||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**Trustees' Annual Report**|||||**for theperiod**||| |**From**|Period start date|||**To**|Period end date||| ||01|01|2022||
31|12|2022| ## Section A Reference and administration details **Charity name** ASTBURY MERE TRUST **Other names charity is known by** None **Registered charity number (if any)** 1007740 **Charity's principal address** Astbury Mere Country Park Sandy Lane, Congleton, Cheshire **Postcode CW12 4AW** ## **Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity** |1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20|**Trustee name**|**Office (if any)**|**Dates acted if not for whole**
**year**|**Name of person (or body) entitled**
**to appoint trustee (if any)**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||Alison Cresswell|Chair||| ||Sarah Dean|Secretary||| ||Lorraine Mort|Treasurer||| ||Caroline Whiting|||| ||Gavin Wolfenden|||| ||John Whitehead|||| ||Jeannie Silk||Retired 08.03.22|| ||Richard Mort|||| ||Margaret Gartside|||| ||Peter Speed|||| ||Graham Cresswell|||| ||Suzie Akers Smith|||| ||PhilipHowell|||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| **Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)** **Name Dates acted if not for whole year** ## _**Section B Structure, governance and management**_ ## **Description of the charity’s trusts** Memorandum of Association Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) A company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Voting of current Trustees Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, elected by) ## **Additional governance issues (Optional information)** You **may choose** to include additional information, where relevant, about: - policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees; - the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works; - relationship with any related parties; - trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them. ## **Section C Objectives and activities** To provide for the benefit of the inhabitants of Congleton and district a managed and **Summary of the** maintained country park at Astbury Mere in perpetuity for recreation or other leisure **objects of the** time occupation with the object of improving life for the said inhabitants. **charity set out in its governing document** The trustees confirm that the main activities undertaken during the reporting period have been in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The main activities undertaken by the trust were land management operations to maintain and improve the Country Park for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. The activities were arranged through our Ranger Service and most involved volunteer work either in full or in part. The key activities for 2022 were: **Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)** Annual tasks were completed through the year, including the cutting back of vegetation adjacent to paths throughout the site, around the Wildlife Area pond and in the Community Orchard. The various meadows throughout the park had their seasonal cut, with bramble and self-sown saplings removed for the meadows on the east bank of the park. We had the boundary hedge adjacent to Galbraith Close layered by Congleton District Volunteers, whilst elsewhere volunteer clients from the Rossendale Trust spent a number of days trimming some of the park’s shrub beds. We also started to address some of the invasive Laurel present in some parts of the woodlands. With the support of funding from Cheshire East Council a new surfaced path was constructed along the higher-level ground above the lake, offering visitors an alternative route to the lakeside path. Named the Woodland Walk, this path was waymarked with new Oak posts and further improved with the installation of benches and a seat, donated to the Trust by visitors to the park. Other path improvement works in the park were implemented with the help of volunteers from Astra Zeneca, with the direct support of Employee Volunteering. Early in the year we removed the container that was sited next to the café. This offered up the opportunity to create a new wildflower meadow, which has helped enhance the additional seating area that the new space now provides. Maintaining the café as an attractive focal point has been a priority. However, challenges arose through the year with several storm events requiring numerous windblown trees to be felled. We also started on work to address the increasing challenges of Ash Dieback disease on site. Nevertheless, ongoing repairs to paths, seats, fencing and signage kept the park looking in prime condition. Ditches were cleared and hedges trimmed throughout, and we also removed a redundant handrail from the Margaret Memorial Woodland path plus the final sections of old quarry fencing from the park boundary adjacent to Fol Hollow. ## **Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)** |You**may**
**choose**to
include further
statements,
where relevant,
about:
•policy on
grant
making;
•policy
programme
related
investment;
•contribution
made by
volunteers.|We do not have any permanent or semi-permanent volunteers.
Volunteers are sought for particular jobs or projects as needed. Our primary source is
from those who have volunteered in the past; volunteers come from many sources
including individuals, organised groups such as the Congleton Conservation Volunteers
and businesses looking for activities to support their social responsibility programmes.| |---|---| |**Section D-**
**Achievemen**
**ts and**
**Performanc**
**e**
**Summary of the**
**main**
**achievements**
**of the charity**
**during the year**|The Park remained as popular as ever through the year, with our estimate that over
300,00 visitors enjoyed the facilities.
A new pedestrian counter was installed alongside the lakeside path during the year,
offering up a more accurate picture of how many people are walking this route.
Elsewhere regular groups from Congleton U3A and Congleton Writers Forum
continued to utilise the Community Room and the weekly Congleton Park Run
remained well frequented, as in previous years.
We also hosted a couple of artisan markets and a couple of birdwatching events.
