Charity registration number: 1019563
U3A Welwyn/Hatfield
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity name: U3A Welwyn / Hatfield Charity registration number: 1019563 Principal Office: 1 Hitherway Welwyn Garden City AL8 7RG Trustees: Pam Williams (Chair) (appointed 13 March 2024) Marie Scales ( Deputy Chair) (appointed 13 March 2024) Beryl Whyatt (Treasurer) (appointed 13 March 2024) William Stephen Hall (resigned 13 March 2024) Ann Davies
U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Trustees' Report
Welwyn and Hatfield U3A was established via a Constitution in March 1993 and is registered with The Charity Commission (No. 1019563). The correspondent is the Treasurer, Beryl Whyatt, whose address is 1 Hitherway, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7RG.
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice application to charities preparing their account in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015).
Charity Objectives
The Objectives of Welwyn and Hatfield U3A is the advancement of education and in particular the education of older people who are retired from full time work, by all means including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development.
Charity Structure, Governance and Management
The year started well with a full programme of speakers already in place for our weekly meetings, and covering all three terms. The variety of speakers we are able to secure offer both informative and entertaining subjects, and we have regular attendances at these meetings of between 85 and 120 members.
Our 58 study groups at the start of the year, were increased by a further two as members introduced new subjects, Mixed Media and Exploring Aging. The study groups continue to be very well subscribed, but we were still able to offer places to those wishing to join a new group during the course of the year.
In addition to our normal ongoing events we also held two dances with a live band, one with a fish and chip supper and the other with afternoon tea. Our annual Garden Party featured entertainment from our Ukulele Group as well as a quiz. We also held our now annual Open Day, attended by the Mayor, which also allows potential new members to see what we offer, and a new members meeting to ensure our new members are fully aware of, and able to fully participate in all the activities on offer. The year ended with our usual Christmas events, with ‘U3A form 3B’ performing their nativity play at the Christmas Party with over 100 members attending. This was followed by our Annual Christmas Lunch at a local venue.
Our membership at the end of 2024 was 879 members showing a steady increase on previous years. There have been a few changes to our committee this year. Pam Williams was elected Chair at the AGM and Alison Wingfield succeeded Joan Scales as Groups Co-ordinator.
Our members are kept fully informed of our activities via our website, printed activity programme, and termly Newsletter. Our thanks go to Hazel Bell who, after 13 years as editor of our Newsletter, has decided to step down. She is succeeded by Geoffrey Hollis and we offer him a warm welcome.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed and removed by the members at the Annual General Meeting.
U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Trustee's Report
Organisational Structure
There are currently 4 trustees and a management committee who meet once a month to administer the charity. There are currently 60 Study Groups each with a group leader. The groups requiring room hire liaise with the Groups Co-Ordinator for booking venues for their group meetings.
Trustees
Pam Williams Marie Scales Beryl Whyatt Ann Davies
Committee Members
Eileen Bannister Dave Charlwood Steve Dringer Sue Field Peter Fox (Memberships) John Gilby Rosy Holt Jill Longman (Speaker Bookings) Ann Madell (New Members) Roy Madell Adrienne Nix (Secretary) Colin Slade (Risk Assessment Officer) Roger Swaine (Webmaster) Tony Tutton Alison Wingfield (Groups Co-ordinator)
Financial Performance
In the financial year ended 31 December 2024 the overall income came in at £53,962, principally comprising subscription from members. Included in this figure is a rebate for Gift Aid of £2,661. This meant that at the review in September it was deemed unnecessary to increase the suggested figure for subscriptions for 2025.
Additionally, £10,000 is set aside in a Savings account and this should provide an ample buffer against increased costs.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees
…...................................................................... Pam Williams
U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Independent Examiners Report
I report on the accounts of U3A Welwyn / Hatfield for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on the following pages.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner
The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the
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commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
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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 Chariy 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 given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to 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.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met or
- 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
Name: Paul O'Brien (ICPA) - Dragonfly (Accounting & Financial Management) Ltd Address: 34 King James Close, Fordham, Ely, CB7 5ZH.
4
U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Incoming resources: Memberships Gift Aid Study Group Income Trips Income Social Events Donations Visitors fees Interest Received Total Incoming resources Resources expended U3A Subscription/Insurance/Magazine Rental - Committee and Member Meetings Rental - Study Groups Speakers Trips Expenditure/tix/transport Software and Licences Printing/Postage/Stationery/Admin, etc. Social Events Equipment Member Events/Refreshments Professional fees Depreciation Miscellaneous Total Expenditure Net Income/(Expenditure) for the year Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total 2024 £ 17,720 2,661 18,035 13,110 6,934 1,064 - - 59,524 5,939 8,829 16,415 3,855 12,409 751 1,805 5,562 654 1,131 300 373 143 58,166 1,359 28,754 30,113 |
Total 2023 £ 17,542 11,941 18,109 13,738 5,264 1,376 36 7 68,013 5,203 8,855 20,895 2,528 13,106 347 1,912 5,363 - 713 - 458 157 59,537 8,475 20,279 28,754 |
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U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 December 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | ||
| Equipment | 4,211 | 3,410 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 25,901 | 25,344 |
| Debtors | - | - |
| CREDITORS:amounts falling due | 25,901 | 25,344 |
| within one year | - | - |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 25,901 | 25,344 |
| NET ASSETS | 30,113 | 28,754 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 30,113 | 28,754 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
………………………………………………………………………………… Pam Williams Trustee
Date 12th March 2025
U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with 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 (FRS102)(effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)) Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and to the Companies Act 2006.
Fund accounting policy
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available fior use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs
Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are capitalised at any cost.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Equipment 25% reducing balance
U3A Welwyn / Hatfield
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
2. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
No trustees received any remuneration during the year.
3. Taxation
The company is a registered charity and is, therefore, exempt from taxation.
4. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost As at 01 January 2024 Additions Disposal As at 31 December 2024 Depreciation As at 01 January 2024 Charge for the year As at 31 December 2024 Net book value As at 01 January 2024 As at 31 December 2024 |
Equipment £ 15,340 1,175 - 16,515 11,930 373 12,303 3,410 4,211 |
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