The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)".
The purpose of the company is that of the legal entity of the Divine Healing Mission, which operates under the name of Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre ("CCHC").
The Mission of CCHC, as written in the Declaration of Trust dated thirty-first day of March 1960 made by Reverend S M Wickham and Reverend G L J Bennett is as follows:
1. to proclaim to all men everywhere the unchanging Will and power of God to heal through his son Jesus today as of old.
2. to make humble and loyal use off every means of divine healing instituted and commanded by our Lord i.e. the prayer of faith, the sacrament of holy communion, anointing with holy oil, laying on of hands, whereby the power of God is made available for the deliverance of mankind from evil bondage and affliction.
3. to enable sufferers to receive the benefit of spiritual help rest and quiet in the proper surroundings and to this end retain central and suitable headquarters and generally to have full power to purchase sell mortgage lease or otherwise deal with the land and to erect pull down alter or otherwise deal with buildings thereon.
This is explained to our supporters by the following statement:
CCHC has a vision to advance the Kingdom of God. This vision is fulfilled by:
Continuing the healing, preaching and teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ worldwide;
Providing a non denominational residential space where people can be loved by God;
Using our resources to encourage and teach people to grow in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The activities undertaken during the year were as follows:
22:2 Healing services, so named to point to God's vision for the healing of the nations (see Revelation 22:1-3), were held on most weekdays throughout the year;
Healing services were shown online via links on Facebook and YouTube;
Healing Space, which is designated time for guests to stay at the Centre and draw closer to God, was programmed throughout the year.
Prayer ministry was provided to residential guests and day visitors upon request;
Hospitality was provided in Howards Well café to all comers Monday to Friday each week;
Guided Quiet Days, Guided retreats and other courses were provided by the Staff Chaplains at the Centre, with access available online for those who were unable to attend or preferred to watch at home; in addition, several Visiting Chaplains were invited to be Lead Chaplain for specific weeks that were advertised in advance, and to lead chosen Guided Quiet Days and Retreats;
Staff Chaplains made visits by invitation to a number of churches to preach;
The 'Revive' newsletter was published every two months during the year and distributed by post and electronic mail;
Trustee, Management, and Team Meetings were held regularly at the Centre, with participants unable to attend personally joining by zoom.
The Facebook page continued to be the principal way for CCHC to advertise the activities being provide daily. The Thursday Healing Services are live-streamed when possible, and they are recorded for viewing on YouTube later. CCHC also used Instagram to publicise its activities.
The charity has paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Meetings were held during the year to explain the role of Volunteers at CCHC and to ask those who felt called to this work to apply to join the team after suitable training had been given. This has resulted in the addition of several volunteers across the departments.
The Centre was open to guests throughout the year, except the days when closed for staff welfare, deep cleaning and necessary maintenance. Residential guests, day visitors and many Church groups were all welcomed;
There was a noticeable increase in the number of bed nights this year compared with last year, and an increase in the hiring of rooms for personal prayer and meditation;
Family activities were available during school holidays and public holidays;
The 'Howards Well' café continued to perform well through the year, operating on the patio and in the lounge and dining room;
After appealing for funding, together with grants and donations received for the purpose, the patio was refurbished, with new slabs laid, a new sloping pathway created, a new access between the patio and dining room installed with French doors, new flower beds and planters constructed, and new tables and chairs purchased;
Prayer with one of the dedicated team of Chaplains was available every day to anyone who requested it;
The financial position of the charity was significantly improved by the receipt of legacies and generous donations. We thank God for his generosity and grace in providing sufficient funds to tackle repairs that were very necessary, and improvements that have enhanced the enjoyment for guests;
Crowhurst C of E Primary School sang Christmas carols to guests, and further shared activities between the school and CCHC are anticipated;
The relationship with Glyne Gap School continues and work experience is provided for several young people with special needs;
Planned maintenance and redecoration was carried out during the year and scheduling for more expensive tasks has been done now funds are available;
The refurbishment of the two flats in the Wing was started in earnest with the aim of bringing them into operational use mid-2024;
Measured and Condition surveys have been obtained for future reference.
The income from charitable activities this year was much improved over last year. Donations were also strong and several legacies were received during the year. Total income for the year was £870,825 compared with £639,638 in the previous year. The charity made a net surplus on unrestricted funds, after transfers, of £103,852 (2023: surplus of £26,029). Unrestricted funds carried forward at 31 March 2024 amounted to £1,579,085 (2023: £1,475,233).
The Trust is dependent on Almighty God for support. As a matter of good practice it is the intention to hold a minimum of 3 months fixed operating expenses as a reserve, which is calculated to be approximately £100,000. Funds in excess of that requirement will be deposited with institutions to obtain the best savings rates available (within the FSCS protection) and a sum in excess of £100,000 is held on deposit with CCLA.
Risk Management
Health and safety monitoring and checks were carried out during the year.
CCHC has published its own risk assessment for Covid so that staff and guests remained as safe as reasonably possible.
Fire inspections were carried out regularly.
