Annual Report and Accounts 2014

Transcription

1 Annual Report and Accounts 2014 Christians on Ageing is a working title of: Christian Council on Ageing Registered Charity number Registered address: 3, Stuart Street, Derby DE1 2EQ info@ccoa.org.uk

2 Christians on Ageing The story of older people is the story of their unique life journey. They have lived through war and peace, have known hope and failure, and have found, and sometimes lost, friendship and love. For many, their Christian faith has been the context within which they have lived and in which they will die. They have handed on the gospel message to the next generation but are also living it day by day. Their story is not just about the past; they are part, in the here and now, of the Churches proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are a valued and precious resource. They want to give as well as receive. Christians on Ageing is one of their voices. Christians on Ageing works throughout the United Kingdom operates as an ecumenical Christian organisation publishes resources for individuals and local ministries arranges conferences and events promotes research and innovation comments on current issues affecting older people A Resource to the Churches improving understanding on issues that matter providing a link between the denominations contributing to innovation in work with dementia responding to enquiries on age and ageing unlocking the talent and experience of older people seeking dialogue between people of faith and wider society 2

3 This Report marks the end of an important cycle in the life of the Christian Council on Ageing (CCOA) and the start of a new one as Christians on Ageing. For operational reasons, the Annual General Meeting will be held on 23 September As this is a little later than normal, members are being provided with a copy of the Report some months in advance of the meeting. It is inevitable that much of the information about our activities in 2014 will be known already, through the regular updates in plus magazine and on our website ; the Report is the formal communication about what has been happening rather than the latest news. Patrons Rev Dr Martyn Atkins - the Methodist Church Rev Esme Beswick, MBE the Joint Council for Anglo-Caribbean Churches Mrs Elaine Cobb the Salvation Army Cardinal Vincent Nichols the Roman Catholic Church Rev Roberta Rominger - the United Reformed Church Rt Rev Dr Alan Smith the Church of England Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh - Russian Orthodox Church Churches Together in England Vice-President Vice-president Mrs Elizabeth Harbottle 3

4 Executive Committee Chair Mr Gerry Burke Vice-chair Ms Wendy Cocks Secretary Mr Jo Kennedy Treasurer Sister Maureen Murphy Members Mr Tony Flynn Rev Graham Hawley Rev Dr Albert Jewell Rev Dr John Lansley Rev Rob Merchant Dr Mike Monaghan In attendance Membership and Publications Officer Mrs Sue Kennedy 4

5 Executive Committee Report Gerry Burke Chair 2014 was notable for: A series of regional meetings of members A special event at the House of Lords The adoption of a new name A revision of our publications The launch of our new website The regional meetings took place in the early part of the year and were held in Bristol, London and Manchester. In addition to receiving details about the recent work of the Committee, the meetings were an opportunity for members to contribute to the next stages of the review of our organisation in our aim to be a resource to the Churches. The meetings asked the Executive Committee to: Really work hard to make the new website a genuine Resource to the Churches : highlighting the issues everyone is talking about and offering information and reflection plus links to what others are doing Produce new material for publication on the things that matter to CCOA members: spirituality, including public and private prayer; support for carers, especially those looking after people suffering from dementia; pastoral care at local level, including guidance for those who visit people at home or in care; and commentaries on current topics of interest to all older people, including so-called end of life issues Publicise CCOA by letting people know what we are doing and saying: through the website, through a suggested newsletter, wide and constant mailing of the publicity brochure, and getting access to local church communities Establish meaningful contact with the people in the Churches who actually take decisions, what might be called middle-management, and find ways to stress the value of our ecumenical ethos Seek ways of improving the Networks so that non-members of CCOA feel connected to our work These recommendations provided the Committee with a focus for its discussions during the rest of the year. The highlight of the year, undoubtedly, was the special event at the House of Lords. Around sixty members, friends, and supporters of CCOA were welcomed by Baroness Barker, a peer who worked for many years at the national charity, Age Concern (now Age UK). She spoke of the importance of our organisation in bringing together the many voices of older people within the Christian Churches and our rightful place within the debates and discussions about older people s needs which take place within government, local and national. Our own Vice-President, Elizabeth Harbottle, gave a moving and robust account of the beginnings of CCOA over thirty years ago, and it was wonderful to hear her speak of the origins of the idea and the first meetings and founding personalities. As Chair of CCOA, 5

