**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1050287** ## **REPORT OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND** **INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** for ## **Ruspidge Memorial Hall** **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** |**CONTENTS**|**Page**| |---|---| |Legal & Administrative information|2| |Management Committee Annual Report|3 to 9| |Reconciled Accounts|10 to 11| |Independent Examiner’s Report|12| 1 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL** ## **Reference & Administrative information** **Charity Number** : 1050287 ## **Trustees/Management Committee** Lesley Dunkley – Chairperson Jennifer Radford – Treasurer Jennifer East William Acland ## **Management Committee** Linda Greene Wendy Beal Angela Dale Sally Graham Nicola Packer - Secretary ## **Main Office for all correspondence** Ruspidge Memorial Hall, Ruspidge Road, Cinderford, GL14 3AE https://ruspidgememorialhall.weebly.com/ ## **Independent Examiner for accounts** Mr M Wild, Mannings Well, The Ruffitt, Littledean, GL14 3LA – on a voluntary basis ## **Bankers** Lloyds Bank PLC, PO Box 1000, BX1 1LT 2 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL** ## **Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 December 2024** The Management Committee have pleasure in presenting their report for the year ending 31 December 2024. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Constitution, Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities. ## **Constitution and objects** RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL (hereinafter referred to as “the Hall”) is a registered charity in England. The management of The Hall is the responsibility of the Management Committee and Management Committee who are elected under the terms of the Constitution. ## **Structure, governance and management** The charity is administered and managed in accordance with the provisions of the conveyance and trust deed, dated 5th December 1921, as varied by the scheme approved by the Charity Commissioners on 7th April 1995. The Management Committee comprises of Trustees and individuals. There are 9 elected members, including 6 representative members. The charity holds its Annual General Meeting in March and the Management Committee members are elected or re-elected at that meeting. Committee members can be appointed at any time during the year and serve until the next AGM. User groups can appoint representative members, or elected members can represent groups by agreement. The Management Committee held a meeting every month, apart from in August and December. At each meeting, a financial report is presented. The Treasurer prepares year-end accounts, and these undergo an independent examination i.e. an external review is carried out by an independent person with the requisite ability and practical experience to carry out a examination. The financial year runs from 1[st] January until 31[st] December. Our thanks to committee members who have carried out defined roles and to all the committee who have assisted in fundraising and in other ways during the year. Our archives have been registered and lodged with Gloucestershire Archives who have confirmed receiving records covering dates 1921 – 1945. Anyone wishing to view the documents may use the Reference D12958 accession 16691. ## **Mission Statement** Ruspidge Memorial Hall continues to act as an important and increasingly used resource by the community. The scope and range of activities have broadened due to demands and needs driven by the communities which we serve. The principal object of The Ruspidge Memorial Hall is to facilitate and provide a broad range of social, educational and recreational opportunities to every section of community in the Forest of Dean. We facilitate the community by providing hall or meeting space within the village of Ruspidge. The provision and maintenance of a village hall for the use of the inhabitants of Ruspidge and surrounding areas (hereinafter called "the area of benefit") without distinction of political, religious, or other opinions, including use for meetings, lectures and classes, and for other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. 3 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 December 2024 Mission Statement Continued** Our activities are reflective of the needs of the communities and engagement within them is guided by a set of principles which include: - Engagement - Enablement - Empowerment - Participation - Inclusion - Community Cohesion - Reduction in social isolation - Greater personal & community resilience - Increased civic & community engagement As the Hall has developed over the years so too has our scope of operations to reflect the growing need for a dedicated resource in the communities. The Management Committee are committed custodians of the Hall with the aim to future-proof it for the community. ## **Principal activities to achieve objectives** The Ruspidge Memorial Hall aims to meet rising community demand and programmes through the hire of its functional community spaces that provide a range of social, community and recreational services to improve the lives of our beneficiaries. As our range and base of activities have increased this has allowed us to develop more inclusive approaches and this has been reflected in the growing diversity of our participants. The charity undertakes the following regular activities which further its charitable purposes for public benefit: - ➢ Operates a booking system for the hall. - ➢ Manages rental income from use of the hall. - ➢ Deals with utility companies - ➢ Complies with relevant safety legislation. - ➢ Ensures that assets are properly insured. - ➢ Ensures that Financial Governance measures are in place. - ➢ Maintains the fabric of the building and organises cleaning of the property. - ➢ Raises additional funds. The objectives of the charity are "the provision and maintenance of a village hall for the use of the inhabitants of Ruspidge without distinction of political, religious, or other opinions, including use for meetings, lectures and classes, and for other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants". 