CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION
Registered Charity Number 1019184 FOR THE YEAR ENDING 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2025
Contents:
Declaration Legal and Administrative Information
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS
Receipts & Payments Account Summary Balance Sheet at Year End Bank Reconciliation Notes to Accounts: Discussion of Figures. Independent Examiners Report
ANNUAL REPORT
Review of Progress and Achievements 2024/2025 Diary of Events at Pensychnant 2024/2025
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDING 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2025
Declaration.
The annual report and account set out herein for the financial year ending 28[th] February 2025 and the statement of assets and liabilities at that date is believed to be an accurate and fair representation of the transactions of the Pensychnant Foundation and are as approved by the Trustees.
These accounts and report are in exact concordance with the accounts submitted to the Charity Commission online, December 2025
Signed by the Trustees:
Timothy Stott
Mark Sheridan
Ian Jones
Marc Hughes
Barbara Winrow
Ian Jones resigned as a Trusteee on 10[th] March 2025
Accounting Method
These accounts are prepared on the "receipts and payments" basis in accordance with the Charities Act (1993) and as prescribed in "Accounting and Reporting by Charities, Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2000) (Charity Commissioners 2000). Noting that SORP 2005 is inapplicable to the Receipts and Payments Accounts prepared by charities which fall below the statutory audit threshold (currently £250,000 turnover), these accounts and report are based on Pro-forma Accounts and Reports packs supplied by Charity Commission (Dec. 2005).
It is not always feasible to perfectly sub-divide all receipts and payments into discreet categories (in particular, wardening may be attributable to conservation projects or other objects of the Foundation or to administration or to fundraising etc.). Hence each receipt or payment has been allocated to the category where the majority of activity occurred. The so-called ‘Trading Account’ includes many transactions which are not trading per se .
Preparation of Accounts
These accounts and annual report were prepared on behalf of the Trustees by Julian Thompson (warden)
Signed by the warden:
Julian Thompson
Independent Examination of Accounts
These accounts have been independently assessed by Kay Winstone (retired business manager) in accordance with section 43 of the Charities Act (1993). Her report is appended.
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/5
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/2025
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Main Charity Name: The Pensychnant Foundation
Address: Pensychnant Nature Conservation Centre, Sychnant Pass, Conwy, LL32 8BJ 'Phone: (01492) 592595 email: julian.pensychnant@btinternet.com web-site www.pensychnant.co.uk
The Pensychnant Foundation is known in Welsh as "Y Sefydliad Pensychnant" at Y Canolfan Warchod Natur Pensychnant, Bwlch Sychnant, Conwy.
Date of Establishment: December 1989
Registered Charity Number: 1019184 (since 26[th] March 1993)
Governing Document: Trust Deed (dated & stamped 1[st] March 1993)
Charitable Objects: For the benefit of wildlife and the public appreciation and understanding of natural history and nature conservation:
I To establish, protect, maintain, and manage appropriate parts of the Pensychnant Estate (and any other land) as a nature reserve for the conservation and management of the wild vegetation and wild creatures living naturally therein. II To record, study and research places, objects, species and ecosystems of scientific interest or of natural beauty on the Pensychnant Estate and elsewhere. III To establish, protect, maintain, and manage Pensychnant (and other premises) as a nature conservation centre and in it to organise meetings, lectures, field walks, displays and exhibitions in order to advance the education of the public in the importance of nature conservation and in nature conservation principles and practices.
(Full Trust Deed available from above address)
Trustees: Timothy Gregory Stott (since 1989) Mark Sheridan (since April 2014) Ian Keith Jones (since March 2019) Marc Berw Hughes (since February 2021) Barbara Winrow (since February 2021) New Trustees are appointed by unanimous resolution of the existing Trustees. (Trust Deed). There is no reason to suspect that any Trustee is ineligible to act as a trustee. Ian Jones resigned as a Trusteee on 10[th] March 2025
Custodians: Several investments are been held in the joint names of two or three Trustees.
Contracted Wardens: Julian P. Thompson & Karen Roberts
Other ‘Staff’: several committed volunteers. Main Agents: National Westminster Bank, Conwy. Hargreaves Lansdown (stockbroker) Solicitor: Llinos Roberts, lanyon Bowdler, Conwy. Independent Examiner: Kay Winstone (retired business manager)
- Responsibilities of Trustees: The Trustees have full responsibility to ensure that all actions taken by the charity are in strict accordance with the Objects and Provisions of the Trust Deed. They are required by the Trust Deed and by the Charities Act (2011) to safeguard the assets of the charity, and apply the charity’s income solely and with absolute fairness for the purposes set out in the Trust Deed; and to keep proper and consistent accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity (Responsibilities of Trustees. CC3).
Organisation: ‘The Trustees are empowered to appoint… any persons… for the purpose of … executing the trusts of the Trust Deed… and may delegate .. any of the powers of the Trust Deed provided all decisions taken on delegated powers shall be reported fully and regularly to the Trustees’. (Trust Deed).
Two wardens are contracted to manage the Foundation’s day-to-day operations under the direction of the Trustees. There were 3[3 ] Trustees’ Meetings in 2024/25, and Trustees and staff liaised frequently by email and informal meetings.
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Only the Trustees are empowered to enter into any contractual or legal agreements, and only they are allowed to operate any bank accounts or arrange custody of moneys, or investments. Cheques must be signed by any two of the Trustees.
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Financial Reserves Policy: ‘....the reserve fund should be sufficient to keep Pensychnant solvent in the event of about 2 months without income.’ (Currently estimated @ about £5000) (Draft Financial Review & Financial Policy; January 2001) .
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In addition to this: a Special Repair Fund ( sensu CC19) is invested for restoration and capital improvements to Pensychnant. (currently estimated @ >£100k) and an expendable endowment is held in an investment portfolio for the purpose of generating revenue.
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Investment Powers: ‘The Trustees are empowered to invest all moneys not immediately required for furthering the objects of the Foundation in such a manner and on such securities as may be deemed expedient... provided that moneys subject to the jurisdiction of the Charity Commissioners shall only be invested in such securities as may for the time being be prescribed by law.’ (Trust Deed)
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Investment Policy: The primary purpose of investments is to generate unrestricted expendable income in preference to accrual of capital except where specific capital projects are identified. Investments are chosen with regard to both potential returns and security and the investment portfolio is diversified with this aim. (Minutes)
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Risk Management: Financial and operational risks are minimised by adherence to office and governance procedures. The charity holds public liability and employers liability insurance.
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Grant-making Powers: The Trustees are empowered to support ….other groups conserving wildlife …. by providing facilities, equipment, personnel, advice or any form of assistance by grants or donations for the conservation management, recording, and study of sites of nature conservation interest. (Trust Deed)
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Related Parties: None of the Trustees have materially benefited from their position as Trustees, nor received any remuneration at all. Timothy Stott is both Landlord of Pensychnant Estate and Trustee. Julian Thompson (warden) lives at Pensychnant, for which a full market rent is paid to the Pensychnant Foundation.
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Serious Incidents: There is no evidence or suspicion of serious incidents during the year (eg. Fraud, suspicious donations or expenditure, links to proscribed organisations, abuse of vulnerable beneficiaries, criminal or regulatory investigations). There is considered to be no requirement for CRB checks of any trustee, staff or volunteer. The charity never works unsupervised with children or vulnerable adults.
