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2024-12-31-accounts

THE BRISTOL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TO 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 CHARITY INFORMATION

Charity Number: 1048637

Patron:

Mrs Peaches Golding, OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Bristol

President: Professor Evelyn Welch, MBE, Vice-Chancellor University of Bristol Chairman: Dr K Barnard

Treasurer: Ms J Purdy

Members of the Executive Committee:

Mr L Athanasis Dr K Barnard Mr R Elms Mrs J Kirk Mr T Frewin Ms J Purdy Mr S Tshabalala

Address: Commonwealth House 14 Whiteladies Road Clifton Bristol BS8 1PD

Independent Examiner: CEK Accounts Apartment 1, Bamburgh House Bamburgh Road Westerhope Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE5 5PZ

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TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRISTOL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY

We report on the accounts of the Society for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider than 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:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

The 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 statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  4. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Executive Committee has the honour to present the 30th Annual Report of the Bristol Commonwealth Society.

Reference and administrative information

The Bristol Commonwealth Society is a registered charity (No. 1048637). Its registered office is shown on the information sheet. The Trustees who served during the year are noted on the information sheet.

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Objects, aims, and activities

The Society is a charity which exists to advance education and to promote within the United Kingdom and overseas the increase and spread of knowledge respecting the peoples and countries of the Commonwealth.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

This is through a constitution adopted 4[th] March 2008 as amended April 2012.

Governing bodies

The Board of Trustees and Executive Committee are responsible for the overall governance of the charity.

Recruitment and training of trustees

The charity’s trustees and committee members are appointed by the Board of Trustees after due consideration being given to eligibility, personal competence, specialist skills and local availability. New Trustees and committee members are inducted into the workings of the charity by the Board of Trustees.

Risk management

The Trustees and Executive Committee are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Trust. A formal review of the charity’s risk management processes is undertaken on an annual basis. The key controls used by the charity include:

Through the risk management processes established for the Trust, the Trustees are satisfied that the major risks identified have been adequately mitigated where necessary. It is recognised that the system can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.

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COMMONWEALTH HOUSE

Health & Safety, Licensing and Events

Mrs Smith continued to ensure that health and safety requirements were met at Commonwealth House. She acts as administrator, events manager and licensee (DPS). She is pleased to report that the premises retain a five star hygiene rating.

Quick Financial Overview to 31[st] December 2024

Revenue from the car park: £20,230
Membership Subscriptions: £1,532
Income (gross) from venue hire, catering and the bar: £14,543
Rental income from the upper floor offices: £4,400
Gift Aid: £1,302
The Society’s investments at 31stDecember 2024: £54,852
Charitable donations made by the Society in 2024: £4,620
Charitable donations received by the Society: £600

Reserves policy

The Trustees believe the Society’s level of reserves to be sufficient to meet its day to day requirements. As a matter of policy, each year the Trustees review the value of the reserves required to be held in investments, cash and cash equivalents not restricted to any particular purpose. The Committee considers the charity’s exposure to the risk of any significant loss of income and to the risk of unforeseen expenditure, which cannot be mitigated by executive action, and the degree of the risk ascribed to each such event is assessed.

Mr Christopher Serle

The Chair and Trustees would like to express their deep sadness at the death of Chris who served as Vice-Chair for 10 years. He was a much loved member of the Executive who brought with him an irrepressible enthusiasm, warmth and wonderful sense of humour. We feel very privileged to have known him. Our thoughts are with his wife Ali and their children.

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CHARITABLE DONATIONS MADE BY THE SOCIETY IN 2024

COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARS NEW YEAR’S PARTY 20[TH] JANUARY

The Society hosted its annual New Year’s party for Commonwealth Scholars who last year were studying at Bristol, Exeter and Bournemouth universities under the auspices of their Regional Coordinator, Siddhi Joshi, from India. The event was very well supported with twenty eight scholars in attendance as well as our Patron and Trustees of the Society.

The students enjoyed a hot buffet lunch with a range of options and afterwards a specially inscribed cake which definitely received the seal of approval. After lunch each student was presented with a certificate declaring “Proud to be a Commonwealth Scholar” which we are sure they will treasure. BCS donated £280 towards the event and continues to offer support to Commonwealth Scholars throughout the year.

