maximum stipend (in the fifth and subsequent years) £38,884.
b. Endowments and reliefs
An endowment fund is held by the Church of Scotland General Trustees from which the income is applied towards the congregation’s contribution to the National Stipend Fund. The Ministries and Mission contribution shown in note 4b to the accounts has been reduced by £8,351 (2023, £2,391) in respect of this endowment income and £1,946 Glebe Rent Income.
c. Fabric Expenditure
Maintenance costs, repairs and improvements are met from Fabric Fund and by special fundraising.
d. Church Property
The Congregation is responsible for the upkeep of Bedrule Church, Denholm Church and Hall and Minto Church, and jointly with the linked charge, for the upkeep of Denholm Manse. The Title Deeds of Denholm Church and Hall are held by the Solicitor to the Church of Scotland. The Title Deeds for Bedrule Church, Minto church and Denholm Manse are held by the Church of Scotland General Trustees.
e. Church Furnishings
The Congregation hold furnishings and effects in its several properties.
2. Trustee Remuneration and Related Part Transactions
During the year no-one received a trustee remuneration or related part transaction. The ministers’ stipend scale is detailed in Note 1a. Trustees Indemnity Insurance is paid for by the charity.
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Notes to the Accounts (cont)
3. Movements in funds
| Unrestricted fund –Bank &Deposit Balances Union Transfer 1/10/24 General Fund Union Transfer – Fabric Fund Designated Fabric Fund Restricted funds Bank & Deposit Balances Hobkirk & Southdean Guild Funds Ruberslaw Guild Funds Total Bank & Deposit Balances Unrestricted Funds Investments at market value Union Transfer-General General Fund Union Transfer - Fabric Designated Fabric Fund Total Investments Total Funds |
31st Dec 2023 £ Receipts Note 4a, 6a £ Payments Note 5,6b £ Transfers Note 4b, 6c £ 31st Dec 2024 £ 17,748 17,748 3,962 37323 36,939 4,346 727 727 6,635 6,332 3,313 9,654 |
|---|---|
| 10,597 43,655 40,252 18,475 32,475 |
|
| 1,080 866 925 1,021 297 491 488 300 |
|
| 1,377 1,357 1,413 1,321 11,974 45,012 41,665 18,475 33,796 |
|
| 10,782 10,782 30,032 1,972 32,004 8,932 8,932 72,355 5,037 77,392 |
|
| 102,387 7,009 19,714 129,110 |
|
| 114,361 52,021 41,665 38,189 162,906 |
Purposes of Designated Funds
Fabric Fund: The Trustees have set aside funds for the maintenance of the Church properties.
Purposes of Restricted Funds
Ruberslaw Guild Fund: This fund was to be used for the purposes of Ruberslaw Guild and include a fund designated for the Denholm Senior Citizen Christmas Afternoon Tea.
Hobkirk & Southdean Guild Fund. This fund was used for the purposes of Hobkirk & Southdean Guild and is managed separately.
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Notes to the Accounts (cont)
4. Unrestricted Funds
| . Unrestricted Funds | |
|---|---|
| Analysis of Receipts & Transfers & Summary of Expenditure a. Receipts Gift Aid Donations Tax recovered on Gift Aid Donations WFO scheme (not Gift Aid) Other regular offerings Ordinary Offerings (open plate) Tax recovered on small donations (GASDS) Weddings & Funerals Other offerings, donations, etc Total donations Legacies Grants Fundraising Bank & deposit interest Investment income Contributions to costs for use of premises Sale of Assets Receipts from General Trustees Total Receipts b. Transfers To General Fund From Ruberslaw Guild c. Total Payments (Note 5) d. Excess of Receipts & Transfers over Payments |
General Fund 2024 £ Designated Fabric Fund 2024 £ Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Total Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 14,874 14,874 10,839 5,282 5,282 3,570 842 842 3,969 1,500 4,610 4,610 3,749 1,034 1,034 1,283 1,559 1,559 1,000 2,259 2,259 723 |
| 30,460 30,460 26,633 2,884 2,884 2,435 2,435 1,760 710 1,144 2,536 3,680 2,358 |
|
| 6,463 2,536 8,999 4,828 400 400 314 - 3,796 3,796 803 |
|
| 400 3,796 4,196 1,117 |
|
| 37,323 6,332 43,655 32,578 |
|
| 250 | |
| 36,939 3,313 40,252 34,455 |
|
| 384 3019 3403 (1,627) |
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Notes to the Accounts (cont)
| 5. Unrestricted Funds Analysis of Payments a. Fundraising costs Events Costs Offerings stationery b. Charitable activities Ministries & Mission contribution (Note 1b) Presbytery dues Minister’s & Locum’s expenses Pulpit supply Pulpit Supply reclaimed (Sickness) Other staffing costs Church fabric repairs & maintenance Manse fabric improvements & maintenance Less: Hobkirk share of manse works Organ & piano maintenance Heat & Light Manse Council Tax Insurance Newsletter, website, advertising Other expenses Expenses from Grant Income c. Governance costs Independent examiner’s fees Total Expenses (a+b+c) d. Other payments Purchase of investments Total Payments |