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/2025
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR ENDING 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2025
Totals for the year ending 28[th] February 2024 in[superscript]
INCOME
GROSS INCOME
| GROSS INCOME | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £CHARITY ACCT. | £TRADING ACCT. | £TOTAL | £2023/24 | ||
| Voluntary Contributions | |||||
| "Supporters" Subscriptions | 3,792 | 20 | 3,784 | ||
| Donations | 6,590.50 | 780.05 | 2,345 | ||
| Tax reclaimed on Gift Aid & Covenants | 0 | 2,551 | |||
| Legacy | 0 | 0 | |||
| Grants (Carneddau Projects & Cranes of Peace) | 3,500 | 3,699.49 | 0 | ||
| ------ | ------- | £18,382.04 | £8,681 | ||
| Charitable Activities(in pursuit of Pensychnant's | Objects) | ||||
| Conservation Lectures and Events | 300.14 | 24 | 1,401 | ||
| Lectures and other events for other Organisations | 100 | 340 | 425 | ||
| Conservation Centre: Room Lettings | 921.45 | 27 | 1001 | ||
| Sale of logs | n/a | 94 | |||
| ----- | ------- | £1,712.59 | £2,922 | ||
| Fund-Raising Activities & Sales(£3,659.53 was credited | to Charity Acct by mistake!) | ||||
| Fund-Raising (Quiz, raffle) | 257 | 854.56 | 1,164 | ||
| Fundraising Events (J. Richards, Yoga, workshops…) | 2,088.61 | 1,908 | |||
| (National Garden Scheme entrance) | (975.50) | 1,057 | |||
| Tea & cakes (&wine) | - | 8,625.98 | 8,287 | ||
| Sales:Wildlife Art Exhibitions | 8,231.59 | 8,899 | |||
| ‘Open’ exhibition submission fees (after costs) | 2,139.29 | ||||
| Commission Sales | 1,110.95 | 1,142 | |||
| ----- | ------- |
£24,283.48 | £22,460 | ||
| Income from Assets | |||||
| Rent from flat | 4,680 | 4,680 | |||
| Room Hire for Non-conservation Events (REC, crafts...)1,480 | 1,460 | 3,395 | |||
| Tea & cake with Room hire | 1,632.50 | ||||
| Renewable Heat Incentive | 4,371.83 | 3,778 | |||
| Interest/dividends from Reserve & Special Repair Fund | 1,251.47 | 1,015 | |||
| Interest/ dividends from Mrs Stott’s Endowment | 2,755.44 | 2,581 | |||
| ------- | ------ | £17,631.24 | £17,010 | ||
| Miscellaneous | |||||
| Shared Estate Costs | 0 | 0 | |||
| Lamb! | 110 | n/a | |||
| ----- | ------ | £110 | 0 | ||
| GROSS INCOME | £29,999.83 | £32,119.52 | £62,119.35 | £51,074 |
*detail of restricted Funds is given below
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/2025
RECEIPTS NOT COUNTING AS GROSS INCOME
Unrealised Investment Income
| Increase [decrease] in share values: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve & Special Repair Fund: | HL Legal & General | 563 | [333] | |
| COIF | 267.78 | 271 | ||
| ----.-- | £830.78 | [£61] | ||
| Mrs. Stott’s Endowment | HL Invesco Perpetual Corp. | 69 | 439 | |
| HL M+G Strategic Cp. Bond | [351] | 410 | ||
| HL Invesco Perpetual Monthly | 605 | 709 | ||
| HL Royal London Sterling | 302 | 25 | ||
| Hargreaves Lansdown Cash | [36] | 10 | ||
| ----.-- | £589 | £1,593 | ||
| Total Investment Income | £1,419.78 | £1,531 | ||
| TOTAL MONETARY INCOME | £63,539.13 | £52,606 |
Donations in Kind
Photocopying & printing (JP Thompson) Travel expenses. (JP Thompson) Second-hand goods to equip and furnish Pensychnant or for resale (Many) Stock for exhibition (Many)
Bird seed from JP Thompson
Time andexperience from Alison Lock, Jochen Trio, Jonathan Richards, Richard & Angharad Hughes, Garry Chilton, .……
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/2025
EXPENDITURE
| EXPENDITURE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £CHARITY ACCT | £TRADING ACCT.£TOTAL | £2023/24 | ||
| Direct charitable expenditure | ||||
| Conservation of habitats | 0 | o | ||
| Conservation Events & room hire | 0 | 119 | ||
| Interpretative Materials | 0 | 0 | ||
| Natural History Recording | 0 | 80 | ||
| ----- | ------ | £0 | £199 | |
| Support Costs | ||||
| Wardens | 20,652 | 14,472 | 33,319 | |
| ---- | £35,124 | £33,319 | ||
| Pensychnant Estate | ||||
| Pensychnant Centre: Maintenance & Development | 2,008.27 |
7,557 | ||
| Nature Reserve | 541.50 | 487 | ||
| Access | 142.15 | 1,786 | ||
| ---- | ----- | £2,691.92 | £9,831 | |
| Administration | ||||
| Office & Stationery | 260.47 | 411 | ||
| Telephone & Internet | 422.01 | 749 | ||
| ----- | £682.48 | £1,160 | ||
| Overheads | ||||
| Electric | 2,344.61 | 2,713 | ||
| Wood pellets | 6,280.61 | 9,630 | ||
| Water Test | 0 | 0 | ||
| Business Rates | 0 | 0 | ||
| Fire Alarm Test | 0 | 0 | ||
| Insurance | 827.06 | 782 | ||
| ---- | ----- | £9,452.28 | £13,126 | |
| Other expenditure | ||||
| Promotion, Publicity, Membership | ||||
| Supporters mailings /posters for events | 847.44 | 903 | ||
| Advertising | 0 | 0 | ||
| Website | 0 | 0 | ||
| ---- | ----- | £847.44 | £903 | |
| Fund-raising & Sales | ||||
| Trading: Stock for exhibition & outsales | - | 448.78 | 1,545 | |
| CoS Stock | 56 | 3,710.51 | 1,575 | |
| Tea & Cake; catering supplies | - | 3,211.61 | 3,236 | |
| Exhibition support costs | - | 1,732.87 | 3,041 | |
| National Garden Scheme | - | 975.50 | 1,057 | |
| Fund-raising events | 67 | 1,073 | ||
| SumUp fees (receipts received net of fees) | - | 147.67 | 159 | |
| ----- | ----- | £10,349.94 | £10,627 | |
| Income from Assets | ||||
| Room lettings for non-conservation events | 0 | 0 | ||
| Flat | 113.22 | 0 | ||
| Lamb (paid to TGStott Farm) | n/a | n/a | ||
| ------ | ----- | 113.22 | £0 | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | £34,562.34 | £24,698.94 | £59,261.28 | £70,713 |
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/25
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2025
Balance as at 28[th] February 2024 in[superscript]
| £UNRESTRICTED£RESTRICTED | £TOTAL | £2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPERATIONAL BALANCE | |||
| Current account (Nat West) | 13,049.99 | 13,952 | |
| Trading account (Nat West) | 37,861.40 | 34,100 | |
| Total cash in bank | ---- | £ 50,911.39 | £48,053 |
DETAIL OF RESTRICTED CASH FUNDS
In 2018/19 £150 was donated by Chris Packham as part of his UK ‘Nature Reserves are Not Enough’ Bioblitz. It was agreed that this will be spent on wildlife recording paraphernalia. £69.48 is carrried over to 2024/25 and remains for 2025/26
£10,000 plus £2,500 Gift Aid was donated by June Thompson in 2017/18. It has been agreed that this will be spent on interior decoration and projects which take the charity forward, to be used at the discretion of the warden, Julian Thompson. £11,732.25 was carried over to 2022/23and remains for 2025/26
£975.50 entrance money (plus online bookings) was collected for National Garden Scheme, and paid to them during the year.