6 I asked guests to think of the recent developments in the organisation as an unfinished product which they were invited to help finish, and said that we were unashamedly seeking contacts and supporters in high places to help us with ambitious but achievable aims. One of the successful features of the event was the discovery of real people from other organisations and from within the Churches willing to open doors for CCOA as we offer our resources more widely. The overall theme of the event was that we should all be looking for ways to inform each other of what we are doing and seeking ways of working together; hardly startling, but it has not been said before by the people we gathered together. We were fortunate in having an anonymous donor who gave a sum of money specifically to cover our costs in arranging Afternoon Tea at the Lords. I express, again, the gratitude of all members for this generosity. The House of Lords event, entitled CCOA: Refreshed & Renewed, was the first time we used our new name: Christians on Ageing. The adoption of a new name was a direct result of the conversations with members at the regional meetings. It is hoped that with its more down-to-earth feel the name will more accurately reflect the approach we are taking: engagement with the emerging issues affecting the lives of older people, and helping the Churches to offer better responses both nationally and locally. It is recognised that this will take time. For many years, we have published booklets and leaflets on topics of interest to older Christians. Some have reached the end of their useful life and have now been removed from our list; some are in process of revision to take account of the many changes in society, including legislation; and new ones have been commissioned. The Publications Officer s report gives more detail. We are grateful to Sister Joan Kerley, a Franciscan Missionary of St Joseph, who has generously given of her time and wide experience in the production of new material. We have also been delighted to continue our co-operation with Methodist Homes and Faith in Elderly People (Leeds) in the joint production of Growing Dementia Friendly Churches, an invaluable new resource in an aspect of older age which is calling for greater attention throughout society. This continues our commitment to people suffering from dementia and those who work with them; the report from our Dementia Network shows the importance of the contribution we try to make. The year ended on a sad note. Canon Michael Butler, who had been a member of our organisation from its inception in 1982, was killed in a car crash near his home in Norfolk on 28 November He was 82. Michael was Editor of plus magazine from 1989 until 2014 and through its pages offered guidance, comment and humour revealing a wide understanding of age and ageing issues. The Appreciation published in the Spring 2015 issue is included in the Report as a mark of our respect and love for a singular priest. May he find joy in the presence of the Lord. I wish to record the gratitude of the Committee to Jo Kennedy, the Honorary Secretary, and Sister Maureen Murphy, the Honorary Treasurer, for their consistent and meticulous attention to the needs of the charity; to Sue Kennedy, our Membership and Publications Officer for keeping the records up to date, managing the production and sale of our publications, and ensuring the timely production of plus, our quarterly magazine; and to John Lansley for his very successful first year as Editor of plus. On behalf of all involved with Christians on Ageing I thank all members of the Committee for the ways in which they have 6

7 contributed to the development of our organisation during the three years of their term of office. In the thirty and more years since CCOA was founded, the numbers of people living into older age has increased rapidly and attitudes within society towards being old have changed radically. Older people do not consider themselves to be just receivers but also contributors to the life and progress of the country. At the same time, as the ability of government and society to provide comprehensive welfare support has decreased, new needs have emerged, particularly in long-term care and support for people with various forms of dementia. Older Christians are part of the Churches proclamation of the gospel but their abilities and role are often forgotten. Christians on Ageing is still needed. It is the one voice for older people crossing denominational boundaries. It can speak freely TO all the Churches precisely because it does not speak FOR the Churches. Finally, without the continuing support of its members, Christians on Ageing would not be able to provide this unique resource to the Churches. Thank you. Our magazine: plus John Lansley Editor The major change for plus during the year, of course, was Michael Butler s standing down as editor, after twenty-five years in post which means of course, that he was responsible for at least 100 issues, a record which will surely stand for ever! Christians on Ageing s debt to Michael for all the work he put in over that time is incalculable, and his own contributions over the wide field of spirituality for older people must have brought blessing to very many people. We were deeply grieved to learn of his death in a road accident later in the year, and thank God for all he did. As incoming editor, I had reason to be grateful that Michael had left me material for the first few issues, while Christians on Ageing s own developments, including regional meetings and the House of Lords reception provided other topical issues. But behind these come a range of topics which continue to be important for our members and readers: on the one hand keeping people informed of developments in services for older people, and particularly the work of church based agencies in this respect, and on the other feeding, and listening to, the spirituality of older people themselves. One important new input here is the series of Biblical portraits which Sister Joan Kerley is writing. I am very grateful to her, and to Sue Kennedy, who not only deals with all the production side of plus, but is also a great source of reflections, both of her own authorship and from her network of other writers. plus is wholly dependent on its contributors: I offer thanks, salutations and admiration to all those who have already provided material, and will be delighted to hear from future writers. 7

