BRISONS VEOR CHARITABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT 2024 (1st Jan - 331st Dec)
CHAIRS INTRODUCTION
The stability and improved performance of the Trust over 2024 is due in no small measure to the excellent work of our Administrator, Karen Lorenz and House Manager, Penny Cornell. My fellow trustees, Charlotte Turner and Sophia Hetherington continued to be the bedrock of the organisation alongside the day to day team. I am also delighted to report that we are now joined by Helen Feiler and Katie Lennon as new trustees strengthening the team for the exciting times ahead.
Both bring profound local connections; Helen lives in St. Just whilst Katie may already be known to quite a few as she runs the cafe in the Trust car park. It is also very helpful that they are respected practicing artists with a deep understanding of the requirements of visiting residents. They joined the Trust after our excellent Open Day that took place on April 28th where a good number of friends, past and present, joined with other visitors, some from the local community including the Mayor of St. Just and others from further afield including the Vice Chancellor of Falmouth University. The sun shone and we were emboldened to repeat the exercise this coming year (on Sunday 27th April from 11am to 4pm). If you can please join us there!
We are progressing our redevelopment plans to reconfigure the first floor living, working and kitchen space, to alter the ground floor studio and improve the bathroom. As part of these changes we intend improving the environmental footprint of the premises hopefully reducing overheads
along the way. In this we benefitted from initial planning from Peridot SDC and thank Jim Hetherington and Mike Geary for their work. Following on from their report we have contracted local architect Clare Mackness of Hireth Architects from Trewellard just up the coast from us. Hireth is as Clare’s website says ‘a Cornish word that has no direct translation but is more of a feeling - a feeling of home, of belonging’. Exactly what we want to continue to provide for our residents. The team is now focussed on achieving our plan early in 2026 and will be fund raising over the latter part on this year so that the full upgrading can be implemented.
We continue to be especially grateful for all of our Friends for their support. Our thanks go to all who donate their time, energy and financial contributions. Brisons is thriving thanks to you!
David Manley Chair
TRUST ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
2024 has been an inspiring and eventful year at Brisons Veor, welcoming a diverse and talented group of creative practitioners to our artist residency at Cape Cornwall. We received over 60 applications and were delighted to accommodate 34 artists in total. Our residents represented a wide range of disciplines, from painting and mixed media to printmaking, writing, poetry, performance, film making, sound art, and conceptual practice.
This year, we were delighted to have artists from across the UK as well as from California, New York, and Switzerland. Many of them share their work and experience on our website, and if you want to find out what our artists have been up to in 2024, please visit https://brisonsveor.org.uk/ category/residents/ .
Supporting artists in their work is central to our mission, and we were pleased to provide financial assistance to three artists who requested support, ensuring that financial constraints were not a barrier to their time at Brisons Veor.
In February we had a sound artist and filmmaker who explored Cornwall from a unique perspective —combining the wild landscapes and wintery colours of Cape Cornwall, with Cornish mythology and the history of cutting-edge engineering and scientific advancements. The work added a fresh dimension to the residency as it touched upon Cornwall’s role in advancing engineering and science during World War II , and the historical significance in the war effort.
Among our residency projects, we were also excited to hear about the formation of the Kernewek Harmony Group - Hireth (meaning - feeling connected to a certain place), here at Brisons Veor. The group is not to be confused with our architect Hireth Architects! The four musicians planned a debut performance and artist talk at The Lafrowda Club in St Just, offering an opportunity to share their creative process with a wider audience and explore their ideas in public. We are very fortunate that our residents can engage with the cultural facilities and creative organisations in St Just. Unfortunately, Storm Darragh led to the cancellation of the event and caused delays in the arrival of some residents.
Our special thanks go to Penny Cornell, our wonderful house manager, who makes our residents feel at home the moment they arrive. She always goes the extra mile to ensure they are safe and comfortable. For example, when Storm Darragh caused a power cut that affected over a thousand
properties in the area, she ensured that our guests had access to a camping stove, enough candles, and torches. Her dedication is truly appreciated by all who stay at Brisons Veor and of course the Trustees and myself.
As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply grateful to all our residents for bringing their passion and creativity to Cape Cornwall. Their work continues to reinforce the importance of providing dedicated time and space for artistic development. Looking ahead, we are keen to expand our involvement with the local community. Many of our artists-in-residence are experienced workshop leaders, and are eager to share their skills with the community. While we currently lack the facilities to host these ourselves, we continue to strengthen our links with various creative organisations and venues in St Just and Penzance, in particular The Lafrowda Club, The Knut, The Morrab Library and The Exchange in Penzance.