£2,500 was received from Partneriaeth Tir Carneddau (SNPA) in January 2025. A further £2500 is promised. This is reserved for a project to promote biodiversity recording at Pensychnant.
RESERVE & SPECIAL REPAIR FUND
Investment values are based on latest statements / Financial Times (valuation dates shown in parentheses)
| COIF Fixed Interest Fund (Feb’25Feb’24) | 6,927.50 | 6,659 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HL Legal & General Dynamic Fund (Jan ‘25Jan24)) | 16,085 | 15,522 | |
| Total | --------.---- | £23,012.50 | £22181 |
| MRS STOTT’S LEGACY (EXPENDABLE ENDOWMENT) | |||
| HL Invesco Perpetual Corp. Bond (Jan ‘25Jan24) | 24,999 | 24,930 | |
| HL M &G Strategic Corp. Bond X (Jan ‘25Jan24) | 27,642 | 27,993 | |
| HL Invesco Perpetual Monthly Inc. Plus Gross (Jan ‘25Jan24) 9,691 | 9,086 | ||
| HL Royal London Sterling (Jan ‘25Jan24) | 9,454 | 9,152 | |
| Hargreaves Lansdown cash accounts (Jan ‘25Jan ‘24) | 1,624 | 1,660 | |
| Total | ------.-- | £73,410 | £72,821 |
| Total Monetary Assets | £147,333.89 | £143,056 |
Balance sheet as of 28[th] February 2025 continued..................
£ £ £ CURRENT TANGIBLE ASSETS Exhibition stock at approximate cost price (incl. SoR) 2,000 2000 £2000 ----£2,000
Exhibition Stock has not been evaluated accurately. Stock levels have not changed markedly since 2014/15 when its replacement value was reassessed to a more realistic sum. Really the exhibition stock is worthless until it is sold! Most is held ‘cash-on-sale’
FIXED CAPITAL ASSETS
Depreciation on fixed assets is estimated at 25% p.a. in order to write off each asset over its useful life.
None £0 0
Individual items valued at less than £400 are not itemised.
Assets with neither cost nor market value information are listed below. To capitalise these items is considered perfunctory.
Vivian Hewitt taxidermy collection Furniture and equipment in the Pensychnant Conservation Centre. Betty Mills exhibition stock (donated October 2001) Laptop and digital projectors (now of small value)
No assets of material worth have been disposed of during the year.
DEBTORS AT 29[TH] FEBRUARY 2022
None
£0 ----£0 LIABILITIES AT 29[TH] FEBRUARY 2022 None 0 £0 £0 TOTAL (VALUED) ASSETS £149,333.89 £145,056
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2023/24
ANALYSIS AND RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
CASH ASSETS
INCOME - EXPENDITURE = £62,119.35– £59,261.28= £2,858.07 SURPLUS[£19,638 DEFICIT ]
BANK BALANCE Feb ’25 - BANK BALANCE Feb ‘24 = £50,911.39 - £48,053.32 = £2,858.07 SURPLUS ✓
ALL MONETARY ASSETS
INCOME - EXPENDITURE = £63,539.13 – £59,261.28 = £4,277.85 SURPLUS[£18,107 DEFICIT ]
BALANCE - BALANCE = £147,333.89 - 143,056.04 = £4,277.85 SURPLUS ✓ Feb '25 Feb '24
TOTAL (VALUED) ASSETS
(TOTAL ASSETS - LIABILITIES) - (TOTAL ASSETS - LIABILITIES)[Feb '25][Feb '25][Feb '24][ Feb ‘24] (££149,333.89 – 0) – (145,056.04 – 0) = £4,277.85 SURPLUS[£10,107 DEFICIT ]
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/25
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS: DISCUSSION OF FIGURES
Income
Voluntary Contributions: Supporters
There are 198 households on the Supporters’ database; 4 new for 2,024/25. However the database needs updating to excommunicate non-payers. Supporters’ contributions remain more-or-less constant (£3,812[£3,784] ).
Voluntary Contributions: Donations
2024/25 was a good year for donations (£7,370[£2,345] ), boosted by a generous £6,000 from Anne Brenchley & Ian Spence in January.
£508[£756] , plus £172[£204] in Piggy, was donated at the tea & cake stall and in the Centre from happy customers. This is an incidental perk of trading, and is eligible for GASDS.
A further £60[£550] was in memory of Pensychnant’s Supporter, Fran Ashdown who died in 2024. £265 was in memory of Roy Schofield, Pensychnant’s quiz-master who died in December 2025.
£265 was given by various supporters; £140 in the wake of Storms Lilian and Darragh.
Tax Reclaimed on Gift Aid
Gift Aid and GASDS needs to be claimed for 2024/25[£1494] .
Grants
SNPA Carneddau Landscape Partnership gave £500 to enhance Pensychnant’s wildflower meadows. This was exactly spent on plug-plants from Andy Houghton (Feronia). A further £500 was given for a two-year contract (2023 & 2024) for Carneddau Partnership volunteers to harvest yellow rattle seed by hand for meadow restoration elsewhere. This money was used to subsidise the cost of organising the Meadows Day event.
Following the successful completion of Pensychnant’s 2023/24 Carneddau Project, in January 2025, Carneddau Landscape Partnership has promised a second £5,000 grant towards a programme of events in 2025 to promote wildlife recording, including a Biodiversity Fair (10-11[th] May 2025) and Recorders’ Day. £2,500 was received ‘upfront’ and the balance to be paid in December 2025.
Cranes of Peace, commemorating the Hiroshima bomb, became a major project for Pensychnant in 2024. From an initial, modest, idea by Karen, the project took wings when Conwy Town Teams promised to fund a dozen origami workshops at Pensychnnt and elsewhere, an installation in Conwy St Mary’s, and other activities, with Conwy SPF (Shared Prosperity Fund) money. About 2000 origami cranes were made by at least 200 people aged 8 to 96, from community groups including Mind, Clwb yr Efail, Vision Support, Menter Iaith, Scouts and Guides, St John’s Methodist’s, and Ysgolion Porth y Felin and Aberconwy. One crane was made by a blind, deaf lady, aged 96 who could remember the occasion of the Hiroshima bomb. The project engendered good links with local community groups, especially with St Mary’s Church, and engendered a lot of public support and recognition for Pensychnant. £3,699 from Conwy Town Teams more than paid for Karen’s time to run this project plus the small expenses.
Charitable Trading: Conservation Events
We reverted to the original pattern of offering conservation events for free with the hope of donations and tea & cake sales, rather than charged workshops. Donations included:
| les, rather than charged workshops. ns included: |
|
|---|---|
| Moth Group (monthly) | £131£166 |
| 25thAnniverary Moth Group | £42 |
| “168 Years Mothing at Sychnant” | £24 |
| Cuckoo Walk | £20£50 |
| 5000 year walk | £40 |
| Ashworth’s Rustic weekend | £24£9 |
| Fungi lecture wih Cofnod | £18 |
| Deeside Nats for birds | £25 |
All these conservation events were well appreciated. However income was pitiful in relation to the effort and the quality of experience provided. Making money is not the aim of these events but we do need money! The 5 charged workshops in 2023/24 (Butterflies, Birds, Winter Twigs, Owl Pellets, Microbiota) had earned a profit of £817, so a significant reduction for 2024/25
Charitable Trading: Conservation Events for other organisations
Only one lecture was given to other organisations: ‘Pensychnant’ to Llandudno Junction Memorial Hall Group (£50), plus Deeside Nats gave £50 for a guided walk.
