**Charity registration number 1010721**
**Company registration number 02704407 (England and Wales)**
# **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
## **Trustees**
Eamonn McGurk Philip Marshall Ralph Barber Edward Helps Deborah Barber Richard Appleton Robert Moreland Robert Hargreaves David Goff Antony Higgins Roger Morgan
(Appointed 26 June 2024)
## **Secretary**
**Secretary** P Marshall **Charity number** 1010721 **Company number** 02704407
**Registered office**
4th Floor Llanthony Warehouse The Docks Gloucester Gloucestershire GL1 2EH
## **Independent examiner**
Griffiths Marshall 4th Floor Llanthony Warehouse The Docks Gloucester Gloucestershire GL1 2EH
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **CONTENTS**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees' report|1 - 4|
|Independent examiner's report|5|
|Statement of financial activities|6|
|Balance sheet|7 - 8|
|Statement of cash flows|9|
|Notes to the financial statements|10 - 21|
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 for the Trust which is a non-profit distributing company no. 2704407, formed in April 1992, and a registered charity no. 1010721, which replaced the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Society launched in 1983.
## **Governing document**
The charity is a company, limited by guarantee as defined in the Companies Act 2006, and as such is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
## **Organisational structure**
A team of volunteers runs the charity. It is managed by the Trustees who meet regularly, supported by site-based groups of volunteers and committees responsible for promotion and other commercial activities. The Board appoint trustees to run The Wharf House Co. Ltd. The Articles of Association allow for up to twelve trustees to be in place but allows for the co-option of two more to cover special projects. One third of the trustees stand down annually by rotation but can apply for re-election. Potential new trustees can be elected at the AGM or are co-opted during the year, but they must stand for formal election at the next AGM. When new Trustees join, they are provided with the information they need to fulfil their roles, which includes information about trustees and charity law.
## **Risk management.**
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are put in place to reduce risks of fraud error or unsafe acts.
The Board of Trustees are aware of the general guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. The Trustees have regard to this guidance and consider the activities of the charity are conducted demonstrably for the public benefit and this applies also to their plans for future action. The charitable objects are the rebuilding a sustainable canal between Hereford and Gloucester.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:
Richard Appleton
Ralph Barber
Deborah Barber
Dave Goff (resigned June 2024)
Bob Hargreaves
Edward Helps
Tony Higgins
Phillip Marshall
Eamonn McGurk (resigned Aug 2024)
Robert Moreland
Keith Vaughan Welch (resigned Aug 2024)
Roger Morgan (Appointed June 2024)
Objectives and activities:
The trust espouses the following core values: -
Restoring, enhancing, and protecting the canal for all
Integrating the canal corridor as a sustainable resource into the life of the communities along its route Endeavouring to complete the work in partnership with all other interested parties.
- 1 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **Interested Parties**
This reporting period we have engaged further with the neighbourhood in Newent. Also, further engagement with councillors in local, district and county wide government including an open day for members and the public at Malswick.
## **Voluntary help and gifts in kind**
The volunteers form a critical part of the trust, not just in restoring the canal but also maintaining the restored sections and promoting the restoration widely through local and national events. All these aspects have continued throughout the year in question and are set to expand. The monetary value of the volunteer work that we have recorded in the year adds up £232,850 but we know this does not reflect all the time dedicated to the business of H&G CT by all our hardworking volunteers.
## **Risks to the Charity**
The Trust continues to negotiate new sites and to rejuvenate former sites with developers and landowners at various places along the line of the canal - including locations in Hereford, Ledbury and Gloucestershire. These can take years to conclude but we continue with an on-going diverse portfolio of negotiations so that a flow of announcements can realistically come over the coming years.
## **Reserves Policy**
The charity aims to hold funds that are to cover the normal operating costs for 12 months.
## **Charitable activities and achievements**
## **Chairman's Report:**
My thanks go to all Trustees and Volunteers for their ongoing support and involvement in the Trust.
We have had a year of working parties at restoration sites, promotional events attended, and social evenings. The AGM in June was held at the Royal Oak, Much Marcle, with some members connecting over the internet.
