2025-07-31-accounts - Whitby Whaler U3A

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/08/2024 (Period start date) To 31/07/2025 (Period end date)

Charity name: WHITBY WHALER u3a

Charity registration number: 1031689

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The advancement of education and, in particular, the education of older people and those retired from full time work who are in their Third Age (being the period of time after the first age of childhood dependence and the second age of full- time employment and/or parental responsibility) residing in Whitby and its surrounding locality, and for those not in full-time employment. We provide facilities for leisure-time and recreational activities with the object of improving the conditions of life for older people in the interests of their social welfare.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	We give our members the opportunity to attend around 50 different interest groups covering a wide range of activities - exercise classes, walking groups, various arts and crafts, music groups, recreational games such as dominoes, mahjong and canasta, discussion and philosophy groups, history talks and monthly lectures. These groups are proposed, formed and led by our members and usually meet on a regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis at various venues around Whitby. We also hold a monthly coffee morning which gives members an opportunity to socialise and sign up for a variety of ad-hoc events such as theatre trips, concert outings and days out to visit various historic sites of interest and gardens. A monthly newsletter is e-mailed to our members and a paper version made available at various town locations.

Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	New Trustees attend training sessions run by the parent Third Age Trust organisation outlining the roles and responsibilities of a trustee and the role of the Charity commission.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements		where relevant about:
	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	N/A
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38	N/A
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	The ethos of the u3a organisation is that of self-help and life-long learning, with members freely sharing their skills and knowledge with others. Most of our groups are led by volunteers from within our membership, and all committee members are volunteers. A small number of classes which require additional expertise not available from within our membership are conducted by paid tutors.
Other		N/A

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference

	Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	During the year we have regularly provided around 50 different interest groups and offered a wide range of outings, trips etc at low cost to around 710 members, enriching their lives in education, well-being and socially. We aim to be welcoming and inclusive to anybody within the criteria set out in our constitution, and work to raise our profile throughout the local area – both in the town itself and the outlying rural areas – and increase awareness of what we can offer, especially to those at risk of becoming socially isolated after retirement. Our well attended annual Social, held at the Pavilion Spa, took place on St Georges Day (also Shakespeare’s birth and death day) this year, and this provided the (optional) fancy dress theme. Our amateur dramatic group, the Third Age Stagers, entertained the attendees with sketches based on Shakespeare, and the evening also featured a ceilidh, raffle, quiz, supper and disco. The Third Age Stagers also put on their annual pantomime – this year entitled ‘Alice In Pantoland’ which as always saw several sold-out nights and was very well received. Coach outings took place to a number of places of interest including Knaresborough, Beamish, Burnby Hall, Raby Castle and Bishop Aukland, and there were also trips to theatre shows and classical concerts. The year saw a major migration of our website to a more modern set-up, under the guidance of the Third Age Trust, and this is increasingly providing a good source of information and means of communication both for our existing members and for those prospective members looking to join. We have participated in a several events within the wider community such as Remembrance Day wreath laying and the local church Christmas tree festival. On occasions through the year our various music groups have performed for the entertainment not only of our own members but also in community settings such as care homes and for the wider public.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements	You may choose to include further statements	where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	Our membership continues to grow and is now almost at pre-Covid levels. The number of interest groups offered also continues to expand.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	N/A
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	N/A
Other		N/A

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	During the financial year 2024-25 the charity’s main account saw a total income of £46,008.10, made up almost entirely of members class fees and annual membership subscriptions. Our separate social account took in £49,651.97 in payment for concert and theatre tickets and coach excursions. The total income from the two accounts was therefore £95,650.07. Total expenditure on the main account was £38,845.15, around 80% of which was for venue hire and tutor costs for the classes. The bulk of the remaining costs were in affiliation and administration fees to the overarching national Third Age Trust. Expenditure on the social account was £48,674.05 for event tickets and coach travel, given a total expenditure over the two accounts of £87,519.20. This means that over the year the charity saw an overall surplus of £8,140.87, mainly due to increased attendance in classes. This follows several years of deficits (£5,028.73 in 2022-23 and £1,950 in 2023- 24) and as a result at the AGM which took place in October 2024 the membership approved a resolution from the committee to increase our annual membership fee from £12 to £20 starting in the next financial year (1stOctober 2025). Our constitution allows the annual membership fee to be changed only with approval of our members at an AGM, but the committee does have the discretion to adjust class fees at any point during the year if they feel it necessary for the financial security of the organisation, and can potentially use this as a vehicle for addressing any excessive surplus in funds if considered expedient.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	As recommended by the national Third Age Trust umbrella organisation to which we are affiliated, we aim to hold sufficient reserves to meet expected expenditure for 6-12 months.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	At the end of the Financial Year cash reserves were £29,895.85
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A

Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	We are currently struggling to find members willing to step up to shadow the key offices of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary required by our constitution, so that they can take on the roles when the incumbent officers need to step down.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements		where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	Nearly all income comes from our annual membership fee (£12 per annum for 2024- 25) and the fees we charge members for attendance at each class – typically £1 per session, unless a paid tutor or speaker is used when it is increased to £3 to cover the additional cost.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	N/A
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	There are currently no major risk considerations and management plans are in place but areas which could become a concern are; 1. Financial; these are monitored and controlled within the committee thus minimising the risk of fraud or error. Income and expenditure is reviewed at each monthly committee meeting providing an opportunity to address any potential areas of concern in a timely manner. 2. Governance: Each trustee has specific responsibilities within the committee, so they feel an integral part of the u3a. The major potential concern in this area would be the lack of volunteers coming forward to fill committee member positions – in particular the key officer roles of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer - as and when existing trustees step down in the future. 3. Compliance: Appropriate Annual Accounts are reported to the Charity Commission. 4.U3a Risk Assessment forms covering a variety of risk scenarios are available to Group convenors to conduct appropriate risk assessments at venues and elsewhere and to share the information with members
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Whitby Whaler was established and first registered in January 1987 under a Memorandum of Association which defined the objects and powers of the Charity and is governed by its Articles of Association.
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	A member of the Third Age Trust as an unincorporated Association.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	For the majority of the year the Executive Committee consisted of 3 Officers and 6 committee members. Our constitution requires a minimum of 5 and maximum of 12 members on the Executive committee, with Officer positions being Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers and Committee Members are elected annually by members at the AGM and may serve for a maximum of three years in a specific role, with the exception of the Treasurer, who may serve for a maximum of six years. In the event of no nominations being received for one or more of the Officer posts, a majority decision can be taken by the committee to ask retiring officers to stay until the next AGM. The Trustees do not receive remuneration or derive any other personal benefits from the activities of the Charity.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements		where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	1. Charity commission’s Charity Trustee – What’s involved (CC3a) 2. u3a Trustee Code of Conduct (England and Wales) guidance document 3. u3a Trustee Induction online workshop 4. The current financial position as set out in the latest accounts 5. Specific roles and responsibilities 6. Future plan and objectives
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	Whitby Whaler u3a is an independent organisation under the umbrella of the Third Age Trust which provides additional helpful information & advice including policies, guiding principles and procedures. These have largely been adopted by our u3a with some amendments for our own circumstances. The Committee deals with the financial and practical running of the charity and meets on a monthly basis.

		We are associated with the Yorkshire and Humber regional u3a, which loosely links us with other u3as in our region for the exchange of ideas and initiatives.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	On occasion we have engaged with other organisations for the promotion of our objectives – for example by having a stall at local community events
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	WHITBY WHALER u3a
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number	1031689
Charity’s principal address	(main contact address is c/o the Business Secretary) 20 Windsor Terrace WHITBY YO21 1ET

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
Trevor Barrowcliffe	Chair
Janice Shade	Treasurer
Sandra Goodship	Business Secretary
Maureen Agar	Social Treasurer
Wendy Price	Curriculum Organiser	01/08/24 – 25/07/25
Cynthia Richardson	Accessibility, Health and Safety
Rick Harwood	Committee Member
Mike Hodgson	Committee Member
Sheila Sloan	Committee Member

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Sandra Jane Goodship Position (eg Secretary, Business Secretary Chair, etc) Date 11th March 2026 ~~7~~

WHITBY WHALER u3a

(Registered Charity No. 1031689)

(Registered Charity No. 1031689)	(Registered Charity No. 1031689)	(Registered Charity No. 1031689)	(Registered Charity No. 1031689)
Receipts and PaymentsAccountfor 1August2024and 31 July2025
	2025	2025	2024	2024
	£	£	£	£
Receipts
Membership subscriptions	14640.00		8104.00
Class fees	27554.06		23659.53
Coffee Morning	370.04		366.21
		42564.10		32129.74
OtherReceipts
GiftAid	2740.14
Merchandise			52.25
Donations	170.00		84.00
		2910.14		136.25
EpworthAccount Bank Interest		533.86		564.35
TotalReceipts		46008.10	.	32830.34
Less Payments
Room Hire	24545.05		22663.18
Class activites	7256.92		6856.29
Merchandise
Coaches	890.00		425.00
BankCharges	268.49		261.92
	32960.46	32960.46		30206.39
SupportCosts
TAM	184.36		143.04
Affiliation Fees	2888.00		2616.00
ManagementandAdministration	1896.75		991.07
Beacon	729,00		654.00
Printing			170.00
SiteWorks	50.00
Licence (TAT)	136.58
		5884.69		4574.11
TotalPayments		38845.15		34780.50
Surplus/Deficitfortheyear		7162.95		1950.16
Cash Funds at 1stAugust2024		22732.90		24683.06
Cash Funds at31stJuly2025		29895.85		22732.90
Represented by:
HSBC CurrentAccount		17937.52		11308.43
Epworth Cash Plus Fund		11958.33		11424.47
		29895.85		22732.90
Audited andfound correc) and in accordance with information GMScholeyFCAAsShs		supplied :-	Date.aucPr SentBut Bae.

Whitby Whaler U3a Social Account

Receipts and Payments from 1% August 2024 until 31° July 2025

‘

Recetasee Gardening Group £9,645.00 £6,313.75 Theatre Group £26,577.00 £23,660.00 Concert Group £2,552.00 £2,619.00 88,774.00 £32,592.75 Social Events a Pe 3"° Age Stagers £654.00 £1,125.00 Coach Outings £6,206.97 £3,196.50 History £2,759.00 £1,330.00 Group £1,258.00 £1,957.00 York Music Festival |sf £116.00 0587.97 £7,724.50 Total Receipts £49,651.97 £40,317.25 a Gardening Group : £9,827.50 £6,082.32 Theatre Group £25,992.50 £20,077.70 Concert Group £2,512.50 £2,612.70 Social |[£38,332.50] | £28,772.72 3"° Events es Se Age Stagers £321.05 £364.87 Coach Outings £4,991.50 £2,669.00 Winter Social £2,870.48 £1,235.38 History Group £1,795.80 £2,047.00 York Music Festival Le £425.00 ChristmasReceipts Coffee Morning |Sd £26.67 books : £13.74 ee etl Bank Charges £348.98 £313.03 Total Payments £48,674.05 £35,853.67 _Cash funds at 1* August 2024 £9,288.11 Lot Cash funds 31° July 2025 £10,266.03 ——— 3868 $$$ £977.92 £4,463.58

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