Pensychnant provided 3 guided walks with refreshments for Conwy Mind (£420).
Charitable Trading: Room Hire for Conservation Events by other organisations
Since the advent of Zoom, fewer groups use Pensychnant’s facilities on a regular basis. Even the Cambrian Ornithological Society (£30) only meet here 4 times per year now. The Non-flowering Plant Group still meet here for a donation (£65[57] ); as do Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (£82[72] ).
Other groups pay a standard room hire charge of £45 (increased to £50 in 2024): North Wales Geologists’ Association (£185[80] ); Butterfly Conservation (£25); Botanical casting (£90); Shire Horse Society (£20). A weekend Fungi course by Cofnod (£225) was excellent for Pensychnant. Ysgol San Sior visited in Spring (£150). The Carneddau Partnership’s annual Chough count has taken to finishing with tea & cake at Pensychnant (£70[50] ).
Fund -Raising
The quizzes, organised by Rose & Roy Schofield, raised £257[£297] Raffle at Ffair Nadolig raised £782[£845 ] for the Baravelli moth egg which was very generously sponsored by Beehive Coaching and Leadership Development. A raffle at the summer fair raised £67.
Fund -Raising Events:
Some people have been very generous with their time and skills to raise money for Pensychnant.
| Garry Chilton jazz keyboard concert | £180 |
|---|---|
| Arthur & Sarah Sing, with Beth & Owen, and Quayside Buccaneers | £520 |
| Jochen Trio jazz concert | £601 |
| Arthur & Sarah Sing for Christmas | £192 |
| Jonathan Richards Guitar concert | £180 |
| Fiona Wilkinson Self-compassion practice: | £30 |
| Alison Lock Creative Writing workshops | £200 |
| Pottery Painting | £125 |
The musical events, especially those outdoors in the Summer have been particuarly successful and have developed a following. They also engender extra income from tea & cake, wine & Pimm’s and occassional sales. Despite the effort, they are considered profitable.
£975[£1057] was paid to NGS during the year. All the entrance money at the two Open Garden Days goes to NGS
Wildlife Exhibitions, The ‘Open’ and Other Sales
There is an element of trading, or the hope of it, in almost every event and activity at Pensychnant, whether this be the sale of a greetings card at a committee meeting, sales of tea and cake to groups or individuals, or the big Christmas Fairs.
Pensychnant House and wildlife art exhibition is now open every weekend (and bank holiday) from April till end of September. For April, May and June the exhibition exhibition featured art by Philip Snow, Barbara Winrow, Betty Mills, Rene Davies, and others, with cards and random small goods, as has become usual. Sales were few, boosted only by the Spring Fair and Open Garden Day and the sale of one original, by Mari Smith @ £200.
In May the Billiards Room housed an exhibition by Carys Chester, all of the paintings being inspired by Pensychnant and its nature. It was successful, selling originals totalling £582 (commission = £175). It helped that Carys was in attendance most weekends.
New for July, August, September 2024, was Pensychnant’s ‘Open’, an exhibition on the theme of Wildlife, Conservation and Environment. A call for submissions was put out via Parker Harris’ Artopps website and
facebook. Set up cost £420 up-front, which seemed a risk for this unproven venture. There were x240 entries (plus x4 by hand), at £15/£10 each, earning £2,074 (plus £65). So, the exhibition had profited by £1,719 before even a single picture had been sold! Five judges, Joan, Barbara, Nadine, Karen and Julian selected x121 for hanging. There is no doubt – the exhibition was Pensychnant’s best ever, with such diverse artworks of such high standard. x10 originals were sold, ranging from £25 to £800, and totalling £1,940. This is more than has sold in any recent year. This is of course tempered by costs of £1,336 to the artists. Disastrously, two expensive originals were damaged (slightly) by damp at Pensychnant. To salvage Pensychnant’s credibility as a gallery, £1,067 was paid to these artists, nullifying most of the profit on sales. Evenso, the submissions and sales combine profited by £1,256 which is more than most recent years. It is galling that the profit would have been £2,313 if it were not for the damp! It is not dramatically apparent that sales of small goods or tea & cake increased during the period of the Open.
Small goods at the exhibitions do not attract the interest, or sales, hoped for. Some sales goods do do particuarly well: those by Barbara Winrow (£1030[£945] ); plants (£510[£510] ). The run away success of 2023 had been metal dragonflies[£1075] but these had sold out. The Natural History Book Fair[£835] was not repeated in 2024 (because of the Open). A new venture selling FSC ID guides (£128) has not yet recouped its cost (£216)
Certainly Karen’s tea & cake is the alluring factor in Pensychnant’s trading success. £10,268[£9,847.50] worth of refreshments was sold to visitors during the summer – equivalent to about 2000 servings, with several regular customers. Of this, £1,632[£1,560] was taken as an integral part of craft workshop bookings (and so is accounted for with room hire), and £295 was for mulled wine/Pimm’s at special events. So, £8,625[£8,287] was taken from casual visitors. This exceeds the total sales of goods in the Exhibition (£8,360[£8,899] ). Tea & cake brings more people to Pensychnant than the exhibition, and certainly more than the nature reserve. Tea and Cake is more profitable percentage-wise than art sales. This should be better used as an opportunity to promote nature appreciation and conservation to the general public.
Fund-raising and trading, plus venue hire with refreshments totalled £27,641 income. This is massive compared to pre-covid levels. Thanks Karen! Obviously this is tempered by expenses (£24,652[£22,221] )
Obvious expenses were for stock. Tea & cake etc. (plus Coed Lleol buffet) cost £3,211[£3,236] , so net profits on catering were £7,057. Sales goods including CoS to artists) totalled £2,903[£3,120] . Overall, excepting the FSC ID guides, all sales lines were profitable within the year but @ 30% profit, the net gain is small. Because Pensychnant has rather few sales, it needs big sales (ie originals)
£611[£2,766] was invested in improvements to Pensychnant’s trading infrastructure: £386[879] for gallery rails; £141 for glasses and their storage; £83 for car park marker and garden furniture. Hopefully these items will soon repay their cost.
Revenue costs included, alcohol licences (£87); North Wales Tourism membership £163); expenses for Cranes of Peace £307); stamps (£89); Donations to Bees for Development for Conwy Street Fairs (£45); Donation to Hospice for Christmas Tree Festival (£27).
The greatest cost is Karen’s wage, albeit a meagre one (£14,472,[£12,667] ). It is not straightforward to calculate the profit on activities because so many factors overlap, but adding up the Cranes grant, profit on Tea & Cake, profit on the Open, and approximate profit on other sales makes about £12,100.
Income from Assets: Room Hire for Non-conservation Activities
First Aid Courses (£680[£1440] ) and Yoga sessions (£800) continue to rent rooms reguarly, but now much of the (noncharitable) room hire income is from craft and wellbeing workshops organised by Karen, usually in the Old Billiards Room or marquee. These include Nature journalling, silver-smithing, willow weaving, macramé, needle felting, Town Team. These workshops earned £1,550[1,955] @ £45 each half day. Income from these is boosted (sometimes doubled) by including tea and cake with the booking (£1,462[£1560] )
Income from Assets: Rents
The flat returns a steady and secure income of £4,680pa.
Income from Assets
The money held in COIF and HL Legal & General Dynamic Fund is regarded as a financial reserve ( sensu CC62: SORP2000) and Special Repair Fund ( sensu CC19). It is allocated for renovation and other special projects
which really take Pensychnant forward, and it is saved with the hope of multiplying its value as match funding for grant schemes. It is not unreasonable to expect repairs and renovation costs in excess of £500,000, so this total reserve is woefully insufficient.