THE KENYAN ASSOCIATION IN BRISTOL 17[TH] FEBRUARY

We had great pleasure to meet with David Nguyo, Rose Kingori and Robert Owino, Trustees of the Kenyan Association in Bristol. This community led organisation aims to promote the welfare and shared heritage of its members and to this end hosts a variety of social, cultural and educational events throughout the year.

We are delighted to announce that as a result of that meeting BCS has partnered with them and offered use of our event space along with a donation of £500.

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COMMONWEALTH DAY 11[th] MARCH

The annual fly-the-flag celebration took place on 11[th] March outside City Hall and was attended by our Patron together with the High Sheriff of Bristol, the Rev Richard Pendlebury, Mayor of Bristol, Mr Marvin Rees, Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Paul Goggin and the Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol. Also in attendance were community and faith leaders along with representatives from the Police, Army Cadets and the Fire Service.

We were delighted to see David Nguyo, Vice-Chair of the Kenyan Association in Bristol and Marian Siawanda, Chair of the Sierra Leone Bristol Association, both organisations having recently partnered with BCS.

The theme for Commonwealth Day 2024, and the subsequent Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa, was ‘One Resilient Common Future”.

The flag was proudly raised by Commonwealth Scholar Nicholla Chan from Fiji who was studying Economics at the University of Bristol.

Our Patron read the King’s speech to the Commonwealth with the Affirmation read by the Lord Mayor and prayers by the Dean of Bristol. Afterwards guests retired to the Lord Mayor’s Reception Room in City Hall where light refreshments were sponsored by BCS. The event, which is jointly organised by BCS, Bristol City Council and the Lord Lieutenancy, was extremely well supported with around 65 guests. The Society donated £190 towards the occasion.

GLENSIDE HOSPITAL MUSEUM TEA PARTY 6[TH] JUNE

Glenside Hospital Museum, which was founded by consultant psychiatrist Dr Donal F Early, is now curated by a dedicated team of volunteers and aims to educate visitors about the history of mental healthcare. Its unique collection of objects and photographs creates a vivid story of life in the hospital which is explored with compassion and dignity.

The Museum is located within the hospital’s church which was built exclusively for patients in 1888. The stained glass windows and alter carvings are of particular note as they were specially designed to give the congregation hope and a belief in recovery.

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Glenside once housed one thousand patients but was eventually closed in1994. A high percentage of its healthcare professionals came from Commonwealth countries and on 6th June BCS was delighted to collaborate with the Museum in a very special tea party to honour their service. The event was appropriately named “Answering the Call” reflecting the various post war recruitment campaigns aimed mainly at the Caribbean. Around seventy people attended the event and in a particularly moving gesture many of the former nurses had adorned the museum with hand embroidered textiles.

After speeches and a chance to explore the exhibits, guests were treated to afternoon tea which had been specially prepared by BCS. The Society donated £500 towards the event and hopes to work with the Museum again.

SIERRA LEONE BRISTOL ASSOCIATION (SLEBA) AFROFEST 15[TH] JUNE

Youth members from the Sierra Leone Bristol Association were thrilled to be chosen to showcase their cultural heritage at last year’s Afrofest. This prestigious festival takes place annually at the Trinity Centre and is a celebration of African dance, music, food and art. Participating in this event is a great achievement and offers increased visibility within Bristol’s cultural scene. SLEBA needed to raise £300 to buy costumes and provide transport for their performers and BCS was delighted to donate the full amount.

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BRISTOL COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INCLUSION DAY 10[TH] JULY

On 10[th] July members of the BCS Executive attended at a special Community Awareness Day kindly organised by Punjabi Forum International (PFI). The event welcomed Bristol’s new Lord Mayor, Cllr Andrew Varney, and thanked the previous Lord Mayor, Cllr Paul Goggin, for his service to the city. Our Patron was also in attendance along with community leaders, representatives from Bristol Multi Faith Forum and a number of city Councillors. It was a wonderful opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas on ways to make Bristol a more inclusive city and there were some truly inspiring speeches. The Society donated £150 towards this event and the continued work of PFI.