The Country Park achieved accreditation (by Natural England) for a further three
years and remains one of the most popular outdoor recreation venues in East
Cheshire.| |---|---| ## **Section E Financial review** **Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves** **Details of any funds materially** None **in deficit** ## **Further financial review details (Optional information)** You **may choose** to include additional information, where While the income derived from the Trust’s investments only represents relevant about: 25-30% of the total income it is necessary to ensure that the reserves are • the charity’s principal kept as safe as possible whilst generating the best level of return. The investment objective is to generate a return bettering inflation over the sources of funds (including long term, after expenses. This should allow the Trust to at least any fundraising); maintain the value of the investment, whilst the income from that • how expenditure has investment is used to contribute to the running cost of managing and supported the key objectives maintaining the park. - how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; - investment policy and All investments should produce a return in line with the Trust’s stated investment objectives agreed by the Trustees and where practical - objectives including any ensuring that those funds are invested ethically. - ethical investment policy adopted. ## _**Section F Other optional information**_ ## **Section G Declaration** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** **Signature(s) Full name(s)** Sarah Dean |**Position (eg Secretary, Chair,**
**etc)**
**Date**|
Secretary|| |---|---|---| ||21.09.23|| **REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02331405 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1007740** **Report of the Trustees and** **Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** **for** ## **Astbury Mere Trust** Hammond McNulty LLP Bank House Market Square Congleton Cheshire CW12 1ET **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** |||**Page**|| |---|---|---|---| |**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|3| |**Independent Examiner's Report**||4|| |**Statement of Financial Activities**||5|| |**Balance Sheet**|6|to|7| |**Notes to the Financial Statements**|8|to|15| |**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**|16|to|17| **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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). ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Objectives and aims** The main purpose of the charity is to manage and maintain the country park at Astbury Mere, Congleton. To provide for the benefit of the inhabitants of Congleton and district a managed and maintained country park at Astbury Mere in perpetuity for recreation or other leisure time occupation with the object of improving life for the said inhabitants ## **Significant activities** The trustees confirm that the main activities undertaken during the reporting period have been in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The main activities undertaken by the trust were land management operations to maintain and improve the Country Park for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. The activities were arranged through our Ranger Service and most involved volunteer work either in full or in part. The key activities for 2022 were: Annual tasks were completed through the year, including the cutting back of vegetation adjacent to paths throughout the site, around the Wildlife Area pond and in the Community Orchard. The various meadows throughout the park had their seasonal cut, with bramble and self-sown saplings removed for the meadows on the east bank of the park. We had the boundary hedge adjacent to Galbraith Close layered by Congleton District Volunteers, whilst elsewhere volunteer clients from the Rossendale Trust spent a number of days trimming some of the park’s shrub beds. We also started to address some of the invasive Laurel present in some parts of the woodlands. With the support of funding from Cheshire East Council a new surfaced path was constructed along the higher-level ground above the lake, offering visitors an alternative route to the lakeside path. Named the Woodland Walk, this path was waymarked with new Oak posts and further improved with the installation of benches and a seat, donated to the Trust by visitors to the park. Other path improvement works in the park were implemented with the help of volunteers from Astra Zeneca, with the direct support of Employee Volunteering. Early in the year we removed the container that was sited next to the café. This offered up the opportunity to create a new wildflower meadow, which has helped enhance the additional seating area that the new space now provides. Maintaining the café as an attractive focal point has been a priority. However, challenges arose through the year with several storm events requiring numerous windblown trees to be felled. We also started on work to address the increasing challenges of Ash Dieback disease on site. Nevertheless, ongoing repairs to paths, seats, fencing and signage kept the park looking in prime condition. Ditches were cleared and hedges trimmed throughout, and we also removed a redundant handrail from the Margaret Memorial Woodland path plus the final sections of old quarry fencing from the park boundary adjacent to Fol Hollow. ## **Volunteers** We do not have any permanent or semi-permanent volunteers. Volunteers are sought for particular jobs or projects as needed. Our primary source is from those who have volunteered in the past; volunteers come from many sources including individuals, organised groups such as the Congleton Conservation Volunteers and businesses looking for activities to support their social responsibility programmes. Page 1 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** The Park remained as popular as ever through the year, with our estimate that over 300,00 visitors enjoyed the facilities. A new pedestrian counter was installed alongside the lakeside path during the year, offering up a more accurate picture of how many people are walking this route. Elsewhere regular groups from Congleton U3A and Congleton Writers Forum continued to utilise the Community Room and the weekly Congleton Park Run remained well frequented, as in previous years. We also hosted a couple of artisan markets and a couple of birdwatching events. The Country Park achieved accreditation (by Natural England) for a further three years and remains one of the most popular outdoor recreation venues in East Cheshire. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** While the income derived from the Trust’s listed investments only represents 7% of the total income it is necessary to ensure that the reserves are kept as safe as possible whilst generating the best level of return. The listed investment objective is to generate a return bettering inflation over the long term, after expenses. This should allow the Trust to at least maintain the value of the listed investment, whilst the income from that investment is used to contribute to the running cost of managing and maintaining the park. All investments should produce a return in line with the Trust’s stated investment objectives agreed by the Trustees and where practical ensuring that those funds are invested ethically. ## **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** 02331405 (England and Wales) ## **Registered Charity number** 1007740 ## **Registered office** Trustee Office Astbury Mere Country Park Sandy Lane, Congleton Chehsire CW12 4AW Page 2 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **Trustees** Mrs C J Whiting Mrs J Silk (resigned 8/3/2022) G Wolfenden J Whitehead (resigned 12/1/2023) Mrs S Dean A Cresswell G F Cresswell M A F Gartside L I Mort R B Mort Cllr S M Akers Smith P Speed P Howell G R Edwards (appointed 20/7/2023) Mrs G B Taylor (appointed 20/7/2023) Mrs G B Taylor resigned on 10th September 2023. ## **Company Secretary** Mrs S Dean ## **Independent Examiner** Hammond McNulty LLP Bank House Market Square Congleton Cheshire CW12 1ET Approved by order of the board of trustees on 25th September 2023 and signed on its behalf by: A Cresswell - Trustee Page 3 **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Astbury Mere Trust ('the Company')** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st December 2022. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its 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 ('the 2006 Act'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company 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 your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** 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: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts 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 4. the accounts 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 accounts to be reached. Amanda Grint Hammond McNulty LLP Bank House Market Square Congleton Cheshire CW12 1ET 25th September 2023 Page 4 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Statement of Financial Activities** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** |Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
**6,856**
Other trading activities
2
**44,830**
Investment income
3
**32,434**
**Total**
**84,120**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
4
**2,320**
**Charitable activities**
Country park maintenance & management
**84,306**
**Total**
**86,626**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
**(26,884)**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**(29,390)**
**Transfers between funds**
14
**3,157**
**Net movement in funds**
**(26,233)**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
**477,129**
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
**450,896**|Restricted
funds
£
**1,642**
**-**
**-**
**1,642**
**-**
**835**
**835**
**-**
**807**
**(3,157)**
**(2,350)**
**13,637**
**11,287**|**31/12/22**
31/12/21
**Total**
Total
**funds**
funds
**£**
£
**8,498**
46,916
**44,830**
50,055
**32,434**
28,124
**85,762**
125,095
**2,320**
3,186
**85,141**
106,430
**87,461**
109,616
**(26,884)**
20,769
**(28,583)**
36,248
**-**
-
**(28,583)**
36,248
**490,766**
454,518
**462,183**
490,766|**31/12/22**
31/12/21
**Total**
Total
**funds**
funds
**£**
£
**8,498**
46,916
**44,830**
50,055
**32,434**
28,124
**85,762**
125,095
**2,320**
3,186
**85,141**
106,430
**87,461**
109,616
**(26,884)**
20,769
**(28,583)**
36,248
**-**
-
**(28,583)**
36,248
**490,766**
454,518
**462,183**
490,766| |---|---|---|---| ||||50,055| ||||28,124| ||||125,095| ||||3,186| ||||106,430| ||||109,616| ||||20,769
36,248| ||||-| ||||36,248| ||||454,518| ||||| ||||490,766| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 5 ## **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Balance Sheet 31st December 2022** |Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
9
**205,563**
Investments
10
**212,235**
**417,798**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Stocks
11
**280**
Debtors
12
**7,348**
Cash at bank and in hand
**39,594**
**47,222**
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
13
**(14,124)**
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**33,098**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
**450,896**
**NET ASSETS**
**450,896**
**FUNDS**
14
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Restricted
funds
£
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**11,287**
**11,287**
**-**
**11,287**
**11,287**
**11,287**|**31/12/22**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
**205,563**
**212,235**
**417,798**
**280**
**7,348**
**50,881**
**58,509**
**(14,124)**
**44,385**
**462,183**
**462,183**
**450,896**
**11,287**
**462,183**|31/12/21
Total
funds
£
206,646
236,689| |---|---|---|---| ||||443,335| ||||400
6,207
62,329| ||||68,936| ||||(21,505)
47,431
490,766| ||||490,766| ||||477,129
13,637
490,766| The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2022. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2022 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 Page 6 continued... **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Balance Sheet - continued 31st December 2022** 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 25th September 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: A Cresswell - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 7 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **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, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. ## **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. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. |Freehold property|- 2% on reducing balance and not provided on land| |---|---| |Plant and machinery|- 10% on reducing balance| |Fixtures and fittings|- 10% on reducing balance| |Computer equipment|- 10% on reducing balance| ## **Stocks** Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. ## **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. 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. ## **Valuation of investments** Investments are included at their market values ruling at 31st December 2021. The valuation is based on the mid-market prices from the appropriate Stock Exchange, market makers or from the relevant fund manager. continued... Page 8 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** |**2.