All monies arising from Mrs Stott’s bequest are regarded as an Expendable Endowment, to raise revenue income for the charity. (This is not a Permanent or inalienable Endowment Fund sensu CC64, because Trustees do not require authorization from either the Trust Deed or Charity Commissioners before spending it).
The investment portfolio increased by 1.5% (£1,419[£1531] ). This is less than inflation. Investment dividends increased to £4,006[£3,597] , a return of 4.2%[3.7%] on capital
Expenditure
Conservation of Habitats
The considerable costs of habitat work on the farm were borne by Tim Stott as part of his Glastir agri-environment contract.
Wardens
During the Coronavirus pandemic, the warden’s remuneration was set at a fixed £1,721 per month, £20,652 p.a., paid by bankers’ order. Expenses are billed separately.
During the year Karen’s wage was increased to £12hour[-1] to organise the tea & cake stall, book and manage events, network with volunteers, and everything to do with fundraising, publicity, admin, finances, bookings, and anything else that comes along. 2024/25 was the fourth year that Karen was employed, earning just £14,472[£12,667]
It must be recognised that the current wardens’ remuneration is considerably below that which might be expected, even in the charity sector, even within conservation. This remuneration is equivalent to less than the national minimum wage but without the normal perks of employment (both warden’s are self-employed). (Median gross annual earnings for full-time employees was £37,430 in April 2024 (Office for National Statistics)).
Maintenance & Capital Improvements to Pensychnant Conservation Centre
Routine maintenance included items such as toilet rolls, cleaning products, lawn seed, fire alarm batteries (£158[£69] ).
In 2024, the exterior of the lounge wall had been repointed by volunteers to cure damp ingress. Lime mortar and new cast iron downpipes cost £629[£120] but if this had been done by a builder it would have cost thousands of pounds.
A replacement LED kitchen light cost £78; Painting the railings cost £86: painting the Dining Room for the Open cost £51; and gallery rail fixings, £76
Refurbishing the Billiards Room began in winter 2022/23. Due to lack of funds this must be adjourned for the time being. The absence of effective central heating in this room is problematical
Nature Reserve
Wildflower plug plants and seed were planted to enhance the Wildflower Meadows. The Carneddau Project paid £500 for the plug plants. £41 was spent on seed .
Access
Storm Darragh caused massive damage, and cancelled the second Ffair Nadolig. Dozens of trees fell including large pines across the drive and Sychnant Pass Road. £142 was spent on chainsawing and a further £31 for cement to rebuil;t the roadside walls. It will cost a lot more than this! Luckily, with great fortitude, the second Ffair Nadolig was only postponed to the next day.
Fferm Pensychnant
All monetary costs relating to the farm have been met by Tim Stott, and all income.
Overheads
Energy costs did not really fall in 2024/5 as it appears. Only two wood pellet deliveries were received (£6,280) rather than three[(£9630] ), and four electricity bills (£2,344.61[2,713] ) Pro-rata energy usage is probably similar. The cost of biomass fuel increased threefold after the start of the Ukraine War and now far exceeds receipts from the RHI. (£4,371.83[3,778] )
Tom Peel tests the fire alarms and emergency lighting for free.
As a local charity, Pensychnant applies for and gets 100% discretionary relief on its Business Rates.
Promotion, Publicity, Membership
Expenditure on publicity (£847[£903] ) is the cost of printing and posting programmes plus £129 for the webhost and domain registration.
PENSYCHNANT WILDLIFE EXHIBITION & OUTSALES
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS : BREAKDOWN OF FIGURES
3,515
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2025
Totals for the year ending 28[th] February 2024 in[superscript] . Values shown gross of SumUp and Just Giving fees, but they were received net of commission to the bank account.
| GOODS SOLD RETAIL | £ | £ 2023/24 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance (normally free) | + | (975.50 paid to NGS) | (£1057) |
| Fundraising Events (with T&C) + | 2,598 | 2,970 | |
| Venue Hire (with T&C) | + | 1,800+1,632.50 | |
| Tea & Cakes Refreshments | 8,330.68 | 8,287 | |
| Mulled Wine | 295.30 | 274 | |
| Philip Snow Cards© Pensychnant | 28.50 | 56 | |
| Betty Mills Cards© Pensychnant | 6 | 3 | |
| Kate Stevens cards | 4.40 | n/a | |
| Fiona Jones cards | 92.50 | n/a | |
| Jane Handforth cards | 132.50 | n/a | |
| Mari Smith cards | 153 | n/a | |
| Barbara Winrow cards & notebooks | 245.10 | 242 | |
| OWL cards | * | 6 | 32 |
| Paul Kay cards | * | 8.10 | 40 |
| Julie Horner card | * | 5 | 1 |
| Cary Chester cards | 15 | ||
| Rita Alker cards | * | 19 | 22 |
| Emma & Steve Stansfield Cards | n/a | 1 | |
| Paula Salmons cards | * | n/a | 23 |
| Betty Mills Books | * | 60 | 215 |
| Second Hand Nature Books | * | 118.50 | 835 |
| Historical Trails | * | 40 | 88 |
| ID Guides | 128 | ||
| Wyn’s books | * | 72 | 90 |
| Other Books (COS Reports, Jan Miller book) | 13 | 26 | |
| Plants | * | 510.40 | 510 |
| Barbara Winrow (trays, aprons, chopping boards..) | 785.70 | 703 | |
| Craiglea Crafts & Auntie Jenny * | 84.50 | 96 | |
| Angie Board knitted bees | * | 40 | |
| Margaret’s knitted Birds | * | 41 | 34 |
| Brian’s Bird boxes | * | 280 | 215 |
| Helen willow weaver | 180 | 15 | |
| Bee’s Craft packs | 24.50 | 37 | |
| Magnets by Simon | 36 | 103 | |
| Simon’s breadboard | * | 25 | 25 |
| Ysgol San Sior bee badges & bombs * | 42.50 | 73 | |
| Bric-a-Brac & Second Hand Books * | 666.05 | 735 | |
| bay leaves, herby firelighters | * | 10.95 | 34 |
| Julie’s Owl Decoration, wands * | 22 | 4 | |
| Julie’s quilts | * | 55 | |
| Candles from Barbara | * | 70 | |
| Peacock feathers | * | 48.43 | 64 |
| Morfa Seaglass | 10 | 50 | |
| Logs & Swedish logs | * | 20 | 94 |
| Carys Chester plaques | n/a | 46 | |
| Kitty’s Clay Hogs | * | n/a | 11 |
| Dragonflies, Robins | n/a | 1075 | |
| Baravelli’s Truffles | * | 300 | 402 |
| Christmas Trees | n/a | 585 |
| Prints (mounted) |
227 |
330 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Prints (framed) | 0 | 6 | |
| Originals | 2,315 | 1091 | |
| OWL | * | 133 | 305 |
| Commission Sales (Nadolig& Ffair Lyfrau) + | 1110.95 | 1142 | |
| Raffles (Spring & Christmas) | + (incl. Just Giving) | 854.56 | 857 |
| Quiz | + | 3 | 0 |
| Unknown / forgotten | 90.06 | 473 | |
| Donations (eligible for GASDS or GA) o | 807.05 | 756 | |
| Parker Harris Submission fees | + | 2,139.29 | |
| Glass replacement | 25 | ||
| Cranes of Peace SPF grant | + | 3699.49 | |
| Supporter (Ruth Bethell ) | o | 20 | |
| Lamb (paid out to Tim | * | 110 | |
| TOTAL | £31,901.02 | 27,568 |
-
indicates sales of goods donated to Pensychnant (Total income = profit). Sales of donated goods are not regarded as ‘trading’ sensu Inland Revenue Guidance CS2.