4 **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 December 2024 Principal activities to achieve objectives continued** ## **Building Renovation/Grants** ## **Roof** It became increasingly evident that the roof was in desperate need of repair, but the estimated cost was an eyewatering amount and so a huge amount of fundraising took place to replace it. Improved insulation was required before the roof refurbishment could go ahead, due to it being a requirement to obtain Building Regulations approval. Grant applications were submitted, and we are sincerely grateful to all who donated and to those who awarded grants, in particular, BIFFA Award, The Foyle Foundation, The National Lottery Awards 4 All and Heritage Funds, the Bernard Sunley Foundation, and the Garfield Weston Foundation for the awarding of grants. Fundraising activities took place including setting up a JustGiving page which raised £3,287.81. Other donations included David & Gilliam Seabrooke-Spencer and Davidson Instruments. Our thanks to all who donated and supported. As part of the Biffa Award grant, an advance “deposit” was made to Biffa, which was funded by Ruspidge & Soudley Parish Council, MSB Steel Ltd, Gavin Evans Plumbing, and a resident as 3[rd] party contributors towards the Biffa Award grant and donations. Also, as part of the grant, the Hall registered with Entrust and reports and returns have been submitted through them. The roof project was completed, and the project completion was submitted on 20 December to Entrust. A 2.5% retention fee is held to the contractor and will be paid in 2025 once the Building Inspector has approved all works. Our thanks also to the Forest of Dean District Council’s Community Infrastructure Capital Grant for their contribution to the insulation and LED lighting We were able to upgrade the rainwater goods from plastic to powder coated aluminium from Garfield Weston Foundation’s grant. A bike shelter has been installed following planning permission, our thanks to the Gloucestershire County Council’s Greener Gloucestershire Community Grant Improvements undertaken included rebuilding of a retaining wall, installation of a handrail to the ramp, additional external lighting and repainting of the front gates. Further improvements will only be considered if there are adequate reserves to fund them without causing any financial uncertainty. For 2025 we endeavour to install a hearing loop system, upgrade our Fire system and Wi-Fi. ## **Community Garden** A grant of £1,500 is being held for the Community Garden project. The spend for this project will be made in 2025. The garden is maintained by volunteers in particular those from the Ruspidge Gardening Club with additional help from the Brownies and other groups. 5 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 December 2024 Building Renovation and Grants Continued** ## **Wildlife Enhancement Project** A Biodiversity Enhancement Assessment was written specifically for Ruspidge Memorial Hall by Finley Reynolds - an ecologist and local resident - who generously gave his time and expertise for free. This report formed part of the application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and was cited by them as the main reason that the grant was awarded. To see the report: https://ruspidgememorialhall.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/1/5/13150192/ruspidge_memorial_hall_biodi vsity_enhancment_report_v2.pdf Work for this project will continue in 2025 as a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded and funds are due in January 2025. This is earmarked mainly for the Wildlife Enhancements project and to date, bat & bird boxes and the insect hotel bench has been installed. Patrico of Tewkesbury donated an IBC unit to act as a large water tank for the Community Garden. This will be connected into a rainwater. ## **Ruspidge Community Hub** A grant of £500 was received from the Forest of Dean District Council to the Community Hub to continue to hold weekly community social hub. A weekly meeting place for tea, cake and a chat. With attendances in excess of 25 attendees most weeks, the Hub has become very popular and offers a safe space for users to come and socialise and offer companionship. It includes a “Men’s” time once a month. There are plans to increase the sessions to twice a week in 2025. Each session volunteers help in the kitchen and/or bake. Donations are welcome to help with the costs of hall hire, refreshments and ingredients. Expenditure on all projects are regularly monitored against the grant funding received. ## **Fundraising** The 200 Club transitioned into the 220 Club during 2024. The extra numbers were taken up gradually and the subscription amount charged to new members reflected how many draws had already taken place. The annual Lottery Permit was renewed, and returns were made to Forest of Dean District Council every 4 months. The Forest Lottery raised £311 from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024. The number of tickets bought (for £1 each) varies each month between 32 and 95 tickets. The Hall regularly host entertainment events that support the running of the Hall. Several fundraising events were held during the year including Live Music nights with singing duo Them2, a Curry Night, Table Top Sale and Martin Whitehouse held 2 quizzes for his charity – at the first, the Hall ran a raffle for hall funds and at the second, the hall provided soup and a raffle. Also, the Ruspidge Gardening Club held a Plant and Produce Sale. 6 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL** ## **Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 December 2024** ## **Grants Awarded** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Funder Project Grant Amount Balance
Awarde Received of Grant