8 Michael Butler An appreciation Some facts: Michael was a graduate of Keble College, Oxford and also a qualified social worker which qualifications must have stood him in good stead when he was working in Poplar and Wallbrook in the sixties. He then continued his ministry in the seventies and eighties in Sussex, firstly in East then West when he became part of the Diocesan team as Director of Social Responsibility. It was during this time that he sat on the national Church of England committee that produced the important Report on Ageing in He eventually retired to Norfolk in His involvement with the Christian Council on Ageing begins around 1982 when he became, if not a founder member then a very early one. In 1989 he began his stint as Editor of plus which continued until 2014 a marathon. He also found time to co-author a book with Ann Orbach, Being Your Age (SPCK, 1993) Michael was a significant member of the Halley Stewart Age Awareness Project which ran between 1995 and 1999, co-sponsored by CCOA and Methodist Homes, and was notable for being a major contributor to Spiritual Perspectives on Ageing: a module for ministerial training In 2005 he met up with Dr Elizabeth MacKinlay, from Australia, when the idea of International conferences on Ageing and Spirituality was first floated. This led to Michael taking part in 3 international conferences on spirituality and ageing- in UK (Durham), Australia (Adelaide) and Scotland (Edinburgh). When Michael moved to Norfolk he became involved with the Norwich CCOA prayer group. Out of this sprang his work in the Age-UK led project with Lifers in Nelson Wing, the hospice behind bars, at Norwich Prison, the Out and About project where prisoners meet informally and Forget -me-nots, help for prisoners with dementia. Some reflections The problem with an organisation such as ours is that members are spread all over the country and there is little opportunity to get to know them on a personal basis. This was so with Michael who was a very private person rarely sharing personal information. We worked 8

9 together on the production of the magazine for six years but all I really knew about him were facts as covered above with little extra snippets such as the information that at the same time as he was working in Poplar so were the original Call the Midwife team. Michael knew them all and said that they were not really as portrayed on the TV! And when he was at St Stephens and St Swithins, Wallbrook, he was working with Chad Varah as he founded the Samaritans, and Michael was one of their regional representatives and served on their executive committee for several years. But I never heard about his family or friends apart from those in Aylsham Music Society where he sang in the choir we shared that love of choral singing. But we made a good team despite the fact that Michael wasn t, as I m sure he would readily have admitted, the most organised of people. We had our hairy moments desperately searching for articles for plus but in the end he always came up with the goods - and he did that for 25 years. That isn t a task that I would relish. Despite poor health over the last years Michael never gave up on all his projects his prison work, collecting prayers for the book that he never quite got time to put together, his choir (that was something we had in common) and his unceasing support of CCOA. I, and CCOA, will miss him very much. Sue Kennedy I am very sorry to hear of Michael s death. He was a good servant of CCOA, and my main contact with him when I was a member of the Executive, and especially during my time as Secretary, was in his capacity as editor of plus. I developed both an affection for the man and an admiration of his interesting articles and words of wisdom, often but not always relating to his work in the local prison. He helped me with one or two of my own contributions to plus. CCOA owes him a lot for his contribution over many years, and will seem empty without him. Mike Lowis He seemed to me he was a man involved in all kinds of things, mostly with a passion. He will be missed by many in very differing situations. Joyce Bullen I send my sincere condolences about Michael s death. I first met Michael on the Reaching Older People Group which was part of the Evangelical Alliance at the time. I think I first met him in 1999 and if my memory serves me correctly it was Michael who encouraged me to look at the CCOA. He will be greatly missed. Rob Merchant It was with shock and sadness that I learnt of the death of Canon Michael Butler. I know he has been a stalwart member of the CCOA. I had a few brief personal encounters with him which I greatly appreciated. May he rest in a well-deserved peace and joy. Sister Pauline Mahoney We were sad to learn of Michael Butler s death in the last plus. We have many happy memories of his good company and contributions at early CCOA gatherings, when we were considerably more active. Geoff and Sylvia Saul 9