In 2025 we remain committed to providing artists with the time and space to develop their work in this extraordinary setting. For us it is important to support diverse artistic voices, and strengthening our connections within the local community. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making Brisons Veor a place of inspiration and artistic growth.
Karen Lorenz Trust Administrator
TREASURERS REPORT
Introduction
As Treasurer of Brisons Veor Charitable Trust, I am pleased to present this financial report, detailing our financial activities, income, and expenditure over the past period. This report aims to provide transparency regarding our financial position and ensure the continued stability and sustainability of the Trust.
Financial Overview
During the financial year 01/01/24 - 31/12/24, Brisons Veor Charitable Trust has maintained its commitment to supporting artists by providing an affordable creative residency space. Our financial position remains stable, and we have exercised prudent financial management to ensure the Trust’s longevity.
Income and Funding:
The Trust’s income is derived from several key sources: Residency Fees : Income generated from artists using the facility.
Donations : We have received funding from generous individual supporters. Investment Income : Returns from any reserves invested prudently.
26492 , representing an increase of £ 7400 compared to the previous year.
Expenditure: Our primary expenditures during the period included: Property Maintenance & Utilities: Ensuring the residency remains in excellent condition for
artists.
Operational Costs: Housekeeping and cleaning, administrative expenses, and essential running costs.
Bursaries : Supporting artists in need.
Total expenditure for the period was £ 20672 , representing a decrease of £ 3633 compared to the previous year.
Reserves and Sustainability: The Trust maintains financial reserves to ensure its continued operation in the event of unforeseen challenges. As of 25/02/25, our total reserves stand at £77292, ensuring a solid foundation for future growth and resilience.
Future Outlook: Looking ahead, our focus remains on securing additional funding, optimising costs, and expanding our support for artists. We aim to strengthen partnerships and explore new revenue streams to enhance the Trust’s sustainability.
Acknowledgments: I would like to extend my gratitude to my fellow Trustees, our supporters, and all those who contribute to the success of Brisons Veor Charitable Trust. Your commitment and generosity are invaluable to our mission.
Conclusion: The Trust remains in a stable financial position, and we continue to work diligently to ensure its long-term success.
Charlotte Turner, Treasurer
| Charlotte Turner, Treasurer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| INCOME | |||
| Donations | 420 | 634 | 609 |
| Contributions/Residencies | 25822 | 18208 | 15154 |
| Deposit Interest received | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Settlement payment/other | 0 | 0 | 134 |
| TOTAL | 26492 | 19092 | 16147 |
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Insurance/CC Charge | 978 | 932 | 1441 |
| Admin Fees | 5260 | 7060 | 7200 |
| Housekeeping Fees | 5881 | 4109 | 0 |
| Maintenance | 387 | 8525 | 1914 |
| Water | 153 | 95 | 89 |
| Electricity | 3882 | 546 | 2580 |
| Publicity/Web | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Expenses (travel, subsistence, postage, stationary, sundries) |
3738 | 2857 | 982 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Charges/refunds | 393 | 181 | 998 |
| TOTAL | 20672 | 24305 | 15304 |
| CASH AT HAND (Current Account) | |||
| 1st Jan | 45200 | 50413 | 49572 |
| 31st Dec | 51020 | 45200 | 50413 |
| Funds transferred to 6 month interest bond | 10000 | ||
| Cash Funds (unrestricted) | 41024 | 45200 | 50413 |
| Cash Funds (restricted bequest) | 25000 | 25000 | 25000 |
| Property Valuation | (est) 702000 | (est 682000) | 675000 |
| Fixtures/Fittings/Contents Value | (est) 14000 | (est) 12000 | (est) 10000 |
RATIFICATION
I have reviewed the balance sheet for the year (1 Jan- 31 Dec 2024) prepared by the Treasurer and reconciled it with the cash/liabilities at hand at 31/12 2023. Taken together with the statement of assets (property/contents) it shows the Charity in continued financial good health.
David Manley Chair of Trustees
Brisons Veor Charitable Trust Cape Cornwall St. Just PENZANCE Cornwall TR19 7NN
Charity No. 1007830 admin@brisonsveor.org.uk www.brisonsveor.org.uk