-
indicates ‘fund-raising’ sensu Inland Revenue Guidance; also not regarded as ‘trading’ sensu Inland Revenue Guidance CS2. O indicates donations; not regarded as trading and eligible for Gift Aid/ GASDS
SALES DONATED GOODS & FUND-RAISING & DONATIONS = £2,677.08 + £14,813.79 + £827.05= £18,317.92
TRADING AS A PROPORTION OF CHARITY INCOME
Under Charity Commission guidelines, Pensychnant is not compelled to set up a trading company provided that trading turnover does not exceed 25% of the charity's incoming resources (or exceed £50,000).
Exhibition & Outsales Turnover = £31,901.02 LESS: monies received from donated goods and fund-raising (not considered to be trading) £18,317.92 HENCE: Trading Turnover £13,583.10 Pensychnant Foundation’s total Income (see consolidated accounts) £62,119.35
Current trading turnover (£13,583) equals 21.8%[26.1%] of the Foundation's total (£62,119). Establishment of a separate trading company must be a consideration for the future.
| SPECIAL FUND RAISING DAYS | £ | £ | £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conwy Seed Fair | 209.40 | 161 | |
| National Garden Scheme 1 & 2 | 2,733.55 | 3,248 | |
| Spring Fair | 1,353.45 | 1,486 | |
| Summer Fair | 1,065.60 | 1,049 | |
| Arthur Sings (concert) & opening of ‘Open’ | 1,164.01 | 540 | |
| Conwy Honey Fair | 180.18 | 280 | |
| Ffair Nadolig 1&2 | 3,225.65 | 5,197 | |
| Other small retail opportunities (lectures to other groups) | 0 | 0 | |
| Web Sales | 0 | 0 |
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of the Pensychnant Foundation . Accounts for the Year Ending 28[th] February 2025
I have examined the accounts and annual report for the above period which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policy set out on page 1 of the Receipts and Payment Account Summary.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts. They consider that the audit requirement under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 does not apply for this year, and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts without performing an audit, and to report to the trustees.
Basis of Examiners Statement.
This report is in respect of an examination carried out under section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 and in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43(7)(b). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity trustees and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and making such enquiries as are necessary concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not constitute an audit.
Examiners Statement.
Based on my examination no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect accounting records have not been kept in accordance with section 41 of the Charities Act 1993, or that the accounts presented do not accord with those records or comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 1993. No matter has come to my attention in connection with my examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.
Kay Winstone Retired Business Manager 2025
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/2025
REVIEW OF PROGRESS & ACHIEVEMENTS 2024 / 2025
The Pensychnant Foundation works with many local naturalists and wildlife organisations, to foster the public's appreciation and understanding of wildlife and wildlife conservation, and to record and safeguard the wildlife and natural beauty of Wales .
It was in 2023 that, after 33years of trying, and failing, to negotiate a cross-generational lease, Tim Stott offered to gift the Pensychnant House, farmyard and most part of the estate (about 109 acres) to the Pensychnant Foundation. This is the best outcome which the charity could ever have hoped for, and very, very generous. It was agreed too that the Charity should lease the farmland (an additional 39 acres) on a 7- year (hopefully renewable) Farm Business Tenancy. (The farm had never been part of Brian Stott’s original plan though it has become increasingly important to the charity’s aims and activities since 2016). A line of division and terms of agreement were agreed between the Pensychnant Foundation and Tim Stott’s Farm, and in March 2024 the Pensychnant Foundation and Tim gave instruction to their respective solicitors to proceed with the transfer of property and lease of the Farm. It is impossible to over-state the magnitude of this gift or what it means to the Charity. It ensures Pensychnant’s charitable aims forever!
Probably we underestimated how much time these legal arrangements would take. By the end of the year, February 2025, they were still not completed.
First delay was that it was consided prudent to change the constitution of the Pensychnant Foundation from that of a charitable Trust, to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). (A CIO is a ‘legal person’ and so obviates the need for Trustees to hold property on behalf of the Charity. It also removes any personal liability of Trustees). A proforma (online) constitition was chosen and wording of the Charity’s Objects were updated to reflect changes in charity law since the original Deed of 1992. Nevertheless, the Objects remain substantially the same, as follows:
For the benefit of the public:
-
to conserve, restore, improve, and protect the physical and natural environment and biodiversity of Pensychnant as a nature reserve and nature conservation centre.
-
to promote nature conservation, by informing and educating the public about natural history, and nature conservation principles and practices.
-
to promote nature conservation by raising awareness of the importance of nature to individual and societal well-being.
-
to advance nature conservation, by recording, and studying places, objects, species, and ecosystems of botanical, zoological, ornithological, archaeological, or geological interest, or of natural beauty.
The new governing document was agreed by the Charity Comissioners and entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1211031 on 21[st] November 2024. The new charity took on all the business and assets of the old at the close of the financial year, 28[th] February 2025 (though the original charitable Trust (number 1019184) has not yet been formally closed).
Overall this seems a positive time. More people are more supportive. Everyone comments on how busy and lively Pensychnant is. This seems a good time for the charity to consolidate its future by taking on ownership of the house and leasing the farmland. The charity now has an established repertoire of conservation events such as Insectaganza, Pied Flycatcher and Cuckoo Walks, Bluebell Walk, Meadows Day, the Birdy Bioblitz, Ashworths’ Rustic Weekend and frequent summertime Nature Bimbles. A guided walk in Y Gymraeg for Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd was a challenge but made an important link with local Welsh-speakers. The advent of Zoom and perhaps a change in societal wants, however means that the traditional series of monthly winter lectures which has ben a mainstay since the charity started, is now less successful, and it is difficult to enrol speakers. A talk, “168 Years of Mothing at Sychnant” was relatively successful, as are the Cambrian Ornithological Society and N. Wales Geological Society lectures. Pensychnant’s Moth Group celebrated its 25[th] anniversary in September.
The nature reserve continues in good heart, providing benefit to biodiversity and peaceful enjoyment to visitors. It is apparent that spring migrants such as Pied Flycatcher are in decline, probably due to climate change, and beyond the control of the Pensychnant Foundation; Cuckoos may be declining; Wood Warblers have long been absent. There is scope to improve habitats for wildlife, especially with the Charity taking over the farm. A £1000 grant from the Snowdonia National Park Authority bought £500-worth of wildflower plug plants for Pensychnant’s meadows, and harvested Yellow Rattle seed to seed other wildflower meadows in Conwy Valley. Other species are doing well. Emergence counts in mid-summer showed that the boiler house now has a maternity roost of about 130 Lesser Horseshoe Bats, about 0.4% of the Welsh Population. This is amazing for Pensychnant’s little boiler room.
Money remains the problem! Most conservation events earn insufficient income to pay wages. Income must come from grants and trading.
In March, an initial modest, idea by Karen took wings when Creu Conwy Town Teams promised to fund Pensychnant’s Cranes of Peace Project. This became a major project for Pensychnant in 2024. Origami peacecranes, commemorating the Hiroshima bomb, have developed a worldwide following. In a dozen workshops, about 2000 origami cranes were made by at least 200 people aged 8 to 96, from community groups including Mind, Clwb yr Efail, Vision Support, Menter Iaith, Scouts and Guides, St John’s Methodist’s, and Ysgolion Porth y Felin and Aberconwy. One crane was made by a blind, deaf lady, aged 96 who could remember the occasion of the Hiroshima bomb. The link with nature conservation was at best tenuous, but the project was 100% funded, was worthy, and engendered good links with local community groups, and a lot of public support and recognition for Pensychnant.