10 Dementia Network Albert Jewell Secretary At the heart of the Network lies the production of the six-monthly Dementia Newsletter which is now sent to some 250 subscribers. It includes a letter from our chair The Rev Dr Margaret Goodall, news from across the dementia field, the latest book reviews, and items from our subscribers and others. The past year has been characterised by a significant contribution towards helping churches become more dementia-friendly. After extensive research and involvement in seminars and conferences The Rev Gaynor Hammond s book Growing Dementia-Friendly Churches was launched in December. It was jointly published with Methodist Homes and Faith in Elderly People (Leeds) and has pioneered the way for future working together. In addition, Rev Dr Albert Jewell and three research colleagues have been involved in a study of the impact of caring for a loved-one with dementia on the faith of the carer, a little examined area. Considerable support was given by Christians on Ageing and the Network in finding over 50 participants whose contributions have proved most moving. Once the detailed analysis has been completed it is planned that articles examining the findings will be written for both Christians on Ageing and appropriate academic journals. It is in such ways that Christians on Ageing can truly make a difference in the care of people with dementia. Ageing Issues Study Network The Ageing Issues Study Network replaces the previous Research Group. An initial meeting is to be held in The new Network will provide a forum for the exchange of information, and discussion, debate and research on all aspects of ageing. 10

11 Publications Sue Kennedy Publications Officer General figures Non-web sales 267 Web sales Deductions - 61 net gain 286 Other costs Total net gain = 165 ( 487) Dementia Network figures Non-web sales 203 Web sales Deductions - 45 Net gain 182 Other costs - 67 Total net gain = 115 ( 80 Overall Profit 280 ( 567) There is no ignoring the fact that it has not been a great year for publication sales. However in mitigation it was always known that in withdrawing some of our older, but popular, publications sales figures would suffer. It is hoped that there will soon be replacement titles for two of last year s biggest sellers on visiting, particularly the house bound, and on dealing with loss. Another possible contributory factor to reduced sales was the change-over to a new, and improved, website which took a little time to refine. However on a positive note top of the sales list this year is one of our new titles Growing dementia-friendly churches. With sales of 42 copies it outstrips the joint runners-ups, a long standing favourite Spirituality of Ageing and Thoughts for meditation and worship-3, by 30 copies. As further new titles are added, next year s sales figures are awaited with anticipation. 11

12 New titles don t just appear they have to be put together with much thought and hard work and our thanks go to all those who are prepared to make that effort. Rev Gaynor Hammond gave us Growing dementia-friendly churches while Sister Joan Kerley has already given us Love is the dream and has another title in preparation as does Sister Maureen Murphy. Other authors, whether established or new, are encouraged to submit for consideration their own ideas for new publications. Membership Sue Kennedy Membership Secretary Unfortunately, despite all the publicity work done over the past two years, membership numbers are still dropping. In particular, the number of individuals in membership dropped from 199 in 2013 to 185 in Organisations in membership dropped by just one from 46 to 45. Merseyside Branch John Lansley Secretary The group has been involved in two activities this year, as well as continuing to act informally as a point for concerns about the needs and gifts of older Christians. In October we organised a conference on the importance of broadcasting for older Christians. Our initial intention had been to focus on how radio and television may help housebound older people, but we were able to go into much more depth, thanks to the contribution of our speaker, the Rev Roger Hutchings, who had wide experience of religious broadcasting, including producing Songs of Praise for a number of years. He helped us to understand the resource issues involved in religious broadcasting, and how these had changed over time, and how traditional niche listener groups had to be part of a wider band of consumers. (Roger s talk was printed in the Winter issue of plus, 2014). 12