The safeguarding policies are kept under review and are published on the website. Relevant personnel have attended training courses online.
The organisation remains compliant with relevant data protection legislation.
The staff handbook has been kept updated as policies are reviewed.
The Trustees and the Leadership continue to trust in God's faithfulness and are very privileged to watch God at work in this place. A programme of events is published each year, but everything remains subject to the authority and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer with guests by the dedicated team of Chaplains at the Centre remains a central pillar in how CCHC fulfils its purpose and mission, but the daily rhythm of prayer, worship and the hospitality all combine to allow people to come in confidence to this safe place and meet God. There are many testimonies by visitors who experienced the presence of God as soon as they arrived, and much blessing during their stay, and that remains our mission.
We believe the future of CCHC is safe under God's sovereign authority and we continue to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all matters as we move forward.
The Trustees of the Divine Healing Mission are the members of the Company and serve as the Directors. Only the Trustees are eligible to be members. There were four meetings of Trustees during the year held at CCHC at which the affairs of the Company were discussed. There were also two meetings at which the Trustees and Chaplains prayerfully considered the future vision of the charity. Most personnel attended in person, but attendance by zoom was arranged for those who requested it.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Trustees with suitable spiritual maturity and business understanding are appointed by the existing Trustees. All new Trustees are supplied with Charity Commission guidance on being an effective Trustee and are provided training as necessary.
During the year, the Chaplain with Centre oversight was appointed Deputy Senior Chaplain in addition to her ongoing responsibilities. The Leadership Team now consists of the Senior Chaplain and the Deputy Senior Chaplain. Following the Administration Manager's retirement in July 2023, the administration tasking was distributed between the Leadership and the Department Managers.
CCHC continues to liaise with organizations that have similar interests and aims. The Christian Healing UK annual conference did not take place during this year, but arrangements were made to host the conference later in 2024. CCHC is a member of a local network of Retreat Centres in the local area.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The Trustees, who are also the directors of Divine Healing Mission (Holdings) Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Divine Healing Mission (Holdings) Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.
As the Trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Divine Healing Mission (Holdings) Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Old Rectory, Crowhurst, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9AD.
The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 2. In the event of the company becoming wound up the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per member.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustee in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations and grants are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected.
Liabilities are recognised when a constructive obligation exists, the payment is probable and the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Resources expended are allocated to the particular cost centre to which they relate and include irrecoverable VAT.
Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following basis:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
In the opinion of the Trustees there is no benefit served by providing depreciation on the building as this would create a misleading impression. The building is a residential centre with all necessary expenditure incurred to maintain its value which is well in excess of the historical book cost.
Assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Sales of books, cards & brochures
Fees
Café sales
Land and property rental income
Property repairs and renewals
Laundry and cleaning
Staff training and recruitment
Travel and subsistence
Garden expenses and equipment
Sundry expenses and equipment
Kitchen equipment
Other consumables and bookshop costs
Rates, water and waste
Food and provisions
Electricity and fuel
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
Trustees donations during the year were £2,093 (2022: £3,068).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The remuneration of key management personnel (which includes gross pay, employer's pension contributions and employer's national insurance contributions) is as follows:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Defined contribution schemes
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £14,119 (2023 - £12,654).
Defined benefit schemes
The charity makes contributions on behalf of a chaplain to the Church of England pension scheme which is a defined benefit scheme.
The charity's contributions to this defined benefit pension scheme was £7,068 (2023 - £8,514).
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Howard's Well patio - this fund is for the installing of patio doors from the Howard's Well cafe and a levelling of the patio to enable wheelchair access. £10,000 was transferred into this fund from the Lily Floyer fund in 2023-24.
Flats conversion - this fund contains gifts which will be used to renovate two flats to make them fit for use. A sum of £10,000 was allocated from the Lily Floyer fund and £15,000 from the General Fund.
Jabez Garden - this fund held donations given for the repair and repositioning of a polytunnel for the Jabez Garden. The work was completed in 2022-23 and the fund is now closed.
Other restricted - this fund represents donations given where the donor requested they be used for specific purposes.
Lily Floyer - this fund resulted from a legacy in 2023-24 and was allocated in accordance with the donor's wishes: £10,000 to Howard's Well, £10,000 to Flat conversion, £5,000 to Bursary fund.
The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds:
Land and property fund - this fund represents the value of land and property held on the balance sheet.
Bursary fund - this fund is a combination of the G&M Bennett memorial fund and the Friends of Crowhurst fund. It is used to provide financial support towards visitors fees. £5,000 was transferred into the fund from the Lily Floyer fund in 2023-24.
Future building maintenance - this fund, set up in 2023-24, contains monies set aside to pay for substantial maintenance costs due in 2024-25. The sum of £80,770 was taken from a legacy gift of £100,770.
Centenary appeal - this fund, set up in 2023-24, contains monies set aside and designated for future projects related to the centenary of Crowhurst which will be celebrated in 2028. A sum of £20,000 was set aside from legacies received in the General fund in 2023-24.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).
The charity had no material debt during the year.