We also celebrated further opening of new canal at Malswick with a Public Open Day held there in September. It was good that so many people came to see the work that had occurred and take a walk along the new canal, then enjoying a chat whilst having a cup of tea (with cake) and review the plans going forward for the site.
This report now covers both the complete calendar and Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust Financial
year.
With a new trustee joining the board we continued the work on the strategy. The Board signed off on a high-level strategy of ‘joining the dots’ - looking at the sites, connecting them and further restoration on the sites that we have control over. As the year finished, we started pulling together the project plans to support the strategy and this will help support the overall business plan for the next period.
Work continues in many areas. A planning application has created an opportunity to look at the terminus of the canal at Hereford, the planning for which is now going ahead, and some funds have been assigned to the H&G Canal Trust. Work is ongoing with the planners as to how we can develop the basin in Hereford. The housing development at Holmer has restarted after the site owner appointed another construction company, and we will be following up with them to ensure the line of the canal as agreed in the initial planning application is to still be transferred to us. We continue to develop plans around Aylestone Park. Discussions are ongoing with the council linking in with their city plans for the development of a Green Corridor along the canal line out to Aylestone Park and ensuring the route continues to be protected in the Herefordshire Local Plan that is currently under review.
- 2 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
Kymin: Ongoing site maintenance continued.
Yarkhill: Regular maintenance and vegetation clearance continued to keep the volunteers busy on this stretch of canal.
Adjoining Yarkhill: The team have gained access to the site next to Yarkhill and have done an excellent job of clearing the site. Unfortunately, we are finding that several landowners are happy to let us work sites but are not allowing the general public on to the site.
Ledbury: As mentioned in the last annual report the planning decision for the development of 625 houses and several factory units was given the go ahead to the north of the viaduct. Support for the H&G Canal Trust in land and money was also awarded. However, discussions are still under way with the developer and Herefordshire Council to agree a way forward. We have had progress, but it is proving to be very slow.
Dymock: Following issues with the pump reported in last year’s report this has now been resolved, and the water level has been maintained to a suitable level and is continuing to be monitored.
Oxenhall: A small group of volunteers with help from Malswick volunteers are keeping the public footpath and the permissive way clear for the local walkers.
Newent: Whilst not a lot has happened on site, we now have a model of the proposed inclined plane that has proved to be a good discussion point at several of the shows the promotions team managed to get to throughout the year. We are also starting the process of applying for planning permission along this length of the canal corridor, having now had pre-application advice from the Forest of Dean District Council planners.
Malswick: Work has continued with new canal coming online and filled with water. We have submitted a planning application for the next length of canal to be restored that will create a long length of canal in water.
Moat Farm: Routine maintenance, including mowing of the grassy areas, continued to be the focus of work here. The 'wilder' areas occasionally needed intervention to enhance the habitats that have been created.
Over: The land slippage at Vineyard Hill - the area is pegged out and continues to be monitored. Last check showed the slip was occurring, but not into the canal. There is a plan to improve the ability to get boats along the section of canal at the bottom of the hill. The team is working with the other users on site. Several of the containers have been moved to enhance the look of the area as well as improving the storage of equipment for the H&G Canal Trust and Sailing4Disabled and all of them painted making the site very presentable.
Heritage Boats: Alder was lifted out of the water this year. The hull, for a boat almost 100 years old, was in a very good state. The team at Over cleaned and applied several coats of blacking. The aim was to then work on the cabin. Unfortunately, Renton had an issue taking on water and sinking. The team quickly responded to the issue, and we lifted Renton out in the New Year as we put Alder back in and work is planned to check the hull once Alder is completed.
Apart from the existing users of the basin, the model boaters and Sailing4Disabled, H&G have run boat trips at the weekend over the summer. Everyone involved enjoyed the trips up and down the canal either as a passenger or one of the crew involved.
Mill Barn: We have a design; the original planned location has had to change due to underground pipes. We are getting the paperwork aligned ready to apply for planning permission when time is suitable.
Llanthony: Both properties are let, and the lock basin is maintained by the Community Payback Team.