BRISTOL PHOTO FESTIVAL 16[TH] TO 20[TH] OCTOBER

BCS was very pleased to support this annual event which last year was entitled “The World a Wave”. The festival explored global connections and in particular migration focusing on the experiences of Britain’s Caribbean diaspora from the early days of the Windrush through to post Brexit Britain. It also examined the psychological impact of migration for those who came here and those they left behind.

This is a locally grounded event delivering long term educational programmes to culturally underserved communities and community spaces. It regularly draws around 200,000 visitors and the exhibitions, alongside a wide programme of accompanying events, is free to everyone.

Sponsors of the exhibition included the Royal Photographic Society and the British Council along with BCS which donated £500.

Photograph courtesy of Andrew Jackson

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BRISTOL CATHEDRAL ACCESS APPEAL – OCTOBER

Bristol Cathedral launched its “Access for All” appeal which will create level access for people with mobility issues and enable them to enjoy the Cathedral, its café and the many events and exhibitions it hosts throughout the year. BCS donated £150 towards their goal.

ATLAN FILM FESTIVAL 28[TH] SEPTEMBER

ATLAN (which stands for Africans Transforming Lives and Narratives) was a showcase event for emerging talent from both Bristol and South African film makers.

It began with screenings in Durban South Africa and Bristol UK where the energies of these two UNESCOrecognised cities in Film and Literature converged. On 28 September 2024, the Bristol community was treated to a captivating selection of South African short films at Easton Community Centre while Durban audiences experienced some of Bristol's finest shorts at the KZN Tourism and Film Authority Cinema in Musgrave.

Film is an excellent medium to promote better international understanding and the initiative exposed both film makers and audiences to new cultures and experiences. Most importantly it increased awareness of the social and environmental challenges faced by both communities.

Film and film makers screened at the event:-

Around one hundred people attended the screenings in Easton which was sponsored jointly by Ujima Radio and BCS which donated £1,000 to the project. It is hoped ATLAN will be expanded to create an annual cultural exchange between the two cities.

Photograph courtesy of Kelvin Williams.

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CACEFU KIDS MARCHING BAND MOZAMBIQUE

The Society continued its support for The CACEFU Kids Marching Band from the Zambezia School in Alto Molocue, Mozambique. The band was formed by former Commonwealth Scholar, David Muassua, who recognised the value of music to young people and is passionate about making it accessible to all.

The Band not only brings a great deal of joy to the students but also empowers them to attain their full potential both musically and as individuals and they regularly perform at prestigious ceremonies for dignitaries and government officials. The Society is very proud to sponsor this grassroots initiative and last year donated £300 which will help towards much needed musical instruments and uniforms.

FANCY FINANCE

In April BCS offered support to this newly formed community project led by Jasmyne Wilkinson who works for the Malcolm X Centre.

Fancy Finance began with a series of informal meetings by women of Commonwealth heritage in each other’s homes where they shared information on employment, education and wellbeing. Topics have since expanded to typically include investments, grants, insurance and general financial management as well as access to better healthcare and nutrition.

Through collective support the women discuss their goals and with diligent research aim to turn them into reality with subjects explored through film, guest speakers and practical demonstrations.

BCS was very impressed with the dedication and professionalism of this initiative which was bringing about positive change for ethnic minority women. The Society offered them a safe space to hold their monthly meetings representing a donation of £1,200.

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SLEBA AND SIERRA WOMEN INDEPENDENT GROUP FESTIVE APPEAL

The Sierra Leone Bristol Association in conjunction with Sierra Women Independent Group set about raising funds to buy gifts for children, elders and vulnerable individuals in their community who would otherwise go without. Their committees worked tirelessly not only to raise funds but to identify those in need and distribute the gifts in time for Christmas. BCS donated £500 towards this most worthwhile appeal which brought smiles to so many faces.

BRISTOL LINK WITH BEIRA (BLB)

BCS have good links with this organisation which represents Bristol’s only twinning with a Commonwealth City. BLB was formed in 1990 when the two cities signed a friendship agreement to celebrate the end of apartheid in neighbouring South Africa. Since then BLB has promoted networks between Bristol and Beira to empower and benefit both communities and to foster cultural exchange. BCS donated £250 towards their annual calendar appeal with all funds going directly to the charity’s continued work.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ENGAGEMENTS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 27[TH] APRIL

The AGM was well supported with around 25 members in attendance. Dr Barnard had prepared a power point presentation of the previous year’s highlights which was very well received and afterwards members enjoyed a complimentary buffet lunch.