Another grant-aided project, a Biodiversity Fair and Recorders’ Day, is planned for Summer 2025, funded by Carneddau Landscape Partnership.
Pensychnant’s Wildlife Art Exhibition has been a core fund-raising activity since 1993. Although this had seen an upturn in recent years, the usual pattern of local artists had often yielded disappointing sales. In May, an exhibition by Carys Chester, all of the paintings being inspired by Pensychnant and its nature, was quite successful, selling originals totalling £582 (commission = £175), but this was not as good as could be hoped. Then in July, August and September Pensychnant started a new venture – the ‘Open’, an exhibition on the theme of Wildlife, Conservation and Environment. A call for submissions was put out via Parker Harris’ Artopps website and facebook. Set up cost £420 up-front, which seemed a risk for this unproven venture. There were x244 entries at £15/£10 each, earning £2,139. So, the exhibition had profited by £1,719 before even a single picture had been sold! There is no doubt – the exhibition was Pensychnant’s best ever, with such diverse artworks of such high standard. x10 originals were sold, ranging from £25 to £800, and totalling £1,940. This is more than has sold in any recent year. This is of course tempered by costs of £1,336 to the artists. The Open has really created a buzz of excitement amongst local artists and visitors.
This increased footfall is the foundation for Pensychnant’s other trading. There is an element of trading, or the hope of it, in almost every event and activity at Pensychnant, whether this be the sale of a greetings card at a committee meeting, sales of tea and cake to groups or individuals, or the big Christmas Fairs. Certainly Karen’s tea & cake is the alluring factor in Pensychnant’s trading success. £10,268[£9,847.50] worth of refreshments was sold to visitors during the summer – equivalent to about 2000 servings, with several regular customers. Of this, £1,632[£1,560] was taken as an integral part of craft workshop bookings, and £295 was for mulled wine/Pimm’s at special events. So, £8,625[£8,287] was taken from casual visitors. This exceeds the total sales of goods in the Exhibition (£8,360[£8,899] ). Tea & cake brings more people to Pensychnant than the exhibition, and certainly (sadly) more than the nature reserve. Tea and Cake is more profitable percentage-wise than art sales. The aim is to exhibit art which inspires a love of nature and its conservation (rather than just art which is inspired by nature).
Fund-raising and trading, plus venue hire with refreshments totalled £27,641 income. This is massive compared to pre-covid levels. Thanks Karen! Obviously this is tempered by expenses (£24,652[£22,221] ). Profits are not yet transformatory, but there is real promise that the new modus operandi based around the Open and tea & cakes, together with grant-aided projects, will raise necessary funds for more conservation events, habitat work, and estate renovations. 2025-26 is going to be a very big year in Pensychnant’s history.
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS & ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PENSYCHNANT FOUNDATION 2024/2025
DIARY OF EVENTS AT PENSYCHNANT YEAR ENDING 28[TH] FEBRUARY 2025
Pensychnant Foundation Events Events put on for or with other groups Groups hiring Pensychnant Committees attended on behalf of Pensychnant (elsewhere)
| Mon | 4 | March | Denise Williams Usher Easter wreath workshop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moth Group | |||
| Tues | 5 | March | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Fri | 8 | March | Walk in memory of Fran Ashdown |
| Sat | 9 | March | CarolineMindful Walk and T&C |
| Mon | 11 | March | Trustees’ Meeting |
| Tues | 12 | March | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Evie Roberts Lino Cutting Workshop | |||
| Wed | 13 | March | Butterfly Conservation Committee |
| Thurs | 14 | March | Deeside Nats for Bird Walk |
| Sat | 16 | March | REC First Aid course |
| Tues | 19 | March | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Wed | 20 | March | Town Team Zoom |
| Great Big Green Week online | |||
| Thurs | 21 | March | Origami Crane trial session |
| Fri | 22 | March | Fiona Smith Mindfulness theory |
| Beryl Naybour needle-felted hares | |||
| Sat | 23 | March | NWNFPG Mosses & Microscopes |
| Evie Roberts Silver rings | |||
| Sun | 24 | March | Ian Jone’s Retirement Bash |
| Mon | 25 | March | Denise Williams Usher Pressed Flower Workshop |
| Tues | 26 | March | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Conwy Seed Fair | |||
| Weekends | & Bank Holidays 30 March – 29 September | ||
| WILDLIFE ART EXHIBITION AND TEA & CAKES ON LAWN | |||
| Mon | 1 | April | NWWT Conwy Valley committee |
| Moth Group | |||
| Tues | 2 | April | Conwy Town Team |
| Wed | 3 | April | Evie Roberts Silver ear-rings |
| Thurs | 4 | April | Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group |
| Fri | 5 | April | Cambrian Ornithological Society committee |
| Cambrian Ornithological Society “Seabirds” by Keith Offord | |||
| Sat | 6 | April | Taith Gerdded ar gyfer Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd |
| Bee Williams bluebell & badger | |||
| Sun | 7 | April | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop (public) |
| Mon | 8 | April | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop (public) |
| Sat | 13 | April | Caroline Nature Connection & writing Workshop |
| Tara Dean Carneddau Project walk for T&C | |||
| Tues | 16 | April | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Cranes of Peace origami workshop and guided walk for Scouts | |||
| Thurs/Fri | 17/18 April REC First Aid Course | ||
| Fri | 18 | April | Beryl Naybour needle-felting dogs |
| Wkd20/21 | April | Drystone Walling Weekend with DSWA | |
| Sat | 20 | April | ‘Spot the Difference’walling talk by Sean Adcock |
| Mon | 22 | April | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop for Mind |
| Tues | 23 | April | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Fri | 26 | April | Alison Lock with Robin Bowles (harp) launch of ‘Thrift’ |
| Sat | 27 | April | Spring Fair |
| Sun | 28 | April | Bluebell & Primrose Walk |
| Helen Willow Weaver workshop |
| Mon | 29 April | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop (public) |
|---|---|---|
| Tues | 30 April | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Thurs | 2 May | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop for Creative Stitchers |
| Fri | 3 May | Cambrian Ornithological Society“Panama” |
| Weekends & Bank | Holidays 4 May – 2 June | |
| CARYS CHESTER EXHIBITION“PENSYCHNANT” | ||
| Sun | 5 May | Pied Flycatcher Walk |
| Mon | 6 May | Moth Group |
| Tues | 7 May | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Town Team | ||
| Wed | 8 May | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop for Menter Iaith |
| Thurs | 9 May | ‘Pensychnant’to Guild of Llandudno Junction Memorial Hall |
| Sat | 11 May | NWWT Conwy Valley AGM & guidded walk |
| Wed | 15 May | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop for Vision Support |
| Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop and Guided Walk for Conwy Guides | ||
| Thurs | 16 May | North Wales Geology association EGM |
| Fri | 17 May | Beryl Naybour needle-felting goats |
| Sat | 18 May | Cuckoo Walk |
| Sun | 19 May | Nature Amble |
| Caroline & Charlotte, mindfulness and yoga | ||
| Mon | 20 May | Cranes of Peace Origami Workshop at Ysgol Porth y Felin |
| Tues | 21 May | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Thurs | 23 May | Shire Horse Society Committee |
| Fri | 24 May | Helen Willow Weaver pea wigwam |
| Sat | 25 May | Nature Well: Thriving Together |
| Garry Chilton Swing concert | ||
| Sun | 26 May | Nature Amble |
| Tues | 28 May | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Wed | 29 May | Evie Roberts seaglass jewellery |
| Sat | 1 June | Birdy Bioblitz with Bird Ringing Demonstration |
| Beechwood Court for T&C | ||
| Mon | 3 June | Moth Group |
| Tues | 4 June | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Opening Ceremony for Cranes of Peace in St Mary’s, Conwy | ||
| Thurs | 6 June | Lesser Horseshoe Bat Emergence Count for NRW |
| Sat | 8 June | Wildflower Plug Planting work party in Meadow |
| Sun | 9 June | Caroline & Mia wellbeing |
| Helen Willow Weaver Bumblebee | ||
| Tues | 11 June | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Town Team | ||
| Wed | 12 June | 5000 Year Walk |
| Sun | 16 June | National Garden Scheme Open Garden 1 |
| Mo/Tue17/18 June | REC First Aid Course |
|
| Tue | 18 June | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Fri | 21 June | Beryl Naybour needle-felting highland cow |
| Wkd22/23 June | Drysone Walling Training weekend with DSWA | |
| Tues | 25 June | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Thurs | 27 June | Lesser Horseshoe Bat Count for NRW |
| Sat | 29 June | Meadows Day |
| Mon | 1 July | Moth Group |
| Weekends & Bank | Holidays 6 July – 29 September | |
| ‘OPEN’ EXHIBITION Nature, Environment and Conservation | ||
| Sat | 6 July | Arthur & Sarah Sing Outdoor concert with Beth & Own and Quayside Buccaneers |
| Tues | 9 July | Geoff’s Yoga |
| Thurs | 11 July | Helen Willow Weaver basket |
| Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group | ||
| Sun | 14 July | National Garden Scheme Open Garden 2 |
| Tues | 16 July | Yellow Rattle Seed hand collection with SNPA Carneddau Project |
| Geoff’s Yoga | ||
| Thurs | 18 July | Cambrian Ornithological Society committee |
| Fri 19 July Sat 20 July Wkd20/21 July Sun 21 July Tues 23 July Sat 27 July Sun 28 July Tues 30 July Sat 3 August Sun 4 August Mon 5 August Tues 6 August Sat 10 August Sun 11 August Tues 13 August Sat 17 August Sun 18 August Tues 20 August Thurs 22 August Fri 23 August Wkd24/25 August Tues 27 August Wed 28 August Sat 31 August Sun 1 September Mon 2 September Fri 6 September Wkd 7/8 September Fri 13 September Sat 14 September Sun 15 September Fri 20 September Sat 21 September Tues 24 September Fri 27 September Sat 28 September Sun 29 September Tues 1 October Wed 2 October Fri 4 October Sat 5 October Mon 7 October Tues 8 October Tues 15 October Tues 22 October Sat 26 October Sun 27 October |
Fiona Smith ACT workshop Liz Toole: Artist in Residence Ashworth’s Rustic Weekend Beryl Naybour: Artist in residence Geoff’s Yoga Carys Chester: Artist in Residence Jochen Trio Rosie Sharman: Artist in Residence Geoff’s Yoga Helen Arthur: Artist in Residence Kate Stephens: Artist in Residence Moth Group Geoff’s Yoga Helen Willow Weaver Nessie Ramm: Artist in Residence Insectaganza Geoff’s Yoga Summer Fair Tara Dean: artist in Residence Geoff’s Yoga Town Team Pottery Painting ‘Fungi’ lecture by Dave Winnard Fungi ID course by Dave Winnnard with Cofnod Geoff’s Yoga Pottery Painting Emily Hulme: Artist in Residence 25th Anniversary of Moth Group Show and Tell Dave Cole: Artist in Residence Tea & Cake for Chough Count volunteers 25th anniversary of Moth Group Cambrian Ornithological Society, ‘Zimbabwe’ Drystone walling Training Weekend Garry Chilton: Artist in Residence Alison Lock Creative Writing Workshop Honey Fair Alison Holt: Artist in Residence Jonathan Wilkins Geology of Sychnant walk Beryl Naybour needle-felting Mushrooms Trustees’ Meeting Cambrian Ornithological Society committee Sophie Parkhill: Artist in Residence Asha Foundation FairTrade stall Guided Walk for Mind Town Team Fiona smith Mindfulness workshop ‘168 Years of Moths at Sychnant’ by Julian Barbara Winrow: Artist in Residence Nadine Carter-smith: Artist in Residence (End of‘Open’) Geoff’s Yoga Helen Willow Weaver basket making Guided Walk for Mind Menopause Group Cambrian Ornithological Society Film Night Jonathan Richards Guitar Concert Moth Group Geoff’s Yoga Geoff’s Yoga Geoff’s Yoga Beryl Naybour needlefelting owl Tracy Reed Botanical Casting |
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| Tues 29 October Fri 1 November Sat 2 November Sun 3 November Mon 4 November Tues 5 November Thurs 7 November Fri 8 November Sat 9 November Sun 10 November Mon 11 November Tues 12 November Wed 13 November Thurs 14 November Fri 15 November Sun 17 November Tues 19 November Tues 26 November Sat 30 November Sun 1 December Week 2-7 December Mon 2 December Tues 3 December Wed 4 December Fri 6 December Sat 7 December Sun 8 December Tues 10 December Wed 11 December Thurs 12 December Mon 16 December Mon 6 January ’25 Tues 7 January Tues 14 January Thurs 16 January Tues 21 January Fri 24 January Sun 26 January Mo/Tue 27/8 January Tues 28 January Sat 1 February Mon 3 February Tues 4 February Thurs 6 February Mon 10 February Tues 11 February Thurs 13 February Tues 25 February Thurs 27 February |
Geoff’s Yoga Town Team Cambrian Ornithological Society Committee Geoff’s Yoga day and Luncheon Laura Foulkes Calligraphy Workshop Moth Group Geoff’s Yoga FWAG AGM and Sam Kenyon ‘Curlews’ Bee Williams Christmas Decoration workshop Helen Willow weaver Christmas Decoration Geoff’s Yoga Day Trustees Meeting Geoff’s Yoga Garden Work Party N.Wales Geology Association Committee N. Wales Geology Association ‘Irish Sea Ice Sheet’ Coed Lleol Health Practitioner Day and luncheon Beryl Naybour Christmas Baubles Geoff’s Yoga Geoff’s Yoga Ffair Nadolig 1 Bhakti Yoga Conwy Christmas Tree Festival Moth Group Geoff’s yoga Town Team Guided Walk for Mind Menopause Group Cambrian Ornithological Society AGM and Christmas talks Ffair Nadolig 2CANCELLED by Storm Darragh Ffair Nadolig 2 Geoff’s Yoga with T&C NWWT Trading Luncheon Arthur & Sarah Sing for Christmas N. Wales Geology association Christmas lectures Pensychnant Supporters Christmas Elevenses Moth Group Geoff’s Yoga Geoff’s Yoga Trustees’ Meeting REC First Aid Course for NWWT Cambrian Ornithological Society Committee NWNFPG Mosses and Microscopes REC First Aid Course Geoff’s Yoga Bionet Conference Moth Group Geoff’s Yoga Town Teams NWNFPG Mosses and Microscope Geoff’s Yoga Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group N Wales Geology Association AGM and ‘Microplastics in Soil and Renovation with Fungi’ Geoff’s Yoga Trustee’s Meeting |
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Total: 198[226] events on 160[191] days, plus Wildlife Art Exhibition for 556[56] days.