d £ Award
£ £
Biffa Award -
Landfill
Roof 41,400 41,400 0
Communities
Fund
FoDDC
Community
Infrastructure
Capital Grant Insulation/LED
7,069 7,069 0
(as part of the Lights
Government's
Rural England
Prosperity Fund)
GlosCC Greener
Bike Shelter 4,960 4,960 0
Gloucestershire
FoDDC
Community Garden 1,500 1,500 0
Grant
FoDDC (Hub
Hub 500 500 0
grant)
Ruspidge & Roof Grant
Soudley Parish Application paid 3,500 3,500 0
Council directly to Biffa
Bernard Sunley
Roof 5,000 5,000 0
Foundation
The National
Lottery
Roof 19,837 19,837 0
Community
Fund
Roof, other
The National improvements,
Lottery Heritage wildlife features
23,042 11,521 11,521
Fund & Heritage
Stories Project
Garfield Weston
Roof 10,000 10,000 0
Foundation
Government Grants
Other Grants
**----- End of picture text -----**
**Key** - GlosCC = Gloucestershire County Council FoDDC = Forest of Dean District Council The expenditure for these grants are monitored and where appropriate, reclaimed from the funder. This is particularly true of the Biffa Award and National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund. With the exception of funds that were either received towards the end of the financial year all grants have been spent. 7 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 December 2024** ## **Regular Users** Regular users of the hall include - Shaolin Kung Fu & Yan Shou Gong - Yoga with Angela Dale - Junior Guitar Club (term time only) and Adult Guitar Club (started in September 2024, term time only) - Ruspidge Brownies & Guides (term time only) - Art Group - Fitness for Health (run by FoDDC) - Wild Oats Morris dance practice - Pilates with Simone - Fun Fitness with Hayley Jo - Cinderford Brownies (term time only) - Busy Rascals (term time only) - Line Dancing - K9 Puppy training & Adolescent dog training – 4 week courses Monthly user groups in order of hire receipts with highest first: - Ruspidge Mend & Repair Café (run by volunteers). - Ruspidge Gardening Club - Ladies Club - Ruspidge Board Games Club - Ruspidge & Soudley Parish Council (alternate months) - Craft Club - Book Club ## **Publicity & Community Engagement** Radio interviews were given to Dean Radio and BBC Radio Gloucestershire. Press releases were issued with regards to the roof renovation which resulted in good local press coverage. Fundraising leaflets were delivered to households in Ruspidge to launch the Roof Appeal. Our social media pages are regularly updated. Facebook currently has 806 followers. Our newsletter is produced around every 2 months and is circulated via email as well as printed with 148 current subscribers via email. Finally, the Hall’s website is kept up to date with events and activities. The website includes a survey page which encourages feedback. ## **Public benefit statement** The charity Management Committee have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Commission in exercising their powers or duties. ## **Financial information** Our Reserve Policy is to try and maintain a level of reserves that cover at least six months running costs of the organisation. 8 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL Report of the Management Committee for the year ended 31 December 2024** 9 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL RECONCILED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024** 10 ## **RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL RECONCILED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024** 11 RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL Independenl examiner's report to the lrnJteeJ of Ruspidge MemoriAI Hall Trujl. I re￿rt on ihe a¢¢wnis of the Tru￿ for ihe year ended 31" Dettmber 2024, which are set out on paLies 10 and 11. Respective responJibililie3 of Irujtttj and examiner. The charity's fft￿eeS are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The chariry's trustee5 consider thai an audit is not required r(Y this year under Scciion 144(2) of ihe Charities Act ?0 I l (the ?0 I l Act) and ihai an independent exarnination 15 needed, It is my responsibility io.. Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Aci To follow the procedures laid down in the general Dir￿tionS given by the commission under Kction 145(5Xb) of ihe ?01 l A To statc whcther panicular maiters have come io my attention BaJi5 of independeni examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with ihe general Diredions given by ihe Charity Commission. An examination includes a revieiv of ihe accouniing records kepi by the charity and a comparison of the acciwnts presented wilh those records. li a150 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any ￿ch maiters. The procedures undenaken do noi provide all ihe evidence thai would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether Ihe akcounls present 8 "iru¢ and fair view" and the report is li mited to ih05e matter5 sei in the next staiement. Independent examiner'i IlAiement In connection with my ￿aminatIO0 no matter has come to my attention: l. Which gives me reasonable cause io believe ihat in any material respeth the requiremenis.. To keep accountin8 records in accordance with section 130 of ihe 2011 A To prepare accounis which accord wilh the accounlin8 rwds and coniply with the accountiny requirements of the 2011 Aci Have been mel or 2. To which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in ordu io enable a pro undersianding to be rcathed. Name.. Mi¢heal John Wild BSC. DIS Address.. Mannin8s Well, The RuffitL Littledean. GL143LA Dale.. 12