General Fund 2024 £ Designated Fabric Fund 2024 £ Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Total Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 785 785 730 140 140 67 |
|---|---|
| 925 925 797 |
|
| 16,540 16,540 16,908 537 537 337 675 675 612 378 378 685 - 2,491 2,491 1,085 1,030 1,030 1,057 (363) (363) (354) 155 155 630 5,244 5,244 4,978 1,925 1,925 1,485 6,789 6,789 5,223 627 627 850 415 415 162 2,884 2,884 |
|
| 36,014 3,313 39,327 33,658 |
|
| - - |
|
| 36,939 3,313 40,252 34,455 - |
|
| 36,939 3,313 40,252 34,455 |
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Notes to the Accounts (cont)
| , 6. Restricted Funds Analysis Hobkirk & Southdean Guild Fund 2024 £ Ruberslaw Guild Fund 2024 £ Total Restricted Funds 2024 £ Total Restricte d Funds 2023 £ a. Receipts Other offerings, donations etc 866 491 1,357 315 Fundraising 866 491 1,357 315 b. Fundraising costs Event costs 35 c. Payments, charitable activities Church of Scotland Guild & other projects 405 405 344 Denholm Senior Citizens Christmas Afternoon Tea 83 83 196 Other Expenses 925 925 925 488 1,413 540 d. Transfers To General Fund 0 0 0 250 7. Collections for other Charities In addition to the receipts reported on page 8, the following sums were received and disbursed during the year to other Charities (Ruberslaw Guild projects are reported in Note 6c) 2024 £ 2023 £ Church & Christian Aid Group Christian Aid 257 125 SSAFF (Remembrance) 190 Mary’s Meals (Carols) 300 333 Water Aid 100 First Light (Remembrance) 120 Tiny changes (Christmas Services) 184 Opportunities Zambia (Harvest) 161 Denholm Primary School (Christmas Services) 328 1,450 648 |
Hobkirk & Southdean Guild Fund 2024 £ Ruberslaw Guild Fund 2024 £ Total Restricted Funds 2024 £ Total Restricte d Funds 2023 £ 866 491 1,357 315 |
Hobkirk & Southdean Guild Fund 2024 £ Ruberslaw Guild Fund 2024 £ Total Restricted Funds 2024 £ Total Restricte d Funds 2023 £ 866 491 1,357 315 |
|---|---|---|
| 866 | 491 1,357 315 |
|
| 35 | ||
| 925 | 405 405 344 83 83 196 925 |
|
| 925 | 488 1,413 540 |
|
| 0 | 0 0 250 |
|
| 2024 £ 2023 £ 257 125 190 300 333 100 120 184 161 328 1,450 648 |
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Notes to the Accounts (cont)
8. Bank & Deposit Balances
| General Fund Church of Scotland Investors Trust – Union Transfer Church of Scotland Investors Trust Royal Bank of Scotland – Union Transfer Bank of Scotland Designated Fabric Fund Church of Scotland Investors Trust – Union Transfer Church of Scotland Investors Trust Royal Bank of Scotland – Union Transfer Bank of Scotland The Guilds Hobkirk & Southdean Ruberslaw Total The account with Bank of Scotland no longer earns interest. 9. Investments Church of Scotland Investors Trust At cost (market value Note 3) General Fund 1690 units Growth Fund – Union Transfer 3,418 units Growth Fund 922 units Income Fund Designated Fabric Fund 1400 units Growth Fund – Union Transfer 8,809 units Growth Fund 1,916 units Income Fund Total |
2024 £ 2023 £ 243 2,500 2,500 17,505 1,846 1,462 |
|---|---|
| 22,094 3,962 |
|
| 104 2,500 2,500 623 7,154 4,135 |
|
| 10,381 6,635 |
|
| 1,021 1,080 300 297 |
|
| 1,321 1,377 |
|
| 33,796 10,894 |
|
| 2024 £ 2023 £ 5,002 7,289 7,289 9,990 9,990 |
|
| 22,281 17,279 |
|
| 4,088 29,997 29,997 20,000 20,000 |
|
| 76,366 67,276 |
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Ruberslaw Country Parishes Church of Scotland
Notes to the Accounts (cont)
APPENDIX
Funds held on behalf of the Congregation By the Church of Scotland General Trustees
| 1. Capital Account Funds at Cost - UnionTransfer Funds at Cost Total Funds at market value 2. Revenue Account Represented by bank balances Funds brought forward – Union Transfer Funds brought forward Investment income Released to congregation re Ruberslaw fabric costs Funds carried forward |
2024 £ 2023 £ 122,367 51,397 51,397 |
|---|---|
| 254,369 71,684 |
|
| 22,815 2,318 884 2,536 2,239 (3,796) (805) |
|
| 23,874 2,318 |
Purposes
The trustees release income to the congregation against claims in respect of qualifying fabric expenditure on the properties in its care. The Trustees would only release capital in the event of exceptional circumstances which they might consider to warrant such a release.
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