One of the keys to a solid restoration is the involvement of others - councils, locals, all types of groups. Work has occurred to continue to ensure the canal route is protected and supported by all. Positive comments have been received about the change in direction the trust is now taking, after a few years of some negative comments. The sharing of ideas and use of social media with Facebook and the many videos that have been published on YouTube as well as extra local signage have helped with the messaging.
Membership: Although we sadly lose members each year, the overall figure has this year increased to 1132. With the ability to get out to shows to promote the Trust we have had a good increase in new members. We thank members for their generosity with all their donations.
- 3 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
Volunteers: A steady increase and interest in getting involved in the restoration work although we always need more. Volunteers who would be able to take on extra responsibility around the sites or get involved in the promotion of the H&G Trust at sales events or presenting at talks would be very useful. We have seen a big increase in talks this past year which has provided a useful income and also with getting the message out.
The Wharfinger: Its high standard has been maintained thanks to many volunteer hours given by writers, photographers, editors, proof-readers, layout and delivery. We have increased the use of electronic distribution of the Wharfinger to all District and Parish Councillors along the route.
Walks Leaflets: these have been selling well. A further walk leaflet was started and should be ready in the new year taking a walker around Hereford.
Website: This is constantly running behind the scenes. Queries are passed to the relevant H&G Trust member for a response. The work done by our webmaster with the tickets process for supporting the boat trips proved very successful in helping to get people to attend the boat trips.
Sales & Promotion: A very full calendar of promotion events, with visits to the Ledbury Community Day, Hereford Waterworks Museum, heritage events at Newent and Ledbury, Braunston Historic Boat event, and Tibberton village fair have all proved busy days. The Winter Fayre at Newent was a very successful promotion and fundraising event seeing so many volunteers being involved.
Socials: A number held with talks covering a number of areas. It was interesting to hear how a fellow Canal Trust was moving forward with their restoration.
The Grand Holiday Draw did well raising £1272 and our gratitude goes to those who donate all the prizes.
## **Financial review, Achievements and Performance**
This was another good year financially. The income for the Trust and its subsidiary (The Wharf House Co Ltd) (excluding Restricted income) was £204k (2023 £180k) including rental income of £103k (2023 £110k). Costs were kept under control, with £107k spent including £62k on sites (2023 £62k). In consequence the companies recorded a useful surplus together totalling about £97k (2023 £75K). It should be noted that a one-off grant of £50k was received in respect of a site yet to be worked.
The Wharf House Co Ltd trades profitably enabling it to pass over £40k to the Trust during the year to further the restoration projects. The Balance Sheets of both companies continued to strengthen and bank debt in the Trust continues to be repaid, with the long-term bank loan being repaid by £16k during the year and which now stands at £101k.
We continue to build up the Land Fund towards land purchases that we are planning for as we join the dots. Opportunities for land purchases do occur and we must have funds available, and it is intended to continue to build the Land Fund.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Ralph Barber **Trustee**
14 April 2025
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## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
I report on the financial statements of the H&G CT for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 21.
## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner**
The H&G CT’s Trustees, who are also the directors of The Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust Limited for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
- (i) examine the financial statements under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- (ii) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- (iii) 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 the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.