13 Hot on the heels of this conference came a request from Canon Neville Black, a retired Anglican vicar, for us to share in an Advent reflection afternoon for older Christians. This proved successful, with about thirty people attending, and since then we have jointly organised a similar Lent event, with further plans in the pipeline. Our local committee continues to include Anglicans, Methodists, Roman Catholics, Salvation Army and Church of Scotland, and does its best to reach out to all older Christians on Merseyside. This year Wendy Cocks, our treasurer, has moved to Rochdale: we thank her warmly for all her ideas and enthusiasm, as well as looking after our money. Finance Sister Maureen Murphy, FMSJ Treasurer Despite end of year deficits on both the general and dementia accounts our balance sheet remains healthy. The deficit on the dementia account was simply due to late presentation of invoices from a previous year and apart from this there is very little movement on the account. On the general account day to day income and expenditure breaks even but in the last two years we have made additional expenditure on our new website and the development of our charity. Although this led to an end of year deficit, this was funded by donations in the previous year given specifically for this purpose. Both subscriptions and the sale of publications continue to be good sources of income. Continuing expenditure on the website is seen as an investment in our future because the website is central to our aim to be a resource to the Churches and underpins our development. 13

14 Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts Report to the Trustees of the Christian Council on Ageing O n A c c o u n t s f o r t h e Y e a r E n d e d 3 1 D e c e m b e r Registered Charity no I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2014, which are set out on the following pages. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act; To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act; and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention Basis of independent examiner s report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether he accounts present 'a true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met; or (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Daniel Smith, John A. Porter & Co 10 March Dickenson Road Manchester M14 5HF 14

15 CHRISTIAN COUNCIL ON AGEING Registered charity No STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2014 General Fund Dementia fund (Restricted) 2014 Total 2013 Total Incoming resources Voluntary income Subscription income - 4,103 4,103 4,102 individuals Subscription income corporate Donations 1, ,770 4,362 Donations to Newsletter Credits from Branches Tax credits 1,457 5, ,883 9,946 Income from charitable activities Sales 1, , Conference income , , Other income Investment income Total incoming resources , ,410 10,424 15

16 General Fund Dementia fund (Restricted) 2014 Total Resources expended 2013 Total Charitable activities PLUS 1,840 1,840 1,854 DG Newsletter Website 3,446 3,446 2,689 Branch expenditure Trustees Travel expenses 25% Printing, stationery & advertising Post and telephone Subscriptions and insurance Publications 28 1,200 1, purchased Publications 2,141 2,141 1,976 support Research Donations Bank charges ,066 1,226 11,292 7,773 Governance Trustees Travel 1, , expenses 75% Meeting rooms Conference Examiner s fee Secretarial support Other expenses , ,221 2,415 Total resources expended Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Funds brought forward Funds carried forward 12,159 1,354 13,513 10,188 (5,177) (926) (6,103) ,102 5,512 36,614 36,378 25,925 4,586 30,511 36,614 16

17 CHRISTIAN COUNCIL ON AGEING Registered charity No BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December Current Assets 4,555 Cash at Bank General 857 Fund 26,677 COIF General Fund 25, Cash at bank dementia - account 5,121 COIF Dementia Account 4,121 - Dementia fund ,744 31,120 Current Liabilities 130 Sundry creditors Dementia fund ,614 30,511 Represented by: 31,102 General Funds 25,925 Restricted funds 5,512 Dementia Fund 4,586 36,614 Capital employed 30,511 Signed on behalf on the Trustees J.A.Flynn J.C.Kennedy Dated 10 th March

18 Contact us For any enquiries contact can be made through the Secretary:- By post to: Christians on Ageing Stoneway, Hornby Road Appleton Wiske Northallerton DL6 2AF By telephone: By Through the website: Other specific contact points:- Treasurer Sister Maureen Murphy, St Joseph s Convent, 150, Greenleach Lane, Worsley, Manchester M28 2TS fmsj@aol.com Editor of plus Rev Dr John Lansley 25, Buckingham Avenue Liverpool L17 3BA lansleya@tiscali.co.uk Dementia Network Rev Dr Albert Jewell 63, Moor Grange View, West Park Leeds LS16 5BH ajj633@btinternet.com Merseyside Branch Rev Dr John Lansley 25, Buckingham Avenue Liverpool L17 3BA lansleya@tiscali.co.uk 18