**|**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**||| |---|---|---|---| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Room Hire|**4,467**|2,690| ||Catering Concession|**19,204**|23,953| ||Car Parking|**21,159**|23,412| |||**44,830**|50,055| |**3.**|**INVESTMENT INCOME**||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Rents received|**26,022**|22,467| ||Listed Investment Income|**6,330**|5,588| ||Deposit account interest|**82**|69| |||**32,434**|28,124| |**4.**|**RAISING FUNDS**||| ||**Other trading activities**||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Opening stock|**400**|872| ||Purchases|**-**|460| ||Closing stock|**(280)**|(400)| |||**120**|932| ||**Investment management costs**||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Portfolio management|**2,200**|2,254| ||||| ||Aggregate amounts|**2,320**|3,186| |**5.**|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**||| ||Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Depreciation - owned assets|**3,937**|3,840| ||Deficit on disposal of fixed assets|**1,733**|-| ||||| continued... Page 9 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st December 2022 nor for the year ended 31st December 2021. ## **Trustees' expenses** Trustee expenses paid in the year totalled £46 (£159 2021) to two trustees as follows, repairs £4 to one trustee (2021 £60 to one trustee), general expenses to one trustee £42 (2021 £13 to one trustee) and Paypal test (2021£70 to one trustee). ## **7. STAFF COSTS** The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: ## **8.** |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |---|---|---|---| |Country park maintenance & management||**1**|1| |No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.|||| |**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**|**ACTIVITIES**||| ||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total| ||fund|funds|funds| ||£|£|£| |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**|||| |Donations and legacies|40,617|6,299|46,916| |Other trading activities|50,055|-|50,055| |Investment income|28,124|-|28,124| |**Total**|118,796|6,299|125,095| |**EXPENDITURE ON**|||| |Raising funds|2,726|460|3,186| |**Charitable activities**|||| |Country park maintenance & management|103,748|2,682|106,430| |**Total**|106,474|3,142|109,616| |Net gains on investments|20,769|-|20,769| |**NET INCOME**|33,091|3,157|36,248| |**Transfers between funds**|460|(460)|-| |**Net movement in funds**|33,551|2,697|36,248| |**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**|||| |Total funds brought forward|443,578|10,940|454,518| |**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|477,129|13,637|490,766| continued... Page 10 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** |**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |**COST**
At 1st January 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31st December 2022
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1st January 2022
Charge for year
At 31st December 2022
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31st December 2022
At 31st December 2021|Freehold
property
£
**210,675**
**-**
**-**
**210,675**
**16,757**
**2,378**
**19,135**
**191,540**|Plant and
machinery
£
**26,259**
**3,952**
**(3,126)**
**27,085**
**16,083**
**1,101**
**17,184**
**9,901**|Fixtures
and
fittings
£
**4,885**
**2,302**
**(68)**
**7,119**
**3,984**
**313**
**4,297**
**2,822**|Computer
equipment
£
**4,879**
**-**
**(206)**
**4,673**
**3,228**
**145**
**3,373**
**1,300**|Totals
£
**246,698**
**6,254**
**(3,400)**
**249,552**
**40,052**
**3,937**
**43,989**
**205,563**| ||193,918|10,176|901|1,651|206,646| ## **10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS** |**FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS**|| |---|---| ||Listed| ||investments| ||£| |**MARKET VALUE**|| |At 1st January 2022|**236,689**| |Additions|**38,834**| |Disposals|**(36,404)**| |Net realised gains/(losses)|**(2,106)**| |Net unrealised gains/(losses)|**(24,778)**| |At 31st December 2022|**212,235**| |**NET BOOK VALUE**|| |At 31st December 2022|**212,235**| |At 31st December 2021|236,689| ||| The investments are analysed as follows: 2022 2021 UK 53% 58% Outside the UK 47% 42% continued... Page 11 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **11. STOCKS** |Stocks
**12.**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments
**13.**
**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
VAT
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
**14.**
**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
Net
movement
At 1/1/22
in funds
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**477,129**
**(29,390)**
**Restricted funds**
Mrs D Dillion
**480**
**-**
Medium Term Reserve
**10,000**
**-**
Co-op Community Fund
**1,857**
**-**
Footpath Resurfacing
**1,300**
**-**
DefibrillatorReplacement
**-**
**325**
Dogbath
**-**
**60**
Toilet Refurbishment
**-**
**422**
**13,637**
**807**
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**490,766**
**(28,583)**|**31/12/22**
**£**
**280**
**31/12/22**
**£**
**105**
**211**
**7,032**
**7,348**
**31/12/22**
**£**
**3,906**
**55**
**279**
**100**
**9,784**
**14,124**
Transfers
between
funds
£
**3,157**
**-**
**-**
**(1,857)**
**(1,300)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**(3,157)**
**-**|31/12/21
£|31/12/21
£|31/12/21
£| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||400| |||||| |||31/12/21
£||| |||||69| |||||83
6,055| |||||6,207| |||||| |||31/12/21
£||| ||||3,470|| ||||81
1,055
51
16,848
21,505|| |||At
31/12/22
£
**450,896**
**480**
**10,000**
**-**
**-**
**325**
**60**
**422**
**11,287**
**462,183**||| continued... Page 12 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: ||Incoming|Resources|Gains and|Gains and|Movement| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||resources|expended|losses||in funds| ||£|£|£||£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||||| |General fund|**84,120**|**(86,626)**|**(26,884)**||**(29,390)**| |**Restricted funds**|||||| |DefibrillatorReplacement|**1,160**|**(835)**||**-**|**325**| |Dogbath|**60**|**-**||**-**|**60**| |Toilet Refurbishment|**422**|**-**||**-**|**422**| ||**1,642**|**(835)**||**-**|**807**| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|**85,762**|**(87,461)**|**(26,884)**||**(28,583)**| ## **Comparatives for movement in funds** |Net
movement
At 1/1/21
in funds
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
443,578
33,091
**Restricted funds**
Mrs J Clowes
460
-
Mrs D Dillion
480
-
Medium Term Reserve
10,000
-
Co-op Community Fund
-
1,857
Footpath Resurfacing
-
1,300
10,940
3,157
**TOTAL FUNDS**
454,518
36,248
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
118,796
(106,474)
**Restricted funds**
Co-op Community Fund
1,989
(132)
Footpath Resurfacing
4,310
(3,010)
6,299
(3,142)
**TOTAL FUNDS**
125,095
(109,616)|Transfers
between
At
funds
31/12/21
£