Under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 the charity is taking advantage of its exception from have an audit.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- (a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
- (i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
- (ii) to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;
- have not been met or
- (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Griffiths Marshall 4th Floor Llanthony Warehouse The Docks Gloucester Gloucestershire GL1 2EH
Dated: 25 April 2025
- 5 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**2024**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
84,492
36,510
Other trading activities
**4**
67,074
-
Investments
**5**
4,011
2,710
**Total income**
155,577
39,220
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
**6**
14,500
-
Charitable activities
**7**
88,490
6,307
**Total expenditure**
102,990
6,307
**Net income for the year/**
**Net movement in funds**
52,587
32,913
Fund balances at 1 January
2024
889,666
81,945
**Fund balances at 31**
**December 2024**
942,253
114,858|**Total Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
121,002
56,074
26,476
67,074
68,350
-
6,721
876
1,698
194,797
125,300
28,174
14,500
12,976
-
94,797
79,617
11,991
109,297
92,593
11,991
85,500
32,707
16,183
971,611
856,959
65,762
1,057,111
889,666
81,945|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
82,550
68,350
2,574|
|---|---|---|
|||153,474|
|||12,976|
|||91,608|
|||104,584|
|||48,890
922,721|
|||971,611|
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
- 6 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
## _**AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
**12**
**Current assets**
Stocks
**13**
Debtors
**14**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
**15**
Net current assets
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Creditors: amounts falling due after**
**more than one year**
**16**
**Net assets**
**Income funds**
Restricted funds
**18**
Unrestricted funds|**2024**
**£**
**£**
335,090
4,186
525,674
306,535
836,395
(28,264)
808,131
1,143,221
(86,110)
1,057,111
114,858
942,253
1,057,111|**2023**
**£**
**£**
332,882
5,214
567,081
210,462
782,757
(42,193)
740,564
1,073,446
(101,835)
971,611
81,945
889,666
971,611|
|---|---|---|
- 7 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)**
## _**AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 14 April 2025
Philip Marshall
**Trustee**
## **Company registration number 02704407**
- 8 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**Notes**
**Cash flows from operating activities**
Cash generated from operations
**23**
**Investing activities**
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
**Net cash used in investing activities**
**Financing activities**
Repayment of bank loans
**Net cash used in financing activities**
**Net increase in cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**|**2024**
**£**
(9,380)
6,721
(15,725)|**£**
114,457
(2,659)
(15,725)
96,073
210,462
306,535|**2023**
**£**
(3,195)
2,574
(14,960)|**£**
116,614
(621)
(14,960)
101,033
109,429
210,462|
|---|---|---|---|---|
- 9 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Company information**
The Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 4th Floor, Llanthony Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2EH.
## **1.1 Accounting convention**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the H&G CT's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The H&G CT is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the H&G CT. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
## **1.2 Going concern**
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the H&G CT has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
## **1.3 Charitable funds**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. Interest received on restricted funds is apportion on a pro-rata basis.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the H&G CT.
## **1.4 Incoming resources**
Income is recognised when the H&G CT is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the H&G CT has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the H&G CT has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
- 10 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **(Continued)**
## **1.5 Resources expended**
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
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.
## **1.6 Tangible fixed assets**
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Land and buildings Nil Plant and machinery 20% on cost Fixtures, fittings & equipment 10% on reducing balance
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
## **1.7 Impairment of fixed assets**
At each reporting end date, the H&G CT reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in income/ (expenditure) for the year, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried in at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
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**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **(Continued)**
## **1.8 Stocks**
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
## **1.9 Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
## **1.10 Financial instruments**
The H&G CT has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the H&G CT's balance sheet when the H&G CT becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
## _**Basic financial assets**_
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
## _**Basic financial liabilities**_
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## _**Derecognition of financial liabilities**_