BRISTOL LEGACY FOUNDATION 15[th] MARCH

On 15[th] March BCS was privileged to attend the official launch of the Bristol Legacy Foundation (BLF) which took place at M Shed.

BLF’s objective is to examine racial justice and the future of African heritage communities in our city as well as Bristol’s history in the context of the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans (TTEA). Its vision is to create a dedicated cultural, educational and visitor experience to be called “Story House” which would chronicle the lives and futures of those affected by enslavement.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said at the launch: “For decades Bristol has avoided meaningful acknowledgment of its involvement in the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans. Through a wide coalition of interests, Bristol is now primed to play a leading role nationally and internationally.”

As part of its on-going memorialisation efforts, BLF had appointed Bolanle Tajudeen as the Public Art Commissioner to create permanent and impactful installations commemorating African Heritage Communities. A space by the Cascade Steps had been confirmed as the site for the first memorial.

Taking the stage, Cllr Asher Craig, Chair of the Bristol Legacy Foundation and then Deputy Mayor, was delighted to announce that B Bond Warehouse was the proposed site for Story House. She said: "Our vision for B Bond warehouse is to create a world-class Story House or museum that not only educates but also inspires positive change and a collective commitment to social and racial justice.”

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It was a truly uplifting event with around 300 attendees, which brought together stakeholders from all sectors and walks of life. Cllr Craig finished by saying:

“Today’s launch of the Bristol Legacy Foundation marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards healing, reconciliation and justice.”

GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY ANNUAL BBQ 30[th] JUNE

BCS was delighted to receive an invitation from newly appointed Trustee, Mr Athanasis Lazarides, to this annual event at the community’s venue in St Pauls. The Greek Orthodox Church at the very heart of the community was open to visitors and was a truly magnificent sight with an array of candles and stunning icons.

After exploring the church guests were treated to a feast of traditional Greek Cypriot food and famed hospitality. Above all it offered a wonderful opportunity to engage with the culture, faith and rich history of this Commonwealth country. We are most grateful to Laz for his kind invitation.

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KENYAN ASSOCIATION IN BRISTOL BBQ 13[TH] JULY

Members of the Executive were also delighted to be invited to this event having recently partnered with the Kenyan Association in Bristol.

Despite a rather disappointing summer the sun shone brightly as guests enjoyed traditional food, music and cultural presentations. There were a variety of interesting stalls promoting other organisations and it was an excellent opportunity for BCS to get to know its new partners. Joining us for this event were two students from Kenya and one Commonwealth Scholar from Uganda who were residents of Hodgkin House.

SIKH AWARENESS DAY 17[TH] NOVEMBER

Members of BCS were graciously invited to attend the Gurdwara in St George for a Sikh Awareness Day where members of the Sikh community welcomed everyone who wished to learn more about their religion and culture. Representatives from Bristol Multi Faith Forum were in attendance as well as the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Andrew Varney. Guests enjoyed Langar which is a free communal meal of vegetarian dishes available to all, regardless of background or religious beliefs, reflecting Sikhism’s selfless service to the community. Sikh Awareness Days are held several times a year and are a wonderful way to explore this culture. Their hospitality and contributions to society are well known and both were most evident at this event. We would like to thank Punjabi Forum International for their kind invitation.

COMMONWEALTH WRITERS READERS GROUP 26[TH] NOVEMBER

This long established book group meets each month under the guidance of BCS member, Mrs Valerie Davey, to explore works by authors from around the Commonwealth. Each year they read the winners of the Commonwealth short story competition along with a wide range of other works. The group is always open to new members and membership of BCS is not a requirement if you wish to join them.

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COMMUNITY GROUPS AND OTHER CHARITIES

Throughout the year the Society offered use of its facilities to other charities and community groups including African Voices Forum, Bristol Beira Link, Beyond the Fringe Theatre Group and Fancy Finance as well as a number of local residents’ associations. BCS is delighted to offer free or discounted room hire to community and charitable organisations and we invite those with similar values to get in touch.