£
460
477,129
(460)
-
-
480
-
10,000
-
1,857
-
1,300
(460)
13,637
-
490,766
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
20,769
33,091
-
1,857
-
1,300
-
3,157
20,769
36,248| |---|---| continued... Page 13 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Mrs J Clowes
Mrs D Dillion
Medium Term Reserve
Co-op Community Fund
Footpath Resurfacing
DefibrillatorReplacement
Dogbath
Toilet Refurbishment
**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1/1/21
£
443,578
460
480
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
10,940
454,518|Net
movement
in funds
£
3,701
-
-
-
1,857
1,300
325
60
422
3,964
7,665|Transfers
between
funds
£
3,617
(460)
-
-
(1,857)
(1,300)
-
-
-
(3,617)
-|At
31/12/22
£
450,896
-
480
10,000
-
-
325
60
422| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||11,287| |||||462,183| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: ||Incoming|Resources|Gains and|Gains and|Movement| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||resources|expended|losses||in funds| ||£|£|£||£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||||| |General fund|202,916|(193,100)|(6,115)||3,701| |**Restricted funds**|||||| |Co-op Community Fund|1,989|(132)||-|1,857| |Footpath Resurfacing|4,310|(3,010)||-|1,300| |DefibrillatorReplacement|1,160|(835)||-|325| |Dogbath|60|-||-|60| |Toilet Refurbishment|422|-||-|422| ||7,941|(3,977)||-|3,964| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|210,857|(197,077)|(6,115)||7,665| continued... Page 14 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **15. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2022. Page 15 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ||31/12/22|31/12/21| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**||| |**Donations and legacies**||| |Grants & Donations|**8,289**|7,326| |Gift aid|**209**|449| |Government Grants|**-**|8,373| |Pathworks Project Grant & Donations|**-**|29,120| |Tree Works Income|**-**|1,648| ||**8,498**|46,916| |**Other trading activities**||| |Room Hire|**4,467**|2,690| |Catering Concession|**19,204**|23,953| |Car Parking|**21,159**|23,412| ||**44,830**|50,055| |**Investment income**||| |Rents received|**26,022**|22,467| |Listed Investment Income|**6,330**|5,588| |Deposit account interest|**82**|69| ||**32,434**|28,124| |**Total incoming resources**|**85,762**|125,095| |**EXPENDITURE**||| |**Other trading activities**||| |Opening stock|**400**|872| |Purchases|**-**|460| |Closing stock|**(280)**|(400)| ||**120**|932| |**Investment management costs**||| |Portfolio management|**2,200**|2,254| |**Charitable activities**||| |Wages|**11,958**|10,652| |Pensions|**172**|115| |Rates and water|**1,113**|336| |Insurance|**6,002**|5,408| |Light and heat|**4,167**|4,060| |Telephone|**299**|310| |Postage and stationery|**251**|359| |Sundries|**1,628**|1,549| |Carried forward|**25,590**|22,789| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 16 ## **Astbury Mere Trust** |**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**||| |---|---|---| |**for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**||| ||31/12/22|31/12/21| ||£|£| |**Charitable activities**||| |Brought forward|**25,590**|22,789| |Repairs|**16,549**|10,776| |Warden Costs|**27,519**|24,833| |Computer costs|**-**|734| |Footpath Project Costs|**5,846**|35,708| |Tree Works|**-**|5,045| ||**75,504**|99,885| |**Support costs**||| |**Finance**||| |Bank charges|**820**|428| |Paypal fees|**142**|121| ||**962**|549| |**Other**||| |Freehold property|**2,378**|2,427| |Plant and machinery|**1,100**|1,131| |Fixtures and fittings|**314**|100| |Computer equipment|**144**|183| |Loss on sale of tangible fixed assets|**1,733**|-| ||**5,669**|3,841| |**Governance costs**||| |Accountancy fees|**1,760**|1,655| |Legal & professional fees|**1,246**|500| ||**3,006**|2,155| |Total resources expended|**87,461**|109,616| |**Net (expenditure)/income before gains and**||| |**losses**|**(1,699)**|15,479| |**Realised recognised gains and losses**||| |Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset investments|**(2,106)**|1,116| |**Net (expenditure)/income**|**(3,805)**|16,595| |||| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 17 **REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02331405 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1007740** **Report of the Trustees and** **Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** **for** ## **Astbury Mere Trust** Hammond McNulty LLP Bank House Market Square Congleton Cheshire CW12 1ET **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** |||**Page**|| |---|---|---|---| |**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|3| |**Independent Examiner's Report**||4|| |**Statement of Financial Activities**||5|| |**Balance Sheet**|6|to|7| |**Notes to the Financial Statements**|8|to|15| |**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**|16|to|17| **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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). ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Objectives and aims** The main purpose of the charity is to manage and maintain the country park at Astbury Mere, Congleton. To provide for the benefit of the inhabitants of Congleton and district a managed and maintained country park at Astbury Mere in perpetuity for recreation or other leisure time occupation with the object of improving life for the said inhabitants ## **Significant activities** The trustees confirm that the main activities undertaken during the reporting period have been in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The main activities undertaken by the trust were land management operations to maintain and improve the Country Park for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. The activities were arranged through our Ranger Service and most involved volunteer work either in full or in part. The key activities for 2022 were: Annual tasks were completed through the year, including the cutting back of vegetation adjacent to paths throughout the site, around the Wildlife Area pond and in the Community Orchard. The various meadows throughout the park had their seasonal cut, with bramble and self-sown saplings removed for the meadows on the east bank of the park. We had the boundary hedge adjacent to Galbraith Close layered by Congleton District Volunteers, whilst elsewhere volunteer clients from the Rossendale Trust spent a number of days trimming some of the park’s shrub beds. We also started to address some of the invasive Laurel present in some parts of the woodlands. With the support of funding from Cheshire East Council a new surfaced path was constructed along the higher-level ground above the lake, offering visitors an alternative route to the lakeside path. Named the Woodland Walk, this path was waymarked with new