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the H&G CT’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements**
In the application of the H&G CT’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
## **3 Donations and legacies**
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**£**
**£**
Membership Subscriptions
7,331
-
Donations - General
20,353
-
Tax on Gift Aid Reclaimed
6,808
-
Highleadon grants
50,000
-
Oxenhall Covenants
-
802
Dymock Covenants
-
1,320
Over Covenants
-
6,977
Over Link
1,180
Hereford Covenants
-
3,373
Donations - Land Fund
-
21,308
Monkhide
50
Yarkhill
1,500
Legacies
-
-
**For the year ended 31 December 2024**
84,492
36,510
**For the year ended 31 December 2023**
56,074
26,476|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
7,331
20,353
6,808
50,000
802
1,320
6,977
1,180
3,373
21,308
50
1,500
-
121,002|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
7,180
9,282
3,698
-
1,147
2,656
6,673
2,000
2,736
11,264
35,914|
|---|---|---|
|||82,550|
||||
- 13 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **4 Other trading activities**
|Social events & donations
Over Fishing
Rental income (Llanthony)
Rental income (Hereford)
Rental income (Newent site)
Boat rental
Advertisement signs
Advertising - Wharfinger
Sales
Income from sites
Draws
Sale and shows
Income from talks and walks
Stamps
Sundry|**2024**
**£**
215
120
24,400
15,500
14,400
215
1,607
2,013
200
2,580
1,272
2,129
1,463
650
310
67,074|**2023**
**£**
1,368
-
26,668
15,000
14,000
-
2,073
1,790
2,543
3,250
1,658
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|
|||68,350|
## **5 Investments**
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**||**funds**|**funds**||
||**2024**|**2024**|**2024**|**2023**|**2023**|**2023**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Interest receivable|4,011|2,710|6,721|876|1,698|2,574|
## **6 Raising funds**
|Fundraising and publicity
Wharfinger and leaflets
Stocks for events
Support costs (note 8)
Fundraising and publicity|**2024**
**£**
9,515
568
4,417
14,500
14,500|**2023**
**£**
8,611
645
3,720|
|---|---|---|
|||12,976|
|||12,976|
- 14 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **6 Raising funds 7 Charitable activities**
## **(Continued)**
|Site costs
Property Maintenance costs
Health, Safety & Welfare
RBS Loan Interest
Share of support costs (see note 8)
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
**Analysis by fund**
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds|**2024**
**£**
61,561
2,576
2,214
8,918
75,269
17,668
1,860
94,797
88,490
6,307
94,797|**2023**
**£**
62,066
1,593
2,166
9,043|
|---|---|---|
|||74,868
14,880
1,860|
|||91,608|
|||79,617
11,991|
|||91,608|
- 15 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**8**
**Support costs**
**Support**
**costs**
**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
Depreciation
7,172
-
Insurance
8,785
-
Administration
2,445
-
Legal & Professional
3,683
-
Audit fees
-
1,860
22,085
1,860
Analysed between
Fundraising
4,417
-
Charitable activities
17,668
1,860
22,085
1,860|**2024**
**Support**
**costs**
**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
**£**
**£**
7,172
6,155
-
8,785
7,497
-
2,445
826
-
3,683
4,122
-
1,860
-
1,860
23,945
18,600
1,860
4,417
3,720
-
19,528
14,880
1,860
23,945
18,600
1,860|**2023**
**£**
6,155
7,497
826
4,122
1,860|
|---|---|---|
|||20,460|
|||3,720
16,740|
|||20,460|
## **9 Trustees**
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the H&G CT during the year. Expenses are reimbursed to Trustees and officers as appropriate and when requested but the amounts involved are not material.
## **10 Employees**
||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**Number**|**Number**|
|Total|-|-|
## **11 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1982 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
- 16 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**12**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Cost**
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
**Depreciation and impairment**
At 1 January 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 December 2024
**Carrying amount**
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
**13**
**Stocks**
Raw materials and consumables
**14**
**Debtors**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
**Amounts falling due after more than one year:**
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
**Total debtors**|**Land and**
**buildings**
**Plant and**
**machinery**
**£**
**£**
338,178
63,971
-
9,380
338,178
73,351
5,296
63,971
5,296
1,876
10,592
65,847
327,586
7,504
332,882
-|**Fixtures,**
**fittings &**
**equipment**
**£**
7,456
-
7,456
7,456
-
7,456
-
-
**2024**
**£**
4,186
**2024**
**£**
-
-
-
**2024**
**£**
525,674
525,674|**Total**
**£**
409,605
9,380|
|---|---|---|---|
||||418,985|
||||76,723
7,172|
||||83,895|
||||335,090|
||||332,882|
||||**2023**
**£**
5,214|
||||**2023**
**£**
27
560|
||||587|
||||**2023**
**£**
566,494|
||||567,081|
- 17 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**15**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
**Notes**
Bank loans
**17**
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
**16**
**Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year**
**Notes**
Bank loans
**17**
**17**
**Loans and overdrafts**
Bank loans
Payable within one year
Payable after one year|**2024**
**£**
15,226
10,000
3,038
28,264
**2024**
**£**
86,110
**2024**
**£**
101,336
15,226
86,110|**2023**
**£**
15,226
25,107
1,860|
|---|---|---|
|||42,193|
|||**2023**
**£**
101,835|
|||**2023**
**£**
117,061|
|||15,226
101,835|
All loans are secured by fixed charges over the land and property. There are also floating charges held over all of the charity assets.