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Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities and Governance

The Trustees are responsible for their annual report and the presentation of the accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the incoming resources and application of those resources to the charity during the year and of the state of affairs at the end of the financial year. In preparing these accounts the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity has appropriate systems and controls, financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993 (amended 2006).

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for their proper application as required by charity law, and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and to provide reasonable assurance that:

Internal controls over all forms of commitment and expenditure continue to be refined to improve efficiency. Processes are in place to ensure that performance is monitored and that appropriate management information is prepared and reviewed regularly by both the Executive management and the Board of Trustees.

The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. They include:

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf:-

K ay Barnard DR KAY BARNARD, CHAIR

Dated 10[th] April 2025

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BRISTOL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AS AT 31.12.2024 31.12.2023
INCOME £ £
MembershipSubscriptions 1,532 0
Charitable Donations Received 600 0.00
Office rents invoiced 26,400 26,400
Rents - Car Parking 20,230 17,800
Venue Hire,Catering& Bar 14,543 27,506
Dividends & Interest Receivable 1,764 379
Gift Aid 1,302 1,086
Draw down of investments 46,104 0
Coronavirus Covid 19 Grants 0.00 0.00
112,475 73,171
LESS: OVERHEADS
Purchases 10,619 9,040
Staff Salaries & Book-Keeping 24,450 24,372
Office & General Administration 3,856 5,467
Upkeepof Premises & Refurbishment 46,104 21,975
Functions & CateringCosts 0 0
Charitable Donations 4,620 4,037
Equipment Hire 0 0
Insurances 4,351 4,399
SundryExpenses &Retirement Gift 0 0
Accountancy 1,750 1,800
Legal & Professional 1,459 0
Commission 158 581
Bank Charges 60 60
Bad Debt Written Off(unpaid office rents) 22,000
119,427 71,731
NET PROFIT(LOSS) before Depreciation and
Investments FOR THE YEAR
(6,952) 1,440
MOVEMENT IN VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS
Surplus(loss)on Valuation of Investments (56,775) 8,586
NET SURPLUS(DEFICIT)FOR THE YEAR ENDING 2024 (63,727) 10,026

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31.12.2024 31.12.2023
NOTES £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets 356,072 358,351
INVESTMENTS
Unit Trust Portfolio 54,852 111,627
410,924 469,978
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock 0 0
Debtors & Prepayments 22,000 0
Cash at bank and in Hand 42,677 40,473
Doubtful Debt Provision (22,000)
42,677 40,473
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Amounts fallingdue after more than oneyear
SundryCreditors & Accruals (10,000) (1,151)
443,601 506,451
NET CURRENT ASSETS
CAPITAL & RESERVES
Unrestricted Funds 443,601 506,451
Approved bythe Executive Committee
Kay Barnard
DR K BARNARD - CHAIR

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3 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computer Furniture & Freehold
Equipment **Fittings ** Property Total
£ £ £ £
COST
At 01 January2024 5,787 82,251 346,956 434,994
Additions
Disposal
At 31 December 2024 5,787 82,251 346,956 434,994
DEPRECIATION
At 01 January2024 5,600 71,043 76,643
Charge for theyear 37 2,242 2,279
Disposals
At 31 December 2024 5637 73,285 0 78,922
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2024 150 8,966 346,956 356,072
At 31 December 2023 187 11,208 346,956 358,351
4 INVESTMENTS 31.12.2024 31.12.2023
£ £
Investments 54,852 111,627

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The investments were valued on the 31 December 2024 and the surplus on revaluation has been credited with reserves, with opening and closing market value of investments reconciled as follows:

£
Balance at 01 January2024 111,627
Dividends and interest income received inyear 0
Cash drawdown inyear andprioryear adjustments (56,775)
Movement in valuation of investments
Balance at 31 December 2024 54,852

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31.12.2024 31.12.2023
5 RESERVES £ £
Balance as 01 January2024 518,432 508,406
General surplus(deficit)for theyear (18,056) 1,440
Movement in valuation in investments (56,775) 8,586
Balance at 31 December 2024 443,601 518,432
6 STAFF COSTS
Salaries and other Costs 24,450 24,372
7 CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE & DONATIONS
Duringtheyear the Societyexpended the following 4,620 4,037
Amounts on charitable works and student subsidies
Other Donations

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