Oak posts and further improved with the installation of benches and a seat, donated to the Trust by visitors to the park. Other path improvement works in the park were implemented with the help of volunteers from Astra Zeneca, with the direct support of Employee Volunteering. Early in the year we removed the container that was sited next to the café. This offered up the opportunity to create a new wildflower meadow, which has helped enhance the additional seating area that the new space now provides. Maintaining the café as an attractive focal point has been a priority. However, challenges arose through the year with several storm events requiring numerous windblown trees to be felled. We also started on work to address the increasing challenges of Ash Dieback disease on site. Nevertheless, ongoing repairs to paths, seats, fencing and signage kept the park looking in prime condition. Ditches were cleared and hedges trimmed throughout, and we also removed a redundant handrail from the Margaret Memorial Woodland path plus the final sections of old quarry fencing from the park boundary adjacent to Fol Hollow. ## **Volunteers** We do not have any permanent or semi-permanent volunteers. Volunteers are sought for particular jobs or projects as needed. Our primary source is from those who have volunteered in the past; volunteers come from many sources including individuals, organised groups such as the Congleton Conservation Volunteers and businesses looking for activities to support their social responsibility programmes. Page 1 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** The Park remained as popular as ever through the year, with our estimate that over 300,00 visitors enjoyed the facilities. A new pedestrian counter was installed alongside the lakeside path during the year, offering up a more accurate picture of how many people are walking this route. Elsewhere regular groups from Congleton U3A and Congleton Writers Forum continued to utilise the Community Room and the weekly Congleton Park Run remained well frequented, as in previous years. We also hosted a couple of artisan markets and a couple of birdwatching events. The Country Park achieved accreditation (by Natural England) for a further three years and remains one of the most popular outdoor recreation venues in East Cheshire. ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** While the income derived from the Trust’s listed investments only represents 7% of the total income it is necessary to ensure that the reserves are kept as safe as possible whilst generating the best level of return. The listed investment objective is to generate a return bettering inflation over the long term, after expenses. This should allow the Trust to at least maintain the value of the listed investment, whilst the income from that investment is used to contribute to the running cost of managing and maintaining the park. All investments should produce a return in line with the Trust’s stated investment objectives agreed by the Trustees and where practical ensuring that those funds are invested ethically. ## **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** 02331405 (England and Wales) ## **Registered Charity number** 1007740 ## **Registered office** Trustee Office Astbury Mere Country Park Sandy Lane, Congleton Chehsire CW12 4AW Page 2 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **Trustees** Mrs C J Whiting Mrs J Silk (resigned 8/3/2022) G Wolfenden J Whitehead (resigned 12/1/2023) Mrs S Dean A Cresswell G F Cresswell M A F Gartside L I Mort R B Mort Cllr S M Akers Smith P Speed P Howell G R Edwards (appointed 20/7/2023) Mrs G B Taylor (appointed 20/7/2023) Mrs G B Taylor resigned on 10th September 2023. ## **Company Secretary** Mrs S Dean ## **Independent Examiner** Hammond McNulty LLP Bank House Market Square Congleton Cheshire CW12 1ET Approved by order of the board of trustees on 25th September 2023 and signed on its behalf by: A Cresswell - Trustee Page 3 **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Astbury Mere Trust ('the Company')** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st December 2022. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its 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 ('the 2006 Act'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company 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 your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** 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: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts 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 4. the accounts 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 accounts to be reached. Amanda Grint Hammond McNulty LLP Bank House Market Square Congleton Cheshire CW12 1ET 25th September 2023 Page 4 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Statement of Financial Activities** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** |Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
**6,856**
Other trading activities
2
**44,830**
Investment income
3
**32,434**
**Total**
**84,120**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
4
**2,320**
**Charitable activities**
Country park maintenance & management
**84,306**
**Total**
**86,626**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
**(26,884)**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**(29,390)**
**Transfers between funds**
14
**3,157**
**Net movement in funds**
**(26,233)**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
**477,129**
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
**450,896**|Restricted
funds
£
**1,642**
**-**
**-**
**1,642**
**-**
**835**
**835**
**-**
**807**
**(3,157)**
**(2,350)**
**13,637**
**11,287**|**31/12/22**
31/12/21
**Total**
Total
**funds**
funds
**£**
£
**8,498**
46,916
**44,830**
50,055
**32,434**
28,124
**85,762**
125,095
**2,320**
3,186
**85,141**
106,430
**87,461**
109,616
**(26,884)**
20,769
**(28,583)**
36,248
**-**
-
**(28,583)**
36,248
**490,766**
454,518
**462,183**
490,766|**31/12/22**
31/12/21
**Total**
Total
**funds**
funds
**£**
£
**8,498**
46,916
**44,830**
50,055
**32,434**
28,124
**85,762**
125,095
**2,320**
3,186
**85,141**
106,430
**87,461**
109,616
**(26,884)**
20,769
**(28,583)**
36,248
**-**
-
**(28,583)**
36,248
**490,766**
454,518
**462,183**
490,766| |---|---|---|---| ||||50,055| ||||28,124| ||||125,095| ||||3,186| ||||106,430| ||||109,616| ||||20,769
36,248| ||||-| ||||36,248| ||||454,518| ||||| ||||490,766| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 5 ## **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Balance Sheet 31st December 2022** |Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
9
**205,563**
Investments
10
**212,235**
**417,798**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Stocks
11