- 18 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **18 Restricted funds**
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
|**Balance at**
**1 January 2024**
**r**
**£**
Perpetual Endowment
10,259
Land Fund
12,078
Mill Barn
27,691
Dymock Covenants
484
Hereford Covenants
17,204
Over Covenants
7,100
Radcliffe Trust
5,129
Over Link
2,000
Oxenhall/Newent Project
-
Yarkhill
-
Monkhide
-
81,945|**Incoming**
**esources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**Interest on**
**funds**
**Balance at**
**31 December**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
-
-
286
10,545
21,308
-
634
34,020
-
-
773
28,464
1,319
(1,789)
7
21
3,373
-
528
21,105
6,977
(3,009)
254
11,322
-
-
143
5,272
1,180
(373)
67
2,874
803
(679)
2
126
1,500
(458)
15
1,057
50
-
1
51
36,510
(6,307)
2,710
114,858|
|---|---|
## **19 Unrestricted funds**
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.
|**At 1**
General funds
**Previous year:**
**At 1**
General funds|**January**
**2024**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31**
**December**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
889,666
155,577
(102,990)
942,253
**January**
**2023**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31**
**December**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
856,959
125,300
(92,593)
889,666|
|---|---|
- 19 -
**THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **20 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
Tangible assets
335,090
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
693,273
114,858
Long term liabilities
(86,110)
-
942,253
114,858|**Total**
Unrestricted
funds
**2024**
2023
**£**
£
335,090
332,882
808,131
658,619
(86,110)
(101,835)
1,057,111
889,666|Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
81,945
-
81,945|Total
2023
£
332,882
740,564
(101,835)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||971,611|
## **21 Related party transactions**
As detailed in note 15 at 31 December 2024 the charity is owed £525,674 (2023 - £566,494) from The Wharf House Company Limited as an intercompany loan. The full value of the loan is £625,674 less a provision of £100,000 considered irrecoverable. In the period the Trust did not charge interest on the loan (2023 - Nil)
H&G CT Ltd owns The Wharf House (TWH) Co Ltd which takes responsibility for repaying loans for purchase of Malswick House.
## **22 Subsidiaries**
These financial statements are separate H&G CT financial statements at 31 December 2023.
Details of the H&G CT's subsidiaries at 31 December 2024 are as follows:
|**Name of undertaking**|**Registered**|**Nature of business**|**Class of**|**% Held**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**office**||**shares held**|**Direct Indirect**|
|The Wharf House Co Ltd||Property rental|Ordinary £1|100.00|
The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries excluded from consolidation was as follows:
|**Name of undertaking**|**Profit/(Loss)**|**Capital and**|
|---|---|---|
|||**Reserves**|
||**£**|**£**|
|The Wharf House Co Ltd|44,822|(276,950)|
- 20 -
## **THE HEREFORDSHIRE AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE CANAL TRUST LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**23**|**Cash generated from operations**||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**|**£**|
||Surplus for the year||85,500|48,890|
||Adjustments for:||||
||Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities||(6,721)|(2,574)|
||Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets||7,172|6,155|
||Movements in working capital:||||
||Decrease/(increase) in stocks||1,028|(4,967)|
||Decrease in debtors||41,407|78,389|
||(Decrease) in creditors||(13,929)|(9,279)|
||**Cash generated from operations**||114,457|116,614|
|**24**|**Analysis of changes in net funds**||||
|||**At 1 January**|**Cash flows At**|**31 December**|
|||**2024**||**2024**|
||Cash at bank and in hand|210,462|96,073|306,535|
||Loans falling due within one year|(15,226)|-|(15,226)|
||Loans falling due after more than one year|(101,835)|15,725|(86,110)|
|||93,401|111,798|205,199|
- 21 -