**280**
Debtors
12
**7,348**
Cash at bank and in hand
**39,594**
**47,222**
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
13
**(14,124)**
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**33,098**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
**450,896**
**NET ASSETS**
**450,896**
**FUNDS**
14
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Restricted
funds
£
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**11,287**
**11,287**
**-**
**11,287**
**11,287**
**11,287**|**31/12/22**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
**205,563**
**212,235**
**417,798**
**280**
**7,348**
**50,881**
**58,509**
**(14,124)**
**44,385**
**462,183**
**462,183**
**450,896**
**11,287**
**462,183**|31/12/21
Total
funds
£
206,646
236,689| |---|---|---|---| ||||443,335| ||||400
6,207
62,329| ||||68,936| ||||(21,505)
47,431
490,766| ||||490,766| ||||477,129
13,637
490,766| The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2022. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2022 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 Page 6 continued... **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Balance Sheet - continued 31st December 2022** 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 25th September 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: A Cresswell - Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 7 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **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, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. ## **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. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. |Freehold property|- 2% on reducing balance and not provided on land| |---|---| |Plant and machinery|- 10% on reducing balance| |Fixtures and fittings|- 10% on reducing balance| |Computer equipment|- 10% on reducing balance| ## **Stocks** Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. ## **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. 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. ## **Valuation of investments** Investments are included at their market values ruling at 31st December 2021. The valuation is based on the mid-market prices from the appropriate Stock Exchange, market makers or from the relevant fund manager. continued... Page 8 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** |**2.**|**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**||| |---|---|---|---| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Room Hire|**4,467**|2,690| ||Catering Concession|**19,204**|23,953| ||Car Parking|**21,159**|23,412| |||**44,830**|50,055| |**3.**|**INVESTMENT INCOME**||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Rents received|**26,022**|22,467| ||Listed Investment Income|**6,330**|5,588| ||Deposit account interest|**82**|69| |||**32,434**|28,124| |**4.**|**RAISING FUNDS**||| ||**Other trading activities**||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Opening stock|**400**|872| ||Purchases|**-**|460| ||Closing stock|**(280)**|(400)| |||**120**|932| ||**Investment management costs**||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Portfolio management|**2,200**|2,254| ||||| ||Aggregate amounts|**2,320**|3,186| |**5.**|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**||| ||Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):||| |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |||**£**|£| ||Depreciation - owned assets|**3,937**|3,840| ||Deficit on disposal of fixed assets|**1,733**|-| ||||| continued... Page 9 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** ## **for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st December 2022 nor for the year ended 31st December 2021. ## **Trustees' expenses** Trustee expenses paid in the year totalled £46 (£159 2021) to two trustees as follows, repairs £4 to one trustee (2021 £60 to one trustee), general expenses to one trustee £42 (2021 £13 to one trustee) and Paypal test (2021£70 to one trustee). ## **7. STAFF COSTS** The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: ## **8.** |||**31/12/22**|31/12/21| |---|---|---|---| |Country park maintenance & management||**1**|1| |No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.|||| |**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**|**ACTIVITIES**||| ||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total| ||fund|funds|funds| ||£|£|£| |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**|||| |Donations and legacies|40,617|6,299|46,916| |Other trading activities|50,055|-|50,055| |Investment income|28,124|-|28,124| |**Total**|118,796|6,299|125,095| |**EXPENDITURE ON**|||| |Raising funds|2,726|460|3,186| |**Charitable activities**|||| |Country park maintenance & management|103,748|2,682|106,430| |**Total**|106,474|3,142|109,616| |Net gains on investments|20,769|-|20,769| |**NET INCOME**|33,091|3,157|36,248| |**Transfers between funds**|460|(460)|-| |**Net movement in funds**|33,551|2,697|36,248| |**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**|||| |Total funds brought forward|443,578|10,940|454,518| |**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|477,129|13,637|490,766| continued... Page 10 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** |**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |**COST**
At 1st January 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 31st December 2022
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1st January 2022
Charge for year
At 31st December 2022
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31st December 2022
At 31st December 2021|Freehold
property
£
**210,675**
**-**
**-**
**210,675**
**16,757**
**2,378**
**19,135**
**191,540**|Plant and
machinery
£
**26,259**
**3,952**
**(3,126)**
**27,085**
**16,083**
**1,101**
**17,184**
**9,901**|Fixtures
and
fittings
£
**4,885**
**2,302**
**(68)**
**7,119**
**3,984**
**313**
**4,297**
**2,822**|Computer
equipment
£
**4,879**
**-**
**(206)**
**4,673**
**3,228**
**145**
**3,373**
**1,300**|Totals
£
**246,698**
**6,254**
**(3,400)**
**249,552**
**40,052**
**3,937**
**43,989**
**205,563**| ||193,918|10,176|901|1,651|206,646| ## **10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS** |**FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS**|| |---|---| ||Listed| ||investments| ||£| |**MARKET VALUE**|| |At 1st January 2022|**236,689**| |Additions|**38,834**| |Disposals|**(36,404)**| |Net realised gains/(losses)|**(2,106)**| |Net unrealised gains/(losses)|**(24,778)**| |At 31st December 2022|**212,235**| |**NET BOOK VALUE**|| |At 31st December 2022|**212,235**| |At 31st December 2021|236,689| ||| The investments are analysed as follows: 2022 2021 UK 53% 58% Outside the UK 47% 42% continued... Page 11 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **11. STOCKS** |Stocks
**12.**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments
**13.**
**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
VAT
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
**14.**
**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
Net
movement
At 1/1/22
in funds
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**477,129**
**(29,390)**
**Restricted funds**
Mrs D Dillion
**480**
**-**
Medium Term Reserve
**10,000**
**-**
Co-op Community Fund
**1,857**
**-**
Footpath Resurfacing
**1,300**
**-**
DefibrillatorReplacement
**-**
**325**
Dogbath
**-**
**60**
Toilet Refurbishment
**-**
**422**
**13,637**
**807**
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**490,766**
**(28,583)**|**31/12/22**
**£**
**280**
**31/12/22**
**£**
**105**
**211**
**7,032**
**7,348**
**31/12/22**
**£**
**3,906**
**55**
**279**
**100**
**9,784**
**14,124**
Transfers
between
funds
£
**3,157**
**-**
**-**
**(1,857)**
**(1,300)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**(3,157)**
**-**|31/12/21
£|31/12/21
£|31/12/21
£| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||400| |||||| |||31/12/21
£||| |||||69| |||||83
6,055| |||||6,207| |||||| |||31/12/21
£||| ||||3,470|| ||||81
1,055
51
16,848
21,505|| |||At
31/12/22
£
**450,896**
**480**
**10,000**
**-**
**-**
**325**
**60**
**422**
**11,287**
**462,183**||| continued... Page 12 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: ||Incoming|Resources|Gains and|Gains and|Movement| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||resources|expended|losses||in funds| ||£|£|£||£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||||| |General fund|**84,120**|**(86,626)**|**(26,884)**||**(29,390)**| |**Restricted funds**|||||| |DefibrillatorReplacement|**1,160**|**(835)**||**-**|**325**| |Dogbath|**60**|**-**||**-**|**60**| |Toilet Refurbishment|**422**|**-**||**-**|**422**| ||**1,642**|**(835)**||**-**|**807**| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|**85,762**|**(87,461)**|**(26,884)**||**(28,583)**| ## **Comparatives for movement in funds** |Net
movement
At 1/1/21
in funds
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
443,578
33,091
**Restricted funds**
Mrs J Clowes
460
-
Mrs D Dillion
480
-
Medium Term Reserve
10,000
-
Co-op Community Fund
-
1,857
Footpath Resurfacing
-
1,300
10,940
3,157
**TOTAL FUNDS**
454,518
36,248
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
118,796
(106,474)
**Restricted funds**
Co-op Community Fund
1,989
(132)
Footpath Resurfacing
4,310
(3,010)
6,299
(3,142)
**TOTAL FUNDS**
125,095
(109,616)|Transfers
between
At
funds
31/12/21
£
£
460
477,129
(460)
-
-
480
-
10,000
-
1,857
-
1,300
(460)
13,637
-
490,766
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
20,769
33,091
-
1,857
-
1,300
-
3,157
20,769
36,248| |---|---| continued... Page 13 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Mrs J Clowes
Mrs D Dillion
Medium Term Reserve
Co-op Community Fund
Footpath Resurfacing
DefibrillatorReplacement
Dogbath
Toilet Refurbishment
**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1/1/21
£
443,578
460
480
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
10,940
454,518|Net
movement
in funds
£
3,701
-
-
-
1,857
1,300
325
60
422
3,964
7,665|Transfers
between
funds
£
3,617
(460)
-
-
(1,857)
(1,300)
-
-
-
(3,617)
-|At
31/12/22
£
450,896
-
480
10,000
-
-
325
60
422| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||11,287| |||||462,183| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: ||Incoming|Resources|Gains and|Gains and|Movement| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||resources|expended|losses||in funds| ||£|£|£||£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||||| |General fund|202,916|(193,100)|(6,115)||3,701| |**Restricted funds**|||||| |Co-op Community Fund|1,989|(132)||-|1,857| |Footpath Resurfacing|4,310|(3,010)||-|1,300| |DefibrillatorReplacement|1,160|(835)||-|325| |Dogbath|60|-||-|60| |Toilet Refurbishment|422|-||-|422| ||7,941|(3,977)||-|3,964| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|210,857|(197,077)|(6,115)||7,665| continued... Page 14 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ## **15. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2022. Page 15 **Astbury Mere Trust** ## **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2022** ||31/12/22|31/12/21| |---|---|---| ||£|£| |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**||| |**Donations and legacies**||| |Grants & Donations|**8,289**|7,326| |Gift aid|**209**|449| |Government Grants|**-**|8,373| |Pathworks Project Grant & Donations|**-**|29,120| |Tree Works Income|**-**|1,648| ||**8,498**|46,916| |**Other trading activities**||| |Room Hire|**4,467**|2,690| |Catering Concession|**19,204**|23,953| |Car Parking|**21,159**|23,412| ||**44,830**|50,055| |**Investment income**||| |Rents received|**26,022**|22,467| |Listed Investment Income|**6,330**|5,588| |Deposit account interest|**82**|69| ||**32,434**|28,124| |**Total incoming resources**|**85,762**|125,095| |**EXPENDITURE**||| |**Other trading activities**||| |Opening stock|**400**|872| |Purchases|**-**|460| |Closing stock|**(280)**|(400)| ||**120**|932| |**Investment management costs**||| |Portfolio management|**2,200**|2,254| |**Charitable activities**||| |Wages|**11,958**|10,652| |Pensions|**172**|115| |Rates and water|**1,113**|336| |Insurance|**6,002**|5,408| |Light and heat|**4,167**|4,060| |Telephone|**299**|310| |Postage and stationery|**251**|359| |Sundries|**1,628**|1,549| |Carried forward|**25,590**|22,789| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 16 ## **Astbury Mere Trust** |**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**||| |---|---|---| |**for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**||| ||31/12/22|31/12/21| ||£|£| |**Charitable activities**||| |Brought forward|**25,590**|22,789| |Repairs|**16,549**|10,776| |Warden Costs|**27,519**|24,833| |Computer costs|**-**|734| |Footpath Project Costs|**5,846**|35,708| |Tree Works|**-**|5,045| ||**75,504**|99,885| |**Support costs**||| |**Finance**||| |Bank charges|**820**|428| |Paypal fees|**142**|121| ||**962**|549| |**Other**||| |Freehold property|**2,378**|2,427| |Plant and machinery|**1,100**|1,131| |Fixtures and fittings|**314**|100| |Computer equipment|**144**|183| |Loss on sale of tangible fixed assets|**1,733**|-| ||**5,669**|3,841| |**Governance costs**||| |Accountancy fees|**1,760**|1,655| |Legal & professional fees|**1,246**|500| ||**3,006**|2,155| |Total resources expended|**87,461**|109,616| |**Net (expenditure)/income before gains and**||| |**losses**|**(1,699)**|15,479| |**Realised recognised gains and losses**||| |Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset investments|**(2,106)**|1,116| |**Net (expenditure)/income**|**(3,805)**